7. Community

Regan: “Before we begin our training, I’ll take you around the city, shall we? First we go to change your cloth bandage.”

I followed Regan after leaving Jevannah’s office. I kept touching my chest for a while, but I didn’t find anything at all, and my heart didn’t feel anything strange. I’m not quite sure if what Jevannah said is true or if it is an empty threat.

It’s best not to bet on it.

Anyway, this city is peculiar. There’s too few buildings here. They were all spread out on the edge of the base hill. I could probably count them all on my fingers. I looked up and saw a hollow darkness. It looks like a sky.

Me: “Regan, is above us a sky?”

Regan: “Say again?”

Me: “A sky.”

Regan: “What’s that? You mumbling or something?”

Strange. Regan does not seem to understand what sky is, but since I don’t actually understand it either, I think I should change the topic.

Me: “Uh, nevermind. So, what lies there up in this city?”

Regan: “I don’t know. Is that important though?”

Me: “Didn’t you guys said earlier that this place has layers?”

Regan: “Oh yeah, that’s right. This city sits on the 6th layer. I don’t know how far up there actually.”

Me: “And the story about the chimera rider? Did they ever go up there?”

Regan: “Ugh, you ask too many questions… It’s a story, okay? Stories can be made up, but if you want my opinion, they probably go about halfway, since nasty things can happen when you go too far up.”

The farther up you go the more dangerous it is, while the farther down you go the more dangerous also… Is there no safe place here?

Regan: “We’re here. This is a clinic.”

Standing in front of me is a small maroon brick building with a statue of two hands holding a sphere. *What a cool design!* I thought, that is until I stepped inside.

Me: “Is this… a clinic?”

Now that I think about it, every building I’ve visited except Jevannah’s office is practically dirty, and dimly lit. For a building with a purpose to take care of a wounded, this doesn’t look right at all!

Regan: “Yep, it's a clinic. It’s quite small, isn’t it?”

This clinic has two seats on the left side, and a cabinet on the right side. That’s it. Is this even adequate at all?

Then, in the middle, there’s a counter, and an elderly looking person standing by. A person wearing a white cloth, with a white bun hair, and wrinkles on their face greeted us.

Old looking person: “Welcome to the clinic… hihi…”

That person has a hoarseness and a womanly voice. By the looks of it, it’s an old woman. Probably older than Jevannah or Regan. Still, that woman’s ‘hihi’ creeps me out.

Regan: “You’re kind of creepy right now, Bal Do. Are you having a fun time, perhaps?”

Bal Do: “I heard about the person you’ve rescued. I can’t help myself but giggle in happiness. I’m not so lonely after all!”

Regan: “That’s nice to hear. By the way, I need your help.”

Bal Do: “Oh ho, what that is?”

Bal Do turned their head to look for me. That’s right, I’ve got to introduce myself and show my wounded foot.

Me: “Nice to meet you. My name is Ann. Could you take a look at my left foot?”

Bal Do: “Oh ho, I can tell you are a bright person…”

Wow, someone just complimented me. How nice!

Bal Do: “...From your bald head.”

Ugh!

Enough mockery. Time to take care of my left foot.

Bal Do proceed to take off the bandage cloth on my left foot. The blood gave an awful look on the green cloth.

Bal Do: “When did you get this kind of wound?”

Me: “Not long ago, when I slipped at the place with many giant rubbles…”

Bal Do: “How strange. This cloth has a lot of blood, yet your wound looks almost healed. Dear Regan, don’t tell me you people gave Ann a bloodied cloth?”

Regan: “Huh? Of course not! But, yeah, it’s strange. Why do your wound heal so fast?”

I didn’t realize until after we left the bar that when I walked, I no longer felt any pain. Is it from that clear bottle? Or is it from the drink earlier?

Bal Do: “That means you people did a good job at first aid treatment. How rare to find people who can do that… hihi… Still, the wound here is not completely healed, so I’ll have to wrap a bandage on this wound again.”

As Bal Do began to clean my foot before wrapping it with a new green cloth, I noticed something I’ve seen before.

Me: “I’m sorry, but I want to ask. What exactly is that clear bottle over there?” I pointed at the bottle at the top of a chair.

Bal Do: “That is an albumen extract from Matoto fruit. It provides moisture and nutrients to the wound. Combined with bandage, they promote excellent healing potential, as the bandage prevents further scratch. Still, a wound at the foot is uncommon…”

That is oddly scientific.

Bal Do: “...Wait, do you always walk barefooted?”

Me: “Huh? Uh, yeah.”

In that instant, Bal Do releases shrieking screams to Regan.

Bal Do: “AARGH! I CAN’T BELIEVE IT, I’VE BEEN FOOLED! I THOUGHT YOU ARE THE GOOD PEOPLE, BUT TO THINK THIS POOR BALD PERSON HERE DID NOT WEAR ANY FOOTWEAR AT ALL. I TAKE BACK MY WORDS. YOU PEOPLE ARE THE WORST!!!”

Regan: “No, wait! We’re just about to get Baldy new shoes!”

Bal Do: “WHEN, HUH? YOU COULD’VE DONE THIS AT THE START, BUT YOU DON’T. ISN’T THAT RIGHT? JUST SAY THAT YOU DON’T HAVE ANY SHOES.”

Done with their scream, Bal Do walks to me and speaks in my left ear, seemingly mimicking a whisper.

Bal Do: “Listen, you should not trust these people. They lack manners and they never kept their words. All they do is just drink until drunk, and…”

Regan: “I can hear you… Ugh, fine. Here, wear my shoes.”

Bal Do: “No you don’t, you stupid rock. Let me get you something.”

Bal Do walk towards the cabinet and take something from the inside. Bal Do then puts the sandal near my foot, seemingly giving it to me.

It’s a brown sandal. It fits on my foot, and it looks rather shabby, with visible dark brown stains and some snagged fibers.

Me: “Is this for me?”

Bal Do: “Yes, this is for you.”

Me: “Thank you so much! By the way, it looks a little worn out. Is this sandal owned by someone else?”

Bal Do: “Yes, this sandal was used by Doc a long time ago. Well, since Doc hasn't returned for quite a while, might as well give it to you… hihi…”

Me: “Doc? Who is this person?”

Regan: “Doc is the real doctor in this clinic. Bal Do is their assistant. I heard Doc went on with The Wandering Compatriots as a follower.”

Wandering Compatriots? I think I heard about this a while ago.

Bal Do: “Doc has always been an adventurous person. Ever since Doc joined that group, Doc rarely goes back to the clinic. It makes me wonder if working in the clinic is a pain in the back… huhu…”

Me: “Is Wandering Compatriots a torchbearer group?”

Regan: “Well, yeah. They are quite famous around this sector.”

A doctor that travels deep in the darkness seeking to rescue people? That sounds like a noble job. I’d like to think that Doc is a nice person.

Me: “What does Doc look like?”

Bal Do: “Let’s see… Doc wears eyeglasses, has brown undercut hair, and has an iconic sleek moustache… hihi…”

Regan: “What’s this? You want to meet Doc?”

Me: “Yeah. Doc seems to be a good person, I think.”

Regan: “Well, I hate to say this, but usually torchbearers seldom meet with other torchbearers.”

Is this because of the Undeaths? I remember Jevannah said about the number of people affecting the Undeaths intensity.

Bal Do: “Don’t discourage this bald person here. Say, if you ever met Doc in the city, tell Doc to come back to the clinic, okay? This oldie here can’t stand being lonely for so long… huhu…”

Me: “Of course!”

Regan: “ *sigh* Anyway, we’re about to go, so I’ll take the usual, and some more extra bandages.”

Bal Do: “Oh ho, so diligent of you. Are you perhaps going on a big mission?”

Regan: “Well, yeah, something like that.”

Bal Do then packed a bunch of green clothes onto a thin looking brown bag before walking over to a chair, grabbing a bottle with clear liquid.

Bal Do: “This is on me.”

Regan: “Thanks, Bal Do. Well then, we’ll be going. I’ll see you again Bal Do.”

Me: “Thank you for taking care of me… and the sandal, Bal Do! I’ll make sure to thank Doc too when I meet them!”

I bowed to Bal Do before we left.

Bal Do: “Mmm, be careful on your way… hihi…”

Despite their creepy ‘hihi’, Bal Do is a really kind person.

We left the clinic together to walk onto the next destination. By the way, the sandals that I wore are way more comfortable than walking barefoot in the field. I feel like I don’t have to watch my step as often as usual.

My heart is jumping with happiness.

Regan: “You seem happy, huh Baldy? So happy that you do a skip walking?”

Of course I do!

Jevannah, Fervil, Bal Do… the people in this city are kind to me, and they took care of me. I have to thank them properly!

***

I did say people in this city are kind people. I can’t say the same for the person in front of me that stands behind the counter this time.

Not far from the clinic lies another maroonish brick building. It looks larger than Jevannah’s office, has a round shape, and behind this building lies a giant looking furnace with a chimney on top of it. The chimney doesn’t look to be producing smoke. According to Regan, this is a workshop where we can purchase various equipment.

On the inside, the room is dimly lit (again). There is a large round counter in the middle, and there are many stick looking tools resting on the wall. Most of them look dirty and broken. Behind that counter there’s a large closed dark door.

Is the maroon brick and dim lighting the norm of this place? None of these buildings have anything particular that makes eyes adore them.

But that’s not the main problem. The man in front of me wears a green cap and green cloth, has a tired look similar to Oskar, and has buck teeth sticking out.

Man with green caps: “Why do you guys come here? If you have nothing to do, just scram away!”

This is what the person says. Totally unwelcoming.

Regan: “Hey, I just want to buy some ammunition.”

Man with green caps: “Is that so…? It’s rare that you want to throw stuff.”

Regan: “If you have some time, can you repair my-”

Man with green caps: “No, no, no! No more damn repairs! You guys always break stuff by swinging those precious weapons like a clown juggling a bunch of clubs, but never give anything useful in return… And look what we have here. You!

That rude man points their finger at me.

Me: “Huh, yes?”

Man with green caps: “I haven’t seen anyone like you before. You! Who are you?”

Me: “My name is Ann-”

Man with green caps: “I said who are you, not your name, idiot! You! Which side are you from?”

Regan: “Ah, stop this! This baldy here is with me. The guy’s not part of any torchbearing groups.”

This man kept looking at me nastily, as if this person holds a grudge, even though this is my first time meeting with that person.

I whispered to Regan.

Me: “Who is this person? Their demeanor seems different from the others.”

Regan: “This person is Vol Trammaum. I know what you’re thinking, I too don’t like dealing with this guy.”

Vol Trammaum: “Hmph. Must be the new rescue, huh? I’m not like the others. If you think I’m going to give even one of these broken weapons to you, you are completely wrong!”

Vol’s demeanor is similar to Thorne…

Regan: “Look, man. We’re not here for baldy’s weapon… Here’s the pins. I want three bags.”

Regan pulls one of the pouches in their belt, then pours a bunch of small metal looking pins on the counter. This does not look like ordinary scraps. Each of these pins have their own designs. I saw many pin designs such as a man carved on a coin-like pin, three sticks inside a circle, a pin with flags, and many others. Most of them look worn out.

Vol Trammaum: “Hmm, fine. Here’s the bags.”

Me: “What is that pin? Do you buy those bags with that bunch of pins?”

Vol Trammaum: “You hit your head or what bald guy? This is THE army pin. You want my stuff? You gotta present those pins to me!”

Me: “Army pin?”

Regan: “ *sigh* I suppose I could explain to you a little now, rather than later.”

A long time ago, during the era of Discovery, the population formed an organization to fight against the Undeaths in the darkness. These organizations are basically a bunch of weaponized torchbearers, tasked to find the remaining firestones. Each of these torchbearers wore a distinct pin according to their beliefs.

But, as time went on, the population began to struggle with resources, and with the lack of discovery of new firestones, this organization soon crumbled to the dust.

The pins they left behind became a sensation among the collectors, particularly those who are involved in arms business, such as this workshop.

Me: “Where did the army go?”

Regan: “They got disbanded, as they seem unable to find any new firestones outside.”

Me: “But, there is still Undeaths outside here, right? Don’t the people need the protection?”

Vol Trammaum: “What nonsense! No Undeaths ever attacked a firestone, so there is no reason to get protection! I still don’t get why you guys go out there fighting the Undeaths. The name itself is UNDEATH! They can’t die!”

That makes sense. When we were fighting the Undeaths before, their presence and their behavior did not look like they were wary about death itself. I’m still not sure about the Undeaths actual death either, but it looks like I should keep this question for another time, as Vol began to shoosh us out.

Vol Trammaum: “You guys done with this nonsense blabbing? Now get out of here!”

We spent no time bidding farewell to Vol as we hurriedly went out of the workshop.

At least I learned something.

***

Regan: “We’re going for the last one.”

After we left the workshop to go to the next destination, I noticed that we passed two buildings on our right side.

The first building we passed is a small tower with a notice board in the front. From afar, I can see two posters with the face of a man.

Me: “That poster over there… What is that?”

Regan: “That is a campaign poster for you-know-who.”

Me: “Jevannah and Fervil?”

Regan: “I don’t like it when you say something that is already obvious…”

Right…

The second building we passed looks quite similar to the clinic from before, but the statue above it looked like an opened book. The door is closed shut unlike the others.

Me: “How about that building?”

Regan: “That one is an abandoned building. We’re not going there.”

Instead, we walked to the third building, just a few steps away from the bar. Rather than a proper building, it looked more like a dilapidated shack, made of an unknown brown material. In front of the building lies a counter with three items on display.

The item on the left looks to be a bottle filled with white powder.

The item on the center looks to be a bunch of bite sized sticks with amber color.

The item on the right looks to be… an empty bucket?

Behind that counter lies many shiny looking items which could be more worth displaying on the counter instead of this.

A woman stands behind the counter. Wearing eyeglasses, a shiny looking yellow dress, and having long wavy hair with black and white color, plus a smug face, the woman greets us.

Woman with wavy hair: “Welcome to Herith’s Shop!”

Regan: “What a coincidence that you sell a bucket here.”

Herith: “What do you mean a coincidence? I always sell this stuff! By the way, who is this bald person beside you, Regan?”

Me: “My name is Ann, nice to meet you.”

Herith: “Ahh, Ann huh? It doesn’t fit you quite nicely though. I prefer to call you baldy with a bald head. Hahaha!”

Regan’s face looked surprised as Herith correctly guessed my nickname.

I’m starting to hate my nickname…

Herith: “So, where did you come from? From a neighboring city, perhaps?”

Me: “I was rescued from a tomb.”

Herith: “Oh wow, is that true Regan?”

Regan simply nods.

Herith: “Wow, I’ve never seen a rescued person look this bright!”

I wish they could stop with this kind of pun…

Herith: “So, what are you going to do in this city? You have previous occupation or are you part or a group or…-”

Me: “I promised to Jevannah that I want to become a torchbearer, and I want to train with Regan.”

Herith: “Ahh, I see, I see. What a noble idea. You know, we could really use some more torchbearers here. Recently, I’m not getting enough goodies for my shop… *sigh* ”

Me: “Goodies? Like that stuff behind you? Is that for sale?”

I take a closer look at those shiny things. Many of them resemble a precious or an expensive stuff such as figures, jewelry, coins, and so on, but none of them are things that are useful for our lives.

Herith however, thinks otherwise.

Herith: “These goodies? This all is NOT FOR SALE! You may look at it, but these are all mine!”

Me: “So, what do you do to them, then?”

Herith: “I study these goodies. I admire these goodies. I can do whatever I want with these goodies, but not including trading them away. Absolutely not!”

It looks like I won’t get any ‘useful’ answer from Herith.

Regan: “I’m buying this bucket. How much is it?”

Herith: “Just bucket? It’ll cost you 5 certs.”

Regan then pulls out several white papers with yellow strips from their pouch.

Regan: “Ugh, you… Can’t believe a bucket costs that much.”

Herith: “Supply and demand.”

Regan: “Can’t I just pay with 4-”

Herith: “Nuh uh.”

Regan: “...Fine.”

I’m curious about that paper. They call it certs, right? So far there are two currencies in this city. Or perhaps there is more?

Me: “Excuse me, what is that paper thing?”

Herith: “This is a certificate, in short, a cert. Are you perhaps looking to make a profit here?”

Me: “Well, maybe?”

Herith: “Simply put, I will give you certs when you bring back goodies from outside of this city. The more goodies you bring, the more certs you’ll get. Then, you’ll spend those certs to buy things from me. I have to warn you though, you can’t spend it elsewhere other than here.”

What a shady business this woman is doing…

Herith: “That’s right, you said you want to become a torchbearer, right? I’ll give you bonus certs when you bring back goodies the next time you visit here. Sounds nice, right?”

Me: “Bonus certs? Wowwie!”

I never refuse free stuff.

Herith: “I like this guy, the baldy’s got an enthusiasm, perhaps I could get baldy to do-”

Regan: “Don’t push it.”

Done purchasing the bucket, Regan grabs my hand to leave this shack, seemingly in a hurry.

Regan: “We’re done here. Let’s go Baldy. I’ll see you again Herith.”

At the last moment, Herith shouts from behind.

Herith: “Hey Baldy, good luck with your training, okay? I’m rooting for you!”

…

Everyone’s (except Vol) is being nice to me, but I wish they don’t call me Baldy though.

***

We have explored every building in this city. There are no more new buildings to be visited here. There are still a whole bunch of buildings above the hill, but since they are not part of the city, there is no need to visit them.

We are now in front of the bar. Me and Regan, with a bucket on the ground, filled with bags from the workshop and a bunch of green clothes.

Regan: “This is where we train.”

Hmm?

A thought just crossed my mind. Why do I need to train again? Didn’t the only thing I need to do is to manifest an object?

Me: “Wait. If the only thing I need to be a torchbearer is to manifest an object, then I only need to use my mind, right?”

Regan looked at me with squinted eyes, as if my question disappoints Regan. He then sighs.

Regan: “...You’re right. All you have to do is to use your mind to manifest it. Of course, anyone can do it, even for a frail person like you.”

That’s right.

Regan: “...But, is that all you need to do?”

Me: “..Huh?”

Regan: “I want you to take a look at myself, and compare it to yours.”

Let’s see… Regan wore a thick cloth and pauldrons on both shoulders. Regan carries around a bunch of pouches and a thick blade. Meanwhile, I wore this cloth with holes, and a sandal, nothing more.

Regan is taller than me.

Regan has a larger body than me.

Regan has thicker arms than me.

Regan has bulkier legs than me.

In short, Regan is better compared to me.

…

Me: “I am inferior, compared to you.”

Regan: “Exactly. Do you think you can survive the darkness out there?”

That’s right. No matter how you look at it, a person like me tasked to scour the darkness outside the city is unthinkable.

I doubt I can wield a weapon.

I doubt I can run for long.

I doubt I can think on my feet.

I doubt I am brave enough to face the Undeaths.

I doubt myself.

…

Regan: “You saw it, right? The people you’ve met earlier, they were excited when they met you, right? Why do you think they do that?”

Me: “Because I am… bright?”

Regan: “No. Even better, they put their hopes on you. A man found in the ditch of darkness, to have the man survive until now is a miracle impossible to recreate! And now, they lent you a hand.”

That’s right.

Jevannah gave me this cloth here.

Regan, Oskar, and Thorne protected me from danger.

Fervil gave me a free drink.

Bal Do gave me this sandal and tied a bandage onto my foot.

Vol gave us these bags.

And Herith gave us this bucket right here.

Everyone’s helping me! I must do something in return!

Regan: “I ask you. What do you do when people help you?”

I express my gratitude? No. I have to do better than that!

Me: “I thank them, and I return their favor.”

Regan: “Exactly. Everyone wants to support you, because you are their hope! A torchbearer does not just simply light up the way, they must carry the weight of people’s hope on their back! A mind alone would not be enough. To carry people’s hope, you must be strong, and I will help you with that!”

Regan then pulls their rectangular blade, and sticks its blade to the ground with great force, before shouting aloud.

Regan: “I am Regan! I, with the best of my abilities, shall hone thy body, and thy soul, to become the bringer of light in the pit of darkness!”

Regan: “My disciple, thou has received my blessing. To accept my blessing, reply this word aloud, ‘Yes, Sir!’ “

The people that supported me believed in the light. Torchbearers are the hope for the people. I must not forsake them!

Me: “YES, SIR!”

My training has begun.