Year 454
Entering through the city gates, Adam’s eyes never left the window.
‘Awe’ was the only way to describe the thoughts racing through Adam’s head.
In front of his eyes, were multiple clusters of buildings, each of them at least five to six stories high. The buildings were of various colors, compared to the monotonous color scheme of the village houses. The spaces between these multiple clusters of tightly packed buildings gave birth to multiple streets and alleyways.
Under almost every building was shop. Yes, there was literally a shop for every single thing, from guns and ammo, to laundry, to daycare. Other than the shops, there were various vendors who pushed carts peddling goods from them.
There were countless street lamps that decorated the sides of the brick roads, main streets and even some alleyways. All of the lamps shared an intricate and beautiful design.
On the roads and streets were many similar looking carriages called taxis. There were many people riding horses.
Even the security was top notch. Adam would see police with different yet similar uniform compared to the military, walking in pairs. Compared to the military posted at the gate entrance, the police didn’t seem to carry bayonets, rather they carried something called revolvers in their holsters on the sides of their belts. It was more compact and discrete.
‘So, there are lamps, that are powered by electricity. Back in the village we only lanterns.’ Sighed Adam to himself, taking in all of the city. 'And that thing of their belts is a pistol..'
Soon the carriage stopped in front of a shop called John’s General Store. “Oi boy, this is where I drop you off.”
“What? But I need to go to Jack’s Gold casino.” Replied Adam. The last thing he wanted was to get lost in this spectacular yet completely unfamiliar place. "Welcome to the eastside district."
“Jack’s Gold is located on the eastside port of the distirct.” Spoke the coachman stroking his beard. “Just ask anyone for the location to the port and they’ll show you the way.”
“The port?”
“On second thought, you might actauly get lost. So, take one of the local carriages and tell them eastside port, Jack’s Gold.” Said the coachmen, somewhat concerned for the young man. “It’s rather cheap but be careful, these local carriages try to trick newcomers and tourists. From my estimation it should be about 1 or 2 Bronze notes at best. Be careful not to let them fool you.”
“Thank you for everything.” Adam, spoke giving the coachman a quick bow. “I’ll see you later.”
"He's such a good boy. Westport is going to chew him up and spit him out." Sighed the coachman. He had seen far too many youths dreams crushed by the iornclad reality of Westport.
Adam quickly made his way from the general store street to the main street where it would be easier to find a carriage.
After turning right onto the main street, he could see a line of carriages parked in one spot.
“Hello, I was wondering if you could take me to eastside port, Jack’s Gold.” Adam said, remembering the directions given to him by coachman.
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“I’m on break right now, ask ahead.” The coachman said pointing to the carriage ahed of his own.
Adam asked the next coachman, and he agreed. Remembering the first coachman’s advice, Adam set a price of 2 Bronze Notes before he entered the carriage.
‘So, this a metropolitan city. Ellen would love it. Ah yeah, she told me to check out the art museums and that she wanted to go when she comes to visit. She also wanted one of those machines that takes pictures. I hope it’s not too expensive.’ Adam finally managed to curb his excitement and decided to plan out his schedule. ‘I really need a bath and some sleep. I wonder where I’ll be staying?’
“We’re here.” The coachman shouted out. The ride was nearly 20 minutes.
‘It took a while. If I’m not mistaken John’s General Store should’ve also been in eastside district. Just how large is the entire Westport city?’ Adam awoke from his stupor, hearing the coachman and quickly grabbed his suitcase and exited the carriage.
He pulled out a wallet from the inside pocket of his black coat and gave the coachman two bronze notes.
In front of Adam was 10 story high palace, and as wide as an entire building cluster. The palace was a bright gold color, or at least it looked like it was. Before he could even get near the palace there was a large gate and gardens leading to the golden palace.
It was almost midnight, and even in a metropolitan like Westport most shops would close by 10 pm. Yet outside of gates of the golden palace, was packed with people and carriages. All of these people seemed to be from a different social class all together. The men were dressed in suits, with ties and hats. While the woman wore glamorous dress of different colors. Their necks, ears and wrists were adorned with jewels and gold. Some men wore round lens on one of their eyes, with a golden chain extending behind their ears.
‘What….is going?’ Adam was extremely confused. ‘Their clothing is completely different compared to mine. Even the women, wear nothing like the cloths in the village. Are they all here for the casino?’
Quickly Adam started walking towards the golden palace, ‘Jack’s Gold’.
‘I want to see just what sort of place a casino is. Something that makes all these people come here. A place were gods are born and gods are killed.’ Adam’s heart raced with each step he took.
He was in front of the golden place and its extravagant entrance. By the entrance were two large men in a black suit-like attire. Their gazes feel on Adam. They looked at him up and down, as though valuing his worth. Under their powerful gazes and intimidating presences Adam immediately felt extremely nervous.
One of the guards spoke up. “10 Silver Notes for entry. Cough it up or leave.”
“Sir, I’m not here for the casino. I’m here for a job. I was wondering if I could meet Mr. Trevor Smith.” Adam quickly shaking off his nervousness.
“Trevor Smith...? We don’t have such a person here. Stop making up stories and get the hell out of here you little shit before I toss you out myself.” The guard spoke walking towards Adam. Adam himself was almost 180 cm tall, considered to be one of the tallest in the village. However, in front of the guard, his head didn’t even reach the guard’s chest.
The other guard quickly spoke up. “Wait Dante.” He then turned to look at Adam and continued. “Are you talking about Manager Smith?”
“Um, I’m not sure either. Today is my first day in the city. I’m here for the job of a waiter I think.” Adam spoke reciting the note given to him by the village elder.
“Alright. Follow me. Dante take over for minute, I’ll drop him off at Mr. Smith’s office.” Spoke the second guard.
Dante spoke, stilling glaring at the young man. “Alright.”
The guard led the Adam inside the Casino.
………………………………………………………………………..
Present Time, Year 456
In a dark dungeon reeking of shit and rotten flesh, Adam was hung from the ceiling by his wrists. Adam’s body hung from the ceiling looking life. His eyes were closedl. If not for him muttering under his breathe, people would’ve mistaken him for a dead body.
‘…. The stories of long are gone…’ Adam muttered under his breathe. ‘…Ace of Spade, Arrow of Destiny……...Ace of Diamond, Shield of Wealth……...Ace of Hearts, Health of Kindness……Ace of Clover, Symbol of Mystery…….’ He muttered these lines over and over, almost as if he was in a trance.
From the cell across him, another man was hung up from the ceiling by his wrists, or at least his wrist.
The other man was grotesque. His skin had countless blisters of them. His body was covered in pimples and pocks. On his back was a large red pulsing lump, sometimes oozing out slime like blood. He had no hair, and his teeth was crooked. He was missing and arm, that had been cleanly severed from his left shoulder. His eyes however, were unlike Adam’s. They open and bright red in color, full of wrath and rage.
“…. WILL YOU SHUT THE FUCK UP” Shouted the grotesque man, glaring at Adam through the rusted iron bars of his cell. Adam had been murmuring the same thing for nearly 7-8 hours, and the grotesque man was at the end of his patience.
Adam’s closed eyes jolted opened, a gentle blue glow lingered around his irises. “Ace of Spade, Arrow of Destiny.” He opened his mouth and spoke. His voice was calm and cold.
As his voice resounded, a black light appeared above his head. The dungeon was so dark that even if one was told where to look, they would still miss the black light. The black light quickly materialized into an illusory image of playing card.
The illusory ace of spades quietly floated above Adam’s head.
“You…. How are you using your powers…?” The grotesque man was shocked. He had been locked in here for an extremely long amount of time. He tried everything he knew to get himself out of his rotten prison dungeon. The cuffs that restrained everyone in this dungeon prevented anyone from activating their abilities.
The illusory ace of spades flew around the dungeon cell, and then quickly shot towards one of the chains holding Adam’s wrist.
*Clink *
The sound of metal clashing vibrated through the dungeon. The chain holding up Adam’s right hand snapped off.
The illusory card flew around and shot towards the other chain. Once again, it smoothly cut through chain, completely freeing Adam.
Adam was completely bare chested and barely had any flesh on his body. His extremely loose torn trousers were held up by a worn-out belt. He didn’t have anything on feet.
His originally blonde, but now white hair was completely disheveled. His eyes were cold and indifferent.
He gently caressed his wrists as his gaze fell on the grotesque man.