Lady Theresa's POV
I was fast asleep when someone banged frantically at my door. My assistant's voice broke through the night, trembling with panic.
"My lady—an emergency! The sword of the First Hero is emitting a brilliant light!"
I changed hastily and rushed outside, only to see a pillar of radiance piercing the night sky from the heart of the academy. My chest tightened.
"Quick, gather everyone! We must hurry!"
But before I reached the gates, Lady Lily's voice rang in my mind, raw and urgent.
"Theresa—I need your help! How fast can you come?"
I steadied my thoughts, forcing calm into my tone.
"Lily, breathe. I'm already halfway to your house. Evacuate the servants and shield those you can. I'll handle the rest."
When I arrived, the sight nearly stole my breath. Mana surged from the mansion like a tidal wave, furious and unrestrained. Even from outside the barrier, its weight pressed against my chest, the sheer density of it eclipsing many stage five cultivators. Without hesitation, I ordered my attendants to surround the estate, weaving a barrier to contain the storm.
The mana could only belong to Evelyn. Despite being merely stage four, her raw quantity and quality rivaled even a stage six. No wonder the First Hero had been so fearsome in his prime. The barren lands had been scarred by such power once before—this display proved the girl carried the same legacy.
When Evelyn finally calmed and asked me to raise a sound barrier, I complied. Her words afterward, however, cut through every assumption I had made. She was not merely the "new" hero of this era… she was the reincarnation of the First Hero himself.
The revelation settled heavily on me. In hindsight, the clues were obvious—her birth coinciding with the greatsword glowing for the first time, her abnormal mana, her uncanny presence. It all aligned, shining like a beacon I had foolishly ignored.
Later, when she fell asleep in Lady Lily's arms, her father Ivan remained close, one hand steadying her brother while his gaze never left his daughter. Protective, tense—yet silent. Marcus, Lina, and young Lucas stayed nearby, uncertain but loyal.
I gathered them all and spoke firmly.
"This matter must remain a secret. If Evelyn's truth is exposed, it will draw dangers we cannot control."
They all nodded—confused, shaken, but understanding the weight of what was entrusted to them. Only Lucas's eyes seemed calm, as if he had already known or suspected more than he let on.
When the house finally settled into quiet, I led my attendants back to the academy. I reminded them all, once again, to guard this secret with their lives.
The world may be waiting for a hero. But tonight, the safety of Lady Lily's family takes precedence over destiny.