Rise of Yahunyens: Origin

Episode 8: Define Logic Or Defy Logic

"Oh, it's dawn already," Sivera remarked, his voice tinged with amazement as he noticed a tiny ray of sunlight filtering through the cave entrance. The whole night had passed in conversation with Griswa, the hours slipping away unnoticed in their exchange of stories and ideas. With the realization that morning had arrived, Sivera knew there was no time for sleep.

As they continued their conversation, Griswa's curiosity led him to inquire about the modified armor that Sivera wore. It was a piece of equipment that had become synonymous with Sivera's identity, a symbol of his resilience and resourcefulness. Sivera explained that much of what they possessed, including the armor, was acquired through the heists they conducted in the city of Shiyahval. These daring raids targeted the wealthy Yahunyen families, seizing whatever valuables they could lay their hands on. However, the armor itself was obtained during one of their most audacious endeavors—entering Mackenas Tower, the tallest skyscraper in the world.

Standing at a staggering height of 10,547 feet, the tower loomed over the city of Shiyahval like a colossus. Within its towering walls lay a hub of activity, encompassing business, technology, and political discourse. Sivera recounted how they had navigated through its labyrinthine chambers, uncovering secrets and treasures hidden within. The top floor, shaped like a noble crown, served as a meeting place for ministers and nobles to discuss matters of state. It was here that the elite of Mackenas gathered to deliberate on the economy, among other pressing issues.

At Griswa's prompting, Sivera explained the concept of economy, tailored to their world's reality. "In our world, the economy is like a web spun by the Yahunyens to ensnare and exploit us," he began. "They control everything—how much we work, what we produce, and how much we earn. They hoard wealth and resources for themselves, leaving us with scraps to survive on." He went on to elaborate, describing how the Yahunyens manipulated the economy to maintain their power and privilege. "They keep us enslaved, working tirelessly to line their pockets while we struggle to make ends meet," Sivera explained. "They thrive on our labor and sufferings, growing richer and more powerful with each passing day."

Griswa listened intently, absorbing Sivera's words with keen interest.

Sivera's frustration and disillusionment poured out in a torrent of words, his voice heavy with the weight of centuries of oppression. "And this is how things have been for thousands of years, and that's what I hate," he declared, his tone laced with bitterness. "I feel ashamed of my own country's people bearing oppression for thousands of years, like idiots! In the end, the world didn't change, it was just newly framed, just like an old picture. Changing the frame of a picture doesn't change the picture. First they worked with hammers, now they work with machines, but nothing changes the fact that they are not slaves. Nothing changes the fact that we are still in rule, just like you said, true freedom is when you achieve it and not borrow it, because they are always going to be behind you, like moneylenders."

Griswa, mature beyond his years and filled with a quiet wisdom, listened intently to Sivera's impassioned speech. As Sivera expressed his frustration and disillusionment with the state of their society, Griswa's admiration for him only grew.

"Awesome," Griswa acknowledged simply, his voice carrying a depth of respect and understanding.

Yesdar stirred from his slumber with a series of sleepy yawns. Rubbing his eyes and blinking against the brightness, he shuffled over to where Sivera and Griswa were seated, their voices still engaged in conversation.

"What are you guys doing?" Yesdar mumbled, his voice thick with sleep. "Didn't you sleep at all?"

Sivera chuckled at Yesdar's groggy state, exchanging a knowing glance with Griswa. "We've been having quite the enlightening conversation, my young friend," he replied, gesturing for Yesdar to join them. "Come, sit with us."