Finally shaking off their morning laziness, the two freshened up and made their way toward the dining hall.
As they entered, both Athan and Baldwin blinked—surprised. The place looked more like a school canteen than a royal or knightly mess hall. A long line had already formed; students and trainees queued up, trays in hand, waiting for their turn to collect food.
But the moment the two stepped inside, the man from earlier appeared again—calm and composed. Without a word, he guided them past the line and respectfully led them to a corner table.
"Please, have a seat," he said politely.
Within moments, he returned with a tray of food—steaming soup, boiled eggs, and slices of toasted bread. He placed it gently in front of them.
"My apologies for the inconvenience. The food at the Knight Academy isn't what it used to be," he said with an apologetic smile.
Baldwin and Athan didn't seem to mind. They sat comfortably, not even glancing at the rest of the hall.
"This is more than enough," Athan replied, his tone genuine. "We appreciate it."
Baldwin quietly picked up his spoon. The aroma was decent. As he tasted the soup, his face contorted—eyebrows twitching, lips parting in a confused smile.
"Academy…?" Baldwin muttered under his breath.
The man noticed the expression and chuckled lightly. "Don't mind the others," he said, glancing around at the curious eyes surrounding them. "They're just wondering who you are."
Baldwin gave a half-smile and shrugged. "Doesn't bother me."
Then, setting down his spoon for a moment, he extended a hand. "I'm Baldwin. And you are…?"
The man placed his left hand over his chest and gave a small, respectful bow.
"Forgive me. I'm Brock Lee—though most just call me Lee. I'm the assistant manager here at the Academy."
"Athan Winston," Athan added, his tone calm. "We don't remember much, honestly. Our pasts are… empty."
Lee nodded thoughtfully, eyes narrowing for a second. "Yes… Knight General Lucas mentioned that. Especially about him."
He pointed toward Baldwin—who was still trying to force down the soup. His face said it all: it was too hot.
Lee blinked, concerned. "Is everything alright? You don't like the soup?"
Baldwin's eyes widened, and he quickly waved his hands. "No—no, I like it! It's just… really hot. Burns going down," he said with a crooked smile.
Lee chuckled. "Glad to hear it."
Athan leaned forward slightly. "So what exactly did Lucas say about Baldwin?"
Lee's tone shifted to businesslike. "Actually, Lord Lucas wanted to meet with one of you—either is fine. You're free to choose who goes."
Baldwin put down his spoon, wiped his mouth, and stood up. "Then I'll go meet him."
Athan stretched his arms and leaned back in the chair. "I'll take a walk around the place."
Lee raised an eyebrow. "This area's pretty lifeless, honestly. Isolated. You won't find much. But if you'd like, I can show you around."
Athan stood, giving a casual chuckle while rubbing the back of his neck. "Thanks, but I'll just walk and see what catches my eye. If it gets boring, I'll come back."
"Alright then," Baldwin nodded. "Let's meet back at the room later."
"Sounds good," Athan replied.
"Mr. Lee, lead the way," Baldwin said, stepping away from the table.
Lee gave a polite nod and guided him out of the dining hall—leaving Athan behind as the murmurs and stares slowly faded back into idle chatter.
Baldwin walked beside Lee through the quiet corridors of the academy. The hall was lit only by the early morning light slipping through narrow windows, casting long shadows across the stone floor.
As they passed a row of tall columns, Baldwin glanced sideways. "So, Lee... does the Knight General always have an office here?"
Lee shook his head gently. "No, not usually. After the fall of the major city nearby, we repurposed the academy into a temporary military base. It happened just days before the invasion. We had to isolate ourselves and pull away from what little civilization remained."
Baldwin raised an eyebrow. "How far is the fallen city?"
"It's the next one over," Lee replied. "If you travel straight past this region, you'll reach it. For now, the Dark Side's movements have... oddly stopped."
Baldwin gave a slow nod. "That's where we met Lucas, right?"
Lee smiled slightly. "Yes. But it wasn't in the city. It was near the Cave of Night."
Baldwin tilted his head. "Cave of Night? Sounds ominous. What is it exactly?"
"It's a legend," Lee said thoughtfully. "The cave is said to belong to the Black Witch. She vanished one day without a trace, but people still whisper her name in awe... or fear."
"Black Witch?" Baldwin repeated, intrigued.
"She was one of the Three Kunal Heroes."
"Three Kunal Heroes...?" Baldwin echoed again, squinting slightly.
Lee chuckled warmly. "You really did forget everything. You should visit the library sometime—brush up on your general knowledge."
Baldwin gave a sheepish smile. "I'd appreciate that. I've noticed the student knights and even civilians seem to be working hard."
Lee nodded. "They have to. The Dark Side knights are no joke. We believe we'll need more power if we're to hold them back."
Baldwin didn't reply. His eyes were fixed ahead, deep in thought.
How strong are these knights? he wondered. Are they above or below the standards of my world's elite?
The two of them exited the academy's main building, stepping out into an expansive open field. The wind brushed gently past them, carrying the sound of training from distant corners. On the far left stood a smaller, elegant castle—its presence quiet yet commanding.
Two armored knights stood guard at its entrance, unmoving.
"That's the guest castle of the Knight Academy," Lee explained, pointing toward it. "Usually, only the principal resides there. But on rare occasions—like a royal visit—the king himself may stay."
"Seems like a solid system," Baldwin commented, eyeing the structure.
Lee chuckled. "You've forgotten everything… but thank goodness you didn't forget the language."
Baldwin gave an awkward smile, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah... small victories."
Just as they approached the castle doors, one of the knights standing guard stepped forward, voice firm. "Why have you come?"
Lee responded calmly. "We're here at Lord Lucas's request. This is the boy who saved him."
The knight's eyes flicked toward Baldwin, assessing him for a moment.
"You may enter," he said, stepping aside.
With a nod, Lee led the way inside. The interior greeted them with a broad stone stairwell rising directly from the entrance, splitting into two wings further above. A soft glow lit the space, and the air carried a faint scent of old parchment and polished steel.
The steps echoed under their feet as they climbed, slowly approaching the chamber of the Knight General.
After climbing the stairs, Baldwin and Lee entered a long corridor. The floor gleamed with polished white marble, its pristine surface partially covered by a deep red carpet stretching to the end. Ornate golden patterns adorned the pillars along the hallway, their intricate designs casting delicate shadows under the soft ceiling lights.
At the far end stood a grand door—tall, broad, and silent. A lone knight stood guard before it, his armor reflecting a faint shimmer under the ambient light.
As Baldwin and Lee approached, the knight gave no verbal challenge. Instead, he turned and knocked firmly.
A voice from inside responded, clear and composed, "Come in."
The knight opened the door without a word. Lee stepped inside first, bowing respectfully at the waist. Baldwin followed, his eyes calmly scanning the spacious room, but he gave no formal bow.
"I've brought the survivor, Sir," Lee announced.
Lucas stood near the far window, his posture dignified yet relaxed. "You may leave now," he said without turning.
With a final bow, Lee quietly exited the room, closing the door behind him.
Lucas turned around and faced Baldwin. "How are you doing, Baldwin? I trust you had breakfast?"
"Yes. I'm grateful for the opportunity," Baldwin replied.
Lucas motioned for him to take a seat. "The reason I called you here is to discuss your next step. I intend to send you to the Northern Area. Once you're there, you'll be free to go wherever you choose."
Baldwin sat down, expression calm. "Again, I appreciate it. You've already given us food, shelter, and now a safe route. I don't know how to repay you."
Lucas offered a slight smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Don't say that. City after city is falling… It's only a matter of time before the destruction spreads northward too."
Silence filled the room. Even the air seemed heavier.
With a soft sigh, Lucas continued. "We don't know what the future holds, but I want to give you two options."
Baldwin nodded, listening attentively.
"First," Lucas said, "once you reach the north, you and the other boy—what was his name…"
"Athan," Baldwin answered.
"Yes, Athan. You two can enroll in the Royal Crossroad Academy. It's a school for youth around your age. I'd recommend it, if you're interested."
"And the second option?" Baldwin asked.
"I'll give you a sum of money. You can use it to travel, find your own path. Leave the north and go wherever you like."
Baldwin took a moment, then replied, "We'll take the first option. I think it's best for us."
Lucas looked surprised. "I didn't expect that."
"Why, sir?"
"If you graduate from that academy… you'll be sent to the battlefield. I didn't want to see either of you there. Especially after you saved us once already."
"We'll figure it out," Baldwin said with quiet confidence.
Lucas folded his arms, his gaze sharp. "Are you sure Athan wants to attend the academy too?"
"I'll discuss it with him—"
Before Baldwin could finish, a deafening explosion rocked the city. The entire castle trembled under the shockwave. The teacups and papers on the table flew to the floor, shattering and scattering. Glass from the nearby window cracked and burst inward.
"What in the—!" Lucas roared, rushing to the window. "Did they attack us?! That fast?!"
The door slammed open as Lee and the knight from earlier rushed in, their faces tense.
"We don't know yet, sir," the knight said urgently. "It seems to be an individual strike, not a group formation."
"Get everyone moving—assemble the knights!" Lucas barked. "We're heading out!"
"As you command, Commander!" the knight replied, saluting before dashing out.
"Lee!" Lucas turned. "Evacuate the new recruits. Get Baldwin and Athan into the underground shelter!"
"As you wish, my lord!" Lee answered instantly.
Lucas looked back at Baldwin. "We'll continue this conversation tonight. For now—go!"
Baldwin nodded firmly, eyes sharpening as he turned to follow Lee.
Far from the chaos of the South, in the peaceful Northern Region, the sun hung high in a clear sky. Warm light bathed the city, and the air was calm—so calm that one might have thought the war didn't exist at all.
The marketplace buzzed with life. Merchants shouted out deals, children ran between stalls, and townspeople moved about with ease. Amid this serenity, one building stood out more than any other—the grand and imposing structure of Crossroad Academy.
Four towering spires rose from its corners like silent sentinels. Atop one of these towers, seated casually on the rooftop edge, was a girl with long golden-blonde hair. Her school uniform fluttered in the breeze as she gazed down at the lively market below, her eyes distant and thoughtful.
"Lady Theia! What are you doing up there? It's dangerous—you could fall!" called out another girl climbing up from below. She had vivid red hair and wore the same academy uniform, though her expression was far more concerned.
"Dangerous? For me?" The blonde girl chuckled softly. "Don't be silly, Moon."
The redhead, Moon, frowned as she pulled herself onto the ledge. "You know you can't reveal yourself. No ordinary human could climb up here—it would raise questions."
"That's exactly why you look like a monkey scrambling up the wall," Theia teased with a mischievous glint in her eye.
"My lady, please," Moon sighed. "You shouldn't be doing childish things like this…"
Theia didn't answer right away. Her gaze remained fixed on the horizon. After a few moments, her voice came out softer, heavier.
"Moon… I'm worried. I sensed something—something ancient. A god slayer."
Moon's face tensed. "A god slayer? Then you don't need to worry, my lady. I'll protect you with everything I have!"
"Oh, Moon…" Theia looked at her friend and smiled faintly. "I know you would. But this isn't something you or I can stop alone. We need to find out who—or what—the god slayer is."
Moon said nothing, only nodding in grim agreement.
Without another word, Theia leapt from the rooftop. She caught the wall effortlessly with one hand, scaling down to the top floor with ease. Her movement was graceful, almost unnatural.
Moon followed, descending with less elegance but practiced agility. When they both reached the landing, Theia paused.
"You know," she murmured, "that power I felt… it reminded me of someone. Someone from long ago. A figure who once shook the very foundation of Origin. Even the gods trembled at the mention of his name."
With that, she turned and started walking down the stairs—her tone calm, but her expression shadowed by memories and dread.