Chapter 81

"I had heard rumors..."

Ericia said as she gazed at the white sandy coastline before her.

An island surrounded by transparent seas and coral reefs, with a large lake in its center, and in the middle of the lake, an island with a grand city fortified with high walls could be seen. It was what they called a lake island.

That was the island of Mirees.

Ericia, of course, and the other attendants were left breathless by its beauty.

To be honest, I had been staring at that flat island all along.

"Beautiful... Yeah, what's wrong, Ericia?"

For some reason, Ericia's eyes were moist. Wiping away her tears, Ericia said,

"No... If I hadn't served Lord Alex, I would never have seen such a scene in my life. If Lord Alex hadn't come that day..."

"Such a grand statement... Usually, I'd say that even we blue-haired people couldn't come here."

Yuri responded with a reflective look, and Selena nodded in agreement.

In my previous life, I never got to see Mirees. Thinking about it, it feels like a miracle to be able to see this island now.

This is all because I got a second chance at life...

Ericia bowed her head to me and said,

"Anyway, we've finally arrived. But how do we get to that central island?"

"First, we enter the lake from the sea. There's a water gate near that giant statue that connects to the lake."

I said, looking at the huge stone statue on the island.

The dragon people steered the ship toward the water gate.

Lahn, looking up at the approaching giant statue, muttered,

"I always used it as a landmark when coming to the coastal area. But I never knew who it was."

"That's the statue of Worian, the first governor of the Mirees Autonomous Region. Worian was also the first chancellor of Mirees University."

"He must have been a great person."

"Yeah. For example, in the ancient empire, demons couldn't attend university. But this Worian welcomed anyone who was excellent... There's even a story that he had interactions with the monsters of the Demon Kingdom."

Selena murmured,

"He was said to be a thorough meritocrat even in my time. I'm sure Lord Alex will welcome you warmly."

"Yeah, that's true."

I had heard that there were people researching dark magic and dark crests. I might learn something about my crest too.

The ship entered the lake through the water gate and docked at Mirees' harbor.

Mirees, after being inspected, was a very lively city.

Dozens of piers were crowded with ships. Warehouses and trading posts were filled with cargo, and there was a fish market handling fresh seafood. There were more people than in the capital's harbor area.

Yuri, looking around, said,

"Wow, so many people!"

This Mirees not only attracted people from the empire but also from other countries. There were many people in unfamiliar styles of clothing. It was a more international city than the capital.

Ericia, surprised, said,

"There are demons here... But they all walk the streets proudly."

"Yeah. Compared to the capital, the Holy Order's influence is weaker here. It's a city where demons and dark crest bearers have traditionally lived."

They shouldn't be looked down upon just because they are demons.

But the Holy Order is everywhere...

In the midst of this, Selena asked,

"So, what are we going to do today?"

"I'm going to submit an application to Mirees University. I'm not quite sure about the exam content."

"In that case, we will accompany you!"

"No, since we've come all this way, you should all go sightseeing. If any of the other attendants want to, let them go too."

"But—"

"I'm just submitting the application, so I'll join you soon. In the meantime, check out some properties where the Enetoa Chamber of Commerce could set up a shop. If we can place a transfer pillar somewhere, it will make travel easier."

"If that's the case, this Selena will inspect with all my heart!"

Yuri said it was a bit exaggerated.

Still, I couldn't go alone, so Ericia decided to come with me.

We walked down the street toward the center of the island.

Ericia, looking at the city, said,

"But there are no mines or fields around, yet they've managed to build such a large city."

"You can't see it from here, but there are farmlands operated by the university on the south side of the island. They use magic and grow various unique crops."

"Can they provide enough food for the citizens?"

"Of course, they also trade. I've heard they receive huge donations from graduates and have a lot of money."

"I see. So, there's no need for tuition fees."

Ericia seemed to understand but still looked doubtful.

"Well... I find it mysterious too. Not just the funding, but how they get drinking water and maintain a military force strong enough to remain independent. Many people have wondered about it. That's why some students come to Mirees to study the university itself."

"The university itself is a subject of study... But the reasons are still unknown."

"The upper echelons of the university are all Mirees natives. There are various secrets. But everyone says that the first governor, Worian, found a 'money tree' on this island, which is why they can maintain it."

"A money tree... I'd like to see it."

"If it could be cultivated, I'd want one too... We've arrived at the university office."

In front of us, a stylish brick building came into view. This was one of the offices, and the university was a bit further away. Prospective students submit their documents here.

We entered the office and walked up to a woman sitting behind a long counter.

"Excuse me. I've brought an application to the university..."

"Yes, I understand. Your name is Alex... You have a dark crest and want to study dark magic and dark crests, correct?"

The woman, who took the application from me, didn't make a face and began to review the documents.

"There are no issues with the documents. In that case, I will grant you admission. Here is your student ID."

"Thank you... What? Admission granted? What about the exam?"

"The professor in charge of dark magic and crests, Melder, has a policy of accepting all dark crest bearers without an exam. Each professor conducts their own selection based on the applicant's motivation."

"Is that so? Then, can I go and greet him immediately?"

"Unfortunately... Professor Melder is not in Mirees right now. He only returns here every few years. Many dark crest bearers who want to study here come after being introduced by him."

"Really?"

"His research building and the dormitory for students are essentially places where dark crest bearers who have nowhere else to go can live... No dark research or lectures are conducted there."

So, it's like the convent where Ericia was.

This professor Melder might be protecting dark crest bearers at this university...

It's disappointing that I can't study, but ordinary people can't use dark magic anyway. It can't be helped if proper research isn't being conducted.

Still, just getting enrolled is enough. I won't have to attend the academy in the capital.

"I understand... Can I visit the research building once?"

"Of course. I'll give you a map now. You can also use other university facilities, so feel free to explore if there's anywhere you want to go."

"Thank you."

I took the student ID and map and left the office.

I felt a sudden release of tension. Ericia also looked taken aback.

"I didn't expect to be admitted on the spot."

"I'm surprised too. Well, it's questionable whether I can truly be called a student..."

"Professor Melder must be doing this to help dark crest bearers."

"Yeah, that's probably it. If there are any dark crest bearers, I might be able to talk to them. Selena and the others probably haven't finished their inspection yet, so let's take a look around the university."

We immediately passed through the magnificent bronze fence gate and entered the university.

As expected, the university grounds were vast due to its long history.

Beyond the gate was a huge square adorned with a lake and flower beds, with roads radiating out from it. Various buildings and tall towers lined the roads, and in some areas, buildings were densely packed like a city.

Ericia exclaimed,

"It's so big... It's like a city."

"Yeah. Without a map, you'd get lost at first. The Melder building is—straight south, at the far end. But—"

I noticed that the students around us were looking at us.

Because of the dark crest? No.

Following their gazes, I saw Ericia tilting her head.

Boys with long noses and girls squealing.

They must be surprised by Ericia's appearance.

But Ericia, with a reflective look, said,

"Everyone... is surprised by Lord Alex's cuteness...!"

"That's not it at all... Wait, what?"

My eyes were drawn to the wall of a building that looked like a research facility. A crowd had gathered there, apparently cornering someone against the wall.

"You demon!"

The curse from the crowd was a word I had once been called.

I couldn't help but stop. It must be a dark crest bearer being bullied.

Sure enough, even on this island, dark crest bearers...

Ericia and I exchanged glances and nodded slightly. We should help.

I didn't want to draw too much attention on my first day of enrollment, but I couldn't ignore it as a fellow resident of the same research building.

Of course, I intended to handle it peacefully... At the very least, my presence should divert everyone's attention.

With that thought, I approached the crowd.

But the next moment, the crowd scattered like a swarm of spiders.

"This guy really did it!"

"Run!"

Everyone was in a panic.

Where the crowd had been, a black-haired girl was standing, her hand glowing with black mist.

"Come, come—come from the place where light does not reach... Demon!"

As she spoke, the black mist spread around her.