Ch6- Education
Over the next few weeks, Koshiro taught them the history of Meteor City, its customs and traditions, and the importance of unity among its people. He trained them in various combat techniques, focusing on their individual strengths and weaknesses.
One evening, as they sat together around a small fire, Koshiro decided it was time to delve deeper into the harsh reality of their world. He gazed at the young faces before him, each one filled with anticipation and resolve.
"Haruto, Feitan, Phinks, Canary," Koshiro began, his voice steady and solemn, "it is time for you to understand what Meteor City truly is and how the other countries treat us."
Haruto leaned forward, his purple eyes narrowed with interest. "Tell us, Koshiro. What is it that we need to know?"
Koshiro took a deep breath, his gray eyes clouded with sorrow. "Meteor City is a place of outcasts, the unwanted, the forgotten. We are a city that the rest of the world has deemed unworthy of their care and attention. They throw their trash and their waste upon us, believing that we are no better than the refuse they discard."
Feitan clenched his fists, a fire burning in his eyes. "What gives them the right to treat us like garbage? We are just as human as they are!"
Koshiro nodded gravely. "You're right, Feitan. We are human beings, deserving of respect and dignity. But the world refuses to see us that way. They fear us, our power, and our potential. They would rather see us suffer and die than acknowledge our worth."
Phinks, his arms crossed, frowned. "And why should we care what they think? We know our own worth. We don't need their approval."
Koshiro sighed, looking at the young faces before him. "You may be right, Phinks. But if we are to change the fate of Meteor City and forge a new path for our people, we must first understand the world's perspective."
Canary, her small body trembling, spoke up. "Big brother Haruto will change everything. He will show the world that we deserve better."
Haruto's eyes flashed with determination. "You're right, Canary. I will become the king of Meteor City, and I will lead our people to a brighter future."
Koshiro nodded, a hint of a smile on his face. "I believe you can, Haruto. But it will not be an easy path. The world will fight against you every step of the way. Are you prepared for that?"
Haruto's expression was fierce, his voice filled with the authority of a king. "I will not back down, no matter the challenge. I was born to rule, and I will not let anyone stand in my way."
Koshiro's eyes shone with pride. "Very well. Then we will begin by learning about the different countries and their beliefs. We must understand our enemies before we can hope to change their minds."
Feitan scoffed, his eyes narrowed in contempt. "I don't care about their beliefs. They are all hypocrites, preaching peace and justice while they treat us like dirt."
Koshiro regarded Feitan with a calm expression. "Feitan, it is not enough to simply condemn our enemies. We must learn their ways, their strengths, and their weaknesses. Only then can we hope to change their hearts and minds."
Feitan snorted but fell silent, his anger simmering beneath the surface.
Koshiro took a moment to gather his thoughts, then began to explain the world's most powerful organizations and countries to the young group.
"First, we have the V5, a political alliance of the five most powerful and influential countries in the world: the United States of Saherta, the Republic of East Gorteau, the Hui Guo Rou Empire, the Kakin Empire, and the Federation of Ochima. These countries work together to maintain global stability, but they also have their own agendas and often act in their own self-interests."
Haruto raised an eyebrow, his voice filled with disdain. "And how does their self-interest relate to Meteor City?"
Koshiro sighed, his eyes filled with sadness. "They fear us, Haruto. Our strength, our resilience, and our independence are threats to their authority. They would rather see us suffer than acknowledge us as equals."
Feitan's eyes narrowed, his anger barely contained. "Then let them fear us. We don't need their recognition. We will carve our own path, with or without their approval."
Koshiro nodded, acknowledging Feitan's fierce determination. "Yes, we will. But we must also be strategic in our approach. We cannot simply lash out at the world and expect to be victorious. We must learn about their weaknesses and exploit them."
Phinks, his arms still crossed, asked, "What other organizations should we be aware of?"
Koshiro thought for a moment before continuing. "There is the Hunter Association, an organization made up of skilled individuals known as Hunters. They carry out various tasks and missions, often for the benefit of humanity. However, their allegiance is not always clear, and they have their own internal struggles."
Canary, her eyes wide with curiosity, inquired, "Are there any organizations that might help us in our quest?"
Koshiro shook his head. "It is unlikely. Most organizations are focused on their own objectives and will not involve themselves in the affairs of others, especially not in the affairs of Meteor City."
Haruto's eyes flashed with determination. "Then we will forge our own alliances, create our own network of support. We will not bow to the whims of others."
Koshiro smiled, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "That is the spirit of a true king, Haruto. But remember, we must be wise in our approach. We cannot afford to make enemies without reason."
Feitan, his face still twisted with anger, spoke up. "I don't care about making enemies. They should fear us, just as they fear their own shadows."
Koshiro sighed, his voice firm but gentle. "Feitan, we must walk a fine line between asserting our power and maintaining a level of diplomacy. We cannot hope to change the world if we are constantly at war with it."
Feitan grumbled but said nothing more, his eyes filled with a mix of frustration and understanding.
Haruto's gaze met Koshiro's, his voice filled with conviction. "Tell us more about these V5 countries. How do they maintain their power?"
Koshiro, sensing the determination in Haruto's voice, began to provide more information about the V5 countries. "Very well. The United States of Saherta is a democratic nation that holds significant influence through its military and economic power. They have a strong presence in international organizations and often use their influence to shape global policy."
Feitan scoffed. "Their military might doesn't scare us. We can take them on."
Koshiro continued, ignoring Feitan's outburst. "The Republic of East Gorteau is an authoritarian state with a powerful military and a highly centralized government. They are often at odds with the United States of Saherta, but they share the same goal of maintaining global stability."
Phinks interjected, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, how noble of them."
Koshiro moved on to the next country. "The Hui Guo Rou Empire is a monarchy, known for its wealth and cultural influence. They are masters of diplomacy and intrigue, often manipulating others to achieve their goals."
Haruto's eyes narrowed, a flicker of interest in his gaze. "Their tactics could be useful for us to learn from."
"The Kakin Empire," Koshiro continued, "is a rapidly expanding nation with a focus on economic growth and military prowess. They are ambitious and have been known to undermine their rivals in order to achieve their goals."
Canary chimed in, a hint of worry in her voice. "That sounds dangerous. We should be cautious around them."
Finally, Koshiro spoke of the last member of the V5. "The Federation of Ochima is a technologically advanced nation that holds significant sway in global affairs. They pride themselves on their innovation and often use it to maintain their position of power."
Haruto's eyes gleamed with ambition. "That's enough about the V5. What other organizations should we be aware of?"