Cursed Odyssey

Blue crystals stretched across the cavern floor like fallen stars scattered on purple stone. The mining pit sprawled the size of several farmlands, its open ceiling a distant pinprick of light far above. Despite that narrow window to the surface, sunlight barely reached these depths.

Joseph's earthly eyes had never imagined such a place existed.

Armed with pickaxe and wheelbarrow, inmates dispersed like ants across the glittering expanse. These crystals—arcane crystals—harbored the world's currency and power source, according to Samsara's brief explanation. Magic, in other words. The world's lifeblood made manifest.

Joseph hooked his pickaxe through his rope belt and began walking.

The first crystal he approached caught his attention for more than its value.

Is that me?

Crouching down, he found the surface so clear it became a perfect mirror. Smooth, almost pale skin looked back at him. Crimson eyes, deep-set with minimal upper eyelid exposure. Thick eyebrows a shade of darker grey. Medium-length ashen hair framed a jaw of respectable strength for someone his age. Hollow cheeks spoke of recent hunger, but defined bone structure showed good genetics beneath. His nose was medium-sized and straight, perhaps slightly scooped.

Not bad, for all the bad things I started with, at least I'm not recessed… He saw the potential, but it would be up to him to reach it.

Humans were souls trapped in flesh suits. Looks shouldn't matter, and they didn't to Joseph on a conscious level. But biology spoke otherwise. Even subconsciously, people trusted attractive faces more, offered them greater opportunities, and even found them funnier.

Fix your personality! Get a haircut! They say… it was all mostly cope for the losers of the genetic lottery. Such was the harshness of life.

Beauty was nothing more than health indicators dressed up as aesthetics. But it was up to the individual to maximize what life had offered them, in all aspects. To become the best. To dwell on something that can not be changed is a loser's mentality.

He pressed his tongue harder against his palate and stood.

At first, he stayed close to his cellmates, following silently until they split into groups or struck out alone.

Interesting... I suspected as much. He paused behind them, quietly observing. His eyes narrowed, catching near-invisible flickers. Odd movements indeed... but these shadows can't escape my gaze.

After whispering a few words to Samsara, who walked ahead, he fell into step beside Skylar—the only person who'd shown him kindness.

"Sorry... This is my first time here." Embarrassment colored his voice.

Her face lit up like sunrise breaking over mountains. "No no no! It's okay! My first time I was more confused than you and I wish I had someone to help! I know a reaaalllyyy good spot so follow me!"

Of all his cellmates, only Samsara and Rayah seemed to know his 'true nature'—they'd met before entering this prison, Rayah far more than Samsara. The others were simply his cellmates, people of importance they'd grouped together to monitor. He'd been in this prison only three days, all spent unconscious until awakening in this new world. He seemed to be the sole outlier in the cell, only here because he was Rayah's slave.

As far as he knew, the other prisoners only knew his actions since awakening, plus whatever Rayah had told them during his slumber. Though there seemed to be more to Skylar compared to the rest—he was certain they shared some history.

Still, she seemed to know nothing about this "degenerate Zephyr" Samsara was so adamant about, so there was no use pretending to be such. After how he'd carried himself yesterday, that was now impractical anyway.

The mystery of his body's past still eluded him, yet that was far from his top priority.

As they walked, Joseph's awareness prickled. His honed senses screamed warnings. Finally, he saw it, then pretended he never had.

With a glance, Joseph determined this hole had once reached open sky. Through years of mining, they'd reached these depths and built prison cells for inmates to continue their labor.

Despite the large area, prisoners clustered together. The few stationed guards spread their attention thin, and even then seemed disinterested. He watched one guard sitting on a rock eating breakfast, taking only occasional glances up.

Many prisoners lounged about, chatting idly or playing games. No concern for discipline, yet guards couldn't have cared less.

As they walked, Skylar began slowing, her hands going instinctively to her head. Eventually, she tugged at Joseph's shirt, trying to keep balance.

Joseph couldn't help but smile.

They finally reached the outer edges where the sky hole disappeared under low-hanging dripstones.

"How about we go over there? Seems like a good spot." Joseph pointed toward an area that seemed generic, but somehow caught his eye.

"Sounds good!" Skylar cheered.

They reached their spot, and he continued observing while mining. The more he watched, the more he began deciphering Samsara's words.

Oddly, most prisoners appeared around his age. Why such a massive facility housed only children was a disturbing mystery that pricked at his subconscious. Around most prisoners' legs glowed metal anklets. From what he'd been told, they siphoned arcane energy from the wearer, rendering their magic—arcane arts—ultimately useless.

To them, the crystals were no better than rocks.

The only ones without anklets were those who had no arcane energy to drain—unable to use magic at all. Joseph was one of them.

Each prisoner was to fill a wheelbarrow with arcane crystals—the daily quota. Once done, they could return to their cells. Of course, Joseph knew this would undoubtedly come with trouble.

"Wow, Zephyr! You're almost done!" Stars danced in Skylar's eyes.

"Yeah, I just want this over with. I heard we get food back at the cell."

"Yep yep! But fair warning—the food is absolutely disgusting. They seriously need to fire whoever they've got stirring the slop."

Awfully chatty for someone who was practically mute yesterday, Joseph noted before speaking.

"Well, I haven't eaten in three days, so I'm sure I'd eat anything."

Withholding his Ki powers for another purpose, he mined as fast as possible to gauge himself against other prisoners.

While mining at full speed, Joseph's awareness split like a stream around stones. Guard rotations. Blind spots. Optimal mining zones. Even entire conversations nearby—all quietly recorded. Every detail flowed into his consciousness and settled like sediment.

All conditions met. No witnesses. Joseph drew a deep breath, lifting his gaze for the first time in ages.

Hours passed. Joseph's wheelbarrow neared capacity. Despite his frail appearance, this body possessed excellent stamina—clearly accustomed to hard labor. It wasn't much of a blessing, but after receiving nothing of note, Joseph found it more than welcome.

Most had already finished, and guards left with them, leaving very few behind. Skylar, still at his side, had almost filled her barrow. She was only slightly behind him, despite clearly not giving it her all.

"Hey, Skylar, can I ask what relationship you have with Mistress Rayah?"

"That bitch?"

Like a 180-degree turn, her tone completely changed. His eyes nearly bulged—he hadn't known the word 'bitch' was even in her vocabulary.

"Did... something happen between you two while I was asleep?"

"Aghhh don't even get me started! Anyways, why even mention her?"

Joseph had no idea she harbored such hatred toward Rayah, yet he continued unfazed.

"It's just that I wanted to know your relationship with my own master, and I was gonna ask you for advice. You see, she's been avoiding me all day and—"

"So what if she is!? That's a blessing! Isn't she—"

"HEY! YOU TWO!" A bellowing voice cut through their conversation. "Give me your crystals and nobody gets hurt! Promise!"

A blonde figure approached—larger and older than most others, a smirk playing across his lips as he closed the distance.

There... Joseph calmly acknowledged.

"Z—Zephyr..." Skylar's voice seemed to curl backward with her step.

She stumbled behind Joseph unconsciously. He stretched his arm protectively before her.

"Who are yo—"

"None of your business. Talk or I attack." The boy cut him off, wearing cruelty like a favorite coat.

"First, I want you to promise her safety! You only need one barrow right!? Just take mine and let her go!" Joseph declared.

"Aww, what a cute little couple!" The boy's laugh scraped like fingernails on stone. "I already promised no one gets hurt if you just hand over the goods. What's with that look? Don't you trust me?"

"Like hell I do!" Joseph's words came firm. "I need to confirm her safety first! Once she's gone, I'll give you what you want! I can tell you're in a rush, so don't make this harder than it has to—"

"Sure, I'll let her go." The boy shrugged casually. "You're right, I am a bit tired, and I'd really not like you two resisting. If letting her go will solve that then whatever. Besides, I'd really rather not have to beat up a girl... Only problem is if she goes ratting off to a guard..."

"I promise you she won't!" Joseph declared.

"Z-Zephyr... what are you saying? Just give him the stones and let's both leave! You're a dreg... you can't—" Skylar crumpled to her knees, tears carving silver down her rose-pale cheeks.

"Don't worry... Your safety is my top priority." He smiled.

"But—"

"No buts. This is the least I could do... You're the first person who's ever been so nice to me... Even if I get a little beat up, it's all worth it... Just promise not to call the guards, okay? It'll only make my life harder."

Like always, it took her a long moment to respond. But this time longer than usual. She looked down, taking a deep breath before looking back up with different eyes.

"I... I promise..." She tightly clenched the clothes over his chest. "Just—"

"HEY HEY!! ENOUGH OF THIS DISGUSTING SHIT!! My 'Chariot'! I have places to be! So fuck off before I change my mind!"

Skylar flinched as if slapped, tears still wet on her face, but she nodded and began retreating while dragging her wheelbarrow. She took one final look at Joseph. "Please be safe," she whispered, barely audible.

The remaining two watched as she retreated until she was barely visible in the distance.

"There! She's gone!" The kid yawned. "Now give me what I want and I'll only slightly kick the crap out of you for wasting my time! Fair deal?"

"What!? No deal!" Joseph's voice squealed.

"HUH!?"

"You coward!" He stuttered. "You said you wouldn't hurt me if—"

"Well, guess what? I lied." He laughed casually. "Too naive for your own good. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. If you'd cooperated from the start, none of this would've happened."

"YOU'RE PURE EVIL!" Joseph backed away, sweat beading on his forehead, hands shaking before him like autumn leaves. "How do you live with yourself? Please don't hurt me! I'll do anything!"

"Did you really think I'd just let you go? Was that honestly your plan?" The boy stalked forward. "You acted so tough in front of your girlfriend, but you're really just a pathetic little pussy. She's way too good for a short, bitchmade loser like you. You're exactly the kind I hate most—I'm going to piss on your crippled body when I'm done breaking it."

"I'M NOT THAT SHORT!!" His response was immediate. "And What? Are you jealous? At least I have someone unlike your loner ass."

"HAHAHA! And where is your girlfriend now? Like I'd ever be jealous of a worthless dreg!" The boy lunged forward, fists clenched, face twisted with malicious glee.

Joseph raised his shaking arms to protect his face:

"No— no! Please don't! I beg of you! I'll do anything!! I'll—"

"TOO LATE FOR YOU NOW!"

The punch came with all the boy's weight behind it, aimed at Joseph's defenseless skull.

*Thunk.*

"Ah—?!"

But fists can't strike shadows, and Joseph seemed to slide away like smoke. The boy stumbled forward into empty air.

"What the—I MISSED?" Disbelief cracked the boy's voice. "No way you dodged! Where—" He snapped around looking for his victim, but before he could spot him, a scream did all the work.

"AHHHH— MY EYES!!"

There he is... pfff— Relief washed over the boy, quickly morphing into crippling laughter. There lay his opponent, sprawled on the ground, hands desperately clutching his eyes.

The timing was too perfect. The kid must have tripped and injured his eyes on some rocks just as I lunged.

Of course, he wasn't strong or fast enough to dodge. He couldn't believe he'd felt anxious, even for a split second. He chuckled at the absurdity, his laughter bearing no echo.

"AHAHAHA! NO WAY!" Laughter overtook him as Joseph struggled to his feet, taking what could generously be called a fighting stance—eyes sealed shut, arms swinging wildly at empty air like a scarecrow in a hurricane.

"Come on then, fight me... you c-coward!" Joseph's voice mixed defiance with desperation.

The boy doubled over, clutching his stomach as spasms of laughter wracked his body. The scene was too absurd, too comical. He'd never anticipated being brought to tears at a time like this—tears of pain. This accidental comedy was the best blow Joseph had landed yet. If his plan was to kill him from laughter, it was certainly working.

"Okay, okay! The joke's getting old, but that was fun while it lasted." He wiped away tears, grinning as he approached with a boxer's weave.

"Time to end this farce."

He feigned left, then lunged right, aiming a solid hook at Joseph's jaw. But somehow, impossibly, those seemingly random arm movements shifted with serpentine precision, intercepting the attack.

"What the—"

Before he could react, sharp pain struck his stomach. Joseph's other hand shot out, gripping his wrist with a vice-like hold. In one fluid motion, Joseph twisted the captured arm, using the boy's own momentum like a lever, and flipped him onto his back with a silent crash.

*AGGHHHH*

The impact drove all air from the bully's lungs, pain radiating from his twisted arm through his entire nervous system. Confusion clouded his mind like smoke—how could this weak, supposedly blinded boy suddenly move like an efficient, ruthless fighter?

"LET GO OF ME!!" he growled, struggling against the firm hold, but it was useless. Joseph's grip was unyielding.

Through the pain, he managed to look up, and horror crawled up his spine like ice water. Joseph's eyes remained sealed tight.

"I... I... You can't see! How did you—"

"It doesn't matter how," Joseph cut him off, tightening his grip. "What matters is that you're in no place to bargain anymore—"

"GAUUURRDSSS!!! SOMEONE HELP ME!!" Once again, his voice didn't echo.

None answered.

No one came.

The boy struggled, trying to free himself, but it was useless. Joseph's hold was unbreakable, and realization dawned.

No one would come.

Nothing would save him.

He looked around—completely isolated at Joseph's mercy.

"Please... just let me go... I promise I'll never bother you again! W-what do you want... I beg you..." He sobbed, voice cracking.

"You know, I was gonna say nothing but... You see, I've recently lost much of my memories... I now know close to nothing." Joseph spoke with soft, almost embarrassed honesty.

"Th—that's weird... W—why should I believe you?" He gulped.

"Because unlike you, I'm honorable and keep my promises. On my life, I promise to release you when this is over."

"Oh... okay..."

The voice of an angel.

He didn't know why, but despite his situation, he felt odd comfort in Joseph's voice, like everything would be fine as long as he complied.

"Good! But don't try to lie to me—I'm usually good at sensing that." Joseph smiled a soothingly calm threat.

The fight drained from the boy's muscles as he exhaled surrender. "Don't worry... like I'd lie about something so simple at a time like this. I'll answer anything." He no longer struggled.

"So... uhhh... What is the name of this world?"

"Is this a test? Or did you really forget everything?" Another pause. He took the silence as response, then continued: "Well, this world is called Sanctum."

"Perfect." Joseph beamed. "Now, tell me, have you ever heard of a place called planet Earth?"