Baldrick smiled and spoke calmly.
"And I am Baldrick, king of this nation."
Michael nodded and looked down at the streets far below, watching people move through their daily lives. Baldrick followed his gaze and then asked,
"How were you able to find that sword It is not something easily discovered. If I am not mistaken, it was sealed atop a hidden mountain known to almost no one."
Michael answered honestly.
"I simply climbed the mountain. Even I was surprised when I saw the sword glowing there. At first I did not understand anything. But after everything that happened, I know now that I am the Tenth Sentinel."
Baldrick studied him carefully.
"Have you trained before"
Michael shook his head slightly.
"No. I had no training. After I took the sword, I went straight to the demons. I fought without technique, without skill. Only instinct. Only force. But that is why I came here. I need to understand more."
Baldrick nodded.
"There are still enemies beyond demons. Not all threats are born from the abyss. Even in Vastyrion, danger has many forms. Demons only dominated because they were the loudest and the cruelest."
Michael was silent for a moment. Then he spoke, his voice calm but thoughtful.
"If enemies exist beyond demons, then my role does not end with their extinction. That means I am not here only to kill, but to endure. To observe. To choose when to act and when not to."
Baldrick smiled faintly.
"That is a wise answer for someone so young."
With a subtle shift of energy, both of them vanished and reappeared within the palace. They walked through a hidden passage known only to the royal line. The halls were ancient, silent, and heavy with history.
"This palace is older than it appears," Baldrick said.
"It has existed for trillions of years. Even before this kingdom was named. The first Sentinel existed before Aldervain ever rose."
Michael listened carefully.
"I still wonder what happens when demons finally end. I do not think my duty will simply disappear. Something else will come. Something I cannot yet see. I know I am strong, but I have not reached my full worth."
Baldrick respected that honesty. He could sense no arrogance in Michael, only restraint.
They continued walking until Baldrick stopped and glanced at Michael's worn clothes.
"You should wear something better. Those clothes have seen too much."
"I have nothing else," Michael replied.
Baldrick smiled.
"That will not be a problem."
They entered a wide chamber where garments floated gently in the air, preserved by old enchantments. Michael chose a simple dark cloak with a hood, a long sleeved tunic without buttons, dark blue slacks, and sandals. Nothing ornate. Nothing excessive.
Baldrick offered him the bathing chamber. Michael accepted.
The water was cold. He preferred it that way. It sharpened his senses and cleared his thoughts. As water ran through his dark blond hair, he looked upward, reflecting in silence.
Afterward, dressed in clean garments, Michael stood with Baldrick atop the highest tower of the palace.
Baldrick spoke carefully.
"Michael, if another demon lord appears, you will be the greatest hope. Not because we are weak, but because you are a Sentinel. And you are still growing. By the time you reach your twenties, your power will far exceed what you know now. That is why stronger beings will seek you."
Michael nodded.
"I understand."
Baldrick continued.
"Demons seek conquest. All realms. Even the higher plane. They fail because they misunderstand balance."
Michael asked quietly.
"If demons always fail, why are they allowed to exist"
Baldrick answered without hesitation.
"The higher beings preserve balance. Good. Evil. Neutral. Existence tests endurance. It is not about winning once. It is about lasting."
Michael reflected, then said,
"I understand now."
As he prepared to leave, Baldrick asked,
"Where will you go"
"I will travel," Michael replied.
"I need to learn this realm. Its people. Its meaning."
Baldrick nodded in approval.
Michael walked through the streets, cloak flowing gently, sword hidden behind him. The guards opened the gates without question.
And so the Tenth Sentinel stepped beyond Aldervain, not as a conqueror, but as a seeker.