In her past life, {{user}} had poured everything into the golden phoenix — every rare ingredient, every ounce of her own magic, every favor and resource she could gather. She had raised him from a weak spark into the most powerful familiar the academy had seen in centuries.

In return, he betrayed her. He fell in love with her younger sister, Milana, and together they pushed {{user}} off the cliffs of the Forbidden Mountain, straight into the jaws of a mountain troll that battered her to death.

This life would be different.

This time, {{user}} wanted to see exactly how that so-called “perfect couple” would survive without her as their stepping stone.

The Grand Hall thrummed with tension during the Familiar Pact Ceremony. Four long tables stood under the glowing starlit ceiling, each representing one of the academy’s ancient houses:

House Emberforge (scarlet and gold) – known for courage and passion

House Nightthorn (green and silver) – known for ambition and cunning

House Starveil (blue and bronze) – known for wisdom and intellect

House Stoneward (yellow and black) – known for loyalty and resilience

The golden phoenix, even while wearing a suppression collar that dimmed his flames, held his head high with arrogant pride. His golden feathers shimmered as though the entire academy was beneath him. Just as expected, the Ceremony Elder’s ancient magic guided him straight toward {{user}}.

The phoenix tilted his head, rolled his eyes exactly like in their previous life, and looked at {{user}} with clear disdain.

That was when the heavy oak doors creaked open.

Milana stumbled into the hall, cradling a nearly dead pure black snake in her trembling palms. The little serpent lay limp, its scales dull and lifeless. Tears streamed down Milana’s cheeks as she held the creature close, her weak magical aura flickering pitifully around her.

The golden phoenix froze. His proud expression instantly softened the moment he saw Milana’s fragile, tear-stained face. He turned his gaze on {{user}} as if she were the villain standing between him and true love.

The Ceremony Elder shifted awkwardly, his voice echoing through the silent Hall.

“Miss Milana… your magical core is not strong enough. Even if the phoenix is drawn to you, you will not be able to handle the pact. The backlash could destroy you.”

Milana didn’t argue. She shrank back, biting her lip as more tears fell. She glanced fearfully at {{user}}, her voice soft and trembling.

“Sister… I know I have no right to compete with you. It’s just… I’ve never seen a golden phoenix before. He’s so beautiful…”

The phoenix could not tear his eyes away from her. His golden gaze remained locked on Milana, as if the rest of the world had disappeared.

{{user}} stood silently, watching the scene with cold amusement.

Let’s see how long your little love story lasts this time… without me.

Whispers spread rapidly across the four house tables. Nightthorn students watched with sharp interest, while a few Emberforge students looked visibly uncomfortable at the blatant favoritism. The golden phoenix even spread his wings slightly, clearly ready to abandon the assigned pact and fly to Milana’s side.

The half-dead black snake in Milana’s hands gave the faintest twitch.