Twenty minutes into the supposed class
The hall itself was a theatrical space, designed meticulously with rows of chairs arranged in a manner that maximized visibility and acoustics. The quartet, perched high in the back, formed a cohesive line.
While multiple students sat all across,though the amount of students who were in the room easily surpasses three hundred, the class hall was still not close to been full.
Then, the door to the class hall swung open. An abrupt hush enveloped the room, as though every individual had been touched by a spell of silence. All eyes turned as a man strode confidently to the podium positioned at the front.
He wore a long-sleeved navy blue shirt adorned with delicate white floral patterns, the sleeves artfully rolled to his forearms. His trousers were a muted ash color, perfectly complemented by polished black shoes. Framing his face were a pair of glasses that lent him an air of gravitas, while his long black hair cascaded to his neck, accentuating a neatly trimmed beard.
He was none other than the history teacher,for not just for the first-year students but for the second years as well—a guide through the intricacies of time and actions that shaped the present continent.
Possessing a modest talent which placed him just below the fabled integration stage, a blue-stage gifted ready to unfurl the layers of history before the eager minds in attendance.
As he settled himself at the podium,Noah, who occupied the left edge of the group, leaned forward slightly and murmured, "Hey, what classes do you all have after this?" His voice was soft and quiet,almost hesitant.
The other three turned their heads in his direction and, mirroring his tone, replied quietly in unison.
"Abjuration Studies 102."
"Partial Evocation."
"Back to the Crucible. Why?"
"Well—" Noah began, eager to continue his train of thought, but his words were abruptly cut off by a calm yet authoritative voice emanating from the podium.
"Quiet, all of you, or you will be sent out of the class," the instructor intoned, his gaze sweeping across the room with the weight of expectation. The students fell silent, sensing the gravity of the moment.
"Good," he continued. "Let's proceed. Today's topic will be the 'War of Princes,' an event that unfolded approximately one thousand three hundred and forty-two years ago."
He paused for effect, allowing the weight of history to settle over the class.
"This was a war that nearly upended the former Solaris Empire, all because of the actions of four princes," he elaborated, each word carefully measured.
Another pause, this time charged with anticipation, before he added, "Now, listen closely, as this is a pivotal topic for this course and could very well feature in your upcoming exams."
The mention of potential examination questions rendered an immediate and palpable shift in the atmosphere, as students, previously distracted, leaned in, eager to absorb every detail. It was clear that the prospect of being tested had a remarkable way of sharpening their focus.
Silence enveloped the room once again.
"...good"
--+--
The initial monarch and founder of Solaris, Aldre Solaris, reigned for over 300 years, passing away at the age of 500.
Following his extensive period of rule, the crown was inherited by his son, 'Taviel', whom he had with his third and surviving wife.
Taviel ruled for 200 years and met his end at the age of 250, predeceasing his father.
Subsequently, the throne was passed to his own offspring, Ciro, the son of his second wife, who governed for 120 years and then died 150.
This period marked the onset of a catastrophic sequence of events.
Traditionally, the crown was usually bequeathed to the heir designated by the reigning king.
Ciro fell in love with a woman from a tribe outside the empire, resulting in the birth of his son, 'Amadi'.
Upon his ascension to the throne, Amadi ruled for a mere 60 years before falling victim to a rampage by mana beasts.
Notably, due to Amadi's numerous, lustful and romantic entanglements, he fathered a total of fifteen children even prior to his ruling ascension. With Amadi's untimely death, the absence of a chosen successor led to the onset of a tumultuous period in Solaris's history, marked by what became known as the 'War of Princes'.
The dominant figures in this conflict were four princes: Arien, known for his twisted purity; Calix, the most strikingly handsome among them; Cadfael, the prince of battle; and Eryx.
Separately, they committed unspeakable atrocities, ruthlessly eliminating anyone—nobles or commoners alike—who dared to challenge their authority, even turning against their own kin.
They engaged in horrific acts of violence against women and children, as the struggle for dominance among them only intensified.
The ensuing chaos further plunged the realm of Solaris into despair.
Ultimately, Eryx emerged as the victor from this devastation, but he only solidified his reign as a tyrant, systematically eradicating all dissenters and their descendants, leaving no trace of opposition. As the first tyrannical king of Solaris, Eryx ruled for a mere fifty years—even lesser than his father—before the brutalities of his reign led to the assassination of his male heirs, leaving only his daughter to ascend the throne.
She became the inaugural queen of Solaris and managed to restore some measure of stability to the empire.
However, her lack of authority as a woman necessitated the birth of a male heir, which she ultimately accomplished, leading to the rise of one of the greatest kings in Solaris's storied history.
---
"Well, we'll pick this up in the next class. Make sure to visit the student library to gather more information on the topic; it's vital for your studies,"
the teacher announced as he exited the room after completing his lecture.
Noah stretched his arms and exclaimed,
"Damn, that felt like an eternity!"
"But it was actually pretty engaging,"
El commented with a serious look.
"Only to you, you book nerd," Caspian replied, resting his head on the desk, on the verge of dozing off.
"What can I say? Looks like I'll be making a trip to the library soon," El replied.
"Just don't be late to the kill-spar I mean, of Caleb and Lilah," Noah chuckled, trying to stifle his laughter.
"Yeah, I wouldn't miss it for anything," El responded, causing Caleb's anxiety to spike even higher.
"I've got to get to class," Caleb said abruptly, springing to his feet and rushing toward the door.
"But don't think about running; it won't end well," Noah called after him.
"Like extending your punishment,That definitely won't end well," Caspian chimed in.
El laughed, "Haha, anyway, let's get to our classes."
"Well,see you at lunchtime!" Noah said as they parted ways.
"Yeah,you too," El replied.
-----