The Phoenix Was My Past, The Serpent Is My Fate Episode 4

Episode 4 · Elara, Aiden, Tessa

Episode 4 recap

Professor Halden directs the cadets into the magic circle after Elara refuses to reconsider. As binding energy flows through the platform, the small black serpent wraps itself securely around Elara's neck. Tessa ridicules the pair, which prompts a furious male cadet to challenge her unearned arrogance. A defender protects a weeping Tessa. Meanwhile, Tessa cannot provide enough magic to sustain Aiden. In Elara's embrace, the resting serpent radiates blinding golden light.

Episodes

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4

Episode 4 scene by scene

00:00: The Bonding Ritual Begins
Professor Halden accepts that Elara will not change her decision. He gestures for all cadets to enter the magical circle. Everyone steps onto the glowing formation to link their life energy with their chosen combat beasts.
00:26: Tessa Mocks the New Bond
Contract power pours across the floor. Anxious about being discarded, the little black serpent grips Elara's throat firmly. Tessa spots them and laughs out loud, remarking that Elara and the creature are an exact match for one another.
00:41: A Clash Outside the Circle
Angered by Tessa's sneering, a male cadet rebukes her on the spot. He states she owes Elara gratitude for Aiden. Tessa bursts into tears, and a defender dressed in purple robes steps up to shield her from criticism.
00:54: Tessa Strains to Feed Aiden
Elara thinks back to her outstanding academy record across all subjects. In the present, maintaining an S-rank contract demands immense energy. Tessa has limited personal power, so she strains painfully and cannot supply Aiden with the mana he needs.
01:21: Golden Light Across the Hall
Certain that Elara will stand by it, the little black serpent falls asleep inside her arms. The instant it dozes off, a sudden flare of bright golden illumination erupts from its head and sweeps across its whole body.

Key lines from episode 4

“You and that serpent really are fated.”
Tessa · Tessa smirks at Elara during the bonding ritual after seeing the snake.

“Watch your mouth. Without Eliza, you'd never have gotten the phoenix. If I were you, I'd be on my knees thanking her.”
Male Cadet · He confronts Tessa after hearing her insult Elara's new combat beast.

“Drop it. Can't you see she's about to cry?”
Defender · He steps in front of a crying Tessa to halt the argument.

How episode 4 ends

The episode concludes with the little black serpent falling asleep in Elara's arms as radiant golden light erupts from its body. With Tessa already unable to meet Aiden's massive magical demands, will the mysterious transformation of Elara's serpent shift the balance of power across the academy?