The Trolley Problem

The morning sun spilled over the streets of Grimoir, painting them in warm hues. The city stirred with its usual rhythm—but one person stepped away from the cadence of daily life.

Zeyn had decided to take the day off. There were things weighing on his mind, and only one place he thought might offer some clarity.

He left the house early, heading straight to the workshop. As he reached the gate, he spotted Julius watering the plants, humming a tune. The man looked up, visibly surprised.

"Oh? What brings you here this early? And aren't you supposed to be on campus?"

"I'm taking the day off. There's something I need to talk to you about."

Without another word, Zeyn handed over a letter—Mr. Hendri's letter.

"What is it about?" Julius asked. He took the letter and unfolded a piece of paper from inside.

His eyes scanned the contents, and for a moment, his expression shifted. Not quite shock, but something unreadable. He let out a slow breath.

"I see. There's something you want to talk about, right? Come, have a seat."

Zeyn obeyed, settling into the old bench across from him. His gaze dropped, and for a second, he just sat there—quiet, uncertain. He was about to explain his problem, but he didn't want to mention his sister.

"I've been thinking," he began, voice low, "about humanity. About morality. What even defines it? Who decides what's right or wrong?"

Julius arched an eyebrow, as if he was used to this young man asking him philosophical questions. Typically, Zeyn would inquire about such matters when he was facing problems.

He took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding.

"Humanism," Julius said after a pause, "is a perspective on life that emphasizes the significance of human qualities and human pride. Moral values are the basic principles that govern human behavior in daily life. They're shaped by culture, experience, beliefs."

"Should such values be imposed on everyone, regardless of their beliefs? And what should be done when these values clash with others?"

"Then we talk. We listen. We try to find common ground. It's never easy, but compromise is often the only way forward."

"...Sounds complicated."

Julius chuckled. "That's because it is."

Zeyn nodded, but his expression still showed confusion. It was as if Julius also understood where that question was leading. It would be strange to discuss humanity but have its values questioned, which meant there was a creature other than humans that was causing the problem.

Julius leaned back, then added, "Do you remember the Trolley Problem I taught you when you were little?"

Zeyn nodded. "Yeah. Save five people by letting one die. That one?"

"You know, it's an ethical dilemma involving a choice between two scenarios, where in both scenarios, someone has to choose between saving life and sacrificing another."

"I remember picking the 'utilitarian' choice. Sacrifice one for the many."

"But perhaps the meaning you grasp is different from what it should be. After all, the world you know might be broader, to the extent that not even a single philosophy can comprehend it," Julius replied, sighing.

"Not a single one?"

Tell me, will you still choose your old answer, now that you're older and in a different position?"

"I... I don't know..."

You could say the problem this time was very similar to the Trolley Problem. He had to choose between siding with the physical or the metaphysical. His mind became increasingly dizzy thinking about the wisest step to take.

Should he deal with his sisters to save his friend? Or should he let his friend be the sacrificer just because that's how the system works in the astral world?

Zeyn went quiet. And then—unexpectedly—Julius burst out laughing.

"What now?!"

"Sorry, it's just... that face of yours! You look like you're solving the meaning of life."

"This is serious!"

"I know, I know. But here's the truth, Zeyn. The Trolley Problem isn't about getting the 'right' answer. It's a test of perspective. There's no perfect choice. Just consequences."

Zeyn exhaled slowly, letting the words sink in.

In his current position, whatever choice he made would come with risks. Saving his friend would declare a war with the forest entities of Vasukih. Following his sister's orders would be like wasting someone's life.

"There are no absolute moral values; it all comes back to each person's perspective," Julius added.

He felt a sense of realization that decisions should be made based on individual perspectives rather than relying on perceived absolute moral values. Mr. Hendri had also said the same thing, but he was still caught in a dilemma.

"What if I understand both of those moral values? Does that mean I should randomly choose between them?"

"Each person has a different perspective. What's important is to understand the impact of each decision made and be ready to take responsibility for its consequences."

"Taking responsibility..."

Julius smiled and patted his shoulder. "The most important thing is to do your best. A man must be responsible for any action he takes. Making everything okay is just being selfish and it is definitely impossible!"

"But..."

"I've told you before, it goes back to each person's perspective. Nothing is completely wrong in this world, just as nothing is completely right."

He said he would trust Zeyn, trusting that he would use his powers wisely. He believed that his teachings throughout their journey together had grown in the young man, and would bear good fruit.

"So, where will your steps take you now?" Julius asked.

"...to the path I consider right. And I will be ready for the consequences!"

"Good! That's my man."

Honestly, Zeyn had a plan, especially after this conversation. He already knew what he had to do and felt prepared to face the challenges that awaited him. This profound conversation further broadened his perspective.

"Well, you're kinda free, right?" Julius said, rising with a stretch.

"Huh?"

"Since you're here, mind lending a hand?"

Zeyn blinked. "With what?"

"There's a laptop over there that needs fixing. Might as well make your day off productive."

"Another one? Actually, I was going to the convenience store to buy vitamin C tablets." 

"But you still have nothing to do, right?"

"Well actually-"

"Yeah!" Julius beamed. "Should I put up a 'PC Repair Service' banner outside?"

"No, I still... don't have confidence in my own abilities," Zeyn replied. "All of this is just a hobby. I'm afraid of getting repair orders that are too complex for me."

Even so, he still took the laptop and examined it.

He grew increasingly curious about the expensive laptop he was holding. He couldn't fathom who would bring such a high-quality electronic device to a place as ordinary as his workplace. After inspecting it for a while, He discovered that there was a hardware issue with the laptop.

"Whose laptop is this?" Zeyn wondered.

"Huh? It's rare for you to be curious. Usually, you don't care."

"Well, because this is a flagship product."

Judging from its premium appearance and innovative features that no other laptop possessed, everything was just a foldable screen, even the keyboard was touchscreen.

Julius chose to entrust all of this to his son. Besides, he didn't quite understand technology. "Can the item be ready by tomorrow?"

"Huh? Um... I'm not sure. I have to check again to see if any parts need to be replaced or if it's just a minor error. Why do you ask?"

"The laptop was brought here yesterday by two female students. She wants her computer to be repaired as soon as possible because there are important documents inside. She seemed to be one of your friends."

"Huh~ Not everyone at the campus is considered my friend, you know!"

"Well, she was wearing a Grimhour Institute suit tho. She looked like your age. Pretty, too."

Zeyn rolled his eyes. "Yeah yeah. Sure."

"You know, you'd have fewer existential crises if you had a girlfriend."

"You kidding?"

Finally, the laptop powered on, though strange lines still flickered across the screen. A profile photo hovered at the corner of the login screen. He recognized the face.

It's the same girl who'd returned his wallet.

"Airi...? Huh, I thought her name was Aidera."

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