Radiant Age, Spring, 1127
The long season work was finally over. It was spring and my humble cabin stood before me. The morning breeze tousled my long, fiery hair gentle. My once-grey patterned jacket, now stained with the toil of my journey, hung loosely on my frame. The ash-colored shorts and worn boots were testament to the hard labor I had endured.
"I did it, Maxwell."
It's been a season since I left that isolated forest. Getting here was a journey, but I did what my mentor asked before his passing.
"I hope you can rest in peace knowing I'll be okay, Maxwell."
What stood in front of me was the cabin I spent most of that time building. It was small, with only one room, a small kitchen, and a small living space, but that's all I'd need to live alone.
My stomach growled, complaining about all the hard work I've done lately.
"I'm craving fried green tomatoes."
Since I got here, I haven't been able to grow my own tomatoes yet. I lacked the seeds to get started and unless I go out of my way to one of the nearby farms and look to see if they have any, I won't be able to grow them any time soon.
"Maybe…"
I turned to look in the distance. Half hour or so away was Radiant City. It was large compared to the landscape. Its brick grey walls towered high into the sky, making the structure look ominous to someone like me. But what struck me most was the dark kingdom looming at the top of it. Even from here, I could see how massive the structure was.
"Radiant City, a place full of people."
Maxwell and my books have mentioned that the people who live there are vessels of all kinds. They live in harmony with the Radiant race, which consists of the knights and the rulers of the land.
"I could see if they have any vegetables there and maybe some cooking oil too?"
I didn't have much money left from what Maxwell gave me. As I traveled on foot, I had to pass through toll gates designed by the Radiant army to regulate who passed through the lands. Half of Maxwell's money was gone when I made it here.
I put on my jacket, strapped my blade to my hip, and held my leather sack for any goods I precured while I was there.
"Tonight, I'll cook fried green tomatoes in your honor, Maxwell."
Despite how I sounded, I wasn't too confident as I ventured off towards Radiant City. As I made my way through the grassy field, I looked around the area. It flourished with greenery and vibrant beauty. In the distance to the east, I could see a collection of farmlands. They are likely the places that supply fresh goods for Radiant City.
"I wonder if I could get my own farm one day…"
Lately, I have been thinking about how I want to live here. Eventually, I would have to start making money somehow, just in case the city starts trying to tax my cabin.
When I turned west, I saw a collection of factories in the distance. Their walls were high, and machinery sent excess spectrum magic into the sky. I read in a book that people use wind, water, fire, and earth spectrum to produce the energy they use in the heavy machinery. Lumber, bricks, cement, and the like are created in those places.
"I could never work in those kinds of places."
I thought about it. Feodora Cicer, the lumberjack. I'd have to work with people and that alone makes me worried. But I had to adapt to this new world I found myself in. The sun was brighter here than in the forest. The grass below me wasn't as fine. It was softer, making me feel like I was on another planet.
"So, this is how the Radiant Kingdom is?"
I muttered in awe, taking in the grandeur of the city before me. It was a sight to behold, unlike anything I had ever seen.
It didn't feel real. I thought about it as I approached the main west gates of Radiant City. The gates towered high into the sky, just like the walls. They were iron and charcoal black. Radiant City knights dressed in white clothing with golden buttons and blue military styled pants stood around.
Few walked leisurely around. Men and women were dressed in the same attire, white military suits with blue paint. They all brandished their weapons as I approached.
"State your name and business here."
A male soldier demanded.
"Ah…"
Coyly, I looked around the massive outside of the city again. Large flags with a symbol mirroring a phoenix rolled around the large walls. They were dark blue and had a black outline of a phoenix in the center. Large iron-looking guns pointed at the field ominously.
They had to be around twelve feet long and six feet wide. It was nothing but a weapon made to kill whoever was on the other side of it.
"Ma'am, are you alright?"
The male knight asked, causing me to turn back to him. He put his arms behind his back, pushed out his legs, and straightened his back. I've seen other knights have this same posture. It was likely an army stance they used for conformity between them.
"Yeah, sorry. This is my first time here. How much is the toll?"
He titled his head.
"No, there's no fee to enter Radiant City. All we ask is that you state the reason for your visit."
"Oh, my name is Feodora Cicer and I'm here to buy groceries."
I lifted my sack. It was empty and the mischievous wind tried to blow it away, but I held it tight. The knight gave me a pitiable look as he lowered his shoulders.
"Alright, there's a marketplace just east as you enter the gates. Follow the street and signs, and you won't get lost- "
The ground began to rumble, causing everyone to turn towards the distance. I turned as well to see a large collection of wolves herding towards the west gates. There had to be around fifty or so white-furred, golden-eyed beasts hoarding our way.
Wildly, they aimed right for the gates. I held my katana, ready to engage the beast approaching us.
"Hold on you."
The knight pulled my collar and pulled me behind him.
"Everyone, activate the spectrum barrier to draw them in!"
The knight ordered.
Knights ran about getting into their combat stations. At first, they seemed disorganized, but everything came together like gears clicking into place as they all readied themselves for the approaching threat.
"Put up the barrier!"
A large white barrier formed around the area. The spectrum towered high past the dark brick walls, covering the flags and causing the wind to stop waving them about. The cannons on the top of the walls began to glow a mighty red.
"They're using the white barrier to attract the beast?"
I watched in awe as they coordinated their attack. Beast mindlessly ran towards them only to feed on the spectrum that would annihilate them.
"Fire the railguns!"
The head captain ordered. Rays of fantastic prisms fired away at the beasts. The area was littered with stray colors as the beast cried out harmoniously. White dust scattered about the land as the massive hoard was decimated instantly.
"At ease, everyone!"
The captain ordered. The barrier fell, the cannons returned to their positions, and all the soldiers returned to their normal calm as if this were normal. I watched in awe. I never saw weapons like these and had no idea they existed.
"Again, ma'am, head east and follow the signs when you first enter."
The knight smiled as he let me pass.
"Ah… thanks."
Still in awe of what happened, I looked for the marketplace as I walked through the gates. Knights chatted under large umbrellas, some eating lunches or playing card games. This place didn't feel like the other small outpost I went to in order to reach Radiant Kingdom.
I made my way past the large charcoal gates. Knights greeted me warmly as I pushed my head down and walked inside. What met me was smooth cobblestone streets that felt nice to walk on. As I looked about the city, it was a sight to behold. It reminded me of the stories I read.
"This is different."
In the many books I read from Maxwell's library, they stated that Radiants designed their city to reflect a past civilization called Europe. Buildings were bright and made of reinforced wood. The roofs were triangular-shaped and had bright colors.
"This is nothing like the forest."
There were fountains around that cycled bright water spectrum. It looked clean enough to walk over and drink. I was tempted to do that, but a group of kids ran by. They began splashing each other with the water, playing around said fountain.
"Eh, kids."
I noticed that I was a bit paranoid around them. Maybe it was because of my horrible experience with them in the orphanage. Kids were little people I wanted to avoid the most.
"Something smells good."
I looked to see bakeries with bright signs and glass windows showcasing their goods. The signs lit up, and I could feel the holy spectrum radiating from them. I looked up at the sky, and what surprised me was the constant stream of spectrum flowing about the city.
"Everything… is strange here."
It was as if this city was being supplied with spectrum, and businesses and homes were using it for convenience. There were long iron poles sprinkled around the area as well. These were technologies I read in books while coming here. Curiously, I touched one, and it felt cold.
"A streetlight."
It was off, but I read that the holy spectrum in the bulbs would shine brighter when the sun goes down. It was yet another design taken from European civilization nearly a thousand years ago.
"I wonder how they look at night in the shadows."
It made me want to come back at night when the shops close and look around. As I walked about, I saw crowds of citizens walking along and chatting, kids playing, and families enjoying the warm weather. I avoided them as best as I could. Just being around other people felt intimidating.
"Oh…"
Warily, I tried to follow the signs the knight mentioned. There were plenty of said knights patrolling the city. When the books said: "The Radiants ruled with an iron fist," it was true.
Townsfolk were eating samples from vendors who were trying to promote their goods. Other shops were selling meat and vegetables at stands. There were plenty of restaurants with outdoor seating too. Many of them had fabric canopies that gave the customers shade. There was so much that it overwhelmed me.
"This place… really does remind me of those books about human civilization… before the Radiant Age."
I mumbled.
Everything was too bright here. It was nothing like the home I grew up in.
I followed the signs as they led me down a flight of stairs. I walked through small alleys that were darker and finally entered a large market area in the city. It was outside, and there were stalls as far as the eye could see.
"This must be the Radiant Market."
The market was wide, and large stands were on the left and right of me. Most of them were selling meats, fish from the nearby lakes, and trinkets that I never saw before.
"Wow…"
I looked into the distance, and what I saw amazed me. It was a ways away but the sight of it was staggering. In the center of the city stood a massive castle. The lack of light made it seem darker than the buildings beside it. Each shop and home around stood at most three stories tall… but that castle had to extend into the heavens.
"Is that the kingdom?"
I murmured.
"Ah, are you new here?"
An older lady looked at me from the side. She must have noticed my mouth was ajar, captivated by the sight of the kingdom in the distance.
"Ah…"
I couldn't get the words out as I nodded timidly.
"That there is the Radiant Kingdom. It's so large that it feels a little scary at times… but they protect us here in the city."
A white mist hovered around the castle's body, which was surrounded by large pillars. At the top of each point, an elemental spectrum shone brightly, and it was as if the world had darkened just by looking at it.
"So don't get in trouble, and you won't have to deal with the Radiants who live there."
Playfully, the old woman laughed as she walked to a delicious-smelling stall.
"Maxwell…"
His name came to mind. When he told me the story of the Radiants, I instantly was afraid. And my fears were well-founded.
"I need to get my food and leave."
I left the cobblestone pattern and into a dazzling golden street, making the shopping district look more dazzling. People walking about wore casual shirts and pants, skirts with sandals, and the like. The influence of European civilization even melted into the culture here.
"What about my clothing?"
Growing self-aware, I looked at myself again. These were clothes I made from design books I found over the years. They had patches and made me look like a peasant compared to the people here.
("I hope nobody says anything…")
I wanted to curl up in a ball and hide in the shadows. It was too bright here, and the world showed me how much I shouldn't be a part of it.
"Good morning! Would you like to try some freshly cooked pulled pork soup?!"
I turned to a woman holding out a delicious-looking bowl of food my way. It steamed and filtered into my nose. I don't think I've ever sniffed anything so good before.
"Ahh…"
But there were already a bunch of people there… and she wanted me to join that group.
"Ah… I-I'm fine."
I waved her away, trying my best to avoid eye contact.
"Oh, come on, it's fresh from the nearby Castrol farm just east of here. They just shipped it this morning, and we cooked it right away!"
An older woman walked up to me.
"Try it, dear; you'll love it."
That same old woman who previously chatted with me tried to suck me into the group. The attention caused my anxiety to peak. I backed away and began walking away as fast as I could. My feet clanked hard on the golden brick ground.
"Aww, give us a try next time~"
The woman shouted playfully, causing the blood in my body to rush to my face. It was beyond embarrassing, and I wanted to just die from shame.
"People are… aggressive."
I mumbled.
It was bright as the sun reflected off the golden light. The buildings were massive and made of sturdy-looking wood. Large crates full of fresh products were around most of the shops. As I grew tired of weaving through the crowd, I came across the holy grail.
"Vegetables!"
I meekly cried.
It was like finding an oasis in a desert. At the helm of the shop, a jolly man was standing in front, as plump as an eggplant.
"Ah, I see I caught your attention with my fresh, delicious foods."
He rubbed his belly as I looked around. My eyes fixated on the glorious green tomatoes. I didn't see the price on them, so I turned back to the merchant.
"How… much for your tomatoes?"
He rubbed his bright red nose as the sun basked down on his bold head.
"Here, we have the freshest that you can get from the Castrol farm nearby. They just came in this morning, and they'll likely be sold by the end of the day. What would you charge for them?"
He gave me a sly smile. I thought about what I've learned from books dealing with trade. Merchants like these tend to upsell their goods.
"I'll give you 5 gold for a bundle of your tomatoes."
I haggled as I touched the money in my sack. It was getting lower by the week, and I grew anxious.
"How about 10 gold for a bundle, ma'am? These are the best green tamatoes around!"
The jolly man holding the mountain of vegetables behind him hostage was tried to upsell me, as I expected. I've read enough books about horticulture to know the value of these foods.
"Are you going to be that cruel? The tomatoes are valued at one gold each. I'm only getting five of them. You're doubling your sales like that."
A hint of annoyance came out as I complained.
The looming Radiant Kingdom in the background of our haggle gave me chills. The brightness of this world, which mirrored what humans would call modern Europe, was nothing like my dark, dreary home, which I adored.
"Prices went up, ma'am!"
I was sure he got his fat from his upselling on goods. I put my hand on my chest. My money has been running low lately. I had to pass the gates and pay fees to travel here.
Eventually, I'll have to take on odd jobs if I run out. I brushed my burning red bangs out of my face. The locks fell along my back as I shook from side to side.
"Listen, I-I don't have much. Take the 5 gold, please?"
His belly shook as he boisterously laughed. The crowd of casual buyers turned towards us, making me feel all the more… insecure. As if their eyes were barreling into me… I tightened my grip on my chest and held my head down. My anxiety was slowly coming in as the reality set in that I was… around people again.
"Prices went up! How about this? I'll reduce it to 9 gold."
I scratched my head as I adjusted the dark blade on my hip. Lifting my coat, I turned back to the salesman. My tongue clicked as I turned back to the side.
"You know what… you're right. Prices must have gone up. Take my gold and give me the tomatoes. Oh, and do you have any cooking oil?"
"Oh, sure!"
We haggled some more, and it cost me 15 gold, more than I knew a bottle of oil was worth. After the deal was settled, I held out my hand and watched Maxwell's precious gold fall into the hands of this filthy, cheating merchant. With that hardy laugh, the merchant spoke up after our transaction was complete.
"And for being such a great customer, here's my wife's freshly baked homemade cinnamon muffin. She told me to hand them out to my customers."
The merchant forced the sweet in my hand, along with the bundle of tomatoes and oil. I took it in my hands. The smell of cinnamon was already assaulting my nose, and it turned my stomach. I… hated cinnamon. But to be polite, I put it in my bag as well.
"Pleasure doing business with you."
The jolly man laughed, holding his belly the entire time.
"Yeah, I bet it was your pleasure."
I mumbled.
After lifting my bag of goods, I attempted to step away when my hip pulled in the opposite direction.
"Huh?"
My body pulled back as I turned to the side.
"Oh?"
A bright and cheery voice caught me off guard. When I turned to the side, her small figure came into view. She had bright golden hair that twisted on her head's left and right sides. Her tiny hands tugged at my katana's holster.
"Oh, wow."
Out of her thin lips, she remarked while tugging on my katana.
This child was in a fancy blue dress shirt that seemed expensive and pumpkin-shaped pants. Her outfit reminded me more of the modern European style I found in books.
"Ooooh?"
I was surprised to see wings sprouting from her back. They weren't connected to her and were enormous compared to her small frame. They reminded me of butterfly wings as they split into four sections. I read in a book about what this kind of person she was. There was no doubt about it. This little girl tugging on my blade was a young barklight.
"Ah, you're a barklight, right?"