Lord of the Truth

Faced with Robin's arrogance and his rather audacious declaration, Althera let out a subtle smile.

"No one deserves to be your teacher when it comes to the master Law of Truth. I'll agree with you on that one," she said calmly.

"But there are still many things we can teach you here. I just hope you'll keep an open mind—accept advice from those who may be better than you in a specific field."

"So far, I haven't met anyone who fits that description," Robin scoffed, waving dismissively.

"All I've seen are people who just happened to be born before me."

He folded his arms, then added with a smirk, "He called me a dreamer, huh? Fine by me. I like taking things personally."

"Heh."

A light chuckle escaped from Althera, soft but sincere.

"You're quite something, Robin Burton.

I don't know what you think you'll gain from a handful of books,

but I'd personally love to see a new Royal Soul Master rise within this academy.

You'll have my full support—no question."

"I'm not part of your academy," Robin said flatly, his brows drawing together.

"You could be."

Althera tilted her head slightly, her tone gentle but firm.

"With a single word from you, the Dawn Light Stellar Academy would offer you lifetime protection.

Even Barok would be forced to protect you—whether he liked it or not.

Trust me, if he knew you were Human, his treatment would've been very different."

"I have no need of anyone's flatter."

Robin waved strongly, then looked away, gaze hardening.

"And besides… I'm already part of another force."

"Oh?"

Surprise flashed across Althera's face.

"I wasn't aware. Another stellar academy?"

"No. A planetary empire," Robin replied with a half-embarrassed smile.

"One I founded myself, back in my younger years.

It's small—barely worth a glance from someone of your status."

"A famous researcher and a planetary emperor? Now that's an interesting combination."

Althera's eyes narrowed slightly, as if re-evaluating him with new curiosity.

"Let's say my planetary empire is located here, in Sector 99," Robin said after a brief pause.

"Would it be possible for me to gain protection from the Dawn Light Stellar Academy?"

The woman raised an eyebrow.

"You mean as a vassal of the academy?

We could certainly allocate a space for you and your followers—your citizens would live under our protection."

"No."

Robin rejected the notion immediately.

"I mean as an ally, as a friend.

I seek protection for a limited time—let's say, ten thousand years.

In exchange, we can negotiate fair payment.

A personal service, a merged law technique, direct payment in energy pearls—anything."

Althera nodded slowly.

"That could be arranged under one condition:

We would accept your empire as a defeated realm—one that seeks eternal peace.

We would issue a binding vow to those you fear, declaring that your empire will never again raise its hand in conflict."

"Unacceptable."

Robin shook his head without hesitation.

"The protection will be temporary, and during it I'll respect your terms regarding aggression.

But once the term ends, everyone walks their own path."

"..."

Althera began walking slowly across the massive white hall, the echoes of her steps bouncing softly off the polished floor.

"What do you know about stellar academies?" she asked after a pause.

"…They're superpowers," Robin replied simply.

"That's all?"

Althera stopped and turned to face him.

"No wonder you made such a request…"

She gestured to herself.

"Stellar academies are neutral entities formed to restrain the dominance of evil—

Whether that evil comes from tyrannical superpowers like the Behemoths,

or from the monstrous creatures of deep space, or the spread of the Plague."

"There is at least one stellar academy in every sector.

Of course, our strengths vary, and our coordination is loose during peacetime…

But we're proud of one truth:

When disaster strikes, we stand united."

"..."

Robin's eyes widened slightly.

A thousand sectors…

That meant there were at least a thousand stellar academies out there?!

Then Althera continued, pointing to herself as she spoke:

"We're the ones who've intervened in countless planetary wars and brought them to a halt.

We've forced Overlords to confront one another when one began to oppress the innocent.

We defend the borders between sectors from colossal space beasts,

and we are the last line of defense against the Plague, the Ghosts, and all creatures born of malice."

"Do you know why we possess this strength, this respect, and why the Behemoths ignore our presence in the sectors they rule?" Althera's voice was steady, laced with conviction.

"It's not because of everything I just mentioned—no. It's because we are neutral.

All the Behemoths and major powers publicly recognize that our growing strength leads to greater cosmic stability—better protection for the universe.

We're like unpaid peacekeepers.

That's why they tolerate us. That's why they let us do what needs to be done."

She placed her hands behind her back and began to pace again.

"But if we were to start protecting specific empires over others…

If we used our strength against the powers of the sectors…

Then our entire standing would collapse.

The rest of the stellar academies will have to disown us instantly.

And that—" she said firmly, "—is something I will not allow under my leadership."

"…"

Robin met her gaze silently, looking into her large, intense eyes for a few seconds.

Then he exhaled softly and nodded.

"Understood. I will not bring it up again."

Althera gave a small nod of approval.

"Good. I'm glad you understand. My offer still stands, any time.

The Dawn Light Academy would be honored to count the next Great Truth Chosen among us."

She smiled gently and gestured around the room.

"But for now, I'll leave you to rest."

"…Where am I exactly?" Robin looked around for the first time, truly taking in his surroundings.

He couldn't quite tell whether it was a hall or a bedroom.

The space was vast, pristine white from floor to ceiling.

There was a large bed, several chairs, a desk, and a bookshelf—empty for now.

Side doors led to a bathroom, a kitchen, and various other living amenities…

Everything was coated with a thin layer of dust, as if untouched for many years.

Althera motioned for him to follow her toward a closed balcony door.

She opened it gently.

"This is…?"

Robin's brows furrowed immediately.

Instead of a garden or a tranquil lake, he found himself staring at a vast lecture amphitheater.

"You're now in your teaching complex," Althera explained with a smile.

"And this room? It's the Resident Instructor's Quarters."

She stepped back inside and gave a final nod.

"Take your time to settle in and rest.

When you're ready, your work can begin."

Then she turned to face him fully.

"I don't know when we'll meet again… but I hope it's under good circumstances.

Take care of yourself, Robin."

"You too," Robin replied, giving her a simple but genuine salute with a smile.

With that, Althera took a single step forward—

and vanished completely.

The smile dropped from Robin's face the moment she disappeared.

He slid the balcony door shut with a sharp motion.

"As if I'm going to teach a bunch of spoiled brats… never!!"

--------------------

Thirty Years Later—

"Hoooh~"