The sun hung low over the land, casting long shadows across Fallen kingdom
The crowd continued to grow, with villagers standing in a loose circle around Mira and Elias.
The mood was heavy, hope, fear and uncertainty all mixed together as they prepared to hear what the day would bring.
Before the Lector spoke, everyone had to recognize the weight of the world.
After the Great Reckoning, the nations crumbled, rulers perished and the former dominant Eldorath Kingdom lost its status as a nation, left in ruins.
For one thousand years, Eldorath exercised dominion across the world through a combination of divine authority and military might and intelligent diplomacy. The influence of Eldorath extended to the hidden Dwarf Kingdoms in the tall mountains and the deep forested territories of the Elf Kingdoms.
No realm survived as a dominant force in the world following Eldorath's collapse. People formed new groups to survive and gain power after the world lost its leadership structure.
Law ceased to exist as a result, and the general population began to engage in kidnappings, looting and cruelty because those seeking power had no law to uphold.
Unity Grove managed to exist as a weak symbol of hope during the devastating state of the world. At the center of the grove Mira stood to address the audience with burning passion in her voice.
A crimson glow shined her red hair in the fading light of day.
She declared to the crowd, "We can create something new!" "We don't need rulers or kings to guide us!
People have the ability to decide their own choices by using direct democracy and cooperation. Real freedom operates independently of any need for royal authority."
A few villagers shared her view but Elias among others displayed doubt. As a former king's guard captain Elias kept his arms folded across his chest and maintained a stern expression.
Mira, what protection measures do you plan to put in place?
Without laws or structure, what stops chaos from completely engulfing our world?
How do we defend ourselves?"
Mira stood firm in front of the group while understanding the weight of her words.
Self-defense requires people to join together as a single unit. Through unity instead of authority we protect ourselves.
At that instant, someone from the audience began to speak.
A person emerged from the rear of the gathering and Arthur introduced himself as a young man with blue hair while exuding an aura of peaceful charisma.
Everyone recognized his ability to deliver well-crafted speeches and think clearly. As he approached, everyone in the crowd turned their attention toward him since they wanted to hear what he would say next.
The deep voice carried a quieting presence that brought the surrounding murmurs to silence.
Mira, I must say, your ideas are quite intriguing. I want to live in a world free from kings and rulers along with everyone else. Yet, are you completely certain this method can succeed in reality?"
His gaze moved across the audience members. In theory, liberal democracy seems amazing. People have inherent imperfections.
We have all seen the result of anarchy. Kidnapping, violence and disorder. Your vision holds sufficient strength to handle the darker aspects of human nature?"
Mira tightened her jaw . Fear cannot take control of our future, Arthur.
We have seen firsthand how fear and oppression lead to negative outcomes. You are presenting an opportunity for people to transcend their previous experience.
Arthur nodded thoughtfully. "I don't disagree with your dreams. Although I've noticed the holes in this idea. Can power-hungry individuals still emerge in this new system?
It's bound to happen. Everyone will eventually attempt to take control even when equality seems achievable. The audience grew silent because of the heavy impact of Arthur's words. Mira along with her supporters displayed apprehension as she hesitated briefly before responding.
At that moment, the Lector appears from his observation. Their clothes combined simplicity with an air of mystery which gained complete attention from the audience. They moved to the middle of the gathering and positioned himself between Mira and Arthur while maintaining an unreadable expression on their face.
The Lector initiated their speech by sharing a dream that still resonated within their heart.
A dream of a world where no ruler would ever reign again. No king, no divine right.
People alone should have the freedom to exist without the oppression of authority.
The crowd leaned in, fascinated by the Lector's presence. In the present moment, the Lector asked, "Can such a world ever really exist?"
The absence of rulers and power-holders means we can achieve peace in our world. We humans, although we strive for good, carry darkness within us.
We possess pure intentions yet we become evil according to another person's perspective.
Our nature displays the ultimate misfortune.
A ripple of unease spread through the crowd. Elias furrowed his eyebrow, unsure of where the Lector was leading. Even Mira's confident expression began to fade.
Mira, I understand your dreams about freedom and equality, the Lector said as he addressed her.
Your vision for democracy based on equal voices leading themselves reaches my ears. But I have crossed through the deepest parts of human nature.
I have witnessed that every attempt to behave nobly ends with someone who seeks dominance. Someone will always emerge to declare themselves ruler through power or by using their charm and cleverness.
Mira took a step forward as her voice quivered. "Then why, Lector?
Why did you help tear down the throne if you believe this chaos was inevitable?"
Elias joined her. You brought this upon us.
The system you demolished left us with absolute devastation.
Why?" The Lector looked at both Mira and Elias while keeping their expression both calm and sorrowful.
"Because the old world was a prison.
A prison built on the illusion of morality.
The kings of Eldorath claimed divine authority to determine what was right and wrong through which they maintained their rule.
But tell me—who decides what is good? Who decides what is evil? Is it not all subjective?"
Everyone in the audience remained motionless as they paid attention to every word the Lector spoke (due to their mix of fear and curiosity).
The world contains many individuals who maintain their belief about being right.
Rulers, kings and dictators all think their way is the only way.
However, what if justice doesn't really exist? According to your theory, the concepts of good and evil are only ideas we maintain because we fear the unknown.
True liberation emerges when we break free from believing in illusions instead of searching for a new ruler. To exist without kings and rulers we must learn to eliminate the concepts of good and evil.
She asked in a nearly silent voice, "So, can we actually live like this?"
Can we exist without guidance or moral frameworks since we lack understanding of what is right and wrong?"
The Lector offered a faint sad smile. "That is the challenge, isn't it?
To coexist in a rulerless society people need to learn how to survive without such leaders.
This will be tough. It will be chaotic. The true development of humanity becomes possible only through such disorder. Real liberty emerges from the process of fighting against it. The audience remained motionless while listening to the Lector's profound words.
The weight of transcending conventional ideas about good and evil along with rejecting leadership felt oppressive in that moment.
Mira along with Elias stood motionless while considering the Lector's words. Mira finally spoke up after an extended period of silence with a soft yet resolute voice. "I still believe we can find a way."
Arthur walked forward with contemplation in his eyes. According to him the path to peace requires understanding the true wants of life instead of choosing between rulership and leadershiplessness.
The stars in the night sky illuminated the fate of Unity Grove (and possibly the entire world) as the discussion unraveled.