Principal Elric's gaze swept across the hall one last time before his tone dropped into something more cryptic.
"And finally… for the last announcement," he said, voice low and deliberate. "Starting tomorrow, all students will be sent to undergo a practical test in the Gorvanna Forest. You are strictly forbidden to venture deep into the forest. Those who do… will be on their own."
A heavy silence fell over the students, their chatter snuffed out by the ominous warning.
Without another word, Elric turned and left the stage, his robes fluttering behind him.
Later, in the Principal's Office…
Elric sat behind his desk, quietly sipping tea, when the door creaked open and a figure stepped inside.
It was Ishara,
She closed the door with a sharp click and crossed her arms. "What did you mean by opening the academy to all species? Are you seriously going through with it?"
Elric chuckled softly, stroking his beard. "Yes, I'm serious. The world is changing, Ishara. We humans cannot stand against the demons alone. If the Demon Lord rises again, we'll need everyone. Elves, dwarves, beastkin… even vampires."
Ishara tapped her chin, thoughtful. "You're not wrong. We only have five deity-class magicians left in the entire continent. That wouldn't even be enough to delay the Demon Lord—let alone stop him. And the Demon King of legend… let's not even go there."
She paused, then narrowed her eyes. "Wait. Don't tell me… you're planning to go to the Vampire Realm?"
Elric gave her a sheepish, wry smile. "Well… yes. I believe they're ready. Their newer generations have learned to control their thirst. Many don't even consume human blood anymore."
Ishara's eyes widened through blindfold, then narrowed in disbelief. "Yes, they can control themselves. But what about their progenitor? You haven't forgotten the stories, have you? His aura alone suppressed five deity-class mages. And his wives—each one scarier than the last. Are you planning to negotiate with them, too?"
Elric set his cup down and exhaled. "If we want to survive what's coming… we don't have a choice."
Ishara sighed, her expression softening for a moment. "Well, I have to leave now. The temple priest has sent a summons for my return. And more importantly…" She looked over her shoulder. "Take care of my daughter."
With a graceful wave of her hand, she turned and walked out of the room, her long coat billowing slightly behind her.
Elric could only smile wryly, muttering under his breath, "As if I could ever say no to that."
Meanwhile, somewhere between kingdoms…
A line of carriages rolled steadily along a dirt path heading toward the Gorvanna Continent. Unlike the ornate gold or silver ones belonging to nobles, these were plain and colorless—sturdy, utilitarian, and cramped.
Inside one such carriage, a handful of boys sat slumped against each other, trying—and mostly failing—to get some sleep. The limited space made resting difficult, and the constant rattling of the wheels didn't help.
Carl lay awake, staring at the wooden roof just inches above his face.
This world... it's so different from my old one.
His thoughts swirled restlessly. With all these magic spells, you'd think they'd have developed useful tools—basic conveniences! I can already think of a dozen innovations just from reading the original owner's memories. So much potential, just... wasted.
He flexed his fingers slowly, looking down at his hands.
This body… it's built for magic. No doubt about it.
The more he reviewed the memories, the more convinced he became. The boy he now inhabited had a rare affinity—especially for spell crafting.
Spell crafting… now that's something special. According to the books in his memory, even veteran magicians struggle to create spells from scratch. But this kid—he could just look at the theory and instinctively piece it together. Incredible.
A spark of excitement flickered in Carl's eyes.
With that kind of talent, and my modern knowledge… I can create a business that surpass wealth of even empires,