The next day, Villim held a press conference.
Cameras flashed. Reporters murmured. Police officials stood in a tense line. Villim stepped up to the podium, calm and confident, with Ran standing beside him.
"This is it…" Ran thought, his hands slightly trembling.
"My name is Villim Rin," Villim began, his voice clear and powerful. "And today, I am here to introduce someone very special."
All eyes turned to Ran.
"This boy, Ran Dalward, has pure blood."
A wave of whispers spread through the crowd.
"According to the ancient prophecies of the Seven Demon Blood Theory, he is the one who can save us. He can prevent the creation of the destructive monster and protect our world."
Ran felt the weight of those words press down on him.
"I request the police force to drop all charges against this boy," Villim continued. "And I am offering a reward of eighteen wangs—our currency—to every officer who cooperates."
The room fell silent.
Then the police commissioner stepped forward.
After a brief pause, he nodded.
"Ran Dalward is officially cleared of all charges."
Just like that…
Everything changed.
Villim turned to Ran and shook his hand.
"Come with me, boy," he said with a satisfied smile. "I'm very happy today. Very happy indeed."
Ran hesitated before speaking.
"Sir… what are these 'wangs' you mentioned?"
Villim chuckled lightly.
"That's our currency here," he explained. "Don't worry about it for now. What matters is that you're ready for the next phase of your journey."
Ran looked confused.
"What phase?"
Villim smiled.
"School."
Ran blinked.
"Summer holidays are ending," Villim continued. "You'll be attending The Great Elarion Academy of Mystics. It's the finest magical school in the city. I've already arranged everything."
He gestured forward.
"Come. I'll take you to a hotel. You need rest."
That evening, Ran stood inside a luxurious hotel room.
It was bigger than his entire house back in the normal world.
The bed looked unbelievably soft. Through the window, city lights shimmered like stars.
He sat down slowly.
"Tomorrow… school," he whispered.
A nervous laugh escaped him.
"How am I supposed to survive school here… when I can barely survive school in my own world?"
Sleep didn't come easily that night.
The next morning, a bus arrived to pick him up.
Ran stepped inside, clutching his bag tightly.
"New admission?" the conductor asked.
"Yes," Ran replied nervously.
"You're Ran, right?"
Ran nodded.
The conductor pointed ahead.
"Sit there. Next to her."
Ran followed his gaze—
Emma.
She was sitting by the window.
"Ran!" she called out, smiling. "You're here! I wasn't sure everything would work out."
"How did you get here so fast?" Ran asked as he sat down.
Emma shrugged lightly.
"I've always studied here. My father can afford it."
She looked at him warmly.
"But I'm glad you're here. You'll need someone who knows this place."
As the bus started moving, Ran pressed his face slightly toward the window.
The journey itself felt magical.
Buildings shifted as they passed. Strange flying creatures moved across the sky. The air itself felt different.
And then—
As they neared the academy—
A choir of birds began to sing.
"Welcome, welcome, welcome!"
Ran's eyes widened.
"We welcome you to The Great Elarion Academy of Mystics!"
When they finally arrived…
Ran froze.
Far beyond tall mountains and deep green forests stood a magnificent castle.
Its tall blue towers touched the sky. A peaceful river flowed beside it, small waterfalls shining like crystals in the sunlight. Colorful flowers and gardens surrounded the stone pathway leading to the grand entrance.
It didn't feel real.
It felt like something out of a dream.
Inside the hall, a man was waiting.
"Welcome, new students," he said calmly.
"My name is Professor Citric."
Ran looked at him carefully.
An old man with long white hair and a beard stood tall, holding a staff glowing with blue energy. A crystal floated above him, shining softly. There was something powerful about him—something that demanded respect.
"I'll be handling your admissions."
Ran stepped forward.
"My name is Ran Dalward," he said, trying to sound confident.
Professor Citric smiled.
"Ah… yes. Ran Dalward. Your father's name is Ethan Dalward, correct?"
"Yes, sir."
"And your mother?"
Ran's voice softened.
"Her name was Mikasa… she's not with us anymore."
A brief silence followed.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Professor Citric said gently. "But you're here now. And this is a good place."
He handed Ran his uniform and books.
"You'll be assigned a dormitory room."
Later, Ran stood in front of his room.
Room 103.
He looked at the assignment slip again.
"Shared room…" he muttered.
He knocked and stepped inside.
And froze.
Emma was already there, sitting on one of the beds, reading.
"Ran!" she said excitedly. "The dragon skull assigned us the same room!"
Ran blinked.
"Wait… what? Dragon skull?"
Emma smiled.
"That's a story for another time. But yes—the magical system decided we should be roommates."
She closed her book.
"I'm not complaining. It's nice to have someone familiar."
For the first time since arriving in this world…
Ran felt a little less alone.
That evening, all the new students gathered in the great hall.
The atmosphere was filled with excitement and nervous energy.
The principal stepped forward.
"Welcome to The Great Elarion Academy of Mystics," he announced proudly. "Here, you will learn to become great wizards and witches."
Ran listened carefully.
"Today, we will use a special tool to assign your dormitory rooms."
He paused.
"May I present… the Hommer Dragon."
A gasp spread through the hall.
At the center stood a massive dragon's skull.
Ancient.
Powerful.
It radiated something… unnatural.
"When I call your name," the principal continued, "you will come forward and place your hand on the dragon's head. It will tell you your room."
One by one, students stepped forward.
Each time, the dragon spoke.
A deep, echoing voice that felt like it came from the earth itself.
Then—
"Ran Dalward!"
Ran's heart began to race.
He stepped forward slowly.
The entire hall felt silent.
He placed his hand on the cold surface of the skull.
For a moment…
Nothing.
Then the voice spoke.
"Room 103."
Ran stepped back.
As he returned to his place, he looked at Emma.
She grinned.
Whatever was waiting for him in this world…
At least he wouldn't face it alone