Volume 4 Chapter 11 The Society of Humans and the Weakness of Beasts in the Struggle for Survival
If there's one thing Horace acknowledges, it's that for those in power, money equals 'absolute freedom'.
They can disregard what's right for the sake of national interest; that's the nature of power.
To give a simple example, 'not taking what belongs to others' is right, but if it's absolute, you can't confiscate dangerous items.
In such a state, even safety can't be guaranteed.
Therefore, those in power can seize others' possessions under the guise of security.
This is a fact.
And the 'coins' used worldwide are not only items obtained from monsters but also the fuel to operate magic tools.
Especially in environments where many people gather, like cities, coins are 'what the government must possess' to operate the established lifelines.
Currently, coins from monsters are valuable because they are perceived as 'indisputable items that can be used as fuel in any country,' driving the economy, but in reality, they're essentially 'fuel.'
Therefore, under the guise of 'maintaining and improving life,' the government taxes and collects coins as payment, which is undoubtedly justified.
However, what Gaspar Redless just stated doesn't align with Horace's argument.
Gaspar claims that money held by those without academic qualifications belongs to him, and he treats the money taken from them as a donation, not a debt.
What does this mean?
"...Say, I have a question, do you perhaps believe that people without education have no right to ownership?"
"Of course."
"..."
Gaspar is saying that those without education have no right to ownership... or rather, no right to property.
Of course, it's difficult for those who don't understand the essence of 'transactions' to protect their money.
Simply put, they might be 'scammed', paying money in a transaction and being 'cheated' out of it.
And it's hard for those without education to avoid scams. That's a given.
But Gaspar's actions are 'exploitation,' which is different from a scam.
Absolute academic elitism.
That man, Gaspar, is dyed in the hue of 'ultra-extremism'.
"...haa"
Horace sighed.
"I've got nothing to teach you. Just go back to your country."
"What did you say?! You dare defy me!"
"Defy? You're the one talking about people's rules? A man who only brings chaos to society, do you think you can stay within its bounds?"
"Just what do you──"
Gaspar fell silent.
The oppressive aura emanating from Horace before him.
It was because of this pressure that a cold sweat wouldn't stop.
"People place themselves in society and yet calmly cause chaos. Humans sometimes do such things. But then, they reflect and try not to do it again. It's through this 'debate' that they grow. However, if you choose not to debate, it's the same as stepping outside of society."
It might sound like radical talk.
But Gaspar's assertions are radical to begin with.
There's no point in trying to argue within the rationale of normal human society.
A radical view will only be crushed by an even stronger radical view.
Humans have used the tool of 'dialogue' to avoid various conflicts... to avoid 'war'.
But Horace won't speak common sense to someone who doesn't understand this principle.
"Leaving society means living in a world of 'the strong preying on the weak'. And 'humans'... don't hesitate to treat 'beasts' without reserve."
Right next to human society lies the society of monsters.
And the society of monsters is about survival of the fittest.
They maintain a balance by 'asserting their positions' every day. That's how human society functions.
But the idea that 'it's fine to exploit if you're strong' is the rationale of the beast's survival of the fittest.
Beasts don't hesitate towards other beasts.
Beasts don't hesitate towards humans.
Humans don't hesitate towards beasts.
Humans do hesitate towards other humans.
That's how humans and beasts maintain their balance.
"I don't care about the good or evil of your principles. But... don't think I'll recognize you as 'human'."
Horace doesn't acknowledge Gaspar as a human.
And Horace doesn't hesitate towards beasts.
Of course, there's nothing stopping a humanoid creature that only beasts can see from choosing to 'become human'.
But a humanoid creature that continues to live as a beast will not be considered 'human'.
It's clear that Horace, revived by a resurrection item, is essentially a monster and, in his own perspective, a "humanoid being."
However, in Horace's mind, this is his way of balancing with human society.
"Ugh, gah..."
"If you don't realize that you're doing things that make others dislike you, then even more so. I'll say it again. I have nothing to teach you."
Horace stands up.
At least, he has nothing to say to 'this' Gaspar.
"W-Wait..."
"If I were to teach you anything..."
Horace snaps his fingers.
Immediately, one of the rings on Gaspar's right hand... probably a magic tool, begins to discharge.
"Gah! Aaaaah! W-What is this? Aaaagh!"
"..."
He snaps his fingers again.
The discharge stops.
"Whatever I teach, it must be designed to bare its fangs at will, according to my intentions. I can't trust you."
"D-Don't mess with me! You attacked me, and you think it'll go unpunished?"
"I let you off with a discharge earlier, but I can make it explode too, you know? Don't think you'd get away without your fingers flying off!"
"Hii!"
Horace looks at Gaspar with cold, ruthless eyes.
Gaspar, scared, shrieks and his face turns pale.
"Don't think you can intimidate me."
With that, Horace leaves the room.
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