The Pillar

The young man decided to set aside the chaos swirling in his mind and focus instead on his immediate surroundings—on the unfamiliar room that felt both alien and suffocating. He scanned the dimly lit space, his gaze finally settling on a young girl nestled in the corner. She had buried her face against his knees, sleeping soundly, utterly unfazed by the chilling gusts of wind that whispered through the cracks in the walls.

With each careful step, he approached her, a flicker of determination igniting within him. If he was to navigate this strange place and ensure his survival, he needed information—starting with the girl who seemed to hold the key to his understanding.

"Young miss," he called softly, his voice barely breaking the stillness. Silence enveloped them, and he hesitated before trying again, a sense of urgency creeping into his tone. "Hello, can you hear me?"

This time, the girl stirred. Slowly, she lifted her head, her sleepy eyes blinking up at him in confusion. "Ahhh, it's you…" she yawned, stretching her small arms overhead as she stood, her gaze fixed on him with a mix of curiosity and innocence. He towered over her, and she looked up as if peering at something far beyond her reach.

"When did you wake up?" she asked, her voice laced with a childlike wonder. The young man's heart quickened at her words; perhaps she recognized him. 

"I just woke up," he replied, his mind racing. "Miss, do you know me?"

The girl studied him for a moment, her brow furrowing in thought. "I don't know who you are," she finally said, scratching her head in puzzlement. "You just appeared out of thin air. But out of humanity, I decided to help you."

A smirk danced across her lips, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Well, there's nothing for free in this world, but I'll help you out of kindness… Hehehe." The laughter that escaped her felt both genuine and unsettling, as if she delighted in some secret only she understood. 

He stared at her, piecing together the meaning behind her playful demeanor. It seemed she expected something in return for her assistance. Sigh. But what could he possibly offer? 

"Thank you for helping me, but…" he hesitated, searching for the right words. "I don't have anything on me."

The girl's expression shifted, seriousness replacing her earlier mirth. She regarded him with newfound understanding. Of course, she thought. He must have lost everything. A sly grin returned to her face as she formulated a plan. I'll just have to stick with him until he returns to his family and repays me. Hahaha, I'm truly a genius.

"That's no problem," she said, her voice brightening once more. "Things like that aren't important right now. I think this place is foreign to you. You don't look like you belong here, so I can be your guide until you grasp the situation around you."

The young man felt a spark of hope. Having her as a guide will help me adapt to this new world faster.

He thought, a sense of relief washing over him. "Well then, I will be in your care," he said, extending his hand toward her.

The girl mirrored his gesture, their hands meeting in a firm shake, sealing their unspoken agreement. "Don't worry, I know this area like the back of my hand," she declared, a polite smile illuminating her face. "I'm Lily."

As the name danced in the air between them, the young man felt a jolt of realization. He had never considered the matter of names until now. What is my name? Panic surged within him, for while fragments of his past flickered in his mind, his name eluded him, shrouded in a fog of uncertainty. 

He forced himself to maintain a calm façade, contemplating his next words. After a moment of introspection, he spoke with newfound resolve. "I'm going with the name…" He paused, searching for something that felt right. "…Arthur. Yes, Arthur."

---

Somewhere in the back alleys of Sidon City, the atmosphere was heavy with despair, a stark contrast to the golden rays of the morning sun that attempted to pierce through the gloom. Despite the bustling streets filled with hurried souls racing toward their daily toils, the air was thick with an unshakeable sense of hopelessness. 

Isle was a street where survival was a fierce battle, a realm for the downtrodden where the strong preyed on the weak. Resources were scarce, and the relentless struggle for food and safety painted a grim picture of life in this forgotten corner of the city.

Amidst the chaos, Arthur and Lily walked side by side, both clad in ragged clothing—his in tatters, hers a disheveled jacket and shorts that spoke of neglect. 

"How long until we reach the inn?" Arthur inquired, glancing at Lily.

"We're almost there," she replied, her tone brightening. "It's a bit far, but it's the best place to stay while you're in Isle. They built it a little away from the center of the back alleys for a reason."

As they navigated through the throng of people, Arthur couldn't help but observe the hurried faces around him, each person lost in their own struggles, desperate to secure even a single day's meal. His heart ached for them, yet he felt a flicker of determination. With Lily by his side, perhaps he could find a way to not only survive but also reclaim the pieces of his lost identity in this unforgiving world.