Chapter 7: The World Of Faerion
As Lucifer continued his reluctant tour of heroism through the village, the sound of children's laughter and shouts pierced the usual hum of disdain and bitterness. Curiosity piqued, he followed the noise, rounding a corner to a scene that felt oddly out of place in the desolate atmosphere of the village.
There, in front of a small, modest hut, a group of children sat on the ground, their eyes wide with attention and faces alight with interest. They were gathered around a red-haired lady, her hair a vivid contrast against the snow around them. Freckles dotted her face, and glasses perched on her nose as she addressed the eager young minds before her.
"Next, we are going to learn more about the world outside this village," she announced, her voice carrying a warmth that seemed to wrap the children in a blanket of comfort and curiosity.
"It's important for you all to understand the significance of education. Many of us cannot dream of wielding magic or venturing into grand adventures, but knowledge... knowledge is a tool that all of us can wield. It's our way of surviving and making sense of the harsh world out there."
Lucifer, hidden from view, found himself drawn to her words. It was a stark reminder that there was much about this world he had yet to learn—about its races, politics, and religion. Information that could prove invaluable in his quest for power and vengeance.
The children, captivated by the promise of learning about mysteries beyond their small village, nodded eagerly, hanging on the lady's every word. She smiled at them, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose with a determination that seemed to ignite a similar spark in her young audience.
"Now, focus, children," she said, her tone shifting to one of gentle authority.
"What we're about to explore is not just about distant lands and people, but about understanding our place in the grand tapestry of this world."
Lucifer watched from his hidden vantage point, a grudging respect forming for the red-haired educator. Here was someone who, with no magic or wealth, wielded her knowledge as power, instilling hope and curiosity in the next generation. It was a concept that, despite his cynicism, he couldn't help but admire.
Despite his initial reluctance, Lucifer found himself captivated by the woman's teachings and her understated beauty. As she began her lesson, her voice clear and engaging, she introduced the topic of elves to the eager children before her.
"The world beyond our village is vast and filled with many races, each unique in their own way. Today, we'll learn about the elves," she started, her eyes sparkling with the joy of sharing knowledge.
"Elves are divided into two main sub-races, light elves and dark elves." she began her lectures about the elves.
"Light elves are known for their fair skin and often live in harmonious communities within the forests, their homes hidden among the trees. Dark elves, on the other hand, have dark skin and prefer the solitude of cities carved inside mountains." She explained.
"The two elf races have always been at conflict, stemming from a long history of wars and a pursuit of superiority," she continued, capturing the children's imagination with tales of ancient battles and deep-seated rivalries.
"They even worship different gods. Light elves hold Goddess Marika in high esteem, while dark elves revere God Mariyan. These two gods are rivals themselves, born to different mothers, which further fuels the divide between their followers."
Listening from his hidden spot, Lucifer couldn't help but snort at the parallels.
"Typical elves," he muttered under his breath.
"Always so high and mighty, thinking their shit doesn't stink. Just like the elves back in my world, always at each other's throats over some ancient grudge or another."
He shook his head, a smirk playing on his lips. "Worshipping different gods because of mommy issues? That's a new level of petty. Gotta love the arrogance and the endless bickering. Seems like elves are the same brand of pain in the ass no matter where you go."
Despite his derisive comments, Lucifer remained where he was, drawn in by the woman's lecture.
As the lesson progressed, the red-haired lady shifted her focus to another race, one that harbored a deep-seated disdain for both factions of elves.
"Now, let's talk about the dwarves," she began, her voice carrying a hint of amusement.
"Dwarves are a united race, renowned for their exceptional skills in blacksmithing. They're also known for their hot-headed and, let's say, rather fond relationship with ale."
She smiled at the children's giggles before continuing, "Dwarves live in expansive underground cities, a marvel of architecture and engineering. And while they are always ready for a fight, their animosity is especially pronounced towards elves. To a dwarf, an elf is the embodiment of everything they despise."
"Their god is God Grunther, a figure as sturdy and steadfast as his worshippers. It's said that Grunther harbors a dislike for both elven gods, often finding himself in conflict with them. This divine rivalry mirrors the earthly tensions between the races."
From his concealed spot, Lucifer couldn't help but let out a chuckle. "Dwarves, the same wherever you go," he mused.
"Short, drunk, and ready to throw down at a moment's notice. But damn if they aren't some of the most loyal and steadfast folk you'll ever meet."
He found himself drawn to the dwarves' portrayal, a sentiment echoing his experiences from his own world.
"Despite their love for a good brawl and a pint—or ten—they'd walk through fire for an ally. Even if that ally happens to be a demon lord," Lucifer said, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"Got to respect that. Hot-blooded, maybe, but their hearts are in the right place. If you're on their good side, you couldn't ask for a fiercer friend. And if you're not... well, may the gods help you, because Grunther sure as hell won't."
Listening to the educator's tales of dwarven cities and their unyielding spirit, Lucifer felt a rare spark of admiration. It reminded him that, despite the vast differences between the races of this world and those of his own, some truths remained universal: loyalty, honor, and the unbreakable bonds of kinship.
As Lucifer listened intently to the woman's lecture, a realization dawned upon him. Despite having access to Archer's memories, he found his knowledge about this particular woman to be frustratingly scant.
"Brianna or Tiriana... I can't quite recall," he mused, a frown creasing his brow.
"Archer was so damn infatuated with Elisa, he might as well have been blind to anyone else. Ignored everyone else who actually gave a damn about him."
He shook his head, a scoff escaping him. "Even as a Demon Lord, I made sure to look after my own. Demons, sure, but they were mine to care for. That's what a leader does, like it or not."
Meanwhile, the red-haired woman, Brianna or Tiriana, moved on to the next topic of her lesson.
"And now, let's discuss the orcs," she announced, her voice reflecting a hint of enthusiasm for this particular subject.
"Contrary to popular belief, orcs are a peace-loving race. They do not worship any gods, holding the conviction that true inner peace and enlightenment come from knowledge and harmonious living."
Lucifer couldn't contain a chuckle at the description. The very notion seemed absurd to him.
"Orcs? Peace-loving scholars? You've got to be kidding me," he said under his breath, the image of orcs as gentle, bookish types conflicting wildly with his experiences.
"In my world, orcs are nothing but war-hungry brutes, delighting in the chaos of battle. The idea of them meditating on the meaning of peace rather than how to split a skull in two is... it's laughable."
After attentively listening to the red haired woman, a curious child raised a hand.
"What about us, teacher?" the child asked.
"I'm coming to that," the woman replied with a gentle chuckle before delving into the topic of humans.
"In this world, humans are a diverse lot, divided by whom they choose to worship. Some devote themselves to Vilnar, the god of the sun, embodying light and justice. Others follow Shar, the goddess of the moon, who oversees the night and secrets. Then there are those who worship Milan, the god of magic, seeking knowledge and power through arcane means. And believe me, there are many more gods – I'd probably put you all to sleep if I tried to list them all now. I'll hand out notes on the other deities later."
"Sounds about right," Lucifer muttered to himself as he listened with a mix of amusement and skepticism.
"Humans, always so bloody divided. Worship this god, fear that one. Hate anyone they think is too powerful or too different. Same shit, different world." he sighed.
"It's like a fucking broken record. No matter where you go, humans find ways to complicate things with their gods and their petty squabbles. Worship Vilnar if you like basking in the sun, Shar if you're a moody bastard who loves the night, or Milan if you fancy yourself a spell-slinging wizard. And if you don't fit in? Well, you're fucked, aren't you?" He shook his head, a sardonic grin forming.
"We will learn more about the other races such as halflings, half-elves, beastmen, dragons, and other magical beasts tomorrow," the teacher announced, wrapping up today's lesson with a promise of more fascinating topics to come. "Does anyone have any questions?"
A young child, curiosity shining in their eyes, raised a hand eagerly. "What about demons?" they asked, their voice tinged with a mixture of fear and fascination.
Lucifer, who had been silently observing from his hidden spot, couldn't help but chuckle at the question.
"Good on you, kid," he thought, impressed by the child's curiosity about a subject close to his own heart. He leaned in, eager to hear how the woman would explain the existence and nature of demons in this world.
"In our world," the woman began, her tone shifting to address the child's inquiry.
"Demons are beings that reside in a separate plane known as the demon realm. It's a place vastly different from ours, filled with mysteries and powers we can barely comprehend. However, demons don't often visit our world, as there are ancient treaties in place between our worlds. These agreements ensure that both us and demons maintain a respectful distance, preventing conflicts and maintaining peace."
Lucifer listened, a mix of amusement and disdain creeping into his thoughts.
"Treaties? Really?" he mused, a scoff escaping him.
"In my world, demons wouldn't waste their time with treaties. What kind of weak-ass leader agrees to such terms? Demons bow to no one, least of all these assholes,"
The notion that demons in this world were constrained by agreements with humans struck him as ludicrous, a stark contrast to the demons he had ruled with an iron fist. The very idea that these creatures, known for their power and ferocity, would be reduced to diplomatic entities was almost offensive to him.
"Seems like the demons here could use a lesson in real power," Lucifer thought, his disdain for the demon realm's leadership growing.
"If I were in charge, there'd be no treaties, just respect earned through strength and fear."
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