Night had already fallen, and the scattered lights illuminated the South District of Helrom.
As the moonlight was nearly swallowed by the gray clouds, the bustling city began to settle into another, gradually calmer rhythm.
In this city-state filled with magic and supernatural phenomena, a young man from Protos Royal Magic Academy walked alone along an empty road. Courtyards and residences lined both sides, making it barely any different from a residential district.
At this hour, so close to midnight, there were almost no students still wandering the roads.
But Lanchi was different.
He had been busy with official duties at the school all day.
After briefly heading to the Endless Library with Zestira in the morning, they had returned to the Teaching Area of Protos Royal Academy.
Many teachers had matters to report to Lanchi. The school had undergone earth-shaking changes, and some of the implementation and coordination still required someone to make the final decisions or take responsibility.
Fortunately, Lanchi had extensive professional experience. Even without an assistant, he had handled everything with ease.
As he drew closer, a courtyard finally came into view.
Several lanterns in the courtyard had been lit. Their faint orange glow swayed like tiny dancing flames, bringing a trace of warmth to Helrom's temperatures, which plummeted every night.
The lights along the corridor were lit as well, their gentle white glow creating a warm and comfortable atmosphere.
Lanchi gently pushed open the wrought-iron gate. The pebbles along the path beyond were slightly damp from the night dew, and anyone whose steps were not steady enough could easily slip.
Only after returning to his apartment did he take off his coat and hang it on the coat rack. He walked into the living room and lit the fireplace. The cushions on the sofa seemed