"Rey! You can't be serious!! This is the third time I'm waking you up!" shouted Kaiser at me. Apparently, he had already woken me up twice, but I was probably too tired to get up and fell back asleep. There were only 3 minutes left before class started. But as a man with self-respect, my speed-dressing skills were my best asset when I was late. I took a quick shower, brushed my teeth, put on the Academy uniform and my signet ring, and I was ready in 3 minutes.
"Your speed never ceases to amaze me, Rey," Kaiser said while putting on his own signet ring.
"Yoko didn't stop by?" I asked.
"No, she said she had something to do at home and wouldn't be able to make a detour to pick us up for class."
"Ah, I see."
We used our fire mastery as propulsion to fly to the academy. We finally arrived in front of the classroom, and Kaiser opened the door.
"Well, Mr. Kaiser, you're 10 minutes late," said the teacher, visibly unsurprised given her experience with us in previous years.
I saw the surprise on Kaiser's face when he noticed that Miss Thea was our history teacher for the year.
"I didn't know you were going to teach us this year?" he exclaimed.
"Well, now that you do, can I expect you to be on time next time?" she asked with a charming look.
"You can count on that," Kaiser replied with a smile.
"I hope the same goes for you, Mr. Areyos," she added, giving me a pointed look.
"I'll make an effort, but I can't guarantee I won't oversleep again," I said, scratching my temple with an embarrassed look, which made the class laugh.
"Ahh, you haven't changed. Alright, take your seats," she said, inviting us to sit down.
We wanted to sit at the back, but Yoko's terrifying aura drew us to the fourth row, right next to her.
"Was it me, or were you planning to sit at the back?" she asked us with a smile, barely hiding her anger.
"Uh, no, we were just looking at how lame the seats in the back are, and we realized how much better it is up here," I lied, smiling nervously, fearing she'd punch me like she did the day before.
"And you, Kaiser?" she asked with the same sharp look.
"Let's be quiet and listen to Miss Thea's sweet voice."
"Oh, I forgot how much she affects you," Yoko said to Kaiser.
Indeed, Miss Thea was a stunning elf, with very pronounced feminine features. She could captivate and hold a man's gaze for several seconds without them even realizing it. She had bright yellow hair and mesmerizing green eyes.
"We were talking about the origins of the races. As Miss Erina mentioned, there are two theories explaining the origin of the races: the theory of evolution and the theory of creation. Could someone briefly explain what the theory of evolution says?" Miss Thea asked, scanning the room, noticing only one raised hand.
"Miss Erina again...?" she asked, and after glancing around once more, she finally called on her.
"The theory of evolution suggests that all races originated from a single organism that multiplied and spread across various regions of the world, and had to adapt to the challenges and different environments to eventually become the races we know," Erina answered.
"Excellent answer, Miss Erina," Miss Thea praised.
"And what about the theory of creation?" she asked again. She saw that only Erina raised her hand again.
"Come on, the rest of you, it's not just Miss Erina who's interested in history, right?... Very well, I'll choose," she said, scanning the room once more.
"Mr. Troy." She finally picked. As usual, Troy was seated at the back, munching on what seemed to be potato chips.
"Are you eating or is it just me?" Miss Thea asked, astonished. She then used her magic. A magical circle with the color of fire appeared right above Troy's meal, and a ball of fire dropped onto it, incinerating it.
I was impressed by the efficiency of the magic. According to the Academy's rules, we weren't allowed to use mana or ki unless they had already been covered in class. But of course, teachers were an exception to the rule.
"Answer the question, Mr. Troy."
"Uh... the theory of creation says we were created... something like that," he said awkwardly, making the class laugh. The teacher placed her hand on her face, shaking her head.
"A better answer? Mr. Klaus?" she selected. The class instantly fell silent upon hearing Klaus' name. All eyes were on him, and in a calm, assured voice, he replied:
"The theory of creation suggests that ancient beings came to settle in this world and created us. But to this day, we don't know which beings they were. What supports this claim is the presence of certain artifacts and lost technologies containing fragments of the past. This theory would explain the origin of the energy systems."
"Excellent answer, Mr. Klaus," Miss Thea praised.
"In your opinion, which theory is true?" Miss Thea asked.
"I think the theory of higher beings makes sense because it explains the presence of powers, something nature wouldn't be able to generate on its own," Arwyna said.
"If we follow that reasoning, the theory of evolution would be just as valid, because some animals have characteristics that appear like superpowers compared to other animals. A simple example: if science hadn't explained it, how would you understand that an electric eel can generate electricity or that a spider can lift 160 times its own weight? Wouldn't you think those are superpowers? You might even think the electric eel has the power of lightning, or that it might be the offspring or creature of some lightning god," Corvus retorted.
"Fair enough. Except science can explain these phenomena but can't explain how we use chi. How do you explain that with evolution?" Yoko asked Corvus.
"So what? Geography can't explain atomic behavior, but that doesn't mean atoms are supernatural. It just means geography isn't the right science for it. It's the same with magic: if science is the study of the natural, then see magic, element mastery, or even ki as the study of the supernatural. But it all forms one world and are fragments of the same knowledge. Plus, who are we to decide what is natural or not?" Corvus replied, looking at Yoko, ending any counterargument and plunging the class into thoughtful silence.
"Well, well! Your reflections on the subject are quite interesting. I want you to form two groups of four students who feel capable of defending their theory. If your performance is good, I'll send a recommendation letter to the government to ease your enrollment for the prodigy exams."
"That would really help with our enrollment," Yoko said enthusiastically, looking at us.
"Exactly, it's an opportunity not to miss," added Kaiser, giving me a look. I seemed indifferent because, in my mind, enrolling for the exam wasn't even a problem, so the reward felt secondary.
"Areyos, tell me you're on our team," Yoko pleaded, tears in her eyes.
"Alright, alright, we're going," I replied, getting up from my seat.
The eight students gathered at the front. The teacher manipulated the magical device in the center of the room, and eight chairs appeared, probably through materialization magic. The two groups sat facing each other.
"Alright, for the theory of evolution, we have Mr. Corvus, Miss Erina, Mr. Mélo, and Miss Dalia. And for the creation theory, we have Mr. Areyos, Mr. Kaiser, Miss Yoko, and Mr. Klaus. We're listening," the teacher said before sitting in a corner of the room.
"I believe the theory of creation is more rational, considering that the ruins of ancient civilizations still exist. I think we were created in their image, hence our similar way of life," Yoko began.
"Interesting thought, my dear, except nothing suggests they created us. We could simply be descendants who survived some catastrophe, which might explain the archives we have of hypothetical ancient wars," Erina replied, leaving Yoko without a counter-argument.
"And why do you think the theory of evolution is true?" Kaiser asked Erina.
"Well, we accept as true what we can't disprove, don't we? The real question is why evolution wouldn't be the true theory, or at least the most plausible one," Erina retorted with her usual smile.
"She's got good rhetoric," Yoko whispered.
"Yeah, she's strong," Kaiser confirmed, having overheard Yoko, but he pressed on.
"We accept as true what we can't disprove? If we follow that logic, then you can't prove that the theory of creation is false either. Do you have proof that it isn't?" Kaiser asked.
"I have reasons to believe so," Erina replied confidently.
"What are they?" Yoko asked eagerly.
"Race transformations," she answered.
"That's a very interesting point you bring up, Miss Erina. Please expand on it," the teacher said with a proud smile.
"What do you mean by that?" Dalia, the human on Erina's team, asked.
"You're human, so I understand why you might not know. Race transformations are evolutionary forms that other races, aside from humans, can achieve. It's rare, but it happens. This clearly shows that our bodies are capable of evolving. From this perspective, the theory of evolution makes perfect sense; otherwise, where would our ability to evolve come from?" she argued brilliantly, leaving both Kaiser and Yoko without a response.
"And to add to what Erina said, if these creators really existed, where are they now, and why didn't they intervene during the war against the demons over 15 years ago, knowing their creations could have been wiped out?" Corvus added.
Murmurs began to spread through the room. The arguments from those two were really convincing. Suddenly, Klaus spoke, his calm and composed tone instantly capturing everyone's attention.
"I understand your arguments. They are indeed convincing. However, there's a crucial point you're overlooking. If we accept that race transformations demonstrate the capacity for evolution, it's equally plausible that this capacity was implanted in us by superior creators, anticipating our need to adapt to a constantly changing world. The creation theory doesn't exclude evolution—it encompasses it."
A respectful silence fell over the class as Klaus continued, his piercing gaze fixed on his opponents.
"As for the absence of the creators during the war against the demons, it's entirely possible that they deemed it necessary for us to evolve on our own, to prove our worth. Their non-intervention could have been a test of our resilience, our ability to survive and thrive without their direct help." Klaus concluded, leaving Erina's group without a retort.
The murmurs intensified in the room, as students reevaluated the perspectives being presented. Miss Théa observed with growing interest, an enigmatic smile on her lips.
Yoko Belserion's Point of View
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Klaus's response was incredible and gave us an advantage in the debate. At the same moment, Areyos, seeing an opportunity to close the debate on a philosophical note, spoke softly. His imposing presence and natural charisma immediately brought silence to the room.
"If I may," he began, his voice resonating with quiet authority, "these two theories aren't mutually exclusive, as Klaus pointed out. The gods or creators could have initiated life, endowed us with abilities and incredible potential, including the capacity to evolve. At their level, what we consider supernatural is simply natural. For them, creating life with the ability to adapt and evolve could be a simple act of will."
He paused, sweeping his gaze across the room to ensure everyone was following.
"Imagine these creators being so advanced that their actions seem divine to us. Their powers, which we call magic or elemental mastery, could simply be extensions of natural laws that we don't yet understand. Evolution could very well be a mechanism embedded in their design of reality, a gift of freedom and independence."
The faces around him, including mine, displayed expressions of surprise and admiration as his words sank in.
"The gods or creators may have existed at such an advanced level that the supernatural became an integral part of nature itself. What we call mana, chi, or ki could be different facets of the same system."
I saw the faces of Erina's team members light up at his words.
"We must consider that our understanding of natural and supernatural laws may be limited. Perhaps what we see as anomalies or special powers are actually perfectly natural processes at a level we don't yet grasp. We could conduct a test; one could ask why things fall, and you'd say gravity. But why does gravity act this way and not another? Who programmed it this way? Considering one or more higher intelligences who set these parameters that make up our reality suddenly doesn't seem so improbable," he finally concluded.
Miss Thea straightened in her seat, a satisfied smile on her lips. "That's a fascinating perspective, Mr. Areyos. You've brought a very interesting reflection that suggests reality might be more complex than we imagine."
The murmurs in the room subsided as the class absorbed this new approach. The discussion had taken on a more nuanced tone, and I could see Erina's team members seriously considering what Areyos had said.
"Good work, everyone. I'm impressed by the quality of your arguments. You've all shown a deep understanding of the subject. I'll make sure to prepare recommendation letters for the top candidates," Miss Théa announced, before turning to the board to conclude the debate. We returned to our seats after an intense exchange of looks between Erina and Areyos.
"Alright, next time we will talk more in detail about so-called extinct races."
"Extinct races?" I murmured.
"Sounds like it's going to be interesting," Areyos said.
"I expect your presence, and punctuality, Mr. Kaiser," she said, giving him a sharp look.
"Don't worry about that," Kaiser replied.
She then cast a glance at Areyos, who was visibly distracted. He had his gaze turned toward one of the large windows in the room, his cheek resting on his fist, looking pensive.
"We'll meet again the day after tomorrow. You can take your break until the next class," Miss Thea said.
Areyos Orionis' Point of View
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The class finally ended. I had to admit it was quite enriching. I could see people glancing in my direction, probably still surprised by my response.
"Great, it's break time!" Yoko exclaimed.
"Seriously? Since when are there breaks?" Kaiser asked.
"I forgot you guys were late. The principal just said he was going to implement breaks from now on. He seemed a little panicked though, even if it wasn't that noticeable. He also said the cafeteria is now open."
"Mr. Gold? Panicked? No way, you must be mistaken," Kaiser said.
"Maybe."
"Let's go to the cafeteria, I'm starving," I said, interrupting their conversation as I started walking with my hands in my pockets.
When we arrived at the cafeteria, there seemed to be a scuffle between a human and a Metaryon.
"Give me back my chicken wings before I lose my temper," the human said, manipulating water into an attacking stance from his glass.
"Or what, kid? You gonna splash me with water?" the Metaryon replied, laughing.
The others were just watching, expecting a fight. I wasn't too interested, though. I was too hungry to care, and besides, this academy trains future warriors—if they can't deal with bullying, then they don't belong here. That's probably why there's no rule against fighting in the academy. Kaiser seemed to share the same mindset, so he grabbed his tray and sat down while I got my meal. Yoko was right behind me in line.
"Poor guy, I should go help him," Yoko said.
"If you save him, you won't help him. You'll just delay his bullying. If you want to become a great general one day, you have to learn to attack the root of the problem, even if that means letting some things happen," I said, watching the human.
"It's frustrating not being able to help," she replied.
"I didn't say you couldn't save him. I just said it wouldn't help." I could see Yoko's frustration at not being able to act. She gripped the side of her skirt tightly, confirming her frustration. Her gaze was so furious that if the Metaryon had caught it, he would've been scared to death. I grabbed my tray with my meal and sat down across from Kaiser.
The fight began. The human threw a punch at the Metaryon, but it seemed like the Metaryon didn't feel anything. In return, the Metaryon swung a punch, which the human dodged by ducking and jumping back. He then manipulated his water to form a ring around him. From this ring, he fired water bullets, which seemed to hurt the Metaryon enough that he had to cover himself with an earth armor he formed from the ground. In return, he shot stone spikes at the human. The human managed to dodge some of them, but two spikes pierced his right shoulder and left leg, causing him to drop his water ring due to the pain.
"Tough luck for you, kid. Water control is seriously weak compared to the other elements when you're not in the right environment," the Metaryon said.
"It's true. Water is the only element that requires a nearby source. Air and earth are everywhere, and fire can be generated as long as the user's body is still warm. That's why there are so few water masters in the world," Kaiser explained.
"What are you talking about? I don't need a water source to control water," I said, confused.
"Are you serious?" Yoko asked.
"Yeah," I replied, creating a water sphere above my palm.
"WHAT!? H-how??" Yoko exclaimed.
"I have no idea. I didn't even know you needed a water source to use water bending. My aura is my source, I guess. I thought it was the same for everyone," I added.
"You're becoming less and less normal, Rey, the more I learn about you," Yoko said, surprised and confused. Just as she finished speaking, the human was thrown backward and landed on Kaiser's back, as he was sitting with his back turned to the scene. Silence immediately filled the room. The older students recognized the expression on Kaiser's face. Indeed, he had once burned down an entire hallway when we were younger because someone had angered him. Kaiser wanted to teach the guy a lesson, but he didn't know what class that student belonged to. He went into each class, neutralized the teachers at the time, and incinerated everything inside. The flames spread down the hall. Miraculously, the students were saved in time except for one, who was burned to ashes in the lava. It was that student. Kaiser was expelled permanently, but Barrios managed to get him back in after three months thanks to Headmaster Gold. Ever since that incident, the academy started hiring powerful teachers capable of controlling the students.
And now, the same thing was about to happen. Kaiser was emitting the same aura as back then. I knew what to expect. A violent wave of pressure filled the room. Those who were standing had such difficulty remaining on their feet that they leaned against the wall, staring at Kaiser like he was a monster, fear coursing through their bodies like an electric current. The temperature in the room rose as Kaiser stood up and turned around, glaring at the human, who passed out under the overwhelming pressure. He then coldly looked at the Metaryon and created a metal sword from the ground. He ran his hand along the blade, turning it into molten iron surrounded by lightning.
"You think playing with rocks makes you strong? Let me show you what true power is," Kaiser said in an icy voice, his gaze cold.
Kaiser's words, filled with cold determination, cut through the cafeteria like a blade. The Metaryon, who had been so confident moments earlier, froze, his eyes widening in fear. Kaiser raised his molten iron sword, and with a precise and relentless movement, unleashed a wave of scorching flames that engulfed the Metaryon, slamming him against the wall with brutal force, leaving him half-conscious and severely burned.
"There's no place for the weak here," Kaiser declared as he dematerialized his molten iron sword. The cafeteria fell back into a tense silence as we resumed our meal, knowing that no one would dare disturb our peace again.
The Metaryon's friends hurriedly carried him to the infirmary, barely daring to look at Kaiser, just like the human's friends.
"A calm power," I thought as I looked at Kaiser. Corvus struggled to hide his astonishment. Now, he knew what to expect from Kaiser.
To be continued...