A Piece of A Puzzle

"You do realize that this is an academy, right?" The headmaster asked the two couples in front of him who looked so different.

Zent and Celine looked proud, while Rayven and Rio appeared embarrassed.

However, the happiness emanating from them was so palpable that it made the room feel brighter than before. The headmaster also felt joy, but that didn't mean the academy should turn into a romantic competition.

"You are more mature than them, you should know... I want it too!"

They were startled, unsure of how to react as they saw headmaster Verhatten shed tears. He stood up, gazing at the painting of Mary hanging on the wall and touching it.

"Do you know how much I miss her? How much I also want to experience the same thing you feel?"

They exchanged glances, not knowing how to respond to the headmaster who longed for companionship with Mary. They couldn't do anything either, considering Mary's words that regarded him only as an ex-husband, nothing more.

"Do you still love her, headmaster?" Zent asked curiously.

He turned to face the young man, silently contemplating his own feelings before finally nodding slowly, "I never stopped loving her, Zent. Since we parted ways, I've always loved Mary."

"Then why..."

Zent didn't continue his sentence as he saw the headmaster's hand rise.

"That's a long story. A tale that has long passed and now remains only as a memory. It can be said, this was a folly I committed in pursuit of a dream," he concluded.

"We're ready to listen, if that's what you're worried about," Celine, Rayven, and Rio nodded.

In reality, they didn't know what else to do within the academy. And this story sounded intriguing.

Who knows, maybe they could help the two of them reunite.

The headmaster looked at the four young people in front of him, took a deep breath, and nodded in understanding. He walked to the window behind the desk, revealing the view of the academy.

So magnificent and beautiful.

"Years ago, when I was young and full of enthusiasm like all of you, I had a dream of creating a place where every race could spend time together without suspecting each other.

Back then, the world was not as peaceful as it is now. Wars were still happening.

Whether it was due to territorial disputes, competition for natural resources, or just misunderstandings. We found it difficult to trust one another. Always assuming that other races had hidden intentions behind their kindness.

That's why I built this academy.

Lightheart."

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"So, are you really going to fulfill your dream?" Young Mary asked, curious.

"Of course. I've longed to see every race united and spending time together," Verhatten answered with great enthusiasm.

At that moment, they were on top of a hill, sitting and enjoying the refreshing breeze while gazing ahead. An expansive grassland lay before them, where the academy would eventually stand.

"But, don't you need significant help for that? Not to mention the substantial costs."

Verhatten nodded. "That's true. But because it's my dream, I will do whatever it takes to make it a reality. I can't give up just like that. I will prove that we can all come together."

Mary tucked her black hair behind her ear, blushing as she heard Verhatten's determination. She knew she had chosen the right man to be her partner. She just had to wait for the right time, for Verhatten to express his feelings.

And that day arrived a few months later when Verhatten successfully convinced leaders from several races to unite in the creation of this academy, working together to build a world where they could coexist in peace.

Of course, it wasn't an easy task.

Several times, Verhatten almost lost his life due to those who were unhappy. Those who refused to unite and wanted to dominate other races.

However, because Verhatten never backed down despite being threatened, kidnapped, and injured, the leaders of the races eventually took matters into their own hands to eliminate them. They were tired too. They no longer wanted to wage wars.

For the common good, for their people to live peacefully and achieve a new purpose, they finally rallied behind Verhatten.

On that day, Verhatten also expressed his feelings to Mary.

She was the only one who stood by his side when everything turned sour. Only Mary who kept trying to help, even though she knew her life could be in great danger too.

Mary never once retreated or hid.

In fact, she was the one protecting Verhatten, using her abilities as a Sorcerer Tier 7 to assist him.

Mary said yes right then and there.

For so long, he had been waiting. Every day, every night, he dreamed of this happening. And now, that dream has become a reality.

They got married a year later, when the construction of the academy had reached seventy percent. It was just a little more before Verhatten's dream would also come true.

On their wedding day, Verhatten met Duke Ravelthrone, who was still a Count at the time. A young man who was just as enthusiastic as Verhatten about uniting every race.

If only, Verhatten had realized then, that his goal of uniting every race was not for noble reasons.

They worked together, supporting each other in their respective tasks.

If it weren't for Verhatten's assistance, it would have been impossible for Ravelthrone to become a Duke. Likewise, for Verhatten. If not for Ravelthrone, the academy would never have succeeded.

The final cost, which was the largest expense, came from Ravelthrone after a lengthy discussion with the king about the profits the kingdom could gain from the academy. It would not only strengthen Fernova's position as the first Hybrid kingdom but also attract more people to live within its borders.

Thanks to that, the academy was completed on time. Before, a major war was about to begin due to rumors about Verhatten intending to shirk his responsibilities. According to the rumors, it was said that the costs were too high and Verhatten had no way to cover them. Meanwhile, Mary was also pregnant with their child, so they both needed funds.

Indeed, the costs were too high, and Verhatten was troubled by the impending birth of their child. But that didn't mean he would run away.

If it weren't for their assistance, the Lightheart academy would never have been completed.

However, it was also what led to his separation from Mary.

A few months later, the academy was running smoothly. There were many students from various races, walking and spending time together. Something that was once just a dream had now become a reality.

Who would have thought they would finally see every race laughing together.

But behind that happiness, a dark shadow grew larger and larger. A shadow that would eventually turn into deep darkness, shrouding not only Fernova but also Alterra.

Verhatten realized it, intending to disclose this to the public, but was stopped by Ravelthrone on the night they met in the academy's garden.

"If you do it, then Mary's life will be in danger. Have you forgotten who sent that doctor?" he threatened, smiling triumphantly.

Verhatten stared at him sharply. Outwardly, he appeared strong. But inside, he was truly worried about Mary's condition. Especially after their child didn't survive...

"It's you! You did it!" Verhatten shouted.

Ravelthrone's grin widened. "Me? Where's the proof? Don't accuse people recklessly, Verhatten. I may not be a saint, but I'm not so evil that I would kill a newborn child. I have my own standards."

"You talk about standards, but your actions are far more sinister!"

"Didn't I tell you?" He approached, whispering, "For the sake of achieving a perfect world. A world, where we hold the power."

He continued walking, leaving Verhatten alone in the garden.

"I will stop... for now. But if I see you defy me even once, you know what will happen."

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"I should just kill that person," Zent stated coldly.

The headmaster shook his head slowly. "You can't do that. He... is much stronger than you think. Moreover, we never know what he has planned. It's highly likely that the lives of everyone in the academy, even Fernova, could be in danger."

"That doesn't mean we should just stand by. I've told you, headmaster. I dislike those who waste others' lives."

Zent stood up, his gaze looking chilling. The same look he had when he remembered Elecya. It left the headmaster frozen in place, overcome by an intense fear.

It was as if he was being stared at directly by death itself.

"Besides, I am the medium."