Royal Academy

The entrance exams for the Royal Academy should start six months from now in earnest. But that's where the problem lies.

Amael was never fully awakened since his blessing wasn't exactly favored. It was the blessing of the fifth demon, Azareth. Right now, I can't make use of the power that comes with my blessing due to the sealing that was done on me. No one liked a demon, much less someone blessed by one, but it wasn't exactly forbidden since people still awakened it.

The issue was what blessing I awakened—namely, the blessing of the demon said to have wiped the once-great kingdom of Luimon Relelious out of existence. There were still those holding high-ranking positions in the kingdom who had awakened a demon's blessings. But...

There was also another reason why a demon's blessing was dreaded. It was a common yet terrifying fact: those who wielded such blessings mostly ended up corrupted. They tended to lose control. This casts a shadow over my future plans of attending the academy, as only the awakened are allowed in. But I'm not fully awakened and am currently under a seal to ensure that.

When I say "I don't have much time left," it means the Dark Church is soon to make contact with me. Given my pathetic state, I doubt I'll be able to refuse them. If I did, I would be forcibly taken and brainwashed to join their side.

*Sigh.*

With a sigh of resignation, I stepped out of the bathroom and into the enormous bedroom that was obviously Amael's. There was a huge plush bed in the center of the room, adorned with opulent décor and intricately woven patterns. A large wardrobe at the far end of the room was embellished with a smooth white coating and ornate golden handles. I could see stools and tables with the same pattern, but I wasn't in the mood to appreciate such luxury now. My mind was racing to find a solution to salvage the situation.

I sat on the plush bed, and my weight sank in. I was tempted to take flight to dreamland, but the situation loomed like a sore thumb. Logically speaking, it would have been easier to accept the Dark Church's offer and be aided in my awakening. After all, I would still be sent to infiltrate the academy. But...

The awakening comes with heavy downsides, as I would be forcibly bound to that cursed god of theirs by contract. If that happens, goodbye free will.

This leaves me with only one option: escaping to another duchy. I have just the place in mind—Reinheth, the Guadian's guild headquarters. There is also the possibility of not getting caught there, as it is highly safeguarded.

But... logistics. I have no money for anything!

Since the day of awakening, Amael had been treated like a plague, shunned by everyone except Christina. Ironically, he kept pushing her away with his immense loathing for everything and everyone. I have to do something, but what?

Even if it appears I am not being watched, that is far from the truth. I am under extreme surveillance. After all, I am still blessed by a demon.

*Sigh.*

With another sigh, I collapsed onto the cloud-like bed and nestled into the soft spread.

"That's right," I muttered, sitting up. Today's Damian's coming-of-age ceremony. There's literally no better day to escape. If I don't make it out today, then it's never.

I stood up and made my way to the door but halted at the knob. I crouched and looked underneath the door, my eyes meeting the shadows looming ahead.

Shit, it seems the guards who brought me here are making sure I don't step out. I clicked my tongue in frustration and headed for the wardrobe. If I remember correctly, I should have that ring.

Damn! Where did he keep it? I searched everywhere but to no avail, turning the room upside down and literally trashing the contents of the wardrobe. I have no idea if he still has it, but I really hope he does. In his biography, there was a mention of a shared promise with a certain someone. And that ring represents that promise.

The ring doesn't have anything special about it, except for its spatial properties. Amael kept that ring in a safe place, or so it was written. But where the heck is a safe place?!

After a while of literally destroying my room, I decided to take a rest and think straight. Then my eyes fell on a portrait. It was a picture of a bunch of kids standing together, but...

They all had their faces ripped off.

I walked towards it and pulled it down. Without much thought, I smashed it.

What?! It looked like a clue, so...

"Ha, well, what do you know," I smiled as one of the wooden frames broke and the picture flew off. I then saw it. The ring.