Lutharion was a world just like earth with diverse cultures and ethnics. It housed a large population of people providing good land water air and so much more. Not only did it have good soil for planting but various species of animals.
And that wasn't the best part… the degree in lutharion was habitable for humans. But there were some times it flunctuates. Becoming too hot or cold in some particular areas. Now this wasn't a bad thing because during this seasons provided raw mineral stones and other hidden precious stones.
Which were then mined by official government miners and distributed to several secluded armed factors. Essentially for the upkeep of the economy, which is coins. Gold being the highest and rarest down to bronze being the lowest and most common. It also aided the technological departments. Aiding scientist to create mind-blowing inventions through allocated budgets and so on.
...….
Back in the cottage..
It was early in the morning before sunlight. Max was already up and taken his bath already dressed in the miners uniform.
It's been a while since they slept this peacefully. A light smile formed on his face staring at his mother and sister. Sleeping peacefully on the makeshift wooden bed with a torn blanket over them.
I have to work harder to afford mom's drugs and yuki's schooling. His mother was really ill acquiring the sickness known as enders cough. It was a rare type of sickness that could be contacted only through blood or saliva.
Which first symptoms starts with extreme coughing, nausea, and vomiting. Then lead to coughing up blood, gradually loosing body nerves such as vision, smell etc. then the last stage was immenent death.
It was treatable but way too expensive. Requiring gold coins and an expert medical team. None which they could afford.
Shaking his head he silently made his way to the door gently pushing it back.
Maxxy? Susan's soft voice reached his ears making him stop.
Hehe. I never could outsmart you. He chuckled.
Y-you're leaving to the mines this early? You haven't even had breakfast. She weakly uttered. Her voice laced with worry and concern.
Am alright mom, you don't have to worry about me. I have to leave early today to have a headstart. You know what they say.. the early bird gets the early worm. He smiled earning a scoff from Susan. Her cheeks slightly puffed.
You said that last time. Can't you wait a bit longer? Her tone soft yet shaky.
Looking at her a stinging pain struck max in the head. He could tell clear as day his mother wanted him to stay. And he did, but he couldn't escape reality.
You know I have to go mom. We need the money to take care of you and yuki. Pausing he walked over to Susan planting a kiss to her forehead.
Don't worry about me. Go back to sleep no, I'll be here be you wake up. Shrugging there was nothing she could do.
Mhm. A soft groan escaped max moth outside the cottage. The world was a harsh place and he knew it. One had to do anything in order to survive here and that was the fact of life.
I'll make sure I get 5 golden fingers even if it kills me. A look of determination formed on his face making his way to the mines.
************
Military headquarters, orubus outpost..
So.. what do I owe the pleasure of your unexpected visit today sir beru. Jin the head of the military smirked adjusting his glasses. He was slightly less bulkier than beru having more of an athletic build.
Unexpected visit? Beru asked raising a brow.
Forgive me, let me rephrase that.. what's with the intrusion old man. Hearing this a frown formed on berus face which only made Jin happier.
I see you're still running your mouth boy. Hmm.. it doesn't matter, that's not the reason am here.
Placing his hand to his pocket he brought a strange metal ball. Pressing the red button on top a holographic screen materialized.
This was discovered just yesterday by our team of scientists. He pointed his voice cold and stern.
So? It's just some rain building up above the Earth's surface. Jin sarcastically uttered not seeing anything wrong.
Bam!
Sir beru slammed his hand to the wooden table creating a small dent.
Don't be stupid boy, this isn't a joke. Rain just don't build up in space above the Earth's surface. This could be a message or worse a threat!
So what are you implying, that we're under attack from aliens? Jeez.. grow up old man. Jin scoffed not believing lutharion was under attack by some extra terrestrial forces.
Believe it or not this strange phenomenon means something. Whatever it is it's coming and we better be prepared or it's over. With that beru got up leaving Jin with the holograph.
Mhm. And he says am childish. Grunting his eyes were locked onto the brewing storm above the Earth's surface. Sir beru's words replaying in his mind.
What if something was coming? He thought picking up his phone and dialing a number.
Put me through with jane.
***************
It took a while, but I did it. Max sighed holding a finger sized gold in hand.
He'd arrived first at the mines before the guards. Which wasn't a surprise but more of a frequent occurance.
Unfortunately the rules stated he couldn't go in yet till resumption time. But if there were a few other miners present there was an exception. And luckily other miners arrived including Silas.
The duo along with several miners were then led into the cave. Beginning work clammering away at the walls and stacking up valuable mineral stones.
Now we can afford some decent meal for the next few days. With a satisfied grin he made his way back to the exit. Since it was already closing time and Silas and other miners were already waiting.
Someone's early.. Silas teased not expecting to see max this early.
Let's just say I had a little luck from my sixth sense. Max jokingly muttered earning a weird glare from Silas.
You know.. this is the real world and not some alternate fantasy world.
Says the guy who thinks he can fly. Max retorded to which they both chuckled.
Next! The guard voice rang out pulling them from their conversation. Stepping forward Silas was the next in line.
It sure is a fine day today isn't it officer? Silas cheerfully smiled handing over his black bag.
Yeah, whatever. Shrugging the guard then placed the bag on the machine.
[Scanning complete!]
[Daily requirement of 1000 granite and 500 mineral stones have been met!]
The system voice read out loud. Scoffing the guard brought out the small black pouch. Spitting on it before handing it over to Silas.
Thank you very much. The latter slightly bowed proceeding out the cave.
Next! The guard yelled once again and max stepped.
[Daily requirement met!]
Collecting the pouch max glanced a side glare at the guard before exiting the cave.
Why do you allow them treat you this way? Max abruptly spoke stepping out from the train. Not responding immediately Silas then pointed to the small village in front.
Tell me, what do you see?
I see a crumbling civilization that's failing because we don't have the wits to stand up for ourselves. Max honestly said with a hint of anger.
Wrong. Silas shook his head. I see people going about their business trying to survive. Kids playing away their sorrows. Families staying strong through hard and good times.
The world is a cruel place, I know. But we can't keep looking at the outer part but also what's inside. Only then can true peace be achieved.
Listening to Silas max was taken aback hearing this from this goofey, naive kid. He'd expected a different response but there were sometimes his friend spoke wisely.
Jeez.. I can't believe am friends with a 10,000 year old sensei. Max joked easing the atmosphere a bit.
Go home max, go to your family. Enjoy whatever time you can with them while you still have the chance. With that Silas feet calmly walked away. Leaving max lost in his own thoughts.
What a weird boy. Shaking his head max proceeded to his apartment. Stopping by a particular location.
Making his way through some houses he made sure he wasn't followed. Heading to a particular alleyway just besides two houses.
I have to make this quick. Walking in he was unfazed by the darkness already used to it.
Knock knock knock.
He made three light knocks to a specific spot on the wall.
State your business. A voice from the other end spoke.
Am here to see jafer tell him it's a profitable business. Max responded a bit impatient. Not responding several seconds passed before a click sound was finally heard. With the opening of a door sized part of the wall.
There in front was a hidden narrow passage with a figure wearing a black kilt and pants with head wrapped. With cut out extensions for the eyes, nose and mouth.
Jafer will see you now. He gestured towards the hidden passage.