Chapter 277 Importance Of Thought
Hundreds of years ago, somewhere in the north of the Mortal Plain Continent.
Climbing up a ladder, a young aspirant, sturdy yet calm, reached the top of the battle wall. Once stepping foot on the stone path, he noticed stationed in every crevice of the wall were archers, ready to attack any oncoming enemy.
Some were young cadets, nervously awaiting battle. Others were old and roughed-up veterans, only wanting to go home and find peace.
This tall young man, in his early twenties, began walking across the tower tops, as every soldier quickly stood and saluted him.
"Lord!" One young man exclaimed, standing up straight. His chin faced the sky as he slammed his foot on the ground.
He put one of his hands out to the side, opening his palm to face the young man whom he addressed as 'lord.'
The young man nodded as he continued to walk across the path. He gazed at the length of the forest that this wall was blocking. Not far beyond that was a long beach, followed by an endless sea.
"Your lordship!" Soldiers, young and old, stood to salute the young man.
"Your majesty!"
"Your Highness!"
The young man continued to nod as he moved past them. Finally, he arrived at a very old man stationed at the very end of this line.
While brewing a hot drink, the elder man sat and gazed out into the forest. His face was wrinkled and had dust covering it.
He looked up into the brilliant azure sky, which seemed to house no bloodshed. Yet... he felt a fire burn through his eyes every time he looked at the calming horizon.
"Lord Matthew." The young man spoke, getting down to one knee and bowing his head as soon as he reached the old man.
He lifted his head, looking the elder in the eyes. "I have come... to take you back." He spoke with a tone of resolution.
"Who was it this time? That brat Koyazin?"
"Yes. By the ultimate decree of the emperor, I must take you back with me to Yaltas."
The old man paused, gazing back out into the vast horizon. Birds flew across gallantly. Cool, yet warming winds graced the faces of the men. Small critters showed themselves living a peaceful life.
Streams freely flowed, grass danced softly in the wind... it was paradise.
"Look out there, young monkey." The old man said, peacefully looking at the beautiful scenery.
His eyes were delicate, as though he enjoyed what he saw, yet, not a hint of emotions could be seen behind them. They were gray... no, more like voided.
'Monkey... he called me that ever since I was taken in. I hadn't heard it in so long that I forgot about that nickname.'
"I'm looking," The young man paused, "Beautiful, isn't it?"
The elder didn't speak.
"Is this why you want to spend your final days out here? I suppose... it's reasonable," The young man continued, "I would also love to spend my days out here... but unfortunately, times are tough for everyone back in the kingdom." He also paused.
Looking back at the old man, he said, "We need you—" But was swiftly interrupted.
"Monkey... all I see is death and pain. Where do you see this so-called beauty?"
"Wha— I-" The young man couldn't reply fast enough and was overtaken by the old man again.
"The cool air I breathe burns my lungs. The beautiful scenery I gaze upon scorches my eyes. All that I feel is the pain of a thousand plum swords stabbing into my skin. What here, is peaceful? What here, is beautiful? What here... would I stay for?"
The young man was taken aback by those words. A profound wisdom, he was just given.
He stood up only a second after with no hesitation.
"Going so early?" Matthew, the old man, smiled, "How about a cup of hot water?" He raised a glass.
"I have made my decision. I won't take you in. I have no right to do so." The young man firmly established.
"Really? You are going to go against the emperor's decree?"
On hearing this question, the young man clenched his jaw, looking out toward the forest as he spoke, "I must do what I determine to be righteous," He paused, looking facing the old man, "Even if It means I must go against the world." Before turning around and walking away.
...
"Your majesty!"
...
"Your Highness!"
...
***
"So class, what do we think Ephiras Varant gained from Lord Matthew's words? What was the insight he received to garner such a reaction?"
Peres asked the class, closing his textbook.
Not a single hand raised in the sky.
"Correct answer... the answer to such a question has yet to be determined." Mr. Peres said with a smile.
*RING*
On hearing the bell, Lyrian stood up and exited the room with Leon. Israthel wasn't present for some reason on that day... but Lyrian had a guess as to why.
The two soon departed as Lyrian entered his Spirit Pet/Beast Taming Class.
After a while of mostly useless learning, mostly useless Gargan, Lyrian was allowed to leave the class. He had to maneuver past the questions about Nova this time as well.
"It'll probably be a while before people forget and stop bombarding me with those questions..."
His lunch at the canteen soon passed by as well, since he was actually eager for what was coming next. The main event of the day: The hunting practice.
Lyrian arrived to class and was surprised to see that no one was present. Instead, there was a notice on the board that read: "If you are inside, come outside."
"Huh..." Lyrian mumbled, going back outside to the training grounds which he hadn't entered since the first day of the class.
As soon as he stepped outside, he noticed a bunch of kids standing a few feet apart from each other in a rectangular shape in the middle of the track.
There were more students than usual. Almost double his normal class.
He also saw two taller figures standing in front of them. One was his teacher, Rerth, and the other was also a familiar face.
The same teacher whom Lyrian had met to get his License Exam.
"Listen up, brats!" Rerth shouted, "You only have ten seconds, GO!"
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