Downward Abyss

I was born with nothing as I realized growing up at the orphanage, I wasn't born with a talent that would greatly increase my chance of getting adopted nor was I born with high intellect to solve all problems by myself. I was born average along with most of my brothers and sisters, but what I did have to myself was the library.

I learned that the abyss has been with man since the beginning and that what it gives it can also take, as I learn more about the abyss I can feel its hand reaching out to lure me deeper into its gaze. This is why I decided to become a descender, people whose sole purpose in life is to descend to the deepest part of the abyss whether it is to gain power, rich, or fame, I will reach deep to learn more.

The night is quiet and cold as I opened the window to exit, I'm planning to leave the orphanage and head toward the city Nirvana, a successful city that is built around one of many abysses. Hopefully, a guild from the city will take me in, before leaping out I look back towards my "siblings", I highly doubt anyone is going to miss me as I won't be missing them.

I didn't have a bad childhood nor did I dislike those around me while there, it's just I didn't feel connected to them besides living together.

"Thank you mother Harlot for picking up where my biological left down, I'll repay all the debt I owe you with interest."

As I walked alongside the road toward the city a car slow down next to me with the right window turned down and a woman fairly young asking me where I was going.

"Hey, there where are you heading off to?"

I looked at her cautiously, this world ain't all safe and peaceful, before responding.

"Nirvana"

She looks surprised since Nirvana is still about an hour away from going by car then ask me if I wanted a ride

"Nirvana … that's quite a distance away, you wanna get there faster?"

I looked at her to judge whether I could trust her, people don't do things like this without a price, I responded with a cautious tone

"What do you want in return?"

She laughs at my response to her question as if it was nothing, once she calmed downed she smile before saying.

"Nothing at all"

When I heard those words I became suspicious since I knew that there is no such thing as "free" everything has a price to be paid. So I asked her with a confused look.

"Why would you help me if you get nothing in return, it doesn't make sense, what is it you're trying to get?"

After asking her what her true intentions were she suddenly burst out laughing intensely without warning. Once she calm while wiping a bit of tear off her eyes she said to me earnestly.

"Not everything nor everyone in this world is here to hurt you, I'm doing this out of what you might call "good nature" or even "humanity" ."

With that I felt my uneasiness disappear to only be replaced with a sense of "comfort ", I can't describe it but my instinct is telling me she isn't going to harm me in any way.

After riding another 30 minutes we made it to Nirvana, and she parked in front of a building that stands high with many windows on all sides, halfway to the top there hangs massive flags with the image of a black and white koi fish swimming circular to each other. As I walk closer I notice small but readable texts embedded on the entrance doorway that read National Descender Headquarters (NDHQ). Which was lucky for me since I haven't even told her the specific location I was going to is the NDHQ.

Before I head inward the female driver yelled out to me."What's your name!? In case you and I ever see each other again"

With nothing to hide, I yelled back

"Ben, Ben Wilson"

She took a moment to look at me before responding. "Ben… not a bad name, well then Ben do be careful ".

I tried smiling but I instead made a face of disfigurement, which caused her to laugh hysterically. I tried hiding my embarrassment by quickly running inside NDHQ.

Once I entered the building I head straight to the front desk to register as a [Descender].

I was amazed by the number of descenders and other abyss-related workers. From what I see I can't distinct those who are beginning between those who are a novice in the field by their gear. Usually, beginners have little to no weapon or armor but they all do have their lantern.

The lanterns are given to anyone who wishes to descend into the abyss, they function as a beacon for other descenders as to whether or not anyone else is nearby. These lanterns have the functionality to change color depending on the holder's status. For example, Greenlight means healthy/top shape, Yellow light means minor damage, and Red light indicates severe damage/incapable to function. Of course, they also serve as a source of light in the dark, but those who were born close to the abyss were known to have better vision within the abyss.

As I walked past many descenders from different levels of experience I noticed a short line for registration. Upon getting inlined I noticed a guy sitting next to a big Rucksack backpack, as I watch him, curious as to what he's doing, I could see that he's sharpening many small knives. "Is he someone who prefers using throwing knives?"

As I continued staring I noticed a massive party of Descenders who were, from the looks of it, we're waiting for departure. Suddenly a man with a massive shield, big enough to shield 3 individuals including himself, yelled out with a voice of command. "Alright! Listen up we will venture down to layer 33, from there we will set up a temporary camp before fighting Mulcha. Is everyone ready!"

Before turning back towards the line queue I heard many people yelling in perfect alignment "Sir yes sir!".

Not a second later the shield man yelled back with a grin on his face "good! Move out!"

I watch as one army-sized group of descenders follow behind shield man as he walks into the abyss. As they continue to march in unison I heard another voice whose purpose seam to catch someone's attention before I turned towards the source and notice a white hair lady gesturing me to come to the front of the desk.

I walked up greeting the lady before telling her my reason. "Hey, I'm here to register as a descender".

Before responding she glances towards me smiling before saying "the fee for registration is 20$"

Upon hearing the price my body froze up and I ponder about what I should do "the fee is 20$! Fuck, that's all I have on me. If I do register I could venture into the abyss today and try my luck but doing so won't guarantee I'll have a meal by tomorrow nor a place to sleep."