Kids really get less cute as they grow up.

Aston placed the letter on his desk and rubbed his temples hard. Across from him, a maid stood rigid with fear, eyes glued to the floor, her voice trembling.

"Imperial Advisor... I’m so sorry. When I entered Princess Irina’s bedroom today, I only found this letter."

She lowered her head further. Aston just sighed heavily and tossed the letter onto the table.

"It’s fine. You may go. The princess is young, and she took a knight with her. Let her be."

"Y-yes! Yes, Imperial Advisor!"

The maid nodded frantically, as if granted a royal pardon, and hurried out. Once alone, Aston slumped back in his chair, muttering under his breath before covering his face.

But why insist on something so reckless as attending Helistar Academy?

Aston gritted his teeth. Honestly, he couldn’t fathom Irina’s choice. He’d been her private magic tutor since she was old enough to understand spells. Yet now, she suddenly wanted to study elsewhere...

Annoyance was only natural.

And William...

Aston’s mind drifted to his days at Raven Tree Tower. At just eight, he’d entered as the Alliance’s top prodigy, exempt from exams. On his first day, he met William Huerista—the Duchy’s lowest-ranked exchange student. That year, William was already eighteen.

But that marked the start of Aston’s nightmare. The infuriating foreigner, fueled by some unseen drive, studied nonstop. In later exams, he matched Aston’s scores, even surpassing him sometimes. Aston’s entire academic life wasted on competing with that mediocre talent.

After graduation, Aston easily became a Raven Tree Tower lecturer. When he rose to Imperial Advisor, William returned home. Years later, Aston heard of Helistar Academy’s founding.

Honestly, Aston didn’t hate William’s diligence. He despised his magic philosophy. To Aston, magic meant nothing without devastating power. But William obsessed over trivial uses—like inventing a magic-powered carriage.

And now, his star pupil had run off to that eccentric mage’s side...

"Sigh..."

Aston pressed his palm to his forehead.

"Headache."

As he pondered visiting Irina at the academy, his office door burst open. A gust of wind swept in. Aston’s eyes snapped to the entrance—a knight in ancient black armor strode in slowly. The armor bore a cloak embroidered with a black hammer over golden tassels.

Aston recognized the runes. This armor was forged in the late king’s era. But what irked him most was the knight’s pitch-black helmet. Its archaic design hid his face completely, yet Aston felt eyes watching him through the visor slits.

"Who are you?"

Aston sat up straight. The knight bowed slightly, voice flat.

"Greetings, Imperial Advisor. I am Havil Shiridvens. Sent by the Hammer of Humanity per your request."

The Hammer of Humanity...

Quick response. Aston rose slowly. He couldn’t place the surname Shiridvens—likely an ancient one, extinct after noble families fell in the Ancient Epoch wars.

"Ah, welcome. But remove your helmet? For courtesy’s sake."

Aston extended his hand. As he approached, a heavy church incense scent hit him. Havil grasped his hand firmly.

"My apologies, Advisor. Hammer of Humanity rules forbid helmet removal. And..."

Havil’s grip tightened. His tone stayed calm.

"We’re an independent order. We answer only to Commander Iris, not the Elvis Family. Family names mean nothing. We follow Iris’s doctrine: exterminate all non-humans and corrupted humans who sympathize with them."

Hmph. Arrogant.

Aston forced a polite smile and withdrew his hand.

"Well, that explains your presence. I need you to investigate the city."

He raised his hand, lowering his voice.

"His Majesty dismisses conspiracies, but these non-human appearances reek of trouble. Duke Sidius is likely colluding with them."

He dropped his hand.

"Catch them red-handed, and the Alliance can pressure the Duchy. The war might end easier."

"Advisor, you misunderstand one thing."

Havil’s voice echoed hollowly from the helmet, like a whisper from hell.

"If the Hammer of Humanity finds a nation colluding with non-humans, you won’t need war."

Aston frowned. Havil continued.

"We’ll flatten that nation. Purify its land with fire. Sow its fields with salt. Erase every trace of its existence."

Occupying barren, lifeless land is useless. Aston finally smirked.

"Bold words. The Hammer of Humanity was famed in the Ancient Epoch, but conquering a nation? You jest."

"Aston, sir..."

Havil’s voice softened, as if expecting this.

"Have you ever witnessed Demon Blood’s power?"

...

Aston wanted to retort but had no words. Demon Blood’s existence was unproven—but Iris summoning Demons in the Ancient Epoch was undeniable fact.

As Aston hesitated, Havil turned away. With his back to Aston, he murmured.

"Don’t overthink it... You’ll know soon enough."