The shopkeeper's lips curved into a small smile.
"One dollar."
The man slid the bill across the desk and took his coffee in return. His wet boots creaked against the wooden floor as he walked, taking the seat right next to Kael. He exhaled a long, tired sigh.
"World these days has changed…"
Kael took a slow sip of his coffee, savoring the warm aroma — knowing it might be the last cup he could afford for a while. The man turned to him.
"What's your name, young man?"
Kael replied with a steady tone and a faint, warm smile.
"Kael Aslv."
The man smiled back.
"Kael. You have a nice name."
Kael set his cup on the table as the old man stood from his seat. Without another word, he headed toward the exit.
THUD!
The door slammed behind him, swallowed instantly by the rain and the dark, wet streets outside.
Kael rose from his seat, exhaling softly — the weight of his situation tightening in his chest.
"I have to find a job…"
He walked across the shop floor, grabbed the door handle, and stepped into the storm. Outside, the rain poured harder than ever, striking his clothes, hair, and face until he was drenched within seconds. The sky hung so dark it felt like something ominous was preparing to unveil itself.
Kael moved through the wet streets, water running down his sleeves, boots splashing through puddles as he searched for any place that might hire him. His thoughts drowned beneath the roaring rain.
And then — ahead of him — the building trembled.
THUD!
Kael's eyes widened.
Screams erupted. People scattered in all directions, splashing through water as panic swallowed the street.
Soldiers shouted over the chaos,
"MOVE TO SAFETY!"
The storm wasn't the only thing crashing down.