The sun enlightened the bustling roads of Grimoir on that particular day. However, there was a single individual who chose to evade the routines of everyday life. Zeyn had decided to take a day off due to personal issues that needed his attention. Leaving his house early in the morning, he decided to go to his workplace. As he approached, Mr. Julius, who was watering the plants, was surprised to see him coming.
"Oh? Why are you here so early in the morning? And why aren't you going to university?"
"I'm just... taking a day off. There's something I need to discuss."
Zeyn handed a letter to Julius, a legacy from Mr. Hendri that was entrusted to him.
"What is it about?" Julius asked. He took the letter and unfolded a piece of paper from inside.
After reading the message left by Mr. Hendri, Julius felt surprised. His eyes widened slightly, but he made an effort to maintain a calm expression. After carefully reading the message, he closed his eyes and let out a heavy sigh. Then, he walked towards Mr. Hendri's desk, where the books and laptop he usually used for writing novels were still there and had been left untouched since yesterday.
"What's wrong?" Zeyn asked, confused.
Julius gently stroked the object with his hand, then sighed heavily once again.
"It's nothing. Come here, have a seat."
Zeyn sat in front of Julius, his eyes filled with sadness and confusion. He was about to explain his problem, but he tried his best to avoid directly mentioning his friend's life that was being threatened by his sister. Besides, who else could he talk to other than his foster father?
He took a deep breath and began to speak, carefully choosing his words.
"What is humanism? How are moral values implemented and defined?
Julius calmly furrowed his brow, as if he was used to this young man asking him philosophical questions. Typically, Zeyn would inquire about such matters when he was facing problems.
He took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding.
"Humanism is a perspective on life that emphasizes the significance of human qualities and human pride. Moral values are the basic principles that govern human behavior in daily life. The practice of these values is by applying them in our daily actions," Julius replied calmly.
"Should such values be imposed on everyone, regardless of their beliefs? And what should be done when these values clash with others?"
"When our moral values clash with others, the most important thing is to seek a solution that is fair and appropriate for all parties involved. It's important to engage in open dialogue and respectful discussion, trying to understand different perspectives and finding common ground if possible. Sometimes compromises need to be made, but the goal is to reach a resolution that upholds the core principles of humanism while also respecting the diversity of beliefs and values."
Zeyn nodded, but his expression still showed confusion. It was as if Julius also understood where that question was leading. It would be strange to discuss humanity but have its values questioned, which meant there was a creature other than humans that was causing the problem. Julius felt the need to explain further by giving an example that would be easier to understand.
"The Trolley Problem, for instance. I remember explaining it to you when you were younger."
"Ah, that one."
"You know, it's an ethical dilemma involving a choice between two scenarios, where in both scenarios, someone has to choose between saving life and sacrificing another."
Zeyn certainly remembered it well when Julius discussed that matter. He also recalled his answer, where he chose the scenario to kill one life as long as it meant saving the lives of many others.
"But perhaps the meaning you grasp is different from what it should be. After all, the world you know might be broader, to the extent that not even a single philosophy can comprehend it," Julius replied, sighing. "Will you still choose your old answer, at your current age?"
"I... don't know..."
It can be said that the problem this time is very similar to The Trolley Problem. He had to choose between siding with the physical or the metaphysical. His mind became increasingly dizzy thinking about the wisest step to take. Should he deal with his sisters to save his friend? Or should he let his friend be the sacrificers just because that's how the system works in the astral world? The answer he should take now only adds to the dilemma in his heart. Lost in thought, Zeyn continues to be confused about which way to go.
With a casual demeanor, Julius burst into laughter, especially after seeing Zeyn's serious expression while deep in thought.
"What's so funny?!"
"Let me tell you one thing. That is, there is no right or wrong answer in the Trolley Problem."
"Huh?! What do you mean?"
"The Trolley Problem... is merely a paradoxical question to subjectively assess someone's morality. There are many factors that can influence one's perspective and the ethical solutions chosen in that situation."
Zeyn fell silent again, trying to digest the meaning of the explanation given. Logically speaking, there was some truth to it. In his current position, whatever choice he made would come with risks. Saving his friend would declare hostility with the forest entities of Vasukih. Following his sister's orders would be like wasting someone's life.
"There are no absolute moral values; it all comes back to each person's perspective," Julius added.
He felt a sense of realization that decisions should be made based on individual perspectives rather than relying on perceived absolute moral values. Mr. Hendri had also said the same thing, but he was still caught in a dilemma.
"What if I understand both of those moral values? Does that mean I should randomly choose between them?"
"Each person has a different perspective on a problem. What's important is to understand the impact of each decision made and be ready to take responsibility for its consequences."
"Taking responsibility... consequences..."
"The most important thing is to try your best. A man must be responsible for any action he takes. Making everything okay is just being selfish and it is definitely impossible."
Proudly, Julius patted his shoulder, as if he believed that Zeyn would surely find his own answer.
"Whatever happens, don't forget to be yourself. I believe you can overcome it."
"But..."
"I've told you before, it goes back to each person's perspective. If you believe that your decision is based on your own moral values and reasoning, then you are not wrong. Nothing is completely wrong in this world, just as nothing is completely right," Julius explained.
Julius believed that at his current age, it might be time to not restrict Zeyn too much. He said he would trust Zeyn, trusting that he would use his powers wisely. He believed that his teachings throughout their journey together had grown in the young man, and would bear good fruit.
"Where will your steps lead you after this?" Julius asked.
Honestly, Zeyn had a plan, especially after his conversation with Julius. He already knew what he had to do and felt prepared to face the challenges that awaited him. This profound conversation further broadened his perspective.
"If you're idle, there's a job in the corner," Julius pointed towards the table near the printer, where there was another laptop that needed to be serviced.
"Actually, I was going to the convenience store to buy vitamin C tablets. But I feel lazy, so I'll just do it tomorrow."
"How about it? If you agree, I'll really put up a 'PC Repair Service' banner out front. It can be a decent side income for you."
"No, I still... don't have confidence in my own abilities," Zeyn replied. "All of this is just a hobby. I'm afraid of getting repair orders that are too complex for me."
He remained focused and examined the laptop carefully. He grew increasingly curious about the expensive laptop he was holding. He couldn't fathom who would bring such a high-quality electronic device to a place as ordinary as his workplace. After inspecting it for a while, He discovered that there was a hardware issue with the laptop.
"Who's the customer who brought this thing?"
"Huh? It's rare for you to be curious. Usually, you don't care."
"Well, because this is a flagship product."
Judging from its premium appearance and innovative features that no other laptop possessed, everything was just a foldable screen, even the keyboard was touchscreen. Julius chose to entrust all of this to his adopted son. Besides, he didn't quite understand technology. He knew Zeyn had talent, but he had often declined to open a computer repair service.
"Can the item be ready by tomorrow?"
"Huh? Um... I'm not sure. I have to check again to see if any parts need to be replaced or if it's just a minor error. Why do you ask?"
"The laptop was brought here by two female students. She wants her computer to be repaired as soon as possible because there are important documents inside. She seemed to be one of your friends. Plus, she was wearing a Grimhour University suit."
"Sigh~ Not everyone at the campus is considered my friend, you know!"
"By the way, they are quite attractive, you know. They seem to be around your age."
"Yeah yeah... just as you say, Dad."
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