Misanthrope

Karma had always been a partial misanthrope. She harbored a deep sense of disgust towards humanity, although not driven by hatred. She couldn't fathom a scenario where the entire human race could emotionally scar or violently abuse her, but her disdain for people was unmistakable, often creeping into her voice.

For three years, four months, and seventeen days, their friendship had endured. In that time, Karma's unique perspectives had left a mark on Zack, reshaping his views on the world. She had a logical explanation for her misanthropic tendencies, and her influence on Zack was undeniable. It was almost as if she had subtly brainwashed him.

Karma's loathing extended to a wide array of people—children, the elderly, teenagers, infants, and even most animals. She avoided parties and distanced herself from anything considered 'normal.' Zack often found himself disagreeing with her, but her logical explanations slowly changed his perspective.

One day, she expressed her disdain for infants, claiming they were loud, smelly, and messy, demanding a considerable investment of time, attention, money, and energy. Zack playfully reminded her that she had once been a child herself, but Karma insisted she was a unique and well-behaved child, distinct from what she considered annoying children.

She further expounded on her feelings, revealing her resentment toward parents for bringing children into the world, expecting them to become their caretakers. She even secretly wished for her parents' demise, harboring bitterness over what she perceived as a life foisted upon her.

Zack scolded her for not appreciating the bonds of family and urged her to resolve her issues with her parents without speaking ill of them. However, Karma's revelation shed light on the trauma she had endured. Her parents had forced her into hacking at the tender age of twelve, stripping her of a typical childhood and forcing her to abandon her interests.

She never shared the entirety of her story, keeping her true identity hidden even from Zack. He believed they were close friends, perhaps more than friends, but she remained a misanthrope. Her parents were the primary reason for her misanthropy, the source of her emotional scars and resentment.

Living in Kyoto with her supportive grandmother, Karma had become financially independent by the age of nineteen, working diligently to manage her expenses. She had fled her father's house to escape the emotional torture he had inflicted, a decision her father and mother remained unaware of.

Her father, Mister Manzo, was a corrupt and greedy man, the town's higher authority. This explained Karma's greed; it was a trait she had inherited. Her father had envisioned a competition between Karma and the son of his business rival, Saho, who was four years her senior.

Saho had been the embodiment of all that Karma despised. Constantly compared to him and berated for not matching his intelligence had left her deeply scarred. It was a story she had kept hidden for years, revealing the painful truth behind her misanthropy.