The Revolution (Phase I): Dawn of the Endgame

[1]

SOME PEOPLE BELIEVE that concepts of morality play a huge part in how people view life and how they prevent them from advancing to their greatest potential. For this reason, they believe that for men to achieve their greatest potential, they must go beyond what is already thought of to be truth, beyond what is good and evil, beyond a norm morality—a morality built on the product of generations of established cultural beliefs, spiritual or not.

Magnus.

As history told men, abandoning concepts of morality results in anarchy and chaos, but to some, abandoning it, not for the sake of one's own interest, but of the many, will not only subdue chaos or anarchy but will steer them where one wants them to go.

Magnus.

Many forced their own concept of morality, of what should be and should not be, resulting in wars and chaos, and more chaos. Some were loyal to the ideology they fought for, some did it for fame, power, and glory. But does the concept of morality, of good and evil, really contribute to the betterment of society as a whole, or was it merely an established order to further advance the interest of a minority?

"Mr. Salazar."

Magnus Salazar took himself away from his inner conscious state, opened his eyes and stared at the professor in front. For a moment, both stared at each other and knew after a minute, that they were trying to determine each other's thoughts. "Are you okay?" he asked, hesitating. Suddenly the professor's face returned to ordinary, like every thought about his student was then wiped out of his mind.

Magnus nodded slowly.

The professor doubted it but sighed. His attention went back to the entire class. "Before I dismiss you . . . it's hard for me to say this, but. . . ang ilan sa inyo dito eh . . . failed this semester." The class reacted with a deep inarticulate sound in response to despair, except for Magnus Salazar, who knew exactly how his grades would turn out.

"Class," the professor continued, "you're still in your sophomore year. Anong nangyayari? Ginawa ko naman ng maayos ang pagtuturo sa inyo." His voice sounded sincere and empathizing, but something about the tone of his voice caused Magnus to doubt his words. When no one replied or asked any questions, as if they'd accepted everything, the professor sighed.

"There were some professors who make adjustments to students' grades, but I don't. Some might say I'm a bit cruel when it comes to your grades. But I've been there, class. Believe me. And you need to understand that experience is more tangible than books alone. The outside world is a lot harsher than you think it is. Stories from books can be visualized but will never be real. And it's my duty as an educator not just to tell you what the world is, but how it would feel like. So, please class, okay? Forgive me, pero para rin sa inyo ito, okay?"

"Yes, sir." The responses were dead. Some were silent, probably thinking how they'd tell their parents how they failed a subject that would probably drag their college life. Many start leaving the room, but when it's Magnus' turn, the professor catches up with him.

"You seem preoccupied," the professor said, closer to him than before. His features were beautiful, from his face to his build. Many of the girls loved him for that, although there's also his charming nature that contributes to it. But despite it, Magnus heard of stories about this man. Like the most clichés of the clichés, a book shouldn't be judged by its cover.

"What do you mean, sir?" Magnus asked, not expressing anything to his face.

Professor Diaz shrugged. He said: "Alam ko namang ganito ka na dati. Tahimik." He waved a gesture to him. "I don't know . . . you just seemed more drained today than usual." He paused. "You're a bright guy, Magnus. You have that sort of uniqueness in you. But even wise men are vulnerable to desolation."