The balcony at the top of the arena (where Phaser was contemplating yesterday) was a wide enough to hold a small mansion. From here, the world stretched endlessly below. Nairobi City glimmered beneath the sky. Six figures stood there, framed by the bleeding orange horizon: Hinesia, Radellei, Phyri, Vilythe, Nefira, and Phaser.
All six bowed respectfully as Seirath Rameses stepped forward, his hands clasped behind his back. Beside him stood Anastelle Vecria Argemenes, a World Commander and the Ruler of the House of Argemenes.
The Rameses sisters straightened, their eyes wide with shock. For all their status as Radiants, even they knew how rare it was to see the Head of an Abyssal House in person, much less one standing beside their father.
"My daughters… and you, Phaser. I assume you all know who this is."
Hinesia, always the calmest of the five, lowered her head slightly.
"Of course we do, Father. Lady Anastelle Vecria Argemenes, one of the Four Abyssal Rulers and one of the Five World Commanders."
Anastelle smiled faintly at that. "At least someone has their history straight."
Phyri, still nursing her pride from the fight earlier that day, bit her lip lightly and tried to compose herself. Vilythe stood beside her with her arms folded, her eyes flickering between her father and Anastelle, analyzing. Anastelle let her gaze sweep across the six of them.
"So these are your daughters, Seirath? All of them trained under the Radiant Regime, I assume?"
Seirath nodded. "They've had the finest education, the best Xana refinement, and the most rigorous combat programs in the House's history."
Anastelle gave a slow nod, turning her gaze back to the girls.
"It shows. I can see the discipline in your eyes. You're all strong. And you, my son."
Phaser stepped forward slightly, his hands in his pockets. Anastelle's lips softened into a proud but measured smile.
"You've grown stronger."
He exhaled quietly through his nose. "Not strong enough yet, actually."
Even Seirath blinked in faint surprise, and the Rameses sisters looked at him as though he had just uttered heresy. Hinesia arched an eyebrow. Phyri's mouth slightly parted. Nefira straightened unconsciously, her analytical side instantly curious.
"Not strong enough?" Radellei repeated softly, disbelief on her face. "You… just defeated Phyri. You've been surpassing each of us faster than any Radiant I've ever seen—"
But Phaser just shook his head lightly.
"Strength without understanding is still ignorance. I'm improving yes, but I can feel it. There's still too much I don't grasp. The Xana, the Concept Flux response, and such stuff. I'm nowhere near what I should be."
Anastelle sighed softly.
"He always talks like that," she said to Seirath. "He's his father's son. He's never content, even when he realizes he's developing faster than normal."
Seirath chuckled, shaking his head. "That's a good thing. Complacency kills more heirs than wars do."
"True. Now then, I didn't just come here to watch the duels. I came here to speak about purpose."
Her gaze swept across all five sisters.
"The House of Rameses is the only Radiance House that has maintained cordial relations with the four Abyssal Houses for centuries. Your father and I made sure of that. We've traded, we've fought together and learned from one another. It's the reason I brought my son here to be trained. Now that the heir of the Rameses House has been officially chosen, that changes things for you five. You've all played your roles well but with Asmarion taking the mantle, your futures are no longer within this House's mainline path."
A subtle ripple of unease passed between the sisters. They had all known it, somewhere deep down. Once Asmarion and Hinesia ascended, the remaining four would have no clear place. Seirath's voice broke the silence.
"She's right. And I know what you're all planning already."
He looked at Radellei first. "You, Radellei. You've been spending most of your time with the research division. You want to be a Flux scientist, don't you?"
Radellei hesitated, then nodded. "Yes, Father. I… I want to study Fluxers and Fluviums more deeply. I think I can help improve stability if I'm given access to a high level lab."
Then he turned to Hinesia, his eldest. "And you plan to stay by Asmarion's side as his sword and shield."
She didn't even deny it. "He's my twin. If he's to rule, I'll make sure nothing reaches him that he can't cut down himself."
Seirath gave a slight approving smile before turning toward Vilythe.
"And you, my lightning storm, what about you?"
Vilythe's lips curved faintly, lightning flickering around her wrists. "I just want to get stronger. I'm not made for leadership. I'm made for the field."
Seirath nodded and shifted to Phyri. "And you, Phyri?"
"I'll be training too. There's a lot to learn from that loss. If I can't beat him now, then I'll make sure the next time, I won't even give him a chance to calculate."
Phaser smirked slightly at that, and she rolled her eyes, though there was respect hidden behind her pride. Finally, Seirath's eyes turned to Nefira.
"And you?"
She hesitated for a moment. "I don't know yet. I've been serving in command operations, but… without direction, it feels hollow. Once Asmarion and Hinesia take over, there won't be a role left for me here either."
It was Anastelle who stepped forward then. Her eyes focused on Nefira and Radellei.
"Then come with me."
The words stunned the balcony. Both women blinked.
"Pardon?" Nefira said first, her composure momentarily breaking.
Anastelle clasped her hands behind her back.
"You two, Nefira and Radellei, will join my squad."
The silence that followed could have shattered glass. Even Seirath raised an eyebrow slightly, though there was the faintest glint of amusement in his eyes.
"Since my son has exceeded every expectation I set for him, it's only fair I reward my dear friend. Seirath, your House has trained him well. So allow me to extend an invitation."
She turned back to the two sisters.
"Nefira, with your tactical brilliance and battlefield experience, you'll have a place among my operations division. You'll lead coordinated missions under my authority. You'll have purpose again."
Then her gaze shifted to Radellei, and the air around her seemed to soften slightly.
"And you, Radellei, I already have a researcher working on Fluvium and Fluxer relations. You can join him. With your knowledge and your affinity for precision, you'll fit perfectly. Flux technology is far more complex than what you've studied here. If you truly wish to understand energy, my laboratories will give you the freedom to pursue it."
The two stood frozen. They knew what it meant. Being invited to join the personal squad of a World Commander wasn't just a promotion. It was a generational leap. It meant prestige, resources, and power. Even entire Houses fought tooth and nail for such a chance. Radellei's eyes widened slightly, her analytical mind short-circuiting for once. Nefira's usually stoic demeanor cracked just enough for disbelief to show.
"You're offering us positions under the House of Argemenes?" Nefira asked carefully.
"I am. As subordinates. You'll serve directly under me. Your oaths will be to the Argemenes but your bloodlines will still be recognized under Rameses protection. It's a perfect exchange between allies."
Radellei exhaled shakily. "That's… that's an honor beyond anything I could've imagined."
Nefira looked at Seirath. "Father, are you sure?"
Seirath chuckled lightly. "I wouldn't stop you even if I wanted to. This is an opportunity that doesn't come twice you know."
There was a long silence. Then, almost at the same moment, both women nodded.
"I'll join," Nefira said firmly.
"Me too," Radellei added. "If the House of Argemenes will have me, then I'll accept."
Anastelle smiled faintly, crossing her arms again. "Good. Then it's settled."
Seirath looked at his daughters with pride.
"You've made me proud. All of you. Whether you remain here or go beyond, remember this. A House is only as strong as the purpose of its people."