The first rays of the morning sun painted the snow-covered landscape in hues of gold and silver. Behind a towering, luxurious mansion sculpted from dark marble and glistening ice, two figures stood poised in silence, wooden swords gripped in their hands.
"Chirp."
At the simple cry of a passing bird, the two figures launched forward like bullets.
Whoosh! Clank! Clank! Clank!
The sharp sound of wood crashing against wood rang out as they collided with lightning speed. Their swords moved in elegant arcs, and their hair—one a cascade of shining gold, the other jet black—flashed like banners in the sunlight.
Dust kicked up as their feet dug into the frost-hardened earth, and the clash continued until—
Thud!
The black-haired man was sent flying back across the training field, landing on his back with a harsh grunt.
"That hurts like a bitch..." he groaned, rubbing his ribs.
The blonde woman walked up to him with a cool expression, her stance graceful despite the sparring match.
"Now, now, my Lord," she said, wagging a finger in mock chastisement. "Must I remind you to mind your tongue? Did my etiquette lessons mean nothing to you?"
Lerenso scoffed and sat up, brushing snow from his hair.
"Yeah, yeah... Nobility, manners, tea parties, blah blah blah..."
Lerenso's POV:
It's been five months since I came to this world. Five months since me and my eight friends were reincarnated into this world like something out of an anime. And apparently, we're a big deal. A huge deal, actually.
I ended up as the Succubus King—or rather, Incubus King, since I'm a guy. And despite having charm magic flowing through my veins, for some godforsaken reason, I can't seduce the one woman who's been by my side this whole time.
Maybe it's because she's a dragon.
Maybe it's because she's Aisha's sister.
Or maybe... it's because she's the only person who doesn't take my crap seriously.
As Lerenso sat lost in thought, a knowing smile tugged at the corners of the blonde woman's lips. She could practically feel the weak charm spell trying to worm its way into her mind.
And, as always, she effortlessly ignored it.
"Surprisingly dedicated today, aren't you?" a new voice called out.
Lerenso turned toward the voice and immediately recognized the white-haired figure walking across the courtyard.
"Ai.. Zackary what are you doing here" Lerenso says stuttering almost forgetting that they had to call each other by other names.
The silver-haired man crossed his arms, his blue eyes narrowing slightly. "I came to check up on everyone. Fenrir wanted to visit his mate, so we decided to start with the North."
A moment later, a massive creature padded into view behind Aiden—a majestic wolf with gleaming white fur that sparkled like moonlight on snow. Its presence radiated power and calm.
"That's... Fenrir?" Lerenso muttered, mouth agape.
With a gentle nod from Aiden, Fenrir leapt into the air and disappeared toward the mountains like a streak of starlight.
Still stunned, Lerenso shook his head. "I still can't believe you and Byron managed to re-tame your familiars already."
Aiden smirked faintly as the two made their way back into the mansion.
"Well, Fenrir was always loyal to me. As for Byron's dragon, it recognized him immediately after sensing his aura. Apparently, some bonds are deeper than memory."
The two entered a lavish drawing room, walls carved from enchanted obsidian and hung with velvet curtains. They sank into the plush chairs near the crackling hearth, a tea set already prepared on the table by Lerenso's assistant.
"So, how's your training going?" Lerenso asked, lifting a cup to his lips.
Aiden took a sip before answering. "Better than expected... but since I'm the Grand Duke and one of the Demonic Generals, it's been brutal. My training's probably ten times harder than yours." Aiden says as he remembered how he felt during he's first training session he realized in an instant that he couldn't treat this world like a game.
Lerenso raised a brow. "Define 'brutal.'"
"I fought Aisha yesterday. In her dragon form."
Lerenso nearly spat out his tea. "You what?!"
"Calm down," Aiden said casually, placing his cup down. "She only took my arm off this time. It grew back." As Aiden said this he remembered how grateful he was the first time when he lost he's arm that he's body regenerate almost instantly.
"This time? Wait—how many limbs have you lost in training?!"
Aiden chuckled lightly, counting on his fingers. "Both legs—sixteen times each. Left arm, twelve. Right arm, seven. That's just what I kept track of. I lost count three months ago."
Lerenso stared at him in horror. "You're not okay in the head."
"Probably not," Aiden admitted with a grin. "But don't worry—Isipho and Byron are getting it just as bad. Last time I visited Isipho, I found him grinning after tearing a monster's spine out with his bare hands."
Lerenso stared into the fire, disturbed.
"...I should stop complaining."
After a pause, Lerenso turned serious.
"There's something I want to ask you."
Aiden glanced at him. "What is it?"
Lerenso's tone lowered, his voice solemn. "Have you been able to Synchronize?"
Aiden's expression darkened.
"...No. And if you're wondering—none of the others have, either."
Aiden's POV:
Five months ago, Aisha gave us memoirs—written by our past selves. When I returned to my territory, I read mine. Or rather... I opened the book, and everything flowed into me instantly. I read about everything. His past. His fears. His ambitions but I couldn't remember or experience it. All I remembered is how to cast every spell, wield every weapons, speak every ancient tongue.
But it's all useless.
None of it matters... because all of that power is still locked away. Hidden behind a wall of memories I can't break through. The only way to access it is to synchronize with the other half of my soul. With the version of me who once ruled this body.
Until then... I'm limited.
And deep down, I know it. Something's coming. I don't know what... but we're going to need that power soon.
"...Aiden."
He snapped out of his thoughts to find Lerenso by the door, coat draped over his shoulders.
"I've got to patrol my territory. You should probably leave before one of the other succubi decides to make a move on you."
Aiden laughed. "Look who's suddenly concerned about my virtue. Weren't you the one always trying to hook me up with a girlfriend in high school?"
Lerenso scowled. "This is what I get for caring about a dumbass like you."
The two walked together down the grand hallway toward the main entrance, their boots echoing against the marble floor.
"I'll see you around," Aiden said, waving casually.
As if on cue, Fenrir descended from the mansion's rooftop, landing gracefully beside his master.
"Get lost," Lerenso muttered, though a small smile crept onto his face.
Aiden jumped onto Fenrir's back, and in a flash, the great wolf sprinted off into the snow-covered wilderness.
As the wind howled around them, Aiden's voice echoed telepathically.
"How's Ralia doing?"
Fenrir responded in a deep, soothing tone. "She's doing well, Master. I estimate she'll give birth within three months."
"Think you can convince her to stay in our territory until then?"
"You know she's stubborn. Loyal to the old traditions. But I will try."
Aiden smiled to himself. "You two are really the perfect match. Isn't that right, Glacier?"
As if hearing his name, the great white wolf picked up speed, racing through the snow with untamed joy.
The icy wind bit at Aiden's skin, but he welcomed it. The North was harsh, but something about its stillness grounded him.
"I guess... I should visit Ashiq next."
With that, he lowered his body against Fenrir's back as they disappeared into the frozen expanse, white hair fading like mist into the horizon.