Exam Day—History Division
The air in the History Division's hall was far calmer than in the previous exams. Unlike the trials of alchemy, beasts, elements, and spells, the students of history faced no battles, no displays of magical prowess, and no grueling physical endurance.
Instead, they faced the weight of knowledge itself.
For many, that was even more terrifying.
Garrick stood near the entrance, his posture as steady as ever, but his mind was sharpened.
The History Division's exam was a multi-topic individual oral test—a daunting challenge that forced students to not only recall historical events but also analyze, debate, and connect them to current affairs, politics, and magical theory.
And unlike written exams, there was no hiding weakness behind well-structured essays.
Every mistake would be exposed the moment it was spoken.
The Examiner
At the front of the chamber sat Professor Eldrin Vale, an aging scholar known for his brutal questioning style.
A historian, philosopher, and former diplomat, he had spent decades debating rulers and warlords alike—making him the most feared examiner in the division.
Students who had gone before stumbled over their words, some leaving defeated, others barely scraping a passing grade.
His piercing gray eyes settled on Garrick.
"Next candidate. Step forward."
The Trial Begins
Garrick moved forward, his expression unreadable, his heavy boots echoing softly in the quiet hall.
Professor Eldrin adjusted his glasses, then glanced down at the parchment before him.
"You are Garrick Helmond, correct?"
"Yes, professor."
A brief pause.
"Your topics will be chosen at random, and you will have five minutes to answer each, during which I may interject or challenge your response. Do you understand?"
"Yes."
Another pause. Then, the first question:
"Analyze the strategic and political consequences of the Basker-Gabaze War, particularly in relation to its effect on neighboring human and dwarven states."
Garrick's eyes narrowed slightly.
My own war.
Of all the topics, this one was the most personal.
He took a slow breath. "The Basker-Gabaze War lasted five years and was fought between the Kingdom of Basker and the Dwarven City of Gabaze. What began as a dispute over trade routes and mining rights escalated into full-scale warfare due to external pressures, particularly from mercantile factions who stood to gain from instability."
Professor Eldrin interjected immediately.
"You claim external factions escalated the conflict. Provide evidence."
Garrick nodded. He had expected the challenge.
"Several trade guilds, particularly the Iron Consortium, increased their financial backing of smaller militant groups in both regions before the war officially began. Records from pre-war taxation logs show unusual spikes in private military contracts—suggesting war was seen as inevitable, if not encouraged. The Golden Ledger Archives in the city of Bastille contain letters between consortium leaders and Basker generals, confirming this."
The professor's expression remained neutral.
"Continue."
Garrick adjusted his stance.
"The war itself was fought primarily through siege tactics and attrition, as Basker's army was heavily reliant on heavy infantry and shock warfare, while Gabaze, being a fortified dwarven city, used defensive engineering and tunnel tactics. The decisive factor was the eventual collapse of Gabaze's underground supply lines, forcing their surrender."
"And the political consequences?"
"Gabaze was integrated as a vassal state, but unrest remained for years. The war also created a power vacuum in the northern trade routes, leading to increased piracy and skirmishes with neighboring factions. Additionally, the Western Guild Alliance used the conflict to push for greater political influence in Basker's government, setting the stage for later economic struggles."
A silence stretched between them.
Then—
"Acceptable answer," Professor Eldrin stated.
Some students exhaled in relief on Garrick's behalf.
But the next question came immediately.
The Second Question: The Role of Magic in Warfare
"Moving on. Discuss the historical role of battle magic in large-scale warfare. Provide at least two notable examples and their long-term effects."
Garrick thought for a moment, then spoke.
"Battle magic has played a pivotal role in military history, often serving as a force multiplier in both offense and defense. While early wars relied on conventional steel and strategy, the integration of magic changed battlefield dynamics entirely. The two most prominent examples would be the Siege of Valthorne and the Mage Rebellion of Solvaris."
"Explain."
"The Siege of Valthorne was fought between the Kingdom of Redhalm and the Elven Dominion, where a single elven Archmage, Lord Altheon Starfire, created an arcane storm barrier that prevented Redhalm's forces from entering the city for a full month. This forced the invading army to exhaust its supplies, leading to an eventual retreat without a single battle fought. The long-term effect was the realization that siege warfare could be countered purely through magic, shifting how fortifications were designed in later centuries."
Professor Eldrin gave a small nod. "And the Mage Rebellion?"
"The Mage Rebellion of Solvaris was one of the first instances where battle magic was used against ruling authorities on a large scale. It was led by Grand Arcanist Veylen, who developed tactical teleportation spells that allowed rebel forces to outmaneuver entire battalions. The rebellion failed in the end, but its effect was undeniable—rulers began heavily regulating magic users, leading to the formation of the Magisterium, an organization dedicated to controlling battle magic through licensing and oversight."
The Final Question: The Philosophy of History
Professor Eldrin leaned back slightly.
"Final question. A personal one."
Garrick remained still.
"What is the purpose of history?"
The room fell silent.
Other students had given practical answers to this question before—about learning from the past, about preventing mistakes, or about preserving truth.
But Garrick's answer was different.
"The purpose of history is to remind us of our limits," he said, his voice steady.
The professor raised a brow. "Explain."
Garrick folded his arms.
"Many believe history exists to teach us what not to do, but the truth is—people repeat the same mistakes regardless. War, ambition, betrayal—these things never vanish. History doesn't change human nature."
He let the words sink in.
"But it does teach us one thing. That no matter how powerful a kingdom, a hero, or a tyrant—none of them last forever. That, more than anything, is why history matters. It humbles us."
A long pause followed.
Then—
Professor Eldrin gave a slight nod.
"...A rare answer."
He glanced at his notes, then placed the parchment aside.
"Your performance was satisfactory. You pass."
Garrick gave a short nod, stepping back as the next student was called forward.
As he rejoined his friends, Kalem smirked slightly.
"Didn't think you'd get all philosophical."
Garrick shrugged. "You expected me to talk about battle tactics and call it a day?"
Nara chuckled. "Honestly? Yeah."
Isolde, arms crossed, gave an approving nod. "That last answer… was well said."
He didn't reply.
The History Division's exam had ended.
And tomorrow—the final division would face their trial.