After the village bandit incident, four bandits had been killed, and more than eight villagers were seriously injured—including the village priest and a young sister. The next morning, Baldwin, Athan, Spark, and Matthew departed. They managed to get a new carriage—not as fancy as the previous one, but functional enough to continue their journey.
They traveled for another four days. Silence filled the air. No conversations, no glances exchanged—just the sound of wheels turning and horses trotting. Finally, they arrived at a small town. The guards stopped them at the entrance for inspection but allowed them in after a routine check.
Spark decided they'd stay the night here. Once they settled in, each of them went their own way.
As for Baldwin and Athan, they found themselves in a dim, quiet room. Moonlight streamed in through the window, casting soft beams over the wooden floor. The deep blue sky and the starlight above were so calming, neither of them felt the need to turn on the lantern.
"We've become quite human, haven't we?" Athan asked, gazing at the moon.
"Human?" Baldwin replied. "The definition of 'human' is complicated… layered."
"Hah, if you say it like that, then I suppose I agree," Athan chuckled. "After all, we've disguised ourselves as humans for so long."
"Athan… vampires live long. They drink the blood of humans, elves, demi-humans. To many, vampires are considered lesser demons."
"True. But not everyone can handle elf blood," Athan said with a small laugh. "That's… a luxury."
"Athan," Baldwin said, his voice quieter now, "have you ever thought about how humans feel? When you suck their blood?"
Athan fell silent for a moment. "Yes. I did it… seven times. Once, I saw a child dying. It was an emergency. I didn't want to, but… survival leaves little room for mercy."
He turned to Baldwin. "What's with this conversation? Feeling poetic tonight?"
"Not quite," Baldwin said, standing up. "I have a task for you, my friend. Don't worry—I'm doing it too."
He pulled out two black cloaks with deep hoods and handed one to Athan.
"A task?" Athan asked as he threw on the robe and walked to the window.
"We're here to gather information. I'll take the right side of town," Baldwin said.
"I see. Simple enough," Athan replied. "Then I'll take the left."
And with that, he jumped out of the window and vanished into the night.
"Thank you," Baldwin murmured, then disappeared into his shadow.
Moments later, he reappeared in a narrow alleyway near the town's eastern sector. Ahead of him was a door—ornate, clean, and polished, looking out of place amidst the alley's dust and silence.
"Looks like this place isn't for everyone," Baldwin muttered.
He approached and pushed open the bar door. The inside was dim but elegant. A few warm lanterns glowed faintly against the dark wood walls. A single man stood behind the counter, cleaning a glass.
"Welcome, sir," the man said with a bow. "How can I help you tonight?"
"Give me something to drink," Baldwin said as he settled into the chair. "But nothing alcoholic."
"Understood, sir," the bartender replied with a nod. "While I prepare your drink, would you like to browse some of our books?"
"No, thank you. I'd rather talk—if you don't mind."
"It would be my honor," the man said, smiling as he turned toward the shelf. "What flavor would you prefer? Strawberry or dates?"
"Dates?" Baldwin tilted his head. "Haven't had that in a long time. Let's go with that."
"Excellent choice. And what do you think of our small town so far?"
"It's good. Just arrived today," Baldwin replied, scanning the quiet, dimly lit room.
"Then I hope your stay is peaceful."
Just then, the door opened with a creak. Another customer entered. The bartender offered a warm greeting.
"Welcome back, sir. Been a while since you've visited."
The man didn't respond—he simply took a seat at the counter.
The bartender returned to Baldwin, placing a clear glass in front of him. "Here you go. I hope it's to your liking."
Baldwin took a sip. "Smooth. Just right."
The quiet customer glanced over. "Looks like you're not a fan of liquor."
"I avoid it," Baldwin said casually. "Doesn't suit me."
The man raised an eyebrow. "Where are you heading, traveler?"
"You noticed?" Baldwin said with a small smile. "Crossroad City."
"Ah, you mean Crossroad Academy, don't you?"
"Yeah, something like that."
Crossword, Crossroad, North-south... this world has too many confusing names, Baldwin thought.
The bartender served the other man a glass of orange-colored liquor.
Then, the man leaned closer to Baldwin. "Want to hear a secret about the academy?"
Baldwin's expression didn't change, but his eyes sharpened. "I'd be glad to."
On the other side of town, Athan was sitting alone in a noisy tavern. The room smelled of grilled meat and freshly poured beer. He nursed a mug lazily, letting the chatter of strangers fill the air.
A group of people entered, laughter following them as they found a table nearby. One of the women, wearing a travel cloak and carrying a satchel, glanced at Athan.
"Mind if we sit here?" she asked.
"Not at all," Athan said, waving his hand with a lazy grin.
They settled down. Another man leaned forward. "So, where are you coming from?"
Athan scratched the back of his head. "Hmm… I think it was called North City? I kinda forgot. There was a war going on against the Dark Side."
The group immediately fell into silence. Even the clinking of mugs seemed to pause.
Athan blinked and looked around. "Huh? What happened? Why so serious all of a sudden?"
He took another sip and added, "Anyway, I remember we're heading north."
"I heard the Dark Side launched a crossfire against us," another woman said, this one wearing a wide witch's hat.
"Yes. Sir Lucas… he was the one who sent me to the academy. A good man. I hope I get to see him again once all this mess clears up," Athan said.
The man across the table glanced nervously at the others. "You… didn't know?"
"Shh! Don't tell him!" the first woman whispered.
Athan narrowed his eyes. "Lucas isn't exactly a stranger. What's going on?"
The woman with the witch hat hesitated, then sighed. "Sir Lucas Whitecat… he's dead."
Athan froze mid-sip. "What?"
"They found what was left of him," the man said grimly. "A dismembered body. Torn to pieces."
Athan stared into his mug. "Lucas… is dead?"
His voice was quiet now. "What in the world…?"
After the night passed, Baldwin, Athan, Spark, and Matthew finally resumed their journey toward Crossroad Academy.
It was a long road, but at last, they reached their destination. After the checkpoint cleared them, the city gates opened.
As they entered, Matthew stepped down from the carriage.
"It was a great time with you all," he said. "I'm grateful you took me in."
"We were happy to help," Athan replied.
Baldwin extended his hand. "Take care."
Matthew shook it firmly and, with a respectful nod, turned and walked away into the city streets.
"It seems the arrogant guy had some manners after all," Baldwin murmured, eyes scanning the city.
"It must be in their blood," Athan chuckled. "You can't blame them."
"I don't know… something about him still rubs me the wrong way. I just hope he doesn't become a problem later."
"Let's hope not. At any cost, we need to return to our world," Athan said.
"Yes. And here, there's no one who can help us yet. But let's stay optimistic," Baldwin added.
Spark peeked through the curtain, looking at them from the front of the carriage. "Hey! We're here. You've got the letter, right?"
"Yes, I think so… right, Baldwin?" Athan asked.
"Huh? Letter?" Baldwin reached inside his robe. "Wait, let me check—"
"What the heck?! Do you know how much—" Spark was mid-sentence when a voice outside interrupted.
"Hey! Kid! Where the hell are you parking that piece of junk?! You blind or something?" a man shouted.
"I-I'm sorry! We're from the South City Lord's region, I swear!" Spark stammered.
"South City? Ha! You should've lied better. Why would a lord travel in such a busted carriage?"
"Well, someone's about to get karma," Baldwin muttered. Two letters emerged from the shadows behind him, one gliding to Athan, the other to Baldwin.
"Alright, that's my job done!" Spark said. "The guards will take you to the Royal Principal's room now."
Baldwin and Athan stepped down from the carriage and approached the guards.
"Here are the candidates," Spark said, handing over the sealed letters. "Please be gentle with them."
"Of course. I wouldn't dare raise my voice," the guard responded respectfully.
"No, I mean… they've had their memories wiped. Except their names, they don't remember anything," Spark explained.
"Oh… I see. Poor souls," the guard said, nodding. "Thank you for your service. Please wait in the reception area. We have news for you."
"News? For me?" Spark blinked.
Meanwhile—
"Baldwin," Athan leaned closer and whispered, "Did you ever tell Spark about Lucas?"
"You're the one who told me not to. Is your brain alright? Sunlight getting to it or something?" Baldwin replied dryly.
"Oh… I guess I forgot. Somehow," Athan mumbled.
"Please follow me, honored guests," the guard instructed.
"Yes," Baldwin nodded. As they started to walk, he paused and looked back at Spark, who was just about to turn away.
"Spark!" Baldwin called, stepping forward.
Spark turned, raising an eyebrow. "What?"
Baldwin looked at him, voice calm and steady.
"Kid, we may be older than you, but you're more mature than most. Never let anyone make you feel small. There'll be times you lose people, times you make mistakes. But it doesn't mean those bad moments last forever. Use that pain. Use that anger. Grow stronger from it."
Spark stood frozen for a second, mouth slightly open.
"Okay… huh—wait, who are you calling kid?!" he barked, realizing too late.
Baldwin and Athan were already walking again.
"Baldwin!" Spark called.
Baldwin stopped but didn't turn around.
"Thanks for the advice. I'll remember it," Spark said. "We'll meet again. Until then… take care."
Baldwin turned briefly, flashing a small, knowing smile. "We will."
Then, with Athan at his side and the guards leading the way, they stepped forward—into Crossroad Academy, and deeper into the unknown fate that awaited them.