The Next Day


    Early the next day, we headed to the port. I wanted to leave quickly because I didn''t want to get caught due to the mercenaries who had been killed. Of course, even if they caught me, no one could do anything to me, but I still didn''t want to cause a diplomatic crisis between kingdoms. Besides, the Kingdom of Herumzan could be useful against Alpshar in the future.


    So, leaving before any issues arose would be the best course of action.


    Upon arriving at the port, I rented two ships. The reason I rented two ships was because there were many pirates in these waters. Therefore, I hired both a passenger ship and one managed by mercenaries. This way, Roxanne and I boarded the ship to ensure the journey would begin without dy.


    We left the city of Randaban early in the morning and watched the sun rise just to our left over the endless ocean. We were now headed south, towards the capital of the Ind Federation. If there were no issues with wind, currents, or the weather, we should arrive there by the next day at thetest. Randaban city was the closest location to the capital of the Ind Federation.


    Although the Ind Federation''s capital was located on an ind, this didn''t mean the capital was the only thing on the ind. After all, the central ind of the Federation was estimated to be half the size of the Kingdom of Herumzan, and the capital was built right in the middle of argeke. Yes, the capital was located inside thergeke on the ind.


    What I mean is that the ind itself had another ind within it, situated in theke. So, the central ind of the Federation was like an ind within an ind. Naturally, because of this geological feature, it was one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but it was also probably the most well-defended.


    Because of theke surrounding it, it was impossible for an army to besiege the city. The city was connected to the outside world only by two bridges, and since these bridges were manmade, they could be blown up in case of an emergency. The city was already surrounded by ake, meaning it had an unlimited water supply.


    And if the capital had enough food stored tost for years, it was practically impossible to conquer. Of course, even though I had a few ideas about how to conquer the city, I wasn''t sure they would work. But should someone manage to take control of the city, they would undoubtedly be renowned, not just on the human continent, but across the entire world.


    Capturing the capital of the Ind Federation would probably be the most prestigious feat one could achieve. However, no one has ever managed to capture the capital by force in history. Many greatmanders and kings have tried, but all failed miserably.


    The city''s influence among societies was so immense that it was even mentioned in the holy book of the greatest human religion, Yahraiyn, where it is written that the city is a sacred ce. Moreover, during the demon extermination, the ancestors of all living humans today escaped to this ce with the help of the elves.


    Annaxor, the leader of the demons who were part devil and dragon, living on the human continent, heard that the remaining humans had fled to this ind. He took to the skies with his enormous wings to finish them off, but was stopped and imprisoned before reaching the city.


    For all these reasons, the capital of the Ind Federation is the most important city for humans. It is also the only ce where a portal to the Dragon Academy is avable for humans. Nevertheless, one day, I definitely want to capture that city. But for now, I should get some rest.


    ---


    The Next Day


    We finally arrived at the central ind of the Ind Federation. The journey had been so boring that I was forced to smoke a few of my own invented cigars from this world. Unfortunately, smoking didn''t help at all, but at least we had reached the port. From here, we would begin a journey that wouldst several more days.


    And if I had to describe how I felt at that moment, I would say I wanted to jump into the ocean and let the mermaids take me far away.


    "Are you alright, baby?"


    Roxanne''s voice called me back, and I turned to face her. "No. I''m exhausted," I said honestly.


    Since I had spent most of the journey with Roxanne, we had grown closer.


    "White hair suits you very well," I said as I looked at her.


    Beforeing to the Ind Federation, or rather before starting the sea voyage, we changed our identities. I transformed into Arthur with my blonde hair, while Roxanne became Anna with white hair and red eyes. I had asked her to change her identity for a simple reason: Roxanne was a wanted criminal throughout the Kingdom of Asina and other parts of the continent.


    Of course, no one could harm her at the Dragon Academy, or rather, nothing could be done outside of the rules. But it wasn''t worth taking the risk.


    Moreover, I wanted to keep Roxanne by my side, so changing her identity had be necessary. After all, it wouldn''t be well-received to have the most wanted criminal in the kingdom seen alongside a prince, right? Of course, I would also enter the Dragon Academy under a false identity, but this would onlyst for the first year.


    After lingering a bit at the port, we disembarked, and I instructed our men on where they should go. As Roxanne and I walked along the coastline, I felt a sense of relief seeing how peaceful the Ind Federation was. It was like a world isted from the chaos and wars of the past. People came here only for trade and education, trying to stay away from political intrigues or conflicts.


    "We should reach the academy''s portalte tomorrow night," I told Roxanne. "I know you''re tired, but if we''rete, we might draw unwanted attention."


    Roxanne looked at me with a calm smile. "As long as I''m with you, nothing else matters," she said.


    Her new red eyes felt a little different from her usual sparkling emerald green ones, but they still evoked the same emotions. I leaned in and ced a passionate kiss on her soft lips. Afterward, we quickly bought a carriage and hired a group of mercenaries. Roxanne and I climbed into the carriage, and as the journey began, we finally found some time to rest.


    For the remainder of the journey, we traveled in silence. After leaving the port city, we entered a vast forested area. The rest of our path would take us through this forest. As the sun began to set, the light filtering through the trees brought an odd sense of tranquility. But I couldn''t shake the feeling that this peace wouldn''tst as we drew closer to the capital of the Ind Federation.


    Two dayster, we finally reached theke that surrounded the capital of the Ind Federation. When we arrived at theke, the sight before me took my breath away. It was as stunning as the legends described, perhaps even more so.


    The waters of theke were like crystal; as the morning sun rose into the sky, beams of light shimmered across the surface, creating a dazzling reflection, making theke look like a shining gem. In the center of theke stood the ind, a natural wonder. The capital rose at the heart of this ind, encircled by towering walls.


    The white walls and towers reflected in the water, enhancing the captivating beauty of the city.


    The city, with its multyered fortifications, looked as if it was one with nature. The vast green areas along thekeshore were filled with ancient trees and flowers. As we approached, the grandeur of the enormous bridges stretching across the water toward the city became evident. Tall, elegant structures and towers rose toward the sky, each seemingly adorned with intricate golden embellishments.


    The bridges were carved with borate symbols and stone reliefs, showcasing that this ce wasn''t just a city, but a work of art.


    "Incredible," Roxanne whispered, gazing around in awe. "Words can''t do this ce justice."


    She was right. The capital was mesmerizing not only because of its architecture but also because of the history it carried. All around the city were monuments, statues, and temples bearing the marks of history. The monumental structures dedicated to the greatest warriors and leaders of the past made it clear that this city was far more than just an ordinary ce.


    Built through thebined efforts of humans, elves, and other races, this city was considered the pinnacle of civilization.


    At the heart of the capitaly the portal to the Dragon Academy, the source of the city''s true power. Although the capital was situated in the middle of ake, the most striking and strategic location was the main square where the portal to the Dragon Academy was located. This portal was the most sacred and heavily guarded area in the capital.


    The square, surrounded by high walls, was so mysterious and captivating that only those with special permission could enter. Every step taken on the stone paths, which bore traces of history and magic, made one feel as though they belonged to another world.


    The portal to the Dragon Academy was encircled by enormous pirs rising from the depths of the earth. Each pir bore magical symbols inscribed in ancientnguages. These pirs were covered in massive crystals that drew power not just from the heavens, but from deep beneath the earth. The portal itself vibrated with an invisible energy, creating a slight ripple in the surrounding air.


    It was as if it served as a bridge between this world and others.


    Everyone who wanted to enter the academy had to pass through this portal. However, ess to the portal wasn''t granted easily. Only the most talented and courageous students were epted into the academy''s training. The Dragon Academy was renowned throughout the world as a ce where only the elite were educated.


    As a prince, I wasn''t required to undergo any tests, but the same didn''t apply to Roxanne.


    Even though I wasn''t currently in my prince''s identity, I couldn''t hide my true identity at the Dragon Academy. There was already a way to enter the academy under a false identity, but the headmaster and a few key figures could still learn who I really was if they chose to.


    And as a prince, or rather the official heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Asina, I had the privilege of entering the academy without taking the test. This privilege was only given to those like me—princes or princesses, potential future rulers. But since Roxanne wasn''t royalty, she would have to take the test. Heh, I was sure she would pass.


    After all, she had no intention of leaving me alone in an academy full of tens of thousands of girls...