Moving Forward too Fast

Damn it all! I didn't think cleaning streets would be this tiring. It's even harder than mopping the disgusting floors of the bathrooms at that crummy old gas station! At least I get paid better... maybe.

Brak gives a deep sigh while he sweeps some leaves, dirt, and other grime off the stony streets. He's been at this for a few hours now, and the streets only get messier by the minute. Wind blows in more leaves, people throw their trash out, and the air reeks of the sewage coming from below. 

"I wouldn't even wish this on my worst manager..."

Brak then sighs and finishes his section of the street. As he walks to the guild, a stray carriage suddenly runs by and runs over a grate with overflowing sewage water, dousing Brak in it.

"Not the worst I've been hit with... I wish the best for whoever has to clean this up!"

Before his contractor can seem Brak quickly returns the broom and the other cleaning supplies to the guild. 

The receptionist, Elizabeth, notices him. When Brak approaches, her usual smile falters before she forces it back.

"Welcome back, Mister Brak. Did the... job go well?"

You can just say I reek! I can tell from the watering eyes of the people trying to avoid me.

Brak sighs and looks back to Elizabeth. 

"Yeah, it went about as well as you can guess. A runaway carriage spilled dirty water on me..."

Elizabeth turns around and takes a deep breath before turning back to face Brak. She digs into the desk and pulls out a small sack of coins and slides it over to Brak.

"Your payment for today. Expect to be called again in the next few days. For some reason, the city's underground channels have been overflowing. We're not sure if it's a blockage or something else. Either way, a team will be going down soon."

Elizabeth then gets an idea. She quickly rushes to the back, takes another deep breath, and returns to the desk, holding some coupons. 

"Here! It's coupons for the local bathhouse located in the upper district. But, commoners from the city's lower district aren't allowed to enter because the bathhouse is typically reserved for more wealthy folk..."

Brak sighs, knowing Elizabeth isnt wrong. This world is just harsh to the poor. 

In the game, one of the main reasons for the civil war is the harsh caste system this world created. Commoners who are dirt-poor get treated the worst. Commoners with some money can live a decent life, but still get taxed to hell and back. Even the wealthy aren't safe if they can't produce a gifted Angelic Blade wielder.

"Any actual clue on how I can get in? I'm not exactly... wealthy. I also saw your face. You don't have to hide your feelings. I know I reek of dead goblin ass that's been added to a diabolical witch's brew."

Elizabeth then breaks. She covers her nose with both her hands.

"Sorry... I just can't with the smell. How are you able to remain sane?!"

Brak then sighs and places both hands in his pockets. He begins to cry fake tears.

"It's a long story..."

Elizabeth puts on a face mask and steps out beside Brak. She puts up a small sigh over her desk, signaling that it's closed. 

"I'll accompany you to the bathhouse. Might not look it, but I'm a part of a noble household! Or well... used to be, I was supposed to enroll in the Academy, but I couldn't manifest a good enough Angelic Blade. All I have is a small knife with no element."

Brak gets a little jealous.

At least she has a stable life.

"You sure you want to come with me? I am... a lower-class commoner."

Elizabeth smiles again, this time a genuine one that isnt her usual guild smile. She brushes aside her brown hair and looks at Brak with her emerald green eyes.

"It's because I like helping people. I grew up privileged, but the moment my family realized that I wasn't worth it, I was kicked out. My pain... it's nothing compared to what others go through, so I don't complain or make it others' problems. It just wasn't meant to be. I'm a receptionist because I want to be there for anyone who needs me. Like, I want to help you."

Brak's heart suddenly skips a beat. 

What's this feeling? I know she's doing it because it's her job to be friendly. No, I can't think like that. I never really felt what genuine kindness is like that isnt from my mother. My mother...

Brak thinks of his mother. Not of his mother from Earth, but his mother in this world. Melinda. Her frail condition, the sacrifices she made, and her unconditional love.

When I get back, I need to find a way to show my love. Not just with money...

Elizabeth then boops Brak on the nose.

"You alright? You spaced out a little bit-"

Brak's eyes widen as his face turns blood red.

"Huh- Oh! I was just... uh... lost in thought! Should we get to the bathhouse? That is... if you're still willing to take me."

Elizabeth smiles and offers Brak her hand. 

"Let's go!"

* * *

Brak and Elizabeth reach the bathhouse. It's a massive building with flowing fountains and a lingering sweet smell. However, it's not at all crowded as Brak thought it would be.

I thought the bathhouse would be more... popular. I wouldn't even be able to afford a single hour here back in my old life!

Brak looks over to Elizabeth, who is just as puzzled as he is. 

"This is strange... Usually, it's more crowded. Hmm... I wonder if the owner knows why."

Elizabeth walks in, leaving Brak alone. 

Something then catches Brak's attention.

Hmm? Wait... thats the carriage that doused me in goblin piss! Hold on a second... what's that crest? A mark of light with many wings over it... Is it the Helios noble family? I remember one of them being a direct rival to the hero, with their Angelic Blades having the heat element.

Elizabeth then calls out.

"Brak! Are you coming?"

Brak then stammers and quickly replies.

"Coming!"

Making his way inside, Brak is perplexed by the architecture of the bathhouse. Statues, floating fountains, and even waterfalls in the walls. 

In the game, this area was just a resting spot. We never got much detail on its inside. This place is grand! Just looking at it makes me feel like I've accumulated generational debt. 

Brak then stands beside Elizabeth, who is at the main desk. Elizabeth then asks a question of the owner.

"It's unusually empty today... Something up?"

The owner, an old man, responds.

"Hmm? Ah... Everyone is avoiding this place because it's right under the sewers. Something's going on down there, so the local lords decided to hire one of the Helios nobles to handle it."

Brak connects the dots.

So, thats why the sewers are overflowing. Huh... guess it's for that. I don't recall an event like this happening in the game. Best to avoid it because I don't want to end up in a dead end.

Brak and Elizabeth then enter the bath and go their separate ways. 

Brak sits alone in a massive pool, soaking in the water. He looks up at the ceiling while blowing bubbles from his mouth.

It's actually relaxing. I need to think about how I'll go through things. I can trust Elizabeth... She's genuine. I should buy Mom a gift when I return home.

After about 15 minutes of soaking in the water, Brak emerges. He looks at the scar on his left arm, which he never noticed until now. 

"Huh... when did I get that? My memories are still hazy after arriving here... I'll ask Mom about it."

Brak gets dressed and walks into the main lobby where Elizabeth is waiting.

"Did I keep you waiting long?"

Elizabeth looks back and smiles.

"No! Just got out myself. You look way better and happier. Did that release some stress?"

Brak smiles briefly with a small blush.

"Yeah! I needed this soak. To think I ended up in such a disastrous look after my first day of work. Heh... sorry about all this."

Elizabeth walks over and gently places her hand against Brak's smooth brown hair. She runs her hand through its white streaks.

"It's alright. I'm always here to help if you need me!"

The two then leave the bathhouse and go their separate ways. 

Walking down the street, Brak uses his first pay to buy some cookies for his mom.

I wonder if she'll like these...

Brak arrives home and looks up at the apartment building. 

I kind of forgot that home isn't very welcoming. Well, I'm a little happier with my situation.

Brak walks inside and sees his mother sitting down at the only table in the room. She's holding an old piece of paper with a small box beside her. 

"Mom? Is something wrong? You're looking sicker than normal-"

Melinda looks up and forces a smile.

"You're home... Welcome... ba-"

She then collapses onto the ground with a resounding thud. 

Brak rushes over and immediately lifts and carries her onto the couch. 

"Mom? Are you alright?!"

Melinda raises her hand to touch Brak's face. Her eyes are full of sadness. 

"Brak... I'm sorry... I hid this... from you. I am... not sure how..."

Melinda coughs up blood before finishing her speech. 

"I'm not sure... how long I have left... You see, I am... dying."

Brak stays silent. He knows the truth, but refuses to believe its reality. 

Why...

Brak takes her hand and holds it closely to his chest.

"... I'm aware, but I kept silent... I didn't want to worry you..."

Melinda then looks towards a box. 

"Your father made that... for whenever you became an adventurer... It's yours. As a gift... take it."

Brak places Melinda's hand beside her and takes the box. Inside is an axe made from a black material.

An obsidian axe? Wait, this isnt important. I need to make sure mother is alright! I've been playing it off, but I can see her suffering... I want to-

By the time Brak turns back to face his mother, she's gone lifeless. Her blue eyes are now empty, like a moonless night sky. There's one detail, though, that Brak notices. She is smiling and holding the same piece of paper. The picture of Brak's dad, Goldbas. 

A note is beside the axe. 

"Heh... guess I'm addressing this to the son I'll never get to see. I used to be an adventurer named Goldbas the Giant Axe. I met your mother during an expedition, and we just fell in love from there. We got together and had... you. However, my life was cut short because of an illness I contracted during a quest. Using my old axe, I made this for you whenever you begin to leave home and go on your own adventures. I made it with all the love I could muster. I hope you accept it and do what your heart guides you to do. I love you, my dear son, Brak."

Brak is taken aback by the letter. He looks over at his mom's body and then back at the axe. He remains silent before falling to his knees.

"No... why is everything progressing so fast? This... this is real... It's not a game... IT'S NOT A GAME!"

Brak punches the floor. He's only been in this world for only five days and barely knows anyone, but at the same time, he knows them.

I know them... I feel like I do. Mom... I love her. These memories... they're Brak's. I only took over his body. I only knew them for five days, but Brak knew them his entire life. Is Brak still in... me? Am I Brak now? I feel his pain... my pain? It's all just progressing so fast; I never got a chance to actually grasp reality. Another part knew that it was coming, but I was so focused on progression that I neglected Brak's life... I'm sorry.

Brak then stands up and places a blanket over his mother's body. 

"I promise... I won't end up dying and wasting the life I, we... Brak was given."