The day, the place, and the situation remained unchanged. Yet, the silence that enveloped the back courtyard of Garuda High felt strange, as if something unusual lingered in the air. After the cheers of the Brotherhood members subsided and they dispersed, the atmosphere grew much calmer. They returned to their routines after learning that Eko was now officially part of the group, by direct order of Ray, their new leader.
But the stillness didn't last long. From the small food stall at the edge of the courtyard, a middle-aged woman emerged. She wore a faint smile as she carried a glass of iced sweet tea, freshly prepared. Her long hair was tied neatly, giving her an unassuming, modest appearance. Her outfit was plain, typical of a stallkeeper. But what set her apart was her aura—firm, sharp, and unyielding.
Her name was Aunt Margi.
Her name had long been known among Garuda High students—not just as the owner of the simple stall that provided affordable meals but also as a figure who could stand up to the school's harsh environment. Amid the chaos of gang-driven violence, Aunt Margi had earned respect. She didn't hesitate to scold anyone who dared cause trouble near her stall, even if they were gang leaders. Her resolute demeanor served as her shield, allowing her to endure even in a rough city like J-Town.
Aunt Margi approached their table, her eyes landing on Eko. She placed the glass of iced tea in front of him, smiling slightly. "Here's your order," she said in a firm yet friendly voice.
Eko was startled. "Huh? But I… I didn't order anything, Ma'am," he stammered nervously.
Aunt Margi let out a long sigh, folding her arms across her chest. "Do you think I don't know? One look at your face, and it's clear you need something refreshing. Consider it a treat."
Eko lowered his head, unsure how to respond. Rony chuckled softly, while Ray studied the woman with growing curiosity.
"A new kid?" Aunt Margi asked, directing her gaze at Ray.
Ray nodded politely. "Just a few days."
"And already their leader? You've risen quickly," Aunt Margi remarked, her sharp gaze unwavering. "Listen, Ray. As long as you're here, remember one rule: no trouble near my stall. If you break it, don't expect to come back. Got it?"
Ray nodded firmly, without hesitation. "Understood, Ma'am! I promise there won't be any problems."
Aunt Margi didn't smile. She stared at him a moment longer, as if to ensure Ray truly meant his words. Instead of returning to her stall, she remained standing there, arms crossed, her watchful gaze sweeping the courtyard. Her presence seemed to impose a sense of order, as even the remaining Brotherhood members avoided causing any commotion.
Ray observed her with deep curiosity. There was something about her—an unshakable calm, a deeply rooted courage, as if the harshness of the world had never been able to touch her.
Rony, however, remained silent, intentionally refraining from explaining who she really was. Aunt Margi was a mystery that Ray would have to unravel in time. For now, he simply acknowledged her as the sole authority capable of managing the chaos of Garuda High.
The middle-aged woman pulled up a chair and sat across from Ray, Rony, and Eko. A warm smile crossed her face, contrasting with the stern aura she had projected earlier.
"This iced tea is for you," Aunt Margi said to Eko, her voice firm but friendly. "A little gift. A celebration for the new member of Brotherhood and a friend of the leader."
Ray, reclining casually with his legs crossed, broke into a wide grin at her words. He turned to Eko and patted his shoulder proudly. "You hear that, Eko? This is a big honor for you. Even Aunt Margi acknowledges your status now."
Rony chuckled softly, while Eko, clutching the glass of iced tea with trembling hands, looked even more confused. It was hard to believe that just hours ago, his face had been bruised, and now he was being welcomed as if he were an important part of this circle.
"Hey, why are you just standing there, Eko?" Aunt Margi asked, her gaze filled with curiosity. "Don't tell me you're afraid of sweet tea too?"
"Oh… no, Ma'am. I just… well… I'm confused," Eko stammered, glancing back and forth between Ray and Rony as if searching for answers on their faces.
Ray laughed. "Relax, Eko. Today might feel strange to you, but think of this as the first step on a new journey. Brotherhood welcomes you—complete with iced tea from Aunt Margi. That's something rare."
Eko tried to smile, though his feelings remained mixed. To him, this all felt like a surreal dream. Garuda High was so different from what he had imagined before. And now, with Ray by his side, this violent, threatening place seemed to offer an oddly warm reception. The iced tea in his hand felt like an absurd symbol of kindness amid the chaos of a world ruled by delinquents.
Eko sipped his drink slowly, and for the first time that day, he felt a small sense of comfort, though it was still hard to fully believe everything that had just happened.
Aunt Margi smiled warmly, folding her hands on the small table in front of her. Her voice was gentle but carried authority as she said, "My name is Margiyanti, but you can call me Aunt Margi, like everyone else here does." She nodded toward Ray and Eko, while Rony leaned back in his seat, appearing relaxed but observing the interaction closely.
Ray nodded respectfully, introducing himself briefly in return. Eko, however, only gave a slight bow, still confused by the situation.
Aunt Margi continued, "This stall isn't just a place to sell food. Many come here to talk, sometimes for advice, or simply to find a safe space—like Rony and the other Brotherhood members, who've become regulars. And I know… this place might not seem special, but its history, oh, that's a long one."
Rony interjected with a teasing tone, "That means, don't even think about causing trouble here. I remember a third-year almost getting a bottle thrown at him for bothering Aunt Margi."
Aunt Margi let out a faint smile, almost as if she were affirming the story. "I'm not someone important," she said softly, "but I know this city well. Long before you were even born, I watched J-Town change. There's been good, and there's been bad. And at Garuda High… well, you'll see it all."
Ray listened intently, sensing there was something different about Aunt Margi. She appeared ordinary, but the way she spoke, the sharpness in her gaze, and her ability to command the atmosphere made Ray feel like he was speaking to someone far more significant than just a stallkeeper.
Eko, still bewildered, searched for words, while Rony simply lifted his coffee cup with a faint smile.
Aunt Margi turned to Ray, her gaze sharp but not intimidating. "You're the new leader, right? Take good care of those kids," she said, referring to Brotherhood. "And if you ever need anything… I might be able to help. But remember, I'm not part of your games. I'm just an observer."
Ray nodded slowly, realizing there was so much more he needed to learn about Garuda High—and about the woman now sitting across from him.
Aunt Margi, now sitting comfortably at the table, explained why she had joined their conversation. Pointing at the iced tea she had given to Eko, she said lightly but with meaning, "The reason I came out earlier wasn't just to bring this. I was curious about your conversation—especially you, Ray." Her gaze shifted directly to Ray, who raised an eyebrow in interest.
She continued, "Over the years of running this stall, being so close to Garuda High—a school infamous for its toughness—I've seen generations of kids like you. But one thing I've never seen is a gang leader befriending someone like him…" She gestured toward Eko, who froze and glanced nervously at her.
Eko looked startled, unsure of how to respond. Ray, however, remained calm, his gaze fixed on Aunt Margi without saying a word. A faint smile began to form on his face, but he let her continue.
"Honestly, Ray. From generation to generation, no gang leader at Garuda High—or even outside of it—has ever chosen to befriend someone like Eko," Aunt Margi said, her tone now more serious. "Most of them only care about strength, loyalty, or pride. But you're different, and that's very intriguing to me."
Rony grinned broadly, unsurprised by Aunt Margi's observation. To him, it was something he had always known. Since middle school, Ray had always been that way—simple, without arrogance or pretension. Titles or power never changed him. If Ray thought someone was worth being his friend, he made them his friend, focusing solely on honesty and character.
Finally, Ray spoke. Turning to Eko, he said casually, "Honestly, I don't care what people think about who I choose as my friend. If I think someone's cool, honest, and has guts, that's good enough for me." He patted Eko's shoulder gently, causing the boy to blush.
Aunt Margi nodded slowly, her smile returning. "Well then, maybe Garuda High finally has a generation that's more than just about fighting for power. I hope you can bring change, Ray."
Ray gave a faint smile at her words. But deep down, he felt a heavier burden beginning to form—not just for himself, but for the legacy he might leave at Garuda High.
Aunt Margi reminisced about the days when J-Town was at its peak. Back then, Garuda High was a school of pride—not just in the city but also at the provincial level. Trophies and medals from various competitions lined the school's trophy room. Strict discipline, dedicated teachers, and ambitious students were the pillars of its success. But one thing had never changed: students like Eko—timid and often bullied—were always marginalized. Nobody wanted to befriend them, especially in the harsh social hierarchy of school life.
Now, with Garuda High having turned into a hub for delinquents, such friendships seemed even more impossible. Yet today, Aunt Margi witnessed something truly different. She watched Ray—a figure who had just made a simple yet profound gesture. He chose to make Eko, a boy who was clearly a nobody in the eyes of others, his friend. It wasn't just a spur-of-the-moment decision; it reflected Ray's character as a great leader.
Aunt Margi looked at Ray with admiration in her eyes. Deep down, she acknowledged that she had never seen anyone like him in her years running the stall. In Ray, she saw the essence of a true leader—someone who didn't just care for the strong and powerful but also for the weak. Someone who could bring positive change. A leader who saw value in everyone equally.
Eko sipped his drink slowly, and for the first time since that morning, he felt a slight sense of comfort, though he still struggled to fully grasp the impact of what had just happened to him.
Ray remained silent, while Eko looked confused, as though he still couldn't comprehend the weight of the situation. On the other hand, Rony simply smiled. To him, none of this was surprising. He had known Ray long before Aunt Margi had seen the greatness in his friend.
Rony's thoughts drifted back to their middle school days. He vividly remembered meeting Ray for the first time in a fierce one-on-one fight. Rony still recalled how Ray defeated him without leaving him battered—just enough to show who was stronger. But what stuck with Rony most wasn't the defeat; it was how Ray had extended his hand after the fight, offering friendship instead of animosity. From that day on, they became partners, fighting against bullying—not only at school but also in the narrow streets and alleys where they played. Often, they would stumble upon acts of bullying in their small town, and without hesitation, they worked together to stop the perpetrators. It was something most middle school kids—especially those with a reputation for being troublemakers—would never think of doing.
Ray has never changed, Rony thought. Even now, in a world that feels harsher and more violent, Ray still shows his wisdom. He has never looked down on anyone, not even those considered powerless.
Ray's demeanor impressed Aunt Margi even more. She sensed that behind the seemingly ordinary young man was a steadfastness and honesty rarely seen in a place like Garuda High. With growing curiosity and respect, Aunt Margi decided to share more with them.
With a slightly more serious tone, she began speaking about J-Town—a world far larger and more menacing than just the Garuda High environment.
"This city isn't what you think it is," Aunt Margi said in a deep voice, looking at each of them in turn. "Garuda High is just a small piece of a much larger web of power outside."
Ray, Rony, and Eko listened intently, unwilling to miss a single word from the middle-aged woman. Eko, still reeling from everything, felt his world expanding with each explanation. Ray and Rony, who knew a little about J-Town, realized that what they knew was shallow compared to what Aunt Margi was about to reveal.
Aunt Margi continued, "This city isn't just about gangs or schools. It's about a system that's been in place for a long time—a system of rivalry, of who dares to challenge the status quo. There are powerful players behind the scenes, and you'll never truly know who controls J-Town until you step into their world."
Ray and Rony exchanged glances, while Eko lowered his head, trying to process every word. They knew that what Aunt Margi was saying wasn't something to be taken lightly. It was a world full of danger and challenges, and they had just stepped deeper into it.
Aunt Margi looked at them seriously, as if ensuring they understood the weight of her words. "You've entered a much bigger game," she continued, "and remember, there are no permanent friends or enemies here. There are only those who survive and those who fall."
The atmosphere grew heavier, and while Eko's face still showed confusion, something in Aunt Margi's words began to awaken him to the reality of the world he had just stepped into.
Ray nodded slowly, meeting Aunt Margi's gaze with full attention. He understood this was only the beginning of a long journey filled with secrets and battles. Yet, something within him felt more ready to face it, in ways he hadn't imagined before.
Aunt Margi, seeing their mixed expressions, decided to pose a question to ground her explanation. "Do you know what the Reform Era is? Or better known as the post-New Order period?" she asked, her voice heavy yet patient.
Rony and Eko exchanged uncertain glances. They knew a little about that part of history, but their knowledge was limited, and they didn't feel equipped to answer. But Ray, unlike them, didn't hesitate.
"I've heard about it from my grandmother," Ray began confidently, recalling a conversation during a family dinner. "She said the Reform Era was one of the darkest times in this country, happening in 1998. It was when the country was in turmoil, and massive changes occurred after the New Order ended. Everything was uncertain. It was a very difficult period of transition."
Aunt Margi fixed her sharp gaze on Ray, as if encouraging him to elaborate further. "That's all?" she asked in a heavier tone, giving Ray the sole opportunity to respond.
Ray nodded slowly, a hint of hesitation in his posture but maintaining his calm. Aunt Margi didn't speak immediately, instead surveying the surroundings as if drawing in the gravity of what she was about to say. The silence that had filled the space was now replaced by the flow of knowledge from her lips. She began explaining the details of the Reform Era that had transformed so much, particularly for J-Town.
"You're right, Ray," Aunt Margi said, her voice firm and authoritative. "The Reform Era—or the post-New Order period—was in 1998. It brought about one of the darkest times for this country. The global monetary crisis of that era didn't just cripple the nation's economy—it affected the lives of countless people."
Aunt Margi looked at the three of them intently, ensuring they were listening carefully. "Do you know what happened during that monetary crisis?" she asked, her tone laden with emphasis.
Ray, Rony, and Eko exchanged glances but didn't respond. They simply listened intently, eager to hear more of what Aunt Margi had to say.
Aunt Margi continued her explanation, her sharp eyes fixed on the three of them. "The currency devaluation happened drastically. The rupiah plummeted to unprecedented lows. At the same time, inflation skyrocketed, and the prices of basic necessities spiraled out of control. People struggled just to afford daily groceries." She paused, giving them time to process her words.
She looked at the three of them seriously. "Have you ever heard the term 'currency devaluation'?" she asked, her tone heavy with knowledge.
Ray nodded slightly, though not entirely confident, while Eko and Rony exchanged glances. Aunt Margi continued, "Devaluation means that our currency—the rupiah—lost its value compared to foreign currencies. For example, one dollar might have been worth one thousand rupiah before, but because of devaluation, it could jump to two thousand or even seventeen thousand rupiah. This made imported goods extremely expensive, and eventually, domestic prices also skyrocketed."
She paused again, observing their reactions. "And that's just one consequence. There's also high inflation," she added. "Inflation means prices keep going up, faster than people's incomes. If you could buy fried rice for five thousand rupiah before, now you'd need ten thousand or more. That means the money you have isn't enough to buy the same things anymore."
"Eko, you must know what it feels like when your pocket money can't buy the same things as before, right?" Aunt Margi glanced at Eko, who could only remain silent, fully grasping her point.
She continued with a serious tone, "And when prices rise, many people lose their jobs. Unemployment surges because companies can't survive the economic collapse. Financial markets become more unstable, stock values drop, and many people lose their savings."
Aunt Margi looked at them again. "The nation's debt burden grew heavier. Debts that couldn't be repaid made us dependent on foreign loans. The government had to borrow from other countries to cover deficits, and the interest on those loans kept growing, even as the country's ability to pay diminished. That's what we call economic imbalance," she explained, her words heavy and deliberate.
"When financial markets are unstable, speculation runs rampant. People gamble in the stock market, hoping for quick profits, without caring about the risks. The government, which should have been managing the economy, was overwhelmed, and economic policies became weak and unclear," she added.
Aunt Margi let out a long sigh. "And all of this is what destroyed J-Town. Everything is connected. When the national economy collapses, major cities like this one suffer too. Public spaces become tense battlegrounds. People are divided, as you can see now. The economy is squeezed, the financial markets are shaken, and no one knows what will happen next. Amid all this uncertainty, we rely on foreign debt that remains unpaid," she said with an unmistakable sadness. "That debt keeps growing, and it becomes harder for us to escape the crisis."
She paused again, carefully choosing her words, like a teacher trying to impart something of great importance. "The crisis wasn't just about a collapsing economy—it was about lost trust. The people's trust in the government was shattered. Everything they believed about stability and a better future crumbled in an instant," she said, her voice heavy.
Ray, sitting quietly, began to understand on a deeper level. "So, the crisis wasn't just about money, but also about the collapse of trust in the system?" he asked, trying to piece it together.
Aunt Margi nodded, her eyes growing sharper. "Exactly, Ray. When people lose trust, everything starts to fall apart. No one wants to invest. People start hoarding their money, afraid to do business, and the country gets trapped in instability. The government, which should act as a stabilizer, only worsens the situation with unclear policies."
Eko, who had only heard about the crisis through secondhand stories, now seemed deeply serious. "So, this is what caused all the problems in this city?" he asked quietly, as if trying to connect the dots.
Aunt Margi looked at Eko gently, as if appreciating how his question was getting to the heart of the matter. "Yes, Eko. After the New Order era, J-Town, as the capital once rich with potential, began to crumble. Many of the pillars of its economy couldn't survive. Big companies folded, and people who once had steady jobs were forced to find ways to make a living they never imagined."
Rony, listening intently, began linking Aunt Margi's words to the reality around them. "So, all of this started during that time, Aunt Margi?" he asked, almost as if talking to himself. But Aunt Margi heard him and answered calmly.
"Not just started, Rony. That era created a legacy that's hard to erase. It wasn't just in the economy—it affected people's mindsets too. After the crisis, many people could only think about survival. They forgot how to build, how to innovate. And here we are now—a city full of chaos and disruption. Trust is hard to come by, and all that's left is survival and fighting for power."
Ray, though still young, could feel the weight of Aunt Margi's words. He was both awed and frightened by the reality they faced. "Then, what can we do?" he asked, even though he knew the answer wouldn't be simple.
Aunt Margi looked at Ray intently. "What you can do, young man, is learn from history. Don't let this capital city fall further. Don't let yourselves become part of the chaos. Because if you just go with the flow, you'll be part of the problem, not the solution."
Aunt Margi continued, this time connecting everything she had discussed to the current state of J-Town. "Everything that happened to this country still affects J-Town," she said, her voice serious and full of depth. "The monetary crisis was like a virus—it spread and damaged nearly every aspect of life, from the economy to social structures."
She glanced at the three of them, ensuring they absorbed every word. "Now, J-Town is far from its former glory. It used to be a beautiful place, full of hope. But after the reform era, everything changed drastically. Government buildings that were once magnificent now look abandoned, covered in graffiti by students demanding change—students who no longer even understand what they're fighting for."
Ray, Rony, and Eko sat in silence, listening intently, though their emotions were a mix of shock and unease. They already knew J-Town was rife with problems, but hearing Aunt Margi explain it so clearly made them feel even more entangled in a dark history they had never fully understood.
"Riots were everywhere," Aunt Margi continued, her voice filled with restrained anger. "Arson, looting, and countless acts of ethnic violence. People lost everything, and the most tragic part is the countless dead whose bodies have never been found. And the authorities? They were overwhelmed, powerless against a population too exhausted to endure empty promises."
She paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "This city fell apart. The infrastructure that was once a source of pride is now almost entirely destroyed. All of this because of the chaos caused by misguided policies and the injustices inflicted on the people. And it all started during that dark era of reform."
Ray bit his lip, feeling the weight of the reality he had just learned. Rony remained silent, his mind spinning with thoughts about how this city could have deteriorated so drastically. Eko, who had initially listened hesitantly, now began to grasp the depth of the wounds left by an unchangeable past.
"So, this is J-Town now," Aunt Margi said, her sharp eyes scanning the three of them as if waiting for their reaction. "The nation's capital, once respected and full of potential. But now? It's like a ghost town, filled with people just trying to survive. And Garuda High School, which should be a place to shape the future, has become part of the instability."
Ray looked at Aunt Margi with a serious expression after hearing her extensive explanation of J-Town's grim condition. "Hasn't the government done anything to address this?" he asked, his voice tinged with hope. "Or at least tried to fix what's broken?"
Aunt Margi shook her head, her gaze sharp as if peering into the depths of the past. "If they had, there wouldn't still be people trapped in poverty like now," she replied, her tone heavy with disappointment. "There wouldn't still be riots and crimes plaguing this city—or even others like J-Town. But the reality is, things remain as they are."
Ray fell silent, as did Rony and Eko, all processing her words carefully. Aunt Margi continued, her voice low but full of meaning, "This means you now truly understand the current state of things—the grim future this city faces. Nothing has changed despite the years that have passed. This city, once beautiful and prosperous, is now in ruins—including Garuda High."
"Garuda High was once a prestigious name," Aunt Margi went on. "A school of achievements, filled with trophies and medals, where intelligent and accomplished students thrived. But now? What's happened? The school has become a haven for youths who care only about power and violence. Gangs rule, not intellect."
Ray, Rony, and Eko felt crushed by the reality they were now confronted with. They had known a little about the city's struggles, but hearing this explanation, complete with details and truths, brought them closer to the dark history that had consumed it.
"So," Ray said quietly, "everything is broken, and no one's trying to fix it?"
Aunt Margi looked at them with a gaze full of understanding. "The government doesn't care anymore—or they're pretending not to know. What's clear is that those in power are focused on their own interests, not the people who truly need help. This city, this country, has been gambled away to anyone who can support their authority."
Ray nodded slowly, his eyes now sharper, more aware of the situation.
"And all of us here are stuck in the middle of it," Rony added, finishing what Ray was thinking. "It's not just history—it's our burden too."
"Exactly," Aunt Margi said, leaning back in her chair. "But you have the chance to change that. Don't let everything stay broken. Start with yourselves, with your small circle. If you want change, it has to begin with the first step."
Ray looked up at the sky, sensing the gloomy atmosphere of J-Town. "We have to start that change from this school," he said slowly but firmly. "If Garuda High can change, maybe it could spark something bigger in this city."
Eko, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke. "But we've seen for ourselves what the school is like. Gangs rule, the teachers don't care—it won't be easy to change."
Aunt Margi looked at Eko with understanding. "It won't be easy," she replied. "But if you can create change at Garuda High, even something small, it could set an example. Sometimes, big changes begin with things no one notices—small, but consistent."
Rony nodded, thinking hard. "So it's not just about fixing the school, but also starting with ourselves, right?"
"Exactly," Aunt Margi said with a faint smile that radiated pride. "Don't be afraid to create change. Even if it's just a small step, it will make a difference."
Ray looked at his two friends, Rony and Eko, who now seemed to better understand what Aunt Margi meant. "We'll start here," Ray said. "Garuda High must become the place where change begins. If we can fix things here, maybe it will spread elsewhere."
Aunt Margi smiled and nodded in agreement. "Don't hesitate. You have the potential to make it happen."
The conversation paused, but every word Aunt Margi had spoken echoed in their minds. A glimmer of hope began to emerge, though deep down, they knew the path ahead wouldn't be easy. But at least now, they knew what had to be done.
Aunt Margi's words made them feel small, crushed by a reality so vast and dark. Each sentence she spoke wasn't just history but a warning for them. They were living in the midst of chaos that had never truly ended, and perhaps nothing would change—unless they themselves became the catalyst.
The three students began to grasp the weight of the challenges ahead. They weren't just dealing with gang fights or school rivalries, but with the historical legacy that bound them to this chaotic city. They had to decide whether they would continue their lives trapped in the vicious cycle established since the reform era, or if they would try to become a force for change.
The tense atmosphere slowly began to lighten. After her long explanation, Aunt Margi suddenly broke the silence with a mischievous smile. "That's enough of my lecture," she said with a small laugh. "Now, it's time to enjoy some good food."
She turned and grabbed a basket of fried snacks from beside the stall, placing it in the center of the table. "Go ahead, help yourselves. These are my homemade fried treats. If they don't taste good, just say so, and I'll throw them out!" she joked, her tone playful.
Eko, who had been quiet, sipping on his iced tea, suddenly found himself the focus of Aunt Margi's attention. "Eko, you haven't eaten yet, have you? Don't just drink the tea, or you'll get a stomachache!" Aunt Margi said, laughing. "Have some of the fried snacks, Eko. You're such a funny one—I didn't expect to meet someone like you in a place like this."
Ray and Rony couldn't hold back their laughter after hearing that. Ray burst into hearty laughter, and even Rony chuckled at Aunt Margi's humor. The heavy, serious mood quickly shifted into one of levity and laughter.
That day became one of the most unforgettable for them, especially for Ray. The unexpected introduction to Eko—the so-called "nerdy" student—and Aunt Margi, the seemingly simple stallkeeper who turned out to be a woman of sharp wit and profound historical knowledge, left a deep impression on him.
Ray realized that even though Garuda High was notorious as a hub for delinquents and he himself was well-versed in fighting, there was so much more he hadn't yet learned.
For so long, Ray believed that success in a brutal world could only be achieved through punches and kicks, relying on physical strength as the primary tool. However, his encounter with Eko and Aunt Margi opened his eyes to a new perspective. He began to understand that to reach the top, brute strength alone wasn't enough. There was another, subtler, and far more effective way: building relationships, forming good connections with those around him, and understanding their emotions and backgrounds.
Aunt Margi, though often underestimated as just an old woman, held an understanding far deeper than most about the state of the city and life itself—something that couldn't be learned through fighting alone. Eko, who had been the subject of ridicule at school, turned out to possess qualities far beyond his outward appearance. He was a living example of how someone could overcome hardships and still maintain integrity.
Ray started to realize that not everything valuable could be proven with physical strength. Often, the most important thing was how one connected with the world around them. That day, he learned something more than just fighting skills—he learned about the true meaning of navigating a path from the bottom to the top, with all the challenges it entailed.
It wasn't just about being strong; it was about being wise in his actions, with an open heart and mind.