Soon enough, Robin and Caesar arrived at the institution. Its high walls and imposing gate were enough to raise Robin's hopes and inspire a touch of awe in Caesar's heart.
Bowing respectfully, the servant announced, "By order of Lady Mila Bradley, I bring a letter to Sir Felix Bradley, the distinguished head of this institution."
Two guards at the tenth level approached. After a brief exchange of questions, they escorted the three of them toward the head's office. On the way, Robin and Caesar busied themselves by looking around, trying to form a general idea of the place where they would be spending the next few years.
The institution was vast and well organized. Robin noticed sections of large villas with backyards, areas of smaller buildings, and massive structures under heavy guard.
After a few minutes, the five reached their destination: a medium-sized building protected by several high-level guards. After exchanging information, the two gate guards returned to their posts, while another guard stationed before the president's office took the servant's letter. "Wait here," he said, before disappearing inside. Moments later, he called, "Enter."
The servant, having completed his duty, quietly withdrew. When Robin and Caesar stepped inside, they found the chief guard leaving, while behind the desk sat a middle-aged man with the appearance of a scholar. Smiling faintly, he waited until the guard departed and then spoke:
"I'm curious. Who exactly are you, to receive a personal nomination from Lady Mila herself—along with such a generous monthly allowance?"
"In response to the head of the institution, our names are Robin and Caesar Burton," Robin said calmly. "Lady Mila owes me, and this is how she chose to repay the debt. She is a truly generous lady."
He saw no reason to conceal the truth. Since Mila had recognized him at first sight, hiding his identity was pointless. The Burton family name was widespread, and countless people had seen him before and were still alive today. Unless he completely altered his appearance, he could never hope to remain undiscovered—and there was no need to try.
"Hm? Mila owes you?" Felix was stunned. His eyes swept over the boy in front of him. A mortal, barely twelve, who had not even reached the first level of cultivation? Scum among scum. No matter how he looked at him—or at the other boy beside him—he found nothing special. Still, he did not press the matter. Whatever the reason, if Mila had not explained herself, it was not his place to pry.
"Very well," Felix said at last. "I will assign you the numbers 207 and 208. You may receive your student badges from the coordination office, along with the keys to your residences. You are expected to attend lectures daily at ten in the morning. And here—" he stamped several documents with his personal seal and tossed them toward Robin—"this paper will allow you to claim your monthly allowance from the treasury, either in coin or in cultivation resources, as you prefer." He then waved them off.
Robin bowed lightly, Caesar followed, and together they left the office.
Collecting their badges and keys went smoothly, and at the treasury Robin chose to exchange the full two hundred gold coins for energy stones.
From time to time, groups of students passed by. Each time, they burst into laughter at the sight of two mortals struggling under the weight of massive bags filled with stones, then moved on. This continued until Robin and Caesar finally reached their new homes.
Inside House 207, Robin exhaled with relief. "Heeh~ It's been a long day, but finally we can start training properly!" he said with a laugh as he moved to choose a room. Suddenly, there came a knock at the main door.
Robin opened it to find a group of young men. Their leader was smiling at first, but when he saw that Robin was merely a mortal, the smile disappeared."Go fetch your master."
"I have no master. I am the owner of this house. Can I help you with something?" Robin replied evenly.
"Owner? Don't waste our time, kid. Call your master!"
"That's right! If he's too arrogant to come out, at least tell us who he is!"
Robin waited patiently until they all finished. "Too bad. But I really am the owner here. What do you want?"
"You? A mere mortal like you, claiming equal rights with us?" The young man's eyes widened in disbelief. "We heard two new students arrived… don't tell me the other one is also a mortal?"
"He's just like me. Is that a problem? We're a little busy, so…" Robin gestured toward the street, clearly dismissing them.
"You…" The leader clenched his fists. "I don't know where you and the other piece of trash came from, and I don't care either. I am Remus, son of Marcus Rufus, so you had better show me respect! In fact—my residence has become a little cramped lately, and I've decided to take another one to use as a clubhouse for me and my noble friends. You don't mind if I take House 208, do you?" His lips curled in a cruel smile.
"Actually, I mind very much."
"Are you saying you want to resort to violence?" Remus sneered, raising his fist.
"No. I just mind. If you insist on taking the house, I'll hand you the keys." Robin's tone was flat, while Caesar looked at him strangely from behind.
"…Give me the keys." Remus narrowed his eyes. He didn't believe Robin would give in so easily. No ordinary mortal entered the institution; even if Robin was powerless, Remus had expected at least some resistance. This request was only meant to test Robin's background.
"Here you go." Robin tossed the keys to him, then closed the door without another word, leaving the group outside stunned. Moments later, their mocking laughter filled the courtyard, followed by the noise of singing and revelry spilling from House 208.
Caesar looked at him, "You could have at least asked for some money in exchange..." The house was not important, house 207 could easily accommodate both of them. And of course, he knew that they could not defend the house yet, so Robin acted normally, and it suited his style, he won't enter uncertain battles.
Robin laughed, "No, we may not need the house now, but we will definitely need it later... If I take some coins for it or say I'm willing to give it, I won't have any face to call it back, let them have their fun for now... I'll send you to beat them up later and take it back for me."