Kailus stares at a body identical to his lying on the floor, shivering in fear and clutching its neck. Old classmates point and laugh at it, repeating monotonously as if they were robots: "It's your fault. You did this!"
The body shakes, its voice breaking as it begs, "No, I'm sorry. I said I'm—"
Suddenly, Kailus bolts awake, drenched in sweat. His breath came in shallow, ragged gasps; his throat parched. He remembers this at the back of his mind—memories of his father pushing him through long, strenuous exercises—rare occasions that left unforgettable scars.
He lowers the wings' temperature to counter the burning sensation as his halo shines a blue hue.
'A nightmare again. It's getting to the point where it actually feels like torture. I'm thinking of getting a therapist at this point. Stupid past me.'
He removes his sleep mask and tilts his head toward the clock on his nightstand: 6:00 a.m.
"Two and a half hours before class." Kailus mumbles. "I'd better get ready for class. Hopefully there's a cafeteria—I'm starving, and I don't have the stamina to cook. But~, my autobiography comes first~."
He touches the smooth tip of his nightstand, which offers its cold, hard surface. 'Wait… where is it? Heh, maybe it's in a different position.'
He patted the nightstand again and felt nothing. Kailus rubs his eyes, gently wiping away the crust before glancing at the nightstand again, hoping for a different outcome, but none came. "Oh, no, no, no. Don't tell me I lost it!" he mumbles as his halo turns a purple hue. He's about to get up, but pauses—feeling something beneath him. Peering under the covers, he finds it between his legs.
"Is my book okay? Oh no, no, no," he mutters frantically, seizing the book and flipping through its pages with urgency. Kailus holds his breath as the soft rustling of paper fills the room. Time seems to pause around him as a deep blue light shines on him.
"No damage? Impossible—there has to be something wrong," he says aloud. He inspects the book three times in disbelief, but when none had shown itself, he finally exhales deeply. A faint breath echoes nearby, although it's unnecessary now that his book is safe.
Sitting on the bed, he stretches, his back crackling with relief as his radiant white wings unfurl unendlessly. His halo shines brightly with this newfound happiness. He kisses the book's cover gently before placing it carefully on the nightstand.
"That was frightening. Let me start the day with a prayer at least," Kailus whispers. "God Almighty, let your will prevail."
(Each morning, he offers a blessing for protecting his family and the future. It has become an unbreakable habit since he was eight.)
During his daily prayer, a muffled laughter came from outside his door. Kailus ceases his prayer and cocks his eyes toward the door.
'Oh, and who can that be?'
After praying, he leaves the comfort of his bed to begin his everyday routine. However, as soon as he steps onto the floor, something rubbery pulls his ankle—surprisingly gentle but tight enough to prevent any escape—from under the bed. Kailus let out a squeal, akin to a squeaky toy between a canine's teeth, as his halo shines a deep purple.
The person outside laughs maniacally before dashing off. Kailus kicks as hard as he can—sending it soaring into the wardrobe, and shattering it into many pieces. Only a machine with a flexible arm, a timer, and a claw remains.
'A hand machine… Oh, YOU!'
He storms out of his room with only one thought: confronting the culprit. Once he spots her at the front door, he yells as his halo combines light pink and red. "Akiro, you booby-trapped my room!"
Akiro fixates on his body and smirks slyly. "Why so mad, dear? Furious and flustered at my harmless prank? And there you are, flashing me a look of approval. You couldn't even keep it in your night robe. I'll pray if someone has to face that in bed because it'd be a challenge for sure." She laughs gently, covering her lips as her velvet eyes flush with lust.
Kailus snaps back to his senses and follows Akiro's gaze, finding his robe slowly slipping loose on his curvaceous body. A pink hue washes over his reddened face as he bolts into his room, yanking his robe closed.
At that moment, Shalius opens her door and observes the scene before her. She stands there bewildered and blushing at the sight. Before she could register what was happening, Kailus shut the door and ran into his bathroom.
'AHH! Why am I so blind? I flashed my family and now my roommate? It can only get worse.'
Nevertheless, Kailus showers and scrubs himself clean. He combs his hair and cleans the crevices of his wings using a wing cleanser. He dons his celestial robes (Angelic Culture), a golden necklace from his mother, and a golden bracelet from his father.
He looks at the bracelet for a while before snapping back to his senses. "Ahh, yes, I have to visit Teacher Lascuda today. I hope she can accommodate to the college's hours with my tardiness."
Rushing out, Kailus spots Akiro and Shalius waiting near the front door. In a low, threatening tone, he warns Akiro, "Don't you dare mention anything about today, Kitsunē."
"Why would I?" Akiro teases, her many tails swaying gently. "You wish to savor that moment for your future wife, right? And also, it's Kitsuné."
"Fine, Kitsunê." Kailus retorts, rolling his eyes.
Akiro laughs frivolously. "Oh, you're playing that game, huh? I know you're a pretty religious zealot."
"And I-I know… you're bland… just boring," Kailus murmurs.
"Looks like your insult level is too low. If you ever wish to defeat me, train for another one hundred years," Akiro jokes with a fake pride plastered over her creamy, pinkish lips.
Kailus scoffs at her comment as he flutters down between them. He's about to open the door, but hesitates upon realizing his situation. "I—um, I have to go to Carolice to get the schedule. I'll join you soon."
"No need to worry, dear friend; we all share the same classroom. You can follow me," Shalius says, patting Kailus on the back.
Kailus sighs in relief. "Ah, thank you. I assumed they would differ by gender, yet I'm proven wrong furthermore."
"Or it's the same for us because we're female," Akiro quips with a wide grin. Kailus tenses at her implication. Irritated by her teasing, Shalius snaps, "Stop dragging this out. It's no different from ours, Akiro."
"UHHH, I don't know about that~," Akiro answers dumbly.
As they argue, Kailus ponders.'Should I believe Akiro or Shalius? Shalius showed loyalty toward me yesterday. She wouldn't lie to me.'
In his mind, Akiro perches on Kailus's right shoulder with an evil presence, and Shalius on his left with a godly aura.
Little Shalius says in her peachy voice, 'Believe me, Kailus. I wouldn't lie to you.'
Little Akiro answers in a deep tone, 'Don't believe that girl. She lies like an evildoer.'
'You are an evildoer!' the tiny Shalius retorts.
They even argue in his head until Kailus grows irritated and shakes them off, dismissing both. He concludes, "I-I believe you, Shalius."
Akiro slumps in feigned defeat. "I was never good enough for this."
Shalius chuckles a bit. After today's antics, it's 6:30 a.m., two hours before class. Shalius glances at the clock and then turns to Akiro. "Anyways, as lazy as you are, what will you do to improve your heritage?"
"I only care about myself," Akiro responds calmly. "I'm probably going to work at Jipsie's carnival."
Shalius' eyes narrow just slightly before asking Kailus. "And you?"
'Oh, she's very judgmental. I have to be careful what I say.'
"Umm—I don't have any plans at the moment," he replies, as in turn, his stomach emits a loud growl.
Shalius smiles softly. "Well, how about we get breakfast and discuss this later on? They have many alternative choices there."
Akiro perks up. "Really, love?"
"Yes," Shalius says, turning to Akiro with a condescending smile. "But you should work out; you're getting a little chubby. Be glad that your fast metabolism is working overtime for that physique of yours."
Kailus glances at Akiro's stomach. "Uh, yes, you do need some training. Maybe the same training as my father's?"
Akiro shrugs. "I'll do it later, guys. I also hate how fat I'm getting. I've tried getting larger kimonos, but my thighs are getting too thick to hide them. I hate how revealing my body looks."
"Then why wear so openly in the dorm if you hate revealing yourself?" Kailus asks, tilting their head as a grey hue plasters over them.
Akiro rolls her eyes at the question, as if it's no big deal. "Because you're my roommate and I can't avoid you. I might as well leave it open. You don't mind the view, do you, Kailus?"
Kailus blushes slightly at her teasing. Shalius' eyes gleam in excitement as she glows slightly. "Then I'll forcibly train you. You'll suffer—but you'll end up with an amazing physique. Breakfast and lunch will be your last greasy meals before our session commences. It's for the good of your ancestors."
"You don't have to do this. I can exercise myself," Akiro protests.
Shalius smiles warmly at Akiro. "Then I'll remind AND show you how to exercise, for your own good. Didn't you say you only care about yourself? I'm only trying to help you be the best in yourself."
Akiro's ears flop to her head, realizing Shalius cornered her. "F-fine," she stammers.
Shalius grabs the doorknob and turns toward Kailus. "Now that's settled, let's eat, shall we?" Kailus nods eagerly. Shalius opens the door to find girls crowding the hallway.
'Oh yeah, Carolice assigned me to the girls' dorm. Well, this will be awkward.'
Kailus and Shalius walk side by side, their wings brushing together in the cramped hallway. Akiro trails behind, her tails shuddering at Shalius' words. They leave the female dorm and head toward the school building. On their way, two archangel teachers notice him.
The male archangel tries to whisper to his female counterpart, "Look, a Genesis Angel, and even better, a charged one. His physique is perfect, yet his posture is weak. Being revered as God's blessings, miracle workers, Grand saviors—the ultimate healers, with countless titles upon them. With such titles and a weak posture from a CHARGED Genesis Angel, that's concerning for the nation's future."
The female archangel nods. "Yes, I can't stand seeing children so weak. They're so precious and can grow strong like us with proper training."
The male archangel smiles approvingly. "Yes, everyone must feel proud, for the truth shall set them free!"
"Yeah! May he come to us, and we'll show him true theology!" the female archangel adds proudly. They clasp their hands in pride.
Kailus watches them from a distance, smiling at their enthusiasm. When he turns back, his roommates are gone.
'Eh, not that big of a problem. I'll follow the crowd.'
After walking for a while, Kailus finally finds the cafeteria. It's crowded with both genders. While in line, he looks at the many options: waffles, bacon, fairy pancakes, sausage, eggs, angel toast, olives, and hash browns.
'They have many alternatives, don't they, Shalius?'
Kailus starts to search for them. Akiro and Shalius are behind thirteen people, with seventeen more between them and Kailus—thirty in total standing before him in line.
Awaiting the front, his stomach growls continuously at the delicious smells. Lost in the scent, nearby students whisper about him: "A charged Genesis Angel?" "Yeah, I can't believe it." "How quickly do you think he heals?" "Probably instantly." "Should we ask him?" "No, he's probably had many come up to him. Give him a break."
After what feels like an eternity, he finally reaches the counter. He exchanges a few words with the cafeteria lady and gets his breakfast.
He walks toward where his roommates are sitting. As he goes along his way, Kailus notices some of his food is faintly glowing. He looks around: strength races' food gives no glow, sorcerer and enhancer races' food gleams brightly, and halfies(half magic and strength) like Kailus have a light glow.
'This must be magic protein for me. Never had this before.'
He joins Akiro and Shalius at their table. Other students try to engage with Akiro and Shalius, but Akiro ignores them, and Shalius remains silent.
Akiro reclines in her chair, her stainless-steel plate before her, basking in pure bliss—unaware of Kailus's gaze—while mumbling different types of meat. "Pork~." "Beef~." "Chicken~."
"You need to exercise more, Akiro," he mutters worriedly. Shalius concentrates on Kailus. "Well, aside from… her babbling, I waited for you. Akiro ate my bacon while you were in line."
Kailus' eyes brightened at her commitment. "Aw, thanks!"
Shalius smiles. "Of course."
Kailus returns the smile and eats along. When he bit into his food, a loud crunch echoed in Akiro's mind. She instantly opened her eyes like a cat smelling fresh food.
"Hey Kailus, can you be a blessing for little o' me and hand me—" Shalius cuts her off with a menacing tone. "Every bite of meat you take is fifty reps later. Don't make this harder than it needs to be."
"Ugh, we have a food officer over here," Akiro scoffs. She looks up at Kailus with puppy dog eyes, eyeing his bacon.
'She's starting to scare me. Is this what a food addict is?'
A while later:
They finish eating as the bell rings at the exact moment. Shalius and Akiro leave with Kailus tailing behind, but the crowd quickly swallows them. Pushing through it, he searches desperately—bumping into people and muttering feigned apologies—until a hand touches his shoulder.
'Oh no… Was I pushing too hard? Please don't be an overreactor?'
He turns around, expecting the worst—but instead sees Carolice kneeling and panting before him.
"Sorry… Kailus," Carolice says, catching her breath between words. "Here's the schedule… I didn't want to interrupt your… breakfast, so I waited… until the bell rung. Thank God I caught up to you."
"Take this slip if you're late to class. I'm sorry for yesterday." Carolice hands Kailus a late slip along with the papers, then blitzes away, leaving sparks of light.
'Oh, Carolice is an Enhancer. Never seen one before.'
He glances at the first period: Class 209, History. 'Since I have this slip, I can go at my own pace without worrying about tardiness.'
He reads the schedule carefully.'It's unusual: eight subjects, split into four per day, alternating between Red and Blue classes. Red Class has: History, Morality, P.E., and Monopoly; while Blue Class covers: Health, Magic and Potions, and Racial Biology. They alternate daily, like a pattern. I actually like it—it gives a lot of free time.'
While reading, a group of angels bumps into Kailus, clearly irritated. "Step aside if you're standing in the middle of the hallway. I'm already late to Ms. Damaris!" one snaps.
Kailus steps aside in embarrassment. 'I guess that's my sign to go.'
A few minutes later:
'Finally, I'm free.'
He steps into the classroom, absorbing its unique layout. It's a D-shaped room. At the left, rows of seats went along the curved edge, with nine tiered rows forming an elegant arc around the central podium. A whiteboard sits on each desk, accompanied by a soft, cushioned chair behind it.
Glancing right, the teacher's desk faces the students, a regal chair nestled behind it. A microphone, a thick book (probably the history book), and a coffee machine sit neatly on the desk. Above them all, a single stained-glass dome window bathes the floor in vibrant colors.
Akiro calls from above, "Took you long enough! Where've you been, Kailie? Shalius was about to find you."
Kailus retorts, "Kai—know what, forget it. You left me in that crowded cafeteria while I was getting up! I'm surprised this room's still empty past attendance."
He settles beside Shalius and starts to rifle through his new desk, finding sketches, subject folders, magic pens—everything he needs. Underneath, his desk bears the number 24, with Shalius's at 23 and Akiro's 22.
In bold letters across the desk's upper center, an instruction reads: "Write your name." As Kailus complies, the desk pulses with a soft glow, mana rippling from it. Stunned by the aura, he blurts aloud, "Is this permanent magic?"
Shalius, sensing the desk's magic, writes her name on her desk: "Shalius Eneurm."
Akiro peers at Shalius's desk, intrigued. "No middle name?"
Shalius replies flatly, "Why would I need one?"
"It's just… normal," Akiro says, puzzled.
Propping her head on her hand, Shalius mutters, "Says you," her expression blank.
Akiro shrugs and draws her name: "Akiro Ohashi Kogitsune."
Shalius stares at her name for a bit. 'Did her parents really gave her all of the most basic names?'
Kailus runs his fingers along the desk's carved edges. 'I only sense and teleportation magic within it, along with a faint voice. That's probably connected to that microphone. Holy, these desks are incredible.'
As more students enter, filling the room with diverse races, Kailus glances up to study their appearances, already engrossed in his findings. Instead, he catches familiar faces—old classmates—staring back. They murmur among themselves as they decide to choose seats far from him. A pang of shame hits Kailus, though he understands their decision.
Akiro notices his discomfort. 'Hm, looks like Kailus is uncomfortable. He'll get used to it.'
Shalius notices too, but her eyes remained unchanged. As the room grows noisier, only one seat remains empty—a corner seat beside Kailus.
'Wha—no one took a corner seat of all places? Am I that unbearable?'
Akiro laughs heartily. "Man, a corner seat left open? Did you not wear deodorant today or something?"
Kailus says nothing about her comment. Akiro sighs heavily at both of their silence. "You too are so dull. Lighten up a bit."
The chatter dissipated when the teacher arrived. Their eyes haunt him while they whispered amongst another, "A time elf?" "No way."
(Though the man's face suggests forty, his flawless skin, piercing green eyes, and pointed ears say otherwise—a living paradox amongst all. He holds a cup, sipping at every opportunity.)
The time elf grasps the microphone from his desk, his deep yet youthful voice filling the still room. "Hello, students. My name is Mr. Galfal. If you're wondering, the desks are infused with sense magic. Questions can come out the same way too. Once you write your names on the desk, your board will mirror my and others' master board—or repeat my words if you adjust the settings. You don't have to stare at me, but I suggest you do it anyway. Write your names, stay focused, and know big brother's watching you. Capeesh?"
The students marvel at the desks' magic. Galfal eases into his regal chair, a sly smirk on his lips. "Since this is your first day, let's cover how this college works. Grades depend on speed, efficiency, and accuracy. Finish quickly with correct answers, and you may be able to leave early. Missing questions only extend your time. In my class—and a few others—progress mainly centers around time over skill. Any questions?"
Soft murmurs spread through the room as Galfal waits patiently for a question. When no students raise questions, Mr. Galfal lifts the thick book into his lap. "Before we dive into history, consider this: 'The victors write history.' You've likely heard that everything seems subjective, but some remain absolute."
Many students—especially kitsunes, catfolk, and druids—nod in agreement.
A shy nymph raises his hand. "What does that phrase mean?"
'Uhh, isn't it already simplified?'
Galfal responds, "Take Kitsuné history, for example. Today, it honors angels as a noble race. Yet, during the ancient period, kitsunés treated angels as mere pawns. That perspective shifted after their defeat in the 4th Kitsuné War. Despite it, they took it like warriors."
"They didn't," Galfal whispers, a sly smile curling his lips.
Some students chuckle at his quip, but most Kitsunes' composure breaks as they erupt in scowls—except Akiro, who joins the laughter.
Ignoring the reactions, Galfal continues: "Now for the remainder. I'll stay neutral—bias may creep in, but I won't praise or condemn any side. Most races, especially Genesis Angels and Ancient Fairies, lock their ancestors' stories in hidden libraries, and I advise listening to that rather than what I'm going over. Your stories are a more reliable source than what the school is offering."
An enlightened elf speaks in a poised, elegant voice, "But why conceal such vital truths? Shouldn't they share their history without us needing to favor one side?"
Galfal replies, "Alanze, it's largely a matter of perspective. Families treasure their books as sacred heirlooms, rich with personal biases; they'll decline your offer before you even say a word. They also omit key details to craft the story from their perspective. To truly uncover history, we would need every original account; however, the difficulty arises when most biographies contain falsehoods. So, we rely on extinct families' records to reconstruct a clearer past without bothering the living families."
Alanze starts to argue, but an angel from the back speaks up: "Still, his point stands. Wouldn't avoiding both sides of a perspective—the Golden Races and others—falsify history and tell a completely new story? There were pure evil animals/hybrids/races like the demo—"
Galfal cuts him off quickly. "Let's not open that can of worms yet. What I mean by neutral is: it'll focus on the Heavenly Continent's POV. It'll avoid the reasoning of other nations and show how we got here, rather than what is good and wrong in others' eyes. You were taught the baby version in school. I'll teach the gore version."
He clasps his hands. "Now, let's start with the origins of the greatest and longest-standing magical nation in history: Gore Edition."
Everyone leans forward, interested in this perspective on history. Kailus' halo shines a bright yellow hue as his wings flutter a bit. 'Wow, a… gory addition about our history from OUR perspective. Always an "universal experience" rather than their actual thought. I'm excited to see what this'll change.'
Akiro smiles to herself. 'My first time learning about the angels and fairies' history.'
Shalius frowns quietly, muttering, "Demons…"
Mr. Galfal narrates as the world changes around them, "In the dawn of creation, Genesis Angels and Ancient Fairkins inhabited the Heavenly Continent, and no creature rose against them, neither fang, nor flame, troubled their peace. For that land was hallowed above all others, wherein no shadow of conflict dwells, and wherein no conquering will never occur."
A Kitsuné student raises a hand: "So dear, Galfal. What if they were meant to be enemies but chose a different path instead? Two races on the same continent, not fighting to have superiority, but rather a coexisting relationship."
"An intriguing thought indeed. Genesis Angels is a strength-and-healing race, while Ancient Fairies are the best magic race. That scenario is plausible, but thankfully, they were intelligent, unlike the insectoids." Galfal muses.
'Wow, he's really taking shots at anyone. I wonder what he'll say about my kind?'
Mr. Galfal continues, "Harmony ruled the lives of the elegant races. Together they toiled in peace: the Angels healed the wounded, and the women were able to bear children in comfort. The Fairkins drew warmth from the air and living waters from their hands. Fed by the fruits of the land, they knew no hunger as plant-eaters, and life flourished unendingly. But in the long season of ease, sloth took root, and from plenty, sprang the seeds of idleness."
The class stares blankly, bored by this 'gore' version. Creaking of chairs and gentle taps on the desk were the only sounds that kept the others from falling asleep.
'Maybe it's later down the line?'
"And therefore, sloth brought trivial upon them: the pains of birth returned, and the land grew cold. After four years of toleration, the partners rose in protest, declaring, 'No training, no sex.'"
Kailus raises an eyebrow. 'Huh, I don't remember this in my ancestors' book…'
A student asks, "Why did it take four years? Wouldn't they have demanded painless childbirth much sooner?"
Galfal replies, "They did desire it, but they were too polite to say anything, since it was ideal to avoid conflict."
As Galfal explains, Kailus passes a note to Shalius. Tapping her shoulder, she looks at him before resting her eyes on the note: "Is this in your ancestors' book? I don't remember reading such, or is it just me?"
Shalius smiles at the note. 'I'm glad he shares the same thoughts as mine. Since we're passing notes, I might as well ask him here.'
She erases his question and scribbles a response before placing it on his desk. He reads it: "Neither do I. Are you perhaps looking through your ancestors' lens, rather than the many extinct books the college has seized in its entirety? Sidepoint, why do you seem so nervous whenever you see those people?"
Kailus nods but evades her question with a faint smile. Shalius gazes at him, expecting another note, but he only smiles back.
Meanwhile:
Some students stifle giggles at the word "sex." Some managed to hold their breath, silently laughed from within, but Akiro—unable to resist anymore—burst out laughing.
"Akiro, anything you'd like to share?" Galfal asks her through her desk. Kailus and Shalius immediately turn their eyes straight toward Galfal as the whole class stares at Akiro.
Akiro struggles to compose herself. "Naw, nope, no—…" She laughs again.
"I'll let it slide for now, but don't interrupt me during my lesson again," Galfal mumbled in fake promises. He smirks widely, planning something underneath his lips. "The Genesis Angels trained by flaying their skin on bark—just to heal it again. Whereas, the Ancient Fairkins train by completely draining their mana, pushing themselves past their limits. That's why all Ancient Fairies can replace their mana with their blood."
'Oh… my. You know what? I should've expected that.'
Galfal pauses, letting the revelation sink in, his gaze fixed on Akiro. The class stares in shock, their questions unspoken, as if fear sealed their lips.
Finally, a fairy girl timidly raises her hand, her voice trembling in disturbance: "Mr. Galfal, if Ancient Fairies c-can use blood as mana and Genesis Angels are the best healers, doesn't that mean an infinite magic source?"
Galfal's smile broadens at her insight. "Exactly! That concept arises later in history, but unfortunately, the Usurp Act prohibits it… unless you evade it. The government really assumes they could stop us from using our bodies." His tone grows stern. "But don't try it unless you're in danger."
Some students whisper, excitement buzzing between them. Shalius grins. 'My people are so great .'
Akiro looks astonished. 'Wow, sometimes I wish to be a sorcerer with how much they can do.'
Meanwhile, Kailus overhears his classmates' mutters: "That spoiled kid has that power." "So impressive—but sadly, wrong user." "Why do selfish beings always get the best magic?"
Kailus murmurs, "I've earned such behavior."
As the whispers fade, Galfal continues, "The training was successful, and they regained their power within a year. As the population multiplied under their newfound strength, the Age of Discovery began: an Ancient Fairkin named Laffiel conceived the art of writing. She graved marks upon trees, yet her labor stood steadfast. In a day, a Genesis Angel named Solomon sought swifter means; he slit his wrist, letting the blood spill onto a leaf, and painted words upon the cave's walls. Through this, the practice grew in both skill and communion. Together, they crafted what we use in a simplified form. You can read these ancient texts, but decoding requires a ton of time and effort."
A bunnyfolk student gently raises her hand: "Why are their artifacts still readable when many others aren't?"
Galfal responds bluntly, "Colonization. It forced weaker cultures to change their accents, erase their alphabets, and silence their ancient tongues. Stagnation only occurred when strong cultures or conquerors preserved their traditions, and in some cases, the conquerors were merciful."
"Still, my point stands, couldn't they hid their alphabets and teach the young in silent chambers like the Egyptians?" the bunnyfolk presses.
"Sharp question," Galfal replies. "Some tried, but colonizers often burned their records along with them. A few languages did stand the test of time and/or later revived—we'll explore that later this year. For now, back to history."
He sips his coffee to clear his throat. "Solomon, sensing the great task, took dominion over all and decreed laws for the harmony of his and fairkin kind: Thou shalt not steal, or steal credit from others, neither raise hand in strife, nor sunder from their partner. He debatably ordained fasting, believing restraint would preserve the land's bountiful, for he deemed hunger a choice, not a peril. And those who fasted beyond their strength fell into stillness, and their breath departed from them. Thus was death revealed unto the living, and great was the terror thereof."
'Such wordy nonsense, I expected a modern version, not an ancient manuscript!'
An elf asks skeptically, "What do you mean by 'debatable'?"
Galfal twirls a rubber band on his index finger. "It's debated if he did it, or his commander gave the green light for this ideal, but whatever was said has changed the course of history, as this brought upon the first ever deaths in the history of the Heavenly Continent." He shoots the rubber band toward a sleeping dwarf, jolting her up.
His tone shifts as he grins broadly. "Fun fact: They slept beside dead bodies until they fully decomposed, assuming their loved ones would come back. Bugs swarmed their corpse, infecting anyone nearby and slowing angels' healing. The Genesis Angels would use this for training since they didn't like flaying themselves. But they didn't know how to remove them afterward, and some died full of parasites." Galfal's eyes gleam in excitement. "That's why you never touch dead bodies—especially a Genesis Angel's. Over centuries, the bugs adapted to being immune to hea—"
"Okay, okay, okay, old man, I get it!" a bratty kitsune student interrupts, her voice filled with disgust. "Why did you have to say that?"
Galfal chuckles. "First, Karina, I'm 400 years old—hardly ancient. Second, I use petty banter to manage disobedient students," he says, nodding at Akiro and the dwarf girl. "It also prepares you for later lessons. You'll explore intimacy in other classes, so I gave a small shock—a little nudge, a tiny push."
'He only did that to traumatize us. There's no remorse in his eyes.'
The class blushes, torn between embarrassment, excitement, and nervous anticipation.
"But if you disrupt my class," Galfal warns, "I have thousands upon THOUSANDS of disgusting history facts not in the lesson but—OHHH trust me, I'll add them in."
Everyone quiets down after hearing that—except one fairy. "Wait, so was the bug thing not in the lesson?"
Galfal grins widely and does a sickening nod. Some students start yelling, "What did I do to deserve this?!" "I rebuke this lesson!" "Just because she laughed doesn't mean we all deserve it!" "I was just sleeping for a few seconds!" "I won't be able to eat my leftovers after knowing this!"
Amid the chaos, Kailus leans to Shalius. "Shali—"
Shalius puts a finger to her lips and points to the desk.
'Why is she still worried about Galfal? The class is too loud for him to notice.'
He begins writing, but Shalius passes back a note: "Let's talk later. I wish to save my paper for future lessons. This sense magic records your voice."
'So Galfal wasn't really lying about the 'Big Brother' thing, huh? How did they create such magic? How does she know? It seems nearly impossible—yet not for her. Is she profoundly skilled or immensely powerful?'
Kailus ponders Shalius's words, gazing at Galfal as he struggles to calm the class.
"Silence!" Galfal shouts, his voice booming. "I SAID SILENCE! QUIET NOW!"
The students gradually settle. "You know what… I'll let you off this time. Sigh, where was I?" He scans over the pages for a bit. "In Solomon's age, people revered him, and none dared oppose his rule. But Solomon, desiring his position, recorded the days until hunger brought death of the Angelics and Fairkins; and lo, thirty fell, and their fall shaped his understanding. Yet his pride was shattered once more, for plenty proved to be as deadly as want. And many, fearing the fast, ate beyond their need, and thus perished by abundance as they had by deprivation."
Stunned by the news, the students start to question Solomon's legacy. Kailus nervously raises his hand: "Uh, w—why do we honor him as a hero and still follow his rules till this day?"
"Well, Kailus," Galfal says, "history favors those who achieved more good than evil. And by good, I mean victories, land, technology, and sometimes mercy. Historians bury their failures to preserve such bias. Yet your assumption that Solomon was flawless showed they succeeded. Time is very lean, so we have to move on, class. No more questions, you can speak with me after college."
Galfal continues in a rush. "In time, Solomon devised a harmony between fasting and feasting, and delayed death for now. Beyond the Heavenly Continent, a matriarchal power—mighty in sorcery and boundless in ambition—known as the Demon Monarch. It stood as the most advanced nation in their time, creating the first ever boats to traverse the world. They arrive on the Heavenly Continent, the farthest and fairest of all, as they came peacefully, with tongues soft and faces serene. And Solomon, in his trust, welcomed them as brethren and made known of his works and devices."
The class shifts uneasily. Some fingers drum on desks; others tremble. Dread sprawls in their bones.
"After some time with the natives, they confronted Solomon one last time before leaving the continent. Solomon, perceiving a vastness beyond his reign, was seized by sorrow, knowing he had sacrificed many in the pursuit of a false ideal. He yearned to lay down his crown and carry his faithful worshippers to a new land, far away from the tortured ones under him. Yet the demons withheld their boat blueprints, leaving escaping impossible. But Solomon, steadfast in heart, strove to reconstruct the ships with all speed, driven by hope and desperation alike."
"Wait—he was going to leave them?!" a catfolk shouts, his tail wavering in the air.
"Yes—and never look back," Galfal replies, looking at the floor. "His guilt for killing his own people was overwhelming."
The students lean forward, gripped by this darker side of Solomon.
"After lots of failed boat prototypes, the Demons returned with innumerable ships and laid waste to the Heavenly Continent and its inhabitants. Nearly all the Ancient Fairkins fell before their might.The weak were captive, including Solomon's wife, to create demings. For the first time, they've witnessed murder."
Kailus shivers with rage, Shalius conceals her emotions, and Akiro's face burns with fury. Fairies and angels around them gasp in shock and anger. Silence grips the room as Galfal feels their hatred swell.
A dwarf student asks quietly in a country accent: "What's a deming, Mr. Galfal, sir?"
Galfal pauses, 'How do I explain this now? The classroom is already on edge. Well, if a question is asked, then an answer must follow regardless of the tension.'
He draws a steady breath: "A deming is a half-demon, half-other-race hybrid. The demons sought to conquer the Omega Continent, but the Angelic Monarch prevented such. They rejected alliances, preferring to absorb the traits of other races and claim their achievements as theirs, becoming demons. They take pride in being the superior race, no matter what. That mindset persists today."
Tension choked the room. Akiro clenches her fists, Kailus grips his desk, and Shalius remains emotionless. The students stare, breathless with horror.
Galfal addresses the tension head-on. "And the No-Sex Revolution prepared the Ancient Fairies. With fire, they devoured the demons; with the force of water, they slew through all." Galfal goes off course. "The reason they learned about water pressure is quite amusing. Let me read it."
Kailus envisions demons screaming as fairies slaughter them.
Galfal pulls a heritage book from his desk and flips to a marked page. In a dramatic tone, he reads: "And Plazu pour forth waters of mighty force and sovereign command upon Kaibot. And behold, he tasted death, yet the Lord spared him to see another day. God had done his duty." He closes the book. Some students exhale in relief; Akiro's tension eases at the comedy.
Galfal grins. "Like, what did they do?" He shelves the book and returns. "And the demons, daunted by such formidable sorcery, fled with those they had taken. They've won against them, but the victory was grievous. Solomon, heart aching by the rivers of blood, the necessity of slaughter, and the horrors of abduction. And he rose in wrath, and the Solomon Rule was declared, a covenant forged in fury and sorrow."
He opens an ancient manuscript from a cabinet and reads it aloud: "Hearken, ye sons and daughters, and let your labor be not to outdo the deeds of those who came before, but to surpass your fathers and mothers, that your children may rise higher still, and guard their households from the evils which we have suffered. Let the dread of taking life remain a weight upon the conscience, and let the yearning for vengeance be a burden borne daily. Walk in honor, and let none falter."
Kailus and Shalius instantly recall their own families and the values they hold dear. The class is stunned and stirred by Solomon's words.
Galfal smiles as tension eases. "So they began to train harder than ever. At the time, flight was beyond their knowledge, so they resumed their boat research. Plyius, an Ancient Fairkin, created the first ship three weeks after the demon invasion. They also stopped sleeping beside dead bodies and finally began burying their dead. When the ships were ready, their resolve was clear: 'From where they came, we shall fight.'"
Galfal grins. "They didn't actually say 'north' though; they just pointed in that direction."
Just then, the bell rings.
Galfal heavily sighs. "Why now? I wanted to end on a good note. Well, I'll leave you here. Your next teacher will be coming."
Everyone watches in silence as Galfal leaves, still lost in thought. It feels as if history had slapped them in the face without warning. Suddenly, the room brightens as the next class begins.