The doors to the Blue Lion's classroom abruptly opened, and all chatter was immediately silenced as the massive brigand with ash white skin and red tattoos marched inside. A deafening silence soon took its place, save for the heavy footsteps that echoed through the chamber.
As he walked down the center pathway, Kratos kept his eyes fixated forward- seemingly unaware of the stares from those brave enough to do so. Other students, however, sat awkwardly in their seats as they pretended to be more interested in either something on their desk or elsewhere in the room. Dangling from his hip, Mimir surveyed each student they passed as Kratos walked to the front of the room. Out of the few who were brave enough to look upon the seasoned warrior, even fewer could bring themselves to make eye contact with the glowing gold eyes of the reanimated head.
It wasn't until he finally reached his own desk at the front of the classroom when Kratos turned around and gazed down upon the students- His students, rather.
After giving one last glimpse to the young boys and girls, most of whom had all but avoided his gaze at this point, Kratos turned around so that his back was facing them and reached for Mimir's head. He lifted him up so that the two were at eye-level, and Kratos could see that his friend and counsel could not contain the excited expression on his face as he spoke. "Well, brother," Mimir said in a low voice. "I think it's about time that we introduce ourselves. However…" His eyes flicked between Kratos and the students. "These lads seem to be a bit on edge at the moment. So, how about I help them feel more at ease first before you hit them with the heavy stuff, aye?"
The brigand did not speak, but let out a low grunt in agreement as Kratos turned back around with Mimir still in his hand. He steps over to the front of his desk and gingerly places Mimir down at the ledge so that he could see everyone sitting down before him.
There was a short pause as Kratos heard him say under his breath, "Ahh, I had always hoped that I could do something like this one day," then finally addressed the classroom directly. "Ahem. Good morning, children." He greeted them pleasantly.
Several students managed to return the gesture, though feebly as most of them could barely manage to look at his direction. This, however, did not discourage Mimir. "Right then. I suppose that introductions are in order. But first, there is a bit of- shall we say- ice that is in dire need of breaking before we can move forward, so let's start with the most obvious. Yes, I am a talking severed head with glowing yellow eyes with horns coming out of me broo. You can gawk, you can stare, you can do anything that helps you accept the reality that this is who will help oversee your education. Because the sooner you can do that, then the quicker and easier it will be for you to focus on your tasks.
"As for the charming fellow standing next to me-" Kratos let out an unamused grumble. "Don't let his intimidating looks fool ya. Like every other professor here, he is here to instruct and guide you throughout your time here at Garreg Mach. And if it is of any comfort, you'll be pleased to know that the Archbishop herself believes that we are one of- if not the best candidates of ensuring that you are properly prepared for whatever responsibilities you may take on in the future. Am I clear on everything so far?"
"Yes, sir." The entire classroom said this time in unison.
"Ah, excellent! Off to a great start already. Very good indeed. Now then, on with the proper introductions. My name, for most of you who are not already aware, is Mimir, the smartest man alive. However, while you are students on this campus, you will refer to me as Professor Mimir. Or just Professor will suffice. Some of you may come from noble lineage, but as long as you remain to be our responsibility in regards to both your training and safety, you will expected to do exactly as your told, no questions asked. And speaking of which, it is obvious that this job should only entail one professor. However, because I lack the proper bodily autonomy, as you can clearly see…"
Mimir gestured toward the towering man next to him with his eyes, "This here, is Kratos. He and I will be sharing the duties as professors here at the monastery. Though, admittedly, he's not quite on board with being referred to as 'professor,' so I recommend that you simply refer to him as 'sir . '" One side of his lips pulled up into a smirk. "For now, at least." Kratos responded with another disapproving grunt.
"With all of that said, I shall now explain how all of this is going to work between Kratos and I. Since you are all here to learn as much as you can when it comes to leadership- whether it be out of obligation or for your own volition- the first lesson we shall soon cover is understanding the difference between someone who can lead in diplomacy, and one that can lead in battle. I shall teach you everything you need to know about the former, and Kratos here will do the same for the latter. However, instead of having me explain it to you, I think it's best that I let Kratos take it from here. But heed these words, children. Kratos may be a man of few words, but he's had lifetimes of experiences that you could only dream of having. So any advice he offers you is something that would be best serviceable when taken to heart."
Mimir then lowered his voice. "The floor's yours, Brother. Try not to scare the wee lads too much, aye?"
Mimir was answered with yet another grunt from the god of war, and Kratos stepped forward so as to address every student in the room. When he spoke, his voice was low, but the heaviness of it was what had allowed it to reverberate throughout the room; making it impossible for anyone to not be able to hear him.
"In the realm of leadership, one must understand the responsibility it encompasses when it comes to war and diplomacy. Each approach demands respect, but the true art lies in knowing when to employ them. Under our guidance, you shall learn to do both. But know this: The greatest leaders understand the value of avoiding war. Skill in diplomacy preserves strength and resources. While the skills in battle are knowing how to prevent unnecessary bloodshed."
He pauses to allow everything he'd just said sink into the minds of his students before continuing. "Success is in your hands. I cannot guarantee it. What I can guarantee, however, is that under our guidance, you will learn both paths. Follow my instructions. Do as you are told. Your future as a leader depends on your choices. But for now, your choice is to obey." Kratos' deathly gaze wanders from one student to the other. "Am I clear?"
"Yes, sir!" The entire class exclaimed in unison.
From behind him, Mimir gave off a reassuring chuckle. "Ah, thank you, Kratos, for that aspiring speech of yours."
Kratos stepped aside. "Hmph."
"Well, in any case, how about we have the rest of you lot introduce yourselves as we take roll calls?"