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The icy wind blew steadily, carrying with it the murmurs of Cirgo. The city, still covered in snow, felt more welcoming now that I was properly dressed. The streets, busy and full of life, offered an interesting contrast to the cold.
Thom guided me through the market, where merchants enthusiastically advertised their goods, trying to catch the attention of passersby. The stalls were packed with a wide variety of items, from fresh food and exotic spices to weapons and armor.
"This is where people from the city gather daily to trade and share stories," Thom explained, stopping in front of a fruit stand. "And it's also a good place to find work."
While he waited for the vendor, I observed the movement around me. Every face seemed to have a story and its own worries, running and striving every day to survive. Strangely, I feel a connection to these people.
A large man with a graying beard approached, greeting Thom with a firm handshake. Thom called him Gregor.
"Good to see you again, Thom. And who's this little guy?" he said, turning to me with a friendly smile.
"Yeah, this is Victor. He's looking for work, and I thought you might be able to help," Thom replied.
Gregor looked me up and down, his eyes shining with curiosity.
"Looking for work, huh? Well, there's always something to be done around here. The adventurer's guild has been busy with the monster attacks, but we can start with something simpler."
I nodded, grateful for the opportunity. Anything that would let me stay in the city and start building a better sense of stability in this world was more than welcome.
"Come find me here tomorrow morning. I've got some contacts who might need an extra hand," Gregor said before saying goodbye and returning to his stall.
As we continued exploring the market, I noticed a figure that stood out from the crowd. A young knight in white and blue armor, with short white hair that contrasted sharply with his crystal blue eyes. He was tall and had an imposing posture, but his serious, determined expression revealed the heavy burden he carried. He seemed to be on patrol, his eyes alert for any sign of trouble.
"That's Sentil, the prince and knight of the kingdom," Thom murmured, noticing my gaze. "He's been a great help against the monster attacks, but there are so many problems to solve... I feel bad for him. Someone so young having to care for all these people."
I watched Sentil for a few more moments, admiring his stance and determination. It really did look like he was carrying a heavy burden.
"I have a few deliveries to make. Will you be alright on your own?" Thom asked.
"Ah, yeah. I'll be fine. Thanks for bringing me here," I replied with a friendly smile.
"Alright. You can head back home whenever you want if you don't manage to earn anything today."
I nodded, and Thom moved off, disappearing into the crowd. I looked around again and saw Sentil walking toward one of the cabins. I decided to back away. I don't want to be discovered, especially now that I've found out they're dealing with monster attacks.
After getting a little distance from the crowd, I let out a sigh. Honestly, this is harder than I thought. That Sentil must be a strong knight — I'm sure he'd figure me out…
"Hey, Merlin, you there?" I said quietly.
Merlin emerged from camouflage and floated around me, apparently happy to show herself.
"[I'm here. What's wrong?]"
"Do you think I'll be able to keep up this act long enough to earn some money? Because I really want to get out of here."
I'm starting to realize how dangerous this is. One wrong move and the whole city could turn against me. I can't risk that.
"[I don't think they'll notice — not for now. Everyone here seems to have their eyes on something else. You should be fine. Besides, you got a job for tomorrow.]"
I guess I don't have a choice... I can't just walk off to another city, since there's no guarantee it'd be better than here. And I don't even know how far away the next one is. I need to be patient...
I turned my eyes to the water flowing in the stream ahead. Cirgo had plenty of those, even if the water looked like it was about to freeze.
I stepped closer and looked at my reflection. Frankly, when did I end up like this? I pushed my hair back and snapped myself back to reality.
"Alright... Let's find some odd job to do."
"[Yes! I'll float around sleeping near you.]" Merlin agreed, vanishing again.
Right... I forgot. She needs to rest too.
I started walking back into the crowd, trying to think where I might find temporary work.
As I moved through the market, I looked at the stalls and merchants, trying to find something I could do. The city was full of life — children running and playing, vendors shouting their offers, and people buying supplies.
I decided to start by asking at the larger stalls, where there was more movement. Maybe someone needed help carrying goods or organizing items. Approaching a spice stall, I asked the owner if he needed help.
"Need a hand here? I'm looking for some temporary work," I said, trying to sound confident.
The owner, a burly man with a thick beard, looked me up and down before replying.
"I might need someone to help unload a new shipment that's coming in. If you're willing to work, I can pay you a few coins for the day," he said, turning his attention back to his goods.
I nodded, grateful for the opportunity. Every little step helps — I'm going to make the most of my time here.
As I waited for the shipment, I watched the movement around me. The people of Cirgo were going about their daily lives, but fear and tension were present on their faces, especially the adults. What could they be thinking?
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After doing a few jobs, I was heading back to Thom's house, feeling mentally exhausted. I had earned a few coins, but I didn't understand how the currency in this world worked—it probably wasn't much. Looking at the 120 silver coins in my hand, I honestly couldn't tell.
Night fell quickly over Cirgo, and the once vibrant city was now wrapped in silence. The streets were practically empty, and the few humans still outside were rushing home, fleeing the rising cold. My enhanced senses picked up on the absence of usual sounds—laughter, conversation, footsteps—everything was eerily quiet.
Looks like the city sleeps early because of the cold, huh... I thought as I walked through the narrow, dark streets.
As I passed by an alley, my ears caught a different sound. I stopped for a moment and heard the muffled noise of someone being beaten. Curious and cautious, I approached silently, keeping to the shadows.
As I got closer, I saw a large man dressed in a thick winter armor. He was standing over two men who had collapsed, mocking them while rummaging through their belongings. The sound of the blows echoed through the alley, each punch and kick resonating with brutality. The two men were on the ground, groaning in pain and trying to shield themselves to no avail, bleeding heavily. That sound… Bones breaking…
"Is this all you've got?" the big man growled, inspecting the coins he had taken from them. "Pathetic! This isn't even enough for a drink!"
With a sudden motion, he punched one of the men in the face again, who cried out in pain. The scene was revolting, and I felt my anger growing as I watched that act of senseless cruelty. I wanted to intervene, to take that guy down once and for all, but I held myself back. I knew that, being who I am, a fight could cause more problems than it would solve.
The man noticed my presence and turned around. His crooked eyes scanned me quickly—he's drunk, no doubt. My nose doesn't lie.
"Hey, you there!" he shouted, walking toward me. "You got anything valuable?"
I stared at him, feeling the fury boiling inside me. I wanted to destroy him, but I knew it wasn't the right time.
"I've got a few coins," I said calmly, pulling out the small amount I had earned. "It's not much, but it's all I have."
He approached and snatched the coins from my hand, a cruel smile forming on his lips.
"Not worth the trouble," he muttered, shoving me aside. "Get out of here before I change my mind."
As he turned his attention back to the two men on the ground, I saw them struggling to stand. I wanted to help them, but I knew any sudden move could bring more problems.
Patience, Victor. You're too strong to solve this with violence. You have to think long term… I thought, trying to calm myself down.
I resumed walking toward Thom's house, my hands now empty and my mind full of doubts. Each step felt heavier, the cold pierced my skin, but it wasn't as intense as before. Maybe I'm getting used to it... or maybe it's thanks to these clothes Eliza gave me. I need to find a way to thank her.
When I arrived at Thom's house, I knocked gently on the door and was greeted by Eliza's curious gaze.
"Did you get anything today?" she asked, trying to hide the concern in her voice.
"Unfortunately, not much," I replied, forcing a smile. "But I'm okay. I still have energy to keep trying."
Eliza nodded, but her melancholic gaze lowered to the floor, revealing that she had sensed something was wrong. I didn't want to worry her any further, so I stayed silent.
"Come on, eat something. Tomorrow will be better, you'll see." she said, guiding me to the table with a gentle smile, a clear attempt to comfort me.
After dinner, I went upstairs to the room they had lent me. The space was simple but cozy: a bed away from the window, a wardrobe, and a desk. I sat on the bed and leaned back against the wall, staring out the window at the majestic castle dominating the horizon. The moonlight streamed in softly, the only light in the room since I hadn't lit the lamp.
"[You did the right thing, Victor. It wouldn't have been worth using your strength on that guy, and you know it.]" said Merlin, appearing in front of me like a faint spirit.
"... I spent the whole day unloading cargo, making deliveries, just to lose what I earned to some nobody... Merlin, I really wanted to end him right there..." I murmured, hugging my knees.
I heard footsteps approaching. From the sound, it was someone smaller than Thom and Eliza. Lilia must be heading to bed... At least my senses are getting sharper.
To my surprise, she knocked on the door. I raised my head and invited her in. Merlin quickly camouflaged herself.
Lilia stepped in and hesitated for a moment, confused to see me curled up in the corner of the bed. I tried to smile at her, but I knew it wasn't convincing.
She came closer, no longer wearing her warm coat, just a little cap that let her brown hair fall free. She was holding a notebook and sat beside me on the bed.
"What's that?" I asked, pointing to the notebook.
Lilia was still shy around me, understandably so—we had only met today. But there was a curiosity in her eyes, maybe from a lack of contact with others.
"They're... my dreams..." she said quietly, drawing an involuntary smile from me.
"Really? Can I see?" I asked, tilting my head slightly in interest.
She handed me the notebook and watched as I opened it and flipped through the pages. There were drawings and writings—her handwriting was clumsy, and I couldn't read the language of this world, so Merlin translated it for me and sent it directly into my mind.
"I want to go to the beach with my mom and dad," or "I want to be strong one day, so people will like me."... "I want the other kids to accept me..."
Why is a 10-year-old girl writing things like this...?
"You know, I wanted to go to the beach too. Must be nice, don't you think?" I asked, trying to spark conversation.
"Uh-huh! They told me it's warm!" she replied, in a more cheerful tone.
"For sure! But Lilia, what did you mean by this?" I pointed to the part about being strong and being accepted.
"They told me that's how the world works. If you're not strong, you're worthless..." she said, her voice weakening as she stared at her hands.
"Who told you that?"
"My evaluator... when he came to measure my Mna..."
An evaluator… Must be something common for humans. But what's "Mna"? Something like mana, maybe?
"And so... you believe you won't be accepted unless you meet their expectations?"
She nodded, and my heart sank. How can someone impose something like that on a child? It's revolting.
"He said my value was garbage..."
At that moment, I clenched my fists tightly. On the outside, I tried to appear calm, but inside, I was furious.
"Well, he's very wrong."
I remembered the times I'd heard the same from people around me. To them, I was trash that didn't contribute anything, even when I gave it my all. I hate seeing that even in another world. I wished I could confront the man who said those words to Lilia.
"But... I'm in the lowest class for my age..."
I couldn't let her believe that nonsense. It could scar her for life.
"That doesn't matter right now. Don't let anyone tell you how much you're worth, or what you're capable of. They're just ignorant—don't give yourself to people like that."
Maybe I don't follow my own advice. Maybe it's too late for me. But at least I want to offer Lilia a different perspective.
"I..." Lilia started, but was interrupted as the door opened. It was Eliza.
"There you are. Time for bed, young lady. I know you really like your new hero, but he needs rest too!" Eliza said, picking Lilia up and carrying her out. Before closing the door, she turned to me. "Sleep well."
Lilia forgot her notebook... I lay down in bed, holding it to my chest as Merlin reappeared.
"Hey, Merlin. I think I'm really pissed off right now..."
"[I noticed... What do you plan to do?]" she asked, concerned.
"Honestly... I don't know..."
"[Well, how about doing what you think is right?]"
"Hmm... I'm not good at judging that... I think what's right is to rest for tomorrow."
"[Then let's rest for tomorrow!]"
With that, I turned toward the wall and closed my eyes.
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The next day, after a simple but comforting breakfast, I got ready to face another day of work—one that, by the way, would pay me a good amount each day. I wanted to find a way to repay Eliza and Thom for all the help they had given me—at least enough to cover the food they spent on me. With that in mind, I left for the guild, determined to do my best.
Gregor, the merchant, had arranged a job for me at the city's main guild…, called Aurora. He mentioned that there used to be two guilds in Cirgo, but many adventurers left the city in search of opportunities in other kingdoms, forcing the remaining guilds to merge. Times haven't been easy for anyone here.
The guild's front was covered in snow, a testament to the relentless weather. The three-story building was impressive and well-kept. Upon entering, I was welcomed by a warm atmosphere: the polished wooden floors and the soft glow of the lanterns created a cozy environment. Several adventurers gathered in groups, chatting enthusiastically as they enjoyed the guild's food service.
Right at the entrance, I was greeted by Elara, the receptionist. Her black hair was tied in an elegant bun, and her guild uniform, adorned with a bird emblem, looked well-insulated against the cold. She had a professional air, but her eyes revealed deep exhaustion. My Appraisal says she's 26. I don't think she's happy to be here.
"Welcome to the Aurora Guild. How can I help you today?" she asked, wearing a rehearsed smile.
"I'm Victor. Gregor sent me here to start work today," I replied, trying to sound confident.
"Ah, yes, Gregor mentioned you. Follow me, I'll show you where you can begin," said Elara, guiding me through the main hall.
As she showed me around, I noticed the guild housed several decent-looking adventurers, but one group in particular stood out. They were loud and intimidating—clearly thought of themselves as top dogs. Elara also seemed uncomfortable around them, which became obvious when one of them made a disrespectful comment as we walked by.
"Hey, Elara, how about a smile to lighten the mood?" one of them said sarcastically.
She ignored it, but I could see her discomfort when she looked down and clenched her fists. We kept walking until we reached a storage area.
"This is where you can start. We need to organize these goods and clean up the area. If you need anything, I'll be at the front desk," Elara said before walking away quickly.
I began working, but the peace didn't last. The leader of that loud group—the same man who robbed me yesterday—was sitting at a nearby table. He spoke loudly, drank like an alcoholic, and kept banging on the table, deliberately messing the floor.
"Hey, kid!" he shouted at me. "You lost something yesterday, didn't you?" he asked with a malicious grin.
I tried to stay calm, but it was hard to ignore the provocation. I kept cleaning, trying not to give it attention. The storage area was just a door off the main hall, and only a few meters away sat that man and his group.
"Don't pretend you didn't hear me! I'm talking to you!" he insisted, banging on the table even harder.
Elara, sensing the tension, quickly came over to us.
"Please, let him work in peace," she said, trying to intervene.
"Aw, come on, Elara! We're just having a little fun," one of the other men laughed.
"This isn't fun. It's harassment," Elara snapped firmly.
"Watch your mouth," Dragan muttered, eyeing her from head to toe with a threatening glare.
The situation was becoming unbearable. I wanted to confront him, but it wouldn't help. It would only cause unnecessary destruction and more trouble for the staff.
"Elara, it's okay. I can handle it," I said, trying to reassure her.
If he's only picking on me, it's fine. I just need to endure it until my shift ends. I've been through this many times before.
She nodded reluctantly and returned to the counter. I continued working, cleaning up the floor constantly dirtied by Dragan's group, trying not to let my anger show.
The day felt endless. One hour passed, then two… In that time, I had to endure a lot. Comments about my looks, insults, humiliation, even physical aggression. While I was scrubbing the floor, Dragan kicked my shoulder. I didn't even move—truthfully, I didn't even feel it. I just kept working... But then he crossed a line.
"Hey, you worthless piece of trash!" Dragan shouted, spilling beer on the floor on purpose. "Look at you—can't even keep your balance. I bet your mom's ashamed to have a failure like you for a son."
He stood next to me while I cleaned, trying my best to ignore it.
I ignored it… ignored it… focused on the task… but he wouldn't stop.
"Probably a mistake, huh? An unwanted child, a burden on your family. I bet your mother hates you, and honestly, I can't blame her."
My hand trembled with rage, but I kept cleaning. I couldn't lose control.
Keep calm... Calm... Very calm… I repeated it to myself over and over. Dozens of times.
"I bet she was a—" he began, but the next word never came out of his mouth.
That was the moment something inside me snapped. Without thinking, I kicked Dragan's leg so hard I heard the bone shatter instantly. He screamed, but before he could react, my fist connected with his face, breaking his jaw with a dry crack. Blood splattered across my face as I watched him fall in slow motion, the floor cracking beneath the impact.
Everything felt surreal. The sound was muffled, the room wrapped in deep silence. I just stood there, staring at Dragan lying in a pool of blood, his leg visibly broken. I wasn't thinking anything—wasn't even judging him in my mind. I just heard the silence I hadn't heard in hours.
"Hey… Dragan… get up, man?" one of his companions said, sweating and shocked in his seat.
"It can't be…"
"I didn't even see what happened…"
"One hit…?"
No, it was two… But I think one would've been enough… I thought as the blood reached my feet. I just watched, my expression unchanged.
Elara and other staff members rushed over to him, worried. The entire guild was silent, everyone staring in shock. Elara looked at me with a mixture of fear and concern.
"Victor, what did you do…?" she whispered, stunned.
I didn't feel guilty—just a strange sense of relief. My body had moved on its own, an instinctive response to injustice and humiliation. Now, finally… there was silence.
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On the wings of time, fly beyond the sky,
Where smiles await you, as sweet as pie…
My little treasure… Good night…
From a person I don't remember very well.
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