"…And using the power of the divine light, Mihile slew the vile beast Mushmom and brought peace to the city of Henesys"
"Wow tell us again, again!" a young voice utters.
"No! Tell us the one of how Evan defeated the evil Balrog Jr. and saved the floating city of El Nath!"
Young children sit piled in the center of a classroom, anxiously awaiting the stories of magic and heroism.
The rambunctious bunch somehow still filled with energy after a long day of studying clamor over each other, begging to have their voices acknowledged.
This classroom they occupy being the only of its kind of the entire island.
The history of the Maple World is one wrought with power struggle. Natural magical energies seep through the planet, changing the landscape and transforming the wildlife into powerful monsters. Certain people are able to directly tap into these energies to perform great feats of magic, and there are those who would use these energies to force their will over the lands.
The stories of the Black Magician and the struggle of the heroes of light are known to many. Even now, it is said that on the mainlands there are many who study these magical energies and many who would call themselves hero.
"Now children", the old teacher adjusts the glasses so they sit rightly upon his face. He glances outside the window.
Orange light pouring in gives away the hour. It is nearing dusk and although he adores the children, he has his own to be going home to.
"The hour is late so I really must dismiss you all-"
"How is Mihile able to control the power of light?" a voice calls out from behind the group of children.
Without looking the teacher is able to identify the voice.
Aurelia, a rather average looking girl, or rather she would be if not for her above average height. She is one of the oldest, and she towers above the children, nearing the teachers height. Hair dark and cut short so as to not cause concern during work, her tanned leathery skin and toned physique gives away her hours spent working in the field.
She is the daughter of a farmhand. Most of the population of Maple Island produces some sort of good or food. The children of the working class grow up to continue the family business and most never leave the island.
It is the last year of her education and at only 12 years old, the future of working her family farm for the rest of her life draws near. Her grades are among the lowest, not that there is much need in such a rustic area, but when it comes to the history of the Maple World, nothing else quite draws her attention.
"Well Auree" the teacher begins acidly, with great disdain for this child who will soon enough be out of his classroom.
"Of course years of training and meditation are required, but it is through purity of will that one is able to tap into Mother Maple's power." The instructor finishes.
"Then is there no one on this island who is 'pure of will'?" the girl identified as Aurelia begins.
"There is no need for magic on this island Auree. The heroes went through perilous danger so that the rest of the Maple World could live in peace."
It is true, the world has not had to worry about the tyranny of the Black Magician for over a century now,
Gritting her teeth in frustration she bites back.
"You mean," she spits, "the heroes had glorious journeys wielding their damned divine powers, sealing evil away so we could rot away on this fucking rock!"
"Aurelia! Watch your tongue!" The teacher shouts, striking her across the face.
"It is only because of the heroes that you are alive! That your parents have a farm and you have food in your belly, you ungrateful child!"
"Go to hell! I don't want to waste away on this island, until I'm old and drained like you! I want to live!"
With that a red-faced Aurelia runs to the door, turning the doorknob before running out of class.