A gigantic palace lies in a long gorge, bridging the central and northern regions. After the kingdom fell, this place became a center for spreading knowledge.
Modern people have given a new name to this grand ancient building.
'Pablosa Ruines.'
The only remaining relic containing the knowledge of the legendary city 'Babylon.'
An elite academy attended only by the upper echelon of nobility, referred to as the upper crust.
This prestigious institution attracts the scions of powerful families and even those with royal blood from across the continent.
'Of course.'
Studying here wasn't a mandatory course. My second brother, Hysteria, also attended for about a week before dropping out.
'No,'
He was expelled for killing a fellow student, so it wasn't a dropout but an expulsion.
Heeee!
The horses neighed, and the carriage came to a halt. Although the academy was still not in sight, why had we stopped midway up the mountain?
"Young master."
The knight driving the carriage suddenly drew his sword. The hunter standing beside him, sensing something, aimed his bow into the forest.
'I can't sense anything.'
Thud, thud, thud.
A beast larger than the carriage emerged from the shadows. At first glance, it seemed to be a lion, but it had a goat's head on one side.
Moreover, its tail was in the shape of a snake, reminding me of the 'chimera' created by someone who had climbed the tower with me in my past life.
'So that's why I couldn't sense it.'
However, creating a chimera isn't something just anyone can do. Could it be that he is here?
The greatest alchemist who was expelled from the Alchemist Guild for attempting to create the forbidden 'Philosopher's Stone.'
The knight and hunter kept their guard up, wary of the chimera. Unlike our reaction, it leisurely looked around and then disappeared back into the forest.
As if a superior being was looking at creatures far beneath it.
"…Phew!"
As the chimera disappeared, the knight sighed in relief. The hunter beside him was drenched in sweat.
"Thank goodness. I didn't expect it to show up."
From their reaction, it seemed they knew the chimera's identity.
"It's fortunate we were warned about it beforehand. If we had attacked without knowing, it could have been disastrous."
"Indeed. If rumors spread that the carriage carrying Young Master Verdin was attacked…"
The hunter swallowed hard.
Indeed, if such a thing happened, my father would turn this area into a sea of fire.
Not for my sake but for the honor of the Stranges.
"I'm sorry, young master. We'll depart shortly."
"It's fine. We have plenty of time, so take your time to look around."
By evening, the three brothers would still be in class, so I just needed to arrive before sunset.
I don't know why Katharina wants me to meet them, but knowing the academy's circumstances, it shouldn't take too long.
* * *
Pablosa Ruines, the continent's top academy.
A sanctuary where renowned warriors, mages, priests, alchemists, and others with various professions come to learn endless knowledge.
Upon arriving there, I was questioned by a giant statue guarding the entrance.
Rumble.
"Who are you, and why have you come here?"
A very simple question.
"My name is Strange de Verdin. I'm here to meet my brothers who are currently studying here."
The statue lowered its head to my face, mimicking a pondering expression, and continued to question.
"Strange?"
"Yes."
After a brief pause, the statue blocked the carriage with its massive legs and said,
"The carriage cannot enter."
I was aware.
There are strict rules about what items and personnel can enter the academy.
These rules were created to prevent conflicts and ensure fair education for everyone from all over the continent.
"I understand."
The knight and hunter dismounted from the carriage. As they vigilantly flanked me, the statue stepped aside and advised,
"Follow the path straight ahead. Do not stray or look back, no matter what happens."
"Yes."
The instructions were simple. Any fool could follow them.
I instructed the knight and hunter,
"Do not look back."
Doing so could result in death.
"Understood."
"Yes, young master."
They obediently followed my instructions.
Following the path to its end, we finally arrived at Pablosa Ruines Academy.
Creak—
We neither knocked nor called out to open the door. Yet, the academy doors swung open, welcoming us.
'Magnificent as always.'
Upon entering, the grand chandelier that seemed to reach from the ceiling to the floor was the first thing I saw.
And on either side stood two academy caretakers, 'Nana' and 'Nunu.'
Nana, with her long blonde hair, and Nunu, with her short hair, greeted me in unison.
"Welcome, we have been expecting you."
"Lord Verdin, please follow us inside."
Did they know I was coming? I suppose DiBerry must have informed the academy when we left the mansion.
They would have said someone with the blood of the Stranges was visiting.
Following their lead, I moved further into the academy. I couldn't take my eyes off the familiar surroundings as we walked.
Memories of past events in different places here flashed through my mind, bringing back memories.
'Indeed.'
Though my time here was short, I experienced too much to forget.
'I miss it.'
Back then, I had a few I could call friends.
'...No.'
This isn't the time to indulge in such small emotions. I need to erase the brilliant days of the past from my mind and aim for even higher this time.
Thud!
Nana and Nunu pushed open the door at the end of the corridor.
Inside, where no one could read the language inscribed on the door, were only academy students.
"…You've finally arrived, Verdin."
Tony welcomed me from within the wide-open door.
* * *
An elderly man with long black hair and a black martial arts uniform stroked his long beard.
"Monestier is dead."
Albus, one of the five generals of the Holy Papal Church, wearing a short white coat over his short white hair, slowly stroked the snake coiled around his neck and replied.
"I've already heard about that. But you know that as a member of the Holy Papal Church, I can't offer any help."
"I know, that's why I came to you. You can still help, even if you can't take direct action, right?"
The two sat at a round table, watching each other warily as if locked in a power struggle.
"Why aren't you answering?"
"Just to be sure, you're not thinking of avenging Monestier, are you?"
"Yes."
"If that's the case, then I cannot participate in this operation. No matter how much Monestier was my teacher-"
Bang!
The elderly man with black hair slammed his fist on the table.
Albus sighed, using mana to deflect the liquid from the fallen teacup.
Phew-
"Let's solve this with words. How can someone as learned and long-lived as you resort to such barbarism?"
"Shut up, Albus. Do you know how long it took us to place you in that position?"
Albus shrugged.
"Even if my mouth is crooked, let's speak straight. The only reason I'm in this position is due to my efforts. Besides Monestier, no one helped me."
"So I'm asking you to avenge the one who did help you."
"..."
"No matter how ungrateful you may be, you must repay the favor to the one who raised you, right?"
"Favor?"
"Yes, favor. Who picked you up, a lone orphan, and taught you swordsmanship and alchemy? Wasn't it Monestier?"
The black-haired elder stood up, unable to contain his anger.
With a flushed face and clenched fists, he looked like he might strike Albus at any moment.
"I'm grateful for that. But if I mess with Strange now, I might die too, don't you understand?"
"So I'm telling you not to take action directly but to support us from behind."
"How?"
"…You have a disciple at Luines Academy, right? What's his name? Philip?"
Albus raised his eyebrows with interest.
"Yes, that's right."
"There are currently three people at Luines Academy with the name Strange."
"Oh, I've heard. The three brothers Tony, Johnny, and Ronnie, right? Their mother is the master of the Alchemist Guild, I've heard."
A man wrapped like a mummy with bandages around his body waved a finger in front of Albus's face, interrupting the conversation.
"Don't call that woman a master. That title was temporarily gained through the emperor's favor, but I'll soon take that position myself."
"Count Freddy?"
"Yes! I'm keeping a low profile now due to the war with the Glazer gang, but… One day, our family will rise again."
"Yes, yes, you've repeated that for years now. You always say the glory of the Medici family will rise again."
"Soon. Once we finish avenging Monestier and start climbing the tower again! I'll quickly regain my strength."
Albus nodded deeply and turned his gaze back to the black-haired elder.
"So what do you want me to do about those three brothers?"
The black-haired elder pulled a large brush from his back and began drawing a monkey on a large piece of paper.
Sssssssk-
"The youngest of the Stranges, Verdin, is heading to the academy now."
"Verdin…"
"He'll probably arrive by this evening. Then you should take this paper to your disciple."
The black-haired elder, smiling slyly, held up the completed paper and continued the conversation with a satisfied expression.
"If you can just get this paper inside the academy, I'll take care of the rest."