The next morning came gently.
Lucien woke to warmth—Akeno's arms still wrapped around him, her breathing slow and even. For a moment, he simply watched her, amethyst eyes soft.
He leaned down and pressed a light kiss to her forehead.
"Good morning, my love."
Akeno stirred, crimson eyes fluttering open. It took her a second to register where she was—and who she was with.
Her face turned red instantly.
"…Good morning," she whispered, then leaned forward and kissed him back, slow and sincere.
Lucien chuckled quietly and brushed her hair back.
"Go back to your room before someone notices."
Akeno pouted, then nodded, slipping away with a final glance that promised trouble later.
Monthly Rewards
Once alone, Lucien stretched and finally remembered something important.
"…Right. Monthly rewards."
The interface appeared before him.
Monthly Discount Store
1 dollar: Alchemy Mastery 1000 dollars: 70% shares in Firebolt 10000 dollars: Pokémon — Giratina
Lucien's expression sharpened instantly.
Alchemy mastery was something he needed, not wanted. Without hesitation, he purchased it. Knowledge flooded his mind—formulas refining themselves, inefficiencies disappearing, instincts sharpening.
"Good," he murmured.
Next—
70% shares in Firebolt.
Lucien didn't even pause.
"In two years, this becomes the best broom in the world," he said calmly.
"Buying this now would be idiotic not to."
Purchased.
Then his eyes landed on the final reward.
Giratina.
For a full five seconds, Lucien simply stared.
"…A god-tier existence," he muttered. "Beginner god magic."
And then he smiled.
"With Darkrai already at demigod level… this balances things nicely."
He didn't hesitate.
A God Awakens
Lucien stepped into his pocket dimension, the air shifting instantly.
"Come forth," he commanded calmly.
Reality 裂—split.
Darkness folded inward, gravity distorted, and from the rift emerged a colossal, otherworldly presence.
Giratina.
The land trembled—not violently, but respectfully.
Darkrai appeared at Lucien's side, eyes widening before he knelt.
Dragonite landed nearby, wings folding as she bowed her head.
A god had arrived.
Lucien stood calmly between them.
"Giratina," he said evenly, "welcome."
The legendary Pokémon inclined its head, recognizing its master without resistance.
Lucien introduced them properly—Darkrai first, then Dragonite. Giratina acknowledged both, its presence vast yet restrained.
They spoke—not with words, but understanding.
After ensuring balance within the dimension, Lucien nodded.
"Rest. We'll speak more later."
The rift closed.
Silence returned.
Lucien exhaled once—and left the dimension.
Great Hall Whispers
Lucien entered the Great Hall with Akeno at his side.
Immediately, he noticed it.
The looks.
They weren't hostile.
They weren't fearful.
They were… measured.
Different.
Lucien frowned slightly and leaned toward Susan and Tonks.
"What happened?"
Tonks grinned.
"Oh, nothing big. Just the entire Great Hall learning who your adopted father was. And what the Lionhardt family actually is."
Susan nodded.
"People are… reassessing."
Lucien sighed, rubbing his temples.
"So that's it."
Akeno smirked and leaned closer.
"Poor Lucien. Accidentally terrifying the school without lifting a finger."
Susan joined in.
"Must be hard being legendary."
Tonks laughed.
"Yeah. Truly tragic."
Lucien glanced at them, deadpan.
"…You're enjoying this far too much."
They laughed louder.
And as Lucien took his seat, he realized something quietly unsettling—
Hogwarts wasn't just watching him anymore.
It was adapting to him.