He was no longer the boy who dreamed of becoming a hero. The world wasn't simple, and fairness and justice were rather vague concepts, with no universally recognized standards. Furthermore, he harbored a certain degree of doubt and caution regarding human nature.

After graduation, he met many of his classmates, who had gone from being ambitious and full of hope to becoming worldly and profit-driven. Even Prince Edren, who had always had lofty goals, was now increasingly concerned with power, gradually deviating from his original ideas.

"Someone has to do it, right? So why can't it be me?"

The scene from several years ago resurfaced in Rock's mind. He compared Tokolin then with the present. Although his appearance had aged a bit, his eyes were brighter. He seemed to be walking steadily and firmly on the path he hoped for.

Feeling guilty about having snatched an opportunity from Tokolin in the past, Rock agreed to help him, and later helped Tokolin train a group of people. These people were proficient in scouting and reconnaissance, and were perfect for intelligence work.

Initially, he hadn't anticipated that his childhood rival would progress so far, developing so well in Purple Shirt Province in just two years. Perhaps he had misjudged him this time.

The memories of the past briefly flashed through their minds, and Rock and Tokolin sat at the table and talked about recent events.

"Since the death of His Majesty the Emperor, the empire has become increasingly unstable. There has been a rebellion in the south, and powerful nobles in various places have gradually begun to have ideas of independence. The other grand dukes have also been ambiguous and have not expressed their views." Rock told Tokolin some of the situations in the outside world.

"If that's the case, I feel like the opportunity is coming." There seemed to be a flame of excitement burning in Tokolin's eyes.

"Don't be so anxious. The great nobles still retain their powerful strength and you can't defeat them." Rock shook his head.

"I know. I will wait until they are both defeated before coming out."

"But it's not enough, Tokolin. The Purple Shirt Province is still too small to cause a major disturbance. Any one of the three dukes, if mobilized at all costs, could muster an army of nearly a million, many of whom are elite soldiers."

"You don't understand the backgrounds of those great nobles. They have been operating in their respective fiefdoms for hundreds of years. The bloodlines and interest networks within them are vast."

"The West Wind that Clancy faced back then didn't have a territory this large. Besides, the Witch of the Stars had long since vanished in the battle between the Sun and the Moon."

"If it weren't for that fate-changing starlight fall, the direction of everything would be unknown."

"Starting a war is easy, but do you know how to end it? After all, the Empire is different from the West Wind. People live in different places, with different cultures and customs. There are huge differences between the north and south, east and west. People in other regions may not agree with your ideas and thoughts."

"Or perhaps in their hearts, you are the devil and evil that brought disaster."

"Facing a country like this, you are far from enough now." The young man analyzed calmly.

"I know, but everything is moving in a favorable direction, isn't it? Besides, when can you join us? I know you, Rock, just like I know my enemies. I know your ambitions and thoughts in the past."

"Although that was a childish thought, it still shows that you have a similar wish in your heart." Tokolin looked into Rock's eyes and made his invitation.

"Me? Haha." Rock wanted to say that he was not that great, and he did not have much hope for this plan.

But when he was about to speak, he fell silent again. Perhaps some of the arrogant words he had said as a teenager still remained, buried in the hidden corner of his heart, making him unable to completely deny it.

What should I do?

Rock looked at the flickering candlelight of the oil lamp on the table, and in a trance, he slowly recalled the time he spent on campus.

It seemed that there was a night like this when he was sitting in the study room of the library, feeling deeply confused about the future and not knowing where he should go.

"I don't know what kind of hero you want to be, but if there's something you want to do that can make everyone happy and better, then do it."

"If you feel tired along the way, you can take a break. While the praise of heroes is certainly attractive, your own life is also important. I hope this kind of praise can become an embellishment of your life, rather than a heavy burden."

Rock slowly savored the words of the girl in his memory, and found that he had not yet gotten rid of the traces left by his youth. Or perhaps that romantic ideal had always been flowing in his dreams and had never been forgotten.

"What a boring thing." Rock shook his head, then shook the outstretched hand again.

"Consider this my repayment for taking your recommendation letter. But as promised, I'll only give you limited assistance. Don't expect me to fight you to the death."

"Also, I have many identities, and sometimes I even run errands for the Regent. Don't let me know about any secrets."

"Hahaha, what's the harm?" Tokolin and Rock stood up, hugged each other briefly, and then patted Rock's shoulder vigorously.

"I'll trouble you again in the future, good brother."

In the underground room with flickering candlelight, the two rivals in their youth now stood together, looking at the map hanging on the wall, telling a beautiful and grand dream.

Time has worn away many edges, but it has also slowly revealed the crystals and gold in the sand and gravel. There are always some things that we don’t notice on a daily basis, but still appear in dreams, making us yearn for them and fantasize about the day when they will come true.