Reincarnated as the disaster prince

Theodore entered the classroom, his strides deliberate and composed. As always, the murmur of his classmates ceased the moment he stepped inside. The weight of his presence silenced them, their eyes lowering to avoid his cold gaze. He walked to his desk with unbothered confidence, taking his seat beside Jin. The boy adjusted his glasses and immediately leaned in, curious.

"What did Mr. Roman want?" Jin asked, his tone cautious but edged with curiosity.

Theodore crossed his arms, leaning back in his chair. "Nothing to worry about," he replied casually. "He wanted to inform me about a mission. I'll be leaving with the senior class next week." His tone remained calm, as if the mission were nothing more than a trivial errand. "It's something I've been waiting for. I'll be gone for a few years, but I'll return eventually."

Jin's brow furrowed, concern flashing briefly in his expression. "A mission? You're only ten years old," he said, lowering his voice. "Why send you away so soon?"

Theodore's icy gaze softened just slightly. "Because I'm ready," he replied simply. "The class is beneath me now. There's nothing more for me to learn here. This mission is an opportunity to test myself in the real world."

Jin frowned but nodded, understanding that Theodore's mind was made up. "Very well, Your Highness," he said. "I'll keep an eye on Vivian while you're gone. And when you return, I'll be stronger—strong enough to stand beside you."

Theodore gave him a small nod of approval.

When the final class ended, Theodore made his way to the library, his footsteps steady but tinged with reluctance. The thought of dealing with Mr. Roman again grated on his nerves. He despised the man's constant scrutiny and was wary of his intentions. Yet, as much as Theodore loathed it, he couldn't deny that Roman was a valuable source of knowledge.

The library doors creaked open, revealing a vast expanse of towering shelves filled with ancient tomes. The scent of parchment and ink filled the air, soothing Theodore's irritation momentarily. He always found comfort in the quiet, scholarly atmosphere. But his neutral expression hardened the moment he saw Mr. Roman waiting for him in the center of the room, his long white beard brushing against his robes.

"You're late," Roman said with a wry smile, stroking his beard. "Come in, boy. Let's begin."

Theodore sighed and crossed his arms, his expression neutral but tinged with weariness. "Why must you insist on personally teaching me?" he asked bluntly.

Roman chuckled, summoning several thick tomes that floated through the air and landed on the desk between them. "Because it's my job to ensure you don't destroy the world with that power of yours," he said, his tone light but carrying an undertone of seriousness. "And because you fascinate me, Prince Theodore. You're unlike any child I've ever taught."

Theodore arched an eyebrow, watching as Roman flipped open a book on geography. "Fascinate you?" he asked dryly. "Should I be flattered?"

Roman smirked. "Perhaps. Now, let's begin." He gestured to the books. "History and geography. A subject most children find dreadfully dull. Let's see how you fare."

Instead of reacting with irritation, Theodore's eyes lit up slightly with interest. He sat down and opened the nearest book, scanning its contents. Roman observed him with curiosity, surprised at his focus.

"You're the first ten-year-old I've met who actually enjoys this subject," Roman commented. "Most children would fall asleep by now."

Theodore shrugged, keeping his tone composed. "I'm a prince. It's natural for me to study my people and my land." But inwardly, his thoughts were far more calculated. This world is new to me. I need to understand it since im new to this world.

Roman chuckled as he removed his glasses, cleaning them on his sleeve. Theodore tilted his head, a sarcastic grin forming. "An eighth-circle archmage is nearsighted? How tragic."

Roman raised an eyebrow, a smile playing at his lips. "These aren't for seeing, boy. They're for style. Don't I look cooler with them on?"

Theodore let out an unexpected laugh. "Maybe in your imagination."

They both chuckled, the tension in the room easing slightly. Roman opened a book and began explaining the geography of Kiran, the largest continent on the planet Vornix. Theodore leaned forward, intrigued.

"The world of Vornix is vast," Roman said.

Twice the size of earth ,Theodore thought.

" It's home to seven continents, each with unique climates, cultures, and histories. Kiran, the continent your father rules, is the largest of them all."Mr Roman continues

Theodore read along, his mind racing with possibilities. Seven continents? Monsters and other races? This world truly is a fantasy brought to life. He masked his excitement, maintaining his calm exterior as Roman continued.

When Roman mentioned other races—elves, dwarfs, beastmen, and mermaids—Theodore's eyes widened slightly, though he quickly composed himself. "So this world isn't solely ruled by humans?" he asked.

"Correct," Roman replied. "Each race holds its own domains and alliances. Their histories are intertwined with ours in ways both wonderful and tragic."

Theodore's thoughts churned. This world is even more complex than I imagined. I need to learn everything about it if I'm to rise above them all.

"Your curiosity is impressive," Roman remarked, his voice tinged with approval. "You ask the questions of a man far older than your years."

Theodore smiled faintly, hiding his true thoughts. If only you knew, old man.

Their discussion shifted as Roman introduced Theodore to his upcoming mission. "The advanced class you'll be joining next week consists of students aged fifteen," Roman explained. "They'll ensure your safety, so you needn't worry."

Theodore frowned, suppressing the irritation that flared within him. I'm mentally thirty years old. I don't need anyone treating me like a helpless child. But he nodded, swallowing his pride.

Roman continued, his tone growing serious. "The mission you're about to undertake is no child's play. You'll be traveling to a village cursed for decades—a village near the Daunt Forest, also known as Mother Cry Forest."

Theodore tilted his head. "Mother Cry Forest?" he repeated, intrigued.

Roman nodded grimly. "The villagers claim to hear the cries of a woman every night, mourning for her lost child. They've never seen her, but every time someone investigates, tragedy follows. Children vanish, leaving no trace. The forest has become a place of fear and death."

Theodore's skin went pale at the description, though his curiosity only deepened. "What have you done to stop it?"

"We've tried to nullify the curse for generations," Roman admitted. "But every attempt has failed. That's why this mission is so critical."

Theodore leaned forward, his voice low. "And you expect a group of students to succeed where generations have failed?"

Roman sighed, his gaze heavy. "That's what you'll have to discover."

Theodore stood, his mind already spinning with possibilities. "I'll go," he said firmly. "This mission… interests me."

Roman watched him leave, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "That boy," he murmured. "He's far more dangerous than he lets on."

As Theodore returned to his dormitory, his thoughts lingered on the cursed forest and the cries of the mysterious woman. For the first time in years, his excitement outweighed his plans for control. This world is more fascinating than I thought. Let's see what secrets it holds.