Utopian System

"What? What?" Kriz pressed. "The suspense is killing me! What aren't you telling us?"

It was Varick who responded. "Our founder, the father of the families," he said, his voice low. "My great-grandfather Fathoran."

A silence fell over the room. Everyone had heard stories about the patriarch, the only man who lived past 50 years, who had known the Creator, who had lived as long as the city itself.

"He never intervenes," Lucien continued, "If he did, everything could change. His power... it's something that even I can't fully comprehend. But I doubt he'll leave the harem, he's never done it in my almost 40 years..."

"But we don't know for certain," Ren finished, his voice laden with understanding.

"And if the elders defeated Selene and Raelar, if they try to stop us?" Micah asked.

"By the time they arrive, it'll be too late," Lucien replied. "Once the truth is out, they won't be able to contain it."

Elio stepped forward. "We have the truth on our side," he said. "The Book of Genesis..."

"Truth is powerful," Lucien nodded. "But also dangerous. It will change everything we know. Not everyone will be ready to accept it."

He approached the window, looking towards the wall where soldiers were beginning to gather. "What we do now," he said, "will determine the future of our city. Of our world."

He looked at each of the young people, seeing fear, determination, and above all, hope in their eyes.

"It won't be easy," he continued. "We're challenging a century of tradition and secrets. But I believe... I believe it's the right thing to do."

One by one, they nodded. Even Varick, after a moment of hesitation, stepped forward. "I'm with you, uncle," he said. "It's time for a change."

Lucien felt a surge of pride, mixed with a pang of sadness as he thought of his other relatives. But as he looked at Elio and the others, he knew there was no turning back.

"Alright," Lucien said, feeling a mixture of pride and fear at what they were about to do. "Then let's go. It's time for the city to know the truth."

As they prepared to leave, Lucien couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness. He thought of Selene, Raelar, all the members of his family he had grown up with. How many would survive today? How many would side with him?

But as he looked at Elio and the others, he knew he couldn't turn back. The city's future depended on their actions now. He couldn't put a few above the majority, no matter how much it hurt.

♢♢♢♢

"So, what's the first step?" Ren asked.

Lucien headed towards the door. "We're going to the parapet. Ivan should have gathered the soldiers by now. It's time to change the course of our history."

As they left the office, Elio felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. They were about to alter the fate of the entire city, to challenge the established order.

Elio's small salamander peeked out from his clothes.

"You know," Elio said, more to himself than to the salamander, "if we get through this, I'm going to have to give you a name. I can't keep calling you 'little one' or 'buddy' all the time."

The salamander looked at Elio and made a small sound that almost seemed like a chirp.

"You like that? Alright, then it's a deal," said Elio. The salamander pressed its head against Elio's neck in what appeared to be a gesture of affection.

As they advanced through the corridors towards the parapet, he also felt a growing hope.

♢♢♢♢

When they reached the parapet, hundreds of soldiers had gathered before them, their faces filled with confusion and curiosity. The murmur of conversations died down when they saw Lucien and his group approach.

Ivan, the old soldier, stood at attention, his face showing concern as he nodded to Lucien. "They're all I could get this fast, more should be coming as the notice spreads, sir," he reported.

Lucien stepped forward, his presence commanding everyone's attention. "Soldiers of Mana," he began, his voice resonating in the silence. "I've gathered you here because the time has come for you to know the truth. A truth that has been hidden from you for generations."

A murmur of surprise ran through the crowd. Lucien raised a hand to silence them.

"Our city, our home, is in danger," he continued. "Not from the monsters that lurk beyond our walls, but from a threat we've carried within all this time."

Elio observed how the soldiers' faces went from confusion to fear, and then to determination as Lucien revealed the truth about the population limit.

♢♢♢♢

"But we're not defenseless," Lucien declared. "We have a chance, an opportunity to change our destiny. It won't be easy, and many of us might not survive. But if we do nothing, we'll have..."

Lucien was continuing his speech when an overwhelming presence made itself felt on the parapet.

Figures emerged from the stairs that made even the most veteran soldiers step back.

Fathoran, the patriarch of the families, advanced with deliberate steps, his body emanating an aura of unimaginable power. On his head, undisturbed by the chaos surrounding him, rested a small white rabbit with red eyes.

Behind him, the other Summoners followed, their faces a mixture of fear and respect. Lucien felt his heart stop for a moment. Never, in all his years, had he seen Fathoran leave his chambers or the harem.

Suddenly, from behind Fathoran, Selene's voice rang out. "Lucien, watch out! He's here for you!"

Raelar's voice joined hers. "Don't let him touch Elio! He's…"

But their warnings were cut short as Fathoran raised his hand, covering their mouths with a mere gesture.

"Grandfather," Lucien began, his voice trembling despite his efforts to maintain composure. "What are you doing her…"

But Fathoran raised a hand, instantly silencing him. His eyes, sure and penetrating, scanned the crowd of soldiers before fixing on Lucien.

"What am I doing?" Fathoran's voice resonated with a power that made the wall itself tremble. "I come to hear from your mouth why you have brought our family to the brink of destruction. But I find you sowing the seeds of rebellion among those who should serve us."

Before Lucien could respond, Fathoran made a gesture with his hand. In an instant, Lucien found himself trapped in a prison of pure carbon, unable to move or speak.

The soldiers stepped back, fear evident on their faces. They had never witnessed such a display of power.