Chapter 2 - Unshaken Life

"It's your son Aexial!" Gren shouted inside the noisy work shop. But his voiced already overwhelm the hard beating sounds made when metal was clash against another metal. Gren was trying his best to convey his message over his uneven paced of breathing while panting heavily. Because of this he had unwillingly shouted losing control and also resulted in the annoyance of his master Turio.

"Calm down Gren, here drink this first then speak" Turio said as he handed him a glass of water and then making Gren sit on a stool.

"Tell me, what happened to my son?"

"Y-yes, your son!" with that Gren slowly started explaining the situation to the anxious Samuel.

"A crowd was gathering and then when I went through all of them to check what was going on, I saw a captain guard looking angrily at your son. Then I heard from the other people who were talking with each other at the scene."

"Did you see that? The kid bumped into the captain. Now he's all pissed over it." Gren explained thoroughly, remembering the incident that happened minutes ago.

"I knew something must be done because the situation was getting worse, but then fortunately Mr Inuzami and Mr Reyes showed up and instructed to inform you on the situation so I rushed as fast as I could here."

"…...wait a minute Gren! How on earth did you know Samuel was here?" Turio questioned suspiciously.

"Huh? Oh, that yeah Mr Inuzami told me." Then as Gren said that he recalled exactly what Mr Inuzami told him earlier

"Your master's workshop, go there!"

"But how would he know that? Samuel never made an appointment when he came here."

With sweat beading down his neck Gren nervously tried to answer his Master's question. "Uh, I don't really know teacher. But we have more important matters at hand!"

"Yes, I will leave at once" Samuel announced as he stood up. He was trembling and anxiously gritted his teeth. His father instincts were kicking in and he was being overwhelm by it. After all, this was his only son. A son he swore to protect from the day he was born and he'd keep that promise.

Turio was in deep thought and most of them were on Inuzami and how he came to know Samuel's location. For some odd reason it had disturbed Turio yet he knew not of the reason why.

As he thought about it more and more, he came up with only one single conclusion. "Perhaps he saw him coming this way, since he was an acquaintance of Samuel. But why am I so troubled by this? No un-needed thoughts. Like Gren said there are more important things at hand."

"Samuel, take this, give them to your son." Turio handed the newly equipment he made for Aaexial to Samuel. "Also, no need to pay me. Now Go!"

Samuel wanted to say that paying Turio was necessary but the look on his friend's eyes made him held his thoughts back. He could nod and whisper a thank you as he dashed out of the workshop.

" passage 2, block D before reaching the open field he's there" Were Gren's exact words and the destination of Samuel's.

"Wait for me son!" a whisper that was muffled underneath the crowd of the market. A whisper of a father determined to save his child.

"….."

Samuel didn't stop, he didn't care about the people he bumped shoulder's with either, he ignored the grunts and the complaints. He ran and ran through the tunnels. His thoughts stuck on only one thing.

Aexial and hope.

Hope that his son was alright.

He had also hoped for Mr Reyes and Mr Inuzami to help his son and get him out of that situation. Knowing them, they probably would.

" But there's no Guaranteed!" that's is why Samuel picked up his paced until…...

Samuel suddenly decided to stop in his tracks because a huge object was in his way. That object was a man, huge and intimidating, the biggest person Samuel had ever come across.

The man's eyes were daunting as they stared down at Samuel. He was tanned, his muscles were huge and looked as if they were made of iron. Short black hair with a faded cut to his side burns, he was also wearing what seems to be a type of uniform. On his waist he had a sword.

"A guard?" Samuel thought, however he figured out that he was wrong but not totally. This man was indeed a guard, but he was no ordinary guard.

He had a pigeon crest on his shoulder cloth.

That would only mean one thing. In the city of Subterria, there are guards who keep the peace. The job of a guard was highly regarded as only strong individuals, hand picked by the councils themselves and respected among the people.

The salary was higher compared to the wage of the farmers and a higher position also meant a much higher salary. This is why the job was preferred more over others in the city.

But as stated earlier, the job came with certain conditions. One must be in good health, a good physique and a strong mindset which followed orders without hesitation. Lastly, you must be favoured by the council.

Even if you passed the other requirements if the council decided that you are not worthy of the job, then you must give up your goal.

Yet still, to be a city guard was most of the residents in Harvio dream. The work wasn't as demanding because the crime rate was low.

So, because of all these reasons, the job was a dream and to get one was an achievement that others could only envy.

The job was simple, uphold the peace, obey the council without question and strike down any who dare tries to bring evil into the city. Because of such it was the guards were highly respected. They were looked up to by the people, they were a symbol of peace and honour.

At least that's how it used to be.

The status that a city guard had was one of the pasts. Things weren't what they used to be and Samuel knew that very well.

When the previous elder took the reins, the town turned into a living nightmare and everything went to shit.

The elder, consumed by his selfish deeds did whatever it took to make sure that the town was fully in his control. That is by using the city guards as his iron fist.

His actions led the town into chaos. He corrupted the guards and made them do his bidding, used them as a tool to uphold his tyranny and to tighten the grasp he had on the town.

The guards obeyed and they too were slowly becoming like they're leader. Unjust, cruel, violent and evil. They turned into something malicious and started terrorizing the town, because of this the guards were no longer revered, instead people started fearing them. Hatred and anger grew among the citizens but no one dared to speak out for that would mean death. The reason the guards would use 'Treason!'. after years and years of peace it took only one man to turn that in on its head.

One man, whose name that Samuel would never forget.

Lione Giovani.

A man who was despicable. A man who sought to devour everything without a care for the consequence. A man who caused the death of his beloved father. And in front of him was a face that Samuel was familiar with. One that he just remembers. One of the commanding Generals of the city guards in Harvio and the right-hand man of the elder who ruled them.

Yuri Volkov.

Samuel remembered when the new elder came and dethroned Lione. He then purged the city guards and got rid of the corrupted ones. But Yuri was still allowed to remain one and then promoted to one of the guard's leader. A move that shocked Samuel. This man whose eyes seem so empty and lifeless was there when it all happened.

When a civil almost broke in Harvio. But it wasn't that Yuri had done something awful that made Samuel despise him. No, instead it was because he had done nothing. He stayed away and didn't help the people when they needed him. He never intervened when the guards did something, he never spoke of it instead he hid himself away in his quarters and simply watched as the town started turning into a living hell.

Even after a new elder came and a new system was placed. Even after the old corrupted guards were purged. Even after the fear had faded from the citizens hearts, the distrust and doubts remained.

That is why Samuel thoughts were all over the place, because the moment Gren told him about his son running into trouble with not just a guard but a captain his fears were realize. He feared as a father should for his son because even till now, he still considers the guards as despicable and evil as their previous master.

"Yes! Did you need something?" Samuel asked cautiously at the huge figure looming infront of him.

"Samuel, I presume?" he asked. His tone was cold and his expression didn't change. In Samuel's eyes it looked like Yuri was as if looking down on him not just on a physical level but he knew this man he saw Samuel as nothing but a bother.

"Yes?"

"Your son he's-…."

"What did you do to my son!" Samuel shouted the moment Aexial was mentioned.

"Calm down and listen, he is well and fine. No need to be so anxious and distrustful."

"How can I possibly trust you people?!"

"You….people?" Yuri asked as he raised a brow. Then he shifted back to his cold demeanour and continued. "Like is said your son is fine. I came here to share that information and to pass on a message. There is someone who wishes to meet you."

"I need to get to my son" Samuel asserted as he glared at Yuri.

Without warning the man Yuri exuded a strong pressure from him as he glared back at Samuel. The air was heavy and it made Samuel weak in his knees. Almost as if he was staring at a hungry beast who was about to devour Samuel.

"Like I said" Yuri stated coldly "Your son is Fine" with that the pressure he was giving out disappeared. Samuel without realizing it was panting heavily, his limbs trembling and his body covered in a cold sweat.

"Now if you would follow me" Yuri turned around uncaringly and started walking. Samuel was annoyed and frustrated. Should he believe this man or was he lying? He had hoped it wasn't the latter. He understood one thing this man Yuri, he was dangerous and almost as if in a unhuman way. He sighs because he knew what Yuri said wasn't a request.

It was an order.

And so, after making up his mind Samuel decided to follow the man.

"…."

Samuel was caught by surprised because the place Yuri led him to was non other than his house.

"Why are we back here?" Samuel asked.

"You'll see" the man answered.

Yuri knocked slowly on his door and from there emerged his wife.

"Dear you're back. We have a guest" she said with an awkward smile as she led the two men inside. He was shocked when he saw the figure sitting silently inside the dining room, calmly sipping his tea as if there was not much care in the world.

There was a man who stood above all else in Harvio. A man who took down Lione and ended his tyranny and took his position.

"Elder Kito" Samuel spoke softly, still shock by his appearance inside in his house.

"Ah, Mr Samuel. You're here."

"I brought him to you as you requested" Yuri said.

"Thank you, Yuri you may leave."

"I'll take my leave then." Yuri said as he bowed and left.

"Why are you here Elder?" Samuel asked cautiously, not knowing any of the elder's intentions.

Kito placed his tea cup back on the table, a smile stuck on his lips as he turned towards Samuel.

"I came here to apologize."

"Apologize?"

"Yes, it seems that one of my guards had caused harm on your son. As you know, abusing the job of a guard is one that I do not tolerate so I demoted him as a punishment."

"What do you mean Demoted?" Samuel asked angrily with poison in his voice. "He did more than abuse his position, he tried to kill my son."

"I am….well aware of that. And like I said punishment was given."

"BULLSHIT!" Samuel shouted as he slams the table with the palm of his hand, the second time today.

The two guards besides him were about to unsheathe their swords but Kito stopped them as he raised his hand.to

"Dear, stop that" Samuel's wife said as she tried to calm her husband.

"I understand your frustrations Mr Samuel, but as of now this is the best I can do. Because according to some witnesses your son was at fault too. But even if that was the case the captain had overdone and that I cannot tolerate."

"W-what do you mean my son was at fault?"

"I do not know the full detail because I haven't received a report yet on the matter, but many witnesses came and told me that it was your son who instigated my men"

"Th-that is impossible. I know my son he'd never do such a thing. Where is he now?"

"In the open field I presume"

After hearing that, knowing that his son was safe, Samuel let out a sigh of relieve.

"So, I hope you understand my reasoning Samuel" Kito stared at Samuel with stern eyes, his smile had disappeared and it made Samuel worry. The man Kito, he knew very well from the rumours that surrounded him and now that he was there standing in front of him exchanging words, he knew that there was more to this man.

"Very well, as his father I will take responsibility and discipline my son"

"We should keep this in the past and look in the future now Mr Samuel. Do not be too hard on your son. I too wish not to dwell on such trivial matters anymore. I shall take my leave." With that Elder Kito shook Samuel's hand and left.

His wife who stood there beside him silently listening, was relieve now that she had the chance to be alone with her husband. She held his hands and gave him a smile which as always made Samuel calm and less anxious. She held such a power and Samuel didn't mind one bit.

"Go to our son now" she whispered.

"...."

For some reason I had this bad feeling creeping on my neck. I tried to rest as I closed my eyes and laid on the patch of soft grass. But I couldn't seem to sleep.

My doubts were realized when my friends came and brought an announcement.

"It seems you dad is here; he's waiting by the water reservoir."

I knew it and I was annoyed. The news of my unfortunate encounter with captain muscle seemed to have reached my dad and I know I was about to get an earful. Worse I'd lose some privileges though I did not have that many if any at all. What else does this stupid town have to offer me?

I shook the thoughts away and got up knowing something more serious was going to happen to me. Should I say goodbye to my friends?

I may never see them again. Should I also bid farewell to the open field?

Am I over reacting? Yeah…

I probably am.

George came over with a smirk on his face and he said "Your old man seems pretty out of it. You're in big trouble huh. May your soul find peace."

"H-hey don't put it like that! I won't die!"

"After the stunt you pulled, who knows?" I lightly punch his shoulder and sigh. George gave a pat on my back and spoke. "It'll be fine, he should understand"

I nodded at George and smiled wryly. After taking a deep breath and walk towards where my dad was. George was a good friend I thought, he would often make the silliest and lamest sarcastic jokes but he's always mean well.

He was smart and likable and most of all he was a candidate for being a City Guard. I understood why he was chosen to be a candidate too. After all, he was one of the most intelligent and hard-working people I know in my life. If there was anyone that I knew who deserved the spot it was him.

What about me? You ask?

Hah, I couldn't care less. I never wanted to be a city guard because I knew even if the job was nice and the salary good it was similar to being a slave to the system. Such a mundane and simple life of just going around town with a pompous chest and arrogant attitude while telling people what they should do and not do. To me it was a job similar to baby sitting and I did not want it. I do not want to be tie to anything that would keep me far from the open field.

However, it seems that it may change now since I was about to face a judgement from my dad.

The water reservoir was a small artificially made water body made by the farmers to store water to water the crops when there was no rain and for emergency uses. It wasn't big with length of only 30 meters and width of 13 meters. It was shallow but it was enough for the farms that need water. It was surrounded by a patch of wheat crops to the right and grass to the front from when I came from. The was a footpath to the left made from stones that led to the entrance where my dad was.

He was standing silently by the reservoir just staring at reflection. I thought he'd be upset but instead he looked sad and worried and because of that it made my heart feel an aching pain filled from guilt.

I know now that I should tell him everything and that even if it wasn't entirely my fault that I still should apologize to him.

"Dad?" I asked softly.

Startled he looked up to see his son all beaten up and covered in bruises and bandages. The worry in his eyes were only becoming more noticeable and it was also like he was thinking about something else.

"Are you ok dad?"

My dad was silent as he stared at me neither of us spoke any further and it started making me anxious and nervous. I was fully ready for him to let it all out on me.

But he surprised me instead by laughing suddenly as he held his stomach.

"Don't you think I should be asking you that?"

"I-I uh I don't know" I muttered as I nervously scratched my head and laugh awkwardly.

He came towards me and poked my stomach with made a sharp pain ring though out my body. My dad sighed and gave me some ointment.

"Here put this on. Hm, it seems your friends did a good job in patching you up. Let me guess, Armie?" I nodded to his question as I took the ointment and started rubbing it on my waist. This shit hurt like hell and I knew that there was broken rip or two. Hopefully that wasn't the case.

"Here let me see" my dad sat on his knees and placed his fingers around my abdomen which made me twitch in pain.

"Ah good, it seems there are no broken bones" as he said that I sighed in relieve. I was really over reacting, wasn't I? "He still gave you quite the damage.

"I know" I said as I muttered under my breath. I was wondering about something though. My dad was behaving strangely like somehow, he was showing me a bit of that caring side of his which reminded me of mom.

"Dad did something happen?" his expression turned blanked like he had thought of something bothersome but then chuckled as he stood up and dusted his knees.

"Yes, my son got beaten up by a lousy used to be Captain."

"hehe, well so you're not mad?"

"A bit, but knowing you it'd be unjustifiable. Tell me did he rage like a kid whose candy was taken?"

"Well….." remembering the captain pissed off face which almost looked like a third rate demon I agreed with my dad "he did"

"So dad?"

"Mhm?" he turns towards me as he took the ointment and placed it back in his bag waiting for me to continue.

"Is that really it? I thought you would, well you know, lecture me and stuffs."

"looking at you face son it seems Armie already did for me. Am I wrong?" The memory of Armie lecturing me earlier while she was helping me with my wounds came to me. She often poked my waist and made my body ache in pain on purpose all to my annoyance.

"Yeah" I said with a small sigh.

"hehe see I knew it. C'mon your mother is waiting for us"

"But…dad?" I said hesitantly. He stared at me for a bit and then smiled perhaps understanding my thoughts. "Your friends?" he asked and I nodded.

"Very well, come back before the sun goes out. Here take this" he handed me something that was wrapped in a white cloth. I took it and unwrapped the cloth revealing a new sharp and sparkly sickle and also something else that caught my attention.

Besides it was a small dagger which reflected my face. The grip was covered in leather and it look sharp enough to be able to cut anything.

"What's this for?"

"Ah that, Turio wanted to give it to you as a gift. He told me he had you in mind when he made that."

"But what am I going to do with it? Challenge that captain to a duel?"

"Hehe, well, sort of. It's for protection. After all today was proof right? That anything can happen in this world. But I know you'd never use it to bring harm to anyone, I trust you"

I stared at my dad in awe and smiled at him as I said thank you.

It fit my hands almost perfectly and the balance was good. Dad handed me a scabbard and a small holder with a bell which I happily took and tied it to my right leg.

"Now for your punishment." He announced which made my body freeze. Ah well, I knew this was coming. I turned towards him nervously and tried to smile.

"Yes, father and what would that be?"

"Your grounded and not allowed to tend to the farm." Ah I knew it. But it was due anyway. I have no right to say anything-…"just for tomorrow though" he said with a smirk.

Huh? Just for tomorrow? But tomorrow would Sunday and the open field would be close so it got me confused for a moment.

"what do you me-.."

"No more questions ok" he asserted and I nodded.

He held my shoulders and gave me a worrying look. "Look son, this world. I need you to understand, no matter what you, no matter how little they may be there will always be consequences to it. And this day serves as a lesson for that. But that isn't the point."

"The point is, you must always remember no matter what you do that your actions follow a better path that does not harm or cause pain to anyone. Then the consequences that follow won't be the bad ones either."

"I understand your doubts and hesitations, but since you are my wife's son I know you'll be able to do the right thing. Am I clear?"

The guilt I felt inside had increase and right then and there I saw a glimpse of what my dad was truly like. Wise and caring, I was proud to have him as my father so I took his words to my heart making sure to never forget.

That in this world, no matter what you do.

No matter how little, there will always be consequences. That's there we should always be better people.

"I understand"

"Good as long as you do. Now head on out your friends are waiting."

After saying good bye to my father promising that I'd be home before dinner I went back to my friends.

"So?" George asked curiously.

"Grounded tomorrow."

"Unexpected I thought he'd do more than that, like take away your privileges."

"We think alike" I smirked at him.

"That's strange, knowing your father I thought he'd do more too." Armie said with a puzzle expression.

"Yeah as did I" Francis chimed in.

"He was behaving differently. Maybe mom said something to him."

"Or something might've happened. Mr Turner told me earlier that he saw your dad being escorted by the Commander General of the guards, Yuri."

"Yuri?" I asked. The man said to have the strength enough to crush a huge boulder with his giant arms was escorting my dad to where? And why?

"Yeah, that's all he told me anyway."

"Hm, I'll ask him about it when I get home."

"But that's good, isn't it? That means you'll get to come with us to the harvest festival." Armie said with a cheerful tone.

"Oh yeah, but that's until next week, isn't it? We're not even fully finished with harvesting the crops yet." Francis asked.

"It's okay, we still have time." George added in.

"The harvest festival huh?" I asked softly as my mind started thinking about it.

The harvest festival, which only happens once a year before harvesting the crops was a festival I've always looked forward to. It was at least one of the fun things you get to do in this boring town. But there was a problem.

"That also means we'll be facing those bastards from the 3rd floor." Francis said.

"Ah the merchants you mean?" George asked even though he already knew what Francis meant.

Subterria was divided into 10 floors each with unique properties. The 1st floor was the storage utilization floor. Where most of the crops were collected and kept in a control so that they won't go bad. I have never been down there but my father told me that it is a heavily guarded place because of fear that theft and arson which would cause a crisis inside the city.

Although we already had a storage facility on our floor which was to the east from the open field it was said to not be enough to store all the grains and food.

My father told me that it was unlike our town because it was a big open space half the size of the open field. In it there were these huge cylindrical hollow objects where the food are stored.

Then there was Harvio on the 2nd floor also known as the farm lands. Here is where most of the farmers reside where they would grow and harvest different crops on the open field. Though the employment mostly consisted of farming there were other jobs too like black smithing or selling items as a vendor.

Though small in population the 2nd floor was still crowded because of the lack of space. To go from one place to another one must travel through small tunnels. Which was less than ideal but we didn't have much of a choice. There were plans to widen the passage ways but due to being among the lower floors such a plan may cause the whole floor to collapse on itself and it would be disastrous as we were the main source of food for the city.

The houses were small as they are only small open places that the old ones dug through the wall but they were sturdy because they each had strong circular pillars to hold the ceiling. Unlike the market or the passage ways the houses had tiles of stones placed on the floor and the walls keeping the dirt away and ensuring a clean environment. Each house had two rooms at best but there were exceptions. To the south was where the market was and to the west was where the correction zones were.

It was a peculiar zone where huge spaces were dug out of the wall. It had a huge iron gate in front of it which served as the entrance were guards would always monitor it. It is said that all the scumbags no matter what floor they came from were sent to this place so I reckon it must be pretty big inside.

There were also other unique houses like the ones belonging to the elders or the barracks of the city which were much, much bigger than that of the farmer's house.

To the south east of the open field there were two entrances to huge stair cases. One went down and the other went up to the 3rd floor.

The merchant town on the 3rd floor also known as Mercia was huge.

Much, much bigger than the open field. It was twice the size of whole of Harvio combined and the most peculiar thing was that there was no need for tunnels to traverse from one place to another.

Also known as the domain of gold, this floor was one huge open space that stretch far and wide. Rich merchants lived here in their huge houses or mansions. These merchants make money by doing business with other floors which also included ours.

They were mostly responsible for the buying and distribution of the crops to the other floors. But the thing was…

"Those bastards still sell our product for double the profit no wonder why their pockets are so heavy." As Francis stated, this was true. The number of crops that was sold to the merchants was being sold off again at double sometimes even triple the rate. Since food was dependant only from them by the other floors there was no choice but to buy it.

What was more annoying was that the crops are even sold back here in Harvio through vendors that they've set up or other little fewer known merchants. Sometimes when food was scarce the farmers had no choice but to buy the food at a much higher price even though they were the same people who were responsible of making them in the first place.

This was especially worse when Lione was the elder back in the past. His corrupted influence had spread to the merchants. Because tax should be paid if one was to buy or sell items that were going to be resold again in Harvio, even the merchants faced a hard time nonetheless. But the richer ones took advantage of it.

They used this excuse to sell the items at an outraging and ridiculous price. Because of this the poor farmers had no choice but to spend their live savings just to survive. Because of the death rate increasing at a high rate the population was drastically cut down and the bodies piled up.

And so, the rich got richer and the poor got poorer. My dad told me that a civil war was eventually going to happen because the farmers had had enough.

He told me that the smaller merchants were the one who tried to instigate the farmers but just before everything was about to go to hell, Kito came and improved the situation.

Then there was also the discrimination. Other people from other floors would look down on us people from Harvio. To them we are nothing more than dirty peasants who should know our place in the hierarchy. That is to be at the lowest.

When it came to merchants the discrimination was much, much worse. Because of the gap in wealth, we were nothing but insignificant to them because we don't receive the level of education than they do we were nothing but an illiterate bunch to them. Because of the kind of work we do, we were dirty rags to them who ought to understand our place and keep away from them.

Then there were the noble elites, relatives or family of the elders in the elder's council. They were the worse kind who thought of us as nothing but slaves.

But to us they were always the lowly bunch because the wealth they had and the security they got was only that they were members from the elder's family.

It was also forbidden for members outside the nobles to partake in the council's elections or even throw a vote in.

Then what did that mean?

The answer is that the elders themselves are nothing but the leader of scumbags in our eyes.

But we had little to no power, we couldn't do much so we bared and we've endured for many of years not knowing when will everything change.

My people had hope Kito would change things but I've always had my doubts. After meeting him I realise that this man shared no empathy with others. That everything he did was for his own gains no matter how good they may seem and I am sure other's saw it too.

How long can he keep this up? How long until he fucks up and cause a true uprising among the people?

But more importantly, what was his end goal?

Moving on, there is the 4th floor. It was also another open space a bit smaller than Mercia but the only major difference is that there was only one building in the middle of it.

This floor was also called Arcadia where the "university for knowledge and wisdom" was located.

Only the rich or the exceptions can study there. Those with enough money like the merchants were allowed to attend.

Or those who displayed exceptional talent in academics or ability to fight were granted to study there, one such example was George who was selected to study there to become a City guard.

"You're amazing man" Francis would often tell George but secretly he was proud of his friend. Although he had tried many times to apply for the academy it always ended up getting rejected

However, it only took George one time to get accepted. This was when I realize that Francis had often thought of George of more than a friend which was a rival.

When George broke the news, Francis started working harder in studying and training.

"What kind of questions did you have to answer George?" I asked him once curiously.

"Oh that, it was well, one paper we had to answer stuffs about Subterria and it's history which included the Ancient Gods who created everything. The second paper was on minor science and philosophy, a syllabus made from the first elder's councils. But since I was applying to be a city guard and not a researcher or a merchant or others, I had to answer questions about the duties of a guard too." Was his not so simple answer.

Then there was the 5th floor known as Levio. This is where most of the research that included Subterria was carried out. Different research's like how to improve the living conditions or how to increase the crop yield and quality or where to place construction for different purposes and how was carried out. It is where planning of the city was carried out, where research on the world is being studied on and where the city's welfare was being carefully although looking at the tunnels and houses in Harvio I must say

What a lousy bunch of researchers they must be.

Then came the 6th floor Jure. Where the HQ of the city guards is located and where most of the freshly enrolled guards are sent to. From here on, the authorities would then give them the floor they'll be guarding which they must go to without questioning.

Then came the 7th floor, known as Eldio. The main HQ of the council of elders. The place where the grand elder, head and leader of all the council and also the city itself.

The Grand Elder stood above everyone else, even the elders. But the peculiar thing was that no one knew what he looked like. They say he lurks in shadows and that even the elders themselves don't know his true identity. But the fact that he is at the top still remains.

A mysterious individual figure who's lives of every citizen were in his hands. One who held absolute power and authority. One who's face is not even known.

Some say he's a myth but the Elder's would often bring retribution if his existence is ever doubted. They insist that he was real and that he is among us.

Then came the upper last 3 floors or also known as "Hades" the forbidden floors where no one, not even the elders themselves except the Grand elder were allowed to enter.

The elders would often say that the reason the floors were forbidden was because that this was the place where the ancient Gods stored all their wisdoms and knowledge of the world. A knowledge too dangerous to be in the hands of humans which could result in the end of everything. That was the reason as to why it was forbidden.

Do I believe in it?

Uh no, like everything the elder's said I also think that it was bullshit. Although I was curious, I know better that going up there would mean the death of all the people I know.

Now set aside the dark things and back to the main topic. The harvest festival was important to us as it also served as a mean to make a quick buck and also advertise our product to any interested buyer. The higher the quality and quantity the higher the price and so it was because of this that people from each floor would gather on the 3rd floor where the festival would be held to participate and have a good time while also doing business.

"Ah, still I can't wait to go back up there, it's so clean and refreshing." Armie said with excited eyes and a gleeful expression.

"Yes, it's so different from Harvio. The houses are not carved into the earth instead they are built from the ground up using different materials. Like bricks, iron and plaster. Also, the air is pleasant up there and the open space is quite nice unlike our crowded town"

"How do you know the houses are built like that?" I asked.

"I studied about them of course."

"Of course, you did." I said exasperatedly.

"They have a different source of light right? Unlike ours which only consist of torches and lanterns." Armie questioned George.

"Yes, that is true, unlike us they have these huge white lights placed neatly and evenly through the sealing. But don't be mistaken it's not the sun like the one in the open field. The only similarity is that they run every 12 every hours and the other 12 hours they are off. Unlike the sun these lights are man made and they run on what is called electricity."

"Huh? What's that?"

"I don't exactly know, but when I read about them it said a man-made source of energy although I do not know where the energy comes from."

"Huh, strange." I said as I tilted my head and placed my index finger on my chin.

"Even those storage cylinders use electricity."

Armie made a fist and put it on her other palm like she had come upon a sudden realisation. "Yes! My aunt said something like that"

I sigh as nothing was working inside my brain. How could this man-made energy create a huge light that could illuminate a whole town or even run those storage cylindrical things.

"They're called a Granary." George told me with a smirk.

"Haha, very funny Mr smarty pants."

"Oh, Mr star boy here seems offended." Armie said. Suddenly a thing came to my mind, something which I've been wanting to discuss about with George.

"George, have you ever studied about 'stars' when you applied for the university?" a question that I decided was best to ask George.

But he shook his head and smiled wryly.

"There was no such thing Aexial." He admitted.

I smiled back and chuckled at him "Well, at least I got that one out of my mind."

"You really believe in them don't you Aexial" Francis asked with a smile.

"Yeah, to me at least. But more than believing, I think the problem is that I want to see them."

"Even if they aren't real?"

"Yeah, even if they aren't real."

"Hm, knowing you and you're somewhat strange mindset who knows. It might be possible enough that you could turn the impossible around a full 180." George said with a smirk.

"Don't give him such silly ideas George. He might actually go around and break every rule just to achieve his goals." Armie asserted while smirking along with George.

"Haha, come on guys, you know I won't do such a thing." I said as I glanced at all of them. Then I decided to ask them a question.

"Guys, do you think Subterria is all there is?"

"What do you exactly mean?" George questioned.

"What I mean is, what if there's more out there? A bigger world."

"Do you really believe in that old man's crap?" Armie asked with a brow raised and her hands crossed.

"No, no, I mean, ugh... I want to, I want to believe him okay!' I said admittingly.

George came and placed his hands on my shoulder then gave me a smile and spoke. "As far as I know, you're allowed to believe in anything."

"thanks George." I said as I smiled back.

"You know I'm always behind you." Francis spoke out and I thanked him too. Then we all stared at Armie with straight squinted eyes without saying a word. It made her nervous and her face started to become a bit red. Then she let up her hands in defeat and sighed.

"Alright, Alright. I admit defeat. You know Aexial, you know that I still support you." A smile came to her face and her doubts faded away. I smiled and thanked her.

George went to her and wrapped his hands around her shoulder almost pulling her to the ground and laughed gleefully.

"See I knew you'd come around." He said as he laughed. Something odd happened, it was also expected too. Armie was blushing furiously unbeknownst to the oblivious George.

"Wh-what are y-you doing! Get off me!" She said as she tried to push George away peeling his hands off her shoulders. But this only made George clumsy on his feet and he almost fell down with Armie but after trying to regain his balance his hands went to her waist making sure she wouldn't fall.

"Ow ow stop tha-…." George said but was immediately silent the moment he realised his awkward position with Armie. Their faces were inches away. And Armie was blushing so bad that it seemed like she was going to explode into a cloud of steam. George too was blushing, not a lot but enough to be noticeable.

Me and Francis turned to each other and a smirk crept on both our lips as we spoke at the same time.

"Eehhhhhhh" this caused Armie to immediately snap back to reality.

"GET OFF ME!" she shouted as she pushed George away which made him fall on his ass.

"Owwwwww what the hell Armie!" he spoke out as he rubbed his bottoms.

"AND AS FOR YOU TWO." She said as she approached us, eyes like a demon and teeth sharp like a cat.

"uh uh Armie we were just uh…" the blow came so fast to our head that it fell like two stones being drop on us for high above. I'm sure something started bulging on our head from where she hit us and it hurt.

She nodded to herself and left angrily while stomping on her feet. "You two are idiots for pissing her off."

"I think the only idiot here….." I said as I rubbed my head.

"Is you! You oblivious knucklehead." Francis continued.

"Heh?" he said with a blank and confused expression. This guy I swear, he's really an idiot.

After a moment of silence, we started laughing after Francis let out a chuckle. We laughed and we laughed till our stomach not exactly knowing the reason why, we laughed and it felt good.

I was blessed. Blessed with a wonderful family and wonderful friends.

"...…"

December 5th, 7045.

It's been 3 months now since I've made my way through this desolate land. The wind still rages and the darkness still looms over me.

It's been 3 months now since I came here, still not knowing or understanding my purpose for being here, I continued walking nonetheless.

The paper I brought with me had come to good used. Although I brought it to different things, my circumstances seem to have change.

Earlier I found a boar and hunted it down. My senses strangely have sharpened ever since the incident. The ability I was granted was put to good used. It took a lot of practised but eventually I came to get the hang of it.

Because of this I was able to hunt fresh meat as my diet was only consisted of only wild fruits that grew around the land.

I rest every 12 hours, grateful for the watch I was given as tracking time was made even more easier.

During my journey I hadn't come across anyone, there was no human around.

Only wild animals and those things. Those dreadful things whom I have been trying my hardest to avoid and evade.

Those inhumane things who hide in the deepest darkness. Those things which I bare so much hatred for.

Other than that, the darkness was the same. There was no light but only my own. But carrying around a light source was dangerous because they can sense it. How strange I thought because they lack sight yet still, they could sense it.

These three months have been hard. But I will continue my journey nonetheless.

I still ask myself the same thing over and over again.

Why did such a terrible thing happen that day? Why was I brought here? Is there a meaning to all of this? I still do not understand.

It had seemed that the lack of social interaction had played a big part in messing with my mentality. But I choose to remain sane even if the insane was what surrounded me.

I believe that there is a point to all of this. I believe that there are more people here in this land.

I believe that you, hopefully are still alive.

So, I'll go now, guided by hope.

Eventually one day, we'll see each other again.

"....."