After entering the academy, Baldwin and Athan were led directly to the headmaster's office.
The room was large, dimly lit by morning light, and smelled faintly of ink and old parchment. Behind a massive wooden desk sat an elderly man, scribbling on a stack of paperwork.
Without saying a word, Baldwin and Athan took their seats on the nearby sofa.
The guard stepped forward and handed a sealed letter to the headmaster.
The old man opened it and read silently. His expression darkened as he reached the final lines.
"So… you must be Baldwin and Athan," the headmaster said, staring at the letter. "This was written by Lord Lucas himself."
He looked at the guard beside him.
"You may leave. Tell Lilly to meet me at once."
"Yes, Headmaster," the guard said, nodding and leaving the room.
The old man placed the letter on his desk, letting out a tired sigh.
"I'm sorry to tell you this… We've lost a brave warrior of humanity."
"May he rest in peace," Baldwin replied solemnly.
"One day… this war will end permanently," the man murmured. Then he looked at them and straightened up.
"Anyway, I am Sterling Pendragon. But you may just call me Sterling."
"It's an honor to meet you, Headmaster Sterling," Baldwin said respectfully.
"Headmaster is truly kind," Athan added.
"No, the honor is mine." Sterling smiled gently. "Baldwin, you have beautiful eyes. And Athan… your skin is unusually flawless."
"Haha, Headmaster is far too generous with his compliments," Baldwin replied, forcing a polite chuckle.
Sterling's smile widened. "Tonight, you may rest. Tomorrow, you'll undergo a physical attribute test. After that, we'll determine what path suits you both best."
Just then, a knock echoed at the door.
"Is that you, Lilly?" Sterling called out.
"Yes, Master," a female voice answered.
"You may enter."
The door opened, and in stepped a young woman dressed in a white and blue mage uniform. A staff rested in her right hand. Her purple hair flowed down to her shoulders, and her golden eyes shone with quiet intensity.
"Please escort our guests to the VI area. Make sure they receive a good room," Sterling instructed. "They're the last students personally recommended by Lord Lucas."
Lilly eyed Baldwin and Athan for a moment too long, her gaze unreadable.
Sterling, noticing the tension, chuckled and said, "Now, now, Lilly… don't make them uncomfortable with that stare."
"My apologies," Lilly said, bowing slightly.
"Baldwin, Athan—this is Lilly," Sterling said warmly. "She's a third-year student and assistant secretary of the student council. Exceptionally skilled in magic, especially for her age."
"Master, you flatter me too much," Lilly replied. "I'm hardly deserving of such praise."
Sterling waved her humility aside with a light laugh. "Lilly, these two were rescued by Lord Lucas himself—and recommended with his final words."
"Yes, Master. You mentioned that just moments ago," Lilly said flatly.
"Oh, did I? Slipped my mind. Hahaha!" Sterling laughed, scratching his head.
Lilly turned to Baldwin and Athan once again. "Please follow me," she said. Her voice was calm but carried a sharp edge.
Sterling gave them a final nod. "Ask her anything about the academy. She'll answer."
"We will," Baldwin said as he stood. Athan followed.
Together, they left the headmaster's office, walking behind Lilly as she guided them deeper into the heart of the academy.
Far from Baldwin and Athan, back in their original world, within the blood-stained obsidian walls of the Red Moon Castle, Katz Abyzou sat upon the small throne—positioned just behind the grand one that remained empty.
Her crimson eyes were clouded with worry.
It had been a month since her brother, the Emperor—Katz Baldwin VI—vanished without a trace. He had gone silent. No word, no signal, and most concerning of all, no shadow link.
Shadow users could normally sense one another across great distances, and though they could block or mask themselves from others, Abyzou was a unique case. Unlike most, Baldwin had never truly been able to sever the bond between them, not completely. Her shadow abilities were far more refined—almost divine in nature.
But now… even that connection was gone.
There were only two possibilities when such a disappearance occurred. Either Baldwin had somehow completely severed their bond—which should have been impossible even for him—or…
Abyzou clenched her fists.
The second possibility was unthinkable, death.
But that too was impossible. Baldwin was no ordinary demon. He was the Demon King—stronger than nations, feared by gods, and unmatched in combat. No, Abyzou refused to believe her brother could die.
So she sat in silence, haunted by a terrifying question: what if there was a third reason?
Had the gods themselves intervened? Had they taken him? Or had he crossed into some realm beyond her reach?
As she brooded, a firm knock came at the throne room doors.
"Enter," Abyzou said without looking up.
The heavy doors creaked open. A well-dressed old man stepped inside, wearing a long black coat and a matching hat. His white hair flowed to his shoulders, and sharp yellow eyes gleamed beneath the brim. He looked composed, dignified—even dangerous.
"Lord Abyzou," he greeted with a courteous bow. "I hope you're doing well."
Abyzou stood immediately, her posture formal but tinged with relief.
"Lord Ragnar. A pleasant surprise. It's been a while. How are you faring?"
"I'm as well as one can be in these times," Ragnar replied with a soft chuckle. "And the Katz family? I trust all is well?"
"We're managing. Though..." Abyzou's voice trailed as she offered a faint smile. "What brings you to the capital so suddenly, Lord Ragnar?"
He scratched his head lightly and gave a small laugh.
"I had a feeling you might be in trouble. Thought I'd see if I could be of use."
"You're always helpful," Abyzou said, finally allowing herself a small, genuine smile. "And you're right. I am… concerned."
Ragnar's smile faded. His tone shifted.
"Then allow me to ask plainly: where is our Emperor?"
Abyzou exhaled.
"He left to investigate the humans. Specifically… their hidden laboratories. We found evidence that the pandemic was a man-made weapon. He believed the rest of us would move too slowly, so—true to his nature—he went alone."
Ragnar nodded. "Just as I'd expect. Sometimes I forget… Baldwin wasn't only a Demon King. He was also humanity's hero once."
"But that's not the only problem." Abyzou's voice turned colder. "Asmodeus has also disappeared. Reports suggest he's aligned himself with a mysterious organization. I don't need to tell you what that could mean."
Ragnar's eyes narrowed.
"Asmodeus… that child was always antagonistic toward Baldwin. And let's not forget Lord Sylas and Korath—they too hold resentment toward your brother. If Asmodeus is working with them, he's already broken imperial law."
A silence fell between them.
It was Ragnar who finally broke it.
"Lord Abyzou," he said, stepping forward, "I request permission to cross into human alliance territory."
"Which alliance?" Abyzou asked, raising an eyebrow. "The humans have too many. They're more divided than ever."
"I'm referring to the UPSC and the democratic Rance Republic," Ragnar said. "That's where I'll begin. I intend to search for both the Emperor and the traitor, Asmodeus."
Abyzou studied him carefully. "That's a long road for someone your age. Are you certain you can manage this alone?"
Ragnar smiled. "I may be old, Lord Abyzou—but I'm still Ragnar Shadowvell. I haven't let go of my edge just yet. I will investigate this mysterious organization and the experiments they're conducting. One way or another… I will find answers."
"Very well." Abyzou straightened her back. "As governor of the Red Moon Empire, I grant you permission to travel beyond our borders. May the shadows guide you, Lord Ragnar."
With a respectful bow, Ragnar turned and left the throne room.
And once again, Abyzou was left alone—with nothing but silence… and a growing storm of thoughts.