Iris's voice cut through my sleep.
"Raidan! Raidan! Wake up!"
My eyes cracked open. "What's going on…? And when did you get in here?"
"You're going to miss my awakening!"
I sighed, rolling onto my back. Not like I cared that much—though I was curious what kind of power she'd awaken with.
"Fine. It's not like your awakening is happening right this second."
Iris puffed out her cheeks. "The timer says one hour and thirty minutes."
"What—? Then what time is it?"
Iris "You overslept. It's already four Croon."
Croon. Their daytime system—from sunrise to sunset. Mroon ruled the night.
"…I slept until four Croon?!"
I shot upright. "I'm late."
I grabbed her shoulders and gently pushed her toward
the door. "Thanks for waking me up—but why didn't
Ashia or Mart come? Or any of my siblings?"
"They let you sleep," Iris said. "due to Some special mission the system gave you out of nowhere. By the way—what was that mission?" she added.
"You'll know when the time comes."
"Then get out," I said, flustered. "I need to change."
I slipped into my royal attire and picked up the gift I'd prepared—one I'd nearly ruined myself making.
"Ashia!" I called as we walked. "How could you let me sleep that long?"
Ashia bowed apologetically. "Forgive me, young lord. I was busy and sent Eris instead."
"Why her? Why not one of my siblings?"
Ashia "They're helping with the preparations. Are you upset that I sent her?"
"N–No," I said quickly. "But she might've seen the gift I went through hell to prepare."
Ashia smiled knowingly. "Relax. Let us proceed to the awakening ceremony."
The hall was already filled with pressure—heavy, ceremonial, ancient.
Iris was kneeling before Father like a soldier.
"…Why is she kneeling like that?" I whispered.
Elilia answered softly, "She's showing respect and gratitude to the king for his gift."
King Arlond stepped forward. "This is my gift—just as I once gifted Raidan."
The attendants revealed it.
Her outfit is a regal, ensemble with rich red and white tones accented by gold and jewel-like details. a white tunic with ornate gold designs, paired with black leggings and gold accessories. Draped over her shoulders is a luxurious red cape trimmed with white fur and decorated with intricate gold patterns and red gemstones, giving her a royal or magical aura. The overall look is elegant, festive, and commanding—perfect for a high-ranking like her .
Iris stared, breathless. "…This is incredible."
"As you know," Father said, "it's made from the strongest dragon leather and scales."
Elilia followed. "I'll also gift you a grimoire and a magic
dual blades like him, a knife will serve you well—useful when cornered in battle or adventuring."
He handed her a compact Knife.
Iris examined it with awe. "This steel… it's extraordinary."
Then it was my turn.
I stepped forward and offered a red velvet necklace box. "Um… iris. Here. This is from me."
She blinked. "You prepared a gift for me—even though I didn't give you anything?"
"I figured you didn't know what would suit me back then," I said. "And someone once told me… a man should give first."
Elilia muttered under her breath, "Old…?"
Everyone stared. Elilia burst into laughter.
iris opened the box.
"…It's wonderful," she whispered. "I've never seen a necklace so beautiful."
Is she exaggerating?
She looked up, cheeks red. "Thank
you, Raidan. I'll treasure it."
Why is she blushing…? Still, seeing
her smile made my
wand—just as I did for Raidan."
Arthur grinned. "And since you already have armor and
chest feel oddly warm.
I scratched the back of my head. "No need to thank me.
I'm just glad you like it."
"The timer," she said softly. "It's almost up."
Her body slimmed slightly as silver-white flames rose around her—gentle, elegant. Her hair turned silver, her eyes glowing calmly. The air grew warm.
No rage.
No chaos.
Only serenity.
"…It's disappearing," I muttered.
"Ugh—"
Iris collapsed.
"Notice!"
Arcit's voice rang out.
"Overflow detected in Silver Claws (Iris)."
"What do you mean, overflow?!"
"Cause: inability to handle awakened power. Mana depletion critical."
"New mission issued."
"Use unique ultimate skill: Shatterspring."
"How will that help her?!"
"Apply a fragment of your power using reverse technique."
"Warning: At your current level, this skill may only be used three times per year."
"If fusion fails, the target will enter eternal slumber until you are capable of repair."
"…Eternal slumber?"
Cold fear locked my face.
I tried.
Once—failure.
Twice—failure.
Three days passed. Her condition didn't improve.
I stood shaking.
"What if I fail again…?"
Elilia thrust an elixir into my hand. "Drink."
I swallowed.
"One chance left…"
If only I could be stronger—even for a moment.
Stronger… for a short time.
"…That's it."
I had acquired a skill during training with Arthur.
Limit Break.
If I combined it with Shatterspring—
"Shatterspring!"
Lightning split the hall.
A crimson aura erupted around me—smooth, overwhelming, controlled. My hair burned red as glowing fragments formed, orbiting my body. The pressure bent the air.
No rage.
No madness.
Only absolute power.
Limit Break activated.
Every limiter shattered. Muscles screamed. Mana surged violently through channels never meant to hold it. My heart pounded like a war drum.
"Fragments—reverse!"
I poured power continuously.
"Warning," Arcit said. "Continuing will result in extended cooldown. Proceed?"
"I don't care."
Better my body breaks—than her soul sleeps forever.
I emptied everything.
"…Raidan!"
I barely heard Elilia.
"She's waking!" Ashia cried.
"Raidan?" Iris murmured. "Why do you look like that…?"
"…Thank goodness."
I collapsed.
Cooldown: Two weeks.
Note: Administer two elixirs daily.
I slept.
For two weeks, Eris trained relentlessly under Elilia and Arthur.
I drank elixirs. My body rebuilt itself from ruin.
When I woke, pain flooded every limb.
"…I'll need re-assembling training."
I stepped onto the balcony.
Iris trained below—Arthur and Mart correcting her form. Elilia watched calmly. Father and Mother shared tea nearby.
Ashia entered. "Young lord… you've awakened."
"What time is it?"
"Seven Croon."
"Prepare a sandwich."
She blinked. "…Should I inform everyone?"
"No need."
After eating, I joined them.
"Looks like everyone's having a great time," I said,
smiling. "Long time no see."
Silence.
Then they rushed me.
Elilia tugged my ear. "Don't ever worry us like that again."
"I'll do my best."
Iris looked relieved. "I couldn't have forgiven myself if something happened to you."
Later, under the night sky, re-assembling training began—two weeks of rebuilding muscle, mana, and spirit.
That night, I raised my hand toward the stars, closing my fist as if grasping one.
"Tomorrow," I said quietly, "I awaken my bond."