Rising Shadows: The Fight for Freedom I

Chapter 1: The Prodigal

In the vast expanse of the multiverse lies Isilia, a world of breathtaking beauty and abundant resources, characterized by two expansive continents and numerous oceans that nourish its lands. On the eastern and western continents of Isilia, a multitude of intelligent races thrive-Orcs, Elves, Humans, Dwarves, and Dragons-each contributing to the vibrant tapestry of civilizations that define the world of Isilia.

Among these civilizations, human culture stands out for its richness and diversity. Driven by boundless creativity and insatiable desires, humans have cultivated countless unique cultures. At the pinnacle of human nations is the mighty Empire of Caesalia, whose civilization, developed over a millennium, undoubtedly reigns supreme among all human realms on the Isilian continent.

Timeless poetry, awe-inspiring architecture, immortal melodies, an ancient and elegant aristocracy, and the most noble imperial lineage-all these elements form the illustrious aura that captivates all who behold the Empire of Caesalia. However...

"However, the once-mighty Empire has succumbed to decay, as evidenced by the increasingly absurd actions of the Caesalian royal family. How could Emperor Matt II so casually bestow a dukedom upon someone devoid of any military merit? This is nothing short of a scandal! Such disgraceful behavior... Um... Darn!? ... Darn!!!"

Just moments ago, the elderly history teacher, filled with admiration for the millennia-old history of the Empire of Caesalia, had transformed into a figure of fury. This venerable scholar, with hair and beard as white as snow, had just realized that his students were not only inattentive but had also committed an act that incited his utmost wrath.

Even in the depths of winter, the biting winds from the northern Nagalan plains could not quell the fire of indignation burning within the old scholar. In his hand lay a sheet of white paper, upon which was sketched the figure of a slender young girl. Her delicate features, clear gaze, and serene smile brought her to life; from a distance, her every expression seemed vividly animated. If not for her utter lack of clothing, this simple charcoal sketch could have been deemed a masterpiece.

Yet, even if the artist-a fifteen-year-old boy-had neglected to adorn the girl in the drawing with appropriate attire due to youthful impulses, the artwork, infused with the boy's passion and infatuation, remained a commendable piece, provided the girl was not posed in a manner that contradicted her innocent visage, resembling instead a street harlot.

But this was not the root of the old scholar's fury. The true cause of his rage was that the pure-faced, brazen girl bore an uncanny resemblance to his own granddaughter!

In the next moment, the enraged history teacher raised his staff, seemingly poised to unleash a violent outburst upon the young scoundrel before him. The fifteen-year-old boy, Darn Spencer, quickly leaped back and fled in a panic.

"Stop! Darn Spencer! Halt! You little rogue! Scoundrel! I shall make you pay for this! #!￥%"

Amidst the torrent of the old scholar's furious curses, the boy's figure darted out of the study, through the courtyard, and vanished into the high-walled alleyways. The servants along the way bowed their heads respectfully, acknowledging the esteemed teacher and his wayward pupil.

After delivering a few more scathing remarks about his wayward disciple, the old scholar finally abandoned the idea of personally pursuing the boy to rectify the situation. Instead, he resolved to employ a time-honored strategy that educators have relied upon throughout history when faced with unruly students-summoning the parents!

Fuming, he clutched the evidence of the boy's misdeeds, hastening to find Darn's father and mother. Meanwhile, Darn, having received alarming news from his loyal servants, was in a state of panic, desperately seeking refuge from his father's impending wrath.

Darn Spencer, the youngest son of Count Antonio Spencer, the governor of the northern border province of Rutania in the Kingdom of Bylins, was a spoiled young man whose mischievous nature had been nurtured by excessive familial affection. After sprinting through five streets, he finally paused to catch his breath.

"That was too harsh! Professor Larrymani Purdue! I merely admired your granddaughter; I had no intention of... marrying her! There was no need to involve my father! Do you have any idea how dangerous that is?"

Casting a glance back at the now-distant governor's residence, Darn grumbled, directing his complaints toward the esteemed tutor hired by Governor Antonio at great expense-Professor Larrymani Purdue, a renowned scholar in the Kingdom of Bylins.

Despite his grievances toward his teacher, Darn felt little resentment, for deep down, he recognized that he had indeed crossed a line this time.

"It's all Bab's fault! If he hadn't shown me those exquisitely illustrated pictures a few days ago, I wouldn't have been compelled to create such a drawing! And I must also blame Eolya Purdue; if that girl weren't so stunningly beautiful, I wouldn't have made such a foolish mistake!"

"Fine! Since it was because of those two that I offended Professor Larrymani, Bab and Eolya must pay the price! Should I give Bab a good thrashing? Or perhaps extort a month's allowance from him? Or maybe I should do both, so Bab truly understands the gravity of his actions!"

"But how should I punish Eolya? She's quite lovely; I can't bring myself to hit her, and that would only infuriate my father further. But if I were to extort her allowance..."

As Darn imagined abducting the girl he had lewdly envisioned countless times in his mind, all for the sake of gold and silver coins, he found the idea utterly preposterous. No, if I were to abduct someone, it should be for something more enticing; extorting Eolya for money would surely lead to ridicule from my friends!

Without a hint of self-reflection regarding his classroom distractions, disrespect toward women, or the violation of the teacher-student relationship, Darn quickly concocted excuses for himself, identifying his targets for retribution while mentally noting two debts.

Having settled on his targets and methods of revenge, Darn Spencer's mood lightened considerably. The boy, who had just been anxious about the potential punishment from his father, cast his worries aside and strolled down the broad streets of Rutania, gradually disappearing into the bustling thoroughfare.