CHAPTER - 167

  Narrator: Finishing his coffee with a final dry sip, Dav left the empty cup on the counter and stretched slightly, still visibly tired.

  Then he approached the table where Vittorio and the mysterious man were waiting for him.

  His steps were slow, hands in his pockets, and his face bore an expression somewhere between bored and sarcastic.

  He sat down across from them with a half-smirk and slightly raised eyebrows.

  Dav: Well? What's going on?

  Vittorio: (serious, with an official tone) This gentleman here is the messenger of His Highness, the King of Italy.

  Messenger: (smiling calmly and kindly) Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Hero.

  My name is Ettore Gualtieri, official messenger of His Royal Highness, King Alessandro of Monteverdi.

  Narrator: Ettore appeared composed, elegant, with the demeanor typical of someone accustomed to speaking with nobles and royalty.

  His smile did not waver, even in the face of Dav's evident lack of enthusiasm.

  Dav: (sighing as he scratches his head) Here we go again..

  More messengers and kings.. Ahhhh..

  Ettore Gualtieri: (slightly tilting his head, curious) So I wasn't the first...

  interesting. Now I understand.

  Dav: (direct, sharp) Get to the point.

  These things bore me.

  Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

  Vittorio: (thinking, hiding a smile) I wouldn't want to be in his shoes, haha..

  Ettore Gualtieri: (pulling out a sealed envelope with the royal crest) My task is simple.

  I just have to deliver this letter to you and report your response to the King.

  Nothing more.

  Narrator: Dav took the letter with two fingers, as if it were a bothersome weight.

  He tore the seal carelessly and read aloud, without any ceremony.

  "Good morning or good evening, Mr. De Lion, or rather, Mr. Hero.

  I write this letter personally, I, Alessandro of Monteverdi, King of Italy, to ask if you would be willing to visit my royal palace.

  I wish to get to know you better.

  Best regards, His Royal Highness, Alessandro of Monteverdi."

  Dav smacked his lips, then looked up at Ettore and Vittorio with an almost comical expression, as if he had just read an invitation to a boring family dinner.

  Ettore Gualtieri: (calm, with hands clasped on the table) So.. what have you decided, Mr. De Lion?

  Dav: (snorting) Not interested.

  I have things to do.

  Narrator: Director Vittorio's eyes widened, and his jaw dropped as if a bomb had fallen on the table.

  He broke into a cold sweat instantly, while Ettore remained motionless, unperturbed.

  Ettore Gualtieri: (rising gracefully, bowing slightly) Thank you for the hospitality and for agreeing to receive me.

  I will report to His Highness.

  Good day, gentlemen.

  Narrator: Without complaint or attempt to persuade Dav, the messenger turned and elegantly exited the cafeteria, accompanied by a visibly disturbed Vittorio.

  Dav stretched again, snorting.

  "What a bother."

  He stood up and left the cafeteria, heading slowly toward the north wing of the academy, where the students' rooms were located.

  Arriving at Leo's room, he knocked once, then opened without waiting for a response.

  Inside, the boy was sitting on the bed, engrossed in reading a book.

  Dav made a small gesture with his finger.

  Leo immediately closed the book and stood up, ready to follow him with quick steps.

  He didn't ask questions until they were already out in the corridor.

  Leo curious and cheerful he asked:

  "Where are we going, sir?"

  Dav looked at him sideways. It was evident: the boy was growing, and he now almost reached his shoulder.

  A detail that struck the Professor more than he wanted to admit.

  "Leo, if there were a way to become stronger... but with a price.

  A pain.

  Would you accept it?"

  Leo stopped smiling.

  He looked ahead with a determined, steady gaze, then answered without hesitation.

  "Training is pain anyway, if done properly.

  So... I don't see any difference."

  Dav smiled slightly, one of those rare smiles that didn't show fatigue, but pride.

  "Even if the pain were excruciating?

  Would you still do it, knowing it would truly make you stronger?"

  Leo confidently, without turning he replied:

  "Yes. I trust you, sir.

  Make me strong.

  No matter what I have to endure."

  The sky above the Academy was tinged with orange.

  Without saying anything else, Dav took the path toward the training arena.

  His gaze was hard, determined.

  "Then let's get going."

  END OF CHAPTER - 167