After Lilly guided them through the academy, it became impossible not to notice the sheer scale of the place. The halls stretched endlessly, the ceilings high and arched like a royal palace. It was larger than anything either of them had expected.
It took quite some time before they finally reached the VI Hall.
Compared to other dormitory halls, this one was special—quieter, more refined, with elegant stonework and soft lights glowing along the corridor. Maids moved about busily, tending to rooms and sweeping the polished floors.
They climbed a long flight of stairs to reach the second floor.
Rows of doors lined each side of the corridor.
Lilly raised her hand and pointed.
"This one is yours," she said, looking at Baldwin. Then turning to Athan, "And this one is yours. Take a rest for now. The maids will inform you when it's time for dinner."
Without waiting for their response, she turned and left.
Athan watched her go, then glanced at Baldwin.
"Strange girl, isn't she?"
"Yes," Baldwin nodded. "Reminds me of Olivia."
"Who's that?" Athan asked while unlocking his door.
"The Hero's child," Baldwin replied, walking into his room.
Once inside, Baldwin summoned Inkbound from his shadow. The living book hovered in the air, fluttering slightly like a bird ready to speak.
"So, where are we now, Mr. Baldwin?" Inkbound asked casually.
"Some academy… something like 'Crossroad.'" Baldwin answered, settling into a chair.
"Ah, the famous academy. So… any grand plan, Mr. Demon King? Going to shout from the rooftops that you're the ruler of another world?" Inkbound teased.
"No," Baldwin said flatly. "That's why I brought you out."
"Fair enough," Inkbound said. "Well, Crossroad Academy is well-known for its magical education. You could become a knight, perhaps?"
"A knight?" Baldwin scoffed. "What a joke. An emperor like me playing soldier in someone else's army? Spare me."
"Then maybe a mage? They have status, at least."
"Tch. Just tell me about their magic system. How does this academy sort it all out?"
"Alright, alright. There are four main classes of magic here: Writing, Spells, Grimoires, and Magic Circles," Inkbound began. "Writing magic uses mana to literally write symbols into the air—or, if you're daring, onto the body of your opponent."
"Write on the enemy?" Baldwin raised an eyebrow. "That sounds stupidly risky."
"Well, most skilled mages don't need to touch the target. They can write mid-air—but it's hard to master. Very few can do it."
"I'm not interested," Baldwin said with a wave of his hand.
"Then there's spellcasting—chanting incantations with perfect pronunciation," Inkbound continued.
"Yeah, I've seen that nonsense before. Some guy mutters about fake gods, and boom—he's exploded by the enemy before the spell finishes. Waste of time."
"Grimoires are next," Inkbound said, his voice brightening. "They feed off the user's mana and, in return, grant immense power—like me!"
"Oh, right—you," Baldwin said with a smirk. "So you're a grimoire? No wonder you're so… useless."
"Hey! Who are you calling useless? I'm giving you valuable information!"
"Sure, sure. But everything you've said so far is common sense where I come from."
"Common sense? This magic knowledge?"
"Who do you think you're talking to? I'm the Demon King, not a dentist."
"Dentist?" Inkbound repeated. "Never heard of that."
"Figures. You're a thousand years behind. You wouldn't know even if I explained it."
"You and your weird knowledge…" Inkbound mumbled.
Baldwin didn't reply. Instead, he pulled out a wrapped object from within his shadow—the gift Kamata had given him.
As the cloth unwrapped, a gleam of steel shone in the moonlight.
Inkbound's eyes widened.
"This… this is the legendary Secret Sword!" he gasped, floating closer. "Where did you get this?!"
"Someone gave it to me as a gift," Baldwin said, running a finger across the edge of the blade.
"Someone gave you that? And you're able to wield it?" Inkbound exclaimed inside his mind. "Are you kidding me? That sword is sacred! No way a mere mortal should even touch it!"
Just then, a knock echoed from the door.
"Baldwin, it's me—Athan," came the familiar voice from the hallway.
Baldwin stood, opened the door, and let him in.
Athan entered casually but his eyes were sharp, scanning the room.
"Did you notice?" he said, lowering his voice. "We're being watched. This place has surveillance enchantments."
"I noticed," Baldwin replied, shrugging as he closed the door.
"Then why are you sitting here with that sword and that book out in the open?" Athan gestured toward both.
"It's all part of the plan," Baldwin said calmly, returning to his seat.
"Plan?" Athan raised an eyebrow.
"I wanted them to see the sword. And the book. Let them observe. Let them get curious."
Inkbound buzzed inside Baldwin's mind, catching on.
"So that's why you pulled me out and asked about the magic system. Then revealed the sword… You sly bastard."
Athan nodded slowly, piecing it together.
"Ah… I get it. For once, Baldwin is actually using his brain."
Inkbound chuckled.
"Well, that still doesn't answer the question: How are you going to prove to them that you're the new Hero? What if they accuse you of stealing that sword?"
"I already proved it," Baldwin said without hesitation.
"What? How?"
"The moment I left the headmaster's room," Baldwin replied, a smirk forming on his lips.
Inkbound went quiet for a beat. Then, with a whisper like ancient ink spilling on parchment, it murmured,
"You're a fish from the deep sea…"
Baldwin scoffed.
"Offensive? I am the Demon King—the ruler of the Supreme Empire," he said proudly as he sat on the bed.
Athan folded his arms, then gave up and sat on a nearby chair.
"You should sit comfortably," Baldwin said with a grin, lying back with both hands behind his head. "Because something very intriguing is about to happen."
Athan narrowed his eyes.
"Just don't get us thrown out before dinner."
After a while, a knock echoed from the door.
"Here they come," Baldwin said, sitting up slightly.
"Hopefully not trouble. Just a normal dinner invitation," Athan muttered as he stood and went to open the door.
On the other side stood a maid with black hair and dark eyes. She bowed politely.
"Dear guests, Master Sterling invites you to join him for dinner," she said with practiced grace.
"Yes, we'll be there, Miss… Maid…?" Athan rubbed the back of his head, flashing an awkward smile.
The maid gave a soft chuckle. "You may call me Sara. I'll be waiting here for you."
With another bow, she stepped aside to give them room.
Athan closed the door and turned toward Baldwin.
"Please wait a moment," Baldwin said, walking to the window. He opened it and glanced around outside, inspecting the surroundings in silence. Then he turned back, heading toward the exit.
"What was that all about?" Athan asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Just a quick check-up," Baldwin replied, casually placing Inkbound and the sword back into his shadow.
He opened the door and stepped outside, meeting Sara's gaze.
"You must be Sara, right?" Baldwin asked with a calm smile.
"Yes, guest. Please follow me. I'll lead the way," she said, motioning down the hall.
"With pleasure, miss," Baldwin replied, nodding respectfully.
Athan followed, stepping out of the room and shutting the door behind him. He trailed behind Baldwin, hands in his pockets.
"Let's hope the dinner's worth the walking," Athan muttered under his breath.
The three walked down the hallway, the soft clatter of their footsteps echoing through the grand halls of Crossroad Academy.