章 51: City of Anima

Anima was a city full of culture. From the fashion centric style that the city exuded, new trends that everyone embraced, young people wearing what was current, all keeping up to date with what was in. To the Eidos industry, powerful Adept's that fought and battled for the entertainment of the people. Then there was the political side of things, with those in power doing their best to gain money and control the society. There were only a handful of Adepts that were fighting for righteous causes, being the voice, the shield and the sword for the common people. Most were controlled by the nobles, made to entertain and sedate the public, pushing forward their agenda.

There were constantly stories of Adept's being mistreated, overworked and abused by some academies. Some just quitting to escape, needing to take up normal jobs and find a bunch of money to pay off the huge debt that hovered over their heads. Although the Eidos life seemed fun, glamorous and exciting on the outside, those that worked in the industry knew that it wasn't quite like that. There was an extremely heavy burden that was placed on you when you became an Eidos. Every move you make would be scrutinised and critiqued. Although there were some Eidos that had the freedom to create what they want, fight for what they want and say what they want, those Adept's came in short supply. Most Adept's that wanted to make what they wanted to and fight for their beliefs ended up as Renegade and Underground Adepts, unable to fight on the Eidos stage.

Not only that, but within Goryeo, that country that Anima was in, had a heavy education focus. There was an expectation of that path that you were supposed to walk, established by the culture, the nobles and the people in charge. Young people were brought up with a set path forced upon them, their life decisions made for them, and they had to just put their head down, follow the path and work hard. Many fell from the overwhelming pressure, cracking under the harsh scrutiny of society. Unable to live up to expectations of a life they didn't want in the first place.

This was the state of Anima. Although it was a beautiful, vibrant and colourful city, there was a constant battle in the shadows, nobles and other pulling strings, gripping tightly to their influence on the people. The people of Anima was the most influential place within Goryeo, spreading from there to the rest of the country. But Anima itself was being influenced heavily. They had the most influence yet they didn't utilise it because of the influence on them.

But that was only the beginning....

A week after the trainee competitions, with the team finalised, Namjoon was out for a walk in the town, just getting a feel for the city. He enjoyed going for walks, looking for inspiration in his surroundings and in the environment. He looked around as there were leaves, falling from the trees. He walked under the trees with the leaves cascading down around him. He smiled contentedly at the peaceful nature that he was immersed in.

"....but they don't know what they are doing. Everything decision they make is just sending this country into ruin."

Namjoon turned, drawn by the conversation happening on the side. Two young men were sitting at a park bench, seemingly frustrated and talking with a fervour passion.

"Exactly! These useless people in charge have no idea what they are doing. They make decisions that we end up having to deal with. The consequences get shoved on us, the regular citizens."

Namjoon frowned as he slowly made his way over, interested in their conversation. The other man nodded in agreement.

"Their job should be about protecting their citizens and doing more for us, not making money for themselves."

The other man nodded aggressively.

"Exactly! Exactly!"

"If you don't like the situation with the government, why don't you use your vote to make your voice be heard?"

The two men turned to see Namjoon looking at them curiously. One of the men laughed.

"Vote? I don't vote. What's the point? They don't listen to what we have to say."

The other man chuckled.

"Yeah. And even if they did, my one vote isn't enough to make a difference, so why waste the time and effort."

Namjoon frowned at the men's responses. The men continued to talk to each other, ignoring the confused Namjoon. He walked away thinking through what they had said. He was slightly frustrated at their ways of thinking. To have the right to vote and not use it, he felt was a huge waste. He felt especially frustrated when he began thinking that this mindset wasn't uncommon. In fact, a lot of people had this mindset. The current generation were all experts at complaining, yet they did nothing about it.

Namjoon returned to the dorm with a deep frown on his face as he went and sat at their little table in the dorm. Yoongi walked over, seeing that Namjoon was thinking about something.

"What's wrong?"

Namjoon looked up.

"Hyung... Even if we become an Eidos group and debut, will we even be able to make a difference? This city, no, this country has so much that needs to be improved, but there are so many people that have just given up, no longer wanting to use their voice to say anything. We decided to travel down this road to try and use the Eidos platform to speak out and fight against the wrong we see, but is there a point to us trying if no one wants to do anything? They just want the change to happen without their involvement. But that..."

Yoongi could see the frustration building within Namjoon. He smirked as he walked to the door, tapping Namjoon on the shoulder on his way out.

"Then, perhaps, before you start using your voice to fight, learn to use your voice to empower. Our abilities aren't just for battle."

Yoongi walked out of the room and headed to work, leaving Namjoon with his thoughts. Namjoon rested his head in his hand.

"Empower. Not just for battle...."

Namjoon went deep into thought as he began to think of, not only the path he wanted to walk, but also the path he wanted BTS to walk. The path he wanted carve out on the Eidos platform. When Yoongi returned later that night, he found Namjoon still sitting at the table, but the frustration that was covering him had changed. Namjoon was now scribbling notes on a piece of paper. There were several pieces of paper scattered across the table. Yoongi grinned as he put his work gear down and picked up his bag.

"I'm gonna head over to the workshop."

Namjoon looked up, his eyes full of determination.

"Hyung, I'll come with you."

Namjoon clumsily scoped up his paper, cramming them in a bag and getting up to follow Yoongi out the door. Yoongi glanced over with a look of amusement.

"You seemed to have thought of something."

Namjoon grinned, his eyes glowing with a strong resolution.

"I think I found a piece of what I want our group to be about. Why we fight. Our cause. Our message."