The time elf grasps the microphone, 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. 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 leave early. Missing questions only extend your time. In my class—and a few others—progress mainly centers around time. Any questions?"
Soft murmurs spread throughout the room as Galfal waits patiently for a question. When none had offered itself, Mr. Galfal lifted the thick book into his lap. "Before we dive into history, please 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 says: "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 the 4th Kitsuné War. Despite their loss, they took it like warriors."
"They didn't," Galfal whispers, a sly smile curling his lips.
The students chuckle at his quip, while the kitsunés stare daggers into him—all except Akiro, who joins the laughter.
Ignoring the reactions, Galfal continues: "Now for the remainder. I'll stay neutral for the year. Bias may creep in, but I won't praise or condemn any side. Most races, especially Genesis Angels and Ancient Fairies, have 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 the school's source."
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 as it's a biography. To truly uncover history, we would need every original account; however, the difficulty arises when most biographies contain falsehoods. So, we mainly rely on extinct families' records to reconstruct a clearer past without bothering the living."
Alanze tries to argue, but an angel from the back speaks up: "Still, his point stands. Wouldn't avoiding both sides—the Golden Races and others—falsify history and tell a completely new story? There were pure evil animals/hybrids/races like the demo—"
Galfal silences him hastily: "Let's not open that can of worms yet. What I mean by neutral is: it'll focus on the Heavenly Continent's POV in vast detail, avoiding the reasoning of others. 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."
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 the ancient's actual thought. I'm excited to see what this'll change.'
Akiro smiles to herself. 'My first time learning about the native's history.'
Shalius mutters: "Demons…"
Mr. Galfal vegans to narrate: "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 ever 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. Sounds like a fairytale."
"An intriguing thought indeed. Genesis Angels are the best 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?'
"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, the plant-eaters knew of no hunger, 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 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, water thinned, 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, water, and food much sooner?"
Galfal replies: "They did, but it was ideally to avoid conflict, as it was seen as—"
As Galfal was explaining, Kailus writes and passes a note to Shalius.
She immediately notices the note and turns her attention toward it: "Is this in your ancestors' book, or is it just me? I don't remember reading such."
Shalius smiles at the note. 'I'm glad he shares the same thought process as mine. Since we're passing notes, I might as well ask him here.'
She scribbles her response and places it on his desk. Kailus 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? On a rather exclusive topic, why do you seem so nervous whenever you see those people?"
Shalius gazes at him, expecting another note, but he only smiles back at her.
'He definitely has a history I need to uncover.'
Meanwhile:
Some students stifle giggles at the word 'sex'. Some managed to hold their breath, silently laughing from within, and others were able to withhold their laughter. But Akiro, unable to resist anymore, burst out laughing.
"Akiro, anything you'd like to share?" Galfal asks through her desk. Kailus and Shalius immediately straighten themselves 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 my lessons again," Galfal mumbles, carrying an odd smirk.
"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. This intense training throughout the generation has given their offspring the ability to replace mana with their blood."
'Oh… my. You know what? I should've expected that.'