Ten years have passed since that event; life now feels more peaceful following the extinction of the gamma race. The horrors that once enveloped the world's inhabitants are now distant memories, and they now behold the majestic sight of dragons soaring through the blue expanse, accompanied by the thunderous sounds of mammoth troops shaking the roofs of their homes, rumbling like thunder. They celebrate their hard-won independence from that nightmare, reminiscing about the time when Chaos ravaged the lands of Gaia, terrorizing society and leaving deep scars on the souls of all those affected. The atmosphere of celebration, imbued with joy and relief, is now filled with laughter and cheers, signifying that they can finally breathe a sigh of relief in the long-awaited peace that has settled over the land.
"Rinoa, are you still busy reading that history book?" said an elderly man.
Rinoa remained silent, lost in her thoughts, as if the world around her was hazy and distant.
"You know that history is written by the victors. There's little point in seeking the truth behind your questions," the elderly man said, handing over a book about the history of the Atlantis magic school, which provided a unique perspective on this theme. He added that its narrative is often biased, frequently reflecting how rulers shape historical accounts to fit their own agendas, thereby omitting the voices of the oppressed and ignoring the complexities of their narratives.
"Master Elbert, this book," Rinoa said worriedly.
"Isn't it forbidden by the school to study it?" Rinoa continued.
Elbert smiled.
The nations of Gaia and Earth forged a close cooperation in magic and science, which led to the establishment of Atlantis, a prestigious school located on the island of Lightheaven—one of Gaia's three main islands—an essential center for trade and cultural exchange with Earth, akin to a modern-day academic hub like Harvard or Oxford.
Once, the Atlantis school was renowned as the Ark Fortress. Historical accounts describe it as a sanctuary for soldiers from Gaia and Earth, who battled against the gamma race's attempts to scorch the lands of Gaia. The Ark Fortress demonstrated extraordinary resilience against various magical attacks, much like the fortresses of old that served as bastions of defense during turbulent times, making it an ideal location for teaching magic, similar to ancient academies that imparted military strategies.
However, most enemies had to conquer it with physical attacks, illustrating that tactics and cunning in warfare often outweigh mere brute strength.
It is worth noting that golem stones cannot interact with other stones; the energy from golem stones is so potent that if a weaker stone is nearby, it will shatter within seconds. To avoid this catastrophic interaction, the fortress was strategically built on Esteran Hill, an area whose rock composition and energy align closely with that of golem stones, thereby minimizing the risk of negative reactions with surrounding materials. While their compositions may be alike, the rocks from Esteran Hill remain unusable; even seemingly similar objects cannot achieve perfect fusion. This illustrates the complexity of material interactions in the world of magic, highlighting the intricate balance that must be maintained in magical practices.
"When renovating the Ark Fortress, Lord Esgal Mercury mobilized 100 knights to procure the necessary golem stones. Though he succeeded in his mission, the cost was tragically high: the lives that were lost in the process. Many were left unidentifiable, their bodies shattered beyond recognition, creating confusion and fear for the families left behind and illustrating the horrific consequences of that war. The golem stones produced from this bloodshed were immediately transported to Thirtos; lingering there was tantamount to suicide due to the unstable energies present. Golems continued to arrive as long as the portal remained functional, leaving behind corpses without proper burial, which formed a moral burden for the fighters and left a profound psychological impact on the survivors of that tumultuous period.
This tragedy might not have occurred if only Lord Esgal Mercury had heeded the advice of Queen Iris.
Since that incident, Lord Esgal Mercury has disappeared without a trace; no one knows where he went. Only the sky and the earth know where he is now.
After successfully delivering the golem stones, renovations were immediately set in motion. In memory of the fallen, a statue clad in steel was erected at the entrance to the school building, serving as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made during those dark times and the importance of remembering history as a guide for the future.
Time passed quickly, and now the construction of the Atlantis school is complete. The building now resembles a castle, with three domes towering above it, reminiscent of fortresses in ancient mythologies; the interior has also been updated with vibrant paintings of heroes, world maps, and even neatly arranged figures of the gamma race. Soft carpets spread across the floors, and flowers are placed by the windows along the corridors, creating an inviting atmosphere for learning. The total number of rooms in this school exceeds 500, not including the large dining hall, the basement, and the planetarium located above, making it a hub of knowledge and culture in an otherwise chaotic world.
Historic cannons stand guard above, cannons that were once used to drive the gamma race from the lands of Gaia. The power possessed by these cannons is equivalent to a plasma explosion, a testament to the technological advancements achieved; there are two types of magic that can be fired from these cannons: solar sonar and moon sonar, each holding unique properties and devastating capabilities.
Solar sonar is generated from sunlight converted into magical energy by crystal stones. The result is energy capable of destroying everything in its path. Meanwhile, moon sonar uses moonlight and has properties opposite to solar sonar, namely mana blaster, which functions to attack in a different manner.
Atlantis now boasts 50 floors. The higher the floor level, the deeper the knowledge or more advanced the magical disciplines studied, including dark magic, voodoo, chemical weapons, biology, and other esoteric subjects. To reach the 50th floor, students must pass through several rigorous stages, including written tests, oral assessments, and battles with teachers, ensuring that only the most dedicated students can ascend. Currently, only one individual has successfully managed to master the challenges of the 50th floor, signifying the monumental challenges that await those who dare to tread such arduous paths.
"That is what is written in history," Elbert said, gazing far ahead as if recalling all the events that occurred and their lasting impact on their world.
"Even within this history lie various mysteries about magic that have never been mentioned," he added, underscoring the extensive knowledge lost due to war and one-sided historical interpretations that heavily shaped the narrative of their time, much like how certain chapters of history remain unchronicled and forgotten.
In the lost journal in Atlantis, dark magic is known as a power that originates from the depths of the soul and the darkness of the universe. It is said that dark magic was first discovered when the bravest wizards of Atlantis began to dig into forbidden secrets to uncover the hidden powers behind the shadows. Mastering it requires a deep understanding of oneself and the consequences it brings.
"I hope you can help me finish this crucial work, Rinoa," Elbert said, emphasizing the importance of their collaboration.
"It would be easier for you to complete your studies by writing this thesis, where I will assist you."
The negative impacts of dark magic include energy imbalance within the wizard, psychological disturbances, and even environmental degradation. One particularly troubling phenomenon is the 'Retraction of the Soul,' which occurs when dark energy absorbs part of the wizard's soul and results in a profound loss of the ability to feel empathy or remember their spiritual origins. This unsettling transformation contributes to increasing instability in society at large. Although dark magic offers extraordinary power, it can erode the essence that maintains the delicate balance between life and supernatural forces, warning that every great power comes with a price—one that is often paid with tragic sacrifices, manifesting in both personal and communal upheavals.
Essentially, dark magic can damage the mind of its user; however, it also offers unparalleled access to knowledge that spans across almost every aspect of the world. This duality is similar to your desire to dig deeper into your thesis related to the gamma race," Elbert said, firmly reminding Rinoa of the importance of weighing the risks before pursuing such potentially dangerous knowledge.
"Practical methods for mastering dark magic involve ancient artifacts, such as the 'Abyssal Mirror,' which can reveal not only the past of an object but also the hidden truths that lie beneath the surface."
"Master Elbert, that!!!" Rinoa exclaimed.
"Isn't that a great offer for you...?"
"Rather than waiting for a decision from that paladin," Elbert said. "Wouldn't it be better for us to take the initiative ourselves?"
Rinoa, watching the sky beginning to brighten, nodded slowly. "Are you sure we can face this risk?" Her question reflected deep doubts stemming from painful past experiences, creating an aura of tension between them that hung heavily in the air.
"We have no other choice," Elbert replied confidently. "Time is not on our side. If we wait any longer, they will likely get ahead of us."
"Alright, if that's your decision," Rinoa said with a sigh.
"But we must prepare ourselves. This could be very dangerous," Rinoa said, her eyes radiating determination despite the underlying fear present in her words, illuminating her internal struggle.
I understand," Elbert replied, his gaze sharp. "We must gather everything we need. Prepare your gear; we leave tonight.
"However, who will go to that place?" Rinoa asked, displaying doubt on her face.
"We can't do it alone. We can rely on the help of your friends," Elbert replied.
"We will gather them at the back meeting. Perhaps they share the same feelings." Rinoa smiled faintly.
"You always know how to motivate those around you, Master Elbert," Rinoa said, standing and walking toward the door.
"I'm waiting for you, Rinoa..."
Elbert smiled slyly, hinting that beneath his calm demeanor lay a wicked plan. That smile conveyed more than just motivation for Rinoa; it revealed his desire to spark a more aggressive spirit of action, suggesting that this yet-to-be-revealed adventure could drive them down a dangerous and deadly path. Though slightly suspicious, she felt inexplicably drawn to the mysterious aura surrounding Elbert, as if she stood on the brink of an undiscovered adventure that could dramatically alter their destinies.