"Father, will we be going to the Magic Academy starting tomorrow?" I asked.
"Yes, Shiva. From tomorrow, you and Siddh will attend the Magic Academy. You may encounter demons there, so do not be afraid. There will also be knights who keep watch over everyone. If you face any trouble, you can report it to a teacher or a knight."
"Then… I want Rudra to come with me," I said.
"But… taking a butler to the Magic Academy is not allowed," the King replied.
"Then why don't you send Rudra with us as a student?" I asked.
"That is fine, but only those who possess magic can enter the academy," the King said.
(Hmm… Rudra is a demon. He must have magic.) I thought.
"Alright, Father," I said.
"Now go and get some rest," the King ordered.
(Later, in the room with Siddh and Rudra…)
"Brother, why is that wolf cub in Rudra's hands?" Siddh asked.
"We found it injured, and Rudra healed it…"
I explained everything that had happened.
"So when we returned to the palace, you told me Father was calling us. Got it?" I said.
"Oh… it looks like it's regaining consciousness," Rudra said.
"Good. Now we can ask how it got injured," I replied.
"Hey, are you okay?" I asked.
"Master, it seems this one cannot understand you," Rudra said.
"But Brother can talk to animals and birds… then why can't it understand?" Siddh asked.
"Well, it's still a baby. Maybe that's why," I said.
"Then… what should we name it? It needs a name to be called," I said.
"Hmm… how about Shiro?"
"That's a good name, Brother."
"From today, your name is Shiro," I said.
"Master, do you still wish to open your third eye?" Rudra asked.
"Yes. I must learn to control it. Maybe it will become one of my secret techniques," I replied.
"Rudra, I need a weapon that suits me—one that can change its form according to my will. Can you create such a weapon?" I asked.
"Master… I cannot create such a weapon, but I know where you can find one," Rudra said.
"Where?"
"You will have to come with me."
"How and where?"
"Hold my hand. I will take you there."
"Alright."
(Teleport)
"Where are we?" I asked.
"This is my palace, Master," Rudra said.
"What…? Your palace?" I asked in shock.
"Who are you? What are you doing here?" an unknown person shouted.
"It is I—your master," Rudra said, revealing his true form.
"Master…! Where have you been? We missed you so much!" a maid said.
"Where are the others? Call everyone here," Rudra ordered.
"Everyone! Come here! Master has returned!" the maid shouted.
"Master! Where did you go? We missed you so much!" everyone said together.
"Master, who is this person with you?" one servant asked.
"He is my master… and from now on, he is your master as well. You must obey his every command," Rudra declared.
"Kneel and swear your loyalty," Rudra commanded.
"Yes, Master! We swear our loyalty. We will serve you until our last breath," they all said together.
"Rudra, who are these people?" I asked.
"Master, I will explain everything… but first, you should see the sword we came here for," Rudra said.
Rudra led me to a place where a sword was kept.
"Master, this sword belonged to my previous master—the first Demon Lord," Rudra said.
"The first Demon Lord? And he was your master… that means you…" I said.
"Yes. I am an ancient demon, sealed in this palace for thousands of years—until you summoned me," Rudra replied.
"Then if this sword
belonged to the first Demon Lord… why isn't it with the current Demon Lord?" I asked.
To be continued…