The morning sunlight poured through the enchanted glass of Roy's chambers, scattering across marble floors and shimmering curtains.Roy stirred, feeling warmth beside him — the familiar calm presence of Grayfia Lucifuge, still asleep. Her silver hair fell in soft waves across the pillow, her expression unguarded and peaceful.
For a moment, he simply watched her. Then, smiling faintly, Roy leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before quietly slipping away.
What he didn't know was that Grayfia's crimson eyes had opened the instant he moved.Her heart raced at the touch of his lips, and a rare blush painted her cheeks.
"Honestly, Master Roy…" she whispered softly to herself, her voice barely audible. "You're too dangerous for my heart."
After freshening up, Roy headed to the grand dining hall. The aroma of freshly baked bread and roasted ham filled the air. Around the table sat Bela White, Nagini, Rem, Ram, and Grayfia, already enjoying breakfast.
Roy slid into his seat with an easy smile.
"Good morning, everyone."
His golden eyes turned mischievous as they met Bela's.
"So, how is my beautiful idiot doing today?"
Bela froze, her fork clinking against the plate. Her cheeks flushed red, and she gave him a glare that could melt stone—if he weren't immune.
"Y-You—! Stop calling me that!"
"Hmm?" Roy leaned closer. "But you look adorable when you blush."
The others chuckled. Even Nagini, who rarely smiled, hid her laughter behind a cup of tea.
After breakfast, Roy pushed his chair back and stood.
"Grayfia. Rem. Ram. Let's spar."
Outside in the marble courtyard, morning dew still glistened on the grass.The three women bowed slightly before taking their positions. Magic circles bloomed beneath their feet as Roy raised his hand, muttering an incantation that shimmered faintly over his skin. It was a diagnostic spell — one that measured and stabilized his growing magic output.
The battle began.
Grayfia's icy spears met Roy's flaming strikes. Rem's water magic whirled like a serpent, while Ram's wind tore through the air. Roy's body blurred with speed, his sword humming with restrained fury.
A surge of crimson fire enveloped the field — Dark Phoenix Flames, hot enough to distort the air. The spar ended with all four standing still, breathing lightly but smiling.
"Not bad," Roy said, sheathing his blade. "My magic's stable after the breakthrough."
Afterward, he turned to Grayfia.
"Call Venelana, Albedo, Bela, and Nagini to my study."
Valvas Mansion – Study Room
Roy stood behind his desk, stacks of parchment and glowing magical ledgers hovering in front of him. Venelana Bael and Albedo stood on one side, while Bela White and Nagini took their places on the other.
"Let's start with the muggle acquisitions," Roy said, flicking his wand to project the records midair.
Albedo stepped forward first.
"As per your instructions during Christmas, we've completed the purchase of several companies — oil refineries, shipyards, cargo lines, and medical manufacturers."
Venelana continued smoothly, elegant as ever.
"The fashion, cosmetics, and real estate sectors have also been merged successfully. Their market trends follow your predictions precisely."
Roy nodded, eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
"Excellent work, both of you. Merge them fully into Valvas Group, and sell the minor subsidiaries. Focus the capital into the new research divisions. Technology, energy, and pharmaceuticals will be our next pillars."
Venelana's lips curved slightly. "You're already shaping the future, Roy."
After the reports, Albedo and Venelana bowed and left. Then Roy turned his attention to Bela and Nagini.
"Now… Liyue Store."
Nagini passed him a parchment.
"Our market cap has risen from twenty million to thirty million galleons, my lord."
Roy scanned the figures, a proud smile forming.
"Very good. You've both done an outstanding job."
Bela and Nagini shared a quick look, both blushing slightly at his praise before leaving the study, flustered and glowing.
Later that day – Valvas Mansion Lawn
The sun hung low, painting the skies in gold and amber. Roy stood in the center of the training field, his Zanpakutō: Ryūjin Jakka resting against his shoulder.
"One month… and still I can't unlock Bankai."
He exhaled, the faint scent of ash and smoke trailing his breath. Each swing of the sword sent waves of heat across the field, grass burning and reforming under his control. His aura was close — so close — but something felt missing.
Behind him, Darius Valvas, his grandfather, approached with calm steps.
"You look troubled, my boy."
Roy turned, panting slightly.
"I've reached the threshold, but something's missing. I can feel it — the flame won't yield."
Darius chuckled, leaning on his cane though his youthful face betrayed no age.
"You're treating your sword as a tool, Roy. Ryūjin Jakka isn't just your weapon — it's your partner. You don't command fire… you are the fire. Embrace it. Accept it."
Roy froze, realization dawning. He closed his eyes, lowering his sword. The whispers of the ancient flame echoed in his mind — the roar of a phoenix intertwined with the laughter of his past life.
When he opened his eyes again, they glowed molten gold.
"I see now…"
The air around him ignited.
A pillar of flame erupted skyward, turning the entire sky crimson. Power crackled around him like a living inferno.
Then came the System Notification:
[Ding!]Zanpakutō: Ryūjin Jakka(Shikai – Unlocked)(Bankai – Unlocked)
Roy raised his sword.
"Bankai…"
The flames collapsed inward, swirling into a single concentrated point. His hair fluttered as golden fire traced markings across his skin.
"Zanka no Tachi!"
The world went silent. Every flame vanished — yet everything he touched burned to nothing. The sheer pressure of his magic cracked the training ground beneath his feet.
Darius stood watching, eyes filled with pride and awe.
"Now that," he said softly, "is the true heir of Valvas."