Dawn broke over River's End with the roar of engines.
The Aethel Civil Service arrived in a convoy of armored transports, their blue-and-silver hulls gleaming against the morning gray. Local peacekeeper — alerted by the direct commands straight from the highest command — swarmed the property, cordoning off the street with energy tapes.
Regius watched from the porch. He had washed the blood from his face, but the grime of the battle still coated his clothes.
"Excuse me, ma'am," a Lead Investigator said stepped into the path of Sarra and Tavus. He held a recording crystal, his eyes narrowing as he looked at the boy. "We detected a massive, unregistered magical discharge at this house. I need to ask you a few questions and scan your son's energy signature."
Sarra flinched, pulling Tavus behind her. "My husband just died. Leave us alone."
"I'm sorry, ma'am, but protocol is mandatory—."
Regius stepped between them. He raised his left hand, flashing the silver crest embroidered on his glove.
The Zenith Blade.
The Investigator froze. He looked at the crest, then up at Regius's violet eyes.
"These people are under the protection of House Aethel," Regius said. "I will provide the full report to the High Lord personally."
The Investigator swallowed hard. He holstered his scanner and bowed stiffly.
"Understood, my Lord. My apologies."
Regius watched them retreat. He turned to the squad. Kael, Vera, and Olin were watching him, their faces surprisingly relaxed.
"Must be nice being a noble," Vera said. "Can't imagine what they would do to me if I refuse."
"Cuffed, most likely." Olin said.
You want to be one?" Regius asked.
"No, thanks," Kael chimed in. "Can't stand the gaudy banquets and pompous pricks."
Regius chuckled. Among them, the mood relaxed for a fraction as they watched the authorities moving to and fro.
———
The funeral took place a day later.
They gathered at a misty cemetery on the outskirts of River's End, far from the center of the raid. The willow trees wet dew fall unto the fresh dirt.
Milo was laid to rest under the shade of a large tree, overlooking the river he had loved to fish in. The ceremony was brief, Kael talked about Milo's life, his acomplishments, his bright personality, and the family he had built. The residents stood in a semi-circle, their heads bowed, keeping a respectful distance to the Iron Swords.
When the coffin was lowered and the ground was filled, Regius approached Sarra.
She stood like a statue, cluthing the sapphire necklace to her chest. Her eyes were dry, staring at the headstone, as if examining its grains.
Regius raised his wrist.
"Sarra…"
She looked at him.
He tapped his sigil link against hers. A soft chime echoed in the quiet graveyard.
[TRANSFER COMPLETE: 50,000 CREDITS]
Sarra looked at the holographic notification. Her eyes widened. It was a fortune—enough to buy a house in the inner domain, to pay for living costs for years, for Tavus to choose any educational institution he ever wanted.
She pulled her hand back as if it burned.
"I can't take this," Sarra whispered, shaking her head. "Regius, this is too much."
"It isn't just from me. We sat down this morning, pooled our savings. And decided the entire payout from our last expedition should be yours and Tavus's to keep. If you want someone to thank, thank them."
He stepped closer.
"I made a promise to Milo, Sarra. He made me swear that if he had passed, I would look after you and Tavus. He told me he didn't care about the glory or the gold. He just wanted to know that you wouldn't have to struggle."
Sarra looked at Kael, Vera, and Olin. They nodded solemnly.
"He also made me promise something else," Regius looked at Tavus who stood by the grave.
"He didn't want a soldier. He wanted a son with a future. If Tavus wants to go to the War Camp, I will support him. But if he wants to be a baker, or a scholar, or anything else... this money ensures he has that choice."
Sarra looked at the credits on her screen. Tears finally spilled over, breaking her shock.
"Thank you…"
Regius pat her back.
"He was a fool," she sobbed, clutching the device. "A brave, stupid fool."
———
A couple days later, they were in Aurus City.
The grief had not faded, but the clock kept ticking. It was the scheduled day of the Common Rite for the sector. It was a Crown mandated event, essential for all citizens age 15, and Tavus refused to miss it.
Tavus clutching the theory book Olin gave him. "He wanted to be there. I won't let him down."
They entered the Proving Grounds.
A stadium transformed into a grand stage, an annual event that will decide the future path of the next generation. It was a marvel of modern efficiency, designed to process thousands of youths from the surrounding area.
The stands were packed with anxious families. The air was filled with charged energy from the massive arrays humming in surrounding the stage in the center of the field.
Unlike the private sanctums of nobility, this was industrial magic. A dozen separate ritual circles glowed on the main stage, allowing ten children to undergo the Rite simultaneously.
Hundreds of fifteen year olds stood in winding lines, ready to undergo the rite.
"Initiate 82!" a mana amplified voice boomed across the stadium. "Proceed to the stage."
Regius stood with the squad in the family observation bay.
"He looks so small down there," Vera said, gripping the railing.
Tavus walked out unto the field. He stood apart among his peers. While the others looked terrified, Tavus was stern. He wore a clean shirt and trousers, the gifted iron dagger strapped to his hip.
A Facilitator in yellow robes guided Tavus to the seventh circle.
"Step in," the Facilitator atached sensors to Tavus to monitor his vitals. "The atmospheric energy is amplified. The circle will assist in the rite. But once the summon answers the call, it will be up to you from then on. Understood?"
Tavus nodded.
"Good luck… Begin!"
The array flared.
Tavus closed his eyes.
Regius leaned forward. He remembered the invasion, the heat, the tearing of the mind.
Tavus gasped. His back arched. The machinery hummed, forcing the connection open, dragging his potential to the surface.
Tavus didn't scream. He gritted his teeth, his face turning beet red. He channeled his rage, his grief, and his promise.
"Ten seconds. Vitals are stable."
Tavus held on. The veins in his neck and forehead bulged.
"Fifteen."
On the screens above the stadium, the timers for the twelve kids ticked up. Three kids in other circles collapsed, achieving Flinch Grades. The crowd groaned.
"Twenty."
Regius watched the boy's readings. His heart rate was spiking, but his will was iron. He was fighting for his father.
"Twenty-four..."
Tavus collapsed.
A flash of grey light erupted from the seventh circle. The summon energy solidified, forming a shape beside the gasping boy.
It was a Beast. A hound the size of an adult male made of dark granite, with eyes like emeralds. It let out a resonant bark that shook the dust off the platform.
"Stable Grade," the Facilitator checked his datapad. "Bordering Superior. Duration: 24 seconds. Summon: Granite Hond. Mid-Tier Beast. Congratulations, kid. You did well."
"Yes!" Kael shouted, punching the air.
"He did it," Olin breathed.
The squad met Tavus at the exit tunnel.
The boy was exhausted, sweat soaking his shirt, but the hound trotted beside him. Tavus was tasting the burn of the soul sear on his Mark.
"Tavus!" Vera didn't wait. She scooped the boy up in a massive bear hug, lifting him off his feet. "You did it! You tough little rock!"
"Auntie Vera," Tavus wheezed, "can't... breathe..."
She set him down, ruffling his hair messily. Kael clapped him on the back hard enough to stagger a boulder.
"Proud of you, kid," Kael said. "Real proud."
Sarra pushed through them. She grabbed her son's face, kissing his forehead, then hugging him fiercely. The hound nuzzled her hand, recognizing the family scent.
"He would have been the loudest one in the stands," Sarra whispered.
"I know…" Tavus said. He looked at the Hound. "I know..."
Tavus turned to Regius. His gaze hardened, seeking an affirmation from the person he looked up to, even more than his father.
Regius gave him a warm smile, and an affirming nod. In which, Tavus bitterly smiled.
———
The sun started to dip.
The crowd began to disperse, flowing out into the streets of Aurus City. The squad moved to get the cycles ready, surrounding Tavus like a phalanx of honor guards.
Regius hung back.
"Lord Regius."
A figure in a charcoal suit stepped out of the shadow of a pillar.
"Manager Lorn."
Lorn looked impeccable, as always, holding a cane topped with a polished mana crystal.
My condolences," Lorn said. "I heard about the loss of a cared squad member. Truly a tragedy."
"Thanks."
Silence reigned in.
"I trust the funds were transferred successfully?" Lorn asked.
"They did," Regius said. "What is the purpose of those funds? The credits from my last expedition were already transferred. And you put it into my black account."
During the Proving Grounds, Regius received a notification from his link.
[UNKNOWN TRANSFER COMPLETE: 100,000 CREDITS]
"Think of it as investment, my Lord."
"You want to bribe me?" Regius raised his eyebrow.
"No, of course not," Lorn said. "Initially, it will be hard to raise your capital with the Black Ledger. After all, you need to go through hoops and brokers first to make a transaction. Well, I just made it a little easier for you. That's all."
"Is there a catch?"
"None. Personal courtesy from me, not from the Union."
Regius caught on Lorn's intention. He was willing to put his personal chips into him, not just with the Union.
An ulterior motive? We'll see then.
Regius pushed himself from the wall. "Well then, Manager. I'll see you back in Astraea."
"Astraea?" Lorn asked. "I manage the Aurus Hub, Lord Regius. My station is here, on the border."
Regius stared at him.
"Don't lie to me, Lorn."
He took a step closer, lowering his voice.
"In two years of my squad hunting in this area, not once was I ever invited to the top floor until last time. A mere hub manager doesn't have the clearance to authorize a Black Signature for a Rank 2 summoner in under ten minutes. I've heard it needs approval from the higher ups."
Regius tilted his head.
"And I bet that higher up, is you," He said. "Besides, no hub manager dares to bet against a noble house. Am I wrong, Regional Master?"
Lorn went still. The polite, customer-service smile vanished.
Silence stretched between them for a long moment.
Then, Lorn smiled — genuine, impressed.
"Sharper than the reports suggested," Lorn straightened his lapels. "Most nobles only see the rank on the badge, not the ink on the ledger."
He bowed again, deeper this time. A bow of respect.
"It seems I made the right investment," Lorn said. "Very well. I came here to have a personal look on the most sought after person in House Marius. I look forward to meeting you in Astraea to discuss our… mutual interests."
He turned to leave, tapping his cane on the stone.
"Big things are happening, My Lord. The Bloc is restless after the botched attempt. Try not to start the war before I get there."
Regius watched him go. He touched the data chip in his pocket.
The board was set. The pieces were moving.