Late at night, the massive screen in Gerald Memorial Square flickered with waves of light, sometimes bright, sometimes dim—like a lonely lighthouse silently guiding the way through the dark.
On the stone steps directly facing the outdoor screen—
Talia appeared in a simple white dress. Fresh and natural, she was like a touch of brightness in the midnight hour, quietly making her way to the edge of the square.
The view here was wide and unobstructed. She could see the entire screen clearly.
Gently lifting her skirt behind her, she sat down on the rough stone steps and gazed at the screen.
Her brows furrowed almost immediately.
—For what she saw was this:
A solemn, classical conference hall. The domed ceiling was painted with towering murals of the Demon Realm, while black stone walls were lined with statues glowing faintly purple under spell wards. Every detail spoke of the high status required to even enter such a chamber.
And Lan Qi sat at the foremost seat of the table.
A cup of tea rested before him. As he spoke, he would occasionally tap his fingers lightly against the desk.The other seats were occupied by figures clearly of no small standing within the Infernal Corridor Academy.
Each wore garments of distinction, their appearance even more dignified beneath the glow of the chandelier.
And all of them fixed their full attention on Lan Qi—answering his sharp questions with the utmost respect, not daring to contradict him.
By now, Lan Qi was no longer dressed in his school uniform. He had changed into a vintage suit, and before him stood a nameplate inscribed in bold demonic characters—
Acting Principal.
…
Back in Ikerite Academy’s square, Talia rubbed her eyes, stared again at the screen, and frowned deeper.
No mistake.
Talia: “???”
She thought to herself—hadn’t she only stepped away for a few hours?
How on earth had that guy gone from student… to principal?!
…
In the academy’s highest-level conference chamber, the air was tense, yet filled with respect and expectation.
The entire school leadership sat in neat rows, listening intently to Lan Qi’s words.
Sitting at the head, Lan Qi sipped his tea, set the cup down, swept his gaze around the room, and began his address.
He first praised the academy for its achievements in teaching quality and cultural development, while also reminding them of the weight of responsibility education carried.
Then he proposed several ideas for reform in demonic education: promoting fairness, improving teaching standards, strengthening faculty development.
He stressed that education was the very foundation of the Demon Realm—the cradle from which future pillars would rise. Each educator present bore the heavy responsibility of nurturing the next generation of stars.
“I hope that together, we can ensure education is fair, high-quality, and modern in its approach. Teachers’ professionalism must be valued and improved, while every student’s full development should be supported—to awaken their potential…”
At that moment, the doors of the chamber swung open.
The vice principal entered, closed the doors behind him, and took his seat beside Lan Qi. He leaned close and reported:
“Special Envoy, the new academy regulations you requested have been issued and are now in effect. In addition, the vampire envoy and the Inspectorate officer from the Demon Realm have already arrived in Infernal City. They are expected at the academy within the hour.”
“Good.”
Lan Qi nodded.
When Professor Mogut had first led him here, he had already met this vice principal.
Thanks to Mogut’s absolute faith in him, many troubles had been avoided.
And when Mogut had gone alone to request audience earlier, it seemed he had spoken at length about Lan Qi’s “performance” in the art classroom.
So by the time Lan Qi presented his black jade seal in the vice principal’s office, he was treated with nothing but respect.
Since then, the academy had convened emergency meetings one after another, with the vice principal himself enforcing Lan Qi’s orders on “preparations necessary to deal with the vampire envoy.”
“Since you’ve returned, Vice Principal,” Lan Qi said, turning his calm gaze from him to the others, “let’s speak of the most pressing matter: the vampire envoy.
But in truth, I do not think the problem lies with the vampires. You must instead ask yourselves—what about your own shortcomings? The Demon King may shield you once, but what if there’s a next time? Can you rely on him forever?”
For a long moment, silence.
None of the leaders dared reply.
They all knew this esteemed envoy was here to clean up their mess. To be scolded was expected—and in fact, his tone was already mercifully mild.
Behind him, Huperion stood like a secretary, her feelings tangled.
She could not understand how things had spiraled into this—how Lan Qi could sit there so calmly, reprimanding a hall full of high-ranking demons as if it were his natural place.
He truly looked as though he believed himself a genuine envoy.
Once again, he had perfectly blended into the academy.
“…Still, I cannot lay all the blame at your feet,” Lan Qi continued, his tone softening slightly. “The Empire’s modification techniques did exceed expectations. And as for the vampires—they show us far too little respect.”
He sighed, leaned back slightly.
“During my inspection here, I had the chance to briefly experience student life. It was… unforgettable. I will report my positive impressions truthfully to the Demon King. After all, evaluation is part of my duty as envoy.”
At these words, the professors all exhaled in relief.
Fortunately, they had kept their conduct in line recently, committing no injustices that might have angered the envoy.
And though his words were stern, his underlying message was clear—he valued the academy, and he would protect it.
“In any case,” Lan Qi concluded, voice firm with conviction, “to prevent such incidents in the future, once I’ve seen this vampire envoy off safely, I expect your full cooperation. You will implement reforms, strengthen screening, and ensure no treacherous outsiders infiltrate this school again. Understood?”
The words rang with power and confidence.
The sense of duty and passion in his voice was so genuine that none could doubt his commitment to the academy.
And more importantly—he had the ability to inspire their faith.
In his eyes, a mere vampire envoy was hardly a problem at all.
“Of course. Please rest assured.”
The vice principal spoke first, bowing in sincere deference.
He recalled the strategy Lan Qi had outlined in his office earlier, and was now utterly convinced: this brilliant envoy of the Demon King was the only one who could save them.