The classroom grew silent as Professor Rhaldrin climbed onto the desk, his small figure standing tall in spite of his size. His crimson eyes swept over the students before he spoke, his voice sharp and clear.
"Surely some of you know this already. If not, you will now. The world as we know it—thriving with mana, advanced in ways unimaginable—was not always so."
The students leaned forward, curiosity sparking. Even those who whispered during class presentation kept quiet.
Rhaldrin clasped his clawed hands behind his back, pacing slowly across the desk. "Our races have always existed, but there were two forces… two existences that repel each other to this very day."
He paused, letting the silence build. "Can anyone tell me what they are?"
For a moment, no one dared to answer. Then, surprisingly, a hand shot up. Bartholomew. Despite his timid nature, his eyes were shining with enthusiasm.
Rhaldrin tilted his head toward him. "Yes? And you are?"
