“Good morning Fore!” a random dwarf greeted Persis.
“Good morning too!” he responded.
“Nice shoes Persis!” another random person greeted him.
“Hahaha! Thanks Forge! Got good bargain from downtown!”
As always, Persis responds to the greetings of the people. What more can I ask for? Beautiful elves, smiling dwarves, happy flying fairies, medieval-looking architecture—I cannot ask for more, except for one thing.
“You lazy useless brat! Come over here!” Persis shouted to me.
“What? I am still doing your ENJOYABLE mission here!” I am heavily sweating from wearing the costume, and my throat is dry as hell while hauling gravel to the cart.
“Come here first!” he insisted.
I drop my shovel and walk tiredly to Persis.
“What is it?”
“First take your shovel and put to somewhere belongs!”
“WHAT THE FUCK?” I frustratedly shouted.
“Don’t leave your area not tide up!” he just set my frustration aside.
“I will get back to do it later!”
Persis frowns and solidifies his voice.
“Now!”
“This is bullshit!”
I have no choice but to go back to my designated area.
“Double time!” he commanded.
To avoid further arguments, I follow his every demand: return the shovel to the tool custodian, sweep my area to avoid stepping on sharp objects like nails, and put up barricades around the gravel so other workers won't transfer it to undesignated areas. I am just going to get a broom when...
“Let me do the notice of leave and sweeping for you” the kind orc offer a helping hand.
"Oh, thank you, Gorg. A simple floor sweeping will make me finish this tedious task a lot faster."
Gorg is an orc, my fellow construction worker, who is assisting me at this construction site. He is the only one who considers my situation; no one else has tried to help me despite my injuries. Plus, I cannot read or write in Alibata. For some reason, the English alphabet doesn't exist here, and they use Alibata instead. It's a shame that I am Filipino and have no clue how to use the alphabet of my ancestors.
"No worries. I used to have dozens of siblings, and working on this construction site reminds me of being with them."
I smiled and nodded immediately. I wrote something on the assigned board with chalk, indicating who worked in this area. I know it seems a bit excessive, but that's how the workers leave their designated area. Even if you only go to the bathroom, cleaning the area and putting up a notification board is required. Then, right after everything is tidied up and neat, I go to Persis.
"Ok! Persis, you better make my time worth it! My foreman will scold me more for lagging behind the transfer schedule of materials."
Persis smirked and handed me the herbal medicine. I took the cup and forcefully swallowed the most bitter liquid I had ever tasted, even more bitter than my sorry ass. I handed back the cup, and Persis poured water into it. However, I refused to drink it because the taste of the herbal medicine was so strong that the water would make it just as bitter. Instead, I took the water bottle from Persis's pouch and drank from it. Persis angrily took the bottle back from me.
“Brat don’t take something from someone without permission”
"I had no choice; you always make me drink bitter water." I grumbled.
“How was it?”
I hold my stomach, “I think the medicine is working.”
“Good!” then Persis sat down.
“What else?”
“Nothing, go back and work.”
"What the hell, Persis? You made me waste my time tidying up my designated area," I exclaimed.
“So?”
"PERSIS, IT TOOK ME 30 MINUTES JUST TO FOLLOW THE STANDARD PROCEDURE OF LEAVING THE DESIGNATED AREA OF THIS CONSTRUCTION SITE! WELL, YOUR CONSTRUCTION SITE TO BE PRECISE!"
“To make workers work safer!” again for the Nth times, he dismissed my frustration and concerns.
"FOR YOUR INFORMATION, YOU DWARF, I HAVE BEEN A SAFETY OFFICER IN MANY HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS, AND I NEVER FORCED MY WORKERS TO SPEND 30 MINUTES TIDYING UP THEIR AREA JUST TO SPEND SECONDS DRINKING MEDICINE!"
“You wont have spend time tiding up and drank medicine if you avoid making trouble for yourself!”
"OH MY GOODNESS, PERSIS! IT'S BEEN TWO WEEKS SINCE THAT HAPPENED!"
“Yet you still need drink medicine you weak brat!”
"Why not just let me leave my area for a second without all those tedious processes?"
“For safety protocol” he responded.
“Shut up and go back to your work!” Persis Added.
"Fine, but what about my request? I need to find that elf and get the artifact." I am talking about the win streak fighter who got the reward which might be one of the artifacts that I need to look for.
“Is medicine made you forgetful? You forgot last time you tried getting damn artifacts?”
The wolf is tugging at my pants for some reason, but my attention is focused on convincing this old fart to let me resign from my work to retrieve the artifact.
"Please, Persis, I beg you. Let me. That artifact might be the answer to resolving my race's issue!"
“I want too, but your safety come first!”
The wolf kept tugging at my pants, but Persis and I were very busy arguing until my buddy dropped the canister he had been biting onto my legs to get my attention, and he succeeded.
“Arff! Arfff!”
I was glad to hear his first bark, but I immediately knew what he was trying to communicate. I looked upward and saw the angel diving down at a dangerous pace, and my instincts kicked in.
“Run!” I shouted.
I looked at Persis, who was already running away from me, and then back to the wolf, who had already grabbed his canister and was running. I knew exactly where that damn angel would land. So I began to sprint, but three steps later, the angel furiously landed right where I was standing. Soil splashed from his landing, and dust rose around the angel.
"Oh my! Dive landing is one of my favorite things about being an angel!" The arrogant angel boasted.
The workers of the site began to gather around the angel, curious about what had just happened.
"Behold and be glad, baseborns, for an angel has visited thy pitiful place! I hereby carry a message from our exalted prince!"
Gorg stood beside me to check if I was okay, and he whispered to himself.
"Ha! Who's the pitiful one here? Renouncing your own race to become this kind of idiot."
“Thou say something baseborn?” the angel didn't let his low key commend slide.
The orc shouted, "Oh yeah! You enjoy this kind of bragging?" as he raised both hands sideways.
"Calling your brother baseborn? You think you're better than me just because you have a few wings and lost your tusks?"
The orc seems to know the angel, but I'm kind of confused about him being a sibling to an angel. It's rather far-fetched for an angel to impregnate a female orc, considering angels typically have a high adoration of beauty.
The orc walk towards the angel
"How long has it been? 10 years? 20 years? You said you would come back to us right after you received the so-called blessing. We can save our clan now. The Soilgrabber clan is waiting for us!"
The orc grabs the back of the angel's head, as brothers do in excitement. The angel angrily shoves the hand away.
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“Don’t touch me you wretched creature!”
A few seconds later, as the angel looked at the orc, I noticed his facial expression change as if he realized something and became disgusted by it.
He grabbed his scepter, which resembled the scepter of a king during a coronation. Well, this angel was wearing a crown anyway, so it matched the outfit.
The scepter extended and transformed into a spear, with the blade made of solidified light. Then, with fury and speed, he swiped the spear, cutting off the left arm of the orc.
“AAAAAHHHHHH!!!!”
I immediately went to the orc, ripping part of my costume to tend to the sudden amputation of the orc's arm.
“What are you doing?” I shouted.
The angel raised his hand and seemed to summon a tidal wave, and I felt the tide suddenly hitting my body, sending both the orc and me flying several feet away from him.
“Shut up filth”
Suddenly, I heard a voice coming from behind me.
"Verily! Oh, Krog, thou dost appear deeply engrossed in exhibiting the esteemed authority granted unto thee. I express gratitude to thee, O Light Father, for I felt compelled to verify thy doings."
I was surprised by the sudden appearance of the prince. He approached the poor orc and helped him stand up.
Everyone knelt before the prince, and even the injured tried to kneel, but the prince prevented him, assuring him that formality was not required.
"I am St. Formeal now, Your Majesty," said the angel, showing his respect.
"Verily, though this creature may not concur, yet let us set aside the familial discord. I bear a message."
The crowned prince began to float.
"Before aught else, dost thou perchance ken what be the rarest material needed to fulfill the task bestowed upon the crowned prince?"
“The head of the bakunawa!”
One of the crowd shouted.
"Thou speak'st truth. How dost thou reckon to draw forth the creature from the depths of the briny deep?"
“During full moon!” one of the crowd shouted.
"Thou speakest true once more. Yet, we must needs study the creature's comportment during the full moon. According to the learned scholars of Silver City from Jerusalem, the monster seeks refuge in the waters to shield itself from sudden assault by the minokawa. Nevertheless, the serpent cannot endure the water indefinitely, and its endurance wanes with the humidity and the radiance of the moon. Alas, we lack the leisure to spend observing the serpent monthly and thirteen times a year to draw a conclusion."
“We need the pearl moon!” Persis spoke suddenly, crossing his arms.
"Indeed, thou art correct! The pearl hails from the southeast of Luzon, the northern realm of Quezon. Alas, our heavenly companions cannot tarry for trifling affairs, and only... Korg." then he laugh a little.
"...I mean, Formeal could accompany thee. A solitary ascended angel cannot simply soar thither and retrieve the pearl. Thus, I am enlisting volunteers for this modest journey."
Many people, including myself, raise their hands to earn some credits for the mission and gain favor from the angel named Formael.
"Very well! As anticipated, thou art eager to volunteer for our city. However, those aged 180 years and younger may not partake in this expedition."
Almost every hand fell save for ours, mine own, and that of an unfamiliar dwarf.
“Put your hands down musang, I cannot let you go out without me” Persis interrupted
I mustered my courage and ask a question, “Your Majesty if you may, can you ask why the age limit?”
"Forsooth! 'Tis the season of chill weather, 'tis Karmber indeed! Behold, a spectral mist hovers o'er the mountain pass of Rizal at present! Each day henceforth, an adult shall expend but one day to encompass ten years of life. Verily, I cannot tarry longer to complete the project of my beloved's brother."
“My musang still on 30 years mandatory public service, and I am his guardian, he cannot go anywhere else.” Persis is trying to prevent me to be involved in this matter.
Yeah, I remember that ridiculous law mandating that all individuals from outside seeking citizenship are required to spend 30 years of their lives doing public service for slave wages. At first, I was shocked to learn about this and immediately argued with Persis as if Persis could do something about it. Apparently, almost all of my predecessors spent their time doing the said service, aging in the process, and Persis didn't mention a single predecessor who enjoyed citizenship.
"I shall grant leave myself to release this small being from its duty!" The prince said.
I put my hands down. I realize the trip isn't worth it. I'm just trying to earn the prince's favor to escape the mandate.
"I think I won't go. I can't afford to spend days outside the mandate, and I'm already 30. Even if I completed the mandate, I wouldn't enjoy citizenship." I said in complaining voice.
"Very well! Upon successful completion of the mission I have tasked thee with, I, St. Nephael, do hereby absolve thee of any mandates that have burdened thee within this Silver City."
“But Your Majesty I cannot allow it! He is my responsibility!” the old fart protested.
The prince cast a glance towards Persis, offering a sardonic smile.
"Thus, I do hereby temporarily absolve thee of thy responsibility until the musang accomplishes the mission."
“I will come too” The orc said.
“What is thy age?” Formael ask.
"Come on, Korg! You know orcs can't live beyond 160 years."
“Very Well” The prince said
"So, if any would join the mission, raise thy left hand, or Formael shall not include thy name upon the list."
“Ahhhhmmmm” the amputed orc is trying to awkwardly protest.
“hahahaha! I am joking, there is only three of you from here, don’t let the party get slow though, they will never wait for you hahaha!” Then the prince tap the orc on his left shoulder making the poor orc jerk in pain.
"I won't. Tomorrow my wounds will be fully healed." Grog responded.
Then the prince spread his four wings and left.
"With the departure of His Majesty, I shall await the recruits at the Cathedral squares forthwith. Thus, I bid thee farewell for the nonce!"
Right after the angel left, we rushed to the orc. Persis immediately applied the first aid kit. Even though orcs tend to heal their wounds a lot faster than humans, it looks like the orc is in pain.
I don't know if those painful expressions are from the cut or from what happened between him and his brother.
“Are you ok?” I ask out of genuine concern.
Persis looks so worried. It seems this old fart, regardless of his way of talking to me, cares about the people he works with.
"Is that really your brother? I mean, is he adopted or something?"
"Yes, he's my brother from another mother. He's not only my brother by blood, but also a brother at arms. I can't count the times we've gone to raid or defend our clan together." Grog responded to my question.
"I never imagined an angel would be born outside of this city."
"He has tusks first, before crown and wings."
“What do you mean?”
"Our clan was enslaved by another clan, those damn Woodclaws!"
Then he continue, "We luckily escaped from the raid and sought refuge in this city. We learned that in this city, they offer divination, a ritual that can transform any race into angels, making them stronger in the process. I failed the initial screening, but Korg managed to pass. After groveling for 10 years, with a combination of his dedication and persistence, he was scheduled for divination. We planned to go back and rescue our family from the Woodclaws and seek revenge at the same time. But right after the divination, he refused to talk to me. I tried several ways to approach him, but he distanced himself from me. The angels also stood between us. His appearance is different, his behavior changed, but a brother will always recognize his brother."
“Now destiny give you a chance to get him back my friend, lets head to the square cathedral, I might come with you in your journey but I can be with you for the meantime, besides my musang requires some assistance until departure” Persis is trying to give assurance.
The four of us—myself, Persis, the orc named Gorg, and an unknown dwarf—stood together after the recruits were completed. The elven knights organized our assembly, facing the cathedral, and then trumpets were blown.
One elven shouted, “Stand straight before the only two diwatas of this Glorious Silver City!” The door opened, and a red carpet was unrolled as many elves immediately prepared the stage in front of us. Mist, with the smell of fragrance, rose above the ground, but it only stayed at waist level. It seems these two people love a dramatic entrance. I wonder what tricks they used to create this kind of special effect.
From the cathedral door, accompanied by the sound of trumpets, emerged two beautiful fair ladies. They wore simple, clean white gowns that seemed see-through, but only enough to notice the silhouette of their bodies, which I must say—I may sound like a pervert, but this is the only way I know to describe their appearance.
Not that I've read tons of sex stories from the internet influencing my description, but this is the only way I know how.
“Oh my! I will never get to use looking at those bodies.”
The taller one is much taller than the other, and I guess from the distance, she is taller than me. Through her silhouette, she is curvier and more mature than the other, although the other one is not so curvy; her petite body would put every model to shame, and her very appearance shouts youth and femininity.
They are wearing crowns with white flowers with touches of leaves here and there. They wear no sandals or shoes, for no footwear can match their beauty and delight. Even in the midst of the mist, everything shines so bright. They don’t need to wear shoes because even the dirt is shy to cling to their perfect feet.
I have seen so many beautiful ladies in my time, but even our prettiest Miss Universe would get envious of those black fox eyes that can look through your soul, pointy nose that would surely tickle my cheeks if they kissed me, tiny lips that beg anyone to bite on them. Fair skin tones just like ours, but so perfectly smooth and moisturized I would get shivers if any of it touched me. Their long, wavy hair decorates the long gown.
One of the ladies stands taller and speaks.
"Foremost, I extend my gratitude for thy acceptance of our summons to this quest. My daughter and I shall guide thee to the renowned Moon Pearl. Niela and Mikay possess the ability to navigate the mist, for our spirits are tethered to this realm."
Mikay noticed me and smiled at me. Immediately, my heart stopped, then began to beat furiously. I know I am wearing a mask, but I am sure I am blushing right now. I think I will sleep well tonight, Nay, because of that smile. I feel like I can do anything because of that smile. I might go and get that pearl, or any kind of pearl. Heck, I will try to get the moon itself for her.
“We will depart from tomorrow so prepare yourself”
"I'm sure one night is not enough to prepare yourself," suddenly Katibo appeared from above.
"Pardon me, I am the one who leads these volunteers" Niela spoke, asserting her authority.
"You are leading them to their death. The mist is not the only danger you will face out there. Right after you pass the Sierra Padre Mountain ranges, you will be out of touch due to the effect of the Silver Cities. I don’t know if you forgot, but malignant creatures will hunt you at night, and beasts stronger and bigger than hell pigs will be your predators during the day!" Katibo responded.
Katibo and Niela argues about the immediate departure.
“Ha! Try argue with Katibo now” Persis whisper to himself.
“What for?” I whispered to him.
“I make sure you not die out there, I train you and teach you how to fight”
“I think I will die first from your training before dying out there.”
“You won’t worry about it if you are strong”
“Isn’t that what is training for? To make me strong” I asked.
“Yes” Persis answered with confidence in his voice.
“And I will not survive if I am not strong?” I raise one of my eyebrows.
“Then be strong”
“How?”
“be strong first here” then he point his thumb in his chest
Finally, the argument stopped, and Katibo convinced not only the Diwata but even Formael.
“Alright one month I cannot wait it further” Niela exclaimed
“Thank you my lady, I know you have clear perception on this journey” the fairy bow his head out of courtesy
After the assembly, we went straight to Persis's house downtown, to the slum area of the Silver City. Even though Persis could have one or two townhouses in the upper echelon, he chose to live here for a reason.
Anyway, the night is usual. I'm doing the cooking and the dishes because the last time he cooked, let's just say the foul taste still lingers on my taste buds. I go to the attic beside the window in the middle of the night. I was awakened by a sudden cold breeze ing my room. I opened my eyes and was surprised by what I saw.
Under the moonlight, a girl is sitting on my window. Beautiful black hair reflecting the moonlight, the breeze spreading her hair and gown. Even in the dark, her skin brightens my room.
The eyes! Oh my god, her eyes. They stare through me, matching with her smile, enough to make me fully awake with energy enough to build a castle. My jaw dropped. I am stunned by her beauty under the moonlight. All I can say is,
“A Goddess?” I muttered to myself.
“Close enough, hahahaha! It is Mikay!” the little Diwata playfully said.