While hibernating, deep in his mind, Mart remembered what had happened on Marrac Mountain.

He remembered:

The handsome man with black hair who wore a white lab coat over an elegant suit, who was hidden in the distance on a mountain ledge.

But he remembered even more the last presence that had been watching him.

"The manager of the herbalist's shop knew that he was not just anyone; he was being protected by a mysterious power; it must be a power related to that voice that made the real Mart disappear. It must be so, considering the reaction of the remnant of "Lucifer of Pride." Perhaps he is also related to the mysterious books I have found," Mart concluded, then continued to wander in the deep darkness in which he found himself hibernating.

••••

The Danteria Academy announced that only students Isirid Merliano and Leyla Veristial had passed the Marrac Mountain test, because despite the obstacles, they managed to obtain the core of a sixth-rank monster. Student Selef Goethe was awarded recognition in absentia for his successful participation in the test, as it had been announced that he had returned to the Abernal Academy. For those students who did not pass, it was established that they could take an exam to assess their level of knowledge or choose to write an essay on a topic of their choice.

••••

Mart had been discreetly transferred by Director Persec himself to what would be his new room.

Mart was resting deeply in a large white bed, in a comfortable room with white walls, wooden floors, and luminous gems on the ceiling.

Iristel and Menna had been taking care of him for the last week. Selenia visited him frequently, with a slight fear in her eyes that she tried to hide.

Selenia felt somewhat anxious because she sensed Mart's presence fluctuating due to the connection they had established.

"I must become stronger so I can support you," was Selenia's thought when she saw Mart in a coma.

Only the three of them had been informed about Mart's condition, to prevent the demons at the Academy from thinking that Mart was no longer in seclusion and had suffered an accident.

••••

Despite the significance of what happened on Marrac Mountain, the news was overshadowed by the outcome of the war against humans on the borders. In the end, Director Persec knew that what happened on Marrac Mountain was overlooked due to the influence of the conspiring councilors and the noble factions that supported them.

When Persec met with Senjar and then with some professors, he explained that the powerful presence they witnessed or perceived on Marrac Mountain was the result of an ancient treasure owned by the Goethe family. Neither Senjar nor the professors dared to question this statement, as they considered it plausible, because Persec Merliano himself was a demon from an ancient demonic lineage, so it was not surprising that he would betroth his granddaughter to a demon of ancient lineage whose family had access to wealth and powerful demonic artifacts.

••••

Rocky walls, ceiling, and floors—the environment was damp, cold, and gloomy.

There were eight seats around an iron table, but only two were occupied.

Director Van Mither sat on one side and Founder Samsart Detali on the other.

Van knew that the founders must be upset about the loss of a Crackling and a Crackling aspirant. Even he was surprised by the death of Hann Jegenz, because Han was a powerful and feared wizard in the human world, who despite his appearance was an old man over 200 years old.

Bang!

Samsart's presence caused Van's head to slam into the table and prevented him from getting up.

"Speak, Director Van. We need to know in detail what happened. After all, you were the only survivor," said Samsart in his elderly voice, which sounded calm in contrast to his actions.

"If you want to know what happened, I ask you to show me respect, or you can kill me or torture me if you wish, but know that I will not give in to your whims like the other directors do. In the end, it was I who created the highest quality raw materials with which you make your weapons and potions," Van said confidently.

Samsart withdrew the power of his presence, after which Van stood up, smoothed his clothes, and then told him everything that had happened without hiding anything.

"The Goethe lineage? I've never heard of those demons before." Although we cannot deny their existence after what has happened," Samsart murmured thoughtfully.

Samsart stood up, leaning on his cane, walked to the huge iron door, stopped, and then asked Van why he had decided not to support Duke Venzariac.

"It's obvious. An extremely dangerous demon appeared, it would be intolerable to lose two Cracklings. Besides, we have gained more with the death of the Emperor's cousin, now our factions in the imperial council can openly pressure and promote ideas about a future war against the demons," Van responded with a confident tone as he uttered his venomous words.

Samsart stared at Van, then nodded and withdrew silently.

Van leaned back in his chair.

"Now I can't even experiment comfortably with demons; every time I do, I remember that powerful demon," Van thought, almost at the same time as he got up and headed somewhat reluctantly toward his laboratories.

••••

The weeks passed.

Deep in his mind, Mart reviewed the memories of the different dreams he had experienced in the past with the help of the trait of laziness.

Now, he saw the moment when the sword held by Moraf Arcariz was destroyed when the protagonist Arian raised his hand toward Moraf's sword.

Mart reviewed every detail of the sword until he was sure he had reached the conclusion: "It is a sword made from demonic remains." But after that conclusion, another question arose: "Who gave Moraf that sword?

"Nothing is that easy. I think it would be easier to infiltrate the human empire and kill the hero while he is still weak, but I don't think I can escape if they discover me. Maybe I can succeed if I reach the sixth rank and use the capital trait of lust. After all, Asmodeus was also a true demon; that would work perfectly if the demons weren't destroying each other," Mart stopped rambling and went back to experiencing the vivid dream memories he considered most useful.

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