(The day after the coronation ceremony…)
The golden sunlight filtered through the open windows of the Phoenix household's main hall. Everything felt calm, yet beneath the surface, Reyon's heart stirred with purpose. He stood before the throne where Patriarch Edward was seated, calmly sipping tea beside Evelyn, who flipped through a scroll with delicate grace.
"Father," Reyon began, his voice steady, firm. "I have something to tell you."
Edward looked up, placing the cup back on its saucer. "Go on."
Evelyn glanced at Reyon with a curious tilt of her head, sensing the weight behind his words.
Reyon clasped his hands behind his back, gaze unwavering. "Before I left the clan… when I was leading the squad into the Dark Nation's borderlands, I noticed something. A crack. In the seal."
Edward's cup clattered against the saucer, hot tea spilling over the side. He coughed violently. "What did you just say?!"
Reyon didn't flinch. "The seal is weakening. It's about to break."
Edward stood abruptly, the chair scraping loudly against the marble floor. "Do you think this is a joke, boy?! That seal contains Cerberus—the Berserker!
"I know," Reyon said, nodding. "Which is why I want assistance."
Edward narrowed his eyes. "Don't tell me... you want to bring marshals along? You should already know—it's impossible. All of them are stationed at critical points. The borders need protection."
Reyon shook his head. "I don't want all of them."
He paused, taking a deep breath before looking his father in the eye.
"I just want one."
Edward's gaze sharpened like a drawn blade. "Are you… suggesting I go with you?"
"If i came with you we could win. Cerberus wouldn't stand a chance."
"But I can't just abandon the clan," Edward replied. "Not now."
"I'm not asking for you."
Edward raised an eyebrow. "Then who?"
"I want Aunt Evelyn and as she is in charge of dark nation she would be in premise not leaving her post."
The room fell still.
Evelyn blinked, looking between Edward and Reyon.
Edward crossed his arms. "Your aunt and I are the only ones nearing the peak of the 8th Circle. With her strength, she can match Cerberus… . But what about the others? The four S-Rank monsters that guards cerberus?"
"I'll take care of the rest," Reyon said without hesitation.
Edward slammed his palm on the armrest of his throne. "You're insane! You might fight Cerberus head-on. But Cerberus and two S-Ranks at the same time? You'll die!"
"I have a plan."
Reyon stepped forward, his coat rustling as he extended his right hand.
"And even if it goes wrong… I have something with me."
With a flick of his wrist, a glimmering silver ring shimmered into view—The Ring of Ferica.
Evelyn's eyes widened. "That's… that's the ring Father created."
The atmosphere turned heavy.
She slowly stood, stepping toward him. "It enhances symbols. Even vectors. But… that ring drives the mind insane. It corrupts, twists the thoughts of its wielder. It makes the user go mad."
Reyon looked at the ring calmly, the gleam of its mana core pulsing like a heart. "It used to. But Grandfather created a safeguard. Jewels to regulate the corruption. I've already obtained two of them."
He turned to both of them. "And the final one… it's in Cerberus's possession."
Edward sank back into his throne, rubbing his temples. "You're serious, aren't you…"
Reyon nodded. "I need this ring in full control. Without it, I can't keep up with what's coming."
"You're risking your life for power," Edward said quietly.
"No," Reyon replied. "I'm risking it… to be prepared."
Evelyn's eyes sparkled with something between pride and concern. "So that's why you're going. Not for revenge. Not for glory. But for the battle that's yet to come."
Edward looked at his son, long and hard, as if trying to peer into the future.
"…Tell me the plan," he said at last.