Cleansing Old Wounds

I woke with a groan, the scent of roasted nuts and spiced wine clinging to the air. The room, shared with Reval and Poh, was a testament to the city's bustling nature. I stretched, rubbing sleep from my eyes. Enuma is always awake, as a dead spirit, was hovering over me. 

I have grown accustomed to his nasty look but today felt weirder than usual. Probably because of the others in the room. 

Enuma greeted me, "Morning, boy," Enuma said, his voice low and resonant. "Ready to take on Mokomo?"

"Eh?! What's the task?" I asked, while yawning. "I mean, what's the point of us being here? If people are corrupt and causing problems. Why not just go take those people down?" 

The Allied Task Force’s mission remained a hazy concept, shrouded in the complexities of a greater conflict. The city’s purpose felt just as mysterious.

Enuma looked up, a faint smile playing on his lips. "This is precisely the first thing you must learn. To understand why you fight. To find the reason behind the fight. Why are you part of this Task Force? What are you hoping to achieve?"

I frowned. "I… I don't know." The question hung heavy in the air. The task force, the mission... it all felt like a distant rumble, a conflict that didn't directly affect me. My loyalty to the cause was strong, but the motivation behind it felt like a distant star.

"Then, my disciple, begin by finding that reason, that cause. Start by understanding your own motivations. You must learn to use your brain for a change," Enuma said, his voice firm but gentle. "Search for the answers within yourself and the city. And begin with the layout of the city."

I was still processing Enuma's words, and I greeted Reval and Poh this morning. I expressed the desire to tour the city. Which Reval volunteered to show me around. I followed Reval through the city's winding streets. Reval, with his academy knowledge of Mokomo, pointed out landmarks. "The city keep, the watermill, the barracks, the blacksmith."

As we explored, I was struck by the beauty of the city's layout. The orderly streets, the carefully placed buildings, the harmonious integration of different structures. It was a masterpiece of urban design. The layout spoke volumes about the city's history, its values, and the people who had shaped it.

They visited the city keep, a massive structure that dominated the skyline. The watermill, its intricate gears grinding rhythmically, whispered tales of industry. The barracks, with their rows of sturdy stone walls, exuded a sense of strength and discipline. The blacksmith's forge, a cauldron of sparks and heat, hinted at the city's resilience and craftsmanship. The town hall, the church, and the orphanage revealed the city's social fabric. Each place offered a glimpse into Mokomo's soul. 

Enuma reading my thoughts and confirmed my analytical eye, spoke softly. “Impressive design, but the cleanliness… it’s a sign of deeper issues. Look beyond the surface. Where does the city’s money go? Who is responsible for the laborers, the cleaners?”

I frowned, considering. “You mean, if the city looks dirty, maybe the laborers aren’t getting paid properly, or maybe the funds aren’t reaching them?”

"Exactly,” Enuma said. “Follow the money. Find out where the funds meant for city upkeep are going. That will tell you a lot about what’s really happening beneath the surface.”

I looked at Reval, who had been silent but attentive. “Reval, can you find out who controls the city’s finances? Who allocates the funds for the laborers and city maintenance?”

Reval blinked, a little surprised but nodded. “Sure, I can do that. I know a few people at the guild who handle the city’s accounts. Let's go there.”

Reval led Terran through winding streets, which then he found a quiet moment with me and spoke up about the past. Reval hesitated for a moment, then finally spoke, his voice tinged with a mixture of frustration and resolve.

“Terran,” he began, eyes fixed on the distant skyline, “I’ve been meaning to say something about that duel back at the graduation match.”

I looked at him curiously, sensing the seriousness in Reval’s tone. “Go on.”

Reval’s fists clenched slightly. “I was furious during that fight. Not just because I lost, but because I couldn’t accept it. I refused to allow myself to believe that you were better than me. Despite your father stopping us. I kept telling myself I could beat you if I just trained harder, pushed myself more. I had to face the truth. I lost. I couldn’t win against you that day.”

He looked down, voice trembling slightly. “Honestly, I felt helpless. That feeling, knowing I was no match for you. It made me so angry. It clouded my mind, and I lost focus in that fight. I was so mad at myself, I didn’t even realize how much I needed to improve. And then… when the news came that you defeated the Dark Valkyrie, I finally understood something. I realized I was nothing—compared to your strength."

I was cautious but replied, "I was very impressed with your strength back then. Your swordsmanship was amazing. I can never hope to reach that level with the sword. I chose a different path that suited myself." Then was fierce glaze in my eye, I looked directly into the eyes of Reval and said, "Grow stronger and challenge me again. I will be waiting."  

Eventually arriving at the local guild hall. The large, sturdy building with a sign swinging in the breeze. Inside, the air was filled with the scent of ink, parchment, and many recognizable faces from the task force. Reval approached a clerk, asking discreetly about the city’s budget and who oversees the laborers’ wages.

While Reval was away, Sadie unexpectedly found them at the guild hall. She approached with her usual confident stride, arms crossed. “What are you two up to?” she asked, eyeing the pair curiously.

Terran explained briefly about the city’s cleanliness issues and his suspicion that the funds for city upkeep weren’t being properly allocated. “If we can find out who controls the money, maybe we can figure out why the city’s so neglected. It might even point to corruption or neglect at higher levels.”

Sadie nodded thoughtfully. “That’s a good idea.” She paused, then smiled. “Actually, I have an idea. Why don’t I talk to some of the officials here? I might be able to get access to the city’s financial records or at least find out who’s responsible. Then, we can figure out if there’s corruption or just mismanagement.”

Terran looked at her, grateful. “That’s perfect. Thanks, Sadie.”

Reval returned moments later with a few documents in hand, confirming what they’d suspected. The city’s funds were being diverted—disappearing into pockets of officials and contractors, rather than going toward cleaning and maintenance. The city was suffering because of greed and corruption at the top. People that were formerly connected to the now dead Minister Shihtzu.

As they discussed their next steps, Terran felt a renewed sense of purpose. If they could expose this corruption, it would improve Mokomo and maybe, just maybe, help address the underlying issues that had made the city so filthy and neglected. It was a small but vital step toward uncovering the deeper problems lurking beneath the city’s impressive veneer.