The academy's grand hall was in complete chaos. Students grumbled among themselves, their voices a blend of anger and shock. Professors appeared stern, their faces reflecting their disappointment with the fellow headmaster who had broken their trust.
"We did not know about this," the elf headmaster said, his tone filled with regret and frustration. "To imagine that one of our own was guilty of such heinous things… Selling students, hiding their crimes… It is shameful. Rest assured, we will see that he is punished in the proper manner."
But Ryo, at the center of the group, slitted his eyes. "Why in the Demon Kingdom?" he asked, cutting through the buzz.
Before the elf headmaster could answer, a cold presence manifested itself from behind Ryo. The atmosphere became thick, the stifling aura causing people to shudder down their spines. As Ryo turned, he was greeted by the sight of a figure tall with jet-black hair and crimson eyes—the unmistakable marks of the Demon Lord, the leader of the demon nation. His dark robes billowed a little as he walked forward, radiating an authority that silenced the room.
"Do not worry," said the Demon Lord, his voice steady but bearing an unmistakable edge. "He will get instant execution. The Demon Nation will take complete responsibility and cover the damages. We will issue a formal apology for his foolishness too."
The hallway was quiet, except for the muffled creak of debris falling from the previous destruction. The headmasters looked at one another, still trying to wrap their heads around the fact that such an important person was among them.
Ryo's eyes did not blink. "He was your brother, wasn't he?"
The Demon Lord's face grew darker, but he nodded. "Yes. Elder brother. But never worthy of commanding a kingdom. And now, I see precisely why."
As if on command, a procession of armored guards marched into the hall, their steps quick and precise. They had come as soon as their lord had perceived the tremendous wave of power that had burst forth before. The Demon Lord shifted his gaze to them, his tone firm. "Take him away. His offenses have disgraced our country. Let this serve as a lesson that even a member of my own family is not above the law."
The humiliated headmaster, tied and vanquished, was pulled away with no struggle at all. His destiny was sealed.
After the initial tension had been diffused, the elf headmaster moved forward once more. "After weighing our options, we have resolved to shut down the academy for the next three months. We need to make sure that we discover any and all evidence of other possible victims, as well as mend the damages incurred during today's occurrences."
Ryo let out a sigh, rubbing the back of his head. "Ah, regarding that… Sorry for leveling the main building."
The dwarf headmaster burst out laughing. "Bah! Do not fret, lad. Indeed, this suits me very well. I had been considering a reconstruction for months, and now, well… I have the ideal opportunity!" His eyes sparkled with excitement, as though he was already considering how to enhance the academy's layout.
Following a few more conversations about the academy's shutdown and compensations, the students were excused. Ryo did not waste time going back to the mansion where his parents were residing. When he arrived, he was greeted by their shocked faces.
"Let me just understand this," his mother, Hana Takashi, said, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You got involved in a conspiracy, uncovered a corrupt headmaster, battled a war that came close to burning down the academy, and now the Demon Lord himself has gotten involved?"
"Pretty much," Ryo answered casually.
His father, Kazuhiro Takashi, took a deep breath. "Son, I suspected sending you to this academy would be an experience, but this is more than I anticipated."
Ryo laughed, trying to lighten the mood. "I'll be all right. It's nothing I can't handle."
His parents shared concerned looks but knew their son well enough to know that he had his own way of handling things. Eventually, after some assurances, they allowed him to go back to his room for the night.
Just as he was to get some rest, he heard a gentle knock on his door. Ryo opened it and there was Ai, her brown hair shining with the moonlight. Her brown eyes were full of determination.
"Ryo," she said, entering. "I came for my answer. Will you marry me?"
Ryo caught his breath a little. He had known this discussion, but not yet. He hesitated in his answer, "Ai, I already have two fiancées."
Before Ai could protest, another voice intervened.
"That's not important!" Selena blurted, stepping out from the hallway. Seyra was standing beside her, arms crossed, smiling mischievously. "Polygamy is permitted here. You can wed as many women as you like."
Ai looked at Selena and Seyra, then at Ryo. "Then?" she insisted.
Ryo rubbed his temple, exhaling. "You're really leaving me with no choice, are you?"
"Nope!" Selena and Seyra chimed in simultaneously.
Ai's mouth curled into a tiny smile. "Then I'll be waiting for our future."
Even before Ryo could digest everything, a royal messenger came to hand him a letter sealed with the Vampire Lord's and Dragon Emperor's emblem.
Ryo opened it and read its contents. His face changed as he read the words.
"What's that?" Seyra asked inquisitively.
Ryo took a sharp breath and raised his eyes. "An invitation to the royal palace. They wish to negotiate the creation of my country… Tomorrow."
The room was quiet. The gravity of what was to happen finally sunk in.
Seyra smiled. "Guess things are going to get even more interesting."
Ryo just groaned. "Why does everything have to go so fast?"
Selena patted him on the shoulder. "Because you're special. Now get some sleep. Tomorrow's going to be a long day."
As the night wore on, Ryo lay in bed, gazing at the ceiling, his head racing with thoughts. His life had turned a corner unexpectedly, and now, he was on the brink of something much larger than himself.
A new country… A new future…
Tomorrow, all would be different.