Chapter 97 46:
The surprise was so genuine that Korr blinked several times.
"Congratulate me?" he repeated.
"Yes, I want to congratulate you. Even though I couldn't give you the teaching I wanted, even though I couldn't shape your will according to the Empire's canons... I must acknowledge that you've gone farther than anyone expected. Farther than I myself expected."
Nouwl-an turned toward him, and for the first time, Korr was able to see something in his eyes that he had never seen before.
There was a trace of respect in his eyes.
"You are a warrior, Korr-Add; a warrior of the Empire. And although I do not share all of your perspectives, I must admit that you have demonstrated strength of will and an enviable determination. When we meet on the battlefield, when we fight shoulder to shoulder against the enemies of the Empire, I hope to be worthy of standing beside you."
Korr did not know what to say. Nouwl-an's words had taken him by surprise, dismantling his emotional defenses.
"I... actually, I don't know what..."
"You don't need to say anything, I just wanted you to know, that's all."
Nouwl-an stood up, stretching his arms, prepared to leave. But before doing so, he stopped, and his eyes fixed upon the horizon.
"I also learned something from you, Korr-Add." Nouwl-an smiled with a more genuine smile.
"The Empire, as it is conceived, may not be perfect. I can consider that... perhaps, there are other ways of seeing things, other perspectives that do not align with official doctrine." He paused, and his voice grew more serious. "Perhaps disobedience, when necessary, is a way of saving what truly matters."
Korr felt a knot form in his throat as Nouwl-an turned toward him, his eyes fixed on his own.
"But take this advice. Regardless of the perspectives one may have, we are all subject to something. Even the universe itself is subject to its own laws. Absolute freedom does not exist, Korr-Add. There are only choices, and the consequences they carry."
Korr nodded slowly, understanding those words. Liberalism, complete and unrestrained liberalism, probably more harmful than totalitarianism itself for this world. The Great Purge was one example, although one had nothing to do with the other.
Nevertheless, in practical terms, the chaos would be absolute. Without the Empire, the strongest Viltrumites would enslave the weak. "Freedom" would be the right of the strongest simply because equality in this world was almost nonexistent; everything oriented solely around strength. And so it was, with the difference that there was only one.
Viltrumite order, though oppressive, prevented the self-destruction of its own race.
"That is why," Nouwl-an continued, "although I have come to appreciate your way of thinking, although I have come to understand why you question the established order... I would choose our 'totalitarianism' a thousand times over the illusion of a voice and freedom without the strength to support it."
Korr looked at him, searching for the right words to respond.
"There could be ways to..." Korr-Add tried to say, but Nouwl-an shrugged, interrupting him.
"Freedom, without the strength to protect it, is nothing more than an illusion. The Empire gives us structure, order, purpose. It may be imperfect in your eyes because of your reluctance toward death or the treatment of other races, but it is our Empire and our system of excellence. It may be cruel, as you so often say, but at least it is real and the only thing that should matter to us. Or do you really believe those races wouldn't do the same to us if we weren't so strong? Let me tell you now that every one of them was worse than us before their assimilation. The Litathi themselves reduced their vassal races to the classification of 'animals,' exploiting their resources until they depleted and extinguished entire planets; then they massacred their inhabitants to sell their biological matter as nutrients on the galactic market. Don't feel bad about what happened." After revealing that sinister truth, Nouwl-an continued. "What I want you to understand is that such freedom promises what it cannot give, and in doing so, it can weaken our race."
Korr reflected upon those words, feeling their weight. He truly understood Nouwl-an's concerns, but...
"So... do you believe the Empire is necessary?"
"I believe the Empire is the only thing we have. And that, as long as we exist, we must make sure it functions as well as possible. Even if that means questioning it or disagreeing with its decisions."
Silence stretched between them, but this time it was a silence of mutual understanding.
"Vexa will remain as Sub-Instructor," Nouwl-an finally said, changing the subject. "So you can remain at ease, you will not be considered a traitor for your past actions. But I ask that you be more obedient in the future. Not every instructor will be as understanding as we have been."
Korr nodded, feeling a strange relief at those words.
"I will," he said, though he was not certain he would keep that promise.
Nouwl-an looked at him for one moment longer, then nodded.
"Good." He turned toward the edge of the slab, his feet brushing the void. "I believe that's everything. I must leave, the transport to the frontier lines departs as soon as the reflection period comes to an end."
Korr stood up, his eyes fixed on those of his former instructor. His mind kept searching for what to say, until he finally spoke.
"Thank you, Instructor."
The words left his mouth. Nouwl-an looked at him in surprise, and then a smile formed upon his lips.
"Don't thank me. Just... just do me a favor." Nouwl-an turned toward the void, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "When you reach the top, when you have the power to change things... remember what I've told you."
Korr did not know what to answer. He simply nodded with disguised embarrassment, knowing that promise could never be fulfilled.
Nouwl-an looked at him one last time, then launched himself into the sky, his silhouette disappearing above the clouds.
Korr remained there, alone on the edge of the slab, feeling the cold wind caress his face beneath Viltrum's violet sky.
"Wherever you go, Nouwl-an... take care."