The sprawling French countryside stretched beyond the Valvas Mansion, golden under the fading sunlight. The ancient gates of the estate swung open, and a sleek, black carriage rolled into the courtyard, drawn by horses with a faint magical shimmer. Inside sat Roy Valvas, returning from another school year at Hogwarts. His mind buzzed not with the trivialities of childhood but with the weight of victories and responsibilities he had earned—three Wizengamot seats, the Order of Merlin First Class, control over his companies, and the subtle, unstoppable expansion of his influence in both the wizarding and Muggle worlds.
As the carriage slowed, the guards lining the driveway instinctively snapped to attention. "Welcome home, Master Roy," they chorused in unison. Roy nodded, his dark eyes scanning the familiar grounds with a sense of quiet authority.
The massive doors of the mansion opened, revealing the opulent interior illuminated by enchanted chandeliers. Roy stepped inside, boots echoing against marble floors.
"Grandson!" a deep, warm voice boomed. Darius Valvas, youthful yet commanding—restored to his prime by Roy's own Ope-Ope no Mi ability years ago—stepped forward with arms wide. Roy returned the embrace, feeling the calm confidence that only family of immense power could offer.
"Roy, you've done well this year," Clara Valvas said softly, a proud smile illuminating her youthful features. Beside her, Alex Valvas gave a subtle nod of approval. Jessica Valvas, serene as ever, regarded him with eyes that seemed to pierce through his very soul, seeing both the child he once was and the powerful mage he had become.
In the grand hall, others were waiting—his loyal and devoted companions, each a testament to his prowess and influence. Narcissa Black, Bela White, Albedo, Venenala Bael, Rem, Ram, Grayfia Lucifuge, and Nagini—all rose as Roy entered, their expressions a mixture of respect, affection, and admiration.
"Third year completed, host?" Grayfia's voice was soft but commanding, a mirror to the elegance that had made her the perfect guardian and teacher to Roy.
"Third year finished," Roy replied, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "The… diary problem, the troll incident, and the demontor outbreak—it's all handled. Hogwarts is… safer than before."
He let the words hang in the air, knowing fully well that even the Ministry of Magic had no clue how much of it was his doing. Only he—and the system that hummed silently in his mind—knew the extent of his victories.
After a sumptuous lunch prepared by the mansion's enchanted staff, Roy retired to his private chambers. The room smelled faintly of alchemy reagents and exotic herbs—a testament to his constant experiments even at home.
He opened his system panel and scrolled through the recent updates. Conqueror's Haki—acquired, yet untested in full. He allowed himself a small smile. It was another weapon, another key in his ever-expanding arsenal.
Next, he uncorked the boost potion. The golden liquid shimmered like sunlight captured in glass. He drank it in a single motion. Energy surged through him. Magic, once at the peak of a Grandmage, now reignited with renewed intensity—though, as the system informed him, he had been temporarily reduced to a beginner-level Grandmage.
"Not enough," Roy murmured, almost to himself. "One potion won't cut it next time. I'll need more… more than I've ever had."
Satisfied, he set the empty vial aside and stretched on the bed, letting the familiar weight of power settle in his veins. Outside, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the mansion in golden hues. The world was large, dangerous, and full of opportunity—and Roy Valvas intended to conquer it all.
With that thought, the heir to Valvas, Frostborne, and Este drifted into sleep, dreams filled with strategy, magic, and the promise of even greater power to come.