An Immortality Without You
Dizzar Academy
Present — Syrin's Capital, 1992
Dizzar Academy welcomed every intelligent student born with a curious, thirsty soul, eager to learn and become the best version of themselves.
From science and mathematics to philosophy, psychology, and astrology, the Academy provided a rich and practical education under the guidance of some of the most remarkable professors in the country.
Even martial arts and mind-training courses were not to be overlooked.
The college itself possessed a mysterious character, its grand Gothic Revival architecture bearing the marks of nearly two centuries of history. Its towering halls, intricate stonework, and shadowed corridors seemed to hold the echoes of generations long gone, as though the ancient walls had witnessed secrets that time itself had failed to erase.
There wasn't a single family in the land of "Syrin" that didn't wish for their children to earn a degree from the most classical and sophisticated college in the country.
There was a saying that, ages ago, one could even learn magic at Dizzar Academy.
But no rumor was more famous than the one about its founder, Xavier Dizzar.
"He was a powerful man in Syrin whom even the king couldn't go against."
"A Rasputin of the West."
"A sorcerer who could either save or destroy everything he touched."
The legend of Xavier Dizzar had faded over time, and by the time the iron gates of his massive college opened to automobiles instead of carriages, people either barely knew of him or remembered him merely as a noble scientist.
The only clear trace he had left behind was a painted portrait of a tall man in a long black coat, with black hair, a charming face, and dark eyes that gleamed with chilling intensity.
One thing was obvious to every student who cared enough to stop in the grand hallway and look upon the portrait:
He was not a man to be taken lightly.
He was, indeed, a man whom it was better to fear than to underestimate.
Felix's Literature Class
In the hush of the classroom, Felix's tender voice arose, carrying the sonnet's words like a quiet melody.
Felix
"When night had claimed the chambers of my soul,
And silence bound my spirit unto grief,
I wandered through a world of endless cold,
With no sweet dawn to grant my heart relief.
Felix
Yet Love arose, a flame from realms above,
And warmed the ruins sorrow left behind;
It breathed new life into my heart with love,
And woke the flowers sleeping in my mind.
Felix
Not as the storm that shakes the mortal tree,
But as the dawn that softly gilds the rose;
It came, a quiet light to set me free,
And taught the frozen streams again to flow.
Felix
Though stars may fade and earthly joys depart,
Love’s sacred flame shall dwell within my heart."
The classroom remained silent for a moment after the final words left his lips. Felix lowered the book slightly and looked across the rows of students.
Felix
"The Lantern of the Heart" is a sonnet that explores one of the oldest and most enduring themes in literature: the power of love to restore what has been broken.
Felix
At the beginning of the poem, we encounter a speaker who is not merely sad, but spiritually exhausted. Notice the imagery of darkness, winter, silence, and decay. The soul is described as a place where light has disappeared — a garden that no longer blooms, a heart that has forgotten the warmth of spring.
He paused, allowing the words to settle.
Felix
But then, the poem changes direction. The arrival of Love is not portrayed as something violent or overwhelming. It does not come like a storm or a blazing fire. Instead, it arrives as a gentle flame, a quiet light. This contrast is important. The poet suggests that true healing does not always come through force; sometimes, the smallest light is enough to defeat the greatest darkness.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
Felix
And perhaps the most beautiful idea within this sonnet is that love does not erase the darkness by pretending it never existed. Instead, it brings light into that darkness and gives it meaning. The scars remain, but they no longer define the person who carries them.
Felix
That is why poetry has returned to this theme for centuries. Because, regardless of the era, people have always searched for the same thing: a light capable of guiding them through their darkest nights.
One of the students raised her hand.
Student (Lucy)
Have you ever experienced this yourself, Professor?
Felix paused, looking at the girl who was waiting for his answer with excitement. He smiled, though it was a bit melancholic.
Felix
Well, I suppose everyone at least once in their lives feels their days become brighter because of a person they like. Whether it’s romantic or simply platonic, the joy and hope that person brings into our lives mean a lot.
The girl’s smile faded slowly with disappointment, but she nodded.
Felix nearly sighed from relief because she didn't press further.
Felix
💭 Teaching for barely a semester, and I'm already learning how to evade personal questions. Good progress!
The class ended, but as usual a group of students—mostly female—followed him through the hallways, oblivious to the sideways looks the older professors gave Felix, the youngest professor Dizzar Academy had ever seen.
The Phantom of the Opera
There was a building behind the main building of the academy whose doors were sealed. No one came to this side of the campus. It somehow always held an eerie atmosphere.
But for Felix, this route was as common as any other part of the campus.
If anything, he was even happy to go there after a busy day surrounded by students trying to get his attention and colleagues talking dryly to him.
Felix placed his palm on the door. The wood beneath his palm glowed faintly, and the once-sealed door magically opened on its own, welcoming him into a long, dim hallway.
Felix entered, and the door closed itself, parting him from the outside world.
He walked to the living area where plush sofas and chairs were placed in front of a fireplace.
Finding no one, he headed toward the kitchen. A familiar automatic herbal scent immediately welcomed him.
Felix's heart beat a little faster.
The man looming over a kettle straightened and turned around.
He ran a hand through his disheveled black strands falling onto his forehead and smiled at Felix warmly.
???
Hi, yourself. How was your day?
Felix rolled his eyes dramatically and sat on a chair .
Felix
You know that already.
???
Still worth asking as a friend.
His friend smirked and handed him a cup of warm violet potion.
???
Probably something like “I’ll be waiting for your weekly report until Friday.”
Felix
I’ve just successfully been promoted from your student to your employee. But I don’t feel that anything has changed!
???
You’ll always be my student, as I’ll continue enriching you with the most knowledge I know. But what is more important to me is our friendship. That will never be overlooked in any situation.
Felix smiled. His heart was warmer, but it had nothing to do with the hot drink he was sipping.
The potion was sweet with a subtle gesture of spiciness that was pleasant for Felix. It settled his nerves and gave a sense of relief as tension began to leave his muscles and helped him feel more relaxed.
His friend was sitting across from him at the table, watching Felix’s expression soften and his shoulders relax.
Satisfied with the result, he smiled.
???
I changed some ingredients in it. Glad to see the result is the same.
Felix
Nothing less is expected from The Master of Potionalogy.
His friend laughed as he took Felix's empty cup and stood up.
???
Flattery gets you everywhere. But still you have to submit the report by Friday.
Felix
Ugh, come on, Xavier! I’ve already got a bunch of exam papers to grade.
Xavier
You'll make time for it. You always do.
Felix
Yeah, yeah. Can’t disappoint Master Dizzar. It’s not everyone’s job to be The Phantom of the Opera’s most trusted performer.
Xavier
Exactly. Now be a good boy and go straight to bed.
Felix frowned at the phrase “good boy,” but his cheeks turned slightly pink. He walked out of the kitchen before Xavier could see his face.
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