Dungeon of Pride, Laplace

Chapter 950- The Man Named Itherion (4)

The very same brave warrior who defeated the evil creature who threatened the world in the ancient times and the master of the Tower of Babel.

Her saying those words to him was by no means an underestimation.

"I don't want to argue with Her Holiness. But those days are long behind me. Now, I am only the Headmaster of the Solarion Academy, Itharion… not the hero of the past. I am only the headmaster of the Solarion Academy, Itherion" Vincent; no Itherion spoke.

"So be it. But in return, you should also address me as Verdia, a normal teacher of the academy. You should know that right now I am on a mission and must keep my identity hidden. So I would be glad if you just considered me a normal staff here".

"That…" Vincent scratched his ears looking a little hesitant. Verdia's identity was too special for him to simply call her by her name even if it was just a fake name.

After a moment of indecisiveness, Itherion sighed and finally gave in.

"I can't win against you but at least let me address you as her holiness while we are alone" That was the only thing he wasn't willing to relent on.

"Very well, suit yourself"

 Seeing Verdia nod her head, Itherion felt as if a heavy boulder was lifted off his shoulder. Carefully serving some tea and snacks for her, he opened with some small talk.

"So how goes the classes? Has her holiness already gotten used to teaching the students?"…

Verdia's eyes lit up the moment the conversation shifted to her students. The weariness in her posture seemed to vanish, replaced by an unmistakable spark of joy.

"Oh, the students… they're wonderful!" she exclaimed, a smile blooming across her face. "Their potential is incredible! Some of them remind me of the heroes from the stories we tell—pure-hearted, brave, and full of promise. If they are guided well, I truly believe that their light will shine bright enough to secure the future of our kingdom."

 Watching her expression, Itherion couldn't help but chuckle softly "It seems teaching has truly grown on your holiness".

She nodded enthusiastically "In a way, you can say that. Their eyes are still so clear, so untainted by the weight of this world. When I look at them, I see the righteousness we once fought for. I see future knights, scholars, and yes, even heroes"

"There are a few that show exceptional promise—perhaps one day they'll become even greater than us."

Itherion leaned back in his chair, savoring the warmth in her words.

 "That's reassuring to hear. It's easy to forget the bright future amidst the darkness we deal with every day."

The children, their hope and their strength, it reminded him what he was trying to protect...

"It might be my wishful thinking, but I want them to smile and be merry like this" Itherion murmured, his voice tinged with quiet melancholy. The once-proud hero who had weathered countless battles now carried the weight of the past like a shadow he couldn't shake.

Dark circles had formed under his eyes, a reminder of sleepless nights and the burden of memories too heavy to cast aside. He gazed out of the window, watching the students laugh and chat in the academy's courtyard, unaware of the darkness that had once consumed their world.

The current era—the most peaceful time this world had ever known—trade flourished, borders were secure, and famine and disease were at an all-time low.

Knowledge thrived in the academies, magic and skills were being studied without the constant fear of battle, and people could live long, fulfilling lives without ever hearing the roar of war drums.

Of course, there are still wars and blood being spilled every day. However, the Solarion Empire with its proud history and powerful global presence was a bastion of civilization and peace.

Yet, even amidst these golden years, there was a growing feeling of unease. The peace has given them so much—prosperity, unity, a world where children can laugh without fear, where they can grow without the weight of a sword in their hand.

But it has also made them... weaker.

"Those who don't know war," Itherion said softly, "and those who are constantly fighting for their survival... there is no comparison. Those who are tempered by fire and blood are always stronger, always sharper than those who live in peace. It's not their fault, and I don't blame them. But it's the truth."

He sighed, leaning back in his chair, his eyes filled with a strange mix of sorrow and relief.

"In the ancient times, when I fought those wars... when we had to defend our very existence... we were always prepared for the worst. There was no other choice. You either fought or you died"

"And that... that made us strong. Stronger than any generation that has come after us. People call us heroes now but at that time we were just ordinary warriors desperate to protect those dear to us. Now that times are starting to change and there are very few heroes alive, I cannot help but worry about the future of our world".

Verdia's expression turned grim, she knew full well the weight of the war and struggles the heroes of the past had to go through. The time of great upheaval. If possible, she didn't want the history to repeat once again.

 However, all the signs and evidence were pointing towards an inevitable doom. What's more, the people of the world are still oblivious to it.

With no heroes to protect them this time, there was no way to fight it. That said, unlike Vincent, she didn't lose her hope.

"if I were given the choice, I would never want the children of this era to go through what we had to. No amount of strength is worth the price of those nightmares. No child should be forced to pick up a sword before they've even learned to dream."