Inferno at Dawn.

The sound of birds singing filled the air as Ren slowly opened his eyes. He blinked a few times, adjusting to the morning light, then stretched his arms before glancing around his spacious room.

"What time is it, Noctis?" he asked, his voice still heavy with sleep.

A robotic voice responded smoothly, "It's 7 A.M., Ren."

Ren let out a small sigh. "Prepare breakfast. I'll be down after I freshen up."

"Understood. Should I wake her up?" Noctis inquired.

"No, let her sleep a little longer," Ren replied before making his way to the bathroom. As he approached, the doors slid open automatically with a soft hiss.

The bathroom was immense—a true symbol of wealth and power. A luxurious jacuzzi sat at the center, a sleek shower on one side, and a gold-plated, full-length mirror on the other. Ren stepped in front of the mirror and removed his shirt, revealing a toned, muscular physique. A large, intricate dragon tattoo covered the side of his torso, stretching from his ribs down to his waist.

He splashed water on his face before stepping toward the jacuzzi. As he moved, the scars lining his back became visible—marks of battles long past. He sank into the warm water, closing his eyes as he submerged completely, allowing the heat to soothe his body.

Moments later, Noctis's voice broke the silence. "Breakfast is ready, Ren."

Ren emerged from the jacuzzi, water cascading down his red hair and chiseled abs. He took a quick shower as a robotic arm extended from the wall, presenting his neatly arranged outfit. Dressed in a full-black ensemble—jacket, pants, and shirt—he stepped out of the bathroom and made his way to the grand dining hall.

The hall was a masterpiece of medieval and Renaissance architecture. A long wooden table stretched across the room, flanked by ornate upholstered chairs. Floral centerpieces adorned the table, while large, noble portraits lined the walls. A massive stone fireplace crackled with warmth, and sunlight streamed through the tall arched windows, illuminating the lavish space.

As Ren took his seat, he ordered, "Wake her up, Noctis."

"No need for that," a sweet yet firm voice interrupted from the staircase.

Ren turned to see a young girl descending gracefully. She was around seventeen, with long, flowing red hair and piercing blue eyes. Dressed in an elegant white gown, she carried herself with a quiet strength.

"Good morning, Wani," Noctis greeted.

"Morning, Noctis," she replied, her voice noticeably colder when she glanced at Ren.

"No morning for me?" Ren asked with a smirk.

"No," Wani responded flatly.

Ren arched an eyebrow. "Why do you look so angry?"

"Why do you care?" she shot back.

Ren turned to Noctis and murmured, "Tell me."

In a loud voice, Noctis announced, "It's Wani's birthday, Ren."

Ren smacked his palm against his face. "Why did you say it so loud? I thought you were supposed to be a highly intelligent AI!"

"Well, I am, Ren. You just don't seem to understand humor," Noctis replied.

Ren sighed. "If only you had a physical form..."

He turned back to Wani. "I didn't forget, okay? I was preparing a surprise, but Noctis ruined it."

Wani crossed her arms. "Don't blame Noctis, bro." She stood abruptly and began walking away.

"Where are you going?" Ren called after her.

"To celebrate—with my friends," she shouted, her voice fading as she disappeared from view.

Ren sighed and looked up at a portrait of his father. A small smile formed on his lips. "Oh, Dad... How am I supposed to handle her? You left me with an impossible puzzle... but one I love."

After finishing his breakfast, Ren stood up and began walking toward the exit when a strange sensation washed over him. His eyes narrowed as he turned toward the window.

A lone silhouette stood in the distance, perched on a tree branch. Suddenly, glowing circles formed in front of them, pulsating with energy. A bright flash followed, and an enormous fireball surged toward the castle.

Ren's eyes hardened. "Noctis, activate Celestial Dome."

A shimmering energy field enveloped the castle just in time. The fireball crashed against the barrier but dissipated harmlessly.

"Impact nullified. Dome integrity—100%," Noctis reported.

Ren's expression remained unreadable as he watched the figure conjure another attack. This time, the fireball was ten times larger, roaring through the sky like a miniature sun.

"Noctis, switch to Aether Absorption and analyze the energy."

The protective barrier shifted, absorbing the massive fireball on impact. The attack vanished instantly.

"Analysis complete," Noctis confirmed.

Ren's eyes glowed with a cold determination. "Return what's not ours."

"Engaging Retribution Cannon," Noctis responded.

The ground trembled as a massive cannon emerged from beneath the castle courtyard. A colossal purple energy circle formed in front of it—twice the size of the attacker's magic circles. The cannon fired, unleashing a fireball one hundred times larger than the original.

The night sky lit up as the attack streaked toward its target. The resulting explosion shook the forest, setting trees ablaze.

"Scan the area," Ren commanded.

A pulse wave radiated outward, sweeping through the surroundings.

"No presence detected," Noctis reported.

Ren narrowed his eyes. "Expand the scan."

Another pulse spread out, but again, Noctis responded, "No presence detected."

Ren exhaled sharply. "It seems our attacker has fled."

He turned away from the burning forest. "Noctis, activate Silent Rain—put out the fire."

"As you command," Noctis replied.

As Ren walked back toward his room, his thoughts lingered on the attack. Whoever had come for him wasn't an ordinary enemy.