I am working for the bastion sect, well not “working”, I am a slave. When I was born the blight was so weak it barely affected my body, and the changes it did make were all negative. I was born with a weak immune system, frail bon weak organs, and blisters all over my body. In this world the strong enslave the weak, and the weak do nothing but obey, the only way to avoid death for people like me is to live trapped in their chains.

  I just so happen to be enslaved to a poor, slum sect that controls bastion city, which is by no means a great place to live. Corruption runs free in these sandy streets, the closest you’ll get to a proper house here is the young master's ‘palace’.

  The bastion sect is under the control of the young master, and not known to many is controlled by another master of a 3rd grade sect. Here the civilians are either given small metal shacks, or if you're a slave, you use the alleys as a home and the sand as a blanket.

  I'm so sick of this. I just wish for once in my life, just once, I could know what it’s like to be free. That's just wishful thinking, I always think about these kinds of things walking these lonely streets.

  In this world, everything is decided by birth. The amount of blight you possess, your adaptability to the blight, your body's reaction to the blight, the list goes on and on. I am one of the unfortunate ones.

  born to slave away until I pass away with no accomplishments ever made. It's been like this ever since I was a kid. Slaving away for the master of the bastion sect.

  “Ah, is that you Morrow?”

  “Oh Al! It's been quite a while, how are you fairing?”

  Al’s beard was turning white from old age, he seems to be getting shorter as he slouches more, he still wears those same old dirty rags, not being able to wash them without water.

  We've known each other ever since we were in our twenties. I remember we used to sit and talk about our lives while I was waiting for my orders, such a memorable time.

  “It could certainly be better, but selling these fruits on this quiet street brings me peace. Maybe the young master will let me take over a shop.. I am getting old after all”

  “Haha maybe so”

  “On the contrary, you’ve been looking terrible lately. Frail looking body, you’ve gone completely pale, and you’ve stopped taking care of your hair, it’s down to your shoulders now.”

  “well…”

  “Speaking of which, are you going to do it?”

  “Do what?”

  “Run away”

  “Why would I do such a thing?”

  “Youve always wanted a taste of freedom, this is your chance… besides you and I both know you don't have much time left”

  “...Think about it Morrow, the sect barely pays attention to you. You no longer serve a purpose to them, they won't even notice you missing.”

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  Does he take me for a fool? This must be the young masters ploy to torture me in my final moments, acting on such a ludicrous idea is ensuring my death.

  “At least in your final moments you can feel the freedom you've wanted for so long.”

  “Al, moments of peace don't exist for people like me. You know this, why would you even bring up such a thing around me? My future has always been in the hands of others, my old age won't change anything.”

  “Just think about Morrow, think about it with only your desires in mind and no one else's."

  Although Al's idea was ludicrous and impossible to accomplish, it wasn't these factors that discouraged me from trying. It was the thought of disobeying the sect. A thought that could end my life if anyone ever discovered it. But in my final days my fate is not important, I have no future and my existence will be lost in the river of time.

  But maybe, just maybe, for once in my life, I could make something out of my cursed life. Is this it?

  In my final moments, will I be content?

  Surely not, but maybe I can find peace, a sense of freedom, at the end of the long road of suffering. A light at the end of the long arduous tunnel.

  Maybe it's not the freedom I'm hoping for, but a peaceful end, away from my problems, and with no one but myself. No, that's too idealistic. But that sparks the question,

  What exactly is the freedom I'm looking for? Is it to die peacefully surrounded by empty space? That's not what I’ve wanted. My freedom is defying and escaping the system that has held me down my entire life, my freedom is defying the world, starting with the unbearably despicable young master that has bound me by chains of oppression. I will break out of this cycle, for even a day, an hour, a minute, for even a single second, all I want is to finally feel like I am… me.

  “Look at me, acting like a teenager again… Al, I-I think I need to go-”

  “I hope you’ll make the right choice, Morrow.”

  Even though Al’s expression was that of sadness, I could tell he knew what I was going to do, and so I could see the smile hidden under his sorrow. Al was my only true friend.

  Now there are 3 gates in bastion city, the north, south, and west gates. The north is off limits, there are huge cities that way, and the travel time… I would die before I’d reach any sign of life. The west gate leads to the 3rd grade sect controlling this one. It could work since they don't know me, but the guards are well trained over there. Then there's the south gate, which leads to the spirit grounds, only accessible by 3rd grade clans.

  There are sects and then there are clans. Sects are small, or large families that take in people that benefit them or have similar powers to the master. Clans are families of sects that relate to one powerful unique ability.

  Wait, isn't there a forest to the east?

  I think if I can manipulate the guards at the south gate, and then cross over to the east side where the forest is, I might finally have a chance at freedom.

  “What are you doing here Morrow?”

  “The young master had appointed me a mission outside the perimeter of the forest.”

  “Why the hell would the young master ever give such a mission to a dying old man”

  Good point

  “Are you questioning the lord's orders? If you don't let me through, I'll get you killed for meddling in the lord's plans.”

  “....Fine but can you at least tell me what he told you to do?”

  “... Herb gathering”

  “I suppose that checks out, alright lets get this thing open”

  As I watch only 2 guards push open the massive gate, I can't help but feel envious. If I was born with strength like this, maybe I wouldn't have to run into a forest to die just to enjoy the slightest bit of freedom.

  “Your all set to leave”

  I nod to the guards as I step outside the gate, one final time… but my fate does not end here.