When Alexander crossed the barrier, he expected something grand, but at first, it seemed ordinary—a bamboo forest, a stone-paved road stretching ahead. Yet, there was something… off. The air felt heavier, richer with mana, as if the very ground pulsed with ancient energy. The road was slightly wider than the ones leading to other dorms, but nothing else stood out.


    Suddenly, the sound of neighing horses and the rhythmic clatter of hooves against the ground caught his attention, followed by the creaking of a carriage.


    "It’s amazing to know there are places that still use horse-drawn carriages," he sighed, almost in disappointment.


    Athena shook her head. "Don’t let the old pervert hear you. He cherishes his machines more than anything."


    Alexander chuckled. "Even if it’s old-fashioned, no one today can build machines that resemble living creatures so perfectly."


    As they spoke, a sleek metallic carriage pulled up in front of them. The mechanical coachman greeted them, placing his right fist over his left chest. "My lady! Sir!"


    Athena stepped toward the carriage but paused when she realized her father hadn’t moved. Alexander stood frozen, eyes locked onto the coachman. The metallic figure tilted its head slightly, its movements eerily smooth, almost human. Even the artificial horses, with their gleaming black coats and lifelike eyes, felt unsettlingly real.


    "Cupcake, are you sure that guy is a robot? And those horses—just insane." He let out a whistle. "Wow!"


    Athena understood his reaction. Even though their creator might be a half-crazed lunatic, the creations themselves were extraordinary. It made her wonder—just how advanced were the ancient people to create something like this?


    Alexander finally followed Athena into the carriage. His eyes roamed over the pristine interior, taking in the soft, luxurious seats.


    The carriage rolled forward, and before long, they reached the edge of the bamboo forest, where the enchanted forest began.


    "Interesting," Alexander murmured, his voice a quiet whisper in the carriage. "Very interesting."


    He had seen many things in his lifetime, but this was the first time he had seen an enchanted forest inside a dorm area. It was a brilliant concept—a safe place to nurture and protect the next generation, surrounded by a forest filled with abundant mana. He could feel the purity of the mana swirling around him.


    This is a true luxury.


    But what truly caught his attention was the Arcanum Lamp hanging outside the carriage—a relic he had only ever heard about in old stories from his aunt and read about in the ancient archives of the royal library.


    The journey didn’t take long, and soon, they arrived at the dorm. Alexander had expected to see a few robotic servants, but what he actually saw was far more overwhelming than a mechanical coachman and horses.


    The dorm entrance was bustling—dozens of servants moving about, performing various tasks with precision. Yet, what made the sight astonishing was the fact that none of them were living beings.


    As they approached the entrance, Athena expected Cleo to open the door—but to her surprise, it wasn’t Cleo.


    Instead, it was Rufus himself.


    "Brat, how dare you call my creations old-fashioned!"


    Alexander stiffened.


    He had been expecting another robot—but this was a full-grown man.


    His eyes narrowed. Something wasn’t right.


    Before he could think twice, Alexander reached out—only for his fingers to pass through thin air. It was like plunging his hand into ice-cold mist. A shiver ran up his spine.


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    "You—who are you? What are you?"


    Rufus clicked his tongue in disapproval. "Now I understand why this little brat is so impolite. It runs in the family."


    With a dismissive wave, Rufus turned on his heel and gestured for them to follow. He strode into the hall without looking back.


    Alexander turned to Athena, his eyes filled with questions.


    Without a word, she sighed deeply before finally answering.


    "Rufus Alfonso."


    Alexander’s eyes widened in utter bewilderment.


    "The Rufus Alfonso?" He paused. "The one with a knack for wearing women’s clothes?"


    Rufus whipped around, his eyes blazing.


    "For the Lord’s sake! It was one time—as a prank! I never wore that again!"


    Athena snorted, biting back a laugh as she watched Rufus storm off toward the hall, his face looking as if he had been stung by a swarm of bees.


    By the time they reached the great hall, Cleo had already prepared refreshments for their guest and the little Lady. Rufus, having spent some time observing Athena, already knew what kind of treats she liked and, more importantly, what kind of person she was.


    Even though she often appeared serious and was less than polite toward him, he could tell that the child treated both the living and the lifeless with the same level of consideration. She was sharp, calculating—but never cruel.


    In Rufus’s opinion, she wasn’t impolite because she was a spoiled brat like other kids her age. She was impolite because of her pride and authority, wielding them like a well-honed weapon—not just sharp but capable of cutting through anything.


    Now, after seeing her father, Rufus understood where that pride and authority came from.


    Like father, like daughter.


    With a serious expression, Rufus turned to Alexander.


    "Who told you about my less-than-fond past? It’s been centuries since anyone even remembered it."


    Alexander shrugged. "My aunt came across a diary belonging to Ophelia."


    At the mention of the name, Rufus suddenly leaned forward in his seat.


    "Ophelia?" His voice was sharp with interest and caution.


    Rufus frowned. "How dare you act surprised? And how dare you refer to the most revered Saintess Ophelia as if she were just some ordinary woman?"


    Alexander blinked in genuine shock.


    "What? Saintess? Are we talking about the same Ophelia—the one who created the Mirror of the Departed?"


    The moment those words left Alexander’s lips, Rufus’s expression changed.


    For the briefest moment, Rufus’s expression shifted—sorrow, loss, and something dangerously close to rage flickered across his face. But just as quickly as it appeared, it was gone, buried beneath his usual sharp wit.


    Athena, who understood the internal struggle playing out in Rufus’s mind, quickly changed the subject before he could slip too deeply into painful memories.


    "Old man," she said, crossing her arms, "didn’t you say nothing happens in this place without you knowing? Then why was the barrier compromised?"


    For a brief moment, Rufus felt grateful to the mere ten-year-old child sitting in front of him. She understood.


    She had given him a way out from reliving a past he wasn’t ready to confront.


    With a chuckle, he leaned back in his chair.


    "Who told you the barrier was actually broken?" Rufus leaned back, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. "I let them think it was compromised. I needed that Abyssal bastards to believe they had the upper hand."


    Alexander frowned, thinking for a moment.


    "Then what about the demon?"


    Rufus’s eyes glinted with a mysterious amusement.


    "I can’t tell you much about that. But once your daughter awakens, she’ll understand why."


    Alexander narrowed his eyes.


    "And let me guess—that somehow ties into why I can’t use my full power?"


    Rufus simply chuckled. "Now, now, you’re catching on. But I can’t give you all the answers just yet. You’ll understand soon enough—until then, I suggest you stop searching for answers where you won’t find them."


    Alexander clenched his jaw in frustration.


    "Then what about the demon?" His voice hardened. "Are you just going to let him roam free?"


    Rufus shook his head. "Nope."


    Then, with a sudden shift in his expression, he turned to Athena.


    "Athena Alexia Arcane," Rufus said, his voice laced with authority, "I have a mission for you. And trust me, this one will change everything."