“Let’s go,” Luca said, already used to the kind of attention he was getting, and didn’t give it much thought. Under the gaze of the crowd, he walked with the women into Starry Academy.
The campus ground was paved with white stone slabs, and towering, ancient-style teaching buildings stood proudly, surrounded by lush greenery. Students walked by, laughing and chatting, creating a lively atmosphere.
The campus of Starry Academy was vastly different from Red Maple Academy. It wasn’t just the size, but also the architectural style and well-maintained gardens that made it feel more refined and minimalist, with hints of a modern academic institution.
As they walked, curious eyes were constantly drawn to them. Both Lucia and Sophia were well-known figures in the academy, and although Fratis didn’t frequent Dawn City, the school had many noble offspring, so she was recognized by quite a few people.
With their stunning looks, the group garnered the full attention of anyone they passed by. As the only man in a sea of beauties, Luca naturally stood out like a sore thumb. If looks could kill, he would probably have been pierced with arrows by now.
The group continued their walk without pause, weaving through the campus until they reached the faculty building at the back of the academy.
The building had a slightly castle-like appearance, with walls bearing the marks of time. It looked like it had stood for many years, holding the weight of countless stories.
Once inside, under Lucia’s lead, they made their way toward the top floor of the faculty building.
They weren’t stopped by anyone along the way, though many greeted Sophia and Lucia as they walked.
Soon, they reached the office at the top floor.
“Knock, knock!” Lucia knocked on the door.
A few seconds passed before a faint, weak voice came from inside. “Come in.”
The door opened, revealing a very clean and tidy office. Apart from a desk and a sofa, there was little else in the room.
Behind the desk sat an older woman with graying hair. Her complexion was pale and somewhat frail, but there was still a lingering beauty about her from her younger days. She was busy reviewing documents in the office.
From her appearance, Luca could already tell that she was similar to Lucia, and he deduced that this must be Lucia’s mother, the headmistress of Starry Academy, Selin Elizabeth.
“Just say what you need to say,” the woman said without looking up, her tone calm and indifferent. Clearly, she knew exactly what kind of person her daughter was.
Lucia immediately bristled, “What kind of talk is that? Are you implying that I wouldn’t visit you if there was nothing wrong?”
The older woman put down her pen, glancing at her daughter with annoyance. “If you really had any conscience, you’d find a man, get married, and give me a grandson. Then, I’d die without regrets.”
Lucia didn’t respond, rolling her eyes in silent protest, pretending she hadn’t heard.
“As soon as marriage comes up, you play dead. Do you really think you can live your life alone?” Dean Selin snorted coldly, then turned her gaze to Luca and the others. Her expression softened, and she said, “You must be Luca, right? Lucia has mentioned you before. I’ve also heard about what happened in Southwind City. You did well. If there’s anything you need help with, just ask.”
Her tone carried a hint of warmth. While she couldn’t stand her own daughter, she genuinely liked Lucia’s two students.
“It wasn’t just my accomplishment, though. It was also thanks to Marquis Bronte and the others,” Luca replied with a smile. Then he continued, “By the way, the reason I’m here today, aside from visiting you, is that I wanted to enter the Divine Ruins Secret Realm. Previously, His Majesty the King gave me a Divine Ruins Key.”
“Divine Ruins Secret Realm, huh?” Selin said thoughtfully. “With your strength and talent, you should be able to gain some good legacies inside.” She smiled, then reached into her storage ring, pulling out another key and handing it to Luca. “The Divine Ruins Secret Realm isn’t guarded, but it requires two keys to enter. Afterward, Lucia can guide you there directly.”
She paused for a moment, then added, “However, you need to be careful. In the Secret Realm, all Transcendent-level items will be disabled, and the monsters inside are far stronger than those in the outside world. Also, everyone is allowed to enter only once, so once you’re inside, don’t get too reckless.”
“I understand. Thank you for the warning, Dean Selin.” Luca expressed his gratitude and reached out to take the second key. This key looked identical to the Divine Ruins Key he already had, except that it was white and seemed to be made of jade.
“Ah, what a good child you are. It really is a shame that you and Sophia have to learn under her,” Dean Selin sighed, looking at Lucia.
Such a promising young talent, but stuck with such an irresponsible teacher. Just thinking about it made her feel sorry for them.
“You’re slandering me!” Lucia muttered under her breath, clearly displeased with the way Selin had assessed her teaching.
“Did you really teach them well?” Dean Selin shot her a sharp look. She knew all too well what kind of teacher Lucia was—certainly not cut out for the job.
If it weren’t for Luca and Sophia’s extraordinary talent, they’d probably still be stuck at the Gold Grade stage with an average teacher.
Lucia pouted, feeling disgruntled but too proud to argue further. Deep down, she knew there was some truth to it.
The group didn’t linger much longer in the office.
After saying their goodbyes to Dean Selin, they made their way to the entrance of the Divine Ruins Secret Realm.
On the way, Luca asked Lucia, “Do you know what’s going on with Dean Selin’s health?”
When they entered earlier, he noticed something off about Selin. It was as if the life force within her was being eroded by something.
However, with limited time, Luca couldn’t figure out exactly what it was, but he had a vague feeling it was similar to what he’d sensed in King Alfred.
Lucia sighed and answered, “The injuries she has are from when she saved His Majesty all those years ago. Although it’s not as severe as His Majesty’s, her strength was weaker than his back then. So, I think…”
She shook her head and didn’t continue.
Luca understood what Lucia meant.
It seemed Selin didn’t have much time left.
What had happened back then? Why did both King Alfred and Dean Selin suffer such serious injuries?
Could it have been the Queen Matilda’s doing? That didn’t seem right, though…
Luca felt confused. He asked Lucia about it, but unfortunately, he didn’t get any useful clues.
Fratis, however, knew a bit more. But even she didn’t have all the answers. According to her, it wasn’t just them—almost no one in Dawn City knew exactly what had happened back then. And even if they did, people tended to remain silent, afraid to speak openly.
The only thing everyone was sure of was that, years ago, the King and several powerful figures had gone to a mysterious Secret Realm to retrieve a treasure. But upon returning to Dawn City, they were ambushed. Not only was the treasure stolen, but they were also left with lingering, troublesome injuries that still hadn’t been resolved.
Stealing from the King in Dawn City?
Luca shook his head, not really caring to speculate about who the culprit might be.
Anyway, it wouldn’t matter for long. He’d be leaving Dawn City soon enough.
Before long, the group arrived at the location of the Divine Ruins Secret Realm.
At the very back of Dawn Academy, there stood a large artificial hill around a hundred meters high. A straight stone staircase led up to the top, with intricate, dense runes carved into the steps.
At the summit, there was an ancient altar surrounded by eight towering stone pillars, all of which were also engraved with mysterious, ancient runes.
“This is the entrance to the Divine Ruins Secret Realm?” Luca asked as he surveyed the altar in front of him after reaching the top.
At the center of the altar, Luca could see a stone platform with two key-shaped indentations. It was likely where he would need to place the two keys he was holding.
Much like Red Maple Academy, Dawn Academy was built here because of its proximity to a special Secret Realm. In fact, it wasn’t just the two academies—many noble families and powerful factions also established their strongholds near such realms.
The reasons for the formation of these Secret Realms were varied, and many of the resources found within them were nearly impossible to obtain from the outside world. So, controlling access to a Secret Realm in itself was a mark of significant power and prestige.
“This is it. Just place your Divine Ruins Key into the stone platform,” Lucia nodded, then looked at Luca with a serious expression. “The Divine Ruins Secret Realm is extremely dangerous, so be careful. If you feel like you can’t continue, leave immediately—don’t hesitate. Once you’re in, there’s no going back. If you die inside, it’s for real.
“If you don’t manage to obtain any inheritance, don’t worry. I’ll find something better for you when you return.”
Sophia also spoke seriously, “What the teacher says is true. Every year, talented people die in the Divine Ruins Secret Realm. Even though I made it through, it wasn’t because I was particularly strong; I just got lucky. You must be cautious.”
Luca, fully aware of the danger of the Secret Realm, smiled and replied, “Don’t worry. I know what’s important—my life and the inheritance. I can tell the difference.”
Hearing this, Lucia and the others relaxed a little.
Without further delay, Luca walked directly towards the altar.
But just as he was about to step onto the altar, his foot faltered for a moment. It was as if something deep within him had been triggered, and a strange, overwhelming sense of familiarity flooded his mind.
“I… I feel like I’ve been here before?” a voice echoed in Luca’s mind.
It was the Solar Divine Spear, which had been dormant for so long.
And it wasn’t just Luca. Even Jormungandr stirred awake.
“There’s something off about this place. I can sense the presence of a god…” Jormungandr spoke gravely.
“The presence of a god?” Luca’s gaze sharpened.
It seemed like he had come to the right place.
Without hesitation, he placed the two keys—one black and one white—into the corresponding slots in the stone platform.
“Buzz!”
The two Divine Ruins Keys immediately erupted in light!
The black and white lights intertwined, glowing in a dazzling display.
In an instant, a strange power emanated from the stone platform. The runes on the eight stone pillars surrounding the altar lit up, and an ancient, heavy aura—seemingly from the very beginning of time—enveloped the entire hill.
In a daze, Luca felt as though he was witnessing a grand, majestic scene.
In the boundless starry sky, countless towering figures cloaked in divine light and mysterious laws stood like colossal pillars holding up the universe. These beings gazed down at the worlds beneath them, their divine majesty overwhelming!
And just as Luca saw them…
An explosion of divine light burst forth!
All the gods lowered their heads in unison, their eyes fixed upon him!
[Welcome to the Divine Ruins Secret Realm!]