The grand hall of the academy was in utter disarray. Students murmured amongst themselves, their voices a mixture of shock and anger. Professors looked grim, their expressions betraying their disappointment in the fellow headmaster who had betrayed their trust.
"We had no idea about this," the elf headmaster spoke, his voice laced with both regret and frustration. "To think that one of our own was involved in such despicable acts… Selling students, covering up their crimes… It is disgraceful. Rest assured, we will ensure that he is punished accordingly."
However, Ryo, standing at the center of the gathering, narrowed his eyes. "Why in the Demon Kingdom?" he questioned, his voice cutting through the murmurs.
Before the elf headmaster could respond, a chilling presence made itself known from behind Ryo. The air grew heavy, the oppressive aura sending shivers down the spines of those present. As Ryo turned, he was met with the sight of a tall figure with jet-black hair and crimson eyes—the unmistakable features of the Demon Lord, the ruler of the demon nation. His dark robes billowed slightly as he strode forward, exuding an authority that silenced the room.
"Don't worry," the Demon Lord said, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable edge. "He will receive immediate execution. The Demon Nation will take full responsibility and compensate for the damages. We will also issue an official apology for his foolishness."
The hall was silent, save for the distant sound of debris settling from the earlier destruction. The headmasters exchanged glances, still processing the presence of such a significant figure in their midst.
Ryo's gaze didn't waver. "He was your brother, wasn't he?"
The Demon Lord's expression darkened slightly, but he nodded. "Yes. My elder brother. But he was never fit to rule a nation. And now, I see exactly why."
As if on cue, a group of armored guards entered the hall, their movements swift and disciplined. They had arrived as soon as their lord had sensed the immense surge of power that had erupted earlier. The Demon Lord turned his attention to them, his voice resolute. "Take him away. His crimes have shamed our nation. Let this be an example that not even a member of my own bloodline is exempt from justice."
The disgraced headmaster, bound and defeated, was dragged away without so much as a struggle. His fate was sealed.
Once the immediate tension had dissipated, the elf headmaster stepped forward again. "After assessing the situation, we have decided to close the academy for the next three months. We must ensure that we find any and every piece of evidence regarding other potential victims, as well as repair the damages sustained in today's events."
Ryo sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Ah, about that… Sorry for destroying the main building."
The dwarf headmaster let out a hearty laugh. "Bah! Do not worry, lad. In fact, this works out quite well. I had been planning a reconstruction for months, and now, well… I have the perfect opportunity!" His eyes gleamed with excitement, as if he was already thinking of how to improve the academy's structure.
After a few more discussions regarding the academy's closure and compensations, the students were dismissed. Ryo wasted no time returning to the mansion where his parents were staying. Upon his arrival, he was met with their shocked expressions.
"So let me get this straight," his mother, Hana Takashi, said, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You got involved in a conspiracy, exposed a corrupt headmaster, fought a battle that nearly destroyed the academy, and now the Demon Lord himself has intervened?"
"Pretty much," Ryo replied nonchalantly.
His father, Kazuhiro Takashi, let out a long sigh. "Son, I knew sending you to this academy would be an adventure, but this is beyond what I expected."
Ryo chuckled, attempting to ease the tension. "I'll be fine. It's nothing I can't handle."
His parents exchanged worried glances but knew their son well enough to understand that he had his own way of dealing with things. Eventually, after some reassurances, they let him retreat to his room for the night.
Just as he was about to relax, a soft knock came at his door. Ryo opened it to find Ai standing there, her brown hair gleaming under the moonlight. Her brown eyes held determination.
"Ryo," she said, stepping inside. "I came for my answer. Will you marry me?"
Ryo felt his breath hitch slightly. He had expected this conversation, but not so soon. He hesitated before responding, "Ai, I already have two fiancées."
Before Ai could say anything, another voice cut in.
"That doesn't matter!" Selena exclaimed, stepping forward from the hallway. Seyra stood beside her, arms crossed, smirking. "Polygamy is allowed here. You can marry as many women as you want."
Ai glanced at Selena and Seyra, then back at Ryo. "Then?" she pressed.
Ryo sighed, rubbing his temple. "You're really giving me no choice, are you?"
"Nope!" Selena and Seyra said in unison.
Ai's lips curved into a small smile. "Then I'll be looking forward to our future."
Before Ryo could even process everything, a royal messenger arrived, delivering a letter sealed with the emblem of the Vampire Lord and the Dragon Emperor.
Ryo unfolded it and scanned its contents. His expression shifted as he read the words.
"What is it?" Seyra asked curiously.
Ryo exhaled sharply and looked up. "An invitation to the royal palace. They want to discuss the establishment of my nation… Tomorrow."
The room fell silent. The weight of what was to come truly settled in.
Seyra grinned. "Looks like things are about to get even more interesting."
Ryo merely groaned. "Why does everything always move so fast?"
Selena patted his shoulder reassuringly. "Because you're special. Now get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a long day."
As the night stretched on, Ryo lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind swirling with thoughts. His life had taken an unexpected turn, and now, he stood at the precipice of something much greater than himself.
A new nation… A new future…
Tomorrow, everything would change.