The secret system of the Gallant Heir

After Ignis finished devouring all the food, I decided it was time to talk about something important.

"Ignis," I said, my tone serious. "I have a feeling that in five years, something big—something dangerous—is going to happen. When that time comes, we'll have to face it together. I don't know all the details yet, but I do know this: it will be difficult. Many people will die. That's why I need to ask you—will you be my companion? Will you fight alongside me, no matter what happens? I need your complete trust."

Ignis leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. She studied me for a moment, her sharp red eyes filled with thought. Then, with her usual high-and-mighty attitude, she smirked.

"Hmph. If you're asking this much, I suppose I'll help you," she said, flicking her hair over her shoulder. "You can count on me. But—" she jabbed a finger at the empty plates in front of her—"make sure to give me this kind of food regularly. Otherwise, I might reconsider."

I chuckled. "Deal."

Despite her usual arrogance, I could tell she was taking this seriously. And that was enough for now.

"Alright, I believe in you since we've already talked about this. Now, how about we start practicing?" I said.

Ignis crossed his arms. "Okay, okay. I know you mentioned something big is coming, but do you know what it is? How are we supposed to prepare properly?"

"Honestly, I don't know much," I admitted. "All I know is that it will be a human—at least a 7th-circle magician. And… it may even have compatibility with all six types of magic. That's all the information I have."

Ignis scoffed. "A 7th-circle magician? And a human? So what? I'm a dragon. A mere human is no match for me. Besides, your parents are 8th-circle magicians, so why does this even matter?"

"I know my parents are strong," I said, my voice steady. "But what if this person is more powerful than we expect? What if they're… something else entirely?"

Ignis narrowed his eyes. "And how exactly do you know all this? Who told you? What if they're lying to you?"

"I can't tell you that," I replied firmly. "But for now, you have to trust me. Please, just practice with me. Let's go to the Inner World."

I spoke to the system in my mind, "System, open the Inner World and transport me and Ignis inside."

As the space around us began to shift, a thought crossed my mind: It's time for me to become a 5th-circle magician.

Ignis glanced at me curiously. "Hey, how do you even enter this Inner World? Do all humans have this ability, or is it just you?"

I smirked. "Ah, no. Only I have access to it—I'm special. So don't ever tell anyone about this, alright?"

"Okay, okay," Ignis said with a huff, then narrowed his eyes. "But I can't shake the feeling that you're hiding a lot from me."

"It's not like that," I assured her. "I'll tell you everything… when the time is right."

As soon as we arrived, I reached out to the system. "Hey, Lili, can you make it so I don't get hurt? I want to try something."

"Of course, Host. For now, both you and Ignis will be completely immune to damage—even against a 9th-circle spell while inside the Inner Space."

"Perfect," I thought.

Ignis stretched her wings, glancing around. "Alright, what now? Do I have to fight you or something?"

I shook my head. "No, no. Instead of fighting me, how about we experience firsthand what we'll be up against in five years?"

Ignis frowned. "Wait, what do you mean by that?"

"Let me show you," I said, turning to the system. "Lili, summon a 7th-circle magician with compatibility for all six types of magic. Instruct him to attack us with the intent to kill."

"Understood, Host. Executing now."

The air crackled with energy. A faint humming noise filled the space as blue light swirled into a single point, forming the shape of a man. When the glow faded, a tall, dark figure stood before us, clad in flowing blue magical robes. His piercing gaze locked onto us, radiating pure killing intent.

Ignis flinched. "Wait—how did you summon him?! Do we actually have to fight him?"

"Don't worry about how I did it," I said. "That's one of my secrets. For now, focus—we have to fight him."

Ignis scoffed. "Hah! This won't be difficult. Let me handle it—I'll take him down in a single move!"

With that, Ignis transformed into her dragon form, her crimson scales gleaming under the eerie blue glow of the Inner World. She beat her massive wings, lifting herself high above the ground. Then, she took a deep breath, flames building in her throat before she unleashed a torrent of fire straight at the magician.

The flames roared toward him, turning the air into a scorching inferno.

It's over, I thought. That was too easy.

But just before the flames hit, the magician vanished.

Ignis' eyes widened in shock. "What?! Where did he—"

"IGNIS, WATCH OUT! HE'S ABOVE YOU!" I shouted.

Ignis barely had time to look up before the magician materialized high above her. His robe fluttered as he raised a hand, summoning a massive sphere of fire—larger and more intense than the one Ignis had just breathed out.

With a flick of his wrist, the firestorm plunged toward her.

BOOM!

The explosion shook the ground, sending shockwaves rippling through the air. When the smoke cleared—Ignis was gone.

I froze. No way... That fast?

Then, suddenly, Ignis reappeared beside me, her expression dazed.

My heart pounded. So that's how it works... Defeat means instant respawn here.

Ignis blinked in confusion. "What happened?! How am I back here? Let me go again—I'll destroy him this time!"

I grabbed her shoulder, stopping her. "You don't get it. You already lost. You were defeated in an instant."

Ignis clenched her fists, her jaw tightening. "Tch… I underestimated him."

I exhaled, stepping forward. My hands trembled slightly, but I steadied them. "My turn. I won't go down that easily."

I clenched my fists, feeling my magic surge around me. The air crackled with energy as I faced the magician.

If I can't defeat him… then at the very least, I'll make sure to land a hit.