Fitran was once charged with killing the prominent figures of the Gaia, an accusation that reflects inhumane behavior and is considered an action that is unworthy to live in the land of Gaia. However, he remained unfazed by such claims; to him, the action was perfectly acceptable, as he believed it was merely a norm set by a specific elite group, which included nobles. Given that the creators of these norms are the nobles, they tend to craft rules that align with their own will and interests, establishing a system that grips every aspect of the broader community's life.
The norms were created to benefit the nobility, and according to Fitran, this stands in stark contrast to the principles of freedom in Gaia's society. They arbitrarily mistreat the middle and lower classes, raising a fundamental moral question: can this be considered justice when the powerful oppress the weak? This question not only stems from the local context but also reflects a universal issue often encountered throughout history—how social revolutions emerge when people rise against similar injustices.
Furthermore, the norms in Gaia's society encompass four fundamental levels that distinguish between expected social behavior and what actually occurs.
Firstly, the manner in which the nobility of Gaia regulates the lifestyle of the middle and lower classes is pivotal. The nobility establishes rigid rules that require the middle class and the lower class to never question the will of the nobility in any aspect, resulting in a social relationship that is unequal and oppressive.
Secondly, the customs (folkways) where the nobility of Gaia dictate the living habits of the middle and lower classes. Whenever the nobility of Gaia passes by, the people must bow, with their heads positioned lower than the nobility's posterior. This practice creates an atmosphere that emphasizes not only social hierarchy but also a deep-seated fear of violating the norms established by the upper class. It illustrates the psychological impact of social dominance on the daily lives of the populace, akin to various cultures where similar rituals of respect are practiced to maintain existing social structures.
Thirdly, the code of conduct (mores) provides the nobility the freedom to engage in any actions they desire, even if these violate basic human norms. This includes highly painful actions such as marrying close relatives, same-sex marriages, the murder of slaves, and the rape of individuals from the middle and lower classes without the fear of consequences. Such actions seem to place them above the laws that are meant to protect each individual, creating a moral dilemma for society caught between compliance and human rights.
Fourth, customs are where the bansawan Gaiah are trapped in a system of supreme power under the king or queen of Gaia. They are responsible for regulating all matters related to societal relations, while the queen or king acts as an observer, indirectly involved but maintaining full control over decisions that govern the lives of the people.
In the midst of an increasingly complicated situation, Fitran observed that not everyone felt proud of the norms imposed by the nobility. There was a courageous group of individuals who dared to challenge the status quo, realizing that true freedom was far more valuable than living in painful obedience. They were part of a secret movement called 'Fire of Liberation', which was determined to eradicate the dominance of the nobility and give a voice to the marginalized members of society. This movement was born from a sense of oppression and a fundamental desire for justice, representing a collective effort to forge a new identity in the face of suppression.
Every night when the full moon rises, the members of the Liberation Fire gather in the deep forest, a place shielded from the watchful eyes of the nobles. They share stories of injustice and debate the best ways to influence the everyday lives of the people. During one of these meetings, Fitran saw faces filled with passion and hope, and this time he felt compelled to become more involved. They spoke of revival and change, and the words resonated in Fitran's ears like music that awakened a nearly dormant soul.
"We must hold a massive demonstration in front of the palace," suggested a member named Zira, a brave woman who had always been a driving force in the group. "We cannot just hide and hope the nobles will change. We must show the world that we exist, and we are ready to act!" Her call to action reflected the same fighting spirit as the revolutionaries in history, who advocated for change in pursuit of justice and freedom.
Fitran was taken aback by Zira's words. On one hand, he felt agreement with her. However, on the other hand, he was also worried about the consequences of the potential actions they might take. He understood that the nobles would not remain passive and would likely respond with violence.
After several hours of discussion, the group members agreed to proceed with the action plan. They began organizing everything, spreading the news to the wider community, and identifying strategic points where they could reach more people. Fitran grew increasingly enthusiastic, awakened by a deep sense of dissatisfaction with the life that was entirely controlled by the nobles, which further fueled his desire to fight for freedom. This collective feeling reminded them of the social movements that often emerge throughout history in response to injustice.
However, the night before the action, Fitran woke up from his sleep feeling anxious. He had a disturbing dream about what could happen if they failed. The dream made him feel as if his life was nothing more than shattered pieces ready to fall apart. He knew that if they appeared weak, it could trigger further oppression from the nobles. He then visited Zira in the middle of the night, trying to convince her that they had come too far and needed a backup plan.
"Zira, we must be prepared for all possibilities. Our expression of anger must be accompanied by strategy," he said, his voice trembling. "If we charge ahead without a plan, we could lose everything, and we cannot give up now."
Zira looked at Fitran with a heart full of understanding. "You're right, Fitran. We need to provide shelter for those affected, as well as devise a plan on how we can do this safely and effectively. We will talk to the others and create a more solid plan, so that every step we take has meaning," she replied with a smile, strengthening their resolve.
"Is everything alright like this?" Beelzebub whispered, his voice soft and full of mystery, as he leaned closer to Fitran's ear. In his form resembling a thin mist, he glided gracefully through the crowd, unnoticed by anyone, suggesting a presence cloaked in enigma that enveloped the atmosphere.
"They could die," Fitran replied, his heavy voice resonating within Beelzebub, affirming the grim reality they faced.
"Why not help them?" Beelzebub asked with a light laugh, a hint of cynicism woven into his words, like the whispering wind on a quiet night.
"I am not a hero or a savior," Fitran coldly responded, his voice momentarily as clear as morning dew, "I am here only to listen and provide encouragement," he added, as if drawing a clear line between himself and the burdens of responsibility that loomed, emphasizing that not everyone has the courage to take risks.
"I feel as if I'm dreaming; I'm merely expressing the remnants of that dream," Fitran said, casting a vague aura over his previous statement to Zira, as if all of it were merely empty chatter lost in an endless void.
And as fate would have it,
Zira's group was annihilated by the guardian knights of the Gaia nation, leaving not a single soul behind, like footprints erased by the wind on barren land. Fitran was entirely uninterested in this; their existence was just a distant shadow to him. However, as he continued his stride, his foot suddenly stopped, ensnared by a weak grasp belonging to someone near death.
"Fitran, I don't have much time....," Zira said, her voice trembling, emphasizing the urgency of the situation she faced.
It was Zira.
Despite having lost all his legs, he still struggled to convey something incredibly important. His eyes shone with a flicker of light, despite being filled with suffering; the brilliance in them reflected a spirit that would not be extinguished even in the face of death. This illustrates the depth of human connection, even in the most critical conditions, reminiscent of heroic tales from ancient myths that demonstrate the inseparable bond between sacrifice and love.
"Rinoa....," Zira labored, yet resolutely, indicating that there was a deeper bond between them that extended beyond mere friendship. Calling her name was not just an expression of affection but signified a profound emotional intertwining, reflecting the complex hopes and fears that arose in the face of this terrifying situation.
"You always protected her and called her name....
Zira coughed; the raspy voice escaping his lips signified the pain accompanying each word he had to utter.
"Highness Heal," Fitran uttered, gently casting his healing magic, determined not to let Zira die before he had the chance to reveal the feelings that weighed heavily on his heart, especially if they were related to Rinoa.
Thanks to the healing magic, the blood seeping from Zira's body stopped for a moment, offering her a slight relief from the pain. However, the magic only delayed her death, providing a brief comfort before Zira had to return to eternity. With the help of the spell, Zira managed to speak more fluently, even though her breath was still restrained by excruciating pain.
"Fitran, I don't know if you have betrayed me or not," Zira said, forcing a smile despite her pale face, as if trying to hide her vulnerability behind a facade of bravery.
"Your information is very helpful to us. We lost not due to bravery, but because of the lack of strength and resources. We are merely ordinary humans, born without magic, and we must fight for every inch of freedom we possess," Zira continued, her voice filled with conviction despite her weakened state. This statement reflects the social movement of the oppressed, battling not only against physical oppression but also against broader structural injustices.
"You are a knight of Gaia, after all. You must have affiliations with the nobles," Zira added with a keen look, as if issuing a challenge through her words.
"However, I've heard rumors about you. You killed a noble simply because he raped a girl," Zira spoke those words calmly, though anger burned fiercely in her eyes.
"Stop talking," Fitran interrupted, his face a mask of concentration as he attempted to treat Zira, putting aside their heated debate.
"I won't stop talking until I get this across to you...," Zira asserted, undeterred by the chaos around her.
"I know you are part of us, my true friend..."
"No one among us holds a grudge against you. You have provided us with food and hope, even though we were born into a low position in this society. Zira spoke these words sincerely, emphasizing the significant role Fitran played in giving hope to those who are marginalized.
Fitran felt a weight in his heart as he heard all the praise. To him, everything he had done only worsened the situation in Gaia, creating more conflict and sadness, disrupting the peace he thought could be achieved through obedience.
"You love her with all your heart..."
"Rinoa ..."
"I heard from their leader; Rinoa will be sacrificed in the Black Magic Ritual led by Elbert, a dark and terrifying ceremony..."
"You must go save her, before it's too late ..."
"Don't end up like us who let our loved ones die ...," Zira took her last breath before Fitran, who was at a loss for words. Fitran's mind was tumultuous, flooded with profound regret. Why was this person so concerned about him? While he himself had never thought about Zira at all—this feeling underscored the importance of human connections in the face of pressure, as if questioning the value of sacrifice once more. It reflects the consistent theme of how relationships and sacrifice are at the core of the struggle against oppression.
Zira took her last breath before Fitran, who was at a loss for words. Fitran's mind was tumultuous, flooded with profound regret. Why was this person so concerned about him? While he himself had never thought about Zira at all.
Suddenly, a dark aura began to emanate from within Fitran, illuminating the gray sky and transforming it into a radiant golden hue, as if the stars were being born anew. He grasped his legendary sword, Excalibur, which had always been carefully stored away, never taken to battle out of fear of the responsibility that came with it. This moment marked a transition from uncertainty to a rebirth of courage, with Excalibur becoming a symbol of hope for those trapped in despair, reminding us of the tales of heroes who discovered their true strength in the face of crisis.
"It seems I've been too selfish with my life," Fitran said, his voice filled with regret.
"I will protect what is important to me ....
Swooh ....!
His Excalibur sword radiated an intense light, dazzling the eyes and dispelling the darkness around him.
"Excalibur: Oath That Burns the End," Fitran exclaimed with newfound strength in his voice, as if uttering a prayer of gratitude for the power that was flowing back within him, creating a new hope for everyone trapped in darkness and oppression. This signified not just a transformation within Fitran but also a crucial moment for society as a whole, showing that everyone has the potential to change and rise from despair when there is a determination to fight.
"Forgive me, I cannot bury you all," Fitran continued, his heart trembling with deep sorrow.
Suddenly, everything around him began to ignite, not with a raging fire, but with blinding light, shining mercilessly. The shadows of the faces that had fallen now vanished, transforming into fine dust that followed the wind's direction, reminding everyone that humanity should strive for freedom in their lives and never submit to the oppression that weighs them down.