after getting a question from Feran .Professor Aldemar fell silent for a moment, as if long-forgotten memories were beginning to resurface. He gazed at the candle flickering softly in the corner of the table, then took a slow breath.
"If you want to know how I came to know the Elemental Race... it all began about forty years ago, when I was just twenty-four years old. At that time, I was known as a rather talented young mage—especially in nature magic, potion-making, and the art of enchanting. But more than that, I was a foolishly curious young man... perhaps too curious."
He offered a faint smile, then continued.
"Back then, I once saw the Elemental King in person. He came to the Niaris Empire for a diplomatic collaboration. His presence was different. It felt like... his mere existence carried an aura of magic that was foreign, powerful, and natural. From that moment on, I couldn't stop wondering... where did they actually come from? Where did they live?"
Lazric and Quartzis listened without uttering a word, their eyes fixed on the professor with rapt attention. Altair, too, remained silent, leaning back in his wooden chair with his arms crossed.
"For years, I sought information. Delving into ancient texts, speaking with adventurers, even asking the Emperor directly at the time. I gained special access because I successfully created an irrigation system for the empire's main farmlands—and it was from there that I finally got a clue. The dwelling place of the Elemental Race was in the southern region, hidden behind a large lake and towering mountains that seemed to touch the clouds."
The professor's expression grew more serious.
"The journey there was not easy. There were two possible routes—crossing the lake, which was known to harbor dangerous sea creatures, or climbing the mountains whose peaks were perpetually frozen. I chose to climb. More arduous, but at least I could rely on solid ground... not water that concealed monsters."
He chuckled softly, then continued.
"I spent days climbing. When I finally reached the summit, I was exhausted... but I didn't expect to meet anyone there—a child, alone, his face pale, and looking hungry. He wore simple robes, but the aura of magic emanating from his body was so natural. He was a child of the Elemental Race. His name... Fadly."
Altair turned his head slowly upon hearing the name. The professor continued his story in a gentle tone.
"I gave him food, talked to him. He had gotten lost while hunting. When I asked about his home, he looked at me for a long time... then said that if I really wanted to know, he could take me there. I knew it was risky, but... I felt it was my only chance."
The professor smiled faintly.
"We descended the mountain together. But we had only taken a few steps when we were intercepted by someone—tall, imposing, with silver hair that was strikingly bright. His gaze was sharp, and from his aura alone, I knew he was far stronger than anyone I had ever met before."
He looked deeply into Altair's eyes.
"That was the first time I met Valerian."
Professor Aldemar continued his story, his eyes gazing into the distance as if reliving those times.
"At that moment... I was faced with a man whose aura was like a wild beast—as if I were a weak creature daring to challenge its natural predator. My whole body trembled, sweat beading on my temples. But before I could react, the child—Fadly—ran towards him."
Aldemar's face tightened for a moment, then softened.
"Fadly immediately hugged him and apologized for getting lost. He then introduced me, explaining that I had saved him. Valerian... that was the man's name. Slowly, his aura subsided. But he still looked at me with sharp eyes as he asked, 'Why is a human curious about us... even daring to seek out our territory?'"
Aldemar chuckled softly, recalling his own courage at the time.
"I tried to remain calm even though my knees wanted to buckle. 'I was just curious,' I replied. 'If you don't mind, may I observe your lives for a few days? I promise to leave immediately afterward.'"
He nodded slowly.
"Valerian almost refused, but because I had helped Fadly, he finally nodded in agreement. And so, I was taken to the Elemental Race's settlement—a place hidden behind a valley, filled with crystals growing from the earth, and an air that felt heavy with magic
"The welcome? Not exactly warm. The villagers looked at me with suspicion. There were whispers—'Why is a mortal here?'... 'Is he a spy?'... but Valerian defended me with a loud voice."
Aldemar imitated their father's firm tone:
"'How can you insult a human? Aren't we all living beings? We don't get to choose what we're born as. Moreover, this Aldemar saved my student who got lost during hunting practice.'"
"After that, they finally accepted me. I stayed at Valerian's house for several days. One night, I asked, 'Do you live here alone?' He laughed. 'For now, I'm with my younger sibling. We teach here. My family lives in the capital.'"
Aldemar smiled, remembering that answer.
"'You're a teacher?' I asked, impressed. And he, with a slightly proud look, replied, 'Of course. To teach here, one must be the best among our race. I teach the art of combat, mana control, authority, and even hunting techniques.'"
He chuckled softly.
"I asked again, 'Where is your sibling?' And he answered, 'On a study tour with their students. They might return in another two weeks.' Then I began to open my notes and asked him to explain the Elemental Race's system of government."
Aldemar took a deep breath.
"He was a bit confused about where to start, but eventually he told me... about the Elemental Race's past. In the past, they had a caste system. But it wasn't based on blood—but on power. Those who possessed the authority of rare ores like Diamond, Ruby, Gold lived in the big cities. Those who had the power of iron, granite, andesite lived in ordinary cities. While those whose power was considered weak, like wood or earth, lived isolated in the countryside."
He looked at Feran and Altair.
"But Valerian's father—your grandfather—destroyed that system. He married the king's daughter and united all the groups. There were no more castes. Everyone was equal. Valerian was very proud when he told that story."
The professor smiled, then gently closed his notebook.
"That's how I first became friends with your father... Valerian."