"Unbelievable, all our past struggles are the remnants of an ancient war? Was Eldric aware of this, Commander Freya?" King Eiric's golden eyes shook with disbelief.
"I don't believe so, Your Majesty. In his journal, which only I, as his heir, have access to, he never mentioned any of this," Freya responded.
"I don't think Eldric would conceal information like this," spoke Alderic the Wise. "The First King was a visionary who shared every bit of information he gained from the 'Avalons' with the rest of us. This is pointless anyway, it doesn't matter whether Eldric knew or not. We found out now, what we should do next is important."
"This book," Freya pointed to the freshly written document on the table, "records every bit of information I learned about the Avalons, their customs, their beliefs, their language. My will is to make this book available to the public. Along with this book, I plan to write another with a complete explanation of how to awaken and train in the use of mana, which is called cultivation and..."
"And you want that to be public knowledge as well," Eiric finished Freya's sentence, his tone tinged with annoyance.
"Is there a problem, Your Majesty?" Freya inquired.
"Bandit cultivators and criminals can wield mana and kill people with a snap, have you thought about that?" the king asked.
"That won't be a problem if everyone wields mana as well. With practice, the methods I have enable anyone to cultivate. Talent is not required to do so," Freya responded with a smile. "I understand your concerns, and normally I would have opted for a controlled transition, but we can't do that with the current situation."
"Are you talking about the evolved corrupted beasts?" Elarion Duskwood, the Grandmaster Architect, interjected. "And if so, what do you plan to do? Fight them or make peace?"
"Peace?!" Freya exclaimed before continuing in a more composed manner, "My wardens will be hard to persuade to make peace, they were hit the hardest..."
"So you did think about the possibility?" King Eiric raised an eyebrow. "Is that why you hope to spread the use of mana?"
"Discussions of peace can only be between two equal sides. If we are weaker than them, we can never hope to talk of peace," Freya explained with a sense of dejection.
"That is indeed true," the king acknowledged.
"I, for one, look forward to the spread of mana. We have to research it extensively. We saw many technologies that can tremendously improve our society, such as communication from a distance and flying carriages," Elarion Duskwood chimed in, his silver eyes shining with excitement. "Commander Freya, do you happen to know anything about those?"
"Sadly no, it seems the Avalons only wanted to record their downfall and only the beginning of cultivation. I think they wanted us to develop on our own," Freya replied, her voice tinged with a touch of sadness.
"*Kekeke* Don't worry, dear Elarion, it's more fun to discover things on your own. Look at Thuran and Elisia's eyes—they are practically glowing in excitement," Alaric Venomhart, the Shadow Alchemist, and Council member, remarked, his words teasing.
"Commander Freya, could I study your spear, Silverwind, when we have the time? And you said you can let us awaken also? If so, could you help me with that? I'm imagining a whole new realm of forging..." Thuran Ironforge's enthusiasm was palpable, but Elisia cut him off, insisting, "Hey! Wait your turn, Freya promised to help me with discovering and developing my powers first."
"Elisia, Thuran, calm down! Commander Freya is very busy. You can't expect her to entertain your childish behaviour," Alderic reprimanded them sternly.
But Alaric, his tone wise and playful, quickly pointed out, "What dear Alderic is saying is that Freya will be busy with him helping her write the book about the basics of mana..." This statement earned him focused gazes from the two eager Council members, while Elarion struggled to maintain his dignity amid the amusing chaos.
"Ahem! Esteemed members of the Council, compose yourselves!" King Eiric coughed, reining in their exuberance. "We are getting further from the subject at hand. We are here to discuss the future of this kingdom, not to bicker about who gets to spend more time with Commander Freya."
"Your Majesty is right! We got carried away. Let's take a breath and get back to our business," sighed Alderic, while the other three members of the council approved as well. "To that end, how should we go about delivering the news to our people?"
"Should we tell them only a partial truth and hide the information like the evolved cursed creatures?" Elarion pondered.
"We could start by having public school classes about mana," suggested Thuran.
"Indeed," Elarion added, "we could construct special places of learning where citizens can come to understand and harness mana under controlled conditions. This way, we can ensure that the knowledge is spread in a controlled and safe manner."
Alderic proposed his own approach, saying, "Before we introduce the concept of cultivation, we could begin by teaching them the history we have just learned. Gradually, we can unveil the potential of cultivation, making sure they understand the significance and responsibilities that come with it."
King Eiric leaned forward, expressing his thoughts as well, "I agree with Alderic. Before the general populace is introduced to the idea of cultivation, the members of this council should be the first to learn how to wield mana from Freya. We can then pass on this knowledge to our trusted acolytes, ensuring that those who teach it are well-versed and responsible."
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"Fine, it's not how I would have preferred but managing the kingdom is your business. I can't interfere, I can only give my suggestion which is to tell the whole truth, regardless of the waves it may stir. Eldric Caerwyn shared all his knowledge and wisdom without 'holding back information for the common good'." Said Freya displeased, "I'll keep my promise and write the book on mana but you all will have to learn on your own. You want me to teach you, Join the Black Wardens!"
"Why are you so stubborn about this matter, Freya Caerwyn?! They are common people, even if they know this ancient history what good does it do to them?" asked the king angrily.
"Did our founder Eldric Caerwyn keep any of the knowledge he got from the relic hidden? Didn't he share everything with his fellow people?" Freya said looking at each of the ones present and continued,
*From peasant's humble hearth to noble's tower tall,
Our wisdom's light shines, embracing one and all.
In shared knowledge's embrace, together we stand,
Bound by the legacy, a united, wise band.
From the lowest commoner to the highest peer.*
"Isn't this what Eldric said as he founded the Council of Wisdom?" said her gaze on Alderic the current president of the Council, causing him to avert his gaze.
"How dare you try and lecture us on how to rule the kingdom, Commander Freya?" King Eiric said in anger, "Don't try and use cryptic words from the past, we are all trying to make what's best for this country. We are facing knowledge, that will revolutionize our way of life along with the remnants of those 'avalons'."
Freya ignored the king's outrage and looked towards Alderic, "Sir Alderic, what is the stance of the Council of Wisdom? As I recall your power is superior to the crown."
"We don't deal in our power being bigger than the king, Commander Freya. We exist to make the best choices for the country... As to our stance, maybe you're right, sharing our knowledge with everyone is the right thing to do. But we will do so in a controlled manner and we need to put this matter into a debate with the rest of our lower members..." Said Alderic in a firm voice.
"Well, do what you must... I have my beliefs as you all have yours. I stand by my decision, I will write the book on mana, teaching you all the proper techniques, the rest is up to you. I hope you won't twist the contents or 'improve' the history of the Avalons." Compromised Freya while adding, "My mission is to travel beyond the wall, and see for myself if there is any way to get rid of this corrupted mana or purify it... As well as find out the reason why there are corrupted creatures that can talk."
"Are you saying you want to travel beyond the wall, alone?" Asked with his mouth open Elarion Duskwood, "Are you sure that's a good idea?"
"And what will happen to Oakheart? I seem to recall you were adamant about not leaving it." Added King Eiric.
"First of all, believe me when I say that at the stage I am now I could single-handedly destroy the entire Oakheart keep. And second, if what I find beyond the wall will be powerful enough to get past me, then you might as well say your prayers. This is why I want you all to share everything we know, from the tens of millions of people we have I'm sure some of them might be stronger than me, the kingdom must be able to protect itself in my absence." Said Freya with her eyes cold.
"You seem very sure of yourself, Warden Commander. Could you show us proof of the power you claim to have?" Asked King Eiric and Elarion added, "I myself am quite curious about this as well, while we have no reason to doubt your words, it's still something hard to accept without seeing it with our own eyes."
"I could do that, Oakheart needed a bit of redecorating anyway, but are you sure you want me to demolish the keep?" Asked Freya in a deadpan voice.
Thuran facepalmed, while Elisia and Alaric burst out in laughter. The king used all his willpower to not shout, 'Are you fucking serious?' In the end, Alderic sighed, "Freya you know very well this is not what they meant..."
"Yes, yes, I suppose I can't expect you to take my words for granted. We can arrange a little demonstration in the forest nearby after this meeting is over."
"You said you plan to travel beyond the wall? Have you made preparations for your heir? As far as I know, you have no children that we know of." Spoke Alderic the Wise.
"Well, I can't exactly pop out a child with the Caerwyn blood in an instant... As for preparations, Bryndor Swiftfoot will lead in my absence. He's been second in command before I was leading the wardens, in terms of experience he is better than me. And lastly, I plan on coming back, you know?" Said Freya with a smirk.
When all seemed settled King Eiric came with a proposition that surprised everyone, "Ladies and gentlemen since Freya is so adamant about all this and the annual ball in honour of the founding of our kingdom is a few days away I have a suggestion... Let's hold it here at Oakheart, and give Commander Freya the honour of showing our nobles and guests the same images she showed us here and present the ancient history to all of them. This way we can make the spreading of information easier and save some time; it will also answer some of the many questions that are bound to arise, what do you say?"
"There's no escape from attending that ball, is there?" Said Freya with a smile
"It seems not." Answered Alderic, "But are we sure about this? What if another attack like the one you just suffered happens again?"
"It shouldn't be a problem anymore, I myself am way stronger than before and I also took care to train my elite wardens in the use of mana, they should be able to hold their own. Of course, there is also the possibility of the enemy being stronger than we anticipate..." Trailed off Freya
"So the question is: Are we willing to take the risk?" Continued Alderic.
After everyone voiced their options they decided to hold the ball at Oakheart Keep. The meeting continued with the discussion of the finer details of their plans and future actions. It was about afternoon when the meeting was finished and they went to the clearing in the woods where Freya was supposed to show them her newfound powers and convince them to trust her.
At the clearing, Freya began by destroying the trees in a 20-meter radius with a swipe of her spear, she then proceeded to showcase her physical prowess barehanded crushing rocks into powder. Besides her strength, her speed was also something amazing as well capable of creating a gust of wind when she moved from place to place and left behind after images. Flabbergasted the King and his entourage along with the Council of Wisdom left the clearing and went back to Oakheart Keep where they continued their discussions briefly before leaving for the capital.
"And this, ladies and gentlemen, is why I wish for everyone in the kingdom to learn the use of mana. Just imagine what would happen if someone with my power decided to destroy anything or try and take over the world... You would be powerless to resist as you are now." Freya told them voicing the exact same thought King Eiric was having but didn't dare to say out loud.
After he left, King Eiric was determined to learn to cultivate as well and also instruct his most trusted guards and knights in the use of mana. The idea that he's weaker than a chicken compared to Freya was a stark realization that lingered in his thoughts, a humbling reminder of the potential dangers their world faced. He couldn't ignore the responsibility that came with such knowledge any longer.