Lorin was immersed in studying the ancient and mysterious Forbidden Magic in his research room. The air reeked of potent potions. He held an old tome in both hands, hoping to glean some insight from its pages.

He slightly turned his gaze, realizing someone had arrived. A trace of helplessness flickered across his handsome face as the ancient book closed with a soft thud.

Footsteps in leather shoes stirred fine dust. His pale blue eyes fixed intently on the tightly shut door. Knocks echoed loudly in the quiet room.

"Oh, who is it?" Lorin called out, confusion on his face. This room was sealed by powerful magic, making perception difficult; merely sensing how many visitors were outside was a struggle.

"It's the principal. You brat, back in here again? Haven't I told you to come less often?" Kurt Stoudenmire's tone held reproach, but genuine concern shone through.

"Oh, got it." Lorin smiled lightly and moved to the heavy door. He turned the doorknob, a crisp click sounding in his ears.

Before him stood Kurt Stoudenmire and Gari Barodale. Lorin's smile froze instantly. He paused, then slowly began closing the door—but Gali blocked it with his arm.

"So you're Lorin? Pleasure to meet you," Gali said with a malicious smile. He didn't reveal their kinship, curious about what Henry had done all these decades. Did he truly hate him so much he'd hide his identity?

"Yeah, old drunk. What brings you here? I didn't think you could do anything besides drinking," Lorin retorted without backing down. They pushed against the door until it cracked and shattered.

Wood splinters grazed their faces as their gazes locked. Kurt Stoudenmire's voice cut in.

"Lorin, this is Brave Sir. Stop calling him 'old drunk'—show respect. He'll be your assistant. It's a great honor."

Both replied in unison.

"We know each other."

"We know each other."

"Oh, old acquaintances? Then I won't disturb you." Kurt hadn't expected this connection. It saved trouble, though their tension seemed odd—Lorin never provoked anyone and had a gentle nature.

"I'll take my leave. You two work things out." He tactfully withdrew, leaving them alone. Lorin broke the silence first.

"Old drunk, you've finally learned to dress decently. You almost look human now." Lorin leaned against the doorframe, glaring with displeasure at the Hero intruding on his life.

"Henry, you became a master teacher on your own. As your father, I'm proud." Gali, burdened by guilt, reached out—but met only Lorin's cold stare.

"Don't touch me, old drunk. I've never acknowledged you as my father. And—" Lorin slapped his hand away. In his tear-dried eyes, a flicker of resolve flashed.

"Don't call me Henry. I changed my name long ago. I'm only Lorin here. I've worked decades at the Imperial Academy, and now you show up? My dear Brave Sir, you're quite well-informed." His tone dripped with bitterness. This so-called father had never understood him—not even when he ran away, the man just drank at home.

"Henry, I'm sorry." Gali's thousand unspoken words condensed into this apology.

"Tch, old drunk. What's your purpose here?" Lorin cut straight to the chase. This guy was too strange.

"Me?" Gali pondered leisurely. "I'm just here to find someone. I want to get close to her using this identity."

"? What?" Lorin's surprise turned to fury—the old drunk wasn't here for him. He suppressed his anger. "Haven't touched a woman in years, so you're hunting for a young lady, Brave Sir?"

"No."

"Forget it. I'll have the principal assign you elsewhere. Find whoever you want—just stay out of my sight, Brave Sir." Lorin turned to leave, but Gali blocked him, voice sincere.

"I'm sorry, Henry. I know you hate me. Give me a chance to make it up."

"Ah... damn it." Lorin swallowed hard. Years of grievances surged as his gaze caught a swaying blue pendant. He forced the words out.

"Don't call me Henry. I'm Lorin. I don't want anyone knowing I'm your son—I'm ashamed. You must obey my orders. Oh, and one more condition."

"Thank you, Henry." Gali frowned. "What's the other condition?"

"Hahaha, nothing much." Lorin wore a kind smile that felt eerie. He lightly tapped Gali's shoulder—their first contact in years, unsettlingly strange.

"Just let me beat you up. Brave Sir is Tenth Tier—you won't get hurt by a mere Eighth Tier nobody like me, right?" Before Gali could reply, Lorin blasted him away with magic. Explosions rocked the Imperial Academy, venting decades of frustration.

"Hmm, noisy." Kevin woke to the faint carriage sounds outside. She stretched lazily on her soft bed, then floated her frail body mid-air with magic.

At a certain height, she slowly opened her sleep-filled eyes. An unfamiliar carriage came into view.

"Strange. Why do people keep showing up? I chose such a remote address on purpose."