ALL NOVEL
Chapter 16: Social Issues
(One week earlier)
As soon as Rocky's interview was broadcast nationwide, the digital world erupted into chaos.
His allegations against the True Elites guild ignited a firestorm of outrage on social media, as many refused to accept any defamation of these highly regarded figures.
In this world where monster tides originating from the tower, threatened to sweep the planet to extinction every four years.
Hundreds of thousands of climbers engaged in a crucial battle to contain the beasts within the tower's vicinity and safeguard the planet.
Criticizing climber guilds was seen as denouncing the very heroes who had risked their lives for humanity's survival and was considered to be the worst form of social taboo.
The reverence for climbers and the staunch defense of their honor stemmed from a cultural evolution over the last three centuries.
Approximately 300 years earlier, climbers had come to recognize their unique position that their sacrifices for humanity's sake were not obligatory but were choices made out of valor and a deep sense of duty.
Taking part in this perilous struggle against the monster tide, climbers voluntarily risked their lives to repel the invasion, making this decision out of free will rather than any compulsion.
Should the climbers' association ever decide to abstain from battling the monster tide, the repercussions of that decision was not something that the climbers had to face directly.
Instead, ordinary people would have to suffer the dire consequences with countless settlements turning into ruins, and potentially millions, if not billions, of lives lost.
Thus, in a parallel to deities desiring unwavering devotion from mortals, climbers sought fame, love, and support from humanity in exchange for their indispensable services, binding the two in an unspoken pact of mutual dependence and respect.
By insinuating that one of Earth's own climbers would behave with nefarious intentions and cause harm to one of Earth's own rising stars, Rocky had thrown mud at a wall that commoners worshiped daily, and the backlash of such an action was severe, giving birth to a huge digital campaign once Rocky's interview was aired.
As the digital tempest swirled around Rocky's accusations, the online community found itself cleaved into two fervent factions, each wielding their convictions like banners in a storm.
On one side, a chorus of voices called for unwavering accountability. "We can't turn a blind eye just because they're heroes!" a tweet declared, capturing the essence of this group's demand for transparency and justice. Forums buzzed with detailed discussions, urging a thorough and unbiased investigation into Rocky's claims. "Even heroes must answer to the truth," a popular blog post argued, resonating with those who believed in the importance of integrity above all else. This segment of the community, though respectful of the climbers' sacrifices, insisted that no one, not even the most esteemed climber guilds, should be exempt from scrutiny.
Conversely, a vehement backlash against Rocky's narrative emerged, fortified by unwavering loyalty to the True Elites. "Rocky's accusations are a disgrace to the climbers who protect us!" an incensed netizen posted, reflecting a sentiment of betrayal felt by many. These supporters rallied around the guild, dismissing Rocky's claims as slanderous and unfounded. "#TrueElitesHonor" trended, as fans shared stories of climbers' bravery and sacrifices, painting Rocky as a villain undermining the heroes of humanity. "Without proof, these are just words meant to tarnish the brave," a highly shared video commentary opined, calling into question Rocky's motives and character.
Amidst this polarized landscape, social media became an arena for heated debates. Comment sections turned into battlegrounds, where arguments were exchanged with the rapidity and intensity of arrows in medieval warfare. Blind supporters clashed with those advocating for accountability, neither willing to cede ground. "Our climbers have earned our trust through blood and sacrifice!" one side argued, viewing any accusation as a direct assault on the very fabric of their society. "But truth and justice must prevail, no matter who stands accused," countered the other, steadfast in their belief that righteousness should guide their judgment.
This division extended beyond mere opinions, evolving into a reflection of deeper societal values: the weight of hero worship against the principles of justice and accountability. Rocky's allegations had unwittingly tapped into a cultural vein, unleashing a torrent of emotions and revealing the complex relationship between heroes and those they protect. Some saw Rocky as a lone voice daring to speak truth to power, while others perceived him as a traitor, casting unwarranted aspersions on revered protectors.
As the debate raged on, the significance of Rocky's accusations transcended their immediate implications, catalyzing a broader societal introspection.
This was not merely about the veracity of his claims, but about sparking a necessary dialogue on the ideals of heroism, accountability, and the intricate balance between the two.
The fervent online discussions revealed deep-seated beliefs about trust, honor, and justice, showcasing the community's capacity for critical reflection. Rocky's words, whether proven true or false, had already started to achieve a profound effect where they had prompted a collective examination of what it meant to be a hero in a society that desperately relied on them, and how that society choose to paint these severely flawed beings as second coming of gods, when in reality they were far from ideal.
In a society, where people wore tshirts with the tags 'Proud to die for my climbers pride' the question of whether the climbers were even worthy of such admiration was a tough one.
Criticize them too much and they would be disintevized to protect humanity.
Turn a blind eye to their misdeeds and the message that would be sent would become that regardless of what they would do, humans would worship them like dogs because they were dependent on them for their survival.
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/// A/N - This bonus chapter is sponsored by patron RippiN, please thank him in the comments for the same ///