《The Eye of Fate: Thoth’s Revelation》 Prologue: The weaver of fate Prologue: The weaver of fate In the serene backdrop of a breathtaking sunset, the sky is painted in red and golden hues with scarce clouds, three moons illuminate the heavens. The farthest is a pristine white orb, followed by a vibrant red moon in the middle, and nearest to the planet is a fractured blue moon. Down on a rocky beach where the waves are hitting the shore and you can hear sea birds chirp while they are returning to their nests. A man in his thirties, is desperately running with a sack hanging on his shoulder and hugging a vase etched with ancient symbols, towards the edge of the rocky mountain cliff along the waters. His appearance almost ethereal. His skin carries a gentle tan. His thin physique and white hair give him an otherworldly aura, and his delicate features could easily be mistaken for those of a woman. He wore a kilt-like garment, a wrapped linen skirt that extended from the waist to the knees. He wore a short-sleeved linen shirt that reached down to the hips. He is accessorized with necklace, bracelets, and rings. He has a mysterious mark etched on the back of his right arm. Despite his desperate sprint along the rocky beach, there is no fear in his eyes. Instead, a profound calmness prevails. Having reached the edge of the cliff, he halts abruptly, gasping for breath. After a moment of recovery, he slowly takes in the breathtaking scenery before him. Standing at the cliff''s edge, he feels the cool breeze from the sea on his face. The rhythmic sound of waves hitting the rocks below and the cheerful calls of seagulls fill the air. Taking a moment to catch his breath, he soaks in the peaceful surroundings. The horizon is slowly transforming, with the sky turning shades of red as the sun begins to set. He drops the sack on his shoulders and gathers all his strength to throw the seemingly porcelain vase etched with ancient symbols into the ocean. Unfortunately, his strength proved insufficient, and the vase fell onto the rocks at the edge of the ocean. However, the vase did not break upon impact. It bounced a bit, tumbled, and eventually descended into the ocean waters. Gradually, the vase began to float away with the currents. After he watched the vase float away, he walked back to where he dropped his sack. From the sack, he took out some firewood. Additionally, he grabbed two chemicals and mixed them. He threw this mixture onto the firewood. When the chemicals reacted, they produced heat, which ignited the tinder, starting a fire. He slowly extracted several cylindrical containers from his sack, opening each one to reveal scrolls stored within. He threw the scrolls into the fire and observed as they burned slowly. He then closed the empty cylindrical containers and threw them back into his sack and hung it on his right shoulder. Then, with a relaxed demeanor, he then seated himself at the cliff''s edge. Humming a soothing tune, he savored both the mesmerizing scenery and the comforting warmth emanating from the fire. Copyright ? [2023] [The Rainy Imp]. All rights reserved. He stopped his humming when he heard the sounds of approaching hoofbeats, likely belonging to animals, reached his ears from behind. Despite the approaching sounds, he remained unfazed. A female voice then emerged from behind him, mockingly, "Enjoying yourself, aren''t you?" He took a deep breath and exhaled through mouth, ¡°haaaa¡­.¡±. He rose from his seated position, dusted himself off, and lifted his head. Observing eight women gracefully dismounting from their horned rides, reminiscent of horses, he took a few steps towards them in order to avoid the cliff edge for safety. Each of the 8 women seem to be young and strong, wore donned garments, displaying distinct variations in style and ornamentation a flowing linen garment that covered the body. The fabric is light and breathable, suitable for the warm climate of the region. The dresses featured intricate patterns and designs. The one leading this group of women has a strong and majestic presence, exuded an aura befitting a queen. Her attire, adorned with intricate details and draped elegantly, accentuated her beauty and authority. A regal headdress adorned her head. Her skin is slightly tanned with bronzed hue. Her facial expression seems cold. Her eyes are deep and intense with a shade of red, as if she wants to burn the world. She has flowing curly red hair that reached her hips. Her body is toned and fit, showcasing both strength and alluring curves. She has the same mark as the man etched on the back of her left arm. As she approached, the other women followed suit. They came to a halt as they approached him maintaining a cautious distance. He remained still, unmoving, as a woman from the group gracefully approached him. The woman seems to be in her thirties, appearing affluent and covetous. She wore lavish clothes which made her curves stand out. She has a beautiful face. Her expression is mocking and cynical. Her hair is green reaching down to her shoulders, and her eyes have the same captivating green Shade. She has a confident and greedy look about her. She swiftly snatched the sack from his shoulder and returned to the group. "Check the contents", she instructed as she passed the sack to a studious looking woman. She nods as she received the sack to examine its contents. She has neck-length blue hair, slightly tanned but fair skin, complementing her overall appearance. She had a scholarly air about her. Her clothes are elaborate, adorned with intricate patterns and symbols, reflecting a keen interest in knowledge. Her eyes are intense with a shade of blue. Turning to the man, the affluent woman adopted a tone of mock sympathy. "Why go through all this trouble? You can have it all ¨C riches, women. Just come back to us. Why resist?" "Do I need your help to gain riches in this world?", the man responded with a smile. Shifted his gaze towards the leader of the group, ¡°As for women, I have eye on only one woman. I don''t need any other." Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. "And she is the only one you could never have", she retorted. Another woman with a toned, muscular and curvy physique, brown short hair and brown shaded eyes, broad shoulders and arms marked with well-defined muscles, she was dressed in a blend of ancient warrior attire, featuring a combination of leather and metal elements that highlighted her formidable presence. A longsword hung at her side, and her eyes, sharp and vigilant. Battle scars adorned her arms and face. She asked, ¡°I''ve always wanted to ask you, don''t you hate us? Don''t you feel anger toward us?" "Anger is like fire. It can burn your enemies, but if not controlled properly, it can hurt you and your kin¡±, the man replied. ¡°As for hate, it will easily lead us astray. Only those ignorant of the truth of the world are capable of that." "Are you calling us ignorant?" the woman clenched her fist feeing enraged. ¡°¡­¡±, the man did not respond, further fueling her rage. "Says the person who betrayed his own kind", another woman retorted. She seems to be in her 20¡¯s with a laid-back demeanor, has brunette hair that falls lazily around her shoulders. ¡°¡­¡± ¡°OH! Since you say that you are not capable of hate, I would like to test it.¡± Another woman chimed in. She seems to be in her 40¡¯s, has gray shaded eyes, dry gray hair reaching her back, with a seemingly sadistic and cruel expression on her face. While tapping her chin, ¡°Let''s see, why don''t I torture your child in front of you without killing him? Let¡¯s see for how many years you can last without hating me." "Oh! You can try", the man retorted with a mocking smile. "What do you mean-?" the woman frowns. ¡°Hey, some of the containers are empty. Where the scrolls?¡± the studious woman interrupted as she has finished checking the contents of the sack. ¡°Hmm??¡± the man tilted his head a little and made a face as if he didn''t understand what she meant. Then, he exclaimed with an expression as if he had suddenly realized something, ¡°Ah! I was feeling a bit cold, so I used them to make some warmth," he pointed his thumb towards the fire burning behind him. ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± "You bastard", enraged, the woman walked briskly towards him, her features twisted with anger and punched him in the stomach while cursing. The impact of the punch sent the man sprawling to the ground, clutching his stomach in pain. Vomiting and coughing up blood, he struggled to regain his composure. But the woman was not satisfied. With a ferocious kick, the woman vented her frustration, hitting the man while he was still on the ground. His body convulsed with pain and he coughed more blood. ¡°hump¡±, then she returned to the group. "Are the scrolls we''re looking for here?" the affluent woman inquired with a frown. ¡°Yes¡±, the studious woman nodded in affirmation. "Huh..., Then why did you beat him?" she asked confused. "He burned something, and I don''t know what it was. It might even be more valuable. Plus, I didn''t like him being more intelligent than me", she pouted and returned to verifying the contents of the remaining scrolls. ¡°¡­..¡± ¡°¡­..¡± ¡°¡­..¡± ¡°¡­..¡± Everyone was taken aback by her motive. "Did you get what you needed?" the queen inquired, breaking her silence. ¡°Yes¡±, The affluent woman nodded. "Hahaha! It seems you will be dying here then", gray haired woman mocked. Copyright ? [2023] [The Rainy Imp]. All rights reserved. "Do you love me?" asked the queen as she walked toward the man who was attempting to sit on the ground. ¡°¡­.¡± "But I hate you", she continues while kneeling down in front of him. She took a knife hanging from her waist in one hand, held his left hand on the ground, and slowly stabbed it. ¡°Aaargh¡­.!¡±, the man screamed in pain as the knife pierced his hand. "I hated every moment you were with me. Every time your hand touched me, I wanted to rip it apart", she continued while twisting the knife. ¡°Aaargh¡­.!¡± he screamed in pain as blood flowed out. "W-we... are the beginning¡­ of a new civilization¡±, he spoke while gasping for air. ¡°We can¡¯t to guide the future generations with hate, pride, greed or prejudice¡±. ¡°Ugh! Enough with your hypocrisy¡±, the affluent woman dismisses. ¡°Hump! What has all your knowledge and intellect brought you? How are your pretty words helping you now?" the warrior woman mocks. ¡°Listen, brat, those who are weak have no say in anything. Only the strong make the rules, only the strong make history. We, being the strong, will guide the future.¡± ¡°Do- ¡° "Hahahah¡­Hahahaha! You claim we''re the beginning?" the queen laughed maniacally. She grabs his hair and declares while glaring into his eyes. "No, we are the beginning. You are just a disgusting tool for us to achieve what we want." She removes the pierced knife from his hand, stabs him in his right shoulder. ¡°Aaargh¡­.!¡± She then twists it. ¡°Aaargh¡­.!¡± Screams more intensely. After that, she takes it back, stands up, and kicks him in the face. ¡°¡­..¡± ¡°Urgh¡±, blood oozes from his nose and lips. "Hahaha! Do you know the irony of this?" Mocks the gray-haired woman with a cruel smile. "We are going to use your knowledge and intellect to bring chaos to this world, regardless of your will. Aren¡¯t you glad?" ¡°Ha... ha..." he pants for air, then with great effort, he slowly stands up, exhales deeply, trying to regain composure, with focused eyes, he faced the women and spoke in a deep voice. "Everything created is based upon ORDER. Time and space are moving in circles. All that exists is only an aspect of greater things yet to come. Time is the only judge who shall declare who the winner is. ¡°Everyone assumes themselves to be the strongest. But fate is the strongest of all. And-¡±. With an enigmatic expression and a faint mocking smile, he declares ¡°I am the weaver of fate¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± Woosh¡­. Splash The sounds of the ocean breeze and waves resonated as the women who witnessed this, were left awestruck not knowing what to say. After a momentary lapse, the queen regained her composure, furrowing her brows, she questioned, "Are those your final words?" while walking towards him. ¡°I hope you could let go of your hatred¡±, looking into her eyes with a loving gaze, he spoke in a tender and sweet tone, ¡°I love you.¡± With a bright smile, ¡°and I forgive you". ¡°Is that so¡± As she reached him, she put her hand on his shoulder, gripped her blade and stabbed him in his abdomen. ¡°Urgh¡± She then retracted the blade and let him go. "Wait, don''t kill him!" panicked studious woman cried out as he fell to the ground. She desperately ran to him, shaking his body, ¡°Hey don¡¯t die¡± ¡°Don¡¯t die¡± ¡°What happened¡±, asked the affluent woman. While everyone is confused. Without replying, she threw the scroll she is holding at her. Confusion filled the air as the women examined the scroll, only to witness the content of the scroll evaporating, leaving it blank. The women looked at him with a horrified expression on their faces. They rushed to check the remaining scroll only to find them all blank. "How could you do this?¡± consumed by fury the studious woman shook the man, demanding an explanation, ¡°You''re an intellect. You know the value of the knowledge. That was your research and life''s work. How could you destroy it? Arion!" The man, however, only responded with a serene smile. ¡°Hahaha¡­. Hahaha!¡± she burst into laughter while letting him go as she came to a realization while observing his expression. ¡°No, you did not destroy it. You have other means to hide it. Hahaha. Don''t think I will let it go. I will find it no matter what." As his body laid on the ground, he turned his head to his love, casting a final glance at her against the fractured moon in the sky. A kind smile adorned his face as she was also looking at him. Behind him, the sun had finally set, initiating the night''s descent. As he took his last breath, a serene expression lingered on his face. Volume 1: Chapter 1: The Enigmatic Sage of Epochs Volume 1: Chapter 1: The Enigmatic Sage of Epochs Night descends upon the world of Inversa. A shroud of smog blankets the city, dimming the lights and creating an ominous atmosphere. Three moons loom in the sky (white, red and blue hues), their pale glow struggling to penetrate the haze. The moon with blue hue stands out with a noticeable fracture. Below the sky is a chaotic city. In the heart of the tumultuous city, a TV reporter stands amidst the chaos, delivering the news. "Good evening. Vanessa Turner here, reporting exclusive from the turbulent streets. Tonight, we face the harsh reality of our city under the smog-filled night sky. This world is confronted with a series of challenges. The fear is palpable in every alley and on every face. let''s break down the problems one by one.
  1. World War 4: Inversa is in the midst of a devastating global conflict, causing widespread destruction, displacement, and fear among its inhabitants.
  2. Resources Depletion: The reckless exploitation of natural resources over an extended period has led to scarcity, affecting the environment and the daily lives of people.
  3. Pollution: The air and water in Inversa are heavily polluted, leading to adverse health effects and contributing to the overall degradation of the environment.
  4. Smog: The night sky is obscured by a thick layer of smog, a consequence of industrial activities and pollution, impacting visibility and air quality.
  5. Global Warming: Human activities have accelerated global warming, resulting in altered weather patterns, rising temperatures, desertification and other climate-related challenges.
  6. Ozone Depletion: The protective ozone layer is thinning, exposing Inversa to harmful ultraviolet rays, leading to increased health risks.
  7. Radiation: Nuclear activities have unleashed radiation, posing health hazards and leaving areas contaminated.
  8. Famine: Inversa is grappling with a shortage of food, leading to hunger and desperation among its population.
  9. Man-made Diseases: Unchecked global interconnectedness and questionable practices have led to the spread of diseases with human origins, causing widespread health crises.
  10. Corruption: Corruption has infiltrated various aspects of society, affecting governance, public services, and exacerbating existing challenges.
  11. Cruelty: Acts of cruelty have become commonplace, contributing to a culture of fear, rape, mistrust, and violence.
As we witness the scenes of chaos unfold in this city, one can''t help but ponder the gravity of our situation. Are we on the precipice of an irreversible catastrophe? Is our world going to end?" Copyright ? [2023] [The Rainy Imp]. All rights reserved. ***** In a lavishly furnished room, an old man in a well-worn suit watches the news on TV. The report concludes with a troubling question. He turns off the TV and leans back, deep in thought. "Knock, knock¡±, came the sound at the door. "Come in". "Click!¡± His secretary entered, walking towards his table. "Sir, all the leaders are gathering.¡± ¡°Hmm,¡± nods thoughtfully. He rises from the plush chair with a determined expression on his face, and heads towards the door. The secretary follows closely behind. The old man strode through the corporate building''s sterile corridors. His secretary, trailed behind quietly. They reached an unremarkable elevator and entered without exchanging words. The descent was uneventful, the elevator doors open to an underground research facility. White-coated scientists moved purposefully as they walked through dimly lit halls. The old man approached a secure chamber labeled ¡®Nexus Hub.¡¯ "Swish...," pushing the door with a soft swish, the old man stepped into a vast chamber pulsating with activity. ¡°Click, click¡± ¡°Tap, Tap¡± "Hum, hum," "Whir, whir" They were met with the low hum of machinery. Scientists and data analysts moved in focused urgency, their eyes glued to screens and fingers dancing across keyboards. He observed the organized chaos of data streaming in from the orbiting satellites as the old man traversed the bustling room to the far end of the chamber. A colossal TV screen stood against the wall, broadcasting real-time footage from satellites in orbit. Before it, an elliptical table with 23 seats commanded attention. People of varying ages and genders filled 22 seats. With a measured pace, the old man approached the eclipse table. Twenty-two faces turned to acknowledge his arrival. These 23 figures held a diverse collection of titles¡ªcorporates, politicians, underworld dons, military heads, researchers. Each a master of their domain, they wielded power that resonated beyond the confines of the room. He took his place at the table joining the assembly. Leaning back in his chair, he surveyed the gathered individuals. With calm authority, he inquired, "What is the current status?" "The key has been analyzed, and we''re currently awaiting satellite data." A corporate titan responded. "What about other issues?" "Our pressing concern revolves around a potential threat,¡± A stern-faced military figure spoke. ¡°A spy has managed to escape our secure labs, and the extent of the information he carries remains unknown. As a precaution, we''ve sealed off all possible exit routes, but we need a swift resolution". "When we have rats in our house, we have many ways to deal with them. We could poison them, set traps, or smoke them out. However, it is too tedious and a waste of our precious time. Why don¡¯t we just burn the house? We have too many of them anyway." "Understood." This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°Any other?¡± "The vermin in the prisons have perished. We require additional specimens." A biomedical researcher adds. "We have an abundance of cockroaches and insects crawling in the streets. Considering the current state of the world, you can collect as many as needed. Nevertheless, ensure verification through the local database to avoid possible repercussions." ¡°Yes¡± The researcher nods. "Tap, tap," Just when they finished discussing various issues, the lead scientist, a man in his 50s, with graying hair and weathered features approached the table. "How much time is still required?" the old man enquired. "We''re in the final stages. It should take a few more minutes." ¡°Hmm,¡± the old man nods and leans back. "Hmmmm..." The hum of machinery intensifies then drops in few moments. "Data received from the satellite!" one of the analysts shouts. A brief ripple of excitement passed through the room. "Proceed to analyze the data." The lead scientist instructed. And the analysts immediately got to work. Keyboards clacked; screens flickered. ¡°Click, click¡± ¡°Tap, Tap¡± "Hum, hum" The 23 figures, waited with bated breath. The hum of anticipation was punctuated by the sounds of systems at work. After a period of quiet, the system sounds indicated that the data had been analyzed. "Data verified!" An analyst shouted. "Start input into the satellite for live footage." "Beep!" "Beep!" "Beep!" But the attempt to retrieve live footage hit an unforeseen snag. An array of errors blinked on the screens, casting a momentary shadow over the eager faces of the 23 individuals. ¡°Calculate the interference error, recalibrate, and input new settings to the system." Lead scientist instructed after some contemplation. The scientists delved into recalculations. After a brief period, one of them shouted, "Calculations are done!" "New data received! Inputting values!" A person monitoring the satellite systems shouted. After some tense waiting, the system alert signaled success. "Ding! Success confirmed." "It''s a success!" Everyone in the room couldn''t contain the excitement and shouted. Excitement rippled through the assembly of 23 individuals. "We''re displaying the footage on the large screen!" A scientist shouted joyfully. The TV displayed a big island country in the middle of the ocean. Everyone in the room is amazed by what they are seeing. It was so impressive that it left them all in awe. "Congratulations, to you and your team, this is a remarkable achievement", with an excited voice, the old man congratulated the lead scientist for the success. "Yes, thank you.¡± the lead scientist acknowledged with excitement. ¡°But this might not have been possible without the help of our genius colleague. If not for the key, this endeavor might have taken even longer." The old man nodded and turned his gaze towards the 30-year-old, crazy-looking scientist seated in front of the computer among the others. "This is a great discovery!¡± A woman among the 23 individuals exclaimed with excitement. ¡°With this, we can have the secrets to eternal youth." "We can finally get our hands on the ancient knowledge. We can dominate the entire world." Another person chimed in. "But the most important and practical benefit, regardless of whether the knowledge and eternal youth exist or not, is that we have access to a clean and safe environment for our safety in this apocalyptic period." Yet another added. "We need to immediately send the military to subjugate the locals of the island if anyone exists." Another individual suggested. "No, it is not good to dive into the unknown.¡± the lead scientist interrupted. ¡°The location is covered in interference. It is also possible that any of our current network and communications may not work in that area. Even now we are only able to get general location of the island and outline of the geography. We are unable to probe into the island. This is also the reason why no one was able to find the island country for all these years. If not for the key and knowledge we collected from the older noble families and a risky decision to spend lots of money and time, we might not have been able to find this place." "Beep! " Just then, an alert sounded. "What''s happening?" The old man frowned. "We just lost all communications from satellites." Someone cried. "What? How is that possible?" One of the scientists exclaimed. "Everyone, calm down.¡± The lead scientist commanded. ¡°Let''s analyze what went wrong first before we panic." "This is unexpected. It happened much faster than anticipated." The lead scientist mutters to himself after checking the systems. The old man enquired, "Any idea what caused it?" "Inversa has lost all network communications through satellites. This is an anticipated situation due to resources depletion. The world can no longer sustain the satellites and outer space activities. It''s fortunate that we completed our task before this happened. We can''t rely on them anymore. Luckily, we finished our task before this happened. We need to find alternative ways to communicate. May be short ranged communications. We''re on our own now.¡± "What do we do now?" People in the room lean in, listening closely. The lead scientist contemplates for some time and suggests, "Without GPS, we''re going to do things the old-fashioned way. We''ll use helicopters, boats or other vehicles to send our smart scientists to find the island manually. We''ll make a device using the key to detect the location based on its waves. It''s risky to take the key with us, but we don''t have time to think twice. It''s our only choice now. Once we get a general direction of the island, we can pinpoint the location. This gives us enough time to prepare for the subjugation. The key''s waves will guide us; we just need to act swiftly." "We approve your plan of action." The old man approved and the other 22 individuals nodded in agreement. ¡°Hmm¡± the lead scientist nods. The room fell into a thoughtful silence as everyone kept watching the image last taken from the satellite. Copyright ? [2023] [The Rainy Imp]. All rights reserved. "It really is a miracle." the lead scientist smiled and started sharing his musings. All the people in the room turned to the lead scientist as he continued ¡°I wonder how he did it. He created this island country approximately 5000 years ago, said to be a phenomenal genius in astronomy, medicine, alchemy, mathematics, physics, and many other fields. I wonder, why did he create this island? How did he craft the interference that hid it from the outside world for all these years? If he had created something this phenomenal, why keep it hidden? If he wanted to hide it, why send a key to the outside world through the ocean? How did he predict the key would reach the land instead of sinking into the waters? I wonder what kind of individual he is. How does this world look through his eyes? Sometimes, I wonder if he sent this key as salvation this world which is facing its end. But how did he predict the timing of the apocalypse? Is he even human? Just thinking about him sends shivers down my spine.¡± "The Enigmatic Sage of Epochs: Arion Thoth Arcturus" When this name of the sage is mentioned, the crazy scientist in his thirties, who had been absorbed in his work, flinches and stops momentarily. A contemplative hush descends upon the room as everyone processes the weight of the name. The old man upon listening to the lead scientist, gazes upon the key which is placed in a middle of the room. The key being referred to is shaped like a cross with a loop at the top. Resembling the cross with a loop. The key seems to be made up of emerald. After a moment, he smiles and says, ¡°This is almost like an invitation. I wonder who he is inviting to his abode? For whom the sage of epochs is waiting for?" The room lingers in thoughtful anticipation. ***** At the same time, in the midst of the chaotic city under the moons, a figure clad in black clothes moves with agile grace, a flowing coat billowing behind. The hood of the attire obscures the face, and a black pollution mask conceals any discernible features. Yet, the eyes, piercing and untainted, shine through the darkness, pure, captivating and alluring. The boy swiftly navigates through narrow alleys and chaotic streets. In his hands is a bag clutched tightly. The boy deftly adjusts the strap of his bag, effortlessly slinging it over his shoulder. Some rough-looking people are chasing him, shouting loudly and shooting guns and throwing objects at him. Despite the chaos, the boy remains focused, he dodges through alleys and streets, trying to escape from the pursuing group of thugs. Volume 1: Chapter 2: Marinthal Volume 1: Chapter 2: Marinthal In the dimly lit, apocalyptic city, people filled the streets¡ªsome wandering, others collapsed, and many indifferently minding their own business. A figure dashed through. A boy, wrapped in black from head to toe, made night his ally as he navigated the labyrinthine streets. A group of menacing thugs trailed closely behind. As adrenaline coursed through his veins, he weaved through the labyrinth of dilapidated buildings. "Kill him before he escapes!" The thug leader barked. The boy, displaying a remarkable agility and maneuvered through the treacherous urban landscape and crowds with finesse. The thugs, fueled by anger, continued to chase him, throwing things to try and stop him. The boy moved quickly and cleverly, weaving through obstacles, utilizing the broken carcasses of cars and scattered debris as impromptu shields. Just when the thugs were about to catch him, the boy bent and took a sharp left turn, entering an alley between looming buildings. The thugs, though momentarily disoriented, quickly regained their composure and pursued the boy into the alley. Lifeless figures with dead eyes, devoid of all hope, lay scattered on the ground. Broken drainage pipelines clung to the walls, and a few broken garbage bins, each with dimensions of 6x4x4, lined the alley here and there. These bins were filled with trash emitting a foul odor. As he continued to run through the alley, he saw that the other end of the alley is connected to main road. As he reached the three-fourths length of the alley, the boy swiftly retrieved an object from his coat and hurled it to the ground. The impact caused an explosive blast of white smoke, which enveloped the alley. The thugs who are exposed to the smoke, coughed as tears brimmed in their eyes due to smoke. By the time the smoke settled down, they lost sight of the boy. Coughs and curses erupted from the enraged thugs. "Blast it! Where did that rat scurry off to?" Thug Minion1 bellowed. "Ghah, ghah! This smoke! I can''t see a thing." Thug Minion2 cursed while coughing. "That kid won''t get away with this. Spread out, find him!" Thug Leader yelled angrily. The thugs dispersed into the main street out of the alley in search of the boy, leaving the eerie alley to its desolation. ***** Copyright ? [2023] by [The Rainy Imp] (Aster¡¯s POV) "I''m so glad they''re a bunch of muscle brains," Aster muttered to himself as he observed the alley through the gaps in the garbage bin. Ensuring that the thugs had truly gone. He pushed open the top of the bin, threw out the black trash bags that had concealed him. With a swift motion, he jumped out of the bin. Then he took out a cloth bag from inside the garbage bin and opened it. From it he took out a large black disposable trash bag and opened it. He threw the bag he stole from the thugs on his back inside the trash bag. Then he quickly took off his cloak, pollution mask, black pants, black t-shirt, and shoes covered in dust from the smoke bomb, tossing them all into the trash bag. He reached into the cloth bag, retrieving a pair of unmatched slippers and a set of beggar clothes¡ªragged pants and a shirt. Both garments bore the marks of wear and tear, with visible stitches. He quickly changed into them. He took out a folded paper from the cloth bag containing dust and charcoal powder, rubbing it all over his body to obscure his identity. Then he filled the disposable bag with all kinds of trash available near the garbage bins as camouflage and folded the bag in a knot. Adjacent to the garbage bin, a trash-filled metal cart used in supermarkets was present. He quickly emptied the cart, swiftly tossing the disposable trash bag and cloth bag into it. He covered the cart with trash and packed trash bags filled with garbage he had previously emptied from the cart. Having transformed from a black-clad thief to a trash-collecting beggar, Aster dusted himself off, tousled his hair, and seamlessly pushed the cart onto the main street footpath, blending into the crowd. As Aster pushed his cart along the footpath, the thugs are vigorously searching the streets in groups, causing ruckus. "Found him?" thug leader asked. "No," frustrated replies echoed. "Check the next alley," thug leader commanded, scanning. "Maybe he doubled back?" someone speculated. "Go trace the routes! He can''t be far!" the leader ordered impatiently. "But what if he''s hiding nearby?" another thug questioned. "Keep eyes peeled, check every corner. Don''t let him slip!" the leader barked. ¡®Keep searching in circles, morons,¡¯ Aster snickered inwardly as he passed right under their noses. Just when he thought he had eluded them, the thug leader who spotted him pushing the cart shouted, ¡°Hey, kid, stop there.¡± Aster''s heart sank. ¡®Damn, maybe I spoke too quickly?¡¯ he cursed inwardly. But didn''t show any panic on the surface; He kept moving forward as if he hadn''t heard. The thug leader walked briskly, catching Aster''s shoulder, and asked menacingly, "I am speaking to you, kid. Why aren''t you stopping?" "A-are y-you speaking to me, sir?" Aster stuttered, turning to face the thug, feigning fear. "Then who else?" the thug leader glared. "Eekh!" Aster took a step back, covering his head with his hands as if to protect his face in fear. "What are you pushing in the cart?" "I-its just trash, sir," he spoke slowly, lowering his hands and looking at the thug leader. "What are you doing collecting trash?" "I -I thought maybe I can find something useful, s-so I was collecting it." If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. "Open it." "T-There is nothing in it, sir." ¡°I said open it.¡± Thug leader howled. ¡°Y-Y-Yes.¡± Aster stammered, opening the trash bags one by one with shaking hands, a panicked expression on his face, trying to prove his innocence. ''His stature and height seem to be the same as the boy''s,'' the thug leader was skeptical. Impatient, the thug leader ordered his minion, "Check them." ¡°Yes.¡± They pushed Aster aside, causing him to fall to the ground. They turned the trash bags upside down, emptying the contents one by one. Aster stood up, trembling and seemingly in fear as he watched them conduct their search. "Bad, bad, bad, danger, danger, danger," his mind screamed red alert as cold sweat poured down his back. "What''s happening here?" "Don''t know," murmurs echoed as people gathered around to check the commotion. Some curiously waited to see if the boy carried anything valuable in those trash bags. Finally, the large bag containing the items Aster had stolen is opened, only to discover it was filled with trash. As they began to sift through it, one of the thugs urgently exclaimed, "Boss, we''ve got a problem!" ¡°What happened?¡± Everyone momentarily stopped to listen. ¡°The boy was a distraction. Someone attacked and stole our goods.¡± "Curses! Why didn''t they inform us?" "No idea. They just sent a message over the walkie-talkie." "Damn. Incompetent fools! Everyone, let''s go. Back to the beach." The thugs who were searching and those rummaging through the trash hastily retreated, leaving the bewildered crowd and Aster alone. Onlookers lost interest as they realized the bags contained only trash and began to disperse from the scene. ¡®Damn¡­that was so freaking close.¡¯ Aster heaved a huge sigh of relief inwardly, gulped nervously. He couldn¡¯t begin to imagine what his fate if exposed just now or if someone noticed the content of his bags. He quickly sealed the large trash bag, grabbed whatever he could to keep up the cover, and walked away, pushing his cart. **** Copyright ? [2023] by [The Rainy Imp] Marinthal, a coastal city marked by frequent earthquakes, has an uneven landscape with cracked pavements and skeletal structures. The city is divided into three zones: Government Facilities, Rich People Zone, and the rest of the city. The central area, comprised of government facilities and the affluent zone, is encircled by the rest of the city, where dilapidated buildings lean dangerously or stand reduced to skeletons. Streets are cluttered with trash and debris, sometimes used to form barricades and hiding spots. The air holds a mix of decay and salty sea breeze, adding to the desolation. Skies are filled with smog. Abandoned cars and bikes litter the streets; people now navigate on foot. Marinthal houses around 70,000 people, with 30% of buildings empty from death or migration. Children no longer attend school, growing up without formal education. The city''s health and governance have crumbled alongside its physical infrastructure. Essential amenities are scarce, and electricity is a luxury, available only during nighttime for street lights and critical services like hospitals. Homes rely on alternative, non-electric sources for basic needs. Under the oppressive daytime heat, people stay indoors to escape the relentless sun. Marinthal comes alive at dawn and dusk, with the populace emerging to scavenge and engage in clandestine activities under the cover of darkness. The government and wealthy elites control industries and hospitals. With scarce energy sources, factories operate on rationed power, limited to specific hours. Factory owners compensate workers with meager provisions like food and amenities, as money has lost its value. Along the ocean coast, some people rely on fishing as a primary means of sustenance. Despite challenges, residents depend on the sea for food, trading fish and other marine resources within the community, although they are becoming scarce. Skilled individuals use their craftsmanship to create handmade goods, repairing salvaged items or crafting new tools. Artisans play a crucial role in contributing to the makeshift economy of the city. The city is plagued with gangsters, groups fighting for territory. Controlled by ruthless gangs, Marinthal is a battleground where factions vie for territory amidst the ruins. Unused metro facilities, shopping malls, and underground railways now host clandestine activities controlled by ruthless gangs. Skirmishes erupt regularly as they fight for the scarce resources left in the remnants of the old city. Gangs impose a ''protection tax,'' extorting food and supplies from residents. Despite forming support groups, people have no choice but to comply as the gangs grow stronger. Livelihoods are precarious, and people often resort to scavenging or engaging in illicit activities controlled by local gangs for survival. Many residents scavenge for materials and salvage goods from dilapidated buildings. Metal, wood, and any salvageable items become valuable commodities in this resource-scarce landscape. Along the city''s ocean coast, a vast dump yard covering one-third of the coastal line has taken shape. ***** Copyright ? [2023] by [The Rainy Imp] Aster pushed his cart along the coastal dump yard, illuminated by three moons. The ocean waves and creaking cart wheel echoed in the cold sea breeze. He came to a stop in front of a run-down five-story building enclosed by a compound wall next to the ocean beach. There''s an enormous pile of trash, obscuring the view of what lies beyond. Seemingly, behind the piles of trash lies a beach and the expansive ocean. Trash mountains are scattered across the area. Simply put, the building is sitting in between piles of trash. The rusty main gate creaked as he pushed it open. He carefully moved the cart, hiding it next to a pile of trash. Just then, he saw a shadow creeping beside him. Startled, his hand reached for the club placed in the cart. Quickly, he lifted the club, turned about assuming an attack posture while shouting, ¡°Aaa¡­¡± "Aaaa¡­ stop it. It''s me." The person is a man in his 50s with a dandy appearance. His right arm is missing, and despite his masculine features and smart beard, he appeared thin due to a lack of proper food. He wore simple, worn, and stitched clothes. "Blasted kid! Are you trying to kill me?" "Are you trying to scare me to death?" Aster retorted, lowering the club, seemingly relieved. "What are you doing late at night? Why are you so late?" Before he can reply, the sound of a door slamming open and running footsteps is heard. "Who is it? Why did you shout?" A slim woman in her 40s, with short hair and a scar on her left face, rushes over with an iron rod, shouting. Seeing Aster, she halts, wearing a blank expression. "Mom, Father is scolding me." Aster ran and hugged her. The dandy man''s eyes twitched, unsure of what to say. The woman caught Aster''s ear, twisted it, and said, "What do you mean he is scolding? Should he be praising you for roaming late at night?" "Ouch, ouch, ouch¡­ Mom, it hurts. I am sorry. It hurts." "Of course, it does. Do you know how worried we were?" "Sniff, sniff, what is that smell?" She suddenly released his ear and covered her nose. "Why are you stinking so much? Did you sleep in a sewer or something? Why are you covered in soot?" "Ouch¡­ you are ruthless," Aster pouted while rubbing his ears but did not explain. "Haaa... I will deal with you tomorrow. Go clean yourself up. I have put some water and clothes at the back." "Ok. Ah, and don¡¯t discard this cart. Leave it as it is." ¡°Ok¡± Aster went to the back of the building, where he found a half bucket of water, a cloth, soap, rock salt, a basin, and a nightdress. He poured rock salt and some water into the basin, undressed, and cleaned himself thoroughly with the soapy cloth. After washing with two mugs of water, he dried himself with a towel. Putting the remaining rock salt in the bucket, he cleaned his clothes, squeezed them dry, and hung them on the ropes. Changing into worn-out night wears, he discarded the water, and brought everything inside the dark, electricity-less house. In the hall, his mother was waiting. ¡°Where is dad?¡± ¡°He went to sleep. Here, have this bun and water before you sleep.¡± ¡°Did you eat?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Hmm...¡± Aster took the bun, tore it in half, and tossed one half to his mother. ¡°Hey, don¡¯t throw the food. Why are you throwing it?¡± ¡°If I don¡¯t throw it at you, you will not take it.¡± Saying that, he took the water glass and went into the kitchen, eating his half piece of bun. ¡°You eat it. I said I ate.¡± ¡°Hmm... you are lying. Share it with dad. Don''t try to save it; it will go stale by tomorrow.¡± Saying that, he finished his bun, drank his water, and put the glass away. Then, with a loud yawn, he stretched his body. ¡°I am sleepy. I will take my rest. Good night.¡± She didn¡¯t know what to say, feeling awkward. ¡°Hey, come back here.¡± But Aster did not listen and went upstairs. ¡°I will remember this. See how I deal with you tomorrow.¡± Feeling a bit frustrated, she sighed and got up to go to bed. Aster climbed the stairs, reaching a room without a door. The room was dark, illuminated only by moonlight. A few kids slept on the floor with blankets covering their bodies and stitched, ragged pillows beneath their heads. The open windows allowed the cool breeze to flow in. Approaching the window, Aster found his pillow and folded blanket. Unfolding the blanket, he covered himself, lying on the pillow. He gazed outside to see the fractured moon hanging in the sky. Despite his fatigue, sleep eluded him. He continued staring at the moon, reminiscing about his day, introspecting. After a few minutes, he slowly closed his eyes, using the night as a blanket, the moonlight as a bedside lamp, and the ocean waves, sea breeze, and cold winds as his lullabies, eventually falling into a deep sleep.