Reinhardt's stomach let out a roar that sounded suspiciously like a hungry dragon, breaking the tender silence of the room.

  Reyna giggled, the tension finally leaving her shoulders. "Oh, my manners! Stay put, baby. I'll be back in a few minutes with something to stop that growling before you eat the bedsheets."

  She planted a quick peck on his cheek and vanished out the door. The moment she left, the air in the room seemed to hum with a digital static that only Reinhardt could perceive.

  [Ding! Host has regained memories of his past life...]

  [System Rebooting... 10%... 50%... 100%]

  [Reboot Successful. Welcome back, Host.]

  "Tell me, System," Reinhardt thought, leaning back against the pillows. "What exactly are your functions? What am I working with here?"

  [This is the 'Grand Merchant System,' Host. If you have the coin, I have the goods. You can purchase anything—from conceptual abilities and divine bloodlines to legendary summons from other worlds.]

  Reinhardt raised an eyebrow. "And the 5,000,000 Devil Coins in my balance? Is that some sort of beginner's gift?"

  [Negative, Host. That is your actual wealth. It is the accumulated 'pocket money' and savings you have hoarded since birth.]

  Stolen story; please report.

  Reinhardt blinked. I was a stingy kid in this life, wasn't I? he thought with a smirk. "Fine. But tell me, is there a Beginner Package? I just got jumped by the Old Satan Faction; I need an edge."

  [Ding! Beginner Package detected. Would you like to open it?]

  "Open it," Reinhardt commanded mentally.

  [Beginner Package Rewards]

  Summon Tickets (x3): Guaranteed High-Tier entities from the Multiverse. Ryujin Jakka (Zanpakuto): The oldest and most powerful fire-type Zanpakuto. Note: Perfect synergy with Phenex blood. Phoenix Source Bloodline Ticket: Upgrades your Phenex traits to the Primordial Source.

  "Wait, System," Reinhardt questioned, "don't I already have the Phenex trait? I'm literally a member of the clan."

  [Correction: You have the 'diluted' bloodline common to the current generation. The System Ticket provides the 'Source'—the conceptual flame of the undying bird. Your current regeneration is a spark; this will be a sun.]

  Reinhardt nodded, satisfied. He closed the holographic tab just as the door clicked open.

  Reyna walked in carrying a silver tray that smelled heavenly—thick steaks, enchanted fruits, and a steaming bowl of soup. Instead of placing it on the bedside table, she set it down, climbed onto the bed, and sat right on Reinhardt's lap, ignoring the fact that he was technically a "patient."

  "Say 'ahh', baby," she whispered, holding a spoonful of soup to his lips.

  Reinhardt didn't argue. He opened his mouth, enjoying the feeling of being pampered by the future Lady Phenex. Between bites, he chatted with her, his mind already spinning with plans. With Ryujin Jakka in his hand and the Bael Power of Destruction in his veins, the Old Satan Faction wasn't just in trouble—they were about to be erased from history.

  "You're awfully quiet, Rein," Reyna teased, wiping a bit of broth from his lip. "Planning something?"

  "Just thinking about the future, Reyna," he smiled, pulling her closer. "It's going to be a very bright—and very hot—future."