The air of classroom 2-1 was heavy with tension. Whispers broke out amongst the around one hundred seated students who were split down the middle by a staircase, where it led up to another area filled with a smaller amount of desks occupied by around a dozen individuals who were given a more aerial view. All three sides were eyeing the other with wary glances. A clear sign that the three sides held no positive views on each other.

  The whispers quickly died out the moment the entrance to the classroom opened and in came a middle-aged man in black and red robes“ Hello class 2-1, I am professor Harris. I will be your professor for your entire duration as a first year. Of course, unless something comes up. Hopefully nothing does.” Professor Harris muttered the latter part before smiling at class “During your duration as a student of mine, you will be learning Elemental history, responsibilities of an Elemental, differences in strength between Elementals, basics of Elements and of course, meditation.” Professor Harris ended his lesson plan for the year with a clap of his hands. “Any questions?”

  The entire class scanned each other, trying not to get the attention of the professor. Of course there were a few who would relish the chance of receiving the attention of a professor.

  A boy a bit on the heavier side with blonde slick back hair raised his hand, waving it frantically, in fear of the professor not being able to see it although the boy sat in the front.

  Professor Harris nodded at the eager kid to ask.

  The chubby kid stood up and began to clear his throat before asking“Why are you here professor? Shouldn’t you be in an office somewhere? You’re the Department Head of my Fire School.” The chubby blond kid gestured to his attire of red robes. “ You should send someone else and take a break.”

  “Oh, do you not wish for me to be your professor?” The question immediately flustered the boy who frantically shook his head in denial.

  “No, no, I-”

  “I’m just kidding.” Professor Harris let out a laugh before telling him he was merely joking.

  “Name?” Professor Harris smiled at the blonde boy who replied with “Miles Briggs.”

  Professor Harris paused for a moment after hearing the name, appearing to be in thought before recognition fell on his face. “Ah, yes. Your Mathew Briggs younger brother.”

  Miles couldn’t help but stand a little straighter after hearing this. His brother being known by the Department Head of the Fire School must’ve meant his half-brother was doing extremely well for himself.

  Professor Harris gestured for Miles to take a seat before he began pacing the floor “In regards to your question, the Academy thought it would be a good idea to have the Department Heads to take lead in your education this year considering…” Professor Harris waved at the three sides. “We have a much larger group this year.”

  All sides of the class hearing this shared a quick glance at each other before shifting their attention back to the professor who was watching their reactions with a small smile.

  “Any other questions? Anything about the lesson plan? No? Ok, then let's start.”

  Damon watched Professor Harris with his back turned to his students writing down on the chalkboard in big lettering:Elemental History.

  “Can anyone tell me the story of our beginnings?” Professor Harris asked the students, putting an emphasis on the word ‘our’. Considering the Southern Kingdoms and the Eastern Isles were still a part of the Republic at the time, the word ‘our’ fit. No matter how many glares and sneers were formed at the word, it was the truth.

  A girl from the Southern kingdoms side was picked to retell the tale of these lands when it was once formerly known as the Quint Empire.

  Damon recalled his history lessons about the founding of the Republic. Monsters invading the land, Quint Empire falling after losing their heirs. The Republic after this then chose to form after the collapse of the large empire. It was history taught to everyone since they were a child. It was also the same story as the girl who was chosen to reiterate the tale told.

  Professor Harris carried a hint of a smile by the end of the story. A mocking smile.

  “Is that the history you were told?” The hundred plus students, although confused at the question with an obvious answer, still chose to nod.

  “Do you believe it?” Puzzlement filled the classroom of 2-1 at the question. The question made everyone feel as if the story they learned wasn’t true.

  Damon and Rodrick shared a glance of confusion before turning back to their grinning professor.

  “Well,” Professor Harris began pacing the stage he stood on. “what if I told you…” Locking eyes with every student he passed, professor Harris paused and abruptly turned around to face the word ‘History’ written on the board before continuing “The history lessons you got were missing a few parts.” Professor Harris shook his head, feeling his choice of words weren’t right and corrected himself. “No, no, no. I mean key parts of history.”

  Professor Harris pointed at the word ‘Elemental’ and said “Elemental History is the subject. The key word is Elemental.”

  Professor Harris turned back to face his students “The history you have been taught has come from the words of mortals.” With a face of disapproval he shook his head before continuing. “What you will be learning today will be the history passed down from generation to generation through the written history of us: Elementals”

  Professor Harris' disapproving look from earlier disappeared, replaced by a more serious and stern appearance.

  “Today’s lesson is about our origin.”

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  “It all began over three thousand years ago when we citizens of the Republic were once under the rule of the Quint Empire.”

  Professor Harris walked to his desk and pulled out a pair of candles out of his desk before making his way to the side of the room. “The Quint Empire was once a mighty empire that spanned the entire eastern regions on the edges of our continent: Elementia. It was a different time then.” Everyone in the classroom had their curious eyes glued on Professor Harris pulling the blinds of the windows down, darkening the room.

  “The Eastern Isles of today did not exist as they were still a part of the continent not yet broken off. The Southern Borders did not exist either as the idea of splitting the Empire in two would do more harm than good and The Northern Ridges were not the desolate lands of today."

  "Of course the Quint Empire also came with some down sides. Anyone know?” Professor Harris couldn’t help but lock eyes with every student he passed as he continued to pull the blinds down until he reached the last window and pulled. The room, now in darkness, only lit up by the small window on the door allowing light from the hall to enter.

  “The Quint Empire couldn’t compete with us in numbers of Elementals. They didn’t even make up half our numbers.” A voice from beside Miles caught everyone’s attention. The owner of the voice sat straight with a calm expression, not bothered with the hundred pairs of eyes on him.

  “That is correct Draven. I see the Lyle family has been giving you a few well known secrets among us Elementals.” Professor Harris smiled before continuing his history lesson. “Like what Mr. Draven here said, there weren’t many Elementals. The reason being that at the time only those of noble blood could Awaken.”

  The reveal made everyone furrow their brows. To only give those of noble blood sounded impossible. Unheard of. As everyone knew the Spirits blessed all their children who they found worthy. No matter the bloodline.

  “But that shouldn't be the most shocking thing about history you should be all that concerned about. Instead it is the legendary Dark Forest…” Professor Harris paused for a brief moment before speaking of a shocking truth. “for it was once traversable.”

  The history reveal instantly brought out reactions from shock to disbelief from the students.

  “Yes, I know, I know I had the same reaction.” Professor Harris paused midway down the stairs after observing their reactions. “The Dark Forest? The same one that has killed Lords of Elements and dozens of Divine Generals? That Dark Forest?” Professor Harris spoke out their thoughts before answering. “Yes.”

  “You see, the Dark Forest was once traversable because of the immense amount of resources coming from multiple powers.” Professor Harris once again began making his way down the stairs and back to the front. “Of course only the Royal Family and their closest confidantes were able to take the path.” he muttered the last part over the chatter in the room.

  “Yes, multiple powers, you heard me right.” Professor Harris made his way on stage only to stop midway and point at himself “Us,” before moving his finger behind him and saying. “And them. The Empires on the other side of the Dark Forest.”

  Classroom 2-1 broke out into clamors, arguing about whether it was true or not. Words of disbelief were out into the air at the shocking reveal of other human empires existing. Quickly followed by questions:

  “Then why haven’t we been in contact with any of them?”

  “Are we in contact?”

  “Were they there during the Great War?”

  Damon, although also in disbelief that all this time they weren’t the only human powers in the world, still chose to remain silent and keep his eyes on Professor Harris reaching the front door to grasp the beads on a rope.

  “Dead.” With a pull, Professor Harris casts the room in darkness whilst silencing the rowdy students. “They are all dead.”

  Snap

  With a snap of a finger, a flicker of a flame was summoned and lit the pair of candles in Professor Harris' hand giving the room a small orange glow pushing back the darkness.

  Every pair of eyes in the room watched carefully as Professor Harris made his way back onstage.

  “Killed and hunted by monsters on the other side of Dark Forest. The remnants of those once mighty empires who were afraid they would be wiped out of existence made the decision to travel the Dark Forest and find sanctuary in the Quint Empire. Over two hundred years ago was when they entered and we were introduced for the first time to dragons, elves, giants and dwarves who brought the news of the monsters on the other side.”

  “And so the Quint Empire prepared. Standing ready for the last stand of all life. And they stood for over two hundred years but nothing came.”

  With both hands he pulled a small part of the small flames from the candle to float in front of him.

  The students watched in awe at the show of Elemental power. It did not stop there as the small flames gradually grew in size until it reached the size of a baby and continued growing.

  “After two hundred years, with no signs of movement or reports from their scouts, the Emperor at that time found it a waste of resources and abandoned the Western Side of the world.”

  The flame, now reaching the size of a washbasin. “A mistake. A mistake that would cost the lives of millions and cause the destruction of the once mighty Quint Empire.”

  With a wave, Professor Harris created a creature of mysterious origin out of his ball of flames.

  The intimidating creature stood on two muscular legs that had thighs the size of a human waist with arms that could crush you in half and teeth that would have no trouble piercing through bone to reach your heart.

  Professor Harris scanned the dim room and was still able to spot the fear in his students eyes as they were stuck in a trance watching the creature.

  “Enhancers. And from what the records describe these creatures as:They stand around seven feet tall with pale skin that is as thick as leather with purple swirls found across their bodies similar to the purple swirls in their eyes. They were heavily feared as they could shockingly take on the brunt of powers from Elementals with their enhanced bodies. Not only that but they also possess what we call Cursed Gems, stones given the ability to allow its user to use Elemental powers for a few moments”

  Damon watched the familiar creature made out of flames in disbelief. He has seen similar creatures before in some history books when he was younger. Except the stories talked about them having wings and claws, appearing hideous from scars and burns. Not standing on two feet, appearing similar to a human.

  “And do not be fooled by their appearances. They are not human. With their numbers reaching thousands and having powers that could contend with strong creatures, it was no wonder they destroyed empires.” Professor Harris glared at his creation. "These things are simply monsters. Monsters created by a madman."

  “ From the records, they are experiments. Experiments from some madman on the other side of the Dark Forest.” Professor Harris wore a face of disgust as he explained in more detail about the creature.

  Damon and everyone in the class was dumbfounded at the constant secrets of their history. They knew creatures with the ability to take down Elementals existed but they didn’t think those creatures amounted to more than a few thousand. And those few thousand all stay in either the Dark Forest or The Northern Ridges.

  “Of course all those enhanced powers and Cursed Gems never met a Lord of Element.” Smiles and smirks that carried pride could be found on everyone’s faces including Professor Harris. With a wave of a hand the mysterious creature morphed back into a ball flame.

  "Well, I’m sure all of you should know what happened then.” And with years of practice,Professor Harris raised a finger and the bell rang signaling the end of their first class.

  “Alright, that will be all class. You may now leave. And enjoy this week’s single classes because next week you will all be assigned to more classes.” Professor Harris reminded the class as everyone began filing out with a secret only they as Elementals knew.