Not all change means improvement. Some changes merely polish old problems, cover up cracks with shiny new facades, and call it progress.
The days leading up to the entrance exams at Sentinel Academy passed in the blink of an eye. Lorenzo arrived at his destination like most other cadets: the outer city of Sentinel, bustling with hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions, and luxurious entertainment.
Even in this opulent city, a specific hotel with a hundred floors stood out. but it seemed diminutive compared to the academy's skyscrapers, which were visible from anywhere in the human sphere and soared over 300 floors.
After all, Sentinel Academy is not merely an academy or a military institution for training soldiers. Sentinel City itself was once the capital of humanity, built to be both its first city and its last fortress.
Although Sentinel lost its status as the capital due to humanity's expansion and the passage of time—or rather, after the betrayal of the Kaiser five hundred years ago—it still retains its prestige as the last refuge for humanity in times of crisis.
This reputation has only grown stronger under the stewardship of the Graham family, who took control of the city a thousand years ago and developed its defenses tremendously over five centuries.
and five hundred years ago, even Lionel Kaiser, the strongest human in history, could not breach Sentinel's defenses. Instead, he destroyed everything around the city and threatened the Graham family: if they did not surrender within three days, he would venture into the wilderness to eradicate humanity. This ultimatum marked the Graham family's downfall, as they handed over the city's keys to a relative, who then seized control from them.
Today, Sentinel City, in addition to the Academy, serves as the headquarters of the World Peace Association—an organization that, in simple terms, functions as humanity's government.
The past five centuries have been the worst political era for humanity. After the fall of the previous regime, the seven ruling families have failed to agree on a satisfactory or clear system of governance.
As a result, humanity still operates under the laws established by the Kaisers, with a government structure that mimics the old regime but lacks a general governor. In essence, it is a kingdom without a king. While everyone performs their roles, the absence of higher authority leaves everything disorganized.
For instance, the Accardi family oversees the army. The other families do not concern themselves with military laws or operations, as long as these do not interfere with their own work. This lack of oversight explains why no one objects to the Accardi's failure to mobilize the army to reclaim the lands lost five centuries ago; intervention in military matters would give the Accardi family grounds to meddle in their own affairs.
The World Peace Association, therefore, acts more like a reporting and coordination hub than an actual governing body. When one family undertakes a significant project, they share the information with the others to prevent disruption or conflict over disparities in initiatives, especially if such projects carry risks.
In any case, with its location at the heart of the human sphere and its role as a beacon of achievement, Sentinel Academy remains a place only the elite dare to enter.
And here Lorenzo stood in his new room, in the most luxurious hotel in the outer city, surrounded by a liveliness that seemed to mock him.
The apartment was too luxurious to feel temporary. The warm ivory walls gleamed under the golden glow of the chandeliers, while the furnishings exuded wealth and extravagance. Lorenzo's personal belongings sat neatly packed in suitcases that had been retrieved from the dimension storage ring and placed in one corner. Emilio would organize them later, after Lorenzo had fallen asleep, to avoid disturbing him.
He walked to the large window dominating one side of the room and gazed out at the bustling city below. Cadets and their families, merchants, and civil security guards filled the streets, their movements brisk, their voices loud. The infamous Sentinel Towers loomed on the horizon, obstructing the autumn sun.
Shifting his gaze upward, he tried to glimpse the inner city. It couldn't be seen from here, only the towering skyscrapers that seemed even more imposing at this proximity.
The academy itself was both an architectural masterpiece and a terrifying symbol. It wasn't just a school—it was a monument to humanity's strength. While vampires, dwarves, and other demonic creatures roamed the far edges of the map, this city had stood invincible for thousands of years, never once falling.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.
Lorenzo spoke in a calm voice, though frustration simmered beneath the surface.
Two weeks ago, because of Vittorio's test, he had gone to pick up that little troublemaker from school. Adriano, however, couldn't let it go and had started coming by every day, pestering him endlessly. It had left Lorenzo completely exhausted, but he endured it.
Not that it was for nothing. Although he hadn't thought much about it, Sandro's threat had truly gotten under his skin. That night, even if the details were hazy, the frustration that had taken hold of him was unforgettable. So, he made up his mind.
This time, he would run away and disappear forever. Let's see if they'd be able to find him.
"Come in," Lorenzo said without turning around. There was no doubt who it was.
As expected, Emilio entered, bowing slightly as he spoke respectfully. "Young master, a package from the academy has arrived for you."
"Leave it," Lorenzo instructed curtly.
"If there's anything else you need—"
"There won't be," Lorenzo cut him off smoothly, keeping his tone calm and soft despite the weight of frustration pressing down on him.
Emilio blinked but said nothing further. Dr. Vittorio had warned him several times that Lorenzo's calm demeanor was not a good sign and had instructed him to keep a close watch on the young master. Yet, even Emilio—once his name that struck fear into the Accardi family's enemies—could detect no obvious signs of trouble in Lorenzo.
There was no murderous intent, no visible tension. In fact, Lorenzo's mood seemed better. He had been allowing Adriano to visit his apartment for hours, listening to his chatter without irritation. At times, he even smiled and responded in ways Emilio hadn't seen in a long while.
Perhaps Dr. Vittorio was simply being cautious, Emilio thought. Lorenzo seemed to be recovering.
Although Lorenzo hadn't fully recovered and still disliked the noise around him, he seemed a little better now. The madness that had consumed him recently had vanished, as if he had reverted to the person he was seven months ago.
Emilio placed the package on the table and left the room, closing the door quietly behind him.