Neka Island.
At noon in Demon King City, the blazing sun hung high overhead, its light spilling across every corner of the wasteland.
On the outskirts far from the palace and bay, the air formed layers of wavering heat above the ground. This was a military stronghold far from the bustling Commercial District of Demon King City—the Midnight Magic Engineering Research Institute.
Lanchi walked alone across the wasteland until he reached the entrance to the underground research institute, where the saluting Demon King Army escorted him inside.
Hughberlian did not want to return to Neka Island, where the palace was located, so Lanchi had asked her to relax by the bay on Lees Island and play with Sigrid.
Lei Mingqing Gareth and his cousin Tia were guests at McCarthy's restaurant, and the surrounding area was perfectly safe.
As he thought about this, Lanchi passed through layer after layer of barriers and protective doors forged from Magic-Sealing Steel before entering the depths of the research institute.
Unlike the scorching world outside, the interior was relatively cool, and the harsh daylight gave way to soft indoor lighting.
Many demonic researchers inside the institute were still busy during lunchtime. Their voices, the rumble of heavy machinery, and the hum of mana circuits formed the only sounds in the laboratory.
Lanchi slowly passed the many laboratories lining both sides of the corridor, his eyes filled with anticipation for the demons.
At last, he arrived at the central restriction control room in the deepest part of the institute.
"Good afternoon."
Lanchi removed his Felt Hat, with its rounded crown and tiny brim.
The hat's simple lines, paired with the loose coat over his suit vest, made him look even more like a scholar—quiet and reserved.
The figure inside the central storeroom soon turned toward him.