The Demon King is unfathomable

Chapter 361 The First Meal of the Academy
After saying goodbye to the mysterious and generous "Mr. Colin," Marko Gage felt that a brand new chapter in his life had begun.

Holding the letter from his confidant and the heavy bag of silver coins, his heart was filled with boundless ambition called ideals.

He didn't stay at the hotel, but immediately set off to find another ride south.

Persistence pays off. Perhaps it was the good fortune brought by that prince, for he soon encountered a group of mercenaries who were about to set off.

They were a group of young people who planned to try their luck on the distant continent of Gana. They had just completed a mission to escort noble children to the Academy and then spent a few days enjoying themselves in Eagle Rock Territory.

And then--

There's no after that.

They spent all their money on the nuns.

Marco was taken aback. He had also prayed in church, but he had never heard of having to pay to pray with nuns!
The young mercenaries smiled sheepishly, too embarrassed to explain further, and simply gave a vague answer.

"You'll see next time you go; it's not an ordinary church."

Although Marco was curious, he shook his head vigorously.

"Go back? I'll never go back in my life!"

In short, the mercenaries revealed their upcoming itinerary, and their next stop would be Dragon's Eye City, a necessary route from the northern wasteland to the south, and also a necessary route to the Holy City.

The conversation quickly turned to Marco himself.

He didn't reveal much information to these rough men, but instead presented himself as a poet pursuing his ideals, saying he wanted to go to the holy city to see what the holy light that shines for all ages really looks like, and whether it just doesn't reach this snowfield.

The mercenaries, who had spent years licking blood from the edge of a knife, initially had no liking for this delicate and naive young man. They thought he talked too much and was not practical at all, and that he had not suffered like they had.

However, when they heard Marco vehemently denounce the noblemen, they instantly became interested. Especially when Marco recited his "plain and straightforward" poem, full of rebellious spirit, with dramatic intonation, the group of rough men burst into cheers.

OK!

They didn't understand what art was, and they didn't have much knowledge, but the word "class" really resonated with them!

The richest lands are always near castles; aren't they also in a giant cage?
If Marco only talks to them about knowledge, art, soul, and dreams, he will certainly not be able to gain their resonance.

But the young man himself never expected that one line in the poem that his "soulmate" had revised would strike a chord with the last remaining soft spot in the hearts of these unfortunate people, opening their hearts and finally making them take a real look at the shallow yet passionate "knowledge" in this young man's heart.

Amidst the jeers of a group of mercenaries, the shy and timid Marco acquired the nickname "Poet".

Soon, the generous mercenaries said they wouldn't charge him a penny for the journey and would let him ride in the carriage with them, considering it as having a funny companion on the road.

And so, the "poet" Marco and a group of mercenaries who could barely read embarked on a new journey together.

It was during this journey that he suddenly discovered that these rough people were actually quite interesting. They didn't have as many ulterior motives as the nobles, but beneath their ruggedness lay their own little schemes. They weren't kind, and were even cunning to the extreme, but there were also things they would never do, and they would say a few words if they saw someone or something they didn't like.

If it were his father, he would coldly tell him that this had nothing to do with him, and if he didn't want to suffer like them, he should hurry up and awaken his extraordinary power.

A few days later, the group arrived at Dragonwatch, the capital of the Northern Duke.

Marco had no interest in the military fortress, which was filled with an atmosphere of iron and blood and death, but he still wandered around the streets and alleys to pass the time, hoping to find inspiration.

A mature poet shouldn't have only one poem, especially since this one was revised by Mr. Colin; he needs to write his own.

However, as he passed a street corner, a notice with white background and black lettering posted on the wall suddenly caught his attention.

Two serious criminals were publicly executed at the Dragon City execution ground! A daring thief who stole a prince's personal belongings was finally brought to justice!

Good heavens, stealing from the prince?

Who would be so fearless and audacious?

Marco glanced at it curiously.

And what he saw was astonishing—his own name was on the execution list!
Marco Gage!

The instant his eyes met his own name, he felt as if the blood in his body had frozen, and his hands and feet turned ice cold.

"I...I'm dead?!"

The image depicted a blood-soaked execution ground. His mind went blank, buzzing, and he only remembered running away in a few quick steps, turning and disappearing into the alleyway next door, like a terrified mouse.

However, since it was an execution notice rather than a wanted poster with a reward, no one noticed that the coward was terrified by the bloody portrait.

Marco didn't know how long he ran until he was exhausted and had to lean against a wall. He stopped, still shaken, and slumped down in the snow to think.

He didn't recognize the "Milos" who was executed with him, and he didn't know why his name was on the list.

As for the charge of "stealing the prince's belongings," he was completely baffled.

At least someone should come and tell him—

What did he steal from some prince?!
He returned to the inn where the mercenaries were staying, his mind elsewhere.

During the meal, the group of mercenaries looked at him, who seemed lost and bewildered, and exchanged puzzled glances, wondering what had happened.

However, everyone has their low points.

They ate and slept together along the way, so they still considered him one of their own, rather than just a client who paid them money to do things for them.

Then one of the guys patted him on the shoulder and started a conversation.

"By the way, poet, we've been calling you poet the whole way, but we still don't know your real name."

"Yeah, tell me about it!" a freckled young man urged curiously, eager to hear his story.

Marco shuddered as the blood-soaked image flashed through his mind again, this time depicting himself on the guillotine.

Amidst the strange looks from the crowd, his lips trembled as he squeezed out two words through gritted teeth.

"...Hungry wolf."

At this moment, he truly resembled a wolf that had been starving for three days and three nights, reduced to skin and bones, shivering in the biting cold wind of the North.

He needs time to process the weight behind this heavy burden.

"Hungry wolf?"

"Hahaha!"

"Good name!"

The mercenaries let out a good-natured laugh, but didn't pursue the matter further, continuing to drink their beer and divide the burnt meat.

Most of these guys who make a living by doing odd jobs use aliases, just like the nuns working in the camp. The reason, of course, is to avoid being found by old enemies, or perhaps to plan for a peaceful life in the countryside after retiring from their criminal ways.

On this pristine white snowfield, there are few truly clean people. Humans are born to wallow in the mud; the only difference is that some people can see the mud on their bodies, while others stubbornly insist they are clean.

Perhaps this "poet" also has his own reasons for his predicament!

……

The Tower of the Great Sage, the Apprentice's Dining Hall, continues to embody the pragmatism of the academic community, and remains as busy and fulfilling as ever.

In the magnificent and spacious hall, hundreds of apprentices sat along rows of simple, unadorned long tables, and there were more than a dozen other similar long tables, all of which were full.

The only bright spot was the small, magical tray that slowly rose from the center of the table, precisely delivering steaming bowls of porridge and bread sprinkled with icing sugar and jam to each person.

This thing is rare in the Empire. It is said that the professors of the Academy only recently comprehended its secrets from the void.

Of course, the empire might not even need it.

In any case, this was the first breakfast for many prospective lads upon entering school, and a more lavish feast was said to await them that evening.

Barrett, who had just become an apprentice, rubbed his hands together, his face full of excitement, and began to wolf down his food with great relish. The bumpy journey from the border to here was all melted away by his soaring appetite.

To be precise, he wasn't yet a formal apprentice. The Academy had five levels of students: preparatory student, apprentice, mage, outstanding student, and graduate.

Graduates, also known as prospective mages, can join the Imperial Army as chanters in the mage corps, or remain in the Academy as teaching assistants to continue their research into the mysteries of magic.

Incidentally, teachers here are also clearly stratified, starting with teaching assistants, then mentors, professors, sages, and great sages.

There are twelve sages in total, and only one great sage, who is also the master of the Great Sage Tower, the head of the thirteen towers, and the co-master of the Sage Council!
Reaching the Sage level is basically a matter of fate; those who can attain it are all top-tier extraordinary individuals, and they must also have sufficient achievements in the field of magic.

However, while ordinary people have no hope of becoming sages, it is still possible to take on the challenge of becoming a professor, who is relatively "higher up".

Reaching the level of professor means being either a dragon among men or a tiger among men. Their status is basically no less than that of a duke in a secular kingdom. Even if they are slightly inferior or do not like each other, they are still equal in terms of title.

Barrett's dream is to become a professor; he dreams of it!
And now he carries not only his own and his parents' dreams, but also Leo's dreams, and the dreams of Phoenix and Illara, who unfortunately failed in their interviews.

He wants to move forward together with their unfulfilled ideals!
Towards that towering, insurmountable structure!

However, that's all for later.

His first task was to study the most basic magic theories as a prospective student during the three-year training period, and then successfully become a formal apprentice in the assessment three years later.

Then--

They will travel to the mage tower of their dreams, just like the delicious and sweet little bread rolls on their table, based on the aspirations they made when they passed the initial interview.

And then, the road ahead was smooth sailing!

Barrett took a big bite of the bread in his hand, savoring the rich strawberry jam and enjoying its sweetness on his own.

The air was filled with the aroma of food, but even the strongest aroma couldn't drown out the buzzing chatter.

"Senior Kuls, Ilana, have you heard?" A slightly childish male voice rang out. It was Finn, a preparatory student who had just enrolled. He looked around curiously. "What is everyone talking about? It feels like something really big has happened here!"

He came from a remote rural area of ​​the Kingdom of Rhodes, his face still bearing the simplicity of the countryside and the purest longing for this magical holy land.

As for Senior Kuls and Ilana, they were friends he met on the road. Because he was hardworking and took on all the dirty and tiring work by himself, without any airs of superiority or ambition to "become a sage," he was very likable.

Who could dislike a harmless little bee? Sitting opposite him was Ilana, also a newly recruited trainee, but her expression was much more realistic. Perhaps because of her noble birth, she slowly stirred the porridge in her bowl with a spoon, ignoring the surrounding noise and offering no comment.

As for Kurs, he was probably this Ms. Ilana's sycophant, his obsequiousness was written all over his face.

He is indeed a formal apprentice of the Tower of Great Sages, but once you've entered the tower, what is a senior in charge of admissions?

Besides, he wasn't in charge of admissions; he was just an assistant to the teaching assistants in charge of admissions.

Those gimmicks might be somewhat useful to young girls from ordinary backgrounds, but they're just a joke to people who have actually eaten and seen it all.

However, in order to demonstrate his erudition and thorough knowledge of "internal affairs of the academic community," he cleared his throat and, using the "ladder" handed to him by his junior, Finn, launched an attack on the "flowers" hanging high above the city wall.

"A major event? Finn, this is more than just a 'major event,' it's a legend worthy of being recorded in the annals of the academic world!"

He leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with the unique light of admiration for the strong, which startled the bewildered junior.

"Legend?"

"That's right!"

Kurs's voice involuntarily rose, attracting several curious glances from the neighboring tables. He lowered his voice, but his excitement remained undiminished, and he continued to speak vividly.

“Listen up, Finn, this story has to start from the beginning. While you rookies were taking your exams, a very important person arrived at the border recruitment point—his name was Roxie Collin! That guy was a genuine Imperial Prince, and he supposedly had a letter of recommendation from someone with real power in the Empire. Even the King of Rhodes was a little brother in front of him, understand?”

Finn nodded blankly, his face slightly pale and then slightly flushed.

In the Academy, one can freely discuss the king of the Kingdom of Rhodes, but he is, after all, a Rhodesian, and is still somewhat unable to adapt to this change.

Kuers took a deep breath, as if gathering strength for the climax to come.

"A title you're born with isn't anything special, but what's truly remarkable is what comes next! This prince could have easily walked in comfortably, but he didn't! I heard from my buddy that he was the one who helped the prince with the exam registration, and he personally witnessed the pity and spark in the prince's eyes! He's unwilling to be mediocre; he concealed his title, and he wanted to start from the very bottom of the entrance exams, just like us! If you ask me, that kind of courage alone is something only a few people possess!"

Finn couldn't help but want to clap, but after clapping his little hands, he quietly stopped and put his hands together in a prayer position.

"By Saint Sith... This is truly... I heard that a paper was awarded full marks by all three examiners. Could it be that he wrote that paper?!"

"Yes! And this is the most dramatic part—this perfect paper was switched!" Kurs's tone shifted, his eyes filled with anger, but his voice became increasingly impassioned.

"A switch?! This, how is this possible! This is the Academy! Has that guy gone mad?!" Finn exclaimed, and this time it was the other apprentices beside him who exclaimed, "Holy Sith above!"

There's an old saying in the academic world: Never offend a magician.

Of course, there are similar sayings in the Kingdom of Rhodes, only the magician is replaced by a knight.

"Yes! I simply can't believe that the diligent, earnest, and helpful senior Milos is actually that kind of person! You really can't judge a book by its cover. I used to admire him quite a bit! But look what happened! He actually had the audacity to exploit a loophole in the program and secretly replace His Highness the Prince's perfect score paper! Can you imagine how dirty his mind is? He's absolutely wicked!"

Kurs cursed under his breath and revealed everything he knew.

However, this is hardly inside information. The Tower of Great Sages had already publicly announced the results of the investigation and published them in the morning newspaper. It's just that these newly arrived prospective students are unaware of it yet.

Ilana raised her delicate eyebrows, genuinely surprised, but not by Milos's audacity, but by the fact that a mere apprentice could exploit a loophole in the program—something rarely seen even in her homeland.

Finn clenched his fists instinctively, completely absorbed in the story, which then reached its final turning point—

"However! In the end, we still won!"

Kurs's face beamed with a sunny smile as he placed his hand on Finn's shoulder, his eyes secretly glancing at Ilana, as if trying to confirm whether that beautiful face, like this boy named Finn, shone with the same light of admiration.

"...The story ends with two heads, and the Duke of the North won't protect two thieves. This cunning fox didn't go far; he's hiding right under our noses in that knight's fief on the border! The most ridiculous thing is that he actually used the money he earned to go whoring! So that's what he earned his money for?"

"The other mastermind, Marco Gage, also confessed his crimes shortly afterward and repented at the execution ground, but it was too late! As for Prince Colin, he had originally planned to return to the Holy City, but Professor Hector personally chased him back and exceptionally hired him as a tutor in the Academy! That's a tutor! By the grace of Saint Sith, I would be grateful if I could become a tutor before I turned 50, but he is so young... But then again, if it is this prince, I would approve!"

Kuers finished speaking in one breath, his cheeks flushed with excitement.

Finn's eyes lit up as he listened, and he regarded Prince Colin as his spiritual idol and academic role model!
He thought of himself, a poor boy from the countryside who had come here because of his belief in knowledge!

The fairness that the Kingdom of Rhodes lacks is all here. As long as it is real gold, even if it is buried in the dust or fallen on the snowfield, there will be good people like Professor Hector who will not hesitate to rush through the snowy night to bring it back to the sacred land!

This story was not just gossip for him, but also a shot in the arm, dispelling his confusion and fear about the future.

"This is Xuebang!" Kurs exclaimed excitedly. "This is the true meaning of 'knowledge is power'! Not only that, Xuebang's fairness and self-correction have also been perfectly demonstrated. Even heinous scoundrels like Milos were ultimately exposed and dealt with! We will never let a single cockroach we see get away with it!"

"Finn, don't get too excited."

Ilana didn't want to say anything, but seeing that the young man who had helped her with her luggage was about to lose his mind, she still casually said a few words to him.

“Your senior is right. Gold shines wherever it is, but you must also have your own scale in your heart. Never let your gold be replaced by a stone. Whether you admit it or not, the status of ‘Prince’ has played an indispensable role.”

"If it were you or me, even if we were framed, we would probably just be like fallen leaves on a snowfield, buried in the endless whiteness. You don't need to be suspicious all the time, but you must stay clear-headed and not let the rope of madness lead you into a bottomless abyss."

Finn paused for a moment, as if someone had gently shaken his shoulder while he was dozing off, and seemed to have a vague understanding of what was going on.

Ignoring Kurs, who was gasping for breath with his mouth agape, Ilana slowly cut off a small piece of bread with her knife and fork.

She continued calmly before putting it in her mouth.

"Of course, I acknowledge that His Highness's strength is beyond doubt. However, I am more curious about what kind of changes such a young mentor will bring to the Tower of Great Sages... I hope he stays with us for a long time."

To be honest, she quite admired the professor's good looks.

After listening to Kurs boast for so long, she became even more interested in this mysterious prince and wondered if she could enroll in his classes to see what he was up to.

Someone as intelligent as him must have profound insights into more than just magic; who knows, she might even have learned something more powerful than magic!

"Whatever changes may occur! That's not something we apprentices should worry about! Nor is it something you prospective students should concern yourself with!"

Kuers coughed lightly, subtly emphasizing the hierarchy of status, like a child whose toy had been taken away, trying to use the authority of an elder to forcibly seize back control of the conversation.

"Anyway, I've heard that His Highness the Prince will officially move into the Great Sage's Tower today! He'll be familiarizing himself with the teaching affairs for a while, and you newbies might even have a chance to take his classes!"

This statement is like a boulder thrown into a calm lake.

The apprentices around them, who seemed to be focused on eating but were actually eavesdropping, all stopped what they were doing.

The buzzing sound throughout the cafeteria paused briefly for a moment, then erupted again with an even louder roar!
Awe, curiosity, anticipation, and even a hint of jealousy—a complex mix of emotions clung to the apprentices' faces!

This mentor, Colin, whom they had never met, had already been labeled as a "legend" in their hearts!

In a corner of the cafeteria, a figure suddenly jolted.

Barrett, who was eating alone, stared wide-eyed, his hand frozen in mid-air, the spoon falling into the porridge with a clatter, splashing up a few drops of white liquid.

Mr. Colin!

That reliable and steady companion during the adventure, who unfortunately "failed" in the end!

It's...Prince Colin?!

Saint Sith above... So it turns out he didn't fail because he wasn't good enough, but because his exam paper was switched?!
but--

Why didn't anyone tell me?!
Meanwhile, in his office atop the tower, Prince Colin, reclining on a soft sofa, finally received the explanation he sought from the esteemed Professor Hector.

Those were two newspapers.

One was the "Sage's Gazette," published internally by the Academy, and the other was the "New Magic Vision Gazette," published in several major cities in the Northern Wasteland.

The report was written in a righteous and eloquent manner, making people want to applaud, yet it was so full of loopholes that it made people laugh.

If a mere three million gold coins are enough to buy off a mage's dignity, then that dignity is far too worthless.

Do you think I've never seen money before?
Luo Yan gently stroked the newspaper with his index finger, a polite smile on his face.

He felt like a diner holding a bell in his hand.

With just a slight shake, Professor Hector, sitting opposite him, would clench his legs together and, with a pained expression, serve Professor Colin a delicious meal.

Just like now——

He glanced at the newspaper in his hand and said in a casual tone.

“Oh, his name is Milos, a magic apprentice…tsk tsk, that kid is really despicable, don’t you think, Professor Hector?”

Professor Hector secretly wiped the sweat from his forehead and said with a tense face.

"Of course... We never expected that the Tower of Great Sages would produce such a scoundrel, but we have already found his teaching assistant and fired him, which has patched up the loophole."

He had already cursed these people a thousand times in his heart. These people were so poor that they would take any money they could get! However, he also knew that it was no use for him to hate them. He was just an old scholar who was trying to mediate. The key was that the prince in front of him had to nod in approval.

In fact, the prince should have nodded in agreement!

Even from the perspective of sympathizing with those "truly talented apprentices," he felt that the prince had overstepped his bounds slightly.

After all, you're just a prince, not the emperor himself. Are you here to cause trouble or for academic exchange?!
Xuebang has already been very accommodating!
What else do you want?

Do you want me to chop two more meat fillings for you?
"Oh."

Luo Yan nodded. He didn't intend to do anything, and he didn't want to make things difficult for the children who were much weaker than him. However, this did not stop him from gently shaking the "bell" in his hand that was used to serve the dishes.

"Wow--"

Seeing that His Highness had turned another page of the newspaper, Professor Hector finally breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that this was a sign that the matter was over.

However, before he could even catch his breath, the prince from the holy city suddenly changed the subject and said a few more words—

"Where's the money?"

"Even if it's only 300 million gold coins, how come I haven't kept track of where each penny came from, who handled it, and where it went?"

"We can't spend all the money on the 'girls,' can we?"

(End of this chapter)