CHAPTER 3.8

“No, Jrue, we're not going to talk about it anymore. I don't want to see those heretics deceive my son. Gifts are a curse placed on the earth by Arni, the Elder Brother god. They are a means of vengeance. “Don't you see the deaths they caused, the schisms they triggered in the human race, and then the visitor glorifies them and tries to teach our children sorcery?” his mother exclaimed.

“but, mother... please. This is a one-time request from me. Many of the children have also been brought to the registration office. Jrue, on the verge of tears, pled, "This is the only thing I'm asking of you."

Lora stood at the other end of the table, refusing to take sides as the two argued. Jrue and her mother would sometimes exchange glances, signaling her to join in the verbal brawl and choose a side. Yet she sat reluctantly, knowing that none of it was worth her time, and that her mother's words were final.

“Listen, my boy. The man claims to be from the opposite shore. Apart from the minuscule de