"Our first topic is the Monarch of Humans," says Professor Aria as she slowly scans the classroom. Her voice is calm but firm.
"The Monarch of Humans is more than just a title. He is the leader who represents the people and watches over important decisions for the nation. But his role is not only political. The Monarch also possesses a special power that is deeply tied to the history of humanity. This power plays a major role in maintaining the balance of the world."
She looks at us as if to make sure we truly understand what she means.
"Today, we will explore the history and duties of the Monarch, but also the secrets surrounding him. There is more to it than meets the eye."
The class falls even quieter. It seems she has captured our full attention.
"In this world, there are 20 races, and each race has a Monarch whose rule dates back to ancient times. No one has seen these Monarchs for over 1,000 years. Only the successors can communicate with them," Professor Aria explains calmly, surveying the room.
"Each Monarch has a successor who carries a portion of the Monarch's power within them," she adds.
A student raises their hand and asks curiously, "How come humans don't have a successor?"
Professor Aria nods slightly, as if she had expected this question. "Who knows," she says calmly, "perhaps there is a successor without us knowing. All I can say for certain is that our last successor died 50 years ago."
That's right. I remember reading a report that said the last human successor died in battle 80 years ago. However, it was never clearly explained who was responsible for his death. There were rumors that he was attacked by a secret group connected to the elves.
This incident led to a devastating war between humans and elves, plunging the land into chaos.
"Any other questions?" Professor Aria asks, her sharp gaze sweeping across the class. No one raises their hand. A few students exchange uncertain glances, but nobody seems brave enough to ask more. The atmosphere remains tense as everyone waits for what's next.
Professor Aria nods in satisfaction when she sees that everyone is paying attention and no questions are left.
"Good, then let's continue," she says, turning to her notebook.
—
The school bell rings, shattering the tense silence in the room. Professor Aria closes her notebook and looks back at the class.
"That's it for today," she says calmly. "Prepare yourselves well tomorrow we begin with the practical application of magical theory."
A soft murmur runs through the room as the students start packing up their things.
Elsie and I are just leaving the classroom when suddenly a familiar voice calls out behind us:
"Heeey, wait for me! Ilana! Elsie!"
I turn around and see Niya jogging toward us, her lilac hair flowing behind her and a wide smile on her face.
—
Outside on the schoolyard, we settle down on one of the broad stone steps in front of the main building. The sun shines warmly on our faces, while a gentle breeze rustles the leaves of the old trees.
The three of us Elsie, Niya, and I sit side by side, reflecting on Professor Aria's lesson.
"Honestly," says Niya thoughtfully, pulling her knees to her chest, "the whole Monarch thing is kinda creepy, isn't it? Nobody's seen them in a thousand years..."
Elsie nods slowly. "And that only the successors can speak to them... it almost sounds like a legend."
I lean back and look up at the sky. "But something about it feels real. Especially the part about the last human successor. They're hiding something."
For a moment, we are silent, each lost in her own thoughts. Somehow, today's lesson feels much more important than just another school class.
The school bell shrills again, cutting through our conversation. We sit frozen for a second before slowly standing up.
Niya stretches and yawns quietly. "Alright, time for the next class."
Elsie dusts off her skirt while I sling my bag over my shoulder. Together, we make our way back into the building, passing other students who also move in small groups toward their classrooms.
—
The door creaks open, and an older man enters the room. He has a slight belly, wears a round pair of glasses perched on his nose, and at first glance, looks like a scatterbrained scientist. His steps are slow, but his eyes sparkle with energy.
He stops at the front, clears his throat, and smiles warmly.
"Good morning, Class 1-A," he greets us with a kind voice. "My name is Professor Benimaru. I'll be your teacher for Ritual Studies one of the most important subjects if you want to truly understand the deeper secrets of magic."
He taps a stack of books against his desk, as if to underline the importance of his words.