Searching For Andromeda 76 Yael's Goal

The world is cruel.

At least, the world Yael was born in. 

In the Eastern Continent, Triefan, where deserts are conspicuous and oasis are abundant with historical artifacts, lies a country that is long fallen. This country used to be prosperous and opulent; it was said to harbor the first-ever weapon that is forged with Wahid's Vessel. This country was considered to be well-endowed with gold in its mines that even the poor could get one just by a stroll . . . but that was several thousand years ago. 

Now, some say the country was cursed.

Every emperor that had stepped into the throne have had their own share of scuffles. Some tried to reform the law, some tried to adapt and cope with the ways of more successful, larger empires like Anzünden and Urduja; and desperate ones—emperors who had taken a different turn—are said to even made deals with the Infernal Beings like the Behemoths just so the country would be restored to its former glory, and had even tried the dark arts of offering their blood and kin to a sacrifice ritual just to have the country recover from the crippling poverty.

That country was Patriargë. And it was the country Yael was born in.

The slums on Patriargë were the most affected by the country's interminable drastic changes. And the changes that were transpiring weren't for good. Well, at least for the commoners. n.o.bles had profited and the royals still were living with a silver spoon presented to them in a golden platter. Those on top still managed to get by and live a privileged life, but the citizens who had paid taxes were forced to find ways to adapt to the changes in the country.

And there are those who cannot adapt to the changes.

The slums.

Yael was born in the slums of Patriargë, where even the common-folk avoid. The slums are basically garbage dumps of the country for the 'failures.'—those who was born poor, and would often die poor. The number of slums in the country continued to increase by each, pa.s.sing day like grains being cultivated.

Yael was one of those children born into the slums.

His father was a lowlife gambler who had impregnated a prost.i.tute. He was a result of an accident, and so when he was at the age of five, he was cast aside by his own mother and was forced to survive on his own. Aside from giving him the name 'Yael,' which means 'Goat,' or 'Black Goat' in Patriargan, Yael's mother did nothing more than carry him in her womb as per the country's law. Patriargë, despite its crippling poverty and population inflation, still practices its conservative tradition. Any citizen is not allowed to abort a child under the 'sacred laws' of Patriargë, which abides by the Holy Church.

The Holy Church—one of the organizations that hold power over the whole world—is regarded as the most revered people in every country. What makes them so adored by both n.o.bility and common-folk alike is the fact that these people were granted Divinity at birth. They were the Divine Provenance. Whether you are born from the slums, n.o.ble, or royal, once you are born with the ability to use divine prowess, you are guaranteed a life free of hards.h.i.+p.

The world was cruel. People aren't created as equals.

Some get that ticket to a good life even if they already have too much on their plate, whilst others were born rotting like rats in the sewers without the opportunity to even try to save themselves.

And if the country wasn't worse enough as it is, THEY came.

"We call ourselves Aikhtiar, or the Chosen. We are here to help this country."

. . . and ever since them, the drastic changes in the country began to escalate.

Escalate into a darker path.

**

"Yael, you're going to the dungeon?" Asked Arletha, "that's dangerous!"

"Letha is right, Yael. You plan to go alone?" Says Pelmon, who had just finished polis.h.i.+ng his sword.

They were inside Red Alaris Guild, which was situated along the streets of the small country Alaris, which was roughly located into Escota Pacific and just a sail away from Patriargë. Yael just got into the main hall after he finished talking with the guild master. The guild master was a retired adventurer and had already helped one of his peers back in the days to dungeons. Yael needed his guidance for the unknown realm he was about to venture. A tad unprepared he is will result in a meaningless, instant death.

"Why do you want to go to the dungeons, Yael? You already are an S-rank adventurer here in Alaris. You're already regarded as a country hero. We wouldn't have defeated that Chupacabra without your help." The guild master said; her pink eye looking at Yael in worry. She had a slash in her other eye, which she had covered in an eyepatch.

"I need to go to that dungeon, Master," Yael exclaimed. "For those children,"

The guild master sighed. "The royals are still leading Patriargë more to downfall? Why don't they just revoke THAT law . . ."

Yael shook his head. "The roots are too deep to be cut easily. I don't think it anyone could help the country with diplomacy."—he balled his fist—"Anyone but a professor of the Vessel—would be the only possible candidates of change. I do not think as I am now, would be enough to save those children."

The guild master fell silent.

"You are aware, Yael, that Alaris' dungeon is different from the others?" She asked. "We have a small country, but it isn't the same as Urduja or Feyfrost, who were established with the help of a vessel. We are a country that is created without any rich, majestic history—and yet we have an unclaimed dungeon just inside our town."

Yael gave the guild master a look.

"No one, for thousands of years, has succeeded to conquer Alaris' dungeon. It was dismissed by the world, but in its grounds speaks death." She said, "you will not survive without intel."

"—which is why," the guild master added, "I will give grant you the prized Book created by the retirees."

Yael blinked. "Isn't that book your—"

"I've given up on it long ago. I will not try to venture on any dungeon anymore." The guild master exclaimed. "But you, Yael. You are at your prime . . . you have a strong goal, and I know that you will be able to succeed."

Yael stared at the guild master, lost for words.

She held his shoulder, and in her other hand was the Book.

"You will save those children, Yael."