Athan's crimson eyes burned brighter, his aura thick with intensity. Blood coiled around his hands, shaping into gauntlets like living extensions of himself.
"So… are you still pretending to be just a kid?" His voice was steady, but there was an edge to it—both accusation and curiosity. "Tell me, who are you really?"
Balwin chuckled, unshaken. "Oh, Athan… is that really a necessary question?" His smirk widened as a thick red mist—shadowy and ominous—began to seep from his form like living smoke.
"But since you insist… I'll grant you the honor of knowing." His voice dropped, rich with something ancient. "I am Katz Baldwin VI—the Sixth Baldwin. A descendant of those who once ruled the Red Moon Empire."
Athan's breath hitched.
Then, without hesitation, he dropped to his knees and pulled Balwin into a tight embrace.
"It's been fifty years…" Athan murmured, his voice strained. "So damn long… Why are you like this? Why do you look like a child?"
Balwin huffed, half amused. "Forty years, not fifty. Your math is getting rusty."
"Whatever." Athan pulled back just enough to look him in the eyes. "It seems you're still bound by the promise you made."
"Of course I am." Balwin shrugged, his expression unreadable. "I took precautions. A disguise is safer. Besides…" He smirked. "I can't break my promise."
Athan's gaze darkened slightly. "You're not acting normal, though. You're always forcing that damn smile."
Balwin clapped his hands together. "Now, now. Instead of prying into my personal business, shouldn't you be asking why I'm here?" He steered the conversation away effortlessly.
Athan sighed but let it slide. "I already know. Your sister told me. So… have you found anything yet?"
"Not yet." Balwin crossed his arms, his expression turning serious. "But I have figured out what's behind it."
Athan narrowed his eyes. "You mean the so-called 'pandemic'? What's so special about it?"
Balwin stepped in closer, lowering his voice as he leaned toward Athan's ear.
"I believe that behind this… some gods and their devoted celestial followers are pulling the strings."
Athan stiffened slightly. "Gods… and their dedicated followers?" His voice was cautious. "Why would they orchestrate something like this?"
Balwin's expression was grim. "You already know why. They claim divinity because of their power, but our religion tells us who the real God is."
Athan exhaled slowly. "So you're saying… they're manipulating the world for their own agenda? Maybe even orchestrating deaths?"
Balwin nodded.
Athan crossed his arms, thoughtful. "If you've figured that out, why are you still lingering here? And how do you plan to deal with them? There are many gods—and even more followers."
"That's exactly why I'm still investigating," Balwin said. "I need to know who on Earth is doing their dirty work. The gods can't just act openly—there has to be someone carrying out their will in the shadows."
Athan clenched his jaw. "Not to mention… most humans and elves worship the false gods. Our people have been fighting over this for two thousand years."
Balwin nodded. "I know. I will figure something out. If they want to play god, then I'll be the God Slayer."
Athan snorted. "That sounds just like you." Then, his eyes sharpened. "But enough about that. Why do you think I'm here?"
Balwin shrugged. "I assume it's not just for fun. Tell me."
Athan exhaled. "I was searching for you. But before I found you, I received a royal summons. The King himself ordered me to enroll in the so-called academy."
Balwin arched a brow. "Oh? So why were you looking for me in the first place?"
Athan's expression darkened slightly. "Because of the peace treaty. And… well, you know the rest of the history."
Balwin's grin widened. "That's great news! So you're entering as a teacher, huh?"
Athan hesitated.
Balwin's smile faltered. "Wait. You're not—"
Athan sighed. "I have to enroll as a student."
Silence.
Then—
"Hahaha!" Balwin burst out laughing, doubling over. "Wait, wait—what?! At your age? You're huge! How the hell are you supposed to blend in?!"
Athan scowled. "There's no age limit on education! You of all people should understand—remember when we first enrolled in our academy?"
Balwin wiped a tear from his eye, grinning. "Yeah, yeah. That was ages ago. But still—how are you going to handle this? You'll stick out like a sore thumb."
Athan sighed heavily. "That's the problem. I don't have any magic or ability to alter my appearance."
Balwin's smirk returned. "Well, well, well. Lucky for you—I do."
Athan's eyes lit up. "You can change my appearance?"
Balwin stretched his arms with a satisfied grin. "Of course. So… are you ready?"
Athan crossed his arms, tilting his head slightly. "Ah… sure, but you do realize I'm a vampire, right? How much will this actually change?"
Balwin smirked. "You still need to consume blood?"
"Not exactly," Athan admitted. "But if I get seriously injured, I'll have to."
Balwin waved a hand dismissively. "No problem. Your vampire aura will be sealed. But don't worry, you'll still be able to use both your vampire and normal abilities."
Athan raised an eyebrow. "And if I get sealed, how do I unlock it? Any side effects?"
Balwin grinned. "Oh, the side effects are huge." He chuckled. "People won't realize you're a vampire."
Athan shot him a dry look. "Hilarious."
"Hey, it is a side effect," Balwin said with a shrug.
Athan sighed. "Alright, should we book a room first or head somewhere secluded? Will your sealing technique make a scene?"
Balwin scoffed. "What do I look like, a walking bomb? It'll be fast, silent, and discreet."
"Good. Let's find a room first," Athan decided, turning on his heel.
Balwin followed, watching him with a smirk. "You really look like a professional traveler."
"I've been on the road for a long time," Athan replied.
Soon, they arrived at a grand hotel—nine stories tall, its design exuding wealth and sophistication.
"Wow, this place is big," Balwin muttered, glancing up.
Athan scoffed. "This? Tiny. Our mansions are way bigger."
Balwin gave him a deadpan stare. "Oh, so now we're flexing? You do realize I have the largest castle in the world, right?"
Athan smirked. "And yet you're the one who started flexing first."
They walked inside, where a sharply dressed man in a black suit greeted them.
"Welcome. I am Agent 234. How may I assist you?"
Balwin arched an eyebrow. The regulations here seem well maintained.
Athan, however, tilted his head in amusement. "Oh? You're the first male hotel receptionist I've ever seen."
Agent 234 chuckled.
Balwin smirked. "So, you like watching women, huh? Maybe I should tell her about your little habit."
Athan groaned. "Ahh, that's not it! I was just surprised!"
Balwin just grinned.
Unbothered, Athan turned back to the receptionist. "Young man, I want a room. A good one. Excellent service, too."
"Of course, sir. How long do you plan to stay?"
"If the service is good, maybe six months," Athan replied.
Agent 234 nodded, though his eyes briefly widened. Six months! "For the room alone, the cost is 20 silver Roin per day. If you include meals, it will range between 50 and 70 silver Roin per day. We do have a canteen for afternoon snacks, but those must be purchased separately. Our service covers three main meals and lodging. Would you like—"
Before he could finish, Athan waved a hand. "Sure. Order the highest luxury room. If your service is good, I'll pay extra."
Agent 234 nodded. "A few rooms are available. If you exercise frequently, this third-floor room is ideal. If you prefer a higher—"
Athan cut him off again. "I'll take that one. Let me know if anything opens up on the second floor."
"Would you like to pay now or later—"
Athan dropped a heavy bag onto the counter. The unmistakable clink of gold filled the air.
"Here. Five hundred gold coins." His voice was cool but firm. "I expect top-tier service. If I don't like it, I'm leaving."
Agent 234 remained composed.
500 ?!! "Understood, sir. If you're unsatisfied, you'll receive a full refund."
Athan smirked. "Oh, I won't need the refund. If I leave, you can keep the money. Consider it a gift."
With that, he grabbed the key and strode away, Balwin following with an amused look.
"You're loaded," Balwin mused. "How much do you even have on you right now?"
Athan shrugged. "Not sure. I took about a million gold before coming here."
Balwin whistled. "Damn. A million? I know firsthand how hard it is to make money."
"Yeah," Athan said. "It's always been that way."
Finally, they reached their room.
Athan unlocked the door, stepping inside. The room was lavish—elegant tapestries lined the walls, and a chandelier cast a soft golden glow over the furniture.
"Not bad," Balwin remarked, kicking off his boots.
Athan smirked. "It's an elite hotel. Did you expect anything less?"
Balwin motioned toward a chair. "Sit down."
Athan arched a brow but did as instructed.
"Alright," Balwin said, cracking his knuckles. "Let's use this unknown skill of mine."
Athan narrowed his eyes. "Unknown? Wait—you created it but don't even know what it's called?"
Balwin didn't answer. The process had already begun.