NOVEL WEB Section II: Belligerence
For days, the press tried to profit from every possible drop of information about the tragedy at the Academy, news that quickly reverberated throughout Terrástria. Politicians and businessmen tried to take advantage of the situation to capitalize on it, while students protested against Friedrich’s presence at the Academy, accusing him of being the murderer of Maristelle and Edmund. In the last hours of that night, Rectoress Lucia Hellene gathered the four leaders of the Academic Knights to make them a request.
"The results of our investigations show that the attack on the Academy was not spontaneous. Someone is planning to start a world war in Terrástria," announces Lucia Hellene, with tears running down her face. “I fear for my safety and that of the family I have left. I need your help, my loyal subordinates, to depart for the League of Nations immediately. Only there will we find refuge and a way to prevent this war from starting.”
Friedrich accepts the mission and opens the discussion to his colleagues: his girlfriend Sarah and his friends Clement and Ariel. Despite agreement on the main themes, they all disagreed regarding the use of violence: Clement, known for being a logical pacifist, argued that using violence would only be doing what the enemy wants.
“Belligerence, besides being immoral and unjustified, in our situation is not even a pragmatic solution, considering our position before our enemy,” said him, calmly and coldly.
Ariel, however, known for being a convinced revolutionary, argued that maintaining pacifism in the face of the enemy’s violence is to invite the enemy to be more violent.
“Pacifism in a situation like this is the same as inaction. It’s a selfish attitude, of connivance with the massacre and oppression of those who dominate based on force,” said Ariel, who sought keywords and other more understandable expressions to counterbalance his stutter and difficulty in expressing himself.
Sarah, known for her noble heart and heroism, ended up leaning towards Ariel’s side.
“I agree with Ariel, maintaining pacifism now is a selfish attitude and connivance. I will not allow them to continue acting with impunity,” comments Sarah, directing her criticisms at her boyfriend. “I understand that you like to be patient and strategic, my love, but this is unacceptable. We can’t wait any longer!”
Friedrich keeps his eyes closed, focused on his thoughts.
“He knows I’m right,” responds Clement, confidently. “Consequences, risks, results... Nothing you’ve said is a sufficient argument to justify bloodshed. You will never be able to distort the truth, it is one and will always be.”
Sarah and Ariel grit their teeth silently, giving Friedrich the chance to express his decision.
“Once again, you managed to present your case solidly, Clement. But, once again, you failed to convince me. I don’t judge you, maybe there’s something inside me that doesn’t accept your answers, that doesn’t accept pure logic to answer a question like this. Although I see that your arguments are solid, I still believe that Ariel and Sarah’s position is the truest. Even though violence is never justified or correct, failing to protect those who need it and who are important to me just for mere belief or reason is even worse. If I have to use violence to protect other lives, then so be it. I am prepared to face the consequences of my belligerence.”
Clement is visibly moved by the response but maintains a smile on his face.
“I understand your position, Friedrich. I hope we can continue working together then, despite our disagreements.”
Friedrich agrees and hugs his best friend.
“Of course. I couldn’t keep my head in place without the help of all of you. Each of us has something to offer to this group, each of us is a fundamental piece to maintain the balance and principles that govern us.”
Clement then, even with some insecurities, agrees. The next day, Friedrich delivered his plans and strategies to Lucia Hellene, who, after reviewing them, approved them for action, thus creating the Liberating Alliance...