The great hall of the academy was silent. Unlike combat classes, this time the focus would be on understanding the world, its politics, and how to grow stronger strategically.
The head teacher, a man with a firm posture and serious gaze, began:
"Today you will learn something more important than punches or sword techniques: how power is structured in this world, how races live in constant instability, and how warriors become truly strong."
Draven watched attentively. Zayra, beside him, leaned forward, clearly interested.
Hierarchy and Primordials
"Before any mortal hierarchy, there were the Primordials, unique beings who gave rise to the races and established the foundations of their abilities. Each race has its own legend of a Primordial: the first of its kind. They defined physical limits, capabilities, and even the initial use of special energies."
"Today, the Primordials are practically inaccessible, and many believe they have already disappeared." They are studied more as historical legends than as active participants.
Draven reflected. He had faced powerful creatures before, but now he understood that even the strongest were far below the original power of the Primordials.
Current Power Structure
The professor pointed to a floating map, showing continents and territories:
— Each region is governed by influential leaders, clans, or families. Some territories are organized, others live in constant dispute.
— The strongest doesn't always win. Strategy, political influence, and alliances often decide the fate of a conflict.
He showed historical examples:
An alliance of humans and dwarves managed to stop an attack by Beastikim lion-men, despite the enemy's superior strength.
Demon rebellions were contained thanks to local leaders who exploited strategic weaknesses of their adversaries.
Draven absorbed every detail. He now understood that brute force without context could be useless.
Instability of Races
The professor highlighted regions in conflict:
— Beastikim face internal divisions, humans seek expansion, elves protect rare resources, dwarves maintain strategic fortresses, and dragons patrol mountainous regions.
— Small incidents can generate wars of great proportions. Understanding instability is essential to survive and seize opportunities.
Draven analyzed each territory on the map, connecting what he had already seen in the forest with the larger tensions. Zayra commented softly:
— To survive, strength is not enough…
Draven simply nodded, absorbing the weight of the information.
Paths to Becoming Stronger
The professor went on to explain the realistic ways for warriors to evolve:
Physical and technical training: Perfecting the body, reflexes, and techniques specific to each race.
Experience in real combat: Facing varied adversaries, learning from each victory and defeat, adapting quickly.
Strategy and observation: Understanding the terrain, the psychology of adversaries, politics, and alliances.
Manipulation of racial energy: Each race possesses a unique form of energy, derived from its nature or culture. Warriors who learn to manipulate this energy can amplify strength, speed, and special abilities.
"Observing and understanding the use of others' energy can be as powerful as developing one's own," the professor emphasized.
Draven listened attentively. He had already noticed subtle differences in the strength of the monsters and warriors he faced in the forest. Now he understood that each creature had an energy that could be studied, analyzed, and, in some cases, counterbalanced or exploited in battle.
Draven's observations
As the class continued, Draven reflected:
Unstable territories could be used as a test to hone skills.
Knowing the racial energy of different warriors would be essential to predict attacks and defend oneself.
A strategic warrior can defeat a stronger opponent by exploiting weaknesses and intelligently using the energy of others.
Zayra whispered:
"You're already thinking like a commander…"
Draven remained silent, analyzing maps and historical examples. He knew that physical strength, observation, and energy manipulation were inseparable paths to becoming truly powerful.
Closing
"This lesson is just the beginning," the professor concluded. "Those who wish to be strong need to understand politics, instability, and racial energy, and learn to apply this knowledge in practice."
The students left thoughtful. Draven felt he had taken a crucial step: he began to see the world as a strategic chessboard, where each move could decide victory or defeat.