A Newfound Determination

"Hmm, it's true that this is a safe and upstanding town, but what am I supposed to do for money?"

As Charley was talking to himself, a somewhat wealthy man was getting mugged on the side of the road.

[Um, do you really not see what is happening right next to you?]

"Huh? Oh that. That's obviously just a friendly boxing match."

[No but look, now that wealthy man can't move anymore so they are taking all of his valuables.]

"Just a redistribution of wealth. I bet they are going to donate all of that to charity."

[...]

[So you don't understand how society is supposed to work either? Great, just another thing to add to the list.]

Taking the initiative, Charley decided to walk up to the thugs and ask some questions.

"Excuse me, sir."

The most likely leader of the group, a man that looked pretty malnourished with scars all over his body and face, looked towards Charley.

"And what de ya want eh?"

At his question the other two thugs moved towards Charley's flanks.

"Ah don't get the wrong idea. I'm quite glad you guys are redistributing that man's wealth. No reason to bottle it all up on one person when everybody can share."

The leader smiled at his words and replied, "Ye, I supposed ya at least understand our struggles."

"Of course. More power to the people I like to say."

The three thugs laughed at his words.

"More power to da people eh? I like it. Tell me, what are ya talkin' to us for?"

"Oh nothing much. As you can probably tell, I'm pretty worn out from my travels, but I don't have any money to stay at the inn. So I was wondering if you might know of some opportunities for me to earn my stay."

"Haha! And ya think we're de best to ask for that?"

"Ah, I just figured you guys would be quite familiar with this town. I'm sorry if I've wasted your time."

"Nonsense, you've come to de best people for advice. If it's upstandin' work ya looking for, then de mine's the only way. Otherwise, ya best start looking for people to mug and steal from. I warn ya though, best not even consider stealin' from de locals."

"How could I ever consider doing that to the fine locals? Rest assured, I am an upstanding person, but I don't think I'm quite strong enough to steal from people yet. I guess the mine is the only option for now."

The thug leader slapped Charley on the soldier while laughing once more.

"What was your name again?"

"Ah forgive my manners. It's Charley."

"Charley huh? Well I like ya Charley. If ya ever find yourself in trouble around here, just ask for Zoro. I'll help ya out da best I can."

"I appreciate it Zoro."

"Well then, the mine's up that way. They are pretty much always open, so ye can go there and earn a couple of copper before turnin' in at the inn for da night."

"Thanks once again Zoro. I'll repay this favor if I ever get the chance."

"Haha, think nothing of it friend. Best get a move on now. I'm sure you'll want to finish up work quick and get some rest."

After that, all four of them walked away from the moaning rich man on the ground. They then went their separate ways as Charley headed off to the mine.

[Hey, you weren't serious about stealing from people when you get stronger were you?]

"Oh, welcome back Mr. Voice. I mean I can't really see the problem if I happen to steal a couple of things that somebody probably wouldn't miss."

[...]

[But you are supposed to be the hero of this world. The man that everybody looks up to as a role model.]

"Says who?"

[Well that is the path you have to take to reach the happy ending and who wouldn't want that?]

"Going back to the happy ending argument eh? Let me put it this way. Are there dungeons in this world?"

[Well yes of course. In fact if you had followed the original plan, you would have been entering your first dungeon starting about now.]

"I see. And tell me, would I be taking items away from these dungeons?"

[Yes, the only reason to go into dungeons are to stop some great evil or to acquire powerful loot that will then let you stop some great evil.]

"Well that's just the thing isn't it? If you wanted me to take items from these dungeons then that is obviously the same thing as stealing."

[No but the people who have placed items in the dungeons are all either dead or evil to begin with.]

"So its fine to steal from people as long as they are dead first? Does that mean I can kill somebody and take all of their stuff?"

[No, the act of killing some innocent person is obviously evil.]

"Well we can agree on that, but what if that person just happened to die in a terrible accident, could I then take all of their stuff no problem?"

[Well making an accident happen to somebody is the same as killing them isn't it?]

"On no no. We are talking about an accident here. An accident. By definition an intentional accident isn't an accident at all."

[...]

[I feel like you might be a bit evil after all. Maybe we should take a more anti-hero approach then?]

"Nothing else to say then huh? If this is how it's going to go, it doesn't matter what approach you take, I will still win."

[But we weren't competing to begin with...]

By this time, Charley had finally reached the mine and approached a man, who looked to be in charge, in front of the entrance.

"Ah, we got a new face around here huh? You look like shit."

"Apologies for the appearance good sir. I was just hoping to earn a few copper to stay at the inn for the night."

"Well ain't my business to turn away any potential helpers. If you head inside, go ahead and grab a pick and find a place further in to start. Just collect anything that looks different from the regular stone and we will pay you a bit after you finish. Also, don't bother anybody working in there. Nobody wants to be bothered."

"I understand. Thank you for the opportunity."

Following the man's instructions, Charley grabbed a pickaxe and began walking through the tunnel, past many other workers, until he finally reached the end.

[Why did you walk to the very end of the mine? There were countless spots available closer to the exit.]

"I mean just think about. All those spots before have been mined previously so there isn't going to be anything good, but just beyond this wall lies a never before seen area."

[No, as long as you are digging into the wall, everything will be new.]

Shaking his head, Charley said, "You just don't understand. Watch as I reveal a brand new world filled with valuable gems."

Charley began swinging his pickaxe and slowly chipped off rocks from the wall. One swing became two and then two became one hundred, but still nothing but rocks fell off.

[See? This was obviously a stupid idea. Just go ahead and make your way back up to the area people are actually mining. Then you might at least earn a few coppers before collapsing due to exhaustion.]

Sweat rolled down Charley's face and drenched all of his clothes as he continued to swing. Perhaps for a second, some hesitation could be seen on his face, but following one more powerful swing, the rock wall crumbled down into a dark hole.

Charley threw himself backwards to avoid falling, but he couldn't help but yell out when he saw his weapon take a plunge into the depths.

"No!"

His voice echoed out endlessly as he stared at the newly formed dark hole in the mine.

[Hahaha! Just look at your face now! It's like you lost your own child! Hahaha!]

"..."

[Ah, priceless. Well then, falling into despair our young hero was forced to take a solid look at his adventure so far. He was forced to realize that he actually came to treasure some random stick and knew from that moment on he needed to do things differently. So, he came to the conclusion that he needed to leave this mine and village behind. Yes, all of this would serve as the tragic, albeit kinda funny, backstory of our hero who would start his real adventure at Sora Village.]

Despite what the voice said, Charley simply sat on his knees and stared at the hole in the mine.

[Ahem, well our young hero took his time mourning over the loss of a worthless stick and then got up to leave the mine.]

However a glint of determination appeared in Charley's eyes as he got up and took a step forward.

[Wait, what are you trying to do now? No. Don't tell me.]

[...]