[Chapter 11 Comment]
[Midday_Eclipse: Sir Theo is quite impressive, I was wondering what the most interesting universe you have been to is, excluding these few connected universes.]
"Alright. Since we've completed our job, let's return and inform the military about it. They will be the ones to clean up," Theo instructed the students while taking a peek at the comment this time.
He wanted to answer it, but it seemed that his students had a new level of respect for him. So, he decided to lead them back first before answering the question.
"Dad. You're too harsh," Mia pouted.
"I am not. In this dangerous world, one mistake can cost you your life. I understand that people are bound to make mistakes or even perform poorly on some occasions. No one can expect you to be perfect all the time. However, you have to remember that acting carelessly will not only endanger your own life but also the lives of those around you. At the very least, I'm not as harsh as life itself when it chooses to teach you a lesson," Theo smiled.
"Kh." Mia let out a long sigh. She knew this, but she had never won an argument with her father.
Serena glanced at them from time to time, as if trying to observe the dynamics between the father and daughter. She didn't care about their relationship or how it affected the class as long as Theo did his job well. Still, it didn't change the fact that her position as the top student was being threatened by Mia.
As the top student, Serena was extremely competitive. After this mission, she swore to get stronger so that she could maintain her position.
Meanwhile, Lancelot approached Theo with a question. "Teacher, I somewhat understand the principle of controlling Essence, but the technique you demonstrated earlier seemed too advanced."
"I was merely showcasing the possibilities. I mentioned before that I didn't intend to force you to learn something you don't desire, right?" Theo clarified.
Lancelot nodded in affirmation.
"Therefore, starting from today, you should focus on learning to control your Essence step by step. If you encounter any obstacles along the way, you can always seek my assistance. However, since this is your decision, you need to demonstrate your dedication by putting in the effort on your own," Theo explained.
"I understand. In that case, I'll begin researching the method and gradually progress with the training. I'll seek your guidance when I encounter difficulties," Lancelot replied, bowing respectfully.
Aurora, on the other hand, paid little attention to their conversation, still harboring a lingering disappointment over the deduction of points.
"Ah," Anderson, who had been keeping watch over the cave, spoke up. He had been monitoring their progress as instructed by Theo. "There were supposed to be more than thirty spiders, including the large one. Even if you can eliminate one spider every two to three minutes, you still need to be cautious. It seems your students are quite exceptional."
As expected, Anderson led his team to regroup with Theo and confirm the situation.
"We have successfully exterminated the spiders. Can you handle the rest?" Theo inquired.
"Yes, but we need to verify it first before providing you with proof of completion," Anderson replied, nodding.
"Very well. You can send your team inside for confirmation. We will take some rest in the village. By the way, do you have any contact with the soldiers stationed there?" Theo asked.
"Yes, nothing significant occurred," Anderson confirmed.
Theo nodded. "In that case, let's make our way back to the village."
"Understood, Sir. Thank you for your hard work," Anderson saluted before leading his team into the cave to confirm the extermination.
As they arrived in the village, they were greeted by numerous grateful individuals who appreciated their assistance. Theo had no intention of downplaying his students' achievements, so he tried to fade into the background and allow them to bask in their well-deserved glory.
However, Aurora noticed his actions, her gaze fixed upon him. After some distance, Theo decided to sit on the ground, leaning against a tree. He checked the question again, pondering for a moment.
"That's a tough question. In terms of the most interesting universe I've visited, excluding these few connected universes, I'd have to say it's the first one. It was the place where I underwent tremendous growth and transformed from a naive individual into who I am today. Moreover, in that world, I had the chance to meet my wife. Now that I think about it, I wonder if this story stands alone or if the author has depicted me elsewhere," Theo contemplated.
Closing the system panel, Theo sensed a presence approaching him. He glanced to the side and saw Aurora. Among his students, four were not human. Luca and Lucas hailed from the Spirit World, categorizing them as spirits. They even possessed pointy ears. Maya Emberwood, once human, had experienced genetic alterations in her world, leading her to be labeled a mutant rather than a human. Lastly, there was Aurora Faewillow.
The academy had provided detailed information about Aurora Faewillow. She was an elf, distinct from the twins with her long pointy ears and silver hair. Due to the allure of otherworldly aesthetics, individuals like her were often kidnapped for various purposes. Consequently, when the academy was established, it sparked numerous debates.
Despite the backlash, Victoria and her supporters managed to convince others one final time, leading to the creation of the academy. Victoria had even approached Theo, seeking his aid in resolving Lancelot's problem and protecting Aurora.
Now, Aurora had come to him personally. Theo assumed she had something important to discuss, but her expression seemed unusually relaxed.
"Why have you come here?" Theo inquired.
"I feel somewhat uncomfortable around humans. It's not that I hate them, and I can understand their perspectives to some extent. However, whenever I encounter humans, their gazes make me feel like an exotic animal," Aurora confessed, sighing.
Theo nodded in agreement. "I can't deny that."
"But you were different, Teacher. You treated us all equally, without judging our races. That piqued my curiosity about you as an individual," Aurora smiled.
"Is there something wrong with that? Or do you expect me to treat you differently from the others?" Theo questioned.
"I suppose you're already aware of my true identity," Aurora chuckled.
Aurora was not simply an elf; her heritage was more complex. She descended from a high elf, a race revered as saints even among other elves. Yet, someone with such a background had chosen to participate in the academy program. Clearly, her situation was far from straightforward.
"So, what do you want from me?" Theo asked.
"I wanted to ask you about your motive behind teaching Lancelot that level of control. You mentioned earlier that you wouldn't force him to learn magic, but by mastering his Essence, he would eventually gain proper control over his magic. In essence, your actions imply an encouragement to utilize magic," Aurora speculated.
Aurora's assumption was not incorrect. Although Theo had decided not to force Lancelot, teaching him complete control over his Essence would inevitably lead him back to using magic.
Theo smiled. "As your teacher, it's my duty to help you reach your fullest potential. However, who knows which path will truly lead you there? Only you can determine that. Why should I teach a monkey to swim or a fish to climb? Instead, I guide them in utilizing their strengths, enabling them to choose between swimming or climbing."
Aurora fell silent, contemplating his words. After a moment, she nodded. "I apologize if I was rude earlier. You see, my eyes are quite unique. They are incredibly sensitive to mana... I mean, Essence. That's why I volunteered to come to this world, to assess it and decide whether collaboration is viable in the future. Whenever someone lies or conceals something, their Essence fluctuates. When you taught Lancelot, I detected fluctuations in your Essence, indicating a hidden intention. I wanted to confirm it."
"I see," Theo pondered for a moment. "In that case, let me ask you this: Do you know why you were chosen to participate in this mission? Or rather, do you believe your presence here is solely the result of your efforts?"
Surprised, Aurora widened her eyes, her gaze fixed upon Theo intently. Although his Essence remained steady, indicating no hidden intention, his tone conveyed otherwise.
"Do you see it now?" Theo smiled. "You shouldn't reveal your secrets so easily. I understand why you confided in me, but still..."
"How did you do that?" Aurora gasped.
"It's quite simple. I employ an illusion to trick myself into believing there's no hidden intention, while in reality, there is," Theo explained.
"Trick yourself? Is that even possible?" Aurora questioned.
"Didn't you witness it firsthand? I told you before, don't trust everything you see... Since our spar, you've been like this. Now that I know your secret, I understand why," Theo shrugged. "In fact, this is precisely what I wish to teach you."
"Teach me?" Aurora repeated, seeking clarification.
"There's more than one way to perceive the world around you. By engaging all your senses—smell, taste, touch, hearing, and sight. For instance, how about extending your sense of touch using your Essence to gain a better understanding of your surroundings? Or tasting the humidity and other elements to detect temperature changes? Or utilizing the scent of the poison from earlier to locate the spider?" Theo suggested, emphasizing each sense.
Aurora contemplated his words, momentarily looking down as she deep in thought. Suddenly, she gasped. "Wait a minute. The reason you brought me to this island..."
"It appears you've figured it out," Theo smiled.
Aurora found herself dumbfounded, realizing that everything had unfolded according to Theo's plan. He had designed the test in a manner that allowed her to participate in this mission. Furthermore, he selected a remote location for the mission and subtly hinted at the presence of spies among the villagers.
"You're being targeted at this very moment," Theo gave a thumbs up.
"So, that's why you chose this place and stationed soldiers in the village," Aurora mused.
"Yes. I received information that four tourists had recently arrived in the village. While I doubt they will take action for now, I'm fairly certain they are communicating with individuals on the mainland. We should anticipate an ambush once we return," Theo explained.
Aurora felt a chill run down her spine. This marked the first time she couldn't discern someone's true depth. Initially, she believed she had seen through Theo, but it turned out to be a mere glimpse of his intricate scheme.
"Who are they?" Aurora asked, her voice filled with concern.
"I don't know, they could be illegal traffickers or individuals associated with your side... Regardless, we need more information," Theo replied.
At that moment, Aurora intended to use her connections to solve the problem, but Theo halted her.
"We could handle it that way, but the more you rely on them, the more dependent you become. Eventually, you may come to view this world as untrustworthy. That's why I'll take care of this problem for you," Theo assured her.
Surprised by his declaration, Aurora protested, "But-"
"Haha, I simply wanted to display my cool side, so you can trust me a bit more. After all, I'm your teacher. As you spend time at the academy, I want you to know that I stand by your side and will ensure your safety. Thus, you can judge whether this world and the academy are trustworthy without external influence. Of course, if I fail today or make a single mistake, I won't stop you from seeking help elsewhere," Theo explained his intentions.
However, Aurora remained cautious. "I can't agree to your decision without hearing your plan. I can't place myself in danger solely because you're my teacher. So, what is your plan?"
Theo responded with a wide, mischievous smile.