Yes, I am a hypocrite. I have claimed that my chapters will be between 700 and 1000 words, but then this one happens, so… I am guilty.
Other than that, I want to appreciate everyone once again. I do not have much ambition for my number of views, but I must say that every additional view and every small comment is encouraging me to continue this story. For those that are constantly checking my updates, I am very grateful for your support, and I will promise to keep up with my updates regularly on normal occasions.
Chapter 24 Hei, the Undisputable Professor
Yes or no? That is a very hard question. From the root of the problem, what can Hei's attitude be? It seems like no one can easily see though that horrifying mask, which covers the man's inner most thoughts and personality.
This can potentially be a commitment for the rest of Hei's life.
Should he support the revolution or the empire? Or else, should he continue his aimless wandering just as Li did for many moons.
No matter which side he chooses, the opposing side will do everything to hunt him down. As a man of supernatural intellect, he is an asset for either side of the political struggle.
Is there a correct answer? Such question is quite difficult to answer. Morality, to many people, is only subjective. Can it be right to join one side and wrong to join the other side? Can the revolutionary army righteously justify their reason of struggle? Is the empire really rotten to the core that there is absolutely no way of healing it?
Do these questions even matter to Hei? The answer is negative. Hei is selfish – in fact, extremely selfish. Created without any means to trust others, Hei has been, is, and will use every bit of his mind to his own good. What does it matter if the empire is dark to its roots? What does it matter if people are living happily? Nothing can concern Hei. Hell, the man can't even enjoy the taste of food, because he has no taste whatsoever.
Therefore, this question is not about what is right and what is wrong. It is about what is logical – what can benefit Hei the most.
Does Hei have a backup plan if he chooses to reject Najenda's invitation? He probably does. Hei does not act unless he is certain that he has a way out. If he would openly reason his way through Lubbock's threats and get himself into this current situation, then you might as well assume that Hei has planned out everything probable option in front of him.
Casually sitting down on a chair, Hei lands his elbows on the sides of the armrests. Crossing his fingers, a response at last comes out of his vocal cords.
"Questions."
"Ah… hah…" Sighing heavily, the assassins are quite disappointed at Hei's response, but at the same time, it also grants them a glimpse of hope.
"Inform me your objectives."
"Ah, yes. The worldview from the perspective of the revolutionary army." Najenda has the longest history with her organization, and thus becomes the one to answer Hei's question.
"We believe that the empire has evolved into a tyranny with centralized power controlled in one person's hand. The people are dying out of low standards of living, the lack of food, the lack of housing, the lack of clothes, and the lack of the basic medical services. As the people are cheated by the government, they are obliged to rebel, and voice their struggle by a revolution. This is where we come in."
"Continue."
"We believe it is the Prime Minister who controls the power of the government, and he overstretches his power to deliver heavy taxes, unjust laws, and propaganda to glorify the empire authorities…"
"That would be all." Emotionlessly interrupting Najenda's explanations, Hei ignores the death stares from many members of this young group, crosses his arms, and proceeds to reply.
"You believe that the Prime Minister is deluding the common crowd with his lies; therefore, eliminating the Prime Minister would grant the people what they deserve, am I correct?"
"Yes."
…
Awkward silence falls upon the room. The atmosphere is soaked with nervousness from every member of Night Raid. Everyone is waiting for an answer from the Black Reaper.
Finally, he speaks.
"Such… ineptitude of the masses."
That… was an insult.
Anger and frustration immediately covers the young assassins' minds. Who does he think he is? How can he just insult their leader like that? If it wasn't for Najenda's calm expression, they would have tear this mask man apart a thousand times.
"Every society had, has, and will continue to have some form of adoration toward its authority. This is not the main focus, because you do not seem to understand the heart of the people. If the government is as broken as you described, then how come I do not see people protesting, rambling, and fight back on every corner of the streets? You misjudged human nature itself. Humans are weak. In fact, so weak that they will do anything to avoid discomfort and risks. If the government is oppressive, then they will hide, they will grasp their own living out of everything they can find. They do not want conflict, they do not want to sacrifice, and they will do everything from lying to themselves to lying to the ones around them to keep their lives intact. They do not have the confidence to revolt, they do not have the courage to stand up against what they believe is unjust, because they are already fallen. Their hearts poisoned, their minds broken. For years after years, they are taught to obey, they are taught to follow, they are taught to believe that they are living in their own purpose – a purpose that they do not even understand themselves. When crisis comes, the crowd will not stand up together, because every man only thinks for himself and those he loves, and this type of selfish love is only so shallow."
"Even if you do manage to fulfill that naïve and idealistic view of yours, what are you going to do afterward? Political struggle is within everything. People are greedy, and everyone has their own ambitions. If you successfully overcome all your obstacles and establish a government, how can you make it stable and long-lasting? Most likely, your internal political conflict will overwhelm your original beliefs. Former friends will turn into enemies, all just for the position of the high power. Jealousy will gradually overcome one another, and who says there could not be another civil war? And how does that benefit the people? In addition, how can you know that you will not turn into someone you despise? What type of government will you choose? What type of economy will you support? How much freedom should be given to the people? How much order should be established by your new laws? As a nation, how can you promise that your government will be better than the previous one? How will you handle ethnical conflicts? When in doubt, is it right to compromise small promises for the greater good? How can you define the greater good anyway? Have any of you considered anything regarding this future?"
Finishing his monotonic speech, Hei peacefully leans back on the chair. Silence falls upon the room of the assassins. The chilly breeze swiftly conquers the unguarded members of this young team. Cold sweat can be seen on everyone's forehead.
Speechless! Completely speechless!
If Hei is just talking nonsense, then no one would have been stunned. Perhaps Hei is being way too analytical, but his words are, in fact, containing certain merits. What does the revolutionary army have for its future plans? How will it accomplish those goals? Are they really the righteous side of this conflict? Even Najenda can sense the political dirtiness within the high officials.
"I do not know," the single-eyed leader answers with absolute honesty, "what would you do?"
"I do not care."
If it is just simple rudeness, then Najenda would probably be engulfed in anger, but her understanding of this man in front of her greatly increased after his monologue. He is right, as a wanderer, Hei does not care for anything. His skills are definitely enough for his own survival, and it is not his duty to be entangled with some glorious revolutions.
Folding her metal arm in front of her, Najenda is beginning to see where this conversation is going. It seems that Hei has already made his decision, and this would only mean a potential enemy for the revolutionary army.
Disappointment begins to show on the silver-haired woman's face, and she knows that if she cannot convince the Black Reaper to join her side, then she would have to eliminate him.
"I will help."
…
…
…
What?!
That's a joke, right?
Right?!