The room fell quiet upon THEIR sudden announcement, and many had their mouths wide open in shock.
But bright smiles still lingered among a few.
"An academy?! Is it like a school~?!" The kitten was the first to jump up, her eyes alight with excitement.
"My Lord?! Isn't that a place where people teach their students?! Like in the human worlds~?" The busty angel exclaimed, bouncing her entire body with enthusiasm, making others stifle chuckles.
Those lively reactions were impossible to ignore.
"A new schooooool~! Yei~!" The first monarch twirled in delight, her joy contagious, making everyone else sigh with smiles.
"Now that is truly a difficult task!" Sir Axiom, the renowned creator of countless masterpieces, also looked intrigued.
THEY observed their excitement, a gentle warmth present in THEIR gaze.
They had faced countless battles, cut down foes, and shed rivers of bloodshed to reach this stage. But all of that lay firmly in the past.
This was now a world of peace, a place where new talents, fresh generations, and countless new beings would be born.
A place to uncover hidden abilities, a place that offered opportunity to all.
A place of hope, one wished for with all their heart.
A place to recognize potential, to reveal talents hidden even from the individuals themselves.
This would be a place for anyone who desired to learn something.
Every person had their own abilities, and every ability had its purpose in the world.
As a being who had reached the pinnacle of existence, THEY knew a solemn truth:
[Opportunities weren't given equally.]
Even in the world THEY created, Anovolda, built upon countless sacrifices and hopes, inequality persisted.
THEY were the most powerful, and THEIR knowledge surpassed any other. But even THEY were not omniscient nor omnipotent.
A perfect world was an impossible ideal; even the brightest minds, the most powerful beings, the greatest artists of all time knew this reality.
But, if a chance could be granted to those who deserved it, those who had been overlooked, those who were unaware of their own potential—then the world could become truly better.
In realms beyond the first, second, and third planes, vast populations of diverse beings existed.
Though the monarchs themselves lived harmoniously, the same couldn't be said of their subjects.
Conflicts beyond what brute force could solve simmered under the surface.
Racial tensions still existed, and while the world was peaceful, the absence of strong leaders could ignite new wars.
A central institution, one that offered learning and a forum to settle disputes, could ease these tensions, paving the way for lasting peace.
A place that valued everyone not for their origins, but for their talents, their determination, their principles.
A place with the best teachers and resources imaginable.
And in this place, the monarchs might even find future successors, those capable of shouldering the burden of leadership.
Although every realm had its own academies, no single institution held the knowledge of all realms in one place.
A martial being, for instance, might desire more than martial arts. If they wished to learn the magic of the twelfth plane or the advanced healing methods of the snake people, they could do so in this academy.
This academy would open a path to specialties from all worlds, bypassing the need for great strength to cross planes.
Here, anyone could come to learn, practice, and master whatever they wished.
And perhaps, here, they might find a lifelong companion or someone to share their journey with.
"So, you all bear a great responsibility.
Change this place to the best of your abilities. Seek out teachers, who possess knowledge and skills from the basics to celestial ranks.
When you find someone worthy, teach them without hesitation.
Guide those who will lead others, and provide a home for those who deserve it and those who have nowhere to go, a place to grow and a place to move forward."
THEIR warm smile softened the room once again, their great vision enlightening the monarchs.
THEY continued, "I know you will make mistakes, face setbacks, and stumble along the way. But do your best, as you always have."
This smile signalled that this would be their last moment together before THEIR departure.
"Don't slack off. And one last thing…" THEY paused, looking each one in the eye.
When THEIR gaze settled on the ladies in the room, a playful glint crossed THEIR face.
Words were not needed.
Be it the winged angel or the Snake mother, all had understood the will of their overlord.
THEY smiled mischievously, and the room erupted with flushed faces, even among some men.
"L-Lord?" A soft gasp escaped even from Molly, the first monarch.
Her colourful face flushed white, visible even in her celestial form.
Though she could take on any form, Molly's nature was largely feminine, and her affection for THEIR Lord was well-known. For her, the thought of the Lord as a 'man' stirred a potent excitement.
In the old days, THEY had kept a harem of numerous beings, simply for pleasure.
With THEIR natural charm that none could resist, a new harem would certainly form, filled with those who would gladly serve THEM.
The idea thrilled every female monarch, even the young NayNay, who would be a grown woman upon THEIR return.
The angel's legs weakened, while the snake lady gazed on in a daze, drooling slightly. The harpy turned crimson, and the sparrow in her maid's dress tried to hide her face.
Even the male monarchs felt a surge of excitement for some Unknown reason, knowing THEIR return would open new paths for learning and training under THEM.
The Lord was a being that even gods feared. THEIR beauty surpassed all, and THEIR wisdom had transcended reality.
Seeing THEIR new form would be a wonder of its own, but it would be centuries before that day came.
"I will use my essence to create three special gates," THEY announced, capturing everyone's scattered attention.
"One gate will connect all twelve realms, stationed in the most populated city of each nation of each planet of each world's each continent.
It will lead to the outer palace, opening once every three years, allowing hundreds to pass." Their announcement was noted by the wise elder with his purple stick.
"This will be the [Gate of Hope]."
A gate for those who knew their purpose, linking all dimensions to one singular place.
"The second gate will have a will of its own." The elder's long fingers stopped for a moment.
A will of its own…
The words were deeper than most others could grasp.
"It will seek out unique talents across the realms, bringing them directly to the academy's gates.
This will be called the [Gate of Opportunity]."
For those whose worth was hidden, this gate would offer a path to discovery and growth. A unique opportunity that not even the monarchs might be able to fathom at the beginning.
For those that might think they are useless just because they don't know their own worth.
Sometimes, exceptional talents like diamonds are left alone when others' damn eyes can only see the black cole surrounding it.
To give them hope, this gate shall be their opportunity.
"And the last gate will protect the academy and allow authorised travel across the higher realms." This, lastly, caught everyone's attention.
"Monarchs may use it to travel safely without losing strength, for unknown dangers lurk still."
THEY turned to the martial monarch, adding, "Especially you."
The others knew what their Lord meant, the martial emperor, obviously, bowing his head in complete understanding.
"We shall call it the [Gate of Life]. A gate to safeguard life, a gateway of sustenance. May this be my last present to all of you as your Lord."
And with that, THEY sighed, the effort of speaking so much wearying even THEM as their original voice, even to the monarchs, was fatal.
-Step. Step. Step.
THEY returned to THEIR throne, a soft blue light emanating from THEM.
-Ooooooooooong…
It was time for THEIR departure, and everyone grew sombre.
But suddenly, THEY stopped, THEIR eyes gleaming with a mysterious light.
"Ah, yes. There is one final thing…"
A cold shiver ran down their spines, sensing the weight of what was to come instinctively...