Reyn walked to the Violet House. Along the way, he noticed that the destruction from the earthquake in the Silver Star District had mostly been cleared.
All ruins had been removed, and confidence had returned to people's faces.
If not for the many buildings still under reconstruction, it would be hard to believe that just a few weeks ago, this place had been an apocalyptic disaster zone.
"Time really is the best healer," Reyn thought with a light sigh.
Of course, the regent's contributions—the Silver Star Duchess—couldn't be discounted. She had sent her mages to restore the landscape, save the wounded, and aid victims, pouring vast funds into home reconstruction. Thanks to this, people recovered from the calamity faster.
Entering the Violet House, Reyn found Viola wasn't there.
The shop staff said that lately, Lady Viola had been very busy with the "Silver Star" recording company's affairs and only appeared at the Violet House in the mornings for a couple of hours.
The company was in the Los district, in the building that used to house Kenegi's mechanical factory.
Reyn didn't go looking for Viola and instead returned to Vigo's estate.
Viola came home only after eight in the evening. Hearing from housekeeper Abigail that Reyn was already there, she hurried up to the third floor.
Reyn sat with a book. Seeing Viola enter, he smiled.
The half-elf in a simple elegant dress first beamed with joy, then said with a light reproach:
"Reyn, when did you get back? Why didn't you send me a message?"
Reyn smirked but didn't reply.
He stood and opened his arms. Viola stepped toward him happily, and they embraced tightly.
Inhaling the scent from the half-elf, feeling her slender body, Reyn found inner peace, savoring this beautiful moment.
After a long time, they parted.
Reyn saw Viola was in high spirits, and it wasn't just his return—it was her business's success. She glowed with confidence and joy.
Indeed, before he could ask, Viola spoke excitedly:
"We did it!
"The first batch of five hundred phonographs sold out in half a day! Mr. Kenegi ordered the factory to run at full capacity. The second batch, over a thousand units, flew off the shelves the moment it hit the market!
"I studied the demand today—there's no one in Longsand who hasn't heard of the phonograph now. People are lining up, willing to pay three times the price just to get one sooner!
"In Longsand and nearby towns alone, we can sell at least ten thousand phonographs!
"As you suggested, we're selling the devices first, but in the future, we'll focus on records. At current prices, every phonograph buyer takes at least five records. It's only been a little over ten days, and many customers are already asking for more recordings!
"A few days ago, I prayed to the Long-Haired Lady and got a response! The Goddess is very pleased with the phonograph's effect!
"Reyn, you're a genius!"
These words didn't surprise Reyn much. The phonograph's huge success was entirely expected, and this was just the beginning.
It could be predicted that within a year, phonograph sounds would spread across the entire Empire, if not most of Ellunes.
The key was for "Silver Star"'s production capacity to keep up with demand.
Reyn was about to say something, but he saw Viola gazing at his face intently and tenderly. She tilted her head and gave him a long, passionate kiss.
Naturally, he didn't refuse the beautiful maiden's embrace.
Soon they stood before each other without clothes.
Though Reyn had seen Viola's beautiful body many times and caressed it countless times, each time it appeared before his eyes, he couldn't hold back genuine admiration.
This sight was more beautiful than any landscape in the world.
Blood pounded in his veins.
The bedroom filled with passion. Reyn gave in to his feelings; the half-elf was also lost in dreams. Afterward, they leaned against the headboard, embracing, whispering intimacies.
After long caresses, Viola suddenly remembered something.
"You know what? Galloueyn is dead."
Relief and even some joy were evident in her voice. She looked at Reyn, as if trying to read something on his face.
Reyn feigned extreme surprise:
"When? How did he die?"
"Three days ago," surprise flickered in Viola's eyes. "Someone infiltrated Burk Castle, which belonged to Galloueyn, and in five minutes killed him and almost all the Superhumans in the castle, then vanished.
"When mages from the Secret Flame Guard arrived, the killer was long gone. They pursued for over ten li but lost the trail at the river.
"Judging by the scene in the castle, the killer was most likely a Legendary Great Sword Master."
"Legendary Great Sword Master?" Reyn smirked inwardly. Infiltrating Burk Castle, he had deliberately avoided spells and left the hammer behind to mislead investigators.
The only clue might be Inok's body—he had been paralyzed by the Spiked thunder armor, which might leave faint traces.
But apparently, the Secret Flame Guard noticed nothing. His trick had worked.
Surprise showed on his face:
"Why would Galloueyn cross a Legendary Great Sword Master?"
"Unknown. The Secret Flame Guard still has no leads," Viola shook her head and pressed her cheek to Reyn's chest, whispering softly: "Whoever did it, I'm grateful. Now that Galloueyn is dead, no one can challenge my title as Countess Winter Thunder. And I no longer need to fear plots against me."
Reyn hugged her tighter, recalling the conversation overheard at Burk Castle's walls.
"Galloueyn is dead, that's true. But Phyllis remains!"
That woman hated Viola with all her soul. She was strong, well-connected, and dealing with her wouldn't be as simple as with Galloueyn.
"I need to find a way to warn Viola."
Still, Viola was now the Goddess's Chosen, an All-Soul Mage of the seventh level. And this wasn't Pallas Floating City, so Phyllis would struggle to harm her.
After thinking, he asked:
"How did the Duke react to the incident?"
"His Excellency was furious, but since the killer couldn't be found, there's nothing he can do," Viola replied. "After Galloueyn's death, the assets he managed for the family will soon be redistributed. I've already asked the Duke to transfer that river transport company to me. I want to reorganize it and use it as a sales channel for our recording company to promote phonographs across the Empire."
Reyn looked at her. Her argument was solid, but it was also a test of the Silver Star Duke.
If he agreed, it would confirm his intent to grant Viola the Countess Winter Thunder title. Given the phonograph hype and their bright prospects, the Silver Star Duke was unlikely to refuse.
"Then allow me to congratulate you in advance, Your Ladyship the Countess," Reyn said with a smile.
Viola, beaming, nodded demurely:
"Thank you, Baron Reyn."
"Ha-ha..." Reyn laughed. He had almost forgotten that in just over ten days, on God's Birth Festival, he himself would be knighted as a baron.
"You should prepare too," Viola reminded him. "The city hall handles the ceremony; a ceremonial master will visit you soon.
"By the way, have you come up with a surname for your house?"
Reyn was slightly at a loss and shook his head:
"Not yet."
He didn't attach much importance to it—the empty baron's title meant little to him. But for his family, gaining an official surname was a major event.
How many commoners toiled for generations to earn the right to add a surname to their name! It was the goal of their lives.
Reyn thought for a moment and made a decision.
They lingered in each other's arms a long time and fell asleep only deep into the night. The next morning, Reyn meditated as usual, while Viola, after breakfast, left on business.
Finishing his training, Reyn took a bicycle and headed into the city too.
In the following days, Viola left early and returned late, immersed in work. Reyn was busy with his own affairs during the day. They met only in the evenings, enjoying passionate encounters.
A carriage stopped at the gates of Kleyden Supernatural Academy.
"We've arrived, sir," the coachman said respectfully, nimbly opening the door.
Reyn, dressed in a strict suit, stepped out of the carriage. Looking at the familiar academy building, he sighed involuntarily. His memory held many recollections tied to this place, but today he was here for real for the first time.
Kleyden Academy, one of Longsand's three academies, was considered the weakest in training quality but the largest. Most students came from common folk.
Reyn had spent three years here, achieving nothing notable.
It was lunchtime now, and students crowded the gates. Spotting Reyn and his carriage, many looked curiously.
"Wait here," Reyn ordered the coachman.
"Yes, sir."
Reyn nodded and entered the academy grounds. Walking familiar paths, he immersed in memories: teachers' faces, classmates, past events...
Along the way, he spotted several familiar figures and recalled their names.
But no one recognized him.
Reyn understood why: he had changed too much. The current Reyn and the old one were like two different people. And they really were.
The soul had changed, and the body had undergone massive transformations after merging with the demonic soul.
Following memory, Reyn found the dorms and near one building stopped several students to ask questions.
Seeing his imposing appearance, they answered timidly but honestly.
With the needed info, Reyn headed to the training ground near the dorms. He immediately spotted one youth among the trainees.
He looked sixteen or seventeen, his features resembling Reyn's own—handsome, with a sharp gaze.
The youth, armed with a long sword, was sparring with another student.
Reyn didn't interrupt and watched patiently from afar. The youth practiced the Northern Wind Fencing Style. Clearly a beginner, but he had grasped the basics and moved confidently. Though weaker in strength, he dominated with faster techniques and won.
Switching opponents several times, the youth won more than he lost.
His only loss wasn't due to lack of skill but overwhelming physical strength difference that fencing couldn't overcome.
If their strengths were equal, the outcome would have been different.
Reyn watched the sweating youth and nodded approvingly to himself. Now he understood why father Bad had disowned him and sent Brisset to the academy.
Brisset's talent was clearly a level above his own.
At least far above the old Reyn's. Even in fencing, the old Reyn's strong suit, he lagged far behind Brisset: three years of training yielded about the same as the younger brother's half-year.
Not to mention Brisset was far more diligent.
The Soul's Eye told Reyn that this sixteen-year-old's soul was much stronger than his peers'—a clear sign of exceptional talent.
Perhaps not the top in all of Kleyden Academy, but definitely first-tier.
He already surpassed most students. With sufficient resources, he had high chances of becoming a Superhuman.
Certainly higher than the old Reyn's.
Thinking this, Reyn approached and called:
"Brisset!"
The youth turned at his name. Seeing Reyn, he froze for a moment, confusion in his eyes. He scratched his head, and suddenly his face changed. Hardly believing his eyes, he exclaimed:
"Reyn?"
Reyn nodded with a smile.
"It's really you!" Brisset's eyes widened, and he stepped forward but hesitated.
The Reyn before him differed starkly from the brother he remembered: height, clothes, manners, even facial features had changed noticeably.
Still, looking closely, familiar traits emerged.
Brisset had heard from Deisia that his older brother Reyn had become a Superhuman, now served in the Public Security Bureau, and even sent him ten gold shields.
Deisia said Reyn had changed, but Brisset hadn't fully believed. Now, seeing him in person, he knew she hadn't lied.
Reyn approached and patted his younger brother's shoulder:
"Get ready; we're going with me."
"Got it!"
Brisset perked up. Handing his sword to a friend, he dashed to the dorm to wash and change.
Coming down and seeing Reyn waiting, he still couldn't believe his eyes.
"Brother, where are we going?" he asked eagerly.
"You'll see when we get there."
Reyn led him to the academy exit. En route, he asked:
"How are Mom and Dad? Everything okay at home?"
"All good," Brisset replied hastily. "I wrote home that you became a Superhuman. They were thrilled. Dad seemed not fully convinced. He asked me in a letter to visit the Security Bureau and check on you. I thought not to bother you and didn't go. If he saw you now, no doubts left.
"Brother, how did you become a Superhuman?" Brisset was dying of curiosity and looked at Reyn hopefully.
"I met a very powerful friend who helped me," Reyn smiled.
"She?" Brisset caught the key detail.
"Yes. You'll meet her too," Reyn didn't elaborate. They left the academy and boarded the carriage. In the cab, Brisset grew even more excited. He sensed his older brother now held a high position, not just any Superhuman.
The carriage rode about fifteen minutes and finally entered a villa in the Silver Star District.