Title - Recovery, Retrospection and Recovery 4
…
The grand opening ceremony of the Collège de France was a spectacle of elegance and intellectual grandeur, marking a significant moment in French history.
The sun shone brightly over the Château du Clos Lucé in Amboise, where the event was held, bathing the historical site in a warm, golden light.
Noblemen and scholars from all corners of France had gathered to witness this momentous occasion, each one dressed in their finest attire, their faces beaming with anticipation.
King Francis I, a tall and imposing figure, stood at the forefront of the gathering. His regal presence commanded attention, his royal attire shimmering under the sunlight.
Beside him, several high-ranking nobles and intellectuals engaged in hushed conversations, their voices blending into a harmonious murmur. Among them stood Lucien Lumiere, known to those in the mystical circles as Leucadius.
His calm demeanor and sharp gaze reflected his vast knowledge and experience which added to his charisma, one not overly inferior to that of the king.
As the guests settled into their seats, a hush fell over the crowd. King Francis I stepped forward, raising a hand to signal the beginning of the ceremony.
"Esteemed guests, scholars, and nobles of France," he began, his voice filled with authority and warmth, "today we gather to celebrate the birth of an institution that will illuminate the minds of future generations—the Collège de France. This college, dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and the advancement of human understanding, stands as a beacon of our commitment to the Renaissance ideals of art, science, and education."
Applause erupted from the audience, and the King continued, his eyes scanning the crowd, "In our endeavor to foster a culture of intellectual growth, we have invited the finest minds to teach and inspire here. This college will be a sanctuary for learning, a place where ideas can flourish and where the seeds of innovation can be sown. Now, allow me to introduce the Administrateur, Lucien Lumiere!"
As the applause subsided, Lucien Lumiere stepped forward to address the gathering. His presence exuded a calm confidence, his eyes reflecting a lifetime of wisdom.
"Your Majesty, esteemed colleagues, and honored guests," Lucien began, his voice steady and clear, "it is with great pride and hope that we stand here today. The Collège de France represents not just an institution of learning, but a symbol of our staunch commitment to the betterment of humanity through knowledge. Here, we shall explore the mysteries of the natural world, delve into the depths of philosophy, and uncover the truths that have eluded us for centuries."
Lucien's words resonated deeply with the audience, drawing nods of agreement and admiration. He continued, "Education is the cornerstone of progress, and it is our duty to ensure that the torch of knowledge burns brightly for future generations. Let this college be a testament to our dedication, a beacon of enlightenment in an ever-changing world."
As Lucien concluded his speech, the crowd erupted in applause once more. King Francis I, clearly moved by the words, stepped forward to shake Lucien's hand, a gesture of respect and camaraderie.
"Thank you, Lucien, for your inspiring words," the King said, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. "Your dedication to the pursuit of knowledge is truly commendable, and it is an honor to have you among us."
"Please, it is the least I could do to lay a better foundation for the betterment of humanity." Lucien said with a resolute appearance which caused Francis to sigh in admiration.
"How I Envy, Sir Lucien."
The ceremony continued with various speeches and presentations from the various scholars France had to offer, each one highlighting the significance of the Collège de France and its role in shaping the intellectual community of the nation.
Scholars from different fields shared their visions for the future, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary studies and the free exchange of ideas.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the château, the guests mingled and exchanged pleasantries. Tilda, standing beside Lucien, observed the interactions with keen interest. Despite her initial reluctance, she couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and inspiration.
"Master Lucien," she said quietly, her voice tinged with newfound respect, "perhaps there is more to learn here than I initially thought."
Lucien smiled, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Indeed, Tilda. The pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey, and every step we take brings us closer to understanding the world and ourselves. Embrace this opportunity, and you will find that the possibilities are endless."
As the evening drew to a close, King Francis I stood once more to address the gathering. "Let us celebrate this momentous occasion with the hope and determination that have brought us here today. Together, we shall build a brighter future, one that honors the past and paves the way for the generations to come. To the Collège de France!"
"To the Collège de France!" the crowd echoed, raising their glasses in a toast.
…
Leucadius POV.
Good times.
Tilda, after spending five years as my secretary finally got news on the Dark Sorcerers she'd sworn to eradicate and left. During her time under my tutelage, she'd long since surpassed the rank of master sorcerer both in Kama-taj and in the other Supernatural Circles.
Whether it was the Cultivators of China, the Martial Artist of Murim, the Sorcerer of England, the Ommyōji and Shinshoku of Japan, Alchemists of Europe, Druids of the Celtic World, Shamans of Siberia, Mystics of the Middle East, Voodoo Practitioners of the Caribbean, Witches and Warlocks of Western Tradition
They were all ranked using the same system from Novice, apprentice, practitioner, advanced/skilled practitioner, master and grandmaster/archmage.
Tilda had been unable to surpass her Master rank in terms of skills, but knowledge wise, she was way above her rank. I could tell it was all because of her psychological block which I couldn't possibly undo. Only she could do so.
When she left, I had placed a marker on her as I was aware this altercation would lead her into the maws of Dormammu.
I wasn't about to stop her from being immortal. It was her destiny to become that after all. However, as my student, I had a responsibility to ensure that no harm befalls her.
And just as I was thinking that, the energy I imbued into the marker flared, alerting me of the beginning of her corruption. It was never mentioned how she gained access to the knowledge concerning the siphoning of energy from the Dark Dimension, but If there was something I knew of this universe, it was that common sense was useless in certain events.
"Aspect, would you be a dear and return Tilda back here as soon as she returns?" I asked no one in particular considering the fact that the office room was empty.
"Hmm." A hum however, let me know that Aspect, wherever he was heard and acknowledged the order. It had already been a while since I took on the post of Administrator in this College and leaving my office carelessly would be unprofessional.
Magic was also a no-no for me, so Aspect was the only other option. As for why I wouldn't interfere with Tilda…it was just meant to happen. I only intend to let her know that she made no mistakes.
As for Dormammu, he wasn't worth my attention. An Hell Lord he may be, but not even Mephisto was worth my attention.
On a universal scale of 1-10 with the Elder Gods being 9, me being 8 alongside Mephisto and some other Gods, Dormammu was merely a 7. Arrogant on my part but the Truth nonetheless.
Lucifer was probably even stronger than him, so why would I waste my time battling such an enemy?
And no sooner had Aspect left did he return in a rather miserable state with an unconscious Tilda in tow.
"...What the fuck happened to you?"
…
Flash Back
Aspect's POV
As soon as Leucadius felt the activation of the Marker he'd placed on Tilda, I'd felt it too and was ready to go to the rescue even if he hadn't asked. We were basically one and it rarely happened that we weren't thinking the same thing.
As soon as he ordered it, I hummed in acknowledgement and warped to Tilda's location, however as soon as I did that, I felt my connection with Leucadius being severed.
It didn't take me up to a second to understand the full detail on what was going on. I was in a separate dimension from the one Leucadius was on, and this one had its separate laws.
This was going to be a hassle.
Turning to Tilda, I saw her lying unconscious in the midst of what I would like to call a mountain of bodies giving off the eeriest feeling I've ever felt coming off a human.
Not even the apostles of the Child of Set who call themselves Hydra were this eerie.
"WHO DARES INVADE MY REALM!?" A voice, loud enough to deafen an entire city filled with people rang out, nearly destabilizing me with its force.
"You must be the Lord of this Dimension." I stated as a matter of fact. "This is not an invasion but a retrieval of what belongs to my master. I hope you can be magnanimous enough to look over this transgression."
This was the only way I could think of to get away from here as quickly as possible. Loathe as I hate to admit it, I wasn't capable of battling an Hell Lord who so happens to also be a Dimensional Lord.
If I were Leucadius, I would've attacked first, talked later, however, that is a behavior against the core of my being.
"YOU BARGE IN HERE UNINVITED AND THINK YOU CAN LEAVE AS YOU PLEASE? WHO DO YOU TAKE ME FOR?"
"An esteemed Hell Lord and Lord of the Dark Dimension." I replied as plainly as I could. Stretching my hands towards Tilda, I employed the little bit of energy I could use to create a miniature dimension similar to earth and stored her in.
From the psychic readings I was picking up from Dormammu, I could tell this encounter would be anything but peaceful, and since that was the case, there was no need to put the little girl in danger.
"HOW DARING!" Dormammu roared causing the plane to tremble at the might of his voice alone.
{}The Dark Dimension is a void within the Multiverse, namely the space between universes. Visibly it is distorted space with many of what appear to be planetary and bolide objects of varying color.
One notable aspect; this dimension is highly anomalous and does not appear subject to conventional scientific laws - allowing those who draw power from the Dark Dimension; One effect of which those that draw energy can slow down their physical aging.
Gravity here is weaker and the fabric of space is more porous, with gravity decreasing rapidly with distance. Hence it results in a more fragile spacetime with a less pronounced "glue effect", while also making possible the existence of the adjacent pocket universes.
The ruler of this dimension, Dormammu, feeds on worlds he manages to incorporate into the Dark Dimension.
Lower dimensional beings wouldn't interact unless they were integrated into the higher dimensional realm, but the existence of an additional space axis would multiply the proportion between the celestial bodies and beings located on their surface.{}
"I see." As the information containing the Dark Dimension surfaced, I immediately knew how to go about fighting against Dormammu.
In a realm where common sense of physics were non-existence…doesn't that make fantasy reality?
Ah…what is this feeling..? I can feel my lips tugging…Is this excitement…?
This Is the feeling Leucadius has to deal with whenever he fights…isn't it?
I can almost feel it in my bones…No…in my Core.
This would be a pleasureable battle!
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