Chapter 23: Chapter 23 – A Genius Reborn
The Hunting Festival had ended, but its impact would be remembered for years to come.
Reyon stood tall amidst the gathered elites of the Phoenix Household, his presence commanding admiration and awe.
His name, once ridiculed and looked down upon, was now spoken with respect.
This wasn't just a victory—
This was a rebirth.
For years, he had been seen as a failure, overshadowed by his brothers, humiliated by those who once called him their equal.
But now—
He had proven them all wrong.
He had washed away the shame of his name.
He was no longer the weak noble boy of the past.
Now, he was this generation's genius.
And the world had no choice but to recognize him.
The Arrival of the Phoenix Patriarch
As the applause and whispers of admiration spread, a majestic figure stepped forward.
The Phoenix Patriarch.
Reyon's father.
Despite his status, the man had always remained distant. Even in Reyon's previous life, he had never received any affection from him.
But it wasn't just Reyon.
His father had been cold to everyone.
To his sons. To his wives. To the household itself.
It was as if he had lost all motivation, as if nothing in this world truly mattered to him anymore.
But despite that—
No one could deny his power and authority.
With slow, measured steps, he approached Reyon.
His piercing golden eyes locked onto his son.
Then, he spoke—his voice carrying the weight of an entire empire.
"As the winner, you are entitled to a favor. Speak your mind."
The crowd fell silent.
Everyone leaned in, eager to hear what Reyon—the rising genius—would ask for.
Most assumed he would request wealth, resources, or authority.
Some thought he might ask for access to forbidden magic.
But instead—
Reyon stepped forward, his voice clear and unwavering.
"I want to seek the teachings of Grandma."
For a moment, silence reigned.
Then—
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd.
Did he just say… 'Grandma'?
There was only one person in the empire that title could refer to.
The strongest magician alive.
The only one to ever reach the legendary 9th Circle.
The woman second only to Leywin.
Min Hee.
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
What had once been cheers of admiration turned into stunned disbelief.
Even the most powerful nobles and magicians in the household stiffened at the mere mention of her name.
The Phoenix Patriarch's Response
Reyon's father narrowed his eyes.
His voice, always cold and distant, carried a hint of disbelief.
"Do you even understand who you are asking for?"
The pressure in the air intensified.
But Reyon remained unmoved.
His father continued.
"Mother is the strongest magician in existence."
His eyes darkened slightly, his tone carrying an undeniable finality.
"Even I do not have the authority to command her."
Murmurs spread through the crowd.
This was Min Hee they were talking about.
Even within the Phoenix Household, she was considered a legendary figure, someone whose power was beyond comprehension.
There wasn't a single force in the empire that could dictate her actions.
Even the Emperor himself treated her with caution and respect.
And Reyon was asking for her personal teachings?
It was unthinkable.
Reyon's Determination
Despite the rejection, Reyon didn't falter.
He had expected this.
From the beginning, he knew it wouldn't be easy to gain his grandmother's teachings.
But still—
He had hoped that his father, the Patriarch of Phoenix, would be able to make it happen.
Now, however—
That hope was shattered.
Reyon's expression darkened slightly.
His fists clenched, but he quickly calmed himself.
Even if his father couldn't order Min Hee to take him as a disciple, there was still one thing he could do.
A recommendation.
Reyon exhaled slowly, regaining his composure.
"Then, at the very least, can you recommend me to her?"
This time, his father hesitated.
A brief pause.
A rare moment of contemplation.
Then, after what felt like an eternity, he gave a slow nod.
"…That, I can do."
A Recommendation to the Strongest Magician
The weight of those words settled in.
The crowd, still in shock, exchanged glances.
A recommendation from the Phoenix Patriarch…
Even that alone was monumental.
Min Hee was not someone who took disciples lightly.
She had only ever personally trained a handful of individuals in her lifetime, and each of them had gone on to become legendary figures in their own right.
For Reyon, receiving even the chance to learn under her was something beyond expectation.
It meant stepping into a realm of magic that few could even dream of.
Reyon's Resolve
Reyon nodded, accepting the outcome.
"I will try my best to convince Grandma."
His voice carried determination.
He knew it wouldn't be easy.
Min Hee was not someone who trained just anyone.
If he wanted her guidance, he would have to prove himself—not just in strength, but in mind and will.
But Reyon was ready.
He had faced death and despair in his past life.
He had failed once before, but this time—
He would succeed.
Because he had to.
If he wanted to stand against the royal family, against the dragon that would bring destruction—
He needed to reach new heights.
And to do that—
He needed teaching of his grandma....