Targets Of Fate

<Chapter 2 - Targets Of Fate>

-KkkkzzzzzzzzzzzzzzMmmmmmm-

Abruptly awoken by the familiar sonorous hum, Shin shook off the thin cloth ensnaring him and shot up. 

A quick click followed, and the Lux warmer dutifully shut off, having sensed no presence above. It would sit idle until its next use.

Shin gradually let the sluggish feeling permeating his body fade, a result of his excessive healing the previous day.

He went over to his collection of supplies, downing a Starzen-brand water bottle. Letting out a slight cough after finishing, he crushed the bottle, but instead of tossing the plastic towards the entrance as before, he kept it in his hand. He quickly ate the remaining half of the nutrition pack he saved, and was now ready to begin his trip.

Crawling up the ramp and out through the medium-sized pipe, he swiped the bottles onto the bare ground as he exited.

Reorienting himself, he collected the bottles and flung them aimlessly, doing the same with the bottle he had brought along with him. He would often carry the bottles on his trip and dispose of them away from his home, too. While they were common enough, a pile of them right outside his pipe would be too clear of an indication that someone was living there.

One could never be too careful.

Checking his surroundings, nothing had changed from the day prior, besides the fact the world hummed at a low frequency at set intervals. The strength of the vibrations blurred his vision, enough so to cause a loss of focus at times.

The sound had woken up and notified the countless residents of the vast first layer that the Starzen vendors would be making their weekly routine visit.

Shin recalled overhearing one of the other residents, a tall and dark, lengthy man with sharp ears—commonly known as an elf—mention his ideas to another about why the hums were so aggressive. He insisted that instead of using a higher pitch siren, a lower, world-shaking resonation would reach even those who were deaf.

*Alright reasoning. But I can't shake the notion that there must be more thought to it than that.*

Maybe the answer was as simple as that. Life tended to lean towards such simple explanations.

Making a mental note to come back to the thought, as he had many times to sooth his boredom, he began making his regular route to one of the hundreds of locations that the massive flyers would set up shop.

Rising up the short ditch and into the alley it led to, Shin instinctively began memorizing how everything throughout his area was. Every piece of trash, how dirt was piled up, and even some of the cracks in the chalky concrete was not overlooked.

He learned that it was more than necessary to be observant of everything at all times. Shin himself has been a target for traffickers more than once, and although he was well past the age where they'd likely find interest in him, there were still many other possible threats. It was better to be overly-cautious over being dead. 

Or worse.

Catching the signs and avoiding confrontation was the best way for anyone worth anything to survive. Ignoring the otherwise apparent indications was akin to gambling when, not if, you'll end up a victim of one sort or another.

After comparing the sight he ingrained into his memory to yesterday on his way home, nothing noteworthy was cause for alarm. 

Confident that was in the clear, he set off opposite the direction of Zeris's lab, heading towards the closest site a Starzen vendor would set up. It was a relatively short journey, only made longer from the countless ever-changing obstacles of the streets and alleys. 

But the biggest threat that was posed to him was the other residents on their trek. He wasn't the only one marching to the drones, of course. That meant he would be forced into close proximity of people he did not know, understand, or trust. 

Not that there was a single person he did trust, other than himself.

Following along, Shin watched as dozens of others, adults and children alike, were drifting out from the cracks between buildings and towards the same place. 

Many of the children didn't have any VAL to purchase anything, and only followed along in hopes to gain the scraps left behind by others who could afford anything. 

Or to quickly snatch any fallen items, should a fight take place.

It was eerie how lifeless everyone was, but Shin had long been accustomed to it. Rather, the only cheery face he had ever met in the city was Zeris. And that was only during the 'tests' she performed—more specifically, when she was cutting into him.

Shin had no contact with anyone else. Keeping to himself seemed to be the only safe route for someone like him. Trusting another was a fruitless ideal for those who can't fend for themselves. 

The only plausible reason someone would bother interacting with him was to get something out of him.

He couldn't blame them though, as that would be his only goal as well if he needed to approach another.

Though he didn't know them personally, he was familiar with some of the ones who lasted long enough, who had a regular 'schedule' and location, and a semi-consistent way to earn VAL. 

Most of the slummers had no reason to stay in one spot, which led to the fact that most of them migrated from section to section of the endless city. At least, if they had the energy to do so.

As Shin made his way, keeping in sync with the spaced crowd, he identified the endless species around him. Shin was always trying to learn something new. Staying ahead in terms of knowledge had saved him more than once.

Eying the spreaded groups, he saw a couple of elves and nymphs, one with their sharp pointy ears and tall bodies and the other by their solid black eyes and clear complexion. 

On the other side, there were humanoids with scales adorning their arms and legs, also characterized by their lack of eyebrows. They seemed to be a mixed breed of a human-like species and lizardmen. 

Only a single dwarf child roamed with the crowd, her eyes empty and soulless like most of the children about. 

Although many species sported a human-esque look, there were dozens of others that bore no resemblance to one. Pureblood lizardmen were an example as one of the most common species in Lower Tridesil, with their cold and reflective scales.

One person from the same species as Zeris, a taculum, was walking uncomfortably close to Shin. He slowly altered his own course to steer clear of the man.

His large size, a feature of the race, towered over every other person in height. Only adult male elves could possibly compete, only losing out in overall mass.

Three appendages on each side poked through the man's worn t-shirt, six in total. The first two rows of tentacles were thinner and offered wider movement, while the thicker last row of tentacles were greater in length and size and branched off into many more flimsy finger-like appendages. It allowed them incredible strength, control, and flexibility. They were the top-dog in terms of species in Lower Tridesil.

Not that it meant much when they were starved and weakened all the same.

All of their race opted to wear a simple dress to cover their bottoms, allowing the dozens of leg tentacles to roam freely and move them forward. 

Finally were those utterly contrasted to humans, but were frequently just as different from each other as themselves. No coherent traits are carried by the species other than their gray-to-black skin. They all were formed in unrealistic ways that made little sense to him. They were unshapely and seemed to be made of incomplete building blocks most of the time. No one looked exactly like the other.

Shin knew there were dozens, if not hundreds, of other races as well, but he wasn't aware of them all. It was often, even after the years he's spent down below, that he would see a new species he had not seen before.

Some of the species were incapable of speech, at least in the common language that he spoke and understood. Though probably a detriment, he doubted it really affected them much down here. The only person he himself ever communicated with was Zeris, after all.

He was aware that more advanced luxibands could autotranslate and communicate thoughts, but no one in the depths of the city had access to one, even if they could miraculously afford it.

While occupying himself with mundane thoughts, he made sure to keep his confident and determined appearance up, all while not showing off too much to attract attention. It was a bluff, but an effective one to convince most to think twice about whatever they schemed.

Unapproachable.

His looks played a great advantage in that field.

At last, the towering drone was in view, centered between a wide intersection of two opposing streets. Dodging the garbage layered thickly in the road, Shin managed to reach the back of the line, already twenty to thirty people long, and stood still. 

He waited for his turn to purchase supplies patiently as he scanned his surroundings.

Most of those in line wore a luxiband, each fitted for their size and species. While you didn't require one to make purchases, as one's VAL balance was traced to their Lux signature, it allowed them to access their current balance and information. 

It also meant that most of those in line had a way to earn VAL. None of which, surely, was from an innocent source.

Luxibands were sold relatively cheaply, priced at two to three nutrition packs worth of VAL, less valuable than one would believe the technology was. But buying one instead of three servings of food was what separated those who barely made it by and those a little higher up on the chain.

Not that it meant much, since it only made the targets on their backs a bit brighter, as if freshly painted.

Many hid in the surrounding buildings and alleys, stalking those who could afford to buy the offerings displayed by the drone.

Buying too much, even of inexpensive resources, was a huge risk in itself, as it showed you had the means to earn a lot or even had it saved up. It hinted that one was a high-value target.

Keeping to himself, Shin stayed in line, half of his mind busy with thoughts of his fictitious rich and safe future. Creating a scenario where he had all he could imagine, which wasn't much since Shin didn't know what luxuries possibly existed, limited to what he had read about or heard of in stories.

The line shifted every minute, each figure moving forward one space. Time passed as Shin crept closer and closer to the large vendor. 

A simple design of a rectangular box made up the container. No markings, other than a darker gray logo that read <Starzen Drones> with smaller text below stating the make, <Model: Vendor | Class-5>, stained the clean surface of the drone.

The built walls were formed from some fragile-looking, non-lustrous metal. Shin knew better about just how rigid the massive box indeed was. 

He recalled an attempt that was made to raid one of the drones years ago. Countless treasures were stored inside, after all, and no one to punish them for their greed!

Large explosions went off. Acidic mixtures were thrown about. Even a few from a race with arms as thick as logs had smashed metal tools into the walls, and thunderous roars reverberated through the area. 

But after all that effort, not only were the walls still standing, but not a single action had marred the perfected surface of the towering drone. Only the dust coating on top and sticking to the sides gave proof of their attempt. 

Shin wondered what metal it could be made of, being able to stay completely intact after such a destructive event. Not only that, but the cost of building even one of these impenetrable machines must have cost an inconceivable amount, only furthering his doubt that they were making a profit off the slum dwellers. Not with the hundreds, if not thousands of drones that took flight weekly.

The crown of the drones had fixtures of opposing blades that rotated at contradicting motions, as well as at speeds Shin could only guess based on the thunderous wind pressure thrown off by them, easily tossing anyone who remained close aside like weightless dolls. 

The thick blades were clearly made of the same material as its indestructible walls, assumed based solely on the color.

A great screen was ingrained into its front. Unlike the will-controlled luxibands the people in line wore, it used touch-sensitive controls to operate its panel. The screen had a plastic feel, but was just as impenetrable as the surrounding cold metal. At least, strong enough to attest against the inadequate siege against it.

Every available item fitted tight and neatly onto the screen, with its price just beneath in plain text. Tapping on your choices, the product would move to a list at the bottom of the screen, showing a list and subtotal of what you've selected. 

Creating any contact onto the bottom right of the screen, defined with a red border encasing the words <Finalize Purchase>, would finalize the session. Completing the transaction, the items would appear individually through seamless sliding doors on the wall. The object was placed on a spinnable plate that popped out. Removing the items sitting on it signaled the plate to recede and return once again with the following products, if any remained.

As the line shortened, Shin watched as each person bought their respective resources, none buying beyond the commonplace bottles of water and the distasteful nutrition packets. 

It was finally Shin's turn within the line. He pulled the mental list he made to his mind, selecting and ordering enough food and water for a week. He then moved his eyes down the list to where Lux crystals were available. Matching the specific one required for his luxiband, he tapped the appropriate location on the screen. 

Moving his hand to the bottom corner, he began to feel a slight pull, as if his very soul was being dragged out and tested by the machine, only to be shortly returned to his body, where it belonged. A sensation that, as far as he knew, everyone experienced. 

Grabbing the few water bottles and nutrition packets, he stored them in a small green pouch that hung around his neck, leaning against his back.

The last item he purchased came out of the dull machine. A small clear bead donned the metal plate. Swifty removing the drop of imprisoned Lux, he left the line steadily, moving around the line behind him and back towards his hut.

Many stalked him as he went, but his looks kept most of them from doing much more than offering a small glare.

As he walked, he removed the dying Lux crystal from his old, worn-out luxiband and installed the fresh one. 

Willing it with a thought, the screen lit up and showed its energy strength at max. He kept the old crystal as a backup since it still had enough charge to use in a pinch. Satisfied with his purchase, he viewed his balance as he made his way.

「 Recent Transactions Made, Total: -485 VAL 」

「 New Balance: 270 VAL 」

The Lux crystal had cost him 300 VAL, which meant he had plenty of VAL left to last this and the next two weeks, if he accounted for the rations he still had and just bought. Which meant he'd be free from the painful experiments for over a week, more than usual.

Joyous at the revelation, Shin marched back with refueled passion. He no longer felt the sores he had in the morning that resulted from his extensive healing, which made him feel light with each step. 

He did not allow himself to neglect keeping a watchful eye on his surroundings, of course. Being unaware for even a moment would lead to a foot being sliced open on broken glass or rusted metal. It was a death sentence for most, and an extreme inconvenience for him.

A light, lingering wind blew from the great gusts formed by the army of drones taking off, allowing light trash to be picked up and flown around. The rearrangement of smaller trash caused more noise than Shin was used to.

- - - - - -

*I'll treat myself to a full pack today. I have the extra VAL to spare. 

What a relief that I won't have to bother going to that devil's office for a good while~*

Shin kept his thoughts as spirited as his body felt. He passed the familiar alleyways that signaled the end of his short journey, letting himself drop his guard ever so slightly as he walked down the path leading to his hidden ditch.

Five meters from the entrance, he stopped in his tracks right before he dropped down the slope leading to the pipe's entrance. His gaze locked onto a standard black trash bag a few steps away.

*That wasn't there an hour ago... 

The wind? No… Too heavy…

Shit. Shit. Shit! Stupid Stupid Stupid!

Keep yourself calm, Titian. Just walk the other way as if you forgot something. 

Crap, I've been still too long!*

Shin turned around and spoke aloud, acting out a similar scene sourced from one of the derelict books he had scavenged and read as a hobby. 

"Haha, I totally forgot to get nutrition packs again! Hopefully the drone's still there!" 

*Damn it! Can't you think of something more believable! The sounds of the drones taking off happened five minutes ago you fool!

Who the hell speaks aloud like that anyway? Ah!*

Droplets of sweat coated his forehead as he struggled to maintain his usual calm and assured demeanor. 

Turning around and placing a hand on the back of his head as to display his shame at 'forgetting' his supplies, he retraced his steps out of the alley and prepared to leave. 

-Snap-

A plastic crack reached Shin's ears, immediately sending him into a full on sprint. 

Cussing inwardly, he mocked himself for being unobservant for even a second.

*Damn it! I know letting your guard down even for a moment will be anyone's downfall, I've seen it so many damn times. 

How the hell could I let myself be so ignorant!? So Stu-*

"AHHHH, SHIT!"

Shin stumbled as he screamed. His foot now had the edge of a rusty blade deeply gorged into the ball of his foot, deep enough to reach and scrape the bone.

The fact he missed such a simple to avoid hazard only made him furious with himself. He had never made such foolish mistakes, not for many years.

Removing the serrated edge with speed, and with no time to spare being delicate, it cut even further through the sole of his right foot as he pulled it out. Wincing in pain from the now exaggerated wound, adrenaline slowly began to block out the worst of it, allowing Shin to sprint with a limp from his unseen pursuers.

Of course, pools of blood now tracked behind him as he made way, giving his position up.

Understanding the danger, he snapped his head around as he ran, finding torn up and no longer a usable shirt. It was covered in old grime and sweat from whoever had used it last, but that wasn't an issue for him, not in his current predicament. 

He didn't have to worry about getting an infection at the very least.

Removing any side thoughts in his mind, he focused only on escaping. Narrowing his brain on the straightforward nature of his escape. Avoid obstacles, and run like you mean it.

And he did mean it.

Racing down the trash-packed street, some others heading back from the drones had realized something was amiss. Each one quickly made their way to a nearby alley or wall, staying out of the way to divert unwanted attention. No one wanted to be a part of a conflict that didn't include them.

Knowing most of the inner city, where Shin has lived as long as he could remember, he made a swift turn down one of many passages. 

Weaving through the trash-addled way, he burst onto another open parallel street, no different from any other. Taking yet another swift turn, heading back towards his home for a minute, he then jumped right into a thin alley. 

The gap was short enough to go unnoticed at most angles. He had to waddle through with the walls pushing on his chest and back. His foot ached with each effortful scruffle, unable to avoid the rough patches of trash due to the limited space as he got through.

"How'd you lose him? Wasn't he on his way back? How'd a scrawny kid manage to escape the lot of you!? Find him! Or Lord Herash will have our heads!" 

A voice closer than Shin would have liked had resounded within the city. The shuffling of multiple people could be heard rummaging about, trying to trace his bloodied steps.

*Holy hell, what in the world did I do to have so many lunatics after me!?*

Exiting another tiny space, not letting up in his escape even a bit, he weaved through streets and alleys. Shin was expertly maneuvering around the debris that would have most residents shocked, but making an effort to avoid any and everyone, no one saw his mini-feats.

Peaked in both fear and adrenaline, his worldview was considerably delayed, each second feeling as if three. 

Rushing through the filthy inner city, twenty minutes had ultimately passed from the start of his mad rush before he began to slow.

Desperately begging for air, his lungs shrieked in fierce pain, more so than the bloody gash in his foot. At that point, due to the dirt lodged into the wound and his healing factor, it had already stopped bleeding long ago. He had lost the torn piece of cloth awhile back, but it had served its purpose.

Reaching an alley towering with deep back trash bags, he dug into the pile like a mole, digging as far into the bags as he could. He was pricked and stabbed by the harder constructs within some of them, but he continued on with purpose. 

Now completely hidden from sight, he dug himself towards the inner side of the alley, and while still buried in the mountain, he created a small opening to allow himself air to breathe.

Suddenly, Shin was struck with extreme aches throughout his body. His muscles cramped up in multiple locations, but he did not dare to do anything more than desperately breathe so that he could stop making sounds all the sooner.

*AHHH, this damn shitty place, always pulling the rug underneath me as soon as I get a little comfortab-AUGHHH!*

The intensity of the cramps increased before they gave hints of stopping, giving no time for Shin to bother thinking.

If not for the grueling tests he's gone through over the years, he would not have been able to stop himself from yelling out in misery. Or maybe, it was because of his endurance to pain that halted him from passing out.

Time passed, and while it felt like days, knowing better, Shin assumed it had been around half an hour. He no longer had to gasp for air, as if he had just survived from drowning. The convulsions had ended, but the urge to fall asleep began to overtake him.

The pain was the only thing allowing him to stay lucid. He couldn't allow himself to pass out. He needed to be ready to run once more if his pursuers found him, sleeping was not an option.

Shin wasn't confident he could pull off such a fast escape again if someone came upon him. In fact, he wasn't sure if he could even move again if he wanted to.

His mind was blank as an hour passed, soon becoming two, and then three. After letting his tensed body and mind relax a bit, he faintly heard distressed voices. Muffled by the bags around him, they sounded annoyed and panicked. They could very well be his pursuers.

Adrenaline once again surged through him. He was steeling himself to launch into another escape.

A voice drew near, and Shin was unsure if he should take the initiative or not to leave. Soon, they became close enough to make out words.

"...do we do.....will kill us......…..so hard to find a little kid...…checked everywhere….."

Almost tripping the switch within his mind and drilling out of his hiding place, Shin recognized that the man's words started to trail off. Half a minute passed, and he was met with silence. They didn't check the alley, whether out of laziness or some other reason. It did not matter to Shin.

Unable to withstand the second adrenaline rush dying down, he unwillingly passed out.

The sheer exhaustion he withstood would have to be mended by rest within the hard pile of trash.

Focus ???:

"It's quiet again?"

A soft voice whispered as a little head stuck out from the ripped small bag. 

The stubby girl glanced around her surroundings. Perking her ears around to listen, gleaning onto the sounds of rhythmic breaths in the hazy dark night.

Hesitantly, she steadily moved out of the small bag and towards the following tower of trash. She ascended deftly as to not rustle the bags, trying to make as little disturbance as possible. 

Climbing up halfway, she found the source of the raspy breaths.

"Ahhh!...

H-Hello...?" 

Quickly spreading her hands out to block her face, worried the person she found would jump out and grab her, she stood there tensely.

Seconds passed as nothing happened. The girl cautiously peaked with curiosity through her hands, staring at the opposing figure buried by trash. 

She tilted her head questioningly as she examined the exposed boy's face, deciding to poke him gently on his cheek.