"Several hundred years ago, a kind of epidemic spread. It proliferated on ships during the Age of Exploration. Although this epidemic is now as common as the flu, at the time, 90% of the population was infected. Due to the lack of advanced medical care and few people having immunity, the population significantly decreased."
The teacher wrote various notes on the blackboard while lecturing. We listened attentively.
Health education, with its tendency to delve into risqué topics, was a favorite subject among us hormone-driven teenagers. However, the historical aspects were taken very seriously, as they explained why we weren't popular with the opposite sex.
Incidentally, this topic blended biology, social studies, civics, modern history, and health education, making it quite complex. However, since it was covered repeatedly in different classes, most of us remembered the details.
"After this epidemic, the birth rate of males noticeably decreased, while the birth rate of females increased. Although the virus was suspected, no male-reducing properties were found in it."
"Instead, a bacterium with male-reducing properties was discovered. The difference between viruses and bacteria lies in their smallest unit—DNA for viruses and cells for bacteria—and their ability to replicate independently. But don't worry, the next test won't delve into these details."
The class, frantically taking notes, sighed in relief.
"Now, let's discuss a familiar parasitic organism found in our cells: mitochondria. You've likely studied this in biology. Similarly, there's another parasitic organism in each cell, a bacterium called Human Wolbachia."
The teacher circled "Wolbachia" on the board.
"Wolbachia primarily infects insects but has been found in reptiles and humans. Its main characteristics include killing male hosts to facilitate mother-to-child transmission, transforming males into females, and enhancing the host's immunity."
The teacher circled "mother-to-child transmission."
"Reproduction requires males and females, sperm and eggs. However, sperm are small and efficient, unable to carry Wolbachia."
The teacher wrote "male" and "female" on the board, drawing an X from "male."
"In contrast, egg cells are larger and can be infected by Wolbachia. This is known as mother-to-child transmission, the same process by which mitochondria are passed down."
"Mitochondria are essential for converting oxygen into ATP in the human body. Although calling it an infection is misleading, the transmission route is the same."
"Mitochondria have their own DNA and are passed down maternally. Tracing this lineage leads back to a single woman in Africa, known as Mitochondrial Eve. Similarly, we can trace Wolbachia Eve, though it infected humans after mitochondria."
"But don't worry, this won't be on the test."
The class sighed again as the teacher erased the board.
"Due to Wolbachia's immune-boosting properties, those infected survived the epidemic. However, this also revealed Wolbachia's male-killing trait."
"Additionally, the enhanced immunity is believed to kill male sperm, reducing pregnancy rates, though this is just a theory."
"The lower pH of female secretions, due to immune factors, may also contribute to fewer male births."
"Fundamentally, Wolbachia alters the development of male embryos into females. This results in individuals who are genetically male but physically female, leading to some mismatches between mind and body. Common issues, such as females being attracted to other females, can be explained by this phenomenon. Given the original male-to-female ratio, a significant number of people fall into this category, making it unusual but normal."
"Ultimately, the severe shortage of males leads to misdirected sexual desires, likely as a coping mechanism."
"Although these individuals may exhibit some male behaviors due to their genetic makeup, they are ultimately influenced by female hormones, leading to a 'female' identity."
"Structurally, their brains remain mostly male, with slight hormonal differences, but these differences are not visually apparent. Therefore, the general public need not be concerned. Some athletes may have an advantage, but it's within acceptable limits."
The teacher spoke bluntly.
"To summarize, the male birth rate is critically low. Female births are the norm, and male births are considered miraculous."
"The official male-to-female ratio is about 1:100, but in reality, it feels much lower. Males receive subsidies and often don't participate in society, making it difficult to meet them in professional settings. Rumors suggest that some elite groups monopolize males, but it's also said that males avoid excessive pursuit due to strong female advances. Legally protected, males can sue if pursued too aggressively."
"Thus, school is the best place to meet males, though even in co-ed schools, there might be only one male per grade, leading to feelings of isolation and truancy."
"To combat population decline, females are obligated to give birth to at least one child. In the absence of a partner, artificial insemination using national sperm banks is an option. Childbirth and child-rearing are subsidized, and babies can be left at designated 'baby boxes' if raising them becomes too stressful. Child abuse is strictly punished."
"Males are required to donate sperm weekly at hospitals."
The class perked up at the mention of sensitive topics.
Ring, ring
"That's all for today. Next time, we'll discuss more practical matters. Looking forward to it."
The teacher smiled mischievously as the class deflated, eager for more.
...
Author note :
With such a skewed gender ratio, society inevitably trends toward dystopia. The only survival strategy is for masculine individuals to become leaders. In sports, those with high testosterone levels are barred from women's divisions, but in this world, such individuals are likely common.
This novel has been lovingly translated by https://www.patreon.com/Jenuinez_translation