Shortly after, the two noble houses finally began traveling in the same direction. They left Cairo behind, though not without leaving a clear warning for the village lord.
Inside the carriage, Edsel sat with Mia.
He felt satisfied with how everything had unfolded today. It didn't matter if Mary needed a week or even two weeks to act. Eventually the plan would succeed.
When the time came, he might have an entire army of half-breeds under his command.
"My lord," Mia said quietly, "once we arrive at the academy, I can return to Cairo if you wish. I can monitor the progress there."
Edsel looked at her thoughtfully. She was loyal enough to go that far, but she wasn't the right person for that task.
"No," he said. "Don't go to Cairo. Return to the estate instead and monitor my father."
"Yes, sir."
"And keep a close eye on Hans," Edsel added. "That man isn't normal."
Mia nodded in understanding while committing the orders to memory.
Edsel sighed deeply and folded his arms while looking out the window. Finally, he was heading to the academy. That meant he would soon see the heroine who was destined to kill him in the future. And most importantly, he would encounter the main character himself, the child of luck known as Edwin Perrin.
A faint smile appeared on Edsel's face.
He wondered what the academy would look like in reality. In the game it had been massive and majestic, but seeing it with his own eyes would surely feel different.
Curiosity slowly gave way to exhaustion.
Edsel closed his eyes and allowed sleep to take him.
**********
The journey continued as the carriages passed through winding mountain roads.
Hours turned into more hours. Occasionally they stopped to rest before continuing forward again.
Three long days passed like this.
Finally, their journey came to an end.
They had arrived at the Republic of Saint Tristen.
Long ago, several powerful empires had fought for control over magical education. After the first founder defeated the Great Demon God, those empires feared that such power could ignite endless war.
To prevent that future, they established a neutral republic devoted entirely to knowledge and learning.
Saint Tristen became an independent state, protected by multiple empires and recognized as neutral territory.
Most importantly, it became the home of the greatest academy in the world. A place where future heroes would be trained to defeat the Demon King 'Lich'.
As Edsel looked out from the carriage window, he saw a massive statue standing proudly at the entrance.
The statue depicted a cloaked man holding a sword in one hand and a staff in the other. Edsel recognized it immediately, It was exactly the same statue from the game Heroes of the Light.
The founder, the man known as the Great Father.
"Young Master, we have arrived."
Perez stood beside the carriage window.
"It seems our journey will soon end outside the academy," he continued. "Our carriages can't cross beyond that point."
"I understand," Edsel replied calmly. "Although it pains me to say it, I've enjoyed spending time with everyone."
"Young Master…"
Perez rubbed his nose awkwardly before smiling proudly. A moment later he quickly hid the expression again. Even so, Edsel could tell, Despite his strict discipline and the harsh training of a soldier, Perez was clearly proud of him.
The moment they entered the republic after passing through the soldiers at the border, the difference was immediately clear.
The entire territory was carefully maintained. The roads were clean and wide, merchants lined the streets, and magnificent statues decorated the plazas and intersections. Elegant buildings and public spaces stood everywhere, each one more impressive than the last.
It was obvious that this place had been built and funded by multiple kingdoms working together.
After some time, they finally reached the central city of Cordelia.
At the heart of the city stood a massive complex surrounded by tall gates. Several large buildings rose inside the grounds, and countless carriages were already parked outside.
They had arrived at the main entrance of Dorotheos Royal Academy.
"So this is Dorotheos Royal Academy…" Edsel muttered quietly.
Mia smiled at him.
"Young Master, I hope everything goes well for you here," she said sincerely. "Enjoy your time."
"Yeah," Edsel replied with a small nod as he stepped out of the carriage.
Perez approached him with the other soldiers standing behind him.
"This is as far as we can go, Young Master," Perez said warmly. "Have a pleasant semester… and promise me you won't cause any trouble."
Edsel gave a faint smile but didn't answer.
Soon afterward, the soldiers and carriages began preparing to leave.
***********
Edsel had already stepped inside the academy grounds when he suddenly heard quick footsteps behind him.
He moved slightly to the side.
A moment later, Silas crashed forward and nearly fell flat on his face.
"Ugh—! I was just trying to get closer," Silas complained.
"Don't do that again," Edsel said coldly.
He looked around the academy courtyard.
Students were everywhere, walking between buildings, talking with friends, and carrying books or luggage.
Many of them had already noticed Edsel.
Whispers spread quietly through the crowd as curious eyes followed him.
Silas glanced around as well, his eyes shining with interest.
"Wow… so this is the academy humans attend," he said quietly. "When I was still human, a place like this didn't even exist."