On November 24, 1900—After college, Manabu decided to grab something sweet from the nearby sweet shop he often visited with Julie, who loved sweets and frequently brought doughnuts and cakes for herself and Manabu.
While walking down the street, an eight-year-old Ivann child, whom Manabu had helped twice before, came and grabbed his hands. "Big Brother Manabu," he said, usually he asked for money, but this time his smile radiated gratitude. "Come with me; I'll introduce you to my siblings," he said.
Manabu glared at him with bulging eyes, clenching his jaw, his eyes bloodshot as tears brimmed. He screamed and kicked the child's chest and ribs brutally, sending the Ivann child tumbling across the pavement, screaming in pain. He began crying, clutching his chest, "AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Manabu didn't stop there; he advanced toward him and clutched him by the hair. The Ivann child fiercely resisted, shoving him away. He punched the child in the face several times, causing his nose to bleed and bruising his eyes. He slammed him against the wall and ground, then resumed kicking his chest. The Ivann child kept screaming for help, crying aloud, "AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
His siblings and mother hastened to his aid, kneeling and grasping Manabu's legs, pleading for mercy as the mother cried aloud. "Please forgive my child! I beg you, I beg you!" She rushed to defend her child, shielding him with her body in her arms. Manabu kicked her in the thoracic spine brutally, likely causing severe pain, potential vertebral fractures, or spinal cord injury, which could lead to radiating pain, numbness, or paralysis in severe cases.
No one even tried to stop him—not the guard, neighbor, sweet shop owner, Taiju, nor Mai; no one aided the child. They stayed quiet, just watched it happening .
Manabu grew exhausted and began panting, his brows locked in anger, narrowed, his frontalis muscle and temporal veins strained, but he wasn't done yet.
A few college friends witnessed the scene but said nothing. Seconds later, Maria rushed out of the college after hearing what Manabu had done. She found Manabu panting, a mother crying as she held her child, and the child and his siblings weeping. She darted forward, gripped Manabu's arm, and struck his cheeks and chest.
"Face me, Manabu! Look at me! We're leaving!" She urged him away, but Manabu's stare lingered on them. Maria tried to shield his view and redirect his face, but his head wouldn't budge.
Moments later, Manabu suffered an asthma attack, pulled out his inhaler, and breathed in. Maria glanced back at her friends and Taiju, pleading, "Taiju, Soa, Kayle, please help me!" They rushed at her request, took him away from there, and all bore sad looks on their faces.
Manabu was escorted back home. Taiju patted his back as Manabu labored to breathe. Mion sat beside him, holding his hands.
No one spoke, only staring at Manabu. He didn't like it, feeling neither guilt nor remorse. "Why are you all staring at me? Get the fuck out if you can't stand my sight!" he yelled.
But their problem wasn't him. In fact, he wasn't wrong to beat the child.
"After all, it's a natural reaction for a human after losing someone precious," Mion muttered, gripping his arms tighter and resting her head on Manabu's shoulder.
"It's alright, Manabu. You're only human. I won't complain," Maria said. "If I were you, I would've done the same…"
"This isn't bliss but pain,War of only losses, thoughts in veins,"
"Anger in the chest, love will drain,"
"It's a sin that can never be atoned…
A Few Months Ago—on April 18, Manabu prepared for his first day at his new college, "The Nosco Loc College and University." He whispered as he walked inside alongside Maria, Taiju, and Mai. Maria had been somewhat quiet since the fight, avoiding Mion entirely. Mion reciprocated, avoiding Maria without apparent reason. She moved her belongings upstairs and started sleeping there. She dropped her studies entirely and began focusing on painting. Kami gifted her painting supplies, including brushes, canvas, palette, easel, and oil paints, which she didn't refuse. Today was their first day at school.
Just a few days earlier, Mai and Taiju's parents arrived in Lafiaza. They were anxious after Taiju informed his mother about the kidnapping. Kami had to speak with them personally. Fortunately, Taiju's parents knew Kami was a well-respected figure and felt deeply honored to meet him. However, they couldn't accept how their children had been abruptly taken to Lafiaza and kept there. "This is kidnapping," Taiju's father said.
Kami explained everything about himself, Manabu, and how they were brought to Lafiaza. Mai's parents and sister were deeply shocked. Kami did his utmost to resolve the issue, even offering Lafiaza citizenship, but Taiju's father promptly refused, insisting he just wanted his child back home.
Taiju looked unprepared, his eyes hinting, "I want to stay." His father understood his feelings and gave him two options. "Return to Feropia with us or stay in Lafiaza with Manabu and your friends. Decide for yourself," he said. "You always wanted to study in Lafiaza, didn't you, Taiju? So, what's your choice?"
Taiju pondered deeply. Meanwhile, Mai's parents continuously refused her request. Their daughter had been kidnapped, and they remained wary.
"Are you in your right mind? You were illegally brought here; God knows what might happen to you! I can't allow you to stay a single minute," Mai's mother said.
However, Kami reassured them, offering to take full responsibility for her education. "Education isn't the problem," Mai's mother argued back. "What about her safety? I won't let her stay here for a moment."
Taiju raised his hand and promised her protection. "Aunty, I'll take care of her," he said.
Yet they still refused. "You are a kid yourself. I don't know what your parents are thinking, but I won't leave Mai in anyone's hands."
Mai grabbed her sister's arms and begged her to do something. "What am I supposed to do?" her sister replied.
Mai's father trusted Mr. Hiroshi's decision and, aware of their financial struggles, suggested, "Why not let Mai stay with her friends? Mr. Kami said he would cover the expenses of her studies."
Mai's mother grabbed his collar and yelled, "Are you out of your mind? If you let her stay, I will divorce you!"
After much debate, when Mai's parents couldn't reach a decision, their thoughts remained divided.
Mai's elder sister sighed and finally intervened. "Mai, do you want to stay or leave? Do you feel safe here?" She appeared earnest about Mai's choice to stay.
Mai glanced at her parents, hesitating. Her mother shook her head in disapproval, but her sister said, "Don't worry about them. Sometimes, to achieve something great, you must take bold steps. These old folks won't understand.
Their mother interrupted again, yelling, "What are you saying?! Keeping Mai so far from us—are you out of your mind?"
But Mai's elder sister stood firm. "I'm saying this for her own good! If she wants to study in such a prestigious country, what's the problem? Taiju, Manabu, and Mion are here. She'll be fine!"
Taiju gazed at Mai. She truly wanted to stay with them.
To support her, Taiju turned to Mai's parents and said, "Aunty, Uncle, Mai will stay with me. I promise there won't be any problems."
Kami also reassured Mai's mother. "Look, sister, nothing will happen to your daughter. If she gains citizenship, you can move here in the future if you wish."
Mai's parents wanted the best for their daughter but weren't ready to let her go alone.
Then Mai pleaded, "Mom, please! I promise I won't hang out with bad people. If I do, Taiju will tell you. I'll always stay with them and won't do anything reckless."
Finally, after much persuasion, Mai's parents agreed.
Overjoyed, Mai hugged her sister and leaped with excitement. Her elder sister laughed and said, "When you finish your studies, take me with you too."
Mai grinned mischievously. "Aha~ Why should I? Can't you do something for yourself? It was your choice to drop your studies."
"Ehh! After all that arguing with Mom and Dad for you, this is how you treat me?" her sister exclaimed dramatically.
Mai giggled. "Relax, I'll take you, Mom, Dad—all of you, and also…"
Blushing slightly, she leaned in and whispered to her sister, "This guy next to me, Taiju, is my boyfriend. I really love him, and he loves me too."
Mai's sister covered her mouth in shock, blushing. "Brother-in-law?!"
She fully supported their relationship but offered Mai one piece of advice: "No physical intimacy before marriage, okay? Save your first time for your husband. Got it?"
Mai gave a thumbs-up and laughed.
Later, Taiju's parents asked Kami, "Mr. Kami, where will the children be staying?"
Kami replied, "They'll stay at my elder daughter Maria's house. You're welcome to stay as long as you wish, having traveled so far."
But Taiju's father declined. "That won't be necessary. Meeting you is a great privilege. Taiju, best of luck."
Taiju hugged his father, sincerely thanking him for raising him with such freedom and support.
His father smiled and hugged him back. "You dummy, is this a big deal? If my son wants something, how can I refuse?"
Afterward, Taiju's and Mai's parents stayed at Maria's house for two days before returning. They spent quality time with them and toured many places.
Kami arranged business-class travel and covered all expenses. They returned to Feropia after two days.
"It's a massive college," Manabu said. Taiju gazed in awe at the basketball court. "It's gonna be hella fun to play here," he thought.
Manabu wasn't accustomed to such a crowd. "Too many people, beautiful girls," he blushed, they had fair white smooth-skin, sharp cheekbones and beautiful eyes.
Just then, from behind, Julie stealthily pinched Maria's waist, making her jump like a rabbit. "Eep!" Maria squealed, spinning around, blushing. "Julie, isn't it?!" she yelled.
Julie laughed, wrapping her arm around Maria. "Yup, it's me! Sup!" she said, her hand lingering near Maria's boobs. Maria pushed her off, twisting her into an awkward pose. Julie interpreted in a dirty way, smirking, "This is the wrong place for doing that, Maria!"
"What do you mean?!" Maria yelled, blushing deeper in embarrassment. "Just kidding," Julie said.
Maria and Julie were best friends, but Julie was fiercely independent and tomboyish. She wore jeans and shirts like a man, played basketball, used cuss words, and made double-meaning, crude gestures. She sometimes grabbed Maria's boobs to embarrass her and also flirts with Leon.
Maria introduced her to Manabu and his friends. "Ohh! You're Manabu!" Julie exclaimed. She had heard a lot about him. She took it upon herself to give Manabu a campus tour without Maria's consent. Maria grabbed her collar, stealthily wrestled her to the ground, and climbed atop her.
"I was kidding, yuh!" Julie said, resisting. Maria released her arms and got off her. They attended their classes, amused. "It's massive; they even have a projector!"
Manabu had never seen such a massive library. The canteen was vast, offering healthy, delicious meals.
Practical classes had great-eqquipments . They never ran out of chemicals or postponed chemistry practicals. It was fun meeting new people, though Manabu struggled to understand their language, Maria had to translate for him.
Suddenly, a bell rang, and everyone rushed toward their classroom. Manabu wasn't used to these advanced bells. His old college still relied on a noisy method to alert students, where a guard struck a large metal plate with a hammer.
Manabu liked everything about Lafiaza except its history…
The first period was history and geography, but Manabu felt detached from the subject. The topic, the Lafian-Ivann conflict, vilified Ivanns excessively.
According to the textbook, in 1679, during the age of horsemen and spears, Lafiaza was a vast empire of the Eastern Union. They fought hundreds of wars, achieving victories in most, and one of their rival empires was the Gúsk Ivanns, a major source of grains, tea, and coal.
Lafiaza won the war centuries ago and annexed their empire, but the Ivanns' sheer numbers were problematic. They begged for shelter and protection, which the merciful king couldn't deny and granted them refuge. The condition was that Ivanns must live as loyal subjects, supplying 50% of their coal and other resources as taxes.
The Ivanns had no other choice and signed a treaty, which they still suffer under. According to the pact, Ivanns were required to farm and produce food and textiles for Lafian soldiers and development. Though Ivanns were sometimes spared for unpaid taxes and granted rights to education, according to the textbook. But the Ivanns harbored sinister intentions…
In 1866, Lafiaza lost its liberty and became a puppet county under Castela, but in 1870, after the Great War of Castela, Lafiaza regained independence. The war was fought bravely by Lafian soldiers and citizens, but in 1875, during the democratic election, an Ivann leader, Lucifer, the son of a slave, clashed with pure-blood leader, Madaq Kibwarip. Lucifer began sabotaging his best friend, Madaq Kibwarip, to prevent him from winning the election.
He began his conspiracy, planned terrorism, and committed many other illegal crimes, even planning to kill his brother-like best friend, Madaq Kibwarip. "Once was a best friend of mine, is now a thrustful rival of the world," Madaq said, indicating Lucifer.
Lucifer's evil plans were exposed, as well as the Ivanns' true colors. Civilians began protesting for equal rights and caused destruction. There was a mass arrest on record, where police arrested dozens of Ivann politicians who had conducted terrorism and silent genocide. A few officers were killed in the fight but died as martyrs.
Days after Lucifer's conspiracy was exposed, he committed suicide at his residence. In 1876, the court adjourned with the Lafian government's ruling. Yazam Hossain (1803–1884), the national court judge, said, "Ivanns were sheltered by the Lafian Emperor as slaves, but they thought it was an honor." Ivanns' voting rights were revoked, and Madaq became president. He achieved many noble deeds and strove for Lafiaza's development and people's welfare.
Manabu read the entire history and felt unsettled. There was a slogan against Ivanns: "Negotiated with the Ivanns, rivaled by the Ivanns, fought against the Ivanns," which summarizes, "We negotiated with the Ivanns, but they broke the Non-Aggression Pact, rivaled us, and our martyrs bravely fought against them."
Throughout the history, Ivanns were dehumanized or sub-humanized, which was deeply unsettling, Manabu was an equality believer. Even Castela's dictator wasn't criticized as harshly as this slave race.
They faced extreme racism, Manabu thought, just like Ura's recent conflict against Black people; Roy, being brown, fled his country for this reason.
Manabu closed the book and rested his head on the desk. "So much information for exams," he thought, overwhelmed by the textbook's size and Lafian language.
He glanced outside, noticing a few homeless children playing in the rain with a punctured football. Manabu found it wholesome and watched them for a while. Just then, their teacher approached and slammed her book on his desk. Manabu, startled, stood straight.
The teacher mumbled something in Lafian. Maria translated: "Why are you looking out, Manabu? Those kids have nowhere to live. Would you like to be like them?"
Manabu shook his head. She mumbled again, translated as: "So read your book. Chapter five describes the Ivanns' true nature; I hope you'll be persuaded. You're in Lafiaza—learn Lafian. You can't take exams with a translator, can you?" She resumed her class.
"True nature of Ivanns?" Manabu thought. "How bad could these children be?"
After college, Manabu sneaked to the children with an umbrella; they were still playing in the rain. He called the eldest, who alerted the others, the younger ones hiding behind him.
Manabu understood their caution and said, "Don't worry, I won't hurt you. Here…" He offered money. "Get something to eat; you're hungry, right?"
The eldest child mumbled something in a different language, which Manabu didn't understand, distinct from Lafian, "probably Ivann?" He assumed.
Suddenly, Julie grabbed his wrist and pulled him away. Manabu jerked free, asking in halting Lafian, "What's wrong?"
She spoke rapidly, and Manabu couldn't follow. Julie spotted Professor Jade, the biology teacher, and called him to translate. Jade, understanding her gestures, said, "Listen, Manabu, you shouldn't give anything to an Ivann—not even a mark. People here are hostile, especially toward Ivanns. If you help them, those bastards might target you. Got it? Don't give them anything."
Julie gestured again. "Take care," Jade translated. Julie smiled, leaving Manabu blushing, but he had a question. "Mr. Jade, you understood what she said?"
Jade rubbed his nose in the cold. "Well, yes, I know many languages."
That's awesome, Manabu thought.
Jade warned him, "Don't get yourself in trouble." Manabu nodded. Still, after Jade left, Manabu bought sweets and bread from the nearby sweet shop. He sneaked closer, handed them the package, waved goodbye, and left.
They took the food to their shelter, feeding some to their slightly ill mother. After eating sweets for the first time in ages, she raised her hands to God, praying for their lifesaver's protection from the monstrous humans nearby…