Part 3: An Oyster Shell

Believer : It's time for us to go.
I took a deep breath and adjusted the grapevine on my head, trying to make it look as symmetrical as possible.
In my youth, the third weekend of each month with an even-numbered date was the happiest for me.
210: Let's go, I'm ready.
It was a day of speculation when the 6's coordinator invited the island's finest youths to talks.
They would not overlook me, just as a girl collecting shells on the beach wouldn’t miss a pearlescent oyster.
Believer : ... Hm?
The usually bustling square is deserted, and I, along with a few other students, pause outside.
Believer : One moment, let me inquire about the situation.
37: ... Haah.
210: It seems our Star of Hermes is in need of some sleep. You ought to keep an eye on the time; that’s a number as well.
210: At least, time is counted in numbers. You like numbers.
37: I can see everyone's number, but I never said I liked all numbers.
210: I hope you aren't about to say you dislike 210.
37: Hah ...
37: Irrelevant to my likes and dislikes, 210 is simply a poor number.
37: It has four prime factors yet lacks a solid base, so it’s prone to deformation like a rhombus.
210: Well, it is no surprise. We know prime numbers are born unique, standing like the cornerstones of all others. Composite numbers are slightly inferior, like frivolous and fast-decaying paintings.
37: Why bring up all the prime numbers and composites numbers? We're just talking about 210.
37: I don't understand your methodology.
37: And I don't understand why you always call me the Star of Hermes. Is it because Hermes is the Thrice-Greatest and he has his Seven Hermetic Principles?
37: I am 37, not 3 and 7. They are not the same conceptually. You shouldn't make such a fundamental mistake in your understanding of numbers.
It is hardly a pleasant chat. My relationship with 37 has never been harmonious.
But we've grown accustomed to this bantering tete-a-tete, always attacking each other. That's just how we interact.
The familiarity of it all breeds contempt. As we walk down the same old paths, arguing over things we've debated hundreds of times.
But it is on these familiar paths that a moment of boldness can make the most change.
Believer : I'm sorry, you two might have to wait a little longer.
Believer : 6 isn't ready for you yet, but she won't need much time. You can follow me to the gazebo under the grapevines to sit in the shade and wait for your meeting.
37: Her first time being late in all these years.
37 follows 6's coordinator, moving at pace towards the vine-draped gazebo.
Meanwhile my steps are hesitant, my thoughts have become a mess.
210: Is our leader ill?
The unease from the anomaly spreads in my mind. Everyone on the island knows that the leader's health is in irreversible decline.
Excellence often invites the envy of fate.
The lifespan of each 6 has been lamentably short. Atticus's mother, the previous 6, left this world when he was still young.
Then, the current 6 received the "revelation," becoming the new leader of the school—and, of course, in my opinion, the finest leader.
6, perfect, balanced, and harmonious. She explores the form of Forms and traverses the hidden figures of the universe.
One night I wondered, how many more times would I be able to converse with her?
So filled with wisdom, unique understanding, bold hypotheses, and the courage to seek out the new and novel and not be complacent.
She deserves all her respect and adoration.
210: Maybe we can go back and visit her again when she's feeling better.
210: I'm willing to make time for this discussion, whenever it may be.
Emotions lead to rashness, and rationality is associated with calmness.
I have ignored the coordinator's expression, his lips mumbling like the tide coming in and out on the shore.
Believer : No, it's not because of that.
Believer : You two rest here. When it's time for the meeting, I'll let you know.
37: Alright, I suppose I can take a stroll here while we wait—
37: What a pity ... it's not in season yet. If it were, we could have picked some grapes to eat.
210: ...
210: 37, did you hear something?
37: Hm?
37: Hm, yeah, I heard something too, but it was vague and muffled—
37: I think it’s over there, deeper in the grapevines.
The Star of Hermes, so quick to act upon her thoughts.
I follow her, stepping deeper into the vine-laden arbor. Until we find a door left ajar.
An unintentional but fortuitous encounter.
37: It is Atticus. I haven't seen him in so long!
She spots our childhood friend, his pale face obscured beneath a mop of light blonde hair.
37: 6 is talking to Atticus. I heard Atticus hardly comes out during his retreat, unlike 6, who does so every other week.
37: Now you don't have to worry about 6. She may look pale, but at least she has the strength to talk.
37: She's just delayed a bit because she is talking with Atticus.
Despite 37's words, it's clear 6's health is more fragile than before. Her face is paler than Atticus's, and her voice is faint, merging into the air like gentle rain into water.
I can see her lips moving, but I can't hear her voice.
She reaches out a hand, weakly grasping the hem of Atticus's shirt, and pulls back.
Atticus: Hm.
6s all have similar appearances, with their talents depending on hereditary blood—blonde hair, slender figures, pale skin, and wizened eyes.
They're like idols carved from the same mold, perfect reflections of a flawless lineage.
6: ——, ————, — ...
210: ...
She leans forward, a posture not easy for her in her current state.
Our friend, Atticus, remains standing upright, his eyes looking into space, as if indifferent and utterly devoid of respect.
Atticus: ...
I'm not sure if there's fear in those eyes, but I'm certain of the anger echoing in my chest in reaction to this rude silence. It is an irritation not easily soothed.
Disregard—It is the greatest disrespect and insult, a taste like bad wine. I've tasted it before, and, coincidentally, that bad wine was also a "gift" from this very same cold "statue" that stands before me.
I could forgive his rudeness towards me—but he shouldn't treat 6 this way.
6 has always selflessly guided us in the pursuit of Truth, setting us straight when the path forward is not clear.
On top of that, she is Atticus's aunt. After the previous 6 returned to the Truth, she took over, caring for Atticus as a mother would.
37: Um ...
That "sculpted" young hand, covering the slightly wrinkled one, pulls the hem free.
So disrespectful, so rude.
Atticus draws away and steps through the narrow door. The gaze from his kin follows him in silence until it is cut off by the door panel.
Atticus: You ... what are you doing here?
Surprise flickers across his face. He looks strangely tired.
210: We have more right to be here than you. It's the third weekend of the month and an even date.
Atticus: ... I see.
He nods absently, intending to leave without another word.
210: Stop.
He shouldn't be allowed to just slip away without any criticism.
Atticus: ... ?
My anger is more than justified. He shouldn't have done that to her.
To treat the island's leader this way, a wise person, his own kin, an elder in failing health—
How could he do this?
How?
210: I'm curious, do you even have any self-awareness?
Atticus: ... What do you mean?
210: I think my question is clear enough.
I meet Atticus's gaze, more than satisfied that I've finally broken his calm.
210: Atticus, my friend, everyone on this island knows that you were born a 6 and are destined to become the leader of Apeiron.
210: —Destined to receive the "revelation".
Atticus: ...
210: Do you even understand the weight of this blessing?
Atticus: 210, I don't have time for your debate.
210: This isn't a debate; I’m trying to offer you some help.
I have narrowed in on him, no more room for him to evade me.
210: A mission bestowed from the heavens ... You'll receive the great number, and become the mediator between excess and deficit.
210: The amalgamation of knowledge and wisdom of every 6 since the inception of Apeiron will, without any arduous drilling, enter your mind the moment you receive your number. You will make a great leap.
Atticus: ... Do you think I need you to explain the concept to me?
210: Oh, it certainly felt like it.
I snort out a laugh like a true victor.
Atticus is different today. His usual evasiveness is gone—replaced by anxiety.
This suits me. I try to seize on that gap, like prying open an oyster to expose its insides to the sea air.
Now, looking back at that moment, I can't deny that I lost control.
But it wasn’t a day to be defeated, least of all by him.
210: So, should I point out your attitude towards 6?
210: She's weaker than before. You shouldn't treat her like this.
Atticus: Cut out your d**n rhetoric. What are you trying to say?
Hear that? The oyster shell has cracked.
What a great day to be favored by the truth. This is simply too easy.
210: Your disrespect towards her ...
210: She is a 6, one who possesses wisdom, balance, and wholeness. As a fine leader, she manages everything on the island with great efficiency.
210: She cares for the children, connects with the public, and treats you as her own. She has taken on all the duties of your late mother.
210: She is intelligent, courageous, and shares willingly with everyone.
210: She's a role model for 6s; as for you, Atticus—
210: You don't deserve the "revelation". You lack the willingness to share knowledge and the talent to lead, and you haven't and you won't fulfill your obligations.
210: You cannot bear this blessing. You are unworthy of it.
Atticus: ...
He suddenly falls silent.
Atticus: So you think the "revelation" is a blessing?
210: ... ?
I didn't expect him to focus his sights on a mere turn of phrase.
210: Of course—we seek the truth, and the truth lies in wisdom. It’s not just me; all the brothers and sisters of Apeiron think like this!
210: That's why we respect 6—
He remains standing upright, but I notice his shoulders drooping slightly ... as if some invisible weight presses upon them.
Atticus: The revelation is a curse, my friend.
Aziz hangs his head, I almost read it like nodding, as if he's nodding to himself.
This isn't what I want at all. My oyster has shriveled into a pebble.
Atticus: You're right.
Atticus: She's perfect, she's 6.
Atticus: A complete number, a perfect person, and an outstanding leader.
Atticus: 6s are always like that.
He turns away, sidestepping my obstructing arm, and walks towards the exit, where light streams from beyond the grapevine arbor.