Chapter 2 History, Lie & Loudmouth
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.