《BioCore》 Chater 1 Thundering claps of heavy rain and echoing footsteps rattled the thin layers of metal holding up the rooftops. Beaming from below, the neon lights barely reached the surface of the weathered buildings, giving way for the distant glow of the midnight stars. Vaan jerked his head back for a moment, catching his breath, along with his racing heart. Three, no, four men much larger than him were two rooftops behind, trailing his tracks. Their gleaming, merciless smirks staring back at him. As the rain kept crashing at his eyes, Vaan briskly shuffled his golden curly hair out of his sight, which had matted to his forehead from the downfall. He looked down hesitantly, the bright orange essence emitting from inside his leather jacket still glowing bright, confirming he hadn¡¯t dropped the core. ¡°Running will only delay your beating,¡± One of the men yelled from afar. Unfazed by the rain, the men inched closer with every step, plenty of stamina filling their chase. Vaan turned his head once again, his scrawny body slipping on the puddles forming along the edges of the rooftops. A silent cough escaped his throat, filled with a staggering wetness, and a pinch of dirty rain. He scrambled back up to his knees, then to his feet, squeaking his ripped brown boots against the puddles below. His fist squeezed tightly against his jacket pocket as he sprinted forth, panting. It was hard for him to predict how many rooftops were left, and how many he could jump on, but rooftops were not infinite, nor was his ability to run forever. The core in his pocket leaked a trail of orange light, so in turn, no matter where he turned, he would be followed with ease. Taking rapid steps and synchronizing them with his breathing, Vaan used that rhythm to prepare himself for yet another jump. Luckily, it would bring him to a lower level, and as he reached the edge, he could see it spanned about 15 feet in length. Crap. He thought to himself, glancing back once more before a slippery jump across. The four men were on his tail, closer this time, as the rain did nothing to hinder their pressing desire for the core. With his final breath tightening his body, Vaan leaped off the edge into the night sky, embracing the split-second of freedom he felt before sinking back down. That single moment of feeling weightless was enough for him to keep going, to keep pushing until his body refused. However, as large pools of rainwater interrupted his landing, the planned roll he had aimed for became a sudden shock to his knees and a short, painful slide on the cold rooftop floor. Vaan let out a frenzy of short, silent screams as the nerves in his ankle fired all at once. Each breath he took had suddenly grown heavy, as if a weight had been placed atop his lungs. His desperate attempts to stand fell short as a numbing pain sprouted around his left foot, unable to bear the weight of his frame. So, his body collapsed back down, face splashing against the puddles of dirty water. The core bounced out of his pocket, rolling onto the tiles and click-clacking away from him; lighting the corners of the rooftop. Vaan¡¯s heart raced even faster as he started to crawl, because deep inside, he knew it was over. All those months of planning, memorizing, and strategizing to obtain a single core were now being washed away by the rain. That core, now nearly an arms-length away, was the only thing his hope clenched onto. It was his key for survival, so the only thing he could do was crawl, pushing past the aches in his limbs and muscles. As he reached closer and closer, spitting rainwater out from his nose, a bellowing pain thumped atop his hand, stopping his motion. Vaan let out a hopeless cry, and as he looked up, a large rubbery boot twisted his wrist into the ground. ¡°Lookie here,¡± A large, bald man laughed as he forced his weight onto Vaan¡¯s wrist. He wore a ripped shirt¡ªwhich was now stuck to his skin¡ªalong with loose overalls and a smug look. His right eye, replaced by a bionic implant, scanned the boy up and down. ¡°The rat¡¯s got nowhere else to run.¡± Vaan¡¯s hope had long faded from his reach, and in that moment, the pressing pain around his limbs numbed his thoughts of escape. He had stopped struggling, letting the man kick him over onto his back. Bright stars reflected back at him through the night showers, along with three irritated frowns looking down on him. The bald man picked up the core, clutching it between his thumb and index finger. ¡°Finally,¡± He hissed. ¡°Now to deal with this trash.¡± He kicked Vaan again. ¡°If we leave you alive, who knows where you might run off to? Rats tend to cause problems if left untreated.¡± One of the other men walked over, wearing a large, buttoned cotton coat down to his knees, along with a greasy set of long, thick hair. His face sat thin, seeming starved at first glance. ¡°Would you like me to dispose of him sir?¡± He asked the bald man, ¡°I have no doubts this kid is alone, but if he were to report us to the guard¡­¡± ¡°Well?¡± The bald man spat between his teeth, kicking Vaan again, no longer hearing the boy¡¯s wheezing. ¡°You hear that? We can¡¯t have you running off to the guard now can we? However,¡± he glared back at the core. ¡°With this, we might not have to worry about those damned uniformed pests.¡± Vaan, on the verge of fainting, managed to look up through his blood-soaked lids. Glaring through the blurriness, the three men¡¯s laughter taunted him, as if eating at his strength. Slowly, his muscles relaxed, welcoming the darkness. That is, until a sudden thought popped into his fading mind. Why are there three of them? I swear I saw four chasing me. Did one of them fall? No, that can¡¯t be it¡­ The bald man dropped the core into a zipper pocket on his torso, calling out to one of his subordinates in the process, ¡°Oi Jinn, throw the kid off the ledge.¡± He waited patiently for Vaan to be dragged off, but as seconds ticked by without an answer, his grin faded. ¡°Jinn! I don¡¯t want to repeat my¡ª¡± As he turned around, along with the other two men, the one named Jinn was nowhere to be seen. They scanned the rooftop frantically, yet no sign of their fourth comrade had been present. ¡°Where the hell did he go?¡± He yelled at the other two. ¡°Did he fall? You two were behind me.¡± The long-haired man scratched his head, ¡°I swear he¡¯d been right next to me a second ago. We were jumpin¡¯ across together¡ª¡± ¡°Then where is he?¡± As they continued to argue, Vaan heard a loud, unnerving thud strike the ground behind him. The men heard it too, dropping the rooftop into a moment of silence, which was only disturbed by the sounds of pouring rain. Vaan lacked the strength to turn around, but from the look of pure horror on the men¡¯s faces, he knew it couldn¡¯t have been good.Stolen novel; please report. ¡°J-Jinn..¡± The long-haired man stuttered in shock, afraid to take a step toward what seemed like a headless corpse splattered across the rooftop. The man looked up, searching for where the body had fallen from. As he gazed upon the stars, a splash of crimson blood exploded through his neck, revealing the edges of a small, glistening dagger. It only lasted a second; the last second of air entering his lungs; the final feeling of blood warming the soul; the final glance of white dots on a black, empty surface. Shifting his head ever-so-slightly, Vaan managed to witness the long-haired man¡ªpierced with a silver knife through his neck¡ªfall gently, as blood pooled onto the rooftop. ¡°The guard found us!¡± The other man yelled in distraught. His blocky jaw dropped in fear, panicked breaths gasping for answers. His composure shattered at the sight of the blood, forcing him to retreat. ¡°Shut the fuck up,¡± The bald man yanked him back, observing with his metallic eye. Through the darkness of the night, his eye had the ability to detect minor heat signals through a certain range. ¡°Keep close,¡± He ordered, pulling out a small pocket knife, and thrusting out the silver one which had been lodged into his allies¡¯ neck. ¡°The guard doesn¡¯t go above ground level. This is something else.¡± He kept scanning, able to make out a humanoid silhouette of red in the far distance of the rooftop. ¡°Jackpot.¡± A smile arose on his face once more. ¡°You can¡¯t hide from me you little¡ª¡± His momentary excitement fell short as the silhouette made a swift motion of a broad sweep, and a split-second later, a similar silver knife whizzed through the rain, straight into his eye implant. ¡°Ahhgghh!¡± he screamed, the tip of the knife stopping just before his brain. ¡°You fucking prick. Hiding like a coward.¡± Both the men backed away from Vaan and the two dead bodies, taking a defensive stance, yet shivering in fear. As the rain continued its downpour, washing the blood off the rooftop, a hooded figure¡ªresembling the stature of a well-versatile man¡ªwearing all black, appeared from the edge of the rooftop. The figure wore a sturdy cloak made of a thick wool, woven with other elastic fibers for easy movement. The cloak¡¯s hood gripped tight to the figure¡¯s head, casting shadows upon the hidden face within. The figure seemed empty handed, as if the two knives were its only source of weaponry, of which the bald man caught onto quickly. ¡°Amesly,¡± The bald man roared, pushing the squared-jaw man in front of himself, ¡°Go kill that bastard, he¡¯s unarmed now.¡± Amesly, who was gripping a bent metal beam of some sort, cautiously moved forward. After noticing the figure lacking any form of weapon, the eagerness in his steps hastened with confidence, quickly morphing into a fearsome sprint. The figure stopped in a small puddle, his posture sturdy, his body unarmed, and his eyes paying no attention to the charging man. Vaan, who was losing consciousness fast, had been the figure¡¯s main source of focus. Locking down the cloaked man in his sight, Amesly prepared a full swing of the metal beam straight for his opponent¡¯s head. Just as he took one step too close, the hooded-man dashed forward with an elegant sweep off the puddle, catching Amesly off balance. After the figure evaded the oncoming attack, Amesly slipped from the mounds of blood and rain below him. Tumbling forth, his thick neck was caught in the gloved hands of the hooded man. A silent crack echoed through the rain, followed by the splashing of a metal beam click-clacking along the floor of the rooftop. Amesly¡¯s body fell limp, sending a cold chill down the bald-man¡¯s spine. ¡°Who the hell are you,¡± He barked, ¡°Do you have any idea what you¡¯re doing?¡± The cloaked figure kept silent, approaching with slow, careful steps. The heavy sounds of the downpour muffled the figure¡¯s footsteps, as if he were a shadow gliding across the ground. The bald man, however, had turned his fear into a bellowing rage. Yanking the other knife out of his metallic eye and replacing his pocket knife with it, he began fanning the knives as if he were an expert duelist. The rings snugged around his fingers seemed to slide to his fingernails, their intricate design allowing for precise movements. ¡°To have such arrogance to face me head on without a weapon,¡± He yelled, swallowing pride as the lightweight knives shifted across his palm. ¡°I¡¯ve come third place in the Highrise Auction. Twice.¡± He spat away the rain drizzling down his chin. ¡°Do you seriously believe you¡¯d get away with this alive? You haven¡¯t a clue of what grounds you¡¯ve stepped on.¡± The figure paused, replying in a cold, monotone voice. ¡°Whose grounds I step on are of no importance to me. This is a pointless squall, between someone who is weak, and corrupted by pride, and another, who would like to avoid watching a child die.¡± Those words stilled the air for a moment. Even the rain seemed to freeze for a few seconds as the bald man processed what was just said. Not once in his life has he ever experienced such carelessness spoken down on him, as if he was a screw holding up a punching bag. ¡°What did you ju¡ª¡± ¡°I¡¯m not going to repeat myself,¡± The figure interrupted him. ¡°You heard what I said. People like you are why mere children are scared to go outside. You¡¯re driven by an undying lust for these cores as if your lifeforce depends on it, unafraid to kill just to satisfy your disgusting greed. So I give you two options. Either you fight, or you jump. It does not matter. You die in the end regardless.¡± The bald man, who remained motionless, sensed a foreign feeling entering his chest. A feeling he had only felt once before. A feeling he hated the most of all: pure fear, consuming his soul. The spite and stark tone of the figure¡¯s voice clenched his lungs together, paralyzing his thoughts. All he could do was grip the knives in his hands firmly, and let his footsteps guide him toward the cloaked man in front of him. ¡°You¡¯re going to regret every single word that came spewing out of that wretched tongue of yours.¡± The cloaked figure kept still, unresponsive. He observed, keeping a watchful eye on Vaan, who was eerily still. The bald man closed the distance between himself and the figure rather quickly, lunging forth with his right hand and immediately following with a broad sweep from his left. The hooded man gently stepped aside, shuffling against the puddle below him, then flicking his elbow into the bald man¡¯s wrist. The quick sensation of the hit sent one of the knives flying in midair, while simultaneously, a soft jab landed on the bald man¡¯s chin, disorienting him. With his remaining knife, the bald man swung again, missing again, and again, and again. It''s as if his duel was against his shadow, but instead of his own movements being mimicked, the shadow was always a step ahead, knowing exactly where and how he would move. The bald man spat out a fistful of blood, throwing the knife aside and cracking his thick fingers. ¡°Little prick,¡± he said, wiping sweat and rain off his glistening forehead. ¡°You rats are always so damn slippery. Always running, quick on their little feet, but no matter how long you slip beneath me, in the end, they always fall.¡± He ripped off his shirt, revealing large, chiseled muscles seeded around his body. A few scars were drawn along his chest and back, along with fresh scratches being washed off by the rain. The silver rings around his fingers moved freely with his hand, tightening along with his grip. ¡°I have to apologize,¡± The hooded man spoke again. ¡°The boy you were chasing is severely injured, and I cannot allow him to die before my eyes. Therefore, I will have to cut our duel rather short.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± The bald man growled, half confused, half enraged. Clinking his knuckles together and leaping forcefully, he aimed his] fist straight at the center of the shadened cloak in his way. As his fist traveled through countless raindrops, a sudden breeze greeted his destination, for the hooded man strafed sideways and parried the punch with the back of his gloved hand. Before the bald man had time to throw another, a quick burst of stiffness shot into his neck, then his ribcage, then his ears. The hooded man maneuvered fast, using the darkness of the night to his advantage, landing quick, efficient blows to crucial nerve points as his weapon. The bald man, now fazed and stumbling in his steps, refused to comprehend what was happening. Pain sprouted all around his body, and as he kept swinging his fists in the open air, hoping to land a hit, not a single blow connected. The hooded man swept around him, jerking his head back with a whiplash to the ground. The bald man¡¯s head smashed into the tile roof, leaving his neck broken, and parts of his skull shattered from within. Vaan, barely managing to keep his lids ajar, studied the hooded man as he knelt down beside him and whispered in his ear. ¡°Go to sleep. It¡¯s best you do so if you want to wake up again.¡± Deprived of energy and strength, Vaan faded into darkness, his cold, wet clothes easing the path to an uncomfortable slumber. Chapter 2 Glimmering rays of morning sunlight creeped their way through the folded blindfolds on the window, slowly waking Vaan from a restless sleep. A soft scent of warm bread entered the room, as well as the chatters of the crowded streets below. Vaan, although partially dazed, had begun to scan his surroundings through a droopy morning glare. A throbbing headache woke him further, along with stomach pains that couldn¡¯t be distinguished from hunger or wounds. He found his arms strapped to a hard, wooden chair placed adjacent to a weathered wall. Across from him sat a small window, with a door on the far right side of the tiny room, and piles of worn clothes to the far left. Was it a dream? He thought to himself as the events from the previous night became more clear. No, it couldn¡¯t be. The swelling around his ankle had clearly proved that. The onset of panic had started rushing through his blood, but before it could escalate any further, the door swung open, putting a pause to the tension building in his heart. The hooded man from the previous night walked in with a relaxed, calm manner, carrying a small plate with two pieces of toasted peasant bread. Vaan¡¯s throat clogged in fear, nervousness, and dryness all at once. He couldn¡¯t muster the strength to speak, nor the strength to know what to say. All he could do was watch, waiting with cautious patience. The hooded man dragged in a similar chair, sitting across from Vaan and placing the tray of bread on his lap. ¡°I am going to make this simple,¡± he said, his voice cold and stern. ¡°If you cooperate, I will make sure nothing problematic will happen to you. Understand?¡± Vaan gulped, ¡°Yes s-sir,¡± His voice shaking. ¡°No need to call me sir.¡± The hooded man replied fast, his tone sincere. ¡°Now that we have an understanding, you should eat,¡± He pointed towards the bread on Vaan¡¯s lap, cutting free one of the ropes with a small dagger. Vaan looked up once more in silence, confirming from the hooded man that he had permission to eat. A firm nod from the stranger gave him the afirmation, and as Vaan took the first bite, his stomach grumbled so loud it nearly echoed through the room. ¡°Now then,¡± The hooded man started. ¡°I am sure you are well aware that these cores are very rare to come by,¡± He pulled out a small, orange sphere the size of an eyeball. ¡°So how does someone like you, get a hold of a core such as this in the Dustlands?¡± Vaan swallowed the last piece of bread down his empty stomach, replying in a shallow, monotonous voice. ¡°Those men that were chasing me. The ones you killed. They run operations selling food, at discounted prices of course, for outlaws and orphans. I was able to keep living day by day due to such cheap costs, and I didn¡¯t think much of it at the time. But as the years passed, so did their prices, and they had started to demand more out of me, knowing I wouldn¡¯t be able to provide.¡± Vaan stopped for a moment, recollecting his thoughts. ¡°It got to the point where instead of payment, they beat us senseless. I was lucky enough to only receive a few scars and bruises here and there, but the others. Some of the other kids weren''t as fortunate as me. They avoided killing so as not to catch the eye of the guard. ¡± The hooded man stared into Vaan¡¯s tearing eyes. ¡°I¡¯ve heard of some businesses within the Dustlands, they hide themselves well. Why did you stay? I¡¯m sure you had plenty of opportunities to escape.¡± ¡°And go where?¡± Vaan let out a deep sigh. ¡°There¡¯s walls all around us. Over time, they¡¯d find me one way or another.¡± ¡°So you planned to steal something of value instead? I find that behavior reckless and rather chaotic.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter now¡­ They know I took the core, and because you killed those men, they¡¯ll think I had something to do with it.¡± Vaan paused again, shutting his eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t care what you do to me, just please don''t sell me back to them. I¡¯d rather die than live another day in their grasp.¡± ¡°Why haven¡¯t you told the guard about this yourself?¡± Vaan sighed, wiping his eyes against the back of his palm, ¡°I can¡¯t. They said if anyone ever ratted, they''d kill us all without warning.¡± The hooded man grabbed the empty tray from Vaan¡¯s lap, setting it aside. Slowly, he pulled back his hood, revealing a pair of glimmering emerald eyes. His medium-length matte black hair fell out of his hood, along with a smooth, brazen face. ¡°You have a courageous heart inside you. It¡¯s warm, which is very rare in this world. What¡¯s your name?¡± He cut the remaining ropes that tied Vaan to the chair. ¡°V-Vaan.¡± he answered, unaware of whether to be surprised or relieved. ¡°So you say there are more of these men running the business?¡± the man asked, his voice stern.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. ¡°Not just more,¡± Vaan gulped, an odd bitterness swiveling in his throat. ¡°They own a whole building in Southside. It¡¯s about 15 stories tall, and the outside usually has a few undercover guards that patrol the block. They keep the exterior discreet, blended with the surrounding structures.¡± ¡°The others, those that you mentioned were beaten. Are you close with them?¡± ¡°I was, but over time we grew distant,¡± Vaan sighed, lowering his head into a reconciliation of thought. ¡°Then the beatings started. Haven¡¯t spoken to ¡®em since. No idea where they are.¡± ¡°Interesting.¡± ¡°Sir, you really dont have to¡ª¡± ¡°My name is Kage,¡± The man said, relaxing back in his chair. ¡°Aside from the men hunting you, tell me what you know about those cores, Vaan. I don¡¯t believe you understand the severity of the situation you have put yourself in.¡± Vaan thought for a moment, trying not to sound stupid. ¡°Well, although I¡¯ve only seen it once in action, they possess an unnatural amount of strength? And they power the electricity that keeps the Dustlands running, that I¡¯m sure of.¡± ¡°Almost. They can amplify a heat-conducting source¡ªmainly iron and steel¡ªhence why people would kill for them. Only a select few know this, but the guards from the empire that patrol the Dustlands all have weapons¡ªwhether it be blade or dagger¡ªwith cores.¡± ¡°Impossible¡± Vaan jerked his head up, heart pounding through his throat. ¡°There are dozens, no, hundreds of guards across the Dustlands. Are you telling me¡ª¡± ¡°Correct,¡± Kage interrupted. ¡°Why do you think that no one fights back.¡± ¡°I always thought that it was against the law to fight back¡­¡± ¡°No. It¡¯s because no one stands a chance against them. A regular sword wouldn¡¯t land a scratch against another with a core. And due to the guard patrolling every corner of every street, it¡¯s hard to even come across a weapon in the hands of a civilian in the first place. Most people that possess any sort of blade are good at hiding it, especially those who are lucky enough to have one with a core imbued inside.¡± Vaan clenched his jaw, taking a moment to process what he had just heard. Living a life on the run from street to street, he had never known about this, and he is certain that the men who chased after him have an arsenal of weapons inside their headquarters. ¡°Here,¡± Kage tossed him the core. ¡°Keep it close. I shall hold you accountable for its safety.¡± Vaan barely caught it as it bounced out of his palm, ¡°Wait, why are you giving it to me? You saved my life¡ª¡± ¡°I don¡¯t need it. You, on the other hand, will. So, if you keep it safe long enough, we can make an arrangement. Last night, I could spot that orange glow from a mile out. Relentlessly, I followed to see what the commotion was at such a late hour. And from our previous conversation, I became aware of your lack of knowledge.¡± Vaan gulped again, placing the core inside an open pocket in his pants. ¡°How are you so sure I¡¯m not lying to you¡­¡± Kage ducked his chin low, giving him a terrifying glare. ¡°The key to figuring out a lie are the eyes. It¡¯s always in the eyes. If you lied to me, you would already be dead.¡± Vaan felt a sliver of goosebumps trickle down his spine, ¡°Thank you¡­¡± A sudden nervousness took the confidence out of his voice. ¡°But I don¡¯t really have anywhere to go. Now that I¡¯ve run away, I don¡¯t have a place to sleep and they¡¯ll be looking for me all over¡­¡± ¡°Vaan, the core you managed to steal seems to be a very high-grade one. It¡¯s pure, forged by a near-perfect craftsman, and I¡¯d hate to see you waste it on money. As a matter of fact, I am quite interested in what properties it can possess. Call it a professional curiosity.¡± Kage stood up, buttoning up the loose holes on his torso. ¡°However, dealing with this organization is a matter I can¡¯t hold off on. Therefore, let¡¯s pay a visit to this building you speak of. I would like to have a normal conversation with their leader. Afterwards, I would like you to pay a visit to my father. He will help you put the core to a much greater use than money.¡± ¡°Sir K¡ª¡± ¡°No need for sir. Please, Kage is fine.¡± ¡°Right, sorry. And I don¡¯t want to sound rude for saying this, but this organization isn¡¯t something to take so lightly. There¡¯s a reason they hold so much power across the Dustlands. They have a lot of unlisted criminals, maybe around sixty or seventy mercenaries. I am well aware you were able to kill four of them, but if your conversation doesn¡¯t go as planned, taking on a full building is suicide¡­ I mean no offense si-¡± Vaan corrected himself before continuing. ¡°Kage.¡± ¡°I only plan to have a conversation. However,¡± Kage¡¯s voice twisted with a grim darkness. ¡°Operations and actions such as these aren¡¯t going to be taken care of by the empire, nor anyone else who cares enough to revolt. You don¡¯t have to follow me if you wish not to.¡± Kage pulled up his hood, looking out the window through the blinds. ¡°But you must stay here until I return.¡± ¡°What! I can¡ª¡± Kage turned around, interrupting him. ¡°I wasn¡¯t asking.¡± His voice chilled the air, seeming as if the floor had turned to ice with his breath alone. Vaan, starting to get nervous, gripped the core tightly inside his pocket. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll go with you.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll camp outside until darkness falls. Grab some water before we depart, and put this on.¡± Kage tossed him a worn out cloak that was hanging on the other side of the door. ¡°We can''t be seen.¡± Vaan tied the front of the cloak around his neck, inhaling puffs of dust and dryness. ¡°You¡¯re not planning on going empty handed are you?¡± Kage tied his boot lace into a firm knot, fixing his posture, ¡°I don¡¯t recall mentioning anything of the sort.¡± Chapter 3 Vaan and Kage camped diligently outside until darkness fell. The streets dispersed rather fast, having only drunks and other wandering shadows lurking about, fueled either by liquor or the eagerness to taste home. The Dustlands were cramped, and without the addition of further infrastructure, the increase in homelessness became another problem. Buildings were too close together, food had grown more scarce, and innocent folk had to uncontrollably resort to violence and bloodshed just to survive. Far up north¡ªonly visible from the highest peak of the Dustlands¡ªstood the empire. Their base built atop a jagged cliffside, miles away from the walls enclosing the Dustlands. The empire ran the hidden law, patrolling with their guards on a daily basis. They ignored any illegal businesses running within the underground market of the Dustlands, so the work of those operations skyrocketed, and no one had the power to rebel or stop it. A chilling breeze swept across the streetside, sending unnerving chills through Vaan¡¯s cloak. ¡°Are you sure this is how you want to do this?¡± asked Vaan. ¡°Would you like to suggest an alternative plan?¡± asked Kage, squatting down behind a pile of broken debris across the street. ¡°I don¡¯t want to put the others in danger,¡± Vaan admitted, gritting his teeth. ¡°Do you have family Vaan?¡± Vaan shook his head silently, his golden curls jiggling back and forth. ¡°All I have left in this world is my father,¡± said Kage, his voice as cold as always. ¡°Without him, I wouldn¡¯t be here today. And it¡¯s people like this,¡± Kage motioned ahead. ¡°That tear innocent families apart.¡± Outside the building¡¯s front doors, two men wearing what seemed like dress pants and thick jackets stood motionless, their eyes searching the streets. They blended in with the shadows of the supporting pillars, keeping their hands behind them, nearly glued to the walls. ¡°Last chance to back out,¡± Kage said, keeping his voice low. ¡°You¡¯re still young, and there will be bloodshed if they don¡¯t cooperate.¡± ¡°I mean no offense, but you don¡¯t seem too much older than me.¡± Kage¡¯s lips straightened into a thin line, as if that comment displeased him. ¡°I¡¯ve lived a long twenty-three years.¡± ¡°Well I¡¯ve lived a long seventeen,¡± Vaan bickered. ¡°Listen, stay close and avoid being seen. Those are your only two rules.¡± Vaan scratched at his head, ¡°Right¡­¡± ¡°You know what to do, let¡¯s move,¡± Kage rounded the corner, approaching non-threateningly. He kept his shoulders loose, relaxed almost, walking with a timid pace. Vaan followed in his steps reluctantly, careful as to keep his expression void of any suspicion. ¡°State your business,¡± One of the men began in a hard, dry voice. Vaan jumped in front of Kage, greeting the two men with a nervous grin. ¡°Uh-hello, My name is V-Vaan, and I am here to pay off my d-debts. This g-gentlemen here would also like to b-buy your services if you have any more possible s-services to ssell.¡± Vaan was shaking, stuttering every other word, more afraid than he was on the rooftops the night prior. His ankle had eased the swelling, but he still had an annoying limp weighing him down. The two men exchanged a glance, then a silent nod as if they had spoken a non-verbal language of some sort. ¡°You can follow us inside, your friend, will have to wait outside.¡± The other man knocked on the door behind him, which opened about an inch from the inside, leaving a split between the doorframe. The man whispered quietly to someone behind the door, and after a few seconds, the door swung open. ¡°We must check you first before entry,¡± He said, motioning for Vaan to step to the side. He then patted him down, and pulled back Vaan¡¯s hood, allowing him entry. Without much thought, the men led Vaan inside, shutting the door as they now faced Kage alone. They were careful as to not make a scene, as a few empire guards were strolling by. They wore all white clothes, uniformed perfectly with silver lining around the collars and sleeves, fastened with core-infused swords by their holsters. One wore a cap, leading the pack with a boisterous stride. As they walked away, the two men looked down on Kage, who was a dozen inches shorter. ¡°You don¡¯t ask for business.¡± The man said in a raspy tone. ¡°Our business comes to you. Now leave.¡± Kage, however, didn¡¯t move. The men shared another glance, then stepped forth. ¡°We don¡¯t ask twice.¡± Kage stared back at them, quickly scanning the surrounding streetside. After confirming the absence of any possible witnesses, he reached inside his buttoned cloak, and with his arms crossed inside, two dim orange glows sparked to life from within. After a few moments, the doorkeeper from inside the building heard a similar knock from the outdoors, waking him from his nightly nap. ¡°What is it this tim¡ª¡± The second he creaked open the front door, his voice cut off by a pulverizing scythe stabbing through his chin, cutting cleanly through the back of his head. Blood burst through the top of his skull, as his maw rattled from side to side in a gargling mess. Seconds later, the blood had faded, and the doorkeeper let out a silent wisp, vanishing into a thin echo of dark ash, as though he had never existed. The front door swung open, and from inside the building, the moonlight painted a dark, hooded silhouette standing in the doorway. Kage held two, one-handed sickles by his side, both crafted so beautifully by a mixture of tungsten metal and steel, enveloped in a sculpted design of vines and thorns. The sickles held a dim orange light imbued into the handle, as well as an ominous dark miasma grasping the air around them. Kage locked his sight into the hallway, and the 5 other men facing him from within. Doors were spread out left and right, along with a broken elevator and a set of crippling stairs at the end of the hall. Small electric lights were spread out, mainly from the rooms, with a few dangling from the high ceiling in the main hallway. The men in the hall quickly grabbed whatever weapon they could find around them, some shouting frantically, while others hurriedly breaking out of their stationed positions. A horrifying aura had begun to corrupt the walls from the entrance, spreading like a shadow in a lightless room. Most of the men managed to grab knives, large metal beams, or wooden slabs. Only one remained without a weapon in his hands, but he did have a glass bottle of alcohol, which served its purpose as he broke it against the wall. The hallway was quite narrow despite the vastness of the structure; Kage caulked back one of his sickles, flinging it sideways like a playing card through the dead center of the hall. The curvature of the blade whooshed through the musky air, leaving a trail of black smoke as it flew at immense speed. Unaware of how to react and with nowhere to dodge, three men were sliced clean like paper, their torsos splitting from their limbs in a single sweep. A hollow wisp momentarily escaped their lungs as their bodies faded into a breeze of ash, disappearing into the darkness. The sickle hadn¡¯t managed to reach the remaining two men in the back, as it fell short, sticking to one of the walls. However, the remaining men refused to charge forward, as they stood paralyzed in fear, unable to comprehend what had just happened. Kage began walking toward them, flipping the handle of his remaining sickle and readjusting his grip. In the center of the hall, one of the men reached for the sickle, attempting to pull it out of the wall. As he grasped it, a banishing screech erupted from his lungs, followed by a burst of pulsating spasms traveling up his arm and through his veins. ¡°You cannot touch death,¡± said Kage, his voice chilling the air. ¡°For death, must touch you.¡± ¡°What in the hell are you!?¡± The man yelled as he forced all of his strength into letting go, but no matter his efforts, his hand seemed glued by an ominous force to the sickle. ¡°You have placed your touch on which thou does not belong,¡± Kage edged closer to him, now a breath¡¯s distance away from his horrified expression. ¡°And that is the greatest sin of all.¡± Using his other sickle, Kage pierced the man''s heart, watching as his body crumbled into a mist of black smoke. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. The one remaining man dropped to his knees, releasing the broken glass bottle in his hand. His heart pounded at his chest, tensing every fiber of his muscles. A sudden chill swept through his senses, his movements locked by some sort of ominous force. Then a voice spoke out to him. Do not move, do not speak, do not falter. Perhaps it was his heart speaking to him, or the lives of all those he had lost within the passing years. Either way, he obeyed the voice, and silently watched as Kage approached him. ¡°Why are you working with this association?¡± Kage asked him. As sweat ran down the man¡¯s wrinkled forehead, and the coldness clouding his heart seemed to fade. ¡°I h-had no choice. If I d-didn¡¯t accept their proposal, I w-would¡¯ve starved. I had no h-home after I was banished from the e-empire.¡± He was banished from the empire? Kage thought for a moment as he ripped the sickle out of the wall. My father used to¡ª ¡°Tell me,¡± Kage started. ¡°What does the empire look like from the mountains? What do they have?¡± The man, now beginning to cry, shook his head. ¡°I s-swear I don¡¯t know¡­ All I remember is waking up on the street,¡± His sobs slurred his speech. ¡°I can¡¯t remember anything! I s-swear!¡± ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Kage asked, placing a curved blade across his throat. ¡°And what is your responsibility within these walls?¡± An unsettling numbness clogged the man¡¯s throat for a moment, ¡°Ashton! My name is Ashton! All I do is bring the booze in! I d-don¡¯t do anything the mercenaries d-do...¡± He gulped, feeling his saliva edge the blade of the scythe. A scent of thick air ruptured his breathing, but it faded as Kage backed away. ¡°Tell me Ashton,¡± Kage knelt down. ¡°What would happen if I were to let you go?¡± ¡°N-not a single word would be said of what my eyes dared to witness tonight!¡± His tone became high-pitched, but his eyes¡ªrunning with tears¡ªstayed true to his word. ¡°Ashton. Do not be enveloped by fear. Embrace it. You did not plead for your life, even when standing on death¡¯s door. You must have a set of principles and goal to guide you forward. I will not ask about your life, however, I hope you understand what I am implying.¡± Ashton nodded rapidly, his tears trailing down the sides of his dimples. ¡°Go to the Bellowing Borg on Westside,¡± Kage walked past him. ¡°Ask for Phenix. Tell him you¡¯ll work for free for a room and a meal.¡± Stopping a few paces away, Kage glared at the man sulking into his palms. Although he lied about his origins from the empire, can someone such as this still be redeemed? He thought to himself. Perhaps it is best to see for myself. Ashton, still sobbing, climbed to his feet, and as he turned his head back around, Kage was gone. The trail of the hooded man lingered into the stairway, and a sudden silence filled the hallway once more. ¡­ On the top floor of the building, Vaan was led into a large, circular office with a view of the city. A crescent couch cushioned with vintage leather circled around a sturdy wooden desk. The desk¡¯s drawers were filled with stacks of coins, all in front of a pillow-filled scarlet chair overlooking the surroundings. In that chair sat a slightly overweight man seeming to be no older than forty. He continued to intertwine his long black beard with the curls in his hair, resting his chin on the palm of his hand. Half of his head was bionic, keeping his skull intact from a previous blast-related injury. Ten other men, which consisted of his main group of subordinates, lined the room on the outer walls. They all wore thick jackets and dress pants, some carrying small daggers dangling off their belts. ¡°Who is this?¡± The bearded man behind the desk gnarled, coughing globs of spit out of his throat. ¡°Why is there a little brat in my office?¡± A tall, well-built man that had brought the boy in, cleared his throat, then spoke in a low tone. ¡°This is the boy that killed Jinn, Amesly, Krigg, and Noki. We recovered their bodies before the guard had a chance to find them.¡± The bearded man squinted his brows, ¡°You¡¯re telling me this kid took down Noki? Along with the other three? I am in no mood for theatrics.¡± ¡°Sir,¡± The tall man cleared his throat again. ¡°This boy was the one who stole the core, so Noki and the others were sent after him. I apologize, but Noki isn¡¯t known for giving mercy, especially his own life. After some diggin¡¯ from the lower levels, this boy currently has a food contract under our name. However, we believe there was an external party involved.¡± ¡°External party?¡± The bearded man thought for a moment, his voice as rigid as a used pipe. ¡°What of the core? And how did you catch the boy? Find and interrogate any locals in the area that might be tied to this brat. Find any relatives or friends of his, and bring ¡®em here. As for the boy, you can beat the answers out of him. That core he stole was no ordinary rock in a drain. Find it immediately.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Vaan felt a trail of goosebumps prickle his arms, and just as he was prepared to run, a hand gently grasped his shoulder. The touch seemed to settle his fear, calm his heart, and release a breath of anticipation out of his lungs. ¡°You¡¯ve done well Vaan,¡± A familiar voice whispered in his ear. ¡°Now, remember what I told you. Stay close.¡± Kage swiftly brushed past him, driving a sickle into the tall man¡¯s abdomen. Blood exploded from the man¡¯s upper spine, as the curvature of the blade pierced the man¡¯s lungs. Forced to drop to his knees, his growls faded, as the darkness engulfed him. His skin seemed to crust with every passing breath, peeling into a thick smog of ash. The other ten men in the room instantly bounced into a fighting position¡ªconfused as to what they just witnessed¡ªsome pulling out jagged blades, others pulling out sharpened daggers. The bearded man sprung out of his seat, startled rather than afraid. ¡°What the fuck just happened!? What kind of sorcery is this?!¡± Kage dropped his shoulders, ignoring the question and asking one of his own. ¡°Are you in charge of the operations this building runs across the Dustlands?¡± ¡°And if I say I am?¡± The bearded man spat, motioning for his men to circle him. ¡°Wonderful,¡± said Kage. ¡°Then I will only ask once. Return every single coin you¡¯ve ever stolen to their rightful owners, including Vaan,¡± Kage motioned behind him. ¡°And for the pain and lives you¡¯ve taken, double it, and let the homeless live in this building rent-free, and I¡¯ll spare your life, and your life only.¡± All the men in the room shared an awkward stare, which broke into a hard, sturdy laugh. The bearded man took over, spitting coughs of uncontrolled laughter. ¡°Is this a joke? Which one of you hired this fool? Markis,¡± He signaled to one of the men. ¡°Get rid of this bastard and his fancy eye tricks, then bring me the boy.¡± Markis held a long, brimming sword with a purple haze along the edges of the blade. An orange glow had sparked to life from the holster, but even Kage noticed it was far too weak to rival. Markis had an odd pattern of fading brown hair on his scalp, pairing nicely with his cluster of awkwardly drawn tattoos on his forearms. As Markis stepped forward, he swung his sword from above, aiming down at Kage¡¯s hood. The finer edges of the longsword held an otherworldly glow, shimmying through the air. Half-interested at the sight of a cored blade, which was quite rare to come by, Kage sprung back, careful as to avoid the attack. As the longsword smashed against the ground, a maroon haze lit up the floor, forming a sheet of ice around the impact. A trifling blue smoke emitted off the sword, and Markis stepped forth again, aiming for a broad slice. Kage gripped his sickle tightly, letting the dark miasma ripple across the floor as he sliced through the longsword like butter. With the second sickle in his other hand, he cut straight through Markis¡¯ torso before the man could even react to what had happened. However, the longsword had not vanished into a black smoke like its owner. Instead, the blade fell flat, clinking against the tile flooring. The faint hues of orange faded, dimming into a dull, colorless essence. Wasting no time, Kage leaped through the remnants of the dark smoke that wisped out of Markis and the taller man, forcing little effort into the remaining 9 left standing. Vaan kept close, clinging tightly to Kage¡¯s steps, his jaw trembling. Is this the power that all the empire guards have? Just who is this man? He thought to himself. His steps grew uncoordinated, and he toppled forward. Kicking Vaan back, Kage dashed through the uniformed men, one by one, perishing them into a black ash with simple, precise movements. The bearded man backed away towards the ceiling-high windows, his arms frozen in midair. ¡°Please! Please spare me! I¡¯ll do as you ask. Just spare me. You can have the damned building!¡± He weeped, bowing down to the floor. ¡°That¡¯s interesting,¡± Kage flipped the blade of his sickles to their handles, holstering them back against the small hooks on his waist. ¡°Your confidence from earlier sounds differnetly now. Why is that?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I swear¡ª¡± ¡°Quiet.¡± Kage interrupted him. ¡°Tell me, why is it that people like you make the lives of others worse. The Dustlands is a place where life is already pitiful. Yet there are people like you who still choose to make it worse. For what? Money? Power? Selfishness? I fail to understand.¡± ¡°How moronic can you be?¡± The bearded man coughed, wiping the spit off his beard with his overwhelmingly large jacket. ¡°Of course it¡¯s about money. Money is everything and will always be everything. How do you think we survive? Even our methods barely scrape the bottom of the barrel.¡± ¡°I find that hard to believe,¡± said Kage, narrowing his brows. ¡°I rule over Southside, the poorest shithole in the Dustlands. And even I have debts yet to be repaid. I simply collect interest from those unable to have access to food and lodging, like that bastard over there,¡± the bearded man spat at Vaan. ¡°What I do is no different than half of this city¡¯s damned elites.¡± ¡°You¡¯re a virus, an infection plaguing these streets. You speak of your lesser evil, but how have you acquired such food and lodge? Would you care to speak on your methods regarding that?¡± ¡°I see now, it matters not what I say. You are the ghost of my sins.¡± The bearded man clenched his jaw, his beard stiffening as he quickly reached for something in his back waistband. However, before he could retrieve the item, a sickle had struck through his neck, leaking a trail of dark light. The man choked on what seemed like dark blood, as his neck slowly crumbled into a black dust. His limbs fell limp, and his soul had wisped into the midnight air. Standing slowly, Kage sighed, ¡°The ghost of my sins,¡± He repeated, those words sinking into his stomach. Vaad, who had fallen backwards, stared at the man before him in awe. The flashing neon lights of the streetside below illuminated Kage into a deathly presence. His silhouette loomed over the room, like a curtain of dread and darkness. Chapter 4 The rest of the crooks operating under the bearded-man¡¯s control fled without a second thought, scurrying off like rats. The building itself was transformed with the help of the locals, providing housing for those in need. Around 500 terrons and 200 lunars were found, which was enough coin to buy other properties and food for those in need. By dawn, Vaan and Kage had found a list in the office of all the civilians under this business¡¯ control. So, most of their morning consisted of returning sums of money to those who were still able to take it. The rest was given to the homeless, with the goal to get as many off the streets as possible¡ªwithout catching the eye of the guard. ¡°Thank you,¡± said Vaan, his voice nimble. ¡°For your help. I don¡¯t know how I could even imagine repaying you.¡± Kage kept his gaze ahead of him, traversing through the crowded streetside, ¡°Do you still have the core with you?¡± Vaan looked down, and just as he attempted to pull it out of his pocket, Kage stopped him. ¡°Great. Now listen closely. Don¡¯t ever reveal it in public.¡± He stopped, turning himself to face Vaan. ¡°Unless of course you want to be imprisoned by the guard, or better yet, have the entire street collapse on top of you as if you were a walking lunar on the ground.¡± Vaan swallowed dryly, zipping up his pocket in a slow, cautious motion. ¡°R-right.¡± ¡°Keep close and follow. We¡¯re almost there.¡± ¡°Si¡ª¡± Vaan stopped himself, ¡°Kage, if you don¡¯t mind me asking. Where exactly are we going?¡± In the far distance, the mountainside edged the sky beautifully, as if sculpting the land beyond. Not many buildings were left, and the enormous brick walls circling around the entirety of the Dustlands were only a few hundred feet away. Kage, ignoring the question, took a sharp left turn into an alleyway. He stopped short against a pile of rusted, prosthetic arms, which were littered across broken glass and some sort of mechanical chips. Behind the mess stood a small, lopsided storage unit. It seemed to be about as tall as two desks stacked atop each other, unwelcoming in all aspects. ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± said Kage, leaning towards the half-broken door that kept the unit from falling apart. Before Vaan could reply, Kage walked over to the pile of arms and picked one up. He then scanned the atmosphere above him, searching for something. The alleyway was sandwiched between two, semi-tall buildings made of wood and plaster. Windows were spaced roughly an arm span apart, half of them broken in shambles. One fist-sized streetlight hung on each side of the alley about 10 feet off the ground, which was exactly what Kage had been looking for. Grabbing the prosthetic and reaching the metal fingers above the rightmost light, he flipped a tiny, nearly invisible switch. ¡°There it is,¡± said Kage, dropping the arm back down. Moments later, a loud clicking noise echoed from the storage unit, signaling to Kage that they were safe to pass. ¡°Be careful of your head,¡± Kage ducked as he swung the door open, entering a small dust-filled room of old tools and strange bionic parts. A scent of rust lingered throughout the room like a rotten carcass, forcing Vaan to recoil at the sudden attack to his sense of smell. Blended in with the floor sat a small cellar door, which seemed to have been opened from the flipped switch. Vaan, stepping closer, looked down the thin entrance to a long, spiraling staircase. A few dim lights lit up a path to traverse down, but not enough to see the end of the staircase. ¡°Shut the door behind you,¡± said Kage, stepping onto the twisting stairway below. The stairway rattled with every step, seeming as if the entire passage was on the verge of collapsing at any moment. There was a railing against the walls, barely held together by screws and bolts, which aided the descent ever-so-slightly. As they reached the bottom, another door greeted their entrance. Without hesitating, Kage swung it open and stepped inside a massive underground living room. A few leather couches were placed in an ¡®L¡¯ shape against the walls, right next to a small kitchen with mounted pots over a fire pit. Bright lights hung from the ceiling, shining upon the burgundy rugs and carpets laying flat against the tile floor. At the other end of the room sat a large, active furnace, a brick fireplace and three cauldrons. Alongside those amenities were many smithing tools, as well as a station for molding and crafting. A few cores dangled from the ceiling by loose strings, impure, barely managing a soft, flickering light. Vaan¡¯s eyes danced from corner to corner, in awe at the sight before him, without a clue of what to say. A short, stubby man wearing a dirty apron came limping from the kitchen. He wore a pair of weathered boots that tightened around his knees, and a pair of safety goggles on his thick, greasy black hair. His left arm had been replaced by a bionic, more operable prosthetic, similar to the ones found in the alleyway. His face was sharp for a short man, and his eyes were indistinguishable from Kage¡¯s. A bright smile shot across his face, ¡°Oi there, and who might yu be?¡± said the man, his cheeks swelling his words. ¡°U-uh, Vaan sir. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you.¡± Vaan said nervously. ¡°Vaan eh? Hmm,¡± He thought for a moment, an old, lingering accent guiding his tone. ¡°Doesn¡¯t twist a dam screw in me head. Well Vaan, make yurself at home. The name¡¯s Willow,¡± He smiled, returning his gaze towards the kitchen. Kage motioned for Vaan to take a seat, taking off his hood. After examining the two men before him, Vaan couldn¡¯t see a single resemblance between them. Everything from the way they moved, spoke, and even their structures were so vastly apart. The only resemblance were their bright, emerald eyes. Turning to his father, Kage grabbed a seat next to Vaan. ¡°You seem to be at ease with a stranger here. It¡¯s the first time I brought one to your base.¡± Willow chuckled, ¡°Yu have yur reasons boy, as I have mine. I¡¯m sure yur smart enough to welcome the right people.¡± Vaan¡¯s life had always been in constant battle for survival, like an everlasting tension that followed his every step. However, in this warming moment, that tension had settled, and for the first time, he had felt safe. The unspoken bond connecting father and son was shared elegantly between Kage and Willow. Even Vaan could sense it with just a single glance. ¡°Father,¡± Kage spoke in a more relaxed tone. ¡°Vaan here has come across something that might be a one-of-a-kind core. I¡¯ve never seen one have such a blinding glow. Even holding it I could feel its strength.¡± Interest sparked across Willow¡¯s face as Kage mentioned the word core, ¡°That so?¡± He raised a brow. ¡°Does the boy got it with ¡®im?¡± With a slow wave of his hand, Kage motioned for Vaan to show it. The boy did so without questions, careful as not to drop it. ¡°Oh my.¡± Willow examined it closely, putting on a pair of squared spectacles that were hidden in his pocket. ¡°By the gods almighty¡­ Where in the tarnished did yu get this?!¡± ¡°W-well,¡± said Vaan. ¡°I stole it not too long ago from the¡ª¡± ¡°I don¡¯t care where yu stole it from boy,¡± Willow gasped with excitement. ¡°But how?¡± ¡°Well, I sort of just snuck in, then I¡ª¡± ¡°Boy!¡± Willow interrupted Vaan again. ¡°Yur missin¡¯ the point!¡± ¡°Father, if I may,¡± Kage sighed, annoyed by the back and forth banter. ¡°He¡¯s still a little young. I don¡¯t believe he understands the value of cores. He¡¯s a street rat from Westside.¡± Vaan sulked his head, knowing he hadn¡¯t a way to defend himself from the allegations. For street rats were nothing more than names given to thieves, beggars, and orphans. ¡°Oi, yu should¡¯ve said so boi. The west ain¡¯t no nothin¡¯ bout anythin¡¯,¡± Willow turned his gaze onto Vaan with a smile. ¡°Don¡¯t take me insults personal kid.¡±The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°R-Right,¡± Vaan chuckled awkwardly. ¡°Listen here,¡± Willow began, placing the core down on an anvil. ¡°Cores be made of steel and arzin, which be found in dem mines in tha northern plains, beneath mountain sides. Those the same mountains yur can see behind the wall.¡± Vaan nodded, trying his best to understand. Before Willow could continue, Kage sighed again, taking over the role of explaining. ¡°What he¡¯s saying is that to craft a core of any kind, you need a balance of steel and Arzin. The empire has a mining team to go inside the mountains and dig their lives out for arzin, and even then, only a few blacksmiths know the perfect ratio of arzin to steel.¡± Willow growled, but let Kage continue as he noticed Vaan¡¯s attention span increase. ¡°My father is a part of the mining team, and as you can tell, he¡¯s quite crafty when it comes to core making.¡± ¡°Was,¡± Willow corrected him. ¡°Was a miner, tha best around too. But left before things got haywire. ¡®I stopped trustin em, those damned white uniforms and such.¡± Kage turned to Vaan, ¡°Don¡¯t bother asking him why he left. I¡¯ve done so a dozen times. He won¡¯t say.¡± A thin line formed across Willow¡¯s chapped lips, followed by a grunt. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind me asking then,¡± Vaan raised a hand. ¡°Why is this core so special?¡± ¡°According to my father,¡± Kage tried his best to translate blacksmith lingo. ¡°There are low-grade, mid-grade, and high-grade cores. The grade is representative of how much heat can be conducted through it. So, for example, when a core is imbued into the hilt of a sword, the conductibility of that core will represent how much power it can produce. Low-grade cores are usually what makeup half of the city''s electricity. You know, lights and what not.¡± Vaan, mind blown at the thought, let his curiosity guide his words. ¡°So couldn¡¯t you put a core into a metal pipe? Or even a pot? Or anything with metal?¡± Willow burst into a sea of laughter, ¡°Yur an interesting fella, yur intuition is smartb But it don¡¯t work as easy as yur head might think! Cores don¡¯t run on infinite energy, so when ya see a blast of sparks coming from a blade, it ain¡¯t gon¡¯ be there foreva¡¯!¡± ¡°Oh, I see.¡± ¡°Armaments and weaponry is the best way for cores to be put to use,¡± Kage stood up, grabbing a glass of water from the kitchen. ¡°They are able to produce specific ailments with the wielder''s control, and the grade of the core will determine how long and powerful the core¡¯s energy will last. Swords work the best, since the core can be forged properly.¡± ¡°Hold on, so¡­ What grade are your¡­ You know¡­¡± Vaan thought about what he had witnessed earlier, and the terror that struck his very soul. Although Kage had protected him, the remembrance of men turning to black mist had settled a weight into his stomach that couldn¡¯t be lifted. The smile Willow wore confidently faded fast, replaced by a look of concern. ¡°He knows ¡®bout yur¡ª¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Hmm,¡± Willow calmed his tone. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me he also knows ¡®bout yur¡ª¡± ¡°No. Not yet at least.¡± Kage snapped, as to make sure his father was not to finish that sentence. Before Vaan had time to question the mystery behind the interruptions, Kage continued. ¡°Both of the scythes are of the high-grade. In the office last night, that longsword was a low-grade without a doubt. However, don¡¯t ponder about the grade of the cores, it shouldn¡¯t matter to you.¡± Willow, despite his overprotective nature, never questioned Kage¡¯s whereabouts or doings. Even without a motherly figure in his life, Willow did his best to keep his son¡¯s heart pure. He portrayed kindness to the world, doing deeds from the bottom of his heart, and his empathy came from the kindness his own parents gave to the world. ¡°Oi boy,¡± Willow signaled to Vaan. ¡°Can you fight?¡± ¡°No,¡± Kage answered for him. Vaan remained silent for a moment, slightly embarrassed. ¡°I can try¡­¡± ¡°Perfect!¡± Willow jumped. ¡°Ya see, this ain¡¯t just no high-grade core yuv come across. This one has potential for¡­¡± He examined it closer, mischievously chuckling to himself. Kage¡¯s expression grew with uncertain caution, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you can¡ª¡± ¡°Oh it be definitely possible,¡± Chuckling louder, Willow stuffed the core into his apron pocket. ¡°Ima¡¯ need to run some trials at tha hq, but this core be as good as yurs, son.¡± Vaan, who was beyond confused, stood up as well. ¡°I¡¯m sorry but what¡¯s going on? Is it bad?¡± Kage sighed, turning around. ¡°Tell me Vaan, have you ever heard of a firearm?¡± Before Vaan could answer, Willow laughed. ¡°Boy, ain¡¯t no one in tha Dustlands know what dat is. And only yu know cuz of my drunken stories... ¡®Cept maybe one bastard, he knows all¡­ yu know who¡­¡± Kage nodded, refraining from proceeding any further on the subject. ¡°From what my father entails. It might be possible to create a firearm with that core, which is an incredibly dangerous weapon. Although I should mention that as skillful as my father is, and as many times he has attempted, he has never been fully able to create such a masterpiece.¡± Willow growled again, the previous attempts flashing pained memories through his thick skull. ¡°It be a hard process. The damned thing itself be easy to craft, and puttin in tha core be even easier. Tha shootin¡¯ be the damned problem.¡± ¡°Shooting?¡± said Vaan, a puzzled look sprouting on his face. ¡°Ai! Like dem bows and arrows, ¡®cept a lot stronger, and smaller, and faster than the eye can see.¡± ¡°Does such a thing truly exist?¡± Kage patted Vaan on the shoulder, easing his concern. ¡°Lower grade cores are weak, even the medium grade ones cannot withhold such destructive power. Producing such a lethal weapon requires a perfectly crafted core, one blended with minerals precise to the gram, and my father¡¯s knowledge of course. They also need to recharge quickly. ¡± Vaan thought for a moment, recollecting his thoughts. ¡°What do you mean by recharge?¡± Kage sat back down, taking a sip of water. ¡°Cores do not have an infinite energy supply. They need it from somewhere don¡¯t they?¡± He asked in a tone that would lead to a rather simple answer. ¡°Well, due to the conductivity of arzin, the best way to recharge cores is through direct sunlight. My father has been lucky enough to discover that roughly 1 hour of direct sunlight can yield 2 hours of energy production from a core. So, a 1:2 ratio. That¡¯s how the streetlights are powered at night. There¡¯s specific paneling in all buildings that has a direct route from the outside to the source of the core.¡± ¡°I understand¡­¡± Vaan frowned, gaining a worried look. ¡°But even from yesterday,¡± He glanced at Kage. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll have the funds for such work.¡± Willow burst into a laugh again, this time being more gentle as to not scare the lad. ¡°Boy ¡®I don¡¯ know if I¡¯ll be able to craft tha damned thing anyways. I¡¯ve tried in tha past plenty of damned times; failed each an¡¯ ery one of em.¡± ¡°You¡¯re in good hands Vaan,¡± Kage started. ¡°Give my father a chance. And if he succeeds, consider it yours.¡± Vaan nodded, his lips beginning to curl. ¡°A-Alright.¡± ¡°However,¡± Kage¡¯s tone hardened. ¡°You need to learn how to fight. If my father succeeds, you have to be prepared to protect yourself at all costs.¡± ¡°H-how to fight you said?¡± Vaan chuckled innocently. ¡°Next week is the first of the month. After the Horkos, if all goes as usual, we will begin your first lesson.¡± Willow laughed, ¡°Lessons? How bad can the damned boy be? Have em get whipped into shape from the¡ª¡± ¡°No, I do not want to see that man right now,¡± Kage gave himself space at the center of the living room, motioning for Vaan to do the same. ¡°Now come at me with your full intent to kill.¡± Vaan, nervously standing parallel to Kage, had no authority to object. It wasn¡¯t his first time in a fight, but a wave of unease gripped around his nerves as he stood face-to-face with Kage. It was as if he were a rabbit, staring at a bloodthirsty wolf. Willow stood silently in the corner, crossing his short, stubby arms, ¡°Don¡¯t go too hard on the kid.¡± Vaan, swallowing his pride, charged forth. With his fists clenched tight, and heart pounding, his gaze tracked the lack of defensive posture from his opponent. Kage just stood there, feet shoulder width apart, and arms motionless by his side. Stepping closer, Vaan swung his fist at Kage¡¯s chin. The trajectory was perfect, as the closer his fist reached, the more still Kage became. Why is he not moving? Vaan thought to himself. Does he actually want me to hit him? No, I couldn¡¯t do that in front of his father. Just as his fist was about to collide with Kage¡¯s jaw, Vaan swayed his knuckles to the right, edging the sides of Kage¡¯s hair. ¡°Why did you miss?¡± Kage asked. ¡°I wasn¡¯t moving.¡± Vaan gasped a heavy breath of air, unable to muster a proper reply. If he were to say anything now, it would simply sound like an excuse. ¡°I thought I told you,¡± Kage pushed Vaan to the ground. ¡°Come at me with full intent to kill.¡± As Vaan picked himself off the ground, anger clenched his fists tighter this time. A menacing frown drew across his brows, and this time, he charged with keen determination written in his eyes. Vaan swung hard, faster this time, determined to strike his opponent with a clean jab. However, just as his fist had reached the tip of his opponent¡¯s chin, Kage stepped aside with ease, grabbed Vaan¡¯s exposed wrist, and flung him forward through a quick shift in his step. Vaan flew across the carpet, tumbling backward, scraping the sides of his knee. The embarrassment, however, hurt much more than the wound. ¡°Better,¡± said Kage. ¡°You lack coordination and thought, but both will come with experience.¡± Willow helped the boy up, ¡°Don¡¯t take it personal boi, it be a compliment.¡± Vaan shrugged off the carpet dust on his shoulders, ¡°R-right¡­¡± ¡°You can spend the next few days in my unit,¡± said Kage. ¡°Rest, recover, and stay out of sight for now. Our next meeting will be at the Horkos.¡± Vaan nodded, ¡°The Horkos? Where exactly would you like to meet?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that. Just be there. I will find you.¡± Chapter 5 Three days had passed since the meeting in Willow¡¯s underground hideout. Thousands of Dustlands¡¯ citizens were crowding near the North Gate, which acted as a shield of some sort, separating a vast courtyard from the desolate land beyond the gates. The courtyard thrived with people of all ages, their clothing worn and patched from years of wear. Screams and applause howled throughout the streetside, lifting the spirits of even the gloomiest of folk. Those that cheered had been longing for this day as if it were one from the gods, as they riled atop one another, awaiting the start of the Horkos. Most of the white-uniformed guards lined themselves against the walls, while the rest pushed the citizens away from the courtyard¡¯s embrace. On the first of every month, a representative from the empire would come down to the Dustlands in a massive, fortified vehicle, lined with thick walls of copper and aluminum. This vehicle operated solely from cores, and ran the only safe passage from the empire¡¯s base to the Dustlands. Between the two sat a desolate plateau of dry land known as Elpis, where travel was forbidden, for dangers beyond death lay buried within the hollow earth. The empire¡¯s representative, once arrived, would then choose a set of specific individuals from the Dustlands to travel with them, granting them a life of peace, prosperity, and plenty of food. How they were chosen remained unknown. Regardless, the first of the month was the only bit of hope the citizens clinged onto, for that hope was all they had left. Vaan had luckily found an open spot within the crowd next to a thin building, able to make out the inner ends of the courtyard far ahead. Kage, as predicted, appeared out of nowhere, his hood steep over his glare. ¡°Watch carefully. Observe. Don¡¯t make eye contact. And don¡¯t make a sound.¡± ¡°W-what do you mean?¡± Vaan yelped, startled. Before Kage could answer, a triumphant blast had rung through the air, the origin appearing from the gates. The noise stung at the ears, pounding an irreversible screech through everyone¡¯s head. As the gates swung open, a massive vehicle standing nearly 30 feet high towered over the citizens. It had a thick, wide body, carried by rows of weathered wheels. The top of the vehicle resembled that of a glass coffin, with blocky windows reflecting the ever changing sunlight. ¡°The Goliath,¡± Kage whispered, the ringing still vibrating through his skull A lever-activated door flopped against the ground, creating a smooth ramp for anyone inside to traverse with ease. Moments later, a tall, slender man with a white suit descended down the shaft, two bodyguards by his side, each outfitted with white caps and smug looks. The slender man wore a coat of long, golden hair, and an unpleasant smirk as his eyes scanned the civilians. Walking up a small platform, a podium had been prepared for him, and as he took stance, a silence fell over the crowds. ¡°Greetings, citizens.¡± He said, his voice seasoned with disgust. ¡°I gracefully thank each and every one of you for your services and contribution to our growing empire. As some of you know, we are not able to grant access to all of you for a life inside our walls. However, as per recent traditions, we nominate a randomized amount of you, based on our needs, to escort outside of these creped walls. Remember, these walls are for your protection from the dangers of the outside world, and the unlivable terrain that we have been cursed with for generations. Please, allow us to continue protecting this sacred land.¡± The majority of the crowd burst into a ripple of shouts and applause, although silenced rather quickly by the man as he continued his speech. ¡°Colonel Briar, whom I am sure you all know very well, was not able to be here today, at this precious moment in history. So, I, Lukas Aleman, was given the opportunity to announce the individuals of today''s Horkos for a safe passage to life inside the empire. Please, I would like silence as I announce the names.¡± As he finished speaking, any remaining chatter and claps had fallen short, like a string ripped apart from a musical instrument. All the noise had vanished, and only the hungered guts of those around grumbled with anticipation. One of the guards brought over a small sheet of paper to Lukas, and he continued. ¡°Now then, on behalf of the empire, I would like to congratulate Kalexa Bronlee and Cale Hondriff, for you have been given the opportunity for another life. One filled with joy and laughter, all inside our beloved empire.¡±If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Kage and Vaan watched as the sea of civilians dropped their innocent smiles, breaking into yells of boiling rage. The two that were chosen raced to the front of the crowd, being pulled back by others in contorted delusion. Guards were forced to step in on behalf of the chosen, escorting them up the ramp and into the massive vehicle. ¡°Please!¡± Lukas began again, ¡°As disheartening as it sounds, and as much as I would love to invite you all to join me, these are the rules that make this opportunity possible. I would also like to say that I will be hosting a special announcement tomorrow. Please join me here, at the northern gates, exactly 24 hours from now!¡± Some of the angered citizens seemed to have settled, some by their own intuition, and some by force. Others idled by, chatting in ¡°That¡¯s strange,¡± said Kage. ¡°What is?¡± Vaan asked, keeping low against the building. ¡°When the empire comes down for the Horkos, they always leave immediately. I¡¯ve never heard of them staying for the night. I need to ask my father, see if he has any idea what this could be.¡± Kage motioned for Vaan to follow him, ¡°Come, maybe he might have some news for you as well..¡± Vaan gulped, shuffling behind Kage¡¯s footsteps. His gut screamed at him, as if warning him about something. The hairs on his neck curled at the mindless thoughts running through his head, and when he tried to brush the feeling off, it only grew worse. After walking for what seemed like ages, Kage dropped his hood, stopping in front of the same alley where his father¡¯s home was. However, both lights that hung from the buildings were busted, and all the bionic arms were scattered around like broken glass. The door to the underground home creaked open, barely hanging off its hinges. The slab hiding the cellar had been stripped from its sturdy surface, broken into parts and thrown to the rear corner of the shed. Vaan felt the air thicken even stronger than before, and as he turned to Kage, an eerie darkness had shrouded over the hooded man. The shed suddenly fell into a few moments of an arching silence, as loud thuds from Kage¡¯s chest quickly broke through the barrier of sound. Walking forth, Kage slowly descended down the spiral steps. His pace hastened the further he traveled, his gut tightening with despair. As Kage reached the final step, his stomach dropped into his shoes. All the rage that kept his sanity dormant, had released from his pores into the cellar air, encompassing the cellar in a thick, unfathomable bloodlust. Everything in his head yelled at him to massacre each and every single guard roaming the streets, but something kept holding him together. Something in his soul, like the last piece of string to keep his mind from breaking The living room where Kage once shared delicious meals and cradles of laughter now lay scattered as if a pack of wild boars had ransacked the place from top to bottom. Broken kitchen appliances such as wooden spoons and ladles were burned into a crisp, blackened state. Nearly half of the lights were littered across the floor, and those that kept their dim glows had been stripped from the ceiling. The walls had collapsed into cement rocks and broken timber, and all the crafting tools from the forgery were gone, leaving no trace of their origins. The only pieces of remembrance remaining were his father¡¯s precious rugs, and as Kage glanced down below him, he could make out a small white sheet sticking out from beneath. He grabbed it¡ªcareful as not to tear the scorched paper¡ªunraveling it beneath the wavering light. Dear son, Seems like yur old man here don¡¯t got much time. Them bastards must¡¯ve caught on somehow. I¡¯d be dammed if ¡®I knew. Tis was only a matter of time anyhow. I¡¯ reckon yur angered right ¡®bout now, but please boy, stay calm. Nothing is of your fault. ¡®I only wish I could¡¯ve stayed here just a bit longer. Although perhaps ¡®I¡¯ve lived freely too long. Now, don¡¯t be a blasted fool, ¡®I know yur a damn smart kid. ¡®I think it¡¯s finally time ¡®I show thee what I¡¯ve been wurkin¡¯ on for the past 8 years. Yu will need to get to the minin¡¯ ground, that¡¯s where yu¡¯ll will find the answers to all yur questions. In them deepparts of the shaft, look for an area restricted frmo tha rest, there yu will find a cliff. Below the cliff is where ¡®I keep all me treasured secrets. Thank you son, for yu are the only damned reason my old ass was able to do tha things ¡®I love. Thank you, for bringin¡¯ me the final happiness a father could ask for. Kage felt the paper loosen from his grip as he stared at the wall. ¡°Vaan,¡± he said, his tone soft, unnatural. ¡°Wait outside.¡± Without questioning why, Vaan started up the stairs. As the coursing rage left his body, Kage dropped to his knees, and slowly, his strength twisted into an agony he couldn¡¯t explain. His heart fought ferociously, edging towards a black void he refused to succumb to. Why now, he thought. Why now of all times¡­ Please let this nightmare end. He shut his eyes, repelling the tears that were soon to come. Chapter 6 ¡°Listen to me carefully, Vaan,¡± said Kage, stepping forth into the alley. ¡°You¡¯ll need to lay low for a while. Keep out of sight from the guard, and refrain from meddling in people¡¯s business. If you feel like you¡¯re in danger, then you¡¯ve already crossed the line of caution. I am simply giving you advice, as this is where we part ways.¡± Vaan stepped back, puzzled by Kage¡¯s direct, uncharted tone. ¡°W-what do you mean? Why are you saying farewell?¡± ¡°I have no idea how, but the empire has caught onto my father¡¯s actions. Over the course of his time here, he¡¯s broken hundreds of rules just to keep us both alive, so this is a matter that I can¡¯t push aside.¡± ¡°What¡¯re you going to do, kill every last guard that roams the streets?¡± Vaan raised his voice. ¡°You can¡¯t just act like this and think it¡¯ll work,¡± Vaan paused, hesitating for a moment. ¡°I want to help. You¡¯ve helped me more than I could ever ask for. I beg you, allow me to repay whatever I can¡ª¡± ¡°Vaan,¡± Kage said, softly, stopping him. ¡°I know you might not have had the greatest childhood. But you can live a somewhat normal life from now on. You should treasure these moments. Because one day you¡¯ll wake up, and everything will be gone before you even had a chance to say goodbye.¡± Kage swept his hood over his head, ¡°If you come with me, there¡¯s a likely chance you¡¯ll die. And your death, if caught by the guard, would have been pointless. This is not my choice to make, I am only trying to protect you. Therefore, I will leave it for you to decide. If you wish to risk your life, meet me by the south wall at sunset. If not, then goodbye.¡± As Vaan tried to stop him, Kage evaded the boy with a swift step to the right, ¡°Don¡¯t let your head control you into thinking what is right and what is wrong,¡± said Kage, seconds before disappearing into the street. ¡°Let your heart guide your path forward, and let your head remind you that of which is wrong.¡± ... As the day passed, the blazing sun bathed coral tints over the wispy clouds above. The buildings stood tall, like strong, dark soldiers, all standing in an uneven row. A few rooftops had some onlookers, watching peacefully as the sun faded into the distant mountains scattered across the horizon. Vaan had considered Kage¡¯s words carefully over some boiled stew from a nearby street seller. He now had terrons to spare after the previous ordeal, and soup would keep him warm and hydrated long enough to ponder about what he should do. The soft roll moistened in the broth, melting in Vaan¡¯s mouth like baked cheese. The saltiness bit at his tongue, colliding with the sour tastes of the bread perfectly. The further Vaan marched southward, the further the brilliant sunset stepped out of his vision. Dust filled his nostrils, the air grew thick, polluted with rags and trash, and the glares of onlookers became more menacing and concerning. Vaan had never traveled to the southern wall of the Dustlands alone. Before, he had always been accompanied by others, or led by someone more knowledgeable than himself. He had already passed Willow¡¯s bunker a few minutes ago, and now, as the towering buildings became noticeably shorter, the creped walls came into view. As he kept approaching, a sudden tug, or rather a forceful pull, swept him into an alleyway a few blocks short of the wall. The collar of his hood had momentarily choked his neck, loosening as a hand wrapped across his mouth. ¡°A bold decision,¡± said Kage, freeing his grip around Vaan¡¯s jaw. ¡°You have decided to come, I see.¡± Kage scanned him up and down, frowning. ¡°Empty handed as well.¡± ¡°Can you maybe not scare me half to death every time we meet,¡± Vaan jumped, catching his breath. ¡°You never mentioned I had to bring anything.¡± ¡°I never mentioned you had to come either.¡± Vaan pursed his lips, slightly ashamed of his lack of better judgment. ¡°What is it you plan on doing anyways?¡± ¡°Do you recall my father mentioning he was a miner,¡± Kage asked, and after a firm nod from Vaan, he continued. ¡°Well, during one of his trips, many years in the past, he was separated from his team. Nowadays, the guards supervise quite efficiently there, however, this being a couple years before the Horkos had started, the number of guards were astonishingly low. So, it wasn¡¯t uncommon for miners to get lost, die, or go mentally unstable from such a long exposure to underground air¡ª¡± Cutting himself off, Kage yanked Vaan¡¯s collar once more, pushing him against the shaded wall. Three guards carefully passed by, their footsteps blending in with the sounds of their relentless chatter. Kage ducked down, motioning Vaan to do the same, and with his voice significantly more quiet, he continued. ¡°When he was split from his team, my father came across a hidden throughway. The passage he found hadn¡¯t been previously ventured into, and he did everything he could to keep it that way. Soon enough, with time, he turned that cave into his bunker, and all he ever mentioned was that his craftsmanship is forged inside that cave, and that cave only. No matter how many times I had asked to visit, he refused to show his work. According to him though, the guard had labeled those pathways as restricted, so his work should still lie within those depths.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not planning on sneaking out to the mountains, are you?¡± Vaan whispered. ¡°You can¡¯t be serious?¡± ¡°His hideout could hold answers, and right now,¡± Kage¡¯s tone turned cold. ¡°I have nothing else I can do. It¡¯s the only plan I have. ¡± ¡°So¡­¡± Vaan backed away from the wall, following the trail of stone peeking from the rooftops. ¡°How exactly do you plan on getting past that wall?¡± ¡°Now that you¡¯re here, it might prove to be more difficult.¡± Vaan gave him an unsatisfied look. ¡°You see,¡± Kage sighed. ¡°The empire is smart. Their uniforms are white not to signify the color, but to be visible from all around, even in the darkness. The wall has four egresses to the outside, one on each post. Southside. The North gates. Eastside. And Westside. The door is blended in with the wall, but there are always guards on standby.¡± Kage began creeping towards the entrance of the alley, scanning the streetside. ¡°The problem lies in our escape.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± Vaan followed, tip-toeing behind him. ¡°The door to the wall leads to the top, not through. And the top has guards stationed every fifty feet or so. Meaning that if we get through the entrance, we¡¯ll have to climb to the top, deal with the guards up there, and then make our way back down to the freeland.¡± Vaan shrugged sarcastically, ¡°With the way you¡¯re speaking, you make it sound a lot easier than it seems.¡± ¡°I never said it would be easy. No, I¡¯d say it¡¯s impossible.¡± ¡°Of course it is¡­¡± ¡°That is precisely why we aren¡¯t doing that.¡± Vaan inhaled deeply, perplexion shrouding over his expression. ¡°May you please just tell me what we¡¯re gonna do. I can¡¯t follow your thoughts.¡± ¡°The miners need to get in and out of the mines somehow right? And from what my father has told me, there is an underground railroad that used to take him and his crew straight to the mines every morning at sunrise. However, we don¡¯t have time to sit around until then. We¡¯ll more than likely be traveling by foot, and that can take an extended amount of time.¡± Vaan sighed, ¡°I can see where this is going¡­¡± ¡°Correct. We will have to get inside.¡± ¡°And this underground railroad is¡­ Where exactly?¡± Kage nodded above him, ¡°See the outpost?¡± On the wall stood a large tower, thicker, more sturdy than the wall itself. On ground level, below the tower where the guard kept watch, sat a small, worn-out entrance of some sort, held together by beams and timber. Four men guarded the outside of the tower, all in white uniforms. Two wore white caps, lined with silver edges, tucking away their hair and hiding parts of their eyes below. ¡°That entrance,¡± said Kage. ¡°Is our only way inside the mountains.¡± Vaan sighed again, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you plan on¡ª¡± ¡°No.¡± Kage stopped him before he could finish. ¡°Messing with the guard is too dangerous right now. They keep a close watch on their numbers, and if any go missing or die, then serious problems will happen. You¡¯ll stroll up to them, ask when the next recruitment is.¡± ¡°Me?! Are you crazy? Why aren¡¯t you going?¡± Vaan shouted. Kage¡¯s grimace turned cold, ¡°I wasn¡¯t making a suggestion.¡± Vaan gulped, ¡°H-how exactly do you plan on getting in then¡­¡± ¡°That should be none of your concern. I have my ways. You just need to get inside the entrance. Lie if you need to. Lie with your eyes, not with your words.¡± ¡°And if I¡¯m not able to?¡± Kage didn¡¯t respond, half of his brain thinking of a reply, the other half not wanting to give one. Instead, he drew in a deep breath, and with a soft exhale of what seemed to be black smoke, he grabbed Vaan by his collar. ¡°You will be able to,¡± and threw him out into the street. Vaan stumbled and rolled across the pavement, quickly taking cover behind a nearby street light. As he turned back to scream at Kage, as always, no trace of him remained. So, wiping the droplets of sweat which had accumulated on his forehead, Vaan swallowed the dryness that had been building in his throat, and stood from the dusty cobble below. Something about the way Kage orchestrated his plans baffled Vaan. This is ridiculous, he thought. Here I am, trusting this guy again out of my own will. And here I am, once again, left alone to follow a single phrase as my instructions. Vaan clenched his fists, brushing aside his golden locks. Is this even a plan? Does he trust me that much to¡ª Vaan¡¯s thoughts cut off short as he realized he was already in the deadcenter of the street, faced with four men staring him down roughly 40 feet away. Behind them stood a large tower, built thickly into the wall guarding the Dustlands. The tower roomed a watch post overlooking the mountains and the empty streets, reflecting beams of the fading sunset across nearby street lights. Slowly, Vaan approached, his inside¡¯s trembling. ¡°H-hello,¡± He said. T-this is the mining outpost, c-correct?¡± The four men looked at each other, sharing a silent glare, as if this information was not easily spread around, especially to those at such a young age. They gawked back at Vaan, frowning distinctively. One of the men stepped up to him, his white collar wrapping around a cream leather vest. ¡°State your business,¡± he said, unamused. Vaan choked on his nerves, quickly making up a lie. ¡°I w-would like to be recruited for the mining team.¡±Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. The man¡¯s stern expression hadn¡¯t shifted, instead, he looked rather amused by Vaan¡¯s choice of words. He studied the boy, then smiled, revealing a row of stained, crooked teeth. ¡°Come with me.¡± said the man, ¡°You¡¯re at the right place.¡± Vaan felt a shiver run down his spine, his mind racing with endless possibilities. The man led him inside the first set of doors, traversing into a clear, poorly constructed room of sorts. Despite its odd nature, it was rather empty, held together by old timber and metal beams. It seemed to be more of a safety measure, or a resupply station before a more practical entrance into the depths beyond the wall. Two of the men then walked back outside, keeping watch at the doors. The other two, including the one who had spoken, stuck close to Vaan, careful as not to let him slip out of their sight. Toward the other end of the room, a set of sliding doors sat firmly in the wall, closed shut by a half-broken lock on the left. A layer of rust carpeted the edges of the lock, along with a foul, old smell. However, with a simple flick, the lock slipped off its hinges, and one of the men slid the doors ajar, welcoming the darkness beyond. One of the men gave the other a nod with his cap, giving a signal only the two of them knew the meaning of. After a few moments, the man by the lock joined the others outside, shutting the doors behind him. As he stood alone next to the white-uniformed guard, a sudden surge of unease washed over Vaan. That feeling quenched his stomach, screaming at him to run. ¡°What do you believe is out there,¡± The man spoke to him, gazing into the darkness. ¡°Surely you must have some clue. It¡¯s not often a boy comes up to us at the brink of night, asking to be recruited for the mines. No, it¡¯s simply unheard of.¡± He placed his palm on Vaan''s shoulder, his freehand gripping his core-imbued sword. ¡°U-uhm,¡± Vaan stuttered, the cold touch of the man¡¯s gloved hand seemed to pierce his soul, grasping it. ¡°The mines sir. It¡¯s been a dream of mine to mi¡ª¡± The man squeezed Vaan¡¯s shoulder beyond levels of mere discomfort. ¡°Don¡¯t lie. Who are you working for? I¡¯ll give you one chance to tell the truth, and if you do, your life will be spared. If not,¡± The man met Vaan¡¯s stare. ¡°You can consider your existence gone. Any trace of you will perish, left alone until the wind sweeps you away.¡± As he stared into the darkness beyond the door, a paralyzing fear overtook him, urging him to speak the truth. The mere thought of the current situation froze him for a moment, and yet something reached out to him from the black void ahead, something otherworldly entirely. ¡°So,¡± The man said with a malicious grin. ¡°What do you see when you gaze into the darkness?¡± He asked as if not expecting a reply. ¡°Do you see death? Do you see your own life? Or do you see fear; the imaginative representation in our subconscious mind, flowing peacefully outside our awareness. It is all there in the darkness, even in our unconscious self. You feel it, don''t you?¡± He squeezed Vaan harder, directly gazing through the open doors. ¡°In there. Inside the darkness. To think I would have the honor of meeting the boy that started it all. Or should I say Ka¡ª¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± A voice escaped from the darkness, followed by a pair of emerald eyes, blazing fearlessly. Kage stepped out from the doors, his hood resting on his shoulders like a hanging curtain. ¡°I¡¯d prefer if you left the boy out of this,¡± He gestured towards Vaan. The edges of the man¡¯s lips curled even higher, splitting his face into a nasty smile, ¡°I could tell something was wrong the second a child asked about the mining expeditions.¡± He said in an exaggerated tone, mockingly. ¡°Especially the day after a man from the mining crew was identified as your father; The man known as a traitor to the empire.¡± ¡°W-what is he talking about?¡± Vaan shouted. ¡°Yes!¡± The man barked, laughing, ¡°What is he talking about? Surely you wouldn¡¯t use a child for your own selfish greed? Would you?¡± ¡°Let the boy go,¡± Said Kage, struggling to keep his voice calm. ¡°Or what?¡± The man gripped Vaan even harder, unsheathing his sword. The orange hue on the hilt began to glow, sparkling the blade into a swirl of crimson flames. The heat rose quickly, nearly burning Vaan¡¯s clothes off. ¡°Just like you said,¡± Kage¡¯s cold stare met the man¡¯s, ¡°You can consider your existence gone. As if you were never born. Something far worse than death.¡± The man¡¯s grin faded, replaced with a smoldered grimace. He threw the boy to the side, clicking the core in his sword, and unleashing a flare of flaming winds with a broad sweep of the blade. Kage reached into his torso, whiplashing a single sickle from his side while keeping his other holstered. Darkness steamed off the tip of the sickle, enveloped by the black void of the mine¡¯s doors. The man looked concerned for a moment, as if he wasn¡¯t expecting such a crude weapon. As he met Kage¡¯s gaze, the confidence he had when holding Vaan twisted into a sensation of lost hope. As if he needed to plead for forgiveness. ¡°So the rumors were true,¡± The man spat, attempting to regain the little confidence he had. ¡°There was a boy who survived the unimaginable. To think that the birthplace of the Horkos was all due to some brat who got lucky.¡± Ignoring his words, Kage dove forward, swinging the sickle from underneath, prepared for his attack to be blocked. However, a trail of flames met his ribcage, and although he managed to cleanly swipe through the man¡¯s leg, a fiery blade sliced directly through him, sending the room into a parade of scarlet embers. However, as the blade swept through him, instead of burning flesh, his body hadn¡¯t faltered, somehow remaining intact. It¡¯s as if the blade cut through a mere shadow; a reflection of his former self. The man¡¯s leg quickly crumbled into ash, giving birth to a spectrum of black roots traveling up his wound. Before he could scream for help, Kage sliced through his neck, perishing the man¡¯s existence into nothingness with a hollow wisp. All that remained were a white vest, folded unevenly next to a cream cap and a white collar. Vaan, tucked away in a corner, shivered out of fear. Thoughts that would normally drive his questions seemed absent. Nothing made sense, and right now, he didn¡¯t know whether he was going to survive or not. Kage acted as if Vaan hadn¡¯t been present in the room, gathering the leftover clothes as if this was his own bedroom. He took off his cloak and replaced it with the collar, buttoning it seamlessly. Then he tailored the vest to the best of his ability, covering his hair with the cap, tucking it downward. His pants, however, were charcoal. He would have put on the pair left by the man, but since he sliced through his leg, the pants vanished along with it. He then creaked ajar the front doors of the construction room they were in, tucking his cap to cover his face as much as possible. Then, in a poor attempt to mask his own voice, he spoke to the remaining three guards outside. ¡°This might take some time,¡± His voice sounded raspy, but it was close enough to the deceased man¡¯s. ¡°I¡¯ma have some fun with the kid.¡± Two of the guards chuckled, while the other gave him a judgemental look. The guardsman observed Kage for a moment, unable to see his face, nor his eyes. All that was visible were the white collared shoulders of a normal guardsman, and an oriental cap a few of them wore by choice. Most avoided it, as it was made of a cheap fabric that created a stench after several uses. ¡°Hold it,¡± The guardsman said, turning to Kage. The tension suddenly changed, like a glass breaking in a quiet room. Kage, keeping his composure firm and ready, listened closely, ready to draw his weapon if need be. ¡°Shifts change in an hour. Don¡¯t be too long.¡± Kage nodded, exhaling the anticipation that had been building in his lungs. The door shut behind him, which made a scraping noise as if it were held together by rusted screws. Kage picked up the guardsman¡¯s sword, using it as a torch with whatever energy remained in the core. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± He said, his gaze avoiding Vaan¡¯s. Vaan bounced to his feet stubbornly, head down, hands tucked below his armpits. Kage advanced into the darkness, shining light onto cement walls which quickly turned to dirt and timber as the floor descended deeper and deeper underground. The ceiling barely supported the poorly architectured mine. Iron beams zigzagged from left to right, running down its center, drilled into packed dirt and clay. Although invisible to the naked eye, these beams sprouted to the surface, which acted as a gateway for solar energy to power the cores in the mine. Rocks peaked out of cracks and loose beams, and soon, a railway with an empty mineshaft came into view. Small rusted carts were aligned next to the wall, stretching roughly 20 feet in length, yet only 4 feet wide. They housed a set of railings on the sides, as well as planked seats, and luckily, a few were already on the railroad. ¡°Get in,¡± Kage ordered. Vaan did as he was told, having no other option. Still quiet from before, he hadn¡¯t thought of how to address what he had witnessed. His thoughts had started to trail back to some level of normalcy, but that only left him more bothered and distracted. He felt as if he were a tool, one that was being worn until the very last use, before being disposed of like trash. Kage grabbed hold of the railing in the back, and with a soft jog, the cart gained speed rather quickly. The core on the bottom of the cart began to glow a dim orange light, and as Kage had just enough momentum to let go, he hopped in with a swift leap. A gentle breeze swept through Vaan¡¯s hair, thinning the air as they traveled deeper. The smell of dryness and sweat swept through the mineshaft, and soon, the darkness that swallowed them in, felt welcoming. ¡°Do you remember the revolt?¡± Kage asked. ¡°14 years ago.¡± Vaan nodded, though he didn¡¯t look at Kage. ¡°That was the first time the Dustlands tried to fight back, but from what had happened, it¡¯ll be hard to convince a single soul to revolt again,¡± Kage sighed, desperately. ¡°I was 10 years young back then, and being the dumb kid I was, I put myself in the streets, trying my best to fight back. Screams. Blood. Wreckage. Bodies. Death. All around me, yet I wasn¡¯t fazed by it. Not a single bout of fear. It felt right being out there.¡± Vaan kept to his silence, listening. ¡°I got caught in a fight that was impossible to win, blazing swords from the guard cutting down everything,¡± Kage paused for a moment, his foolishness a testament to his remembrance of forgotten memories. ¡°Well, every fight was impossible to win at my age. I remember throwing a rock at a man with a white uniform, and the look I received in return still haunts me to this day. When my father came looking for me, I was already half-dead, lying face-up, half my body nearly split in half, in the hands of a stranger.¡± Vaan choked at the thought, but restrained himself to avoid saying a word. ¡°I don¡¯t exactly know how I was alive. In fact, I don¡¯t remember being alive. In my mind, I was dead, pure darkness. No pain. I was¡­ Gone. Then, a few days later, I woke up in my bed, feeling the worst I¡¯ve ever felt. However, I was alive.¡± Kage took off his vest, unbuttoning his collared robes to reveal a gray, worn out t-shirt. His arms were decently built, as if he knew more than just his way around any weapon. Scars were placed here and there, adding more stories to his list of tales. As he took off his shirt, Vaan couldn''t believe his eyes, and his anxiety pounded even harder. Following a thick trail¡ªroughly three inches in width¡ªfrom his left shoulder to the top of his abdomen, Kage¡¯s skin had been replaced by pure steel. And in the middle of that thick sheet of metal, sat a core, gleaming bright, pulsing alongside his heartbeat. Although it wasn¡¯t unusual to see people get metallic implants instead of certain limbs, this was the first time Vaan had seen an implant on the torso. More importantly, an implant with a core imbued within. ¡°According to my father,¡± Kade added. ¡°He rushed me back as quickly as possible with the help of another. I had lost so much blood that my heart needed energy to survive. And being a pretty crafty blacksmith,¡± Kage coughed, the mine¡¯s dust growing thick. ¡°The only chance he could take was placing a core inside me. It was a life or death situation, and since I was going to die anyway, this was his only choice.¡± Vaan finally gathered the courage to speak, breaking through his barrier of silence. ¡°I-is that what I think it is?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Kage put his shirt back on. ¡°It¡¯s the same core formula my father used for my weapons a few weeks later. A precise mixture of Arzin, Iron, Obsidian, and rose ash.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of such a¡ª¡± ¡°Rose ash is an herb my father received from a friend a long time ago¡­ According to him. It doesn¡¯t grow within these lands, and he refuses to speak about it any further.¡± ¡°So,¡± Vaan asked, nervously. ¡°Can you do what those scythes can do?¡± ¡°Yes and no. It took a while to figure out that I can actually use this core. One thing I noticed almost immediately was that my senses were sharper. I was a lot stronger too, although I didn¡¯t look like it. Speed, power, agility, vitality, endurance. All elements were improved as time passed. However,¡± Kage gained a dark look. ¡°The core inside me doesn¡¯t work like any other core. After doing some experimentation, even using my ability for a single second can cause extreme fatigue. So, I¡¯ve practiced as much as I could to endure the consequences.¡± Vaan scratched his head, seeming more calm now. ¡°What is your ability in the first place?¡± Kage sighed, and in an instant, vanished in thin air, disappearing into a black mist. Seconds later, the cloud of black mist formed behind Vaan, creating and shaping Kage back together. ¡°I don¡¯t know the exact name of what this is,¡± Kage said. ¡°It is still a mystery to me. But I can flow through shadows as if they were my own, like a wave in an ocean.¡± Vaan, starstrucked, scooched backwards in his seat. ¡°Is there any downside?¡± Kage sat back down, slouching his shoulders. ¡°After some testing, if my skin doesn¡¯t reach a single bout of sunlight in 150 hours. I will most likely die.¡± ¡°What!?¡± Vaan gasped. ¡°How are you so sure?¡± ¡°Well, I made it to hour 148, and my heartbeat thundered against my chest, screaming at me, trying to power the core. All my limbs felt numb to the bone, as if I couldn¡¯t feel them even if they got sliced off. So, I decided it was appropriate to step outside, and a pain burst through my body where my core was, but my heart settled, and I was back to normal after a few minutes of readjusting.¡± ¡°Do you regret it?¡± ¡°Regret what?¡± Kage asked. ¡°Do you regret fighting back that day? Do you regret revolting despite the outcomes that followed.¡± Kage thought for a moment, considering the boy¡¯s words carefully. ¡°My father always told me to live without regrets. Although I still don¡¯t know if I truly follow that principle.¡± Before Vaan could say anything else, a large thud stopped the cart, nearly sending Vaan flying across the mineshaft. Kage hopped out, tucking his shirt into his black cargo pants, ¡°Looks like we¡¯re here. We¡¯ll save this conversation for a different day.¡± Chapter 7 Inside the mountains, the mines stretched far into deadends and unharvested turns, seeming endless at times. Venturing into the depths proved to be a challenge, even for an experienced team. A singular group was always permitted to keep 10 in their crew, with a singular guard to administer orders. Any less could result in miscoordination, possibly leading to loss of morale, which had happened more times than the empire could keep track of. Any more than 10 could overthrow the guardsman, which was also a problem in itself. The mines were layered from the entrance, connecting to 10x10 passageways dwelling deep beneath the ground. The lower the layer, the higher the accumulation of Arzin. The ground consisted of either hardened mud, or damp clay. This depended on the numerous layers, and on the surface above it. Most of the passageways had rusted beams holding up the walls and ceiling, along with spaced out glass lanterns placed fairly far apart. They reached just far enough to connect traces of light to one another, though they lacked precision around corners and jagged edges, casting twisted shadows in the darkness. Stalactites were common in the deeper layers, as well as stalagmites carpeting most of the floors. The deeper layers also didn¡¯t follow the rules of the upper floors, expanding to massive craters of openings and clearings. However, as dangerous and spacious the surroundings became, the more beautiful the mines illuminated themselves beneath the earth. Gentle leaks of cyan peaked through cracks in the walls, signifying not only Arzin, but natural cavern plants as well. The man-made lamps diminished the further Vaan and Kage traveled, their lightsource now coming from Arzin and the flamesword Kage kept from his duel. They soon reached a narrow hall leading deeper into the underground routes, which held an eerie presence Kage hadn¡¯t bothered to mind any attention to. The ground beneath was surprisingly sturdy, though it felt hollow, as if a hard enough jump could collapse the entirety of the cave system around them. The core from the flamesword had dimmed and, as they traveled even further, would soon extinguish entirely. ¡°How far do we have to go?¡± Vaan gulped, his eyes pulling tricks on him, deceiving the shadows of the jagged environment. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± answered Kage, traversing further down the narrow passage. ¡°We have to reach some sort of cliff¡ª¡± Kage stopped, his words trailing towards the dead end before him. Further ahead, a barricade stood, clamped and screwed together by old, rusted bolts. Planks of dry wood raveled against one another by thin, metal wiring, blocking the path. ¡°And how do we get past that?¡± Vaan asked, fully aware that asking if they needed to get past it was a dumb question. ¡°I can get by with ease,¡± Kage poked the barrier, then gave Vaan a sharp look. ¡°It¡¯s how you will get past.¡± ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Vaan gave him a look that resembled a shroud of uncertainty, the forefront of his brows curving upwards. ¡°Exactly what you think it means. We don¡¯t have time to stand around like idiots.¡± Kage said as he pulled out one of his sickles. Without unleashing the hinge and the sickle firmly in his grip, he stretched his hand through a crack in the barricade. Flicking his wrist to unleash the hinge, the blade propped open, glistening in the darkness beyond. ¡°Step back,¡± Kage said, but Vaan was already three steps ahead, waiting nearly a dozen meters behind him. Kage yanked back on his sickle with a quick thrust, scraping his forearm against a few jagged edges of the metal wiring. The tip of the curved blade sliced cleanly through the barricade, erasing nearly every piece of wood and wire as if it were never there to begin with. A few specks of black ash wisped into the air, fading into the blackness in the distance. ¡°You¡¯re. Bleeding?¡± Vaan questioned, somewhat anxious. Kage wrapped a piece of brown cloth around the wound, hoping to refrain from dragging out the bleeding. ¡°It¡¯s hard to turn a specific part of my body into a mist, or whatever you want to call it, especially when I¡¯m holding an object, and especially when it¡¯s not the very end of a limb, but rather in the center of one.¡± After a few spiteful breaths, Kage traversed further down the passageway, Vaan tip-toeing passively on his tail. Breathing seemed to be more dense, as if the atmosphere around them dropped a few miles under water. It was an eerie feeling, unsettling more to Vaan rather than Kage. A beam of light sprouted in the distance, far beyond the passageway. However, the light had not been the cyan color of natural arzin, nor the colors of man-made lamps. The light moved in rhythmic patterns, casting waves of brightness and darkness repeatedly. ¡°A flame,¡± Kage said, his voice questioning. ¡°It must be.¡± ¡°A flame? This deep underground?¡± Vaan whispered. Kage kept his head forward, rounding a turn in the passageway, ¡°Be on guard. It¡¯s possible we aren¡¯t the first ones here.¡± As they shuffled across the rocky earth, the flickering light reached closer towards them, outlining the cylindrical exit that was now a few arm spans away. Sounds of prickling fire echoed through Kage¡¯s ears, alongside a constant tapping of heavy droplets somewhere in the distance. ¡°What is this¡­¡± Vaan asked as he stepped out of the passage, knowing he wouldn''t get an answer. The premonition of a fire had been a simple lamp attached to the rocky wall, with a dying bulb flickering from pesky bugs. The spherical lamp was roughly the size of a human head, stuck to the wall by thick, rusty bolts and screws. ¡°This is¡­¡± Kage stopped short of his sentence, for he too was beyond amazed. Despite being far beneath the layers of soil and civilization, up above through a small hole in the earth, a crescent, gleaming moon reflected back at him. Although the spherical lamps were seeded all across the massive cave before them, the moon had never seemed so far away. Dry strings of vines and cobwebs swung back and forth as small gusts of wind circled the cave, flowing with tiny specks of fireflies switching their hazy lights on and off. ¡°Unexpected¡­¡± Kage finished, observing his surroundings. ¡°Could this be a ravine? This far down?¡± Vaan jumped forward, his eyes dancing across the lamps scattered around the cave walls. One second, the ground felt sturdy, but the next, the rocky floor of the cave no longer greeted the soles of his shoe. His heart dropped, and his body along with it, as a nearly-invisible cliffside hid within the shadows. Darkness traveled deep below, further than an echo could reach. Rattling insects chirped from the depths, scattering as if they were afraid. His balance faltered, and Vaan¡¯s attempt in grabbing the edge of the cliff fell short as his fingers nicked a jagged piece of dry rock. ¡°Aghh!¡± He yelled as his body swirled below. ¡°Idiot.¡± Kage dropped to his knees, scraping the line between life and death as he clutched the boy¡¯s elbow. Vaan¡¯s body smacked the cliffside as Kage lobbed him to safety, his screams continuing into the chasm without him. ¡°T-thank you..¡± Vaan whispered, catching his breath. ¡°Pay attention, because next time,¡± Kage shot him a dirty glance. ¡°I won¡¯t be there to save you.¡± Kage stepped to the edge, as if observing the darkness. Something seemed off. Something he couldn¡¯t process in his thoughts. So, cautiously, he grabbed a small rock off the ground, and cautiously dropped it into the sea of black. At first, not a single thud nor whistle of air traveled back at him. Instead, he heard a brief roll, followed by a drastic descent of sound as the rock seemed to have escaped even further below. ¡°Interesting,¡± Kage grimaced. ¡°What happened?¡± Vaan skipped beside him, glaring down the chasm. ¡°It seems as if the ground below isn¡¯t flat, but rather at a slope. A very smooth one too.¡± Vaan gave Kage a concerned look, ¡°You can determine all that from a single rock?¡± ¡°Well, that¡¯s my guess. I¡¯ll find out the hard way.¡± Kage turned, stepping off the edge as if it were the final step on a staircase. ¡°What are you doing!?¡± Vaan tugged him back, sweat trickling down his forehead. Annoyed, Kage swung his arm free from Vaan¡¯s grip. ¡°My father said his answers are below a cliff. We are indeed standing before a cliff, and unless you have a better idea, I¡¯m dropping down.¡± ¡°How do you trust words on a piece of paper so easily? How do you know that this is the exact cliff he was specifying? How do you know that there is actually something down there?¡± Vaan raised his voice, trembling the cave walls. ¡°How do you know that the empire or the guard didn¡¯t plant that letter there for you to find? How do you¡ª¡± ¡°Enough!¡± Kage cut him off, his fists tightening. ¡°I don¡¯t know any of that¡­ This could easily be another trap. The truth is: I have no idea what to expect. But there is nothing else I can do. Whether those are his words or not, I am going to follow them, even if it gets me killed.¡± As his final word escaped his breath, Kage leaned back, and within a second, the darkness consumed him, as if he had disappeared into the void. ¡°Kage!¡± Vaan screamed after him, dropping to his knees. The silence staring back at him was almost too loud, ringing through his ears. As he crawled toward the edge, all the balance keeping him upright rested in the palm of his hands. For a sudden moment, distracted by what he should do, Vaan felt a disturbing sensation crawl up his forefinger. And as he looked down, twelve gleaming red eyes attached to a brown torso stared back at him. The torso twitched, sending eight spindly legs into motion. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Vaan¡ªhaving little affection towards insects¡ªslapped the spider away. While his posture depended on both hands holding him up, he shifted forward, and a prudent fear kicked his stomach further. Without enough time to recover from the slap, Vaan slowly tilted into the chasm, succumbing to the darkness ahead. Before he had time to yell, his back whiplashed on what seemed to be a smooth, vertical wall. As he caught against the slope, he regained control of his body, sliding furiously down the smooth tunnel. His hands couldn¡¯t be lengthened all the way due to the sudden engulfment of narrow walls around him, and with the darkness taking his sight, all he could do was wait until the tunnel reached its destination. The further Vaan¡¯s body traveled, darkness faded into small illusions of light. ¡°Grrgh.¡± Vaan grunted as he flew out of the slope, tumbling down a small corridor illuminated by two spherical lamps. Between them stood Kage, parallel to an opening of mined rock resembling an entrance. ¡°You followed?¡± said Kage, sounding curious, his back facing Vaan. Vaan coughed up a cloud of dust, fumbling as a bruise appeared on his left knee. ¡°Kinda had no choice.¡± Kage picked up the rock he had dropped earlier, tossing it to Vaan. ¡°Get up, we¡¯re here.¡± Vaan had been too busy coughing to respond appropriately, instead following Kage through the broken entrance. Not knowing what to do with the rock, he decided to shove it in his pocket for now, keeping it close as if it were a souvenir. As Kage stepped through, the walls around him burst into sprinkles of light as dozens of spherical lamps flickered on. The ceiling, floor, and walls were all shaved and carved from old rock, crafting dazzling shadows from their curves. Random books occupied most of the empty spaces on the floor. Most, however, held pockets of empty spaces from torn out pages, making comfortable room for cobwebs and dust. Thick, poorly-crafted rugs layered the flooring, which lingered with a dry, wooden smell. That smell either originated from the mounds of wooden shavings, or the black boot prints; either way, it was unpleasant. Across the room, an oak chair with a broken armrest sat next to a similarly designed table, which seemed to have most of the torn out pages piled atop it. Mining equipment hung on the walls, held together by chains and long nails. In the far distance of the cave, a large cylindrical smelter rotated at a slow pace, keeping metal ores fresh. Alongside the smelter stood a stone pillar, which had the outline and perfect dimensions of a typical core-shaped mold. The cave spiraled to the left, blocking sight of whatever was hiding out of sight. Kage turned the corner, dismissing any caution he might have had. ¡°We¡¯re lucky,¡± Kage sighed. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Vaan trailed behind him, observing the cave. ¡°Not including my father, we are the first ones to discover this place.¡± Kage stopped before a small room that seemed to have been entirely dug out by his father. The proportions of rock didn¡¯t align with the rest of the cave, and the ceiling dropped just inches above Kage¡¯s head. A triangular desk faced the ceiling, layered with large scraps of paper, a relatively small black box, and a letter atop it. The rocky walls couldn¡¯t be distinguished from all of Willow¡¯s ideas and drawings. Scorched sheets of unrecognizable paper were stapled to every corner of the room. Some had scribbles of some sort, some had drawings of the Vitruvian man, different sorts of weapons, cores, and lastly, in bold letters read ¡°Enlightment.¡± Kage swept the letter off the box. Dear Son, Welcome to me second home. Wish I¡¯d have been there to show you this place myself, to see that joy blossom on that gloomy face of yurs, jumpin¡¯ down that slide that took ages to build. Just like when yu were a little nugget, runnin¡¯ around like crazy, jumpin¡¯ into trouble, always looking for ways to make yur old man worry sum. Sorry ¡®I wasn¡¯t able to show you this place sooner. Trust me, yu bet yur soul ¡®I wanted to. Couldn¡¯t risk you getting caught though, I¡¯d be damned if ¡®I did. Yur all iI have left. ¡®I struggled everyday to keep these secrets from yu. There are many things yu have left to learn, especially ¡®bout thee empire, and the world beyond it. In this box lies a gift, true to my word, one that ¡®I was curious to make all by m¡¯self. Give it to that boy, Vaan, and no matter how curious yu get, do not use it underground. Kage stopped reading and placed the letter aside, his curiosity guiding him to open the box. Inside lay a silver revolver, glimmering with an orange fluorescent light. The barrel was carved with a mastercraft pattern of flowing branches, all tied together to a thick, lightweight frame. The cylinder for ammo carried the core Vaan had given Willow earlier, leaking streaks of orange light. Carved into the maple wooden grip was a ¡°W,¡± symbolizing the creator of such a beautiful instrument. For the first time, and perhaps the last, Kage¡¯s expression turned to pure awe. ¡°What is it?¡± Vaan asked. ¡°Vaan,¡± Kage turned, presenting the revolver to him. ¡°What you see before you is something that has never been done in the history of the Dustlands. Do you have any idea what that means?¡± ¡°Do I look like I have any idea what that means?¡± ¡°Even I have never seen one,¡± Kage¡¯s brows relaxed. ¡°A real firearm. And a revolver too, rumored to house unstoppable firepower, at least according to my father¡¯s stories from when I was a kid. Depending on the core, sometimes a singular shot can be fired every 24 hours. My father did say this core was very unique, so we¡¯ll have to test it when we get out.¡± ¡°What exactly do you mean by shot?¡± Vaan gulped. ¡°That thing can shoot? And What does it shoot?¡± Kage presented it forward, still amazed by the detail. ¡°Think of an arrow, but smaller, faster, and far deadlier. Keep it close, my father did entrust you with it, for it is your core that has brought it to life.¡± ¡°Thank you, truly, but how are you so certain it works?¡± Vaan gently grabbed the revolver out of Kage¡¯s hands, the frame¡¯s cold touch stung his skin for a moment, numbing his fingers momentarily. ¡°And to be honest, this seems far too valuable to be given to someone like me¡­¡± ¡°If it didn¡¯t, there would be nothing in this box.¡± ¡°I see¡­¡± Kage found a custom-made holster on the table, giving it to Vaan. ¡°Seems that us crossing paths was destined.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Vaan almost laughed, but after looking at Kage¡¯s face again, he realized it wasn¡¯t a joke. ¡°Are you a believer of fate? I would think someone like you would be the last to believe in such nonsense.¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say I am a believer of fate,¡± said Kage, his eyes weary. ¡°But I cannot disregard this sequence of events as a mere accident.¡± ¡°I guess it is quite fortunate,¡± Vaan shoved the revolver into the holster, careful, but confidently, as if he had practiced the motion beforehand. Kage breathed heavily, testing his patience with the boy. After exhaling a long breath, he picked up the letter and began to read again. Read carefully son, this be important. There is a notebook, attached to the bottom of this desk. No matter the cost, yu must keep it safe. If it were to get in the wrong hands¡­ Even ¡®I don''t know what could happen. With Tera¡¯s ideas, tis a project I¡¯ve been working on for some years, named ¡°Enlightment.¡± Tis not fully complete, but I¡¯m too close to stop. This could be revolutionary for power, combining arzin into something far beyond yur wildest imagination. Far beyond wut yu or I know is capable from dem cores. They¡¯ve been draining the rest of em miners like crazy for some time now. The empire is up to somethin¡¯ son, and it ain¡¯t smellin¡¯ good. ¡®I know I¡¯m not able to stop yu from pressing forward, but yu need allies my boy. Yu need those yu can trust. In this world, you can¡¯t fight alone. I¡¯ve learned in the hardest of ways. I¡¯m happy yu trusted yur gut. That yu got to see this place, but I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll have to say goodbye to it once and for all. Behind the smelter lies a small exit which will escort yu to ground level. When you get to the end, flip tha switch and run as fast as yu can to shelter. Don¡¯t be seen, especially with the damned gun. Thank you my son, I love yu. May we meet again, in this life, or tha next. -W Kage squeezed the paper tight, fighting back the urge of grief. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± He said, swiftly taking the black notebook beneath the table. ¡°What? You¡¯re just gonna leave like that?¡± ¡°You expect to stay here?¡± Kage raised a brow. ¡°We need to get back before dawn. I thought I would find answers here, and I was foolish to think so. Coming here gave me more stress and questions to deal with.¡± Vaan gulped, ¡°Well, I want to sta.!¡± Kage turned, ¡°Suit yourself,¡± heading for the exit found in his father¡¯s letter. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to lecture me?¡± Vaan asked, sarcasm touching his voice. ¡°The whole spiel about¡ª¡± ¡°Vaan,¡± Kage stopped. ¡°My father has entrusted you with one of the most powerful pieces of weaponry this world has, which you should consider a gift. You are able to protect yourself. However, neither you or I know exactly what it is capable of. And knowing you, you¡¯ll get it stolen within a day, maybe two if you¡¯re lucky. So either you¡¯re following me,¡± Flicking open a sickle, hovering it below Vaan¡¯s neck, unenthusiastically. ¡°Or I''ll kill you right now.¡± Vaan could feel his developing Adam''s Apple move away from the sickle¡¯s curved blade as he swallowed his nerves down his throat. ¡°Right¡­ Sorry.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t have time to play these games. I need your full commitment in this.¡± ¡°Right¡­¡± Vaan nodded sheepishly. ¡°Don¡¯t ask stupid questions again, because next time, I won¡¯t give you redemption,¡± Kage closed the sickle, rolling his hood over his forehead. Head down, Vaan followed, tracing the steps of Kage¡¯s receding shadow. They twisted around the smelter, coming up to a thin crawl space, which essentially led to a narrow passageway capable of squeezing one person wide, and a ceiling that matched Willow¡¯s dwarfened height. The passage lain on an incline, with light every few hundred steps. ¡°If this leads us all the way back to the Dustlands,¡± Kage hunched his back, scratching his hood on the jagged ceiling of slanted rock. ¡°Prepare to hike at least four miles or so.¡± An annoyed moan echoed back to him, evidently painting a grimace on Kage¡¯s face. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t happen to have any water on you by chance?¡± Vaan asked, his voice dry and hungry. ¡°I was hoping you¡¯d ask,¡± Kage kept walking. ¡°I am currently carrying plenty of bottles on me, I was wondering why you had not asked me yet.¡± Vaan raised a brow, inspecting Kage¡¯s empty hands. ¡°Are you being sarcastic?¡± ¡°What did I tell you five minutes ago?¡± ¡°That you need my full commitment in this?¡± Vaan felt a burst of endorsements surge through him as he finally managed to answer a question right. For the most part. ¡°Yes. And after?¡± ¡°Oh... To not ask stupid questions.¡± ¡°Well,¡± Kage sighed. ¡°At least you remembered.¡± Chapter 8 After hours of hiking a steep, lightless narrow trail¡ªand many pointless breaks in between, Kage and Vaan had finally reached the exit. Sweat and filth lingered off of them, but after three hours, neither could notice anymore. A ladder was nailed into the rocky wall before them, leading up to what seemed like a trap door to somewhere. Light leaked through tiny cracks between the planks, bringing scents of fresh polluted air they longed for. Next to the trap door hung a small switch, with a wire running along a corner of the trail back into the mines. A click unlocked from the other side as Kage slowly peaked his head through the trap door, then swung it open with an unenthusiastic sigh. ¡°We¡¯re exactly where we started,¡± He said, early rays of dawn nearly blinding him. Vaan climbed up, noticing the entrance to the mines blocked off and more guards shuffling around it. The trap door they climbed through led to a small storage unit a few blocks down from the walls. And knowing the laws against unregistered armaments, the scarcity of food, and how little space the average citizen had, storage was of no use. ¡°Be ready to run,¡± Kage said, hugging the corner of a nearby building. ¡°Why?¡± Vaan twisted around him, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we make as little noise as possible?¡± His voice sounded like a mixture of lifelessness and exhaustion. Kage reached into the trap door and pulled out the dangling switch. ¡°Knowing my father, this switch can mean one of two things. One, it will destroy the entire layer of the mines. Or two, it¡¯s another route for us to take, preferably an entrance to the empire.¡± Vaan gulped, ¡°Neither option sounds like fun at all.¡± Without responding, Kage flipped the switch, then listened, carefully, as if trying to hear the heartbeat of a tree. With his eyes closed, he kneeled, embracing the earth below him. ¡°Ka¡ª¡± Vaan started, cutting off as Kage¡¯s hand slapped against his lips. After a few doubtful moments, Kage sprung up from the ground, grabbing Vaan¡¯s collar and flinging him forward. ¡°Run!¡± He shouted.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. Before Vaan could react, flames and sparks shot out of the trap door, whirling the wind in a wave of blazing heat and clustered explosions. Rocks and debris scattered across the street, breaking numerous light posts and stands. A ringing vibration deafened Vaan for a few moments as he tried to stand; everything in his vision was double, and all he could feel was the constant tug on his collar as Kage dragged him away from the flames. White spastic flashes disrupted his vision, fumbling his body with every passing step. Kage yelled something to him, but Vaan couldn¡¯t hear as the constant ringing in his ears kept pounding the sides of his brain. Then, just as his hearing had returned, countless footsteps shuffled behind him. Vaan turned, greeted by a white leather boot being shot at his chest. An overwhelming pain had followed, sending him tumbling across the scorched cement below. Vaan gasped as all the air in his lungs escaped in a single breath, leaving his throat empty and tight. Five silhouettes of white rushed past the fires, two who attempted to seize Kage, and the others barreling forward after Vaan. With trembling hands and mind half focused, Vaan unbuckled the revolver from the holster, encompassing the small handle between his fists. ¡°Fool!¡± Kage screamed from afar, knowing it was too late. The five guardsmen all rushed at Vaan, some confused, some frightened, some enraged. ¡°Stop him now!¡± One yelled, while another analyzed the situation, running off into the street. Vaan tightened his grip on the trigger, and as a guardsman unleashed a fierce blade, Vaan¡ªmortified of what was about to happen¡ªpulled the trigger. The core implanted in the firearm lit up for a split second, and instantaneously bounced back against Vaan¡¯s chin. A thundering sound released from the barrel of the gun, and the approaching guardsmen fell onto his back, bleeding furiously onto the cold ground. Another guardsmen leaned over his ally, witnessing a massive hole in the center of his the man¡¯s abdomen, as if the body had been pierced by a mining drill. Before the guardsmen had a chance to react, Vaan grabbed the revolver off the cement, quickly pulled back the hammer, and pulled the trigger again. Unfortunately, to no surprise, he missed. Using this opportunity, the members of the guard rushed at him. So, Vaan pulled the trigger again. And again. And again. And again. Until the street lay a canvas for white and crimson paint. Trembling in fear, Vaan dropped the gun. The grip he had around the handle charred his hands in blisters, scarring them as if he had just touched hot coals. His eyes stared into death. His heartbeat gained a spastic rhythm as he hyperventilated, caused by none other than himself. ¡°W-what have I done,¡± he whimpered, hands trembling. ¡°Vaan,¡± Kage said, resting his palm on Vaan¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You might have just doomed the Dustlands.¡± Chapter 9 More light glittered across the morning streets, bathing them in showers of golden rays. An uninterrupted silence shuffled over the streetside for a moment, quickly broken through as Kage squeezed the remnants of Vaan¡¯s collar, plopping him to his feet. Vaan, trembling with a cold, unsettling shiver, couldn¡¯t force himself to speak. With his hands burning in a lingering pain, he fumbled the revolver back into its nest, tight against the hip. His eyes found the alleyway painted with a lifeless, foul mess. ¡°Vaan,¡± Kage scowled, pulling Vaan out of what seemed like a trance. ¡°I know you¡¯re young, and I know you most likely never expected to take someone¡¯s life. And whether you like it or not, you can¡¯t change what has already happened. Your innate instincts kicked in, controlling you for the sake of your own survival. I know it¡¯s hard to comprehend, but we need to leave. Immediately.¡± Vaan stood still, fear clouding his eyes, burns forming on his hands. ¡°Follow.¡± This time, Kage ordered, not giving Vaan another option. ¡°Now.¡± Time chased them; Kage knew that. Now, however, there were more dire problems following their steps. Multiple guardsmen dead, Kage thought. Not enough time, too catastrophic to clean anything. Now the kid¡¯s killed. Shit. And that guard¡­ One escaped. It didn¡¯t take long for them to reach the northern gates. The streets¡ªusually filled with citizens, guards and wanderers¡ªran cold as empty winds swept them clean. There wasn¡¯t a soul in the Dustlands that would miss any announcement from the empire. If a single thread of hope lain for a better life, none would dare pass on the opportunity. So, Kage knew it had to have been around noon time by now. Vaan let his legs do all the work, barely able to keep up with Kage. His mind was elsewhere, suffering the consequences of his impulsive actions. Kage understood it, that feeling of no going back. The inability to turn back time. Living with regrets. Wondering what would happen if only that one event hadn¡¯t led to the next. ¡°Only time will heal,¡± Kage said, coming to a halt, his focus on the crowded street ahead. ¡°You can¡¯t do anything about what happened. You can only keep living. The strong will learn, the weak will bellow in regret.¡± Vaan¡¯s dim expression didn¡¯t budge, only his shoulders, which seemed to have slouched even more. ¡°Listen carefully Vaan,¡± Kage gazed upon Lukas Aleman, standing proud between the gates, amidst thousands of starving civilians. ¡°Blend in with the crowd. Stay quiet for a few days, don¡¯t raise unwanted attention, and do not go anywhere near men with white uniforms. Make sure not a soul knows about the revolver. If you haven''t heard from me in 48 hours, that means I failed, and I am probably dead.¡± A wisp of life seemed to have brought back Vaan¡¯s voice, ¡°What do you mean? Where are you going? What are you planning to do? Why would you be dead?!¡± ¡°We were late to the announcement, and guessing by the chatter echoing off the buildings, it can''t be good.¡± Kage paused, glaring at the Goliath, ¡°I refuse to believe my father¡¯s disappearance is a coincidence. The empire has its secrets too, and it looks like the only way to unravel the truths, lies beyond that machine ¡± ¡°Are you crazy? How are you planning to get on board?¡± Vaan¡¯s jaw tightened, his voice returning to him. His mind distracted him from his murders, and perhaps that was for the best. ¡°That¡¯s none of your concern. If I don¡¯t come back, it might be too late for everyone anyhow.¡± Vaan knew he couldn¡¯t stop him; not by force, not by witt, not by reason. ¡°I¡¯m not saying goodbye,¡± Vaan spat, frustrated. ¡°Good,¡± Kage jabbed him in the gut. ¡°Neither am I.¡± Vaan hurled backward, air leaving his lungs in a blink. As he crawled back to his feet, Kage was gone, and more chatter bounced from building to building as the crowds slowly dispersed. At the head of the gates, a staircase dropped from the Goliath. An insidious smile split Lukas¡¯ cheeks as the guard had begun to push the crowds back. The people, who had compiled around the courtyard, were outraged beyond belief. Hunger consumed their eyes as they clawed against the walls of brass shields pushing them back. In the midst of all the yelling and stomping, one singular guard seemed out of place, like a dead crop in a field of prosperity. He ran with a quickened pace, not towards, but away from the crowd. No, he ran through it, straight to Lukas. His once-white uniform was now littered with stains of dust and dirt. Pools of sweat blanketed his wrinkled forehead and pits, and the rapid panting made Lukas scowl at the mere sight of it. The guard, attempting to regain his breath, whispered into Lukas¡¯ ear, reversing the scowl he had worn so confidently. ¡°Come,¡± Lukas ordered, ¡°We must discuss this further. Privately. This is a rather interesting turn of events. Events that inappropriately collide with my schedule.¡± He grabbed the guard by this shoulder, leading him up the steps into the Goliath. Beneath their steps, their shadows followed, unevenly. It was as if there was a pattern on the ground, distorting the matter of which the shadows consisted of. If looking at it from afar, it would not have been noticeable. However, from up close, it seemed like flowing water, digressing into murky waves. As they reached the top of the steps, Lukas dropped his unwavering expression, along with the guard¡¯s shoulder. A long, narrow hallway lit by fluorescent lights presented itself before them. Every now and then a door on both sides curved into the walls, purposely windowless. Lukas¡¯ brilliant, yet clammy boots echoed his footsteps, interfering with the quiet hum of the lights above. ¡°Tell me your name,¡± he ordered redundantly. The guard looked puzzled for a moment, then answered. ¡°Unit 0652.¡± His answer seemed to please Lukas, as if there was some sort of pleasure derived from hearing that. ¡°Unit 0652. Let us have a little conversation. Please join me, will you?¡± Before the guard answered, they took a turn, avoiding the stairwell at the end of the hallway. Lukas led unit 0652 through an unlocked metal door, ¡°Here is good,¡± he gestured toward the guard, ¡°Take a seat.¡± The guard did as instructed, sitting in a rather luxurious chair; By the look on his face, it was not something he had been accustomed to. Around him hung paintings, all of different sorts and representations of art. They were the only obscurities in the room, as the walls and ceiling were all made out of sheet metal, brimming in a shallow glow. Lukas sat across Unit 0652 in a similar chair, placed strategically in front of an oval window overlooking the northern wall of the Dustlands. The wall stretched eastward, far, straight into the distant sun. Crossing his legs, Lukas straightened his posture. ¡°Unit 0652, describe the order of events in the exact order you can recall them. Please, do not miss a single detail, as every piece of evidence must be accounted for.¡± Unit 0652 wiped the trickling sweat off his forehead, gulping, as if to clear the dryness in his mouth. ¡°Right¡­ As far as I remember, I, along with Unit 0644, 0646, 0651, and 0657 were on morning watch along the mine entrance. South tower, overnight shift, right at dawn break. Out of nowhere, this explosion happened, right beneath the street. it put half the street into crumbles. Even the entrance to the mines collapsed.¡± ¡°Were there any disturbances that you heard of from the previous night?¡± Lukas pondered, his gaze luminous. ¡°Preferably any evidence to suggest that this could have happened from an abnormality beforehand?¡± Unit 0652 thought for a moment, perplexion growing in his eyes. ¡°Actually, there is. Apparently some kid wanted to join the mining team, he just waddled up. I wasn¡¯t there, my shift started an hour later, but it¡¯s what I heard. Unit 0200 dealt with the kid, then he disappeared without a word.¡± Lukas gestured for Unit 0952 to continue, nodding indecisively. ¡°Right¡­ After the explosion today, two entities came toppling out of the ground. One wearing dark, unmatched clothing. He was hooded, and I¡¯m sure it was him. Women do not have the features he possessed. The other was some boy, curly blonde hair, no older than 17. I chased after the hooded one,¡± Unit 0652¡¯s eyes squinted, as if there was a twinkle of fear prickling them. ¡°And that¡¯s when I saw it. The boy had a weapon. One I hadn¡¯t seen before. A working one, with core and all. Shots fired at speeds I couldn¡¯t see, and death in the blink of an eye. Before any of us had a chance to stop him, he massacred the rest. I was fortunate to escape.¡± The shadow beneath the chairs merged into the corner of the room by the window. Unit 0652 noticed something off, however, before he could raise suspicion, Lukas stole his attention. ¡°Tell me, Unit 0652, could this boy be the same ¡®kid¡¯ you had mentioned from the previous night. And were you able to catch a glimpse of the hooded figure? You see, these details, as minute as they may seem, are very crucial. These are criminals, and if what you say is true, then they are beyond dangerous, and must be apprehended.¡± Unit 0652 nodded, his posture tight in the chair. ¡°Right. The boy could be the same kid. Getting his name won¡¯t prove too difficult, there aren¡¯t many blondes left in the first place. As for the figure¡­ No. His face was covered by shadows, and he didn¡¯t seem to have any form of weaponry.¡± Lukas closed his eyes, beginning a slow, melodic hum. The tone rang throughout the room, bouncing from wall to wall. ¡°Who else knows?¡± He asked, maintaining the hum as if he hadn¡¯t just spoken. The man sitting across put on a vague expression, as if he was looking at a lunatic on the streets. ¡°U-Unit 0504, 506, and 507,¡± he stuttered. ¡°I notified them to clean up the mess. Besides me, no one else knows. ¡°Good,¡± Lukas stopped his hum. He then stood, fast enough to see the cushioning in his chair form back into place. ¡°Thank you Unit 0652, you have been a great help.¡± Camouflaged in the inner lining of his coat, Lukas whipped a thin, masterfully crafted blade straight into Unit 0652¡¯s open neck. The cut was perfect, precise, accurate. Like a surgeon, careful not to make even a single mistake. The blood fell out of the man¡¯s throat in a river of red, painting trails into his uniform. Dead in an instant. The hum returned once again, and Lukas smiled as he flicked the excess blood off his blade. He then exited the room, echoing his melodic hum down the hall as he made his way up the stairs. After a few moments had gone by, a loud, obnoxious grumble erupted from the walls. It nearly shook the earth itself, vibrating the floor with surges of quakes. The shadow in the corner emerged, millions of dark particles forming into one, distinct figure. Kage kept calm as scents of wet blood refreshed his senses. There now sat a puddle of red beneath the man in the chair, dripping from the creases of the cushions. His skin had gone pale, veins running cold. Another loud grumble shook the Goliath, and as Kage glanced out the window, he understood why. The Goliath had started moving¡ªrelatively slow matter-of-factly¡ªstraight through the land known as Elpis, or whatever was left of it. Kage had heard stories that this had been where everyone used to live. Where there were no walls to keep the citizens inside. Where crime had been minimal, practically nonexistent. Where the guard had not patrolled every corner and nook they came across. Those were the stories. Whether they were true or not didn¡¯t matter now. That was in the past. For Kage, only the present mattered, and how every moment and breath affected his unforeseeable future. The Goliath followed the same road to and from the empire. It was a straight shot, with minimal turns for the occasional rock or broken debris. The hollow earth below, sat dented with tracks from previous voyages, rotting away through storms and weather catastrophes. The plains, once thriving with life, now suffered in drought and death. Old, decayed statues tilted with the wind, robbed of anything and everything. Kage looked carefully through the window, observing the territory he had never ventured into. Over time, he had heard other rumors about what lies beneath these hollow plains. Tales of monstrous creatures that break bones like sticks and eat flesh like butter. The stories speak of heights as tall as the Goliath, and fangs as sharp as the finest swords. Though no one had any proof or valid sightings to claim the truthfulness of such words. However, this plain land seemed odd, too odd to dismiss. The land itself seemed to move, trembling almost. The Goliath traveled loudly, so Kage had dropped his speculations as a simple illusion of the outside world. Perhaps a gimmick his mind played on him. Footsteps shuffled down the hall again. Based on the nonsynchronous thuds, Kage speculated there were at least three, maybe four men. The thuds grew louder, halting before the door. Not good, Kage thought, I¡¯m not getting any time to conserve my energy. This is bad. Four men barged in, all identical from head to toe. Their facial features were the only distinct things that separated them from each other. One scoffed at the sight before him, while the others got to work with thick mops and buckets of disinfectants. Oddly enough, they exchanged no words during the process. They looked petrified, controlled, dead inside. As the last drop of blood had been carefully wiped, they placed Unit 0652 in a large, white body bag. Kage trailed them as they exited the room, hiding in the tiniest of shadows beneath their feet. His shadow moved in unusual shapes, as if the floor were made of waves, flowing in patterns. Due to the obnoxious overhead lights, even a child could spot the obscurity of the morphing darkness following the guards. If any of them had dared to turn around, they would notice immediately. Traversing down the hall, the guards carried the body elsewhere, through one of the many doors inside this massive vehicle. Kage, on the other hand, found his stop before a twisting stairway. Fluorescent lights beamed even brighter here, leaving no space for a single corner of darkness. So, Kage was forced into his natural form. The steps spiraled to what seemed like the third floor, possibly the highest the Goliath had room for. They led to a single door, one with a large handle and a single rectangular window at eye level. The door seemed thick, almost sound proof, but chatter from beyond broke through regardless. Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Kage peaked through, careful as not to be seen. Beyond stood a room, much larger than the rest. The ceiling consisted of wires, all tangled in an unorganized mess. On the opposite end, a small control room divided itself from the main, with a window looking out north towards the empire. In the main room, Lukas sat cross-legged at the head of a maple dining table. Before him were various assortments of food items, along with pitchers of foreign beverages. On either side of the table sat the two chosen from the Horkos, though their expressions were bolded with an unsettling perplexion. ¡°Please,¡± Lukas gestured. ¡°Don¡¯t be shy, eat. There is plenty for you.¡± Cale bit into a porkchop, his stomach turning at the taste of fresh meat. ¡°This is¡­ Amazing.¡± He huffed, pushing tender bites of meat down his throat. Shortly after, despite the initial hesitation, Kalexa followed. She chose a rather exquisite looking dish instead: a small bowl of chopped tomatoes and cucumber, mixed together with some thin dressing and spices. It gave the vegetables a sweet, refreshing taste. ¡°Goodnes,¡± She gasped. ¡°Incredible.¡± Lukas laughed, ¡°It is wonderful isn¡¯t it. I am sure you can see why we are not able to give this luxury to the entire population. It is only worthy of those who deserve it.¡± Any doubts had left Kalexa and Cale¡¯s mind. They smiled at each other, then the food before them. ¡°Is the empire as big as they say it is?¡± Kalexa asked, her eyes gleaming with excitement. Lukas chuckled again, grinning, ¡°We are almost there, it is a rather short trip. You will see for yourselves soon enough.¡± Besides the dining table, the rest of the room wore a layer of thick gray paint. A guard stood in each corner, silent, observant. No other anomalies were present in the room, though something seemed off, as if the air inside held a heaviness unable to be put into words. The table, Kage thought, scanning the floor. It just seems too out of place. Like it had been placed there beforehand. It¡¯s not bolted to the ground on a moving vehicle? The Goliath shook again, shaking the table and spilling a few beverages on it. Darkness clouded the front window, and the blue skies vanished from above. ¡°Don¡¯t be frightened,¡± Lukas raised a hand. ¡°We have just entered through a passage beneath the mountain¡¯s foundation. It is the only entry, and is completely safe. We will arrive in roughly five minutes. Please, continue to indulge.¡± Cale and Kalexa glanced at each other, shrugging off the nuisance. Their stomach¡¯s have never been filled to this extent, and they were not planning on taking chances to end that. At least not from such fine tastes, smells, and delights. Lukas glanced at one of the guards in the corner, secretly gesturing to him under the table, as to not let others see. The Guard nodded, his posture tight. He then walked over to the room with the window at the front, shutting the doors to it. ¡°Do either of you have family left behind?¡± Lukas asked. Kalexa gulped down a loaf of bread, then a sorrowful gleam followed along her eyes. ¡°I have a sister. I-I was too caught up in the moment, I completely forgot about her.¡± ¡°And you?¡± Lukas glanced at Cale, squinting his pale eyes. ¡°Been a lone soul since birth,¡± He chuckled, ¡°Bout dam¡¯ time somethin¡¯ good happened.¡± Good food had changed his mood quite fast. ¡°I¡¯m sick n¡¯ tired of livin¡¯ off scraps and shit. This,¡± he took another bite, ¡°is what I deserve!¡± Lukas gave a gentleman¡¯s clap for the performance, ¡°That¡¯s the spirit. And as for your sister, she will be taken care of. All families are precious to us.¡± His expression darkened, ¡°Where might she be located. I will send my loyal men to assure she is in safe hands.¡± Relief washed over Kalexa as she sipped down a glass of fresh water. ¡°We were living on the outskirts near Westside. Building 62, room 12.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Lukas sighed. ¡°Unit 0044, please inform the west tower of this information. Make sure this woman¡¯s sister is taken care of.¡± A guard across from Lukas bowed, unresponsive, before returning to his erect posture. A shiny, square medallion sat tight on his left breast pocket, unlike any of the other guards. Silver slabs held it together, with an oval crest imbued in the middle. ¡°Excuse me,¡± Kalexa frowned, concern twisting her voice. ¡°What do you mean by ''taken care of? Come to think of it, how were we even chosen in the first place¡± Lukas didn¡¯t respond, as the Goliath came to a noticeable halt. The fluorescent lights flickered a few times, then dimmed to a steady glow. Every wall shook violently, with a thick wave of vibration pounding through the floor. ¡°Restrain them,¡± Lukas ordered, beginning his low, eerie hum. With his eyes shut tight, and the hum to distract him, all the unpleasant noise from Kalexa¡¯s howls and Cale¡¯s disobedience was blocked. The guards cuffed the victors in strong, padlocked chains. Cotton cloths¡ªwhich wrapped around their skulls¡ªwere forced into their jaws to prevent any screaming. As Lukas opened his eyes, the food, along with the table were scattered like paper. It looked as if hundreds of starving rats scavenged the room from floor to ceiling. Kalexa and Cale were on their knees, being forced to kneel by two guards each. Lukas hadn¡¯t bothered to look at them. He didn¡¯t need to see their desperate cries for help, concern, confusion, anger. Instead, he continued his arrogant hum, ¡°Get them on their feet and follow. I¡¯ve been waiting for this day for longer than I would have hoped for.¡± The guards forced Kalexa and Cale to stand, nearly flinging them up. The guard¡¯s grip around her squeezed a painful sob out of Kalexa, momentarily sabotaging Lukas¡¯ hum. A flicker of frustration appeared on the thin line that split Lukas¡¯ lips, and if it hadn¡¯t been for his inconspicuous excitement, Kalexa¡¯s sob would be her very last. However, he ignored it, reaching for the door which acted as cover for Kage. He swung it open without thought, motioning for the guards to follow with their new prisoners. As he approached the stairs, his footsteps came to an unprecedented halt, yet the hum continued its path. His eyes scanned the surroundings, looking, searching for something. Something that wasn¡¯t there. Kage, who was hiding within the shadow of the open door, felt a slither of unease run through him. Can he sense me? Kage thought to himself. No, there isn¡¯t a chance that is possible. He must sense the core. Lukas scowled, as if uncertain of something. ¡°Unit 0044, search the goliath for any signs of intrusion or obscurity. Stay armed and on guard. Once you finish, begin the task I assigned you earlier.¡± One of the guards restraining Kalexa nodded, then hurried down the steps. The echo of his steps faded after a few seconds, followed by a distant thud of a door slamming. After the silence, Lukas pursued down the stairway, his hum by his side. The rest of the guards trailed his steps, with firm, uncomfortable grips on Cale and Kalexa. And, behind them all, a shadow followed, moving elegantly along the floor. Lukas led them down the same fluorescently lit hallway, and across the declined ramp to the outside world. He inhaled a breath of fresh air, engulfed by it. The air quality on the jagged cliffside breezed thinly across the earth, easier to take in. Despite the empire¡¯s compiled infrastructure, the air had not been corroded by filth and smog that ran freely through the Dustlands. The sunlight assisted Kage in keeping his energy, replenishing it freely, along with casting shadows in scabrous a4reas. What is this? Kage thought as he glanced around. This, is the empire? This? Behind the goliath sat a jagged cliffside, which stretched deep into the mountains corroding east and west. Far in the horizon, where the cloudless skies touched the white tips of the southern mountains, lay the Dustlands. The towering walls seemed so small from here, as if they were simple fences arranged to keep dogs inside. Nonetheless, despite the truth of it all, it held a nostalgic beauty. ¡°Welcome,¡± Lukas shouted towards the prisoners, dragging Kage¡¯s attention northward. ¡°To your beloved empire.¡± A thin, freakishly tall building stood tall in the distance. It took the shape of a pin, with a small, windowed globe at its peak. A layer of beige paint coated it from head to toe, along with all the other structures surrounding it. Everything seemed the furthest from any sort of prosperity or utopia. In fact, this so-called empire was not a shade better than the Dustlands. The Goliath grumbled again, cooling itself, as if the engine had shut off. A platform from where it emerged held it steady, sinking a few inches into the earth. Control panels and other accessories were protected by a small roof off to the side, controlling the functions of the platform. Winds scraped the ground as they brushed through Lukas¡¯s long, cared-for hair. He pursed his collar up, finally able to stop his characterizing hum. ¡°That long tower you see before you is the heart of everything you have ever known.¡± He began, his eyes forward, and his audience behind, tied against their will. ¡°You see, the heart is the most important organ of the body. It is also the most important gear or piece to any form of technology. It is the very core of our existence.¡± His steps lead the path to the approaching structures in the distance, each fairly high, cubed and windowless. Black smoke escaped the chimneys, almost staining the air. ¡°Now, some may argue that the brain is far more important than the heart. It controls. It allows us to have our senses. It creates emotion, pain, and pleasure. But what if there was a way for those materials to be supplied for us? Without the use of a brain?¡± Lukas asked, not expecting a response. ¡°What if we could operate at our full potential? To use more than just what our brains allow us to?¡± The clicking of his boots against the path vibrated the air, embracing the gentle grazes of wind. ¡°When I was a boy, I was always fascinated with what you dirt-scrubbers might call science. In a world like this, there aren¡¯t many who create. Rather all this world has are those who destroy. So, when I was around the age of fourteen, I had the honor of working with one of the greatest minds this empire had to offer. Her name was Tera. Her origin was unknown. She came from land unbeknownst to us, and that¡¯s all I knew at the time.¡± As they continued forward, tiny details popped up on the structures ahead. Visible cracks here and there, along with rust, degrading in the foundations. Small storage-sized blocks were placed randomly throughout the background, as if to add some sort of decoration to the monotone view. The path they were on split in different directions, leading to different buildings and uncharted areas. However, Lukas kept his stride north, his quiet audience in his trail. ¡°Her biggest weakness was her heart. She was too soft, too kind, too weak¡­ And as I grew older, and her secrets revealed their unforsaken roots, I had to get rid of her.¡± Lukas chuckled to himself, though it was due to negligence rather than humor. ¡°You see, Tera, believe it or not, had a daughter, which I despised even more. She kept quiet from me, and right when I had reached my breaking point, her blasted mother had been paving the way for her escape.¡± Lukas waved a hand to the guards, giving them the sign to take off the gags in Kalexa¡¯s and Cale¡¯s jaws. Spits and coughs followed, then a hurling of mucus that had traveled to their chins. ¡°Using what I learned from Tera, and that blasted rebellion, I crafted my own creations. The first few hundred tries didn¡¯t go so well. We were running low on subjects to experiment on. With so many failed experiments, I was deemed a psychopath, crazy, a lunatic. Those who didn¡¯t believe in my ideas were simply distractions¡ª¡± ¡°Where are you taking us?!¡± Kalexa interrupted him, crying. ¡°What are you going to do?!¡± Lukas stopped, for two double doors blocked his path onward. The doors, connected to a large, wide hangar, stretch fairly far in each direction. Again, the layers of beige rotted away long ago, which only revealed rusted bits of exposed metal. ¡°Please,¡± Lukas pushed the doors open. ¡°Come in.¡± Through the doors stood dozens of people, motionless like statues, all wearing dirty, ripped clothing. By first glance, there were about a hundred of them, all standing the same distance apart in rows of ten. Their heads dipped to their chests, as if they were sleeping, though their ribs kept still. Behind them, on the far side of this hangar¡¯s enclosure, a ramp ascended to a large, flat stand. Two operating tables filled the empty space atop it, alongside large, thick mechanical drills and tools which descended from the ceiling. ¡°I tell this story to all chosen by the Horkos,¡± Lukas began. ¡°You see, for a fair chance, everyone is chosen at random. Your names are obtained upon your birth, as all the medics in the Dustlands work under us, one way or another.¡± Lukas motioned to the guards again. Without a word, the guards strapped Kalexa and Cale to the tables, tightening up the restraints on their hands and feet. Their cries for help and mercy were ignored, as if they were nothing more than mice being used as experiments. Lukas turned toward the rows of sleeping statues, ¡°Unfortunately, there can be no more chance. For the final Horkos is upon us.¡± Kage¡¯s energy ran low with every aching second. His shadow form could be maintained due to the sufficient sunlight from before, but holding its shape for long grew an excessive amount of fatigue. If held even longer, pain would start to compulse his heart, which in time, would prove fatal. Shit, Kage thought, quickly converting himself back to normal behind a pile of old medical equipment in the corner. ¡°Why are you doing this?¡± Cale asked, his voice stronger than before. ¡°We¡¯re on your side. We¡¯ll help with anything you want us to! Please, just spare us damn it!¡± ¡°You are helping,¡± Lukas turned. ¡°What you fail to understand is that all of you dirt-scrubbers have it easy. The Dustlands is a secured home for you. Sure there might be a scarcity of food, yet we watch the streets for crime, we eliminate weapons, we keep your life going with hope. What more can you ask for? Do you think our life is any better?¡± Lukas scowled, his voice deepening. ¡°We are barely able to produce food for ourselves, let alone you pigs. How would you feel if you knew your people were dying of starvation, poverty, murder?¡± Cale kept quiet, as did Kalexa beside him. ¡°We are out. Out of everything. Natural resources, wealth, status. The food you just ate is our mercy for your sacrifice. There¡¯s only weeks left before all the food is gone. These predictions were made years ago, and I was the only one who cared to do something about it.¡± Lukas tightened a pair of gloves over his uncalloused hands. ¡°How do you think it feels to be the black sheep? To be the outlier that is ultimately fighting to protect his people?¡± Lukas walked over to them, pulling a bright orange core out of his front breast pocket. ¡°Those people you see behind me are the future for our survival. This core¡ªafter many failed trials¡ªhas allowed us to use our strengths to the greatest extent. Far surpassing what any normal human could accomplish. Strength, speed, power, it¡¯s all there, locked away by our weakness.¡± The rows of humans began to shit, their heads slowly rising to the stand. Their eyes gleamed yellow in the darkness, like predators ready to attack. Large melted distortions of iron replaced their midsections, which revealed large emerald-shaped cores sunken deep within their hearts. Fear grew on Kalexa¡¯s face, almost knocking her unconscious from the horror her eyes bestowed upon. ¡°These are now soldiers,¡± Lukas smiled. ¡°Capable of flattening any army or obstacle that stands between us. And with you two as our second to last sample, we 0can finally take over what lies beyond this desolate land.¡± Cale exchanged a nervous look with Kalexa, then shared Lukas¡¯s deathly gaze, his voice wrapped with fear. ¡°What do you mean by¡­ beyond this land?¡± ¡°Surely you cannot possibly be this simpleminded. Do you truly believe we are the only civilization amongst this vast country. We aren¡¯t even worth a singular percentage of what lies beyond.¡± Kalexa¡¯s instinct for survival had finally kicked in, regardless of whether it would truly keep her alive or not. ¡°Please! Don¡¯t do this! Please, I¡¯m beggin you! Please!¡± Lukas frowned, as if disgusted at the sight of her cries. ¡°I sure do hope your sister doesn¡¯t scream as much as you. It''s foul.¡± After putting the core back into his pocket, he reached for the drill handle off the ceiling. It carried a solid chestpiece, with a core in its left-side socket. The handle of the drill was thick, manufactured with a few buttons and switches off its rear. ¡°Apologies,¡± Lukas sighed. ¡°This is the painful part.¡± He then reached for another pre-programmed drill and dug it into Kalexa¡¯s chest. A switch flipped, sending out a flurry of blood-curdling screams out of Kalex¡¯s throat as her heart ripped from its cage. Shortly after, the drill released a steaming pour of molten metal, filling the loose flesh with a burning magma. Lukas ignored the splatters of blood and Kalexa¡¯s inaudible agony, unfazed by the sight before him. He then flipped the switch on the first drill, implanting the chest piece atop of Klaexa¡¯s breast tissue. The operating table that kept her body still shook violently as her body spasmed, absorbing the power of the core. Her nails dug through the thin sheet of iron that held her, the restraints barely holding her captive. Cale fainted from the sight, as if his body had no use of fighting on. In the corner, Kage nearly fell over, horrified. Even for him, the sight was putrid. Inhumane. Purely sadistic. Lukas let go of the drill, unbuckling the restraints on Kalexa¡¯s wrists. After a few moments, her eyes lit up in a devilish yellow tint similar to the others. Her upper body unnaturally pounced itself up. Before Lukas became proud of another successful soldier, Kalexa¡¯s head twitched directly at Kage¡¯s location, followed by a dry, squeaky scream. The rest of the soldiers did the same, staring at the hooded figure. Kage stood from behind his cover, trying his best to calm the nerves pulsing through his body. His eyes darted to the door, then at Lukas. ¡°Ahh,¡± Lukas grinned. ¡°The boy that started it all. Your father has told me lots about you.¡± Chapter 10 In that moment, Kage¡¯s blood boiled with rage, tightening every fiber of his muscles. His body screamed at him to rush forward, to push past the stares piercing through his soul. With every passing breath, his heart hammered against his chest, forcing this moment to feel like an eternity. As he took a step forward, his father¡¯s name rang through his head, repeating over and over through Lukas¡¯ vile tongue. Suddenly, thoughts of his father came rushing through the malice, pulling him into the reality before him. As Lukas probed his finger forward, Kage¡¯s fists relaxed, and his eyes turned from the horrid sight before him. Those things were no longer humans. They were innocent lives turned to weapons; tools to use and throw away. Their humanity had vanished, and so did his chance to save them. So, Kage ran, faster than ever before. He didn¡¯t turn back, no, he couldn¡¯t turn back. Not after what he had witnessed. Not after what he had heard. Not after what he now knew. Those things chased him, screeching after him. They moved like dogs, twitching violently, as if unable to function properly. Behind them all, Lukas shouted loud enough for Kage to hear. ¡°Worry not, your father is alive Kage. If you plan to keep him alive, come and get him. I¡¯ll be waiting.¡± Kage ignored him, racing towards the cliffside. The Goliath, which had been his only method of travel across Elpis, was no longer an option. Only one option truly remained. One method of escape. A possibility Kage knew could occur, though wished it didn¡¯t; the cliff. The dropoff to Elpis stretched hundreds of feet below, unsurvivable. Kage knew it as soon as he reached the jagged peak. His heart pounded through his chest, for he only had seconds to make a decision. You don¡¯t have time to think, his consciousness yelled at him. It¡¯s noon. The cliff has an arch. There is always some darkness, even in the brightest of lights. Kage managed to sneak in one last glare behind him, the hunger from the hoard aching to taste his blood. Their speed far surpassed that of an average person, indistinguishable from anything he had ever seen. Before he dwindled on his decisions, his eyes shut, and with a lean, gravity would be the one to decide his fate On the edge of the cliff, the hoard retreated into the distance, Lukas taking their place. Another figure approached him, joining him as they both stared into the jagged piles of rocks below. He was older, as the wrinkles sprouting around his eyes and forehead told. Despite his age, he had a solid build, as if the age had not affected his daily tasks. He wore a lock of silver hair, combed to the side of his scalp. A matte-black peacoat bounced all the wind away from him, along with a pair of finely tailored pants that wrapped around his ankles. His arms greeted each other on his lower back, his chest tall and upright. ¡°General Godfrey,¡± Lukas nodded. ¡°It seems that your prediction is true. Would you like me to send scouts to confirm his death?¡± The general spat into the air, his voice dry and old. ¡°Don¡¯t bother, Aleman. If he survives the fall he won¡¯t make it back to that shithole,¡± he glanced toward the Dustlands. ¡°Say he does?¡± ¡°Won¡¯t matter. One man cannot put a stop to our efforts. I¡¯ll kill him myself if I have to.¡± ¡°That might be true,¡± Lukas chuckled. ¡°But you¡¯d be surprised what that one man is capable of.¡± ¡°Frankly,¡± general Godfrey spat again. ¡°It bothers me not. The real problem lies in there,¡± he pointed far into the distance, straight to the tip of the tallest building in the Dustlands. ¡°That¡¯s where the real monster is.¡± ¡­ Dry air and a mouthful of dirt forced Kage to cough himself awake, hours after the fall. The first glance of the beating afternoon sun pained his eyes, as if a lime were squeezed into them. He rolled over on his back, the cliffside glaring back at him. What a mess, he thought to himself. Guess it did work. A moment before the fall, he had turned himself into a blob of darkness, praying the transition would cut back on the damage. Fortunately, it did, with only minor repercussions. As Kage attempted to stand, a sharp, unsettling pain sprung through his shoulder. A grunt escaped his lips, followed by a fall back down, then a sigh as he realized what this meant. Great, dislocated¡­ Probably. Using his left hand, he managed to stand, uncomfortably. So can I mitigate gravitational damage? Father never mentioned that¡­ I must¡¯ve been too lousy with my arm. Falling¡­ Happens so fast. Kage stumbled toward the jagged sections of the cliffside, his free arm atop his injured one. He searched for an opening, somewhere he could lodge his hand inside, though there weren¡¯t many to choose from. After dozens of pointless attempts, he had found something that held somewhat of a potential solution. A split in the cliff, trailing upwards, eroded with dry, cherry green moss. Guess this¡¯ll work, he sighed, slowly wedging his hand into the crevasse. As his fingers slid through, it felt as if he had lowered his hand through a jar of thin balls of yarn. Once he determined his arm was far enough in, he dug for a wedge, or something his fingers could grip firmly. The dry rock clipped his nails as he wiggled his loose fingers into a hook-like hole. Then, on the count of¡ª ¡°Gggrrh,¡± Kage pulled back ferociously. A pop set his shoulder back in place, along with a grueling pain throughout his arm. The drought within his throat swelled even further as he slowly slipped his hand out of the crevasse. The rocks that had offered him a seat had never felt more comfortable. Kage stared back at the Dustlands, miles away, waiting for the lingering pain to reside. A plateau of corroded rock and empty land stood between him and his home, or whatever he had left of one. The beaming sun bounced off the bright sandstone, gently weighing Kage down. His eyelids suddenly gained weight, impossible to keep open. I can¡¯t. Not now. A grunt escaped his lips as he propped himself up, right arm dangling by his side. And thus, the slow journey back to the Dustlands began, one step at a time. The first hour passed with only minor setbacks, either attributed to hunger or severe thirst. Kage had never been a fan of the local water supply, as the hygiene levels in the pipes were long forgotten about. But even now, a full pitcher of insect-infested liquid sounded appetizing. About a mile or so in, the ground beneath him would shake periodically, as if something moved beneath it. It was far too similar to the Goliath¡¯s trembles he had experienced earlier, only now, there were no walls of iron to protect him. During the last mile, the ground shook more frequently, stumbling his steps. What the hell is this? He thought, free arm edging the handle of his sickle. He stopped, listened, and observed. The decaying stone around him hadn¡¯t grumbled with the ground, nor the giant rocks. Then, everything went still, as if time itself had stopped working. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. A faint sound of crawling shot through his ears, slowly getting louder and louder, like the sound of running rats through old ventilation pipes. He couldn¡¯t pinpoint the sound until the ground began trembling again, only now, he could feel his limbs vibrate, his organs shuffling left and right. ¡°Argh,¡± Kage grunted as he dove out of the way, catching grains of dirt between his teeth. Below him, a massive, iron-scaled monstrosity burst from the ground, a curdling screech followed as the sunlight scorched its gaping maw. Hundreds of rows after rows of spindly legs¡ªsome long, some short¡ªclick-clacked along the surface, grabbing the dust, thrusting in all directions. The legs were attached to a long, flexible body, stretching nearly two street-widths in length. Dark, iron-scaled plates constructed the creature''s exterior, clashing with the constant movement. As the creature landed on its sharp, pointy legs, it pierced the earth, two oval-shaped amber eyes locked onto Kage. The horrid creature resembled a centipede of sorts, though much larger, and much more deadly. It let out another screech, nearly deafening Kage, before leaping at full speed directly at him. The Scathed ARE real, he thought. Feeling his heart drop, Kage twisted under the creature, catching the shade that traveled along with it, reappearing behind it, avoiding the bright star in the sky. As long as the sun kept its shine along the ground, Kage could activate his core at will, for as long as he needed. However, with too much light and too little darkness, his core was useless, for no shadow could follow his path. The creature¡ªresembling basic forms of intelligence¡ªseemed confused, partly annoyed at the prey before it. So, naturally, it lunged again, faster this time, expecting the same outcome as before. However, Kage flicked open the sickle tucked away beneath his robe, slashing at one of the creature¡¯s legs. Expecting a clean cut, the sickle whiplashed back, throwing Kage off balance, and into the maw of the metal beast. As the creature bit down, a trail of bloody darkness met its taste buds, and Kage was once again below, panting, wounded, and on his back. A pair of teeth must¡¯ve reached too far before he could escape into the shadows, thus would explain the burst of sudden pain eating at his forearm. A cloud of dust sprouted from the cracked earth as the creature dove head-first back below the surface. Seconds later, the ground started trembling again, violently, as if countless chained explosions had set off deep underground. No time to think. Kage knew that. Which only left one possible option¡ªInstinct. Before He knew it, his legs were moving on their own, despite the aches and wounds planted on his beaten body. With his sickle open in his non-dominant hand, his chest pounding with pressure, and his lips begging for water, he ran. He ran as fast as his core could allow, moving in zigzag¡¯s so his movements were harder to follow for the Scathe. The Dustlands drew close, buildings appeared taller, and even the guards on the walls¡ªappearing like tiny white specs¡ªbecame more defined with limbs attaching to a stable human shape. Despite his efforts, the ground beneath him rumbled, erupting a massive plate of earth straight into the sky. The tip of the plate just barely nicked the back of his heel, sending Kage stumbling forward, which quickly spiraled into a full-body roll. Kage¡¯s eyes sprung open, peering hastily at the aftermath. The Sacthe was nowhere in sight. As Kage searched frantically for it, the ground beneath him rumbled again, and he no longer moved in unpredictable patterns. Another giant plate shot him into the still air, freezing his senses. For a moment, he felt free, weightless, like a feather caught in a windstorm. The empty, pale-blue sky reached out to him, offering its hand of freedom from this wretched world. Come, it spoke. Leave this place. I can¡¯t, Kage thought. There is nothing left for you here. You can rest. How can I rest knowing what I know? Seeing what I¡¯ve seen. Hearing what I¡¯ve heard. Those poor souls¡­ Allow me to fight for you. The voice inside grew stronger, I will end the suffering of those bringing you harm. I can¡¯t, Kage¡¯s memories flashed inside his head, unforgettable. Not again. The life inside him awakened, reverting time back into motion. He knew the Sacthe click-clacked below him this time, believing it had caught him off guard. Kage grunted through the pain seering in his shoulder as he switched the grip of his sickle, twisting his torso into an empty cloud of black mass, acquiescing the bite of the beast. With a downward sweep, he plunged the blade of his sickle into one of the beaming amber eyes, forcing a horrid screech to escape the multi-legged monster. The bright amber glow slowly faded into an empty dull socket, and the creature scrambled frantically, hauling dust in countless directions. Its yells continued as the remaining eye searched for the cloaked, wounded man. Laying flatly on the flexible body of the beast, Kage yanked his weapon free, further causing a flurry of ear-deafening screeches. He tumbled to the ground, pain rushing through his shoulder once more. The Scathe dove back into the ground, and for a moment, silence fell over the plateau of sandstone. Kage hadn¡¯t run this time; instead, waiting patiently for the next attack. After a few moments, the ground tremmered, but not like before. The sounds spread vastly into the distance, escalating with every second. Tiny pebbles bounced up and down, vibrating along the surface, clashing with one another. Kage¡¯s eyes danced around, something¡¯s wrong, he thought. He noticed the pattern of trembles was different this time, covering more ground, as if the entire earth had shook. The Scathe climbed out of the ground, like an insect exiting its cocoon for the first time; one eye shattered to pieces, the other dimmed in a fluorescent amber glow. However, the creature refused to charge at the prey before it. It bowed, low, in an unhonorable way. The spindly legs of the beast slowly started to click-clack where they stood, sending waves of signals along the surface of the ground. This can¡¯t be good, Kage thought, nervously. Moments later, far in the distance, another large, gray-tinted Scathe exited the earth, observing the distress call. Then another joined it, slight color disfigurations in its scales. Followed by another, then another, until roughly a dozen amber-eyed monstrosities all called to each other in a low inaudible humm. Kage didn¡¯t bother to wait around and witness the sight before him; his legs wouldn¡¯t allow it. With whatever energy and pain-numbing adrenaline he had left, he dashed for the place he¡¯d hated the most. The place where food was scarce. The place where he¡¯d first learn how to read and write. The place where men died and children were beaten. The place where he¡¯d once felt safe. The place where his only home had ever been. The place where he needed to be right now. Panting, the North gate came closer and closer into view. Kage hadn¡¯t bothered to turn around, yet he could feel no presence chasing after him. Even the ground had grown awfully still, too still for comfort. He managed a quick glance behind him, and the army of Scathed stood like rows of forgotten monuments. They were frozen, motionless, as if awaiting an order. The guards patrolling the upper levels of the wall were avoiding any form of confrontation with the outside world. Their gaze simply focused on what was in front of them, and nothing more. Storming closer, Kage could feel their nerves on edge. As if they knew a hoard of these divine creatures were a simple glance away. An order compelled them to their stations, and their eyes refused to give in. Just what in the hell is going on, Kage thought as he approached the entrance gates into the Dustlands. Luckily, large, hollow boulders scattered the flat lands outside the walls, so maneuvering between each one with a slight bit of shade would not prove to be a problem. As he turned back, the Scathes were gone from sight, as if they were never there to begin with. Kage leaned against the towering wall before him, adrenaline wearing down, exhaustion enveloping him like a blanket. Blisters formed on the back of his heels from the dry sweat in his shoes, nagging him with every step. He needed to act, to fix everything. There was no time for rest, for comfort, for joy. Leaving and entering the Dustlands hadn¡¯t been difficult with the core in his chest, but what could he do by himself? He was alone. Kage had no plan, no place to call home, and now, the last of his family had been taken from him, possibly dead, or worse. He couldn¡¯t think anymore. His stomach demanded food, and so, he strolled the streets¡ªclothes battered and eyes sunken¨Cwandering like a lost soul. Chapter 11 The sun fell gently that day. Pink and purple hues folding over distant clouds like transparent blankets. The air stayed calm, and for once, the Dustlands didn¡¯t live up to their name. The streets buzzed with last calls and drunken chatter and, despite standing so high above them, Kage could hear it all. Kage unclipped his hood as he leaned against the roof railing. Vaan had joined him nearly an hour ago, yet neither broke the silence from the other. Kage had slid a small note underneath Vaan¡¯s door earlier that day, describing their current meeting location. Both glared at the streets below, breathing the thick city air. ¡°I take it you found what you were looking for,¡± Vaan sighed. ¡°Worse,¡± said Kage, slowly, his tone nimble. ¡°I found out about that announcement from the empire,¡± Vaan paused for a moment. ¡°You were right. It wasn''t a good one. At least, I don¡¯t think it is.¡± ¡°Enlighten me.¡± Vaan glared at the north gate far in the distance, then down below into the streets, where chatter just barely reached his ears. ¡°In 30 days, there will be one final Horkos. A finale to end the tradition or something of the sort.¡± ¡°And then?¡± ¡°He didn¡¯t say much about what happens after,¡± Vaan mumbled. ¡°Only that the empire will leave, the gates will be dropped, and we are free to do as we please.¡± A thin line formed atop Kage¡¯s brows, ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°I mean that the empire will leave, without any real information on where or how. I asked around, like you asked, and half the people are either thrilled or panicking.¡± ¡°How do you feel?¡± ¡°Me?¡± ¡°We are the only ones here, Vaan.¡± ¡°Oh, well, as long as people are safe, I have nothing to worry about,¡± Vaan smiled unconditionally. ¡°Although, if the empire leaves, crime will go up. Food will become even more scarce, people will¡ª¡± ¡°Food is already scarce,¡± Kage interrupted him. ¡°Seems like you have a brain working somewhere in that dull head of yours.¡± ¡°I just don¡¯t get it. Why leave all of a sudden? They have power here, authority, weapons. What more do they need?¡± Kage stepped back from the railing, rolling his hood back in place. ¡°It¡¯s not about what they have Vaan, it¡¯s about what they don¡¯t. There¡¯s no paradise past those gates, only more death and drought. They want what they don¡¯t have.¡± ¡°Which is?¡± Vaan asked, his tone monotonous. ¡°The same thing we want: Freedom.¡± Vaan turned to face Kage, slightly appalled at his response. ¡°They have freedom. If you haven''t noticed, they control everything and everyone within these gates.¡± Kage kept his glare on the horizon, ¡°And if you haven''t realized, the Dustlands are the only thing they have under their control. They don¡¯t want that type of freedom. Freedom for them lies beyond the valley, beyond the mountains, beyond here. That¡¯s my guess at the very least.¡± ¡°What makes you say that?¡± ¡°I saw what they were doing with the ones chosen from the Horkos. Those people that were selected to live a life of ease and prosperity¡­ They¡¯re turning them into machines, controlling them with the cores, stripping any form of humanity they might have.¡± Vaan opened his lips to speak, ready to argue, but nothing came, except a hollow silence. ¡°Whether you believe me or not doesn¡¯t matter. Regardless, this place will fall soon enough, and I¡¯ll be going to get my father back¡ª¡± ¡°And then what?¡± Vaan burst, interrupting him abruptly. ¡°Say you get your father back, say you somehow do so without dying. And then what do you plan to do? Do you just plan to go back to how everything already was? How do you plan to get past those machines you talk so lightly about?¡±Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. ¡°I don¡¯t know Vaan. I don¡¯t know what else to do.¡± ¡°Kage. Just like you, I¡¯ve lived here my whole life. I¡¯ve gotten by with scraps here and there, always running away, chasing more trouble.¡± Vaan said, taking deep, calming breaths. ¡°It¡¯s the life I expect to live for the rest of my life. People like me don¡¯t get a chance to change fates, or to change the shoes we were born into. If there¡¯s a chance for a different life, we take it.¡± ¡°And if you die?¡± Kage was hesitant to keep eye contact. ¡°Then I¡¯d¡­¡± Vaan gulped, the reality of those words striking him. ¡°¡ªDie. At least if I¡¯m dead I can¡¯t regret anything.¡± Kage sighed, ¡°That is an awful view on life.¡± ¡°Doesn¡¯t really seem like you have a better one,¡± Vaan spat back, passive-aggressively. ¡°I get what you¡¯re trying to imply Vaan,¡± said Kage, defeated. ¡°But we cannot do this alone.¡± ¡°Who said we have to?¡± ¡°And who exactly do you expect to help? Surely not the so-called ¡°gang¡± you got tangled in.¡± Vaan thought for a moment, then spoke, ¡°What about the Highrise Auction?¡± ¡°We don¡¯t need weapons Vaan.¡± ¡°Not weapons, we need people,¡± Vaan said, loudly, although he lacked enthusiasm. ¡°I¡¯ve gotten a chance to watch it a few times, and there are some pretty dangerous folk that attend it.¡± ¡°And what makes you think that dangerous folk want to help us in a death mission?¡± Vaan waved his hands enthusiastically this time, as if the idea only now formed in his head. ¡°Think about it. They¡¯re already risking their lives in the auction, and only for a chance at something good. Why not risk your life at a chance of something more than just good? Risk your life for freedom,¡± Vaan motioned with his hands, as if spelling an imaginary word in the air. ¡°They really don¡¯t have much to lose.¡± Kage hated to admit it, but Vaan had a valid point. Anyone who truly risks their life is either not bright, has nothing to lose, or a gambler; a high risk for a high reward. ¡°Tell me about the auction, since it seems you¡¯re an expert on the subject.¡± Vaan raised a brow, ¡°You seriously don¡¯t know anything about it? Do you live under a rock?¡± Kage shot him a death stare, ¡°I don¡¯t indulge myself in underground street fights for illegal weaponry.¡± ¡°You¡¯re carrying illegal weapons right now.¡± Kage sighed again, annoyed. ¡°Speak,¡± he demanded, ¡°before I change my mind.¡± ¡°R-right,¡± Vaan settled. ¡°L-listen, the auction usually happens in the north tower, in the sewers, or somewhere in between, I don¡¯t know the extent of the details. It''s usually a private event. You gotta know people.¡± ¡°And I suppose you know people,¡± Kage scoffed. ¡°I have my sources,¡± Vaan paused, as if trying his best not to sound dumb. ¡°Not all of them have been useful, but some have gotten me to live another day, so I can¡¯t complain.¡± ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter, continue.¡± Vaan looked around for a few seconds, as if to confirm no one was listening, then continued. ¡°L-look, the auctions usually happen when some gang leader comes to the table with a core, money, or in some cases, a cored weapon.¡± ¡°So they auction off valuable items? Doesn¡¯t sound very illegal.¡± ¡°I¡¯m getting to that part,¡± Vaan hushed him. ¡°Whatever they auction off, needs to be bought. However, most people don¡¯t have the type of money they need to buy whatever is being auctioned. So, the only other means of winning is through fighting. And not just regular street fighting. They fight to the death,¡± he whispered, adding an unnecessary dramatic effect. ¡°Or until someone is incapable of continuing.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t see the point in this. Why auction off something so valuable? Just to see people killing themselves for it?¡± Vaan shrugged, ¡°Exactly so.¡± ¡°How might this help us?¡± ¡°Have you ever heard of the Windcutter,¡± Vaan said, and after Kage shook his head, he continued. ¡°Rumors say that when a very rare, and I mean exotic, type of prize is auctioned, the Windcutter shows himself. He slices through anyone in the blink of an eye, never showing his face, then disappears into the wind after his debut.¡± Kage wore a bored look on his face, ¡°I see you¡¯re still a fan of children''s stories.¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing of the sort!¡± ¡°And have you actually seen him?¡± ¡°W-well,¡± Vaan hesitated, ¡°Not me personally. But I know people that have.¡± ¡°Vaan, what are you suggesting?¡± Vaan pulled out his gun, ¡°We auction this off¡ª¡± Kage instantly swiped it out of view, ¡°Are you insane? Do you want this city to turn into more chaos? You¡¯ll have more than just the auction lowlifes coming after you.¡± Vaan stepped back, startled, ¡°R-right, s-sorry.¡± ¡°If what you say is true, we¡¯ll auction this,¡± Kage pulled back his long clock, revealing the weapons holstered to his sides. If the Windcutter shows, I¡¯ll deal with him.¡± ¡°Are you sure?¡± Vaan said, uncertain. ¡°This was your plan, wasn¡¯t it?¡± Vaan peered over the rooftop¡¯s edge, ¡°I now wish it wasn¡¯t.¡± Chapter 12 Westside had always been a quieter part of the city. Streets were cobble, cracked on the curbsides, and littered with scraps of rusted metal between the stones. Living conditions were some of the poorest in the whole city, with beds made of thick springs and restrooms shared between dozens, which inturn, remained unclean for most of the year. For every three windows, one was broken, and for every block, at least four from the Guard were assigned to monitor that day. Westside took in residents with no prior home, but not by choice. The Guard had to keep the operations clean, as well as the ground they walked on. Any homeless or other unfortunate souls would be thrown into the crevasse of overpopulated buildings, rooms, and closets. Despite the environment, Westside had some of the best booze in the City. With every building weeping with malnourished wrongdoers, sat a bar or brothel as the foundation. Some required an entry fee, while some barely scraped by. The Bellowing Borg, however, was neither. The Borg, as commonly referred to, sat tightly in a small, cro4oked corner of Westside, behind the only twisted street and next to the vertical graveyard. Instead of using the earth to bury the deceased, the Guard constructed a vertical chamber-like structure to conceal rotting corpses; Easier to construct taller if needed, impossible to pay tributes from relatives and friends. ¡°Stay close,¡± Kage nudged Vaan on the shoulder as they stepped into the Borg. Hollow lights hung loosely from the ceiling, bouncing off the thick wooden shafts holding the place together. Chains warped around the chairs and tables scattered throughout the Borg, placed in what seemed like a random order, out of sync. The atmosphere inside resembled a morgue, one of a non-vertical nature. Faces drooped, alcohol was drunk, and silence crawled through every crack like insects searching for their next meal. This is how it was all meant to look. A shallow, innocent looking establishment that serves beverages with a place for periodic rest. However, behind the back doors, which are cleverly blended into the wall, and through the dark curtains at the end of the narrow walkway lies the true heart of the Borg. Kage pushed aside the curtains, Vaan keeping close behind him. A similar design as the original entrance paved the way for them, almost identical in nature. Except now, instead of drowsy looks and dull booze, the bar thrived with an unrenowned enlightenment. Dozens of interesting looking men and women huddled in groups around their respective tables, some missing an arm or a leg, replaced with mechanical tech buzzing at the point of where their joints would have been. Faces turned for the newcomers stepping into their respective territory, though most focused on Vaan rather than Kage. Despite the looks, the noise didn¡¯t seem to dwindle, if anything, the chatter grew, untraceable. ¡°Why are they all looking at us?¡± Vaan whispered, nerves shuttering his voice. ¡°Not at us,¡± Kage said, ¡°At you.¡± ¡°Wh¡ª¡± ¡°Just keep quiet,¡± Kage interrupted, tugging Vaan like a stray to keep behind him. The two walked cautiously towards the barkeep, pushing aside the empty stools for a safer approach. ¡°Whad¡¯ya want,¡± The barkeep said in a rusty voice, glazing Vaan up and down in disgust. Vaan did the same, cringing at the giant belly staring back at him. The barkeep¡¯s unshaven neck stuck out like a black sheep, meshing with his lumpy chin. Wrinkles covered his face in curvy patterns, stretching from the squint in his eyes to the bushy patches of gray hair atop his ears. The bald spot on his head had only a freckle or two, along with some disfiguration of skin, and a thin scar with a swirly end. He wore a white-collared shirt tucked into his aging pants, the buttons barely keeping his stomach from bursting through. ¡°A presence with Phenix,¡± Kage answered. ¡°How you know him?¡± barked the barkeep, ¡°What for?¡± ¡°We have business to discuss.¡± The barkeep snarled, mimicking his chin towards Kage while glaring into the distance. ¡°Get these two outta here,¡± he ordered, and in moments, Kage and Vaan found themselves surrounded. Vaan, practically inside of Kage¡¯s cloak now, tugged on his shoulder, rapidly, eyes closed. ¡°Y-you heard the m-man,¡± Vaan stuttered, ¡°best be going n-now.¡± ¡°Nonsense,¡± A stern voice pierced the tension, followed by slow, loud footsteps approaching from the shadows in the distance, ¡°Why, you¡¯ve made the far trip to this part of Westside. Best you stay and grab a drink, Mr. Kage.¡± A man appeared before them, scattering the previous group like flies on a wall. He wore a snug red suit, cuffed at the sides, buttoned neatly in the middle, and a pair of thick dress shoes to match. His hair stuck tightly to his scalp, slicked back with a shiny gel, and sharp, masculine facial structure that surprisingly accompanied it perfectly. ¡°I see you¡¯ve taken care of the place well,¡± Kage said sarcastically, ¡°Phenix.¡± ¡°And I see you¡¯re still finding trouble despite fighting against it,¡± Phenix smiled, ¡°Please, sit,¡± He gestured to an empty table hidden in the back of the bar. ¡°And you are?¡± He asked, narrowing his eyes on Vaan. ¡°Vaan, sir.¡± Phenix laughed, ¡°Looks like this one was taught manners.¡± He waited a moment as if expecting Kage to laugh, then crossed his legs as he sat comfortably in the cushioned booth. ¡°Now then, how may I be of service?¡± ¡°The Highrise Auction,¡± said Kage, ¡°Tell me everything you know.¡± Phoenix raised a brow, ¡°Out of all people, you¡¯re the last I would expect to know nothing about it. It¡¯s quite the event.¡± ¡°I have an item I want to auction off. How would I go about doing so?¡± Phoenix uncrossed his legs, leaning closer, resting his chin on the tips of his knuckles, ¡°Oh? And what for?¡± ¡°That doesn¡¯t concern you.¡± Phoenix chuckled, ¡°Oh, but it does! You see, there¡¯s a reason why auctions happen, Mr. Kage. Some happen for the bloodbath, and some are for mere profits for underground operations.¡± Phoenix leaned in close, ¡°To be clear, I don¡¯t take you as a benefactor for either option.¡± ¡°Like I said,¡± Kage said, monotone, ¡°I have my reasons.¡± Phoenix stood up abruptly, ¡°Then I believe our business is done here.¡± He quickly fixed the creases and wrinkles in his suit, tugging at his collar, ¡°I owe you no more favors Mr. Kage.¡± Kage clenched his fist, ¡°The Windcutter.¡± With his back turned, Phenix smiled. ¡°What do you know about him?¡± Phenix sat back down, more relaxed this time, ¡°Oh, so that¡¯s who you¡¯re after? Been a while since the Windcutter has shown. You must be dying to meet them,¡± He laughed. ¡°And what will you possibly bring to auction my dear old friend?¡± ¡°This,¡± Kage said, placing his sickles neatly across the table. Phenix¡¯s eyes shot out with glee, his pupils dilating at the sight before him. ¡°My dearest apologies Mr. Kage, as I took you for a prideful man, but it seems here you¡¯ve lost your sanity.¡± Kage ignored the remark, ¡°Will this draw him out?¡± Phenix laughed, ¡°Mr. Kage, this won¡¯t just draw the Windcutter out of their hole, it will draw out every vile, scum, and criminal there is in the whole city.¡± ¡°Perfect,¡± said Kage. ¡°How soon can you get this auction on the way?¡± ¡°I can organize, invite, and host the event, no, that won¡¯t be an issue at all. It¡¯s the boss man you have to worry about. All auctions must be approved by him.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t have time for jokes, Phenix.¡± ¡°Oh, but joking I¡¯m not Mr. Kage. You see, the Guard doesn¡¯t bother interrupting these auctions. The more that die, the less work for them to do in the long run. However, they do investigate the winners, if they aren¡¯t careful. Most of the winnings have been pitiful lately,¡± said Phenix, a flicker of annoyance in his voice. ¡°Last week the damned prize pool was a bag of stale bread.¡±Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°Sounds pretty pointless,¡± Vaan added. Kage and Phenix both gave Vaan a disapproving look, as if he wasn¡¯t allowed to speak. ¡°You can ignore him,¡± said Kage. ¡°So I see,¡± a thin line stretched across Phenix¡¯s face. ¡°Your assistant in this manner?¡± ¡°Hardly the term.¡± Vaan gulped, quiet in his seat. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Phenix said, correcting his posture. ¡°The Guard will most likely not get involved, despite such a high-value item. I will inform the King, and he will make sure the Guard stays away.¡± Kage¡¯s brow stiffened, ¡°You don¡¯t mean?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Phenix smiled, ¡°The boss man himself. He will undoubtedly approve this.¡± Vaan gulped, ¡°The King of the Dustlands is in charge of this?¡± After a slight pause from the two other men, Phenix answered the boy, ¡°He¡¯s in charge of everything. Every gang, every bar, every human living in this hellhole.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± Vaan spoke up again. ¡°I know he¡¯s the King, but why doesn¡¯t the guard just take over? And it doesn¡¯t seem like he cares at all about the Dustlands.¡± Phenix laughed, even louder this time, ¡°Why would he? He¡¯s the most powerful man in the city. Trust me boy, they¡¯ve tried to take him. All that remained was a pile of white and red at the gates the following morning. The Guard is patient, they can¡¯t suffer more losses at this time.¡± Vaan scooched back into his seat, head down. ¡°You seem to know quite a lot about what¡¯s going on,¡± Kage probed him. ¡°I have my sources Mr. Kage, as do you. The announcement from our good friend Lukas confirmed my suspicions.¡± ¡°What suspicions?¡± ¡°Mr. Kage,¡± Phenix grinned, even wider. ¡°Such an exchange of information will require a price.¡± ¡°What do you want,¡± Kage sighed. ¡°The only thing I ever need: a favor, indebted from you until said favor is used. Now, before you raise flags of concern, I can assure you the information I provide is accurate, and incredibly useful for what circulates through that head of yours.¡± ¡°How would you know what I want?¡± ¡°Your father went missing recently, did he not?¡± Kage jumped from his chair, snagging Phenix¡¯s suit collar, pulling him to a breath¡¯s-length away, ¡°How the hell do you know that?!¡± ¡°Now, now, Mr. Kage, I would be careful grabbing me in this establishment,¡± Phenix said, flatly, as their table became surrounded within seconds. Kage glanced at the hooligans circling the table up and down, as if making a judgment call, then threw Phenix back into his seat. That¡¯s odd, Kage thought to himself. Phenix knows I can end his life in an instant, yet I didn''t sense an ounce of fear from him. What a strange man¡­ Phenix waved a hand in the air, dismissing them, then adjusting his collar with an annoyed look. ¡°Like I said, I have valuable information.¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t answer my question.¡± ¡°I will tell you everything I know, but you must meet my conditions,¡± he stretched his hand out, which was covered by a dark leather glove. ¡°A favor, to be used whenever I please, and in exchange, I will answer 3 questions. If a question is asked to which I have no answer to, you will be given 1 additional question. All questions must be asked during the same time interval, after the completion of the Highrise Auction.¡± ¡°Why do we have to wait until after the auction?¡± Kage asked. ¡°I want to make sure you survive for my favor.¡± Kage stood slowly, glanced at Vaan, then grabbed Phenix¡¯s hand. A sudden shock ran through Kage¡¯s chest, as if his nerves were all pricked with tiny needles all at the same time. He tried not to flinch, but couldn¡¯t help the feeling. ¡°Excellent,¡± Phenix claimed, excited. ¡°I will arrange the auction for next week, 5 days from today, and arrive at sunset, oh yes.¡± ¡°Arrive where?¡± ¡°At the tallest building in the Dustlands,¡± Phenix said, ¡°You¡¯ll find your way to the floor which you''re destined to seek. Oh, and you¡¯ll have to leave the auctioned item with me.¡± ¡°What¡ª¡± ¡°That¡¯s how this auction works,¡± Phenix cut him off. ¡°I can¡¯t bend the rules.¡± Kage sighed, leaving the sickles at the table. ¡°You best be right, Phenix.¡± ¡°When have I ever been wrong?¡± ¡°One last thing, How¡¯s Ashton doing?¡± Phenix looked puzzled for a moment, then chuckled, ¡°Oh, that scumbag you sent to me? Don¡¯t make me laugh. After a few days of honest work, he tried robbing the place. Got away with a few bottles of liquor too. That is, until I found him, of course. Once a sinner, always a sinner.¡± ¡°Shame. I had hopes for him,¡± Kage replied, although his tone didn¡¯t sound convincing. ¡°Tell me, Mr. Kage, would you rather believe a comforting lie, or cling onto painful truths.¡± Kage sighed, grabbed Vaan, and left, ¡°Sorry, I¡¯ve reached my limit for riddles today.¡± ¡­ Word spread like wildfire of the auction to come, as did the excitement for all the scrags and lurkers hanging around, patient for their taste in action. Soon, there wasn¡¯t a soul who hadn¡¯t heard the news of the unexpected event. Phenix was careful enough to withhold the information about the main prize until the day of, as to not catch the Guard¡¯s attention. However, backlash came quick as even scum that cared little about their lives wondered what they were signing up for. ¡°A blade like no other. A prize worth dying for. An auction worth a lifetime,¡± is how Phenix advertised it. ¡°No currency other than your will to risk your life in the pit.¡± Contestants, or rather participants, signed up as quickly as their heads could read the passage. Over the next coming days, hundreds of names filled Phenix¡¯s books, including the famous Windcutter, along with a few other well-known dangerous names. The day before, Kage thought it would be a good idea to meet with Phenix and Vaan one last time. In the grand scheme of things, it was a good idea, since a thorough plan had not been previously discussed. ¡°I¡¯ve already told you this,¡± Phenix said, comfortable in his booth, ¡°An auction needs to have a benefactor of sorts. You know, the one responsible for his charitable action of selling such a high-value item.¡± ¡°Why can¡¯t you be that person?¡± Kage asked, curiosity biting his tongue. ¡°Mr. Kage, I don¡¯t need more problems on top of my head. I already have a trail of shade following me, and I don¡¯t require more at the moment.¡± ¡°I can be that benefactor,¡± Vaan raised his voice, loud enough for other tables to pause their drinking and take an extra unintended look at the commotion. Kage paused, actually considering this for a moment. ¡°For the first time Vaan, something useful came out of that mouth of yours.¡± ¡°Thank you?¡± ¡°A brilliant idea!¡± Phenix clapped, chuckling to himself. ¡°I can already picture the story,¡± He motioned an arch with his hands. ¡°A child, left all alone after the disappearance of his family, stuck with an heirloom he has no need for. On the verge of¡ª¡± ¡°We get it,¡± Kage stopped him. ¡°Vann will act as the supposed ¡®holder¡¯ of the item, and I will participate under a fake identity.¡± ¡°Hardly anyone knows your true identity,¡± Phenix gave him a melancholy look. ¡°And I prefer to keep it that way.¡± ¡°Do as you please, however, you should be careful who you identify yourself to. You never know who might be listening.¡± Kage frowned, ¡°I get the point, Phenix, now tell me about the Pit.¡± ¡°Ah yes, the Pit,¡± Phenix started again, exasperating his voice for the purpose of the story. ¡°Where death is like a¡ª¡± ¡°Without the theatrics this time,¡± Kage stopped him before he had a chance to display another performance of words. Phenix scowled, reluctant at first, but gave in anyhow. ¡°The Pit is where the high-stakes auctions happen. It¡¯s held on the 50th floor of the main tower. A simple circle, engulfed in a net of steel fencing, where onlookers can spectate, for a price of course. Once the auction starts, the two with the highest bid enter the Pit. This is where they negotiate, either through friendly or lethal terms. Either way, only one will leave as the auction¡¯s rising star.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± Kage asked. ¡°If you intend for so many people to attend, how is everyone supposed to participate?¡± ¡°Ah¡± Phenix raised a finger, as if he¡¯d just thought of the greatest idea he''d ever come up with. ¡°That is the beauty of this specific auction and your generous donation for the winning prize. Since so many will participate, I have decided to make it more exciting.¡± ¡°Great¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s the only way to make it fair, and the only way to draw out your desired Windcutter.¡± ¡°Hurry this up while I¡¯m still listening.¡± ¡°Yes, yes,¡± Phenix kept his mischievous smirk tailored to his face. ¡°The auction will happen in the form of a little tournament, or rather, a bracket of participant versus participant, until the last two remain.¡± ¡°That¡¯s your master plan?¡± Both Kage and Vaan said simultaneously. ¡°Why yes! Picture the excitement, the bravery, the ingenuity of the people! Now, before you raise your alarm bells, I will make sure that you will meet the Windcutter one way or another.¡± ¡°How so?¡± Kage asked, annoyed. ¡°Just put me with him in the first round and I¡¯ll be on my way.¡± ¡°I¡¯m afraid that would be impossible. You see¡ª¡± ¡°Figured it was. Nothing is ever easy with you.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not curious why?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t care,¡± Kage looked at Vaan, then back at Phenix. ¡°Anything else we should know?¡± ¡°You should be cautious Mr. Kage, there are strong folks that roam these streets. Ones even you will have a hard time dealing with.¡± ¡°What is that supposed to mean?¡± Phenix waved them off, ¡°I¡¯ll let your imagination run wild on that one.¡±