Gaius - Xi’an’s Orphanage

“In the beginning there was peace and knowledge throughout our land. There were no monstrous creatures, nor savage barbarians. The sun shone strong and the wind lacked the chill we know all too well. Evil had yet to spread through our land. Ancient humanity’s spiritual cultivation cannot be understood by today's lackluster standards.”

A crowd of dirty children sat around the well dressed old man covered with an extraordinary amount of wrinkles. The bulk of the group sat in the center of the Den’s room of knowledge, meant for the ‘teaching of truth and morals.’ The room was rather sparse of any furniture, apart from the one chair occupied by the ‘wise’ man.

“In the golden era, our power was unquestionable. Our people were warriors of the highest caliber, and our knowledge was superior to any that came before. As the most advanced civilization, led by the wisest, protected by the most honorable of heroes, bearers of the greatest power, holders of the all knowledge, wielders of the greatest weapons, we took the mantle to combat all those who stand against justice and truth.” Monologued the old man, red in the face from passionately spewing his praises of a past he had no part of.

I used to question why ‘wise’ people came here to spin their ludicrous beliefs. Now I wonder if they in fact believe this dribble coming out of their mouth. I do have to give it to their method of indoctrination, given how entranced the children are with this myth. I've only ever seen the wild little things sit still for more than a few minutes during these propaganda sessions. And that’s despite having listened to this nonsense for what may have been the 100th time.

“Little ones, you are our pride and joy. To become like the heroes of old and protect our society from the evil beyond, you must be wise and knowledgeable. So future heroes of Zhìhuì, I ask you what are the foremost components to one's power?” The old man asked. I will admit he’s better than other ‘wise’ men. He at least seems like he cares about the little bastards.

“Strength!” “Honor!” “Glory!” Cried out the little ones.

Smiling he said “No little ones, Wisdom and Truth are the qualities which gives power and guides us. Wisdom guides the actions of our mortal body and Truth guides our soul’s path. Together these qualities have led our people to be the greatest of heroes who protect the Knowledge of the Heavens. Do you believe yourselves to be wise and true of heart, little ones?”

Looking down at these snot nosed ‘little ones’, nodding vigorously with a lack of comprehension in their eyes, I couldn’t help but snort. Their eyes shined at this con artist preaching history, morals, honor, and glory. These brats have no idea of the suffering endured by those of the supposed ‘golden age.’ Seems like they will make nice little tools to later be sacrificed for the ‘the greater good.’

“Ha, it seems I am surrounded by Zhìhuì’s future heroes. Now… Shall I tell the legend of Gavius? He whose heroic deeds eclipse all others.”

Alright, he’s arrived at the main part of the show and that’s my cue to leave. I gladly stood up from my spot on the outer edge of the little ones and walked out from the Room of Knowledge. Closing the door behind myself and silencing the blasted cheering for the ‘greatest hero.’

…