The Phoenix Was My Past, The Serpent Is My Fate Episode 1

Episode 1 · Elara, Aiden, Tessa

Episode 1 recap

Elara wakes in a new life after dying in her past. In her first life, Aiden and Tessa betrayed her after ten years of sacrifices. Now back at the decennial Bonding Selection, Elara is assigned the S-rank Phoenix Aiden. Aiden scorns her and bows to Tessa instead. Professor Halden warns Tessa about her weak magic. Elara steps forward, gives Aiden to Tessa, and takes the dying Little Black Serpent instead.

Episodes

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Episode 1 scene by scene

00:00: Rebirth and a Changed Choice
Elara reflects on her rebirth in the ceremony hall. She remembers her past and decides to leave behind the arrogant S-rank Phoenix. Instead of fighting for him, she prepares to bond with a weak, dying black serpent.
00:10: Memories of Betrayal and Death
In a flashback to the Federation battlegrounds, Elara recalls her previous life. She spent ten years on lethal missions to evolve Aiden. In return, Aiden cheated with Tessa and abandoned Elara to be mauled to death by a beast.
00:33: The Phoenix Rejects Elara
Cadets gather in the academy main hall for the decennial Bonding Selection. As top rank, Elara receives the S-rank Phoenix Aiden. Aiden acts disdainful toward her and bows before Tessa, who stands nearby holding an unwanted little black snake.
01:22: Trading the Phoenix for a Serpent
Professor Halden tells Tessa she cannot handle the phoenix due to low magic, but Tessa cries pitifully. Elara approaches her sister, takes the Little Black Serpent straight out of Tessa's hands, and officially surrenders Aiden to her.
01:58: Warning from the Male Cadet
A male cadet steps in to stop Elara from ruining her prospects with a D-rank beast. He insists the dying creature is completely worthless. Elara ignores his advice and offers a knowing smirk as she holds the serpent.

Key lines from episode 1

“Your magic isn't enough. Even if the phoenix is drawn to you now, you'll never be able to handle him.”
Professor Halden · Halden cautions Tessa when Aiden bows to her during the selection ceremony.

“Elara, I know I've got no right to fight you for him. You're so much stronger than me, I just... I've never wanted anything this badly.”
Tessa · Tessa weeps while trying to convince Elara to yield the phoenix.

“Professor Halden, I've taken a liking to this little serpent. Since the phoenix won't accept me, why not let Tessa have him? I'll take the serpent.”
Elara · Elara speaks to the professor after taking the snake from Tessa.

“Elara, you're the strongest here. That serpent is only D-rank, mixed-blood, worthless. Give it to Tessa.”
Male Cadet · A classmate tries to stop Elara from claiming the dying beast.

How episode 1 ends

The episode ends with a male cadet urging Elara not to throw away her future on a worthless D-rank creature. Elara only smirks in reply, confident in her choice. Can Tessa actually sustain the demanding phoenix without Elara's magical power, and what hidden potential lies inside Elara's dying serpent?