Duke of Manna. Metaphysical Autobiography

He learned not only from professors and colleagues, but also from everyone who crossed his path, sharing their unique stories and experiences.

Studying various disciplines at the university allowed Jan to immerse himself in the world of journalism, master the skills of information analysis, creative writing and international interaction.

Sharing experiences and ideas with a diverse group of students and scholars helped Jan expand his horizons and understanding of world politics, economics, and culture.

The unique atmosphere of mutual understanding and solidarity that reigned at Uni was not only an educational experience for Jan, but also a spiritual enrichment.

He learned the value of friendship and cooperation between nations, as well as the importance of building bridges between different cultures and languages.

Thus, studying at the Department of International Journalism at Peoples’ Friendship University became a period of profound discoveries, unique opportunities, and valuable lessons for Jan.

This experience became the foundation for his future career and an exciting path in the world of journalism and international relations.

Meetings with scholars, African students, and leaders from different countries became a source of inspiration and new perspectives for Jan.

He learned not only from his professors and colleagues, but also from everyone who crossed his path, sharing their unique stories and experiences.

Studying various subjects at the university allowed Jan to immerse himself in the world of journalism, learning skills in data analysis, creative writing and international relations.

Sharing experiences and ideas with a variety of students and scholars helped Jan expand his horizons and understanding of world politics, economics and culture.

He learned the value of friendship and cooperation between peoples, as well as the importance of building bridges between different cultures and languages.

In his group there were two students from South Africa who came to Moscow to study on behalf of their youth league party, the African National Congress.

Jan quickly became close to these guys and became their comrade-in-arms for the duration of his studies, becoming fascinated with the history of the African people’s struggle against apartheid.

Jan, immersed himself in the world of the South African struggle for freedom. His new friends, Thabo and Linda, were full of energy and passion, vividly describing life in South Africa under the yoke of apartheid.

They told stories of disenfranchised blacks, police brutality, a passport system that separated people by race, and constant fear and violence.

Jan, raised on Soviet ideology, easily accepted their stories as confirmation of the validity of socialist ideals.

However, he also quickly realized that reality was more complex than propaganda. Thabo, an experienced public speaker and future politician, often organized small gatherings in the student dormitory.

They held discussions on nonviolent resistance strategies, analysed Nelson Mandela’s speeches, and studied the works of anti-apartheid activists.

Linda, quieter and always thoughtful, shared stories about her family and her childhood, spent in conditions of constant pressure and discrimination.

She showed Jan photos of her relatives, talking about how they fought for survival and the preservation of their culture.

Jan helped Thabo and Linda with their studies, translating complex texts and explaining some of the nuances of the Russian educational system.

In return, they taught him about the intricacies of the Zulu language and culture, sharing traditional music and dance.

They invited Jan to their meetings with other African students, where he could meet different representatives of the continent, hear stories from other countries, feel united in the struggle for freedom and equality.

Evenings were often spent watching documentaries about South Africa, reading books about the struggle against colonialism and apartheid.

Jan began to understand how multifaceted this struggle is, how important the solidarity of the international community is.

He saw not only the victims of apartheid, but also their courage, their ability to resist, their unshakable faith in a better future.

He understood that this was not just a fight for equal rights, it was a fight for human dignity, for the right to self-determination.

One day, Thabo shared with Jan the news of the recent attack on members of the African National Congress in South Africa.

For the first time, Jan saw on his face not only passion and energy, but also deep sadness and concern.

This news further strengthened their friendship, bound together by a common cause of fighting for justice.

Jan understood that his solidarity was not only words, but also actions.

He decided to put all his energy into helping his friends, spreading information about apartheid and supporting the African people’s struggle for freedom. His life was changed forever.

He was no longer just a student; he became an active member of the African National Congress and a participant in the global movement for justice and equality.

«THE MAIN THING, GUYS, IS NOT TO GET OLD AT HEART…»

They spent a lot of time together and during the summer holidays they went to a construction team at BAM to build their first kilometre of the Baikal-Amur Mainline.

Their friendship was strengthened by their shared beliefs in the need to fight for justice and equality.

The heat was unbearable.

The sun, like a red-hot hammer, forged sweat from each worker from the endless Siberian taiga.

Jan, with his hair tied up in a scarf and a sooty face, confidently handled a pickaxe, breaking up the frozen ground.

Nearby, in rhythm with the blows of the pickaxe, Tabo worked – his hands, chapped and calloused, were no less dexterous.

They worked in the same team, where on his first construction team trip, he became the commissar of the «FRIENDSHIP» team, in silence, interrupted only by the sounds of picks, groans of the earth and the noise of a rare train passing by.

The construction of the BAM was not just a job, it was their life position, their way of proving to themselves and others that they could do more than just exist.

This kilometre – their kilometre – became a symbol of their friendship, a symbol of a common goal.

In the evenings, after exhausting work, they sat by the fire, sharing modest food and telling each other the stories of their lives.

Lena dreamed of becoming a doctor, helping people, curing diseases and saving lives. Sasha saw himself as an engineer, building bridges, roads, and everything that unites people.

Their conversations dragged on until late at night, and sparks from the fire reflected in their thoughtful eyes.

They argued, agreed, and argued again, discussing politics, literature, and the meaning of life.

One day, during a break, Jan told Thabo about his grandfather, who fought on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War in the «SMERSH» – military intelligence unit.

Jan’s eyes filled with pride for his grandfather when she told him about his exploits and how important it is to remember and appreciate peace.

Thabo listened attentively, understanding his pain and pride for his grandfather.

He told her about his father, a mine engineer, who always said that honest work is the most important thing in life.

Their stories intertwined, creating a pattern of common history, the history of their family, their country, and their kilometre on the BAM.

Working in a construction team was not easy, but it united them even more. They learned to work in a team, support each other, and help those who needed help.

They became a family, a real family, connected by common goals, difficult trials and strong friendship.

Behind every blow of the pickaxe was not only faith in the bright future of BAM, but also faith in their friendship, in their shared ideals of justice and equality, ideals that they built brick by brick, kilometre by kilometre, in the vast expanses of Siberia.

Their kilometre of BAM became a symbol of their youth, their enthusiasm, and their strong, unbreakable friendship that nothing could destroy.

It was a time of solidarity, mutual understanding and respect for differences that strengthened the bonds of friendship between Jan and his friends from South Africa.

Their joint efforts and desire to change the world became a source of inspiration for everyone around them and left an indelible mark on their own hearts.

Jan was deeply touched and grateful for the award – the first state medal «For Labor Valor», which he received for his active participation in the construction team movement during his studies, in scientific and social work at the Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University.

This medal became for him a symbol of respect and recognition for his work and dedication.

But the joy and satisfaction were not limited to this award. At the end of the work semester, the members of his construction team «FRIENDSHIP» were awarded trips to Bulgaria as an incentive for their hard work and contribution to the common cause.

This was not only a well-deserved recognition, but also an opportunity to relax and enjoy new experiences in other countries.

For Jan and his friends, this was not just a trip, but also an opportunity to strengthen their friendships, share impressions and enjoy the beauty and culture of other countries.

They met new people, learned new traditions and enriched their inner world with new experiences.

These awards and incentives became not only a pleasant recognition for Jan and his friends, but also an incentive for further achievements and efforts. They believed in the power of friendship, work and mutual assistance, which helped them overcome obstacles and move forward, reaching new heights and goals.

Thus, the awards and incentives received by Jan and his construction team «FRIENDSHIP» became a symbol of their hard work, dedication and solidarity, which made them even stronger and more united in their pursuit of the common good and harmony.

The diploma for first place in the regional competition of student construction teams proudly flaunted on the honor board in the dormitory, next to photographs of the guys captured at the moment of work – in dust and sweat, but with faces shining with joy.

Jan, as the leader of the Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University construction team, received the Medal – «Hero of the Construction Team Movement» and a bonus, but he immediately divided the money between the team members, emphasizing that the victory was the result of joint efforts.

The return to Moscow was triumphant.

News of the well-deserved award spread quickly, and Jan was greeted as a hero. Parents, friends, teachers – everyone was proud of his achievements and the achievements of the entire team.

Even the local newspaper published a large article about «FRIENDSHIP», illustrated with photographs from the work site – the newly built first kilometre of their BAM, which now delighted them with its vivid impressions for the rest of their lives.

The article described in detail the difficulties that the team faced: bad weather, lack of materials, difficulties in organizing the work.

But «DRUZHBA» overcame all obstacles, thanks to the excellent teamwork and high professionalism of Jan, who managed not only to competently organize the work, but also to create a warm, friendly atmosphere in the team.

After the successful completion of the project and the award ceremony, «DRUZHBA» did not fall apart.

The guys, united by a common cause and victory, decided to continue their cooperation. Jan, inspired by the success, began to actively search for new projects.

They participated in charity events, helped the elderly with repairs, organized work on landscaping the city.

Their experience and fame attracted new participants wishing to join a successful and friendly team.

«DRUZHBA» turned into something more than just a student construction team – it became a real public movement focused on goodness and creation.

One day, they were offered to participate in a large-scale project to reconstruct an old park on the territory of the University.

It was a challenge that significantly exceeded their previous experience.

But Jan, confident in his people, took up the task with enthusiasm. They developed an ambitious plan, which included restoring the alleys, planting new trees, creating sports grounds and children’s play areas.

The work was labour-intensive and required not only physical effort, but also a creative approach.

They brought in artists, sculptors, landscape designers.

And again, thanks to teamwork and unwavering loyalty to its principles, «FRIENDSHIP» exceeded all expectations.

The reconstructed park became the pride of the city, a favourite place for recreation for residents of all ages.

And the history of «DRUZHBA» continued to inspire new generations of students to good deeds and creative work.

The award for the first project was only the beginning of their long and inspiring journey.

Chapter Six – THE CODEX OF MALTA

«Some manuscripts do not tell stories – they awaken them.» – Archivum Secretum, 1772

Chapter Summary

Jan is sent to Malta under the pretense of a cultural liaison, but the real mission leads him into the vaults beneath the ancient walls of Valletta.

There he uncovers the Codex – an illuminated manuscript that speaks not in prophecy, but in patterns.

What he reads shifts his understanding of the Order’s role and his own identity within it.

The island was hot, the air full of salt and tension.

Jan disembarked in Valletta with a diplomatic badge and an encrypted brief. But this time, he felt no need to pretend – the mission was sacred.

He was escorted through narrow limestone corridors until he reached a sealed archive beneath St. John’s Co-Cathedral. There, on a slab of marble, rested the Codex.

It was bound in black velvet and etched with silver. Its pages glowed faintly, as if lit from within.

The text was in Latin, Coptic, and a script yet to be deciphered.

The drawings depicted not saints or battles, but alignments of stars, sacred tools, and silhouettes of cloaked figures beneath solar disks.

As he read, Jan felt as though his memory had split open – as if what he was reading had once been written through his own hand in another life.