After breakfast, Arthur, Sophia, and Anos all headed toward the classroom. Arthur and Sophia usually sat at the back row, while Anos always chose the very first desk.
As classes began and different professors came in to lecture, Arthur often found himself bored, taking notes half-heartedly. Most of the time, after class, he would ask Anos or Sophia if he could borrow their notes.
But whenever Professor Charles's lecture began, Arthur—and in fact all the students—listened with utmost attention.
Professor Charles entered the room with his usual calm demeanor and a gentle smile. The classroom was arranged in tiered circular rows, giving it a unique atmosphere.
Leaning lightly against the desk, with his hands clasped together, Charles stood in silence until the students quieted down. Then, with a soft smile, he said:
" I hope you've all had a good day so far…"
He then picked up a piece of white chalk and wrote on the board:
"The Voice of the World"
As soon as the students read those words, curiosity and intrigue filled their faces. Before anyone could ask a question, Charles spoke:
"I'm sure many of you have at least once heard rumors of a mysterious existence people call The Voice of the World."
Arthur thought to himself:
"I know a little about it… I've read bits and pieces in books. I even once heard its voice inside my head… But its true nature is still a mystery to me."
Charles took a deep breath, then looked across the students.
"Does anyone know anything about this mysterious being?"he asked with a tone of curiosity.
The students exchanged puzzled looks, but soon Sophia raised her hand. Charles gave her a proud smile.
"As always… please explain it to the others," he said respectfully.
Sophia stood confidently and began:
"The Voice of the World is known as the narrator of the world. Whenever an important event is about to occur, the Voice announces it as a sound heard by all. No one has ever seen its face, its identity remains unknown, but because its announcements always came in the form of a voice, people named it The Voice of the World."
Charles nodded with a proud smile—having such a student brought him joy.
"Thank you for your explanation, Miss Sophia. Please, have a seat."
The other students glanced at her with admiration, mixed with envy. Whispers spread across the room.
Charles tapped the board lightly with his finger a few times, waiting for silence before continuing.
"Sophia's explanation was correct, though some parts need further detail. Let me complete it, so you gain a clearer understanding."
For a moment, he gazed at the class with calm eyes, then said:
"The Voice of the World is indeed the narrator of our world, as Sophia said. But it also does more. For example, when someone awakens a unique skill, the Voice announces it directly into their mind. If someone is chosen as a Hero, a mark appears on their hand, and the Voice informs them of it as well. In fact, every mark's appearance is declared this way."
Faces around the classroom filled with astonishment and questions. A student stood up:
"You mean… it announces everything?"
Charles slowly nodded.
"Yes," he answered simply.
The students' eyes burned with curiosity. Seeing this, Charles continued:
"For instance, the selection of wise sages or heroes is announced by the Voice. Every skill or mark you acquire is revealed by it. Any significant event within the kingdom—it is the Voice that informs the world of it…"
Anos's expression lit up with excitement and thirst for knowledge. Without waiting for permission, he blurted out:
"Professor, could you explain about the Wise Sages and Heroes?"
Charles paused, his expression briefly shadowed with sorrow, before returning to his calm self. He took a deep breath and said:
"Yes. In total, there are seven Wise Sages in this world. One of them, known as the Blue Sage, currently resides within this very kingdom." He stopped for a moment, scanning the class, then continued:
"Perhaps some of you have heard of him. The Wise Sages are chosen by the Voice of the World to serve as guides for the people."
The classroom erupted in chatter—one student recalling a story from his father, another claiming to have seen an old man who might have been him. The room buzzed with astonishment.
As the murmurs grew louder, Charles simply smiled, waiting patiently. Then, in a calm but slightly raised voice, he said:
"And as for the Heroes…"
Instantly, silence fell. Every student's eyes locked on him, waiting for the next words.
"At any given time, there can only be five Heroes, just as there can be seven Sages. But specific details about the five Heroes are scarce…" Charles spoke softly, his tone mysterious.
"Only one of them is known. Perhaps you've heard: in the kingdom of Teremis, a man named Nevil is celebrated as a Hero. He is currently on a journey to defeat the Demon Lord in the kingdom of Golmarosh." He ended with a smile, his words full of allure.
"That's amazing! I want to become someone like him!"
"I've heard he saved countless people!"
Once again, the classroom buzzed with excited voices. Charles continued his lesson, answering questions until the end of class. When the lecture was over, the students left the room with bright, eager faces.
Arthur, however, walked down the academy halls with Sophia and Anos at his side, his mind heavy with countless unanswered questions.
" The Voice of the World… I remember the day it told me of my awakened unique skill. But if anyone were to find out about it, they'd only try to use me as a tool for their own desires… " Arthur thought, a frown darkening his face.