“That’s it for today everyone. Remember not to be late after the weekend.”
The surrounding erupted into cheers as people busily moved about packing their belongings.
“Hey Zeph, want to grab a drink?”
The teenager, Zeph, responded in an unimpressed tone.
“Haven’t you forgotten what happened last time?”
“Kahaha, it’s fine, it's fine. The old witch doesn't know how to have fun! As a man you should no now how to drink properly! The tabs on me anyway. So, going?”
“Nah, I’m busy this weekend.”
“Shame. See you Monday.”
“See ya.”
After leaving the excavation site, Zeph quickly walked back into the city. Despite living here for more than 10 years, it was still impressive for him to see the large and colorful building in the middle of the street.
‘Muselah, the stargazer tower.’
It was as large as a fortress with the main tower piercing through the cloud towards heaven. It was the heart of the city and the essence of stargazing in the entire continent. Nevertheless it has nothing to do with Zeph as he only spares a glance at its direction, a tiny amount of disgust visible inside.
Rumble…
Zeph soon arrives at an old dinner, hoping to stop his stomach's endless protests.
“Granny, a beef bowl please.”
“Look at your stomach roaring! Didn’t I tell you to not work with an empty stomach, if you’re hungry just tell me!”
“I can’t bother you more than I already have granny.”
“And I told you I don’t mind it! Sigh… here, eat up.”
“Thanks, I’ll pay you at the end of the month.”
The old woman shook her head and looked at Zeph with sad eyes. The tender gaze was still a bit uncomfortable for him but he endured. She was his only family after all.
“Zeph, you aren’t going drinking with old Po right?”
“Nope. I’m staying home this weekend.”
“Good. That guy seriously, how can he force a youngster like you to drink!”
He chuckled at her silly anger. Her bony arm was busy waving a broom around, demonstrating the terrible fate of anyone who dares to harm him.
“Granny, the founding day is coming soon, do you have any plans?”
She sighed again, shaking her head. It was obvious why. Her health has been deteriorating much faster recently.
‘It’s because she still wants me to go to the academy.’
Zeph gripped his hand hard, feeling helpless seeing his only family suffer. But it’s fine. Soon, he’ll find a way to help her out.
Stolen novel; please report.
‘Next week…’
Everything will be fine next week.
~ • ~ • ~ • ~
Night soon arrived in the city as the cold mist of winter spread into the street. The lamp poles light up the road, revealing an empty street. The old granny restaurant, though not crowded, still has a sizable amount of customers.
“Yo Zeph, long time no see.”
A middle aged man with a huge build was trying to draw his attention. The huge scar present in his right eyes gives off an intimidating atmosphere.
“Hi Gord, how was your last job?”
“Bad. The client refused to pay even though I wiped out an entire Herra nest, saying it was the wrong one. Got half the original price so I had to take on a few side jobs.”
Gord replied with a bitter expression.
“The mercenary guild didn’t do anything about it?”
“Rich bastard. They didn’t even bother to look at my case.”
There was a brief silence between their conversation.
Deep down, Zeph was grateful for these loyal customers as they were helping his grandmother greatly. It was unpleasant seeing one of them being treated this way.
“Anyway, I want to ask you a few questions, are you free?”
“Can you wait after the shop closes? Or at least till the guests are all finished, I doubt any more would come this late…”
“Sure thing.”
The shift quickly passed by and soon Zeph and Gord was the only one present inside.
“So what’s up?”
“It’s like this. I overheard other mercenaries talking about a huge job in this city. Tried to inquire about it to no avail but since many were already flocking here I decided to return as well. That said, do you know any interesting rumors going around?”
“Well, the founding day is coming up. I heard there’ll be a grand reveal. Such a large event, could it be related to what you’re searching for?”
Gord let out a long sigh before shaking his head.
“Those official stargazers are too prideful to hire any outsiders, especially for such a big occasion.”
“Well, a bunch of vagrants arrived north not long ago. That’s about it.”
“Alright, guess I’ll check North. Thanks buddy.”
“No problem, as long as you continue eating here.”
He said goodbye and parted ways with the burly man. After closing the shop, Zeph makes his way into the inner section of the house where his bedroom was.
‘Granny has already gone to sleep.’
Though night had arrived, he could hardly feel sleepy at all. He could only observe her sleeping figure, anxious if she would ever wake up tomorrow.
With nothing better to do, Zeph went out and watched the stars. He was never interested in the star itself nor stargazing but rather the empty space in between.
The young mind wondered about the empty void, about the purpose of such emptiness that the beautiful star resides in.
If the sky has only stars, would the void become beautiful instead?
If so… can he have such brilliance too?
Swoosh.
A figure rushes by in a corner of the street. He has walked to the South district by the time he realizes. Normally, Zeph wouldn’t pay it any mind but today was different. He was just feeling a little more adventurous.
With nimble steps, Zeph skillfully walks in the shadow of the street like a ghost. Even if there were still people walking by it would be hard for anyone to notice him. When he arrived, a girl was collapsed on the wall.
She didn’t seem to be unconscious but her situation was dire. Huge wounds were apparent at many places on her body and blood was still flowing out non stop. It didn’t seem like she could last much longer.
Even with his amateur eyes, he could recognize that the items she was wearing were quite expensive.
‘A robe. Is she a stargazer?’
“…you the..re.”
…
“I.. kno..w you are there.”
What was it that made him move? Was it her pitiful figure lying helplessly on the ground? Was it the fake empathy and compassion for other humans? Perhaps it was his greed.
Zeph stepped out of the shadow and walked next to the girl.
Or maybe, there was no reason at all.
“You… shall be my vessel.. and I shall be your time.”
And the world went dark.