| Generated by Google Flow text-to-video AI software, powered by Veo 3.1 |
Resi is done. After recovering from his second Kidjum, he ignores Kartica’s
pleas for him to stick around and help him figure out what she claims to be
his visions of the future. He exits the Tadungeria, and the Tamboran nation
as a whole. He finds himself a plot of land on the border of Pekat and
Sanggar. It’s not particularly comfortable, but it grants him access to the
beach for fishing, and the plants for gathering. He collects his own
rainwater, and doesn’t bother anyone. Most importantly, no one bothers him.
His former Fold and House have abandoned him, either out of respect for his
wishes, or deciding that if he’s weak enough to wish for it, he must not be
worth following.
They have not been punished for their pasts. The exile has been rescinded
entirely, even for Resi himself, though he’s technically fulfilling the
requirement, just in his own way. He belongs to no nation now, but he has
nothing, so no one is trying to follow in his footsteps. Every morning, Resi
wakes up and looks towards Central Mountain. It still has not erupted, and
is giving no indication that it might anytime soon. Kartica came by several
times in the beginning to convince him to induce more visions, but he
refused, and she didn’t try to force him again. That doesn’t mean he’s
leading a quiet, simple life. He has tried to push the apocalyptic Kidjum
visions out of his head, but they won’t stop coming. He went to the doctor,
who confirmed that the elixir was fully out of his system, so why does he
keep returning to that hellscape? What does it mean? He has decided that’s
just his brain’s way of being an asshole. He still doesn’t believe that he’s
genuinely predicting the future, because that would be nuts.
For the most part, he stays out of politics and society. He stays out of
everyone’s lives, full stop. Someone will occasionally come by to
check on him, though. His brother came by once, as did his older sister a
few times. A few random people here and there. Zenith showed up in her fancy
motorboat, but couldn’t do much since she was mostly bound to
non-interference. Everyone else brings him food. It’s not enough to keep him
alive on its own, but it’s very magnanimous of them, and he’s always
gracious and kind. They call him a hermit, but there’s no reason to be
grumpy or dismissive with others.
Former Kutelins have been reintegrated into society. They were allowed to
undergo makeup Kidjums, and get placed in one of the regular Four Houses.
Society has basically returned to normal, though there has been a
significant uptick in military recruitment. It doesn’t appear to be forced
conscriptions, but from his position, he can’t know what’s going on beyond
closed doors. It’s been three years now, and the island should be
celebrating the tricentennial, but a new announcement has overshadowed the
levity. Chaya, who he hasn’t seen this entire time, has just shown up to
relay that everything has changed. They have declared a massive change to
their practices. Ever since the Houses were formed, one thing has been true:
when you turn sixteen, you go through Kidjum, and get sorted. With so many
new adults reportedly choosing military service, however, there are not
enough people performing the other jobs. The Assembly has decided to
seriously drop the age by four years. Starting soon, twelve-year-olds will
be expected to undergo the ceremony, and start working full-time, completely
obliterating the last four years of their education.
“Kala,” Resi says breathlessly. She will be turning twelve soon. He has
tried to stay out of island business, but he can’t turn a blind eye anymore.
Heads will roll, and the war they warned him about might finally come to
pass.
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