The Third Prince Of Darkness

The Next Day

Early the next day, we headed to the port. I wanted to leave quickly because I didn't want to get caught due to the mercenaries who had been killed. Of course, even if they caught me, no one could do anything to me, but I still didn't want to cause a diplomatic crisis between kingdoms. Besides, the Kingdom of Herumzan could be useful against Alpshar in the future.

So, leaving before any issues arose would be the best course of action.

Upon arriving at the port, I rented two ships. The reason I rented two ships was because there were many pirates in these waters. Therefore, I hired both a passenger ship and one managed by mercenaries. This way, Roxanne and I boarded the ship to ensure the journey would begin without delay.

We left the city of Randaban early in the morning and watched the sun rise just to our left over the endless ocean. We were now headed south, towards the capital of the Island Federation. If there were no issues with wind, currents, or the weather, we should arrive there by the next day at the latest. Randaban city was the closest location to the capital of the Island Federation.

Although the Island Federation's capital was located on an island, this didn't mean the capital was the only thing on the island. After all, the central island of the Federation was estimated to be half the size of the Kingdom of Herumzan, and the capital was built right in the middle of a large lake. Yes, the capital was located inside the large lake on the island.

What I mean is that the island itself had another island within it, situated in the lake. So, the central island of the Federation was like an island within an island. Naturally, because of this geological feature, it was one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but it was also probably the most well-defended.

Because of the lake surrounding it, it was impossible for an army to besiege the city. The city was connected to the outside world only by two bridges, and since these bridges were manmade, they could be blown up in case of an emergency. The city was already surrounded by a lake, meaning it had an unlimited water supply.

And if the capital had enough food stored to last for years, it was practically impossible to conquer. Of course, even though I had a few ideas about how to conquer the city, I wasn't sure they would work. But should someone manage to take control of the city, they would undoubtedly become renowned, not just on the human continent, but across the entire world.

Capturing the capital of the Island Federation would probably be the most prestigious feat one could achieve. However, no one has ever managed to capture the capital by force in history. Many great commanders and kings have tried, but all failed miserably.

The city's influence among societies was so immense that it was even mentioned in the holy book of the greatest human religion, Yahraiyn, where it is written that the city is a sacred place. Moreover, during the demon extermination, the ancestors of all living humans today escaped to this place with the help of the elves.

Annaxor, the leader of the demons who were part devil and dragon, living on the human continent, heard that the remaining humans had fled to this island. He took to the skies with his enormous wings to finish them off, but was stopped and imprisoned before reaching the city.

For all these reasons, the capital of the Island Federation is the most important city for humans. It is also the only place where a portal to the Dragon Academy is available for humans. Nevertheless, one day, I definitely want to capture that city. But for now, I should get some rest.

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The Next Day

We finally arrived at the central island of the Island Federation. The journey had been so boring that I was forced to smoke a few of my own invented cigars from this world. Unfortunately, smoking didn't help at all, but at least we had reached the port. From here, we would begin a journey that would last several more days.

And if I had to describe how I felt at that moment, I would say I wanted to jump into the ocean and let the mermaids take me far away.

"Are you alright, baby?"

Roxanne's voice called me back, and I turned to face her. "No. I'm exhausted," I said honestly.

Since I had spent most of the journey with Roxanne, we had grown closer.

"White hair suits you very well," I said as I looked at her.

Before coming to the Island Federation, or rather before starting the sea voyage, we changed our identities. I transformed into Arthur with my blonde hair, while Roxanne became Anna with white hair and red eyes. I had asked her to change her identity for a simple reason: Roxanne was a wanted criminal throughout the Kingdom of Asina and other parts of the continent.

Of course, no one could harm her at the Dragon Academy, or rather, nothing could be done outside of the rules. But it wasn't worth taking the risk.

Moreover, I wanted to keep Roxanne by my side, so changing her identity had become necessary. After all, it wouldn't be well-received to have the most wanted criminal in the kingdom seen alongside a prince, right? Of course, I would also enter the Dragon Academy under a false identity, but this would only last for the first year.

After lingering a bit at the port, we disembarked, and I instructed our men on where they should go. As Roxanne and I walked along the coastline, I felt a sense of relief seeing how peaceful the Island Federation was. It was like a world isolated from the chaos and wars of the past. People came here only for trade and education, trying to stay away from political intrigues or conflicts.

"We should reach the academy's portal late tomorrow night," I told Roxanne. "I know you're tired, but if we're late, we might draw unwanted attention."

Roxanne looked at me with a calm smile. "As long as I'm with you, nothing else matters," she said.

Her new red eyes felt a little different from her usual sparkling emerald green ones, but they still evoked the same emotions. I leaned in and placed a passionate kiss on her soft lips. Afterward, we quickly bought a carriage and hired a group of mercenaries. Roxanne and I climbed into the carriage, and as the journey began, we finally found some time to rest.

For the remainder of the journey, we traveled in silence. After leaving the port city, we entered a vast forested area. The rest of our path would take us through this forest. As the sun began to set, the light filtering through the trees brought an odd sense of tranquility. But I couldn't shake the feeling that this peace wouldn't last as we drew closer to the capital of the Island Federation.

Two days later, we finally reached the lake that surrounded the capital of the Island Federation. When we arrived at the lake, the sight before me took my breath away. It was as stunning as the legends described, perhaps even more so.

The waters of the lake were like crystal; as the morning sun rose into the sky, beams of light shimmered across the surface, creating a dazzling reflection, making the lake look like a shining gem. In the center of the lake stood the island, a natural wonder. The capital rose at the heart of this island, encircled by towering walls.

The white walls and towers reflected in the water, enhancing the captivating beauty of the city.

The city, with its multilayered fortifications, looked as if it was one with nature. The vast green areas along the lakeshore were filled with ancient trees and flowers. As we approached, the grandeur of the enormous bridges stretching across the water toward the city became evident. Tall, elegant structures and towers rose toward the sky, each seemingly adorned with intricate golden embellishments.

The bridges were carved with elaborate symbols and stone reliefs, showcasing that this place wasn't just a city, but a work of art.

"Incredible," Roxanne whispered, gazing around in awe. "Words can't do this place justice."

She was right. The capital was mesmerizing not only because of its architecture but also because of the history it carried. All around the city were monuments, statues, and temples bearing the marks of history. The monumental structures dedicated to the greatest warriors and leaders of the past made it clear that this city was far more than just an ordinary place.

Built through the combined efforts of humans, elves, and other races, this city was considered the pinnacle of civilization.

At the heart of the capital lay the portal to the Dragon Academy, the source of the city's true power. Although the capital was situated in the middle of a lake, the most striking and strategic location was the main square where the portal to the Dragon Academy was located. This portal was the most sacred and heavily guarded area in the capital.

The square, surrounded by high walls, was so mysterious and captivating that only those with special permission could enter. Every step taken on the stone paths, which bore traces of history and magic, made one feel as though they belonged to another world.

The portal to the Dragon Academy was encircled by enormous pillars rising from the depths of the earth. Each pillar bore magical symbols inscribed in ancient languages. These pillars were covered in massive crystals that drew power not just from the heavens, but from deep beneath the earth. The portal itself vibrated with an invisible energy, creating a slight ripple in the surrounding air.

It was as if it served as a bridge between this world and others.

Everyone who wanted to enter the academy had to pass through this portal. However, access to the portal wasn't granted easily. Only the most talented and courageous students were accepted into the academy's training. The Dragon Academy was renowned throughout the world as a place where only the elite were educated.

As a prince, I wasn't required to undergo any tests, but the same didn't apply to Roxanne.

Even though I wasn't currently in my prince's identity, I couldn't hide my true identity at the Dragon Academy. There was already a way to enter the academy under a false identity, but the headmaster and a few key figures could still learn who I really was if they chose to.

And as a prince, or rather the official heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Asina, I had the privilege of entering the academy without taking the test. This privilege was only given to those like me—princes or princesses, potential future rulers. But since Roxanne wasn't royalty, she would have to take the test. Heh, I was sure she would pass.

After all, she had no intention of leaving me alone in an academy full of tens of thousands of girls...

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