Corin began his day by navigating the narrow alleyways of Ash Alley to reach the market. Many local merchants and even smaller mafia families knew and used him for his speed and adaptability. Corin delivered goods and news between various parties in the slums and occasionally in the underworld. He was known for his reliability and discretion. The jobs paid well and were the reason he had a roof over his head in the first place.
When he reached the marketplace, he saw a group of people gathered around a stall, engaged in a hefty discussion.
A tall, thin man with sharp features stood in the middle of the market, facing a group of men.
"You owe me money, I want it back."
The men laughed mockingly.
"You think we owe you anything? We don't owe you a damn thing."
The man smiled coldly.
"I think you know exactly what I'm talking about. You borrowed from me to cover your gambling debts. Now it's time to pay up."
The men grew aggressive, their voices rising in threats.
"We're not paying you anything! You can't threaten us."
The man's smile widened slightly as he raised his hands.
"I'm not threatening you. I'm simply stating the facts. You have a choice: pay me back, or..."
One of the men lunged at him, but the stranger was quicker. He ducked under the blow and delivered a sharp kick to the attacker's stomach. The man crumpled to the ground. Another attacker swung at him, but the stranger dodged—his head twisting unnaturally, almost 180 degrees—to avoid the strike. With a swift, forceful kick, he sent the second attacker flying. He turned to face the remaining men, his cold, sinister gaze freezing them in place.
"I think you underestimated me."
The men hesitated, shock evident on their faces, before slowly retreating. The stranger straightened and watched them go.
"I think we understand each other. You'll pay me back... or else."
The men nodded hastily and backed away, avoiding his gaze.
'Huh, that must have been a Path Bearer,' Corin thought as he observed the scene. 'People like that are rare in the slums. They're like legends—stories you hear about but never see.'
Corin thought of the tales he had heard about the Path Bearers. They were said to possess the ability to read the constellations, gaining supernatural powers from them. They were incredibly rare, and their abilities allowed them to manipulate their surroundings in ways ordinary people could not.
'One of the few ways out of the slums,' Corin mused. If you have the ability to read the constellations, many doors open for you. You can leave this place and start a new life. Some mafia families and gangs constantly sought new members to strengthen their hold over the city.
But Corin also knew that the Path Bearers were monopolized by the nobility and high society. They are the ones who control the knowledge of the constellations and train the Path Bearers. They hold all the power.
Not that it had anything to do with him. He was a nobody. Someone like him would never have a realistic chance of entering that world.
Corin shook his head and walked on. He knew there was little he could do to change things, but at least he could dream. However, even dreaming had become difficult lately.
'Just don't think about it.'
Corin continued walking through the marketplace toward one of the many crowded pubs. As soon as he stepped inside, the thick smell of tobacco hit him in the face.
The air was heavy with smoke, and the scent of alcohol clung to everything. The noise of conversation and the clinking of glasses filled the room as people sat at their stools, enjoying their drinks.
As Corin entered, his eyes immediately fell on the bartender, a burly man with a bushy beard and a stained apron standing behind the bar. The bartender gave Corin a scrutinizing look before greeting him in a deep voice.
"Hey, Corin. What can I do for you, kid?"
Corin simply nodded to the side without a word, but the bartender seemed to understand.
The man frowned.
"You looking for the boss?"
He leaned forward, his voice lowering as his eyes flicked around the room, checking for eavesdroppers. Corin gave a small nod, that was all the confirmation he needed.
The bartender led Corin through an old back door into a dark hallway. They walked a few steps until they reached a simple wooden door. The bartender knocked twice, and a deep voice called out.
"Come in!"
The bartender opened the door, allowing Corin to enter. Inside sat a man he knew well, Ezekiel. He was seated at a plain wooden table, a cigar smoldering between his fingers. As Corin approached, their eyes met, a sense of familiarity passing between them.
This man was the reason Corin wasn't living on the streets. Ezekiel had helped him more times than he could count, first with temporary shelter, then with various jobs, and now with his current living situation.
"Ah, Corin,"
Ezekiel stood up and extended his hand.
"Good to see you again."
Corin shook his hand.
"Ezekiel. Still smoking?"
Ezekiel smirked and gestured to a chair.
"You know how it is. If it weren't for this crap, I would've put a bullet in my head long ago. Sit down, sit down. I can guess why you're here."
Corin sat and got straight to the point.
"I'm here for the job. The one you mentioned."
Ezekiel nodded, taking a slow drag from his cigar before exhaling.
"Yes, the assignment. Good thing you came, there were some last-minute changes. It's happening tomorrow. You'll pick up the goods in the morning."
Corin frowned.
"Tomorrow? That's sudden. What's going on?"
Ezekiel leaned back, his expression serious.
"It's an important job, Corin. The mafia families are involved. We have to be careful."
Corin nodded, his mind already racing. A job involving the mafia families was always risky. But he trusted Ezekiel.
"I understand. What are the goods, and where do I have to deliver them?"
Ezekiel hesitated before answering.
"The goods are... sensitive. I don't know much myself, but I'll give you all the details tomorrow when you pick up the drop. But I can tell you this—it's high stakes, with a lot of risk. The Morano family is involved. You know how they operate. If anything goes wrong, they won't hesitate to use force, and they're already on bad terms with some of the bigger families on the Council."
Corin nodded, meeting Ezekiel's gaze. He understood what was at stake.
"I can handle it."
Ezekiel studied him for a moment, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"I must say, I never thought you'd amount to anything here in the slums."
Corin stood, walking toward the door.
"You know better than anyone,I have nothing to lose."
"Be on time."
"See you tomorrow, then."