As KC stood in front of the old man store, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him. Finally, he had found a job. It wasn't the most glamorous job, but it was a job nonetheless. Andok, the old man who had hired him, seemed approachable and friendly, and for the first time in a while, KC felt like he had found a place where he belonged.
"Are you looking for a worker?" KC asked the old man with a hint of desperation in his voice.
Andok smiled warmly and replied, "Yes, I need someone to help me hunt for plants, harvest fruits and vegetables, and talk to customers. Are you interested?"
KC hesitated for a moment. He really didn't want to talk to customers, but he knew he didn't have much of a choice. "Can I work for you, sir?" he asked, bowing his head slightly.
Andok nodded, "Yes, if you want, you can start now. Let's keep an eye on the store. It's almost noon, and it's sure to get busy soon."
"Can I ask your name, sir?" KC inquired.
"Just call me Andok. What's your name?" the old man replied, smiling.
"KC," he answered.
Andok motioned for KC to join him in front of the store. As they stood there, the old man exuded an aura of cheerfulness that was contagious. KC found himself starting to relax, feeling like he had finally found a safe haven in this strange city.
But just a few minutes later, as people started coming out of their almost dilapidated houses and pouring into the store, KC began to sweat and feel a little bored. He couldn't help but wonder what he had gotten himself into. But he knew he had to endure this if he wanted to earn enough money to buy the card he so desperately needed.
Andok noticed KC's unease and offered some words of wisdom. "You are too tense. Take it easy in life, everyone could feel as if the sky and the earth fell on you with the weight of your problems. Don't worry about everything," he said, his tone calm and reassuring.
KC didn't respond, but he felt grateful for Andok's kind words. As the day wore on and the store became busier and busier, Andok's cheerful demeanor never faltered. He smiled and talked to customers, making everyone feel welcome and at ease
As KC and Andok sold their goods, the old man's friendly demeanor and low prices drew in a steady stream of customers. "Buy now at a low price, all for you," Andok called out with a smile, his genuine enthusiasm for his products shining through. KC couldn't help but notice that Andok's goods were not only affordable but also of high quality, especially when compared to the other stores in the central capital.
One customer approached Andok, grateful for his affordable prices. "Yes, I'll pay for all of that. Thanks to you, Andok, I can feed my family everyday," the customer said, looking worn out from a hard day's work.
As they were selling, some women flirted with KC, trying to get his attention. "How much for this handsome man?" they cooed. KC was irritated and snapped, "Fifty each! Just hurry up and buy! There are many more in line!!" The women pouted, but Andok intervened, giving KC a friendly tap on the back. "KC, don't do that. Just relax. They just want to make friends. Take it easy and try to act calm," he advised.
Although KC felt anxious about losing his job, he heeded Andok's advice and tried to approach the women more politely. "What do you want?" he asked with a forced smile.
But the women teased him, telling him that his smile was too scary. KC gritted his teeth and asked, "Are you going to buy or just make fun of smy smile?" But eventually, even he began to lighten up, laughing along with the customers who were joking with him.
After lunch, Andok's goods had sold out. KC let out a sigh of relief and leaned back, exhausted. "It's finally over now, huh?" he muttered.
But Andok was quick to praise him. "Good job, KC! We sold out today. The customers must have enjoyed joking with you," he said, handing him a cold drink.
KC brooded for a moment, still feeling self-conscious about his appearance. Andok noticed and offered some lighthearted advice. "I'll admit it, you're handsome. You have a beautiful nose, and your eyes are charming. But you've neglected yourself. You've got a lot of eye bags, and your face has a lot of scars. If you just fix it, my shop will be flooded, and you'll have a lot of girlfriends,"he said with a chuckle.
KC immediately frowned and continued to brood, but Andok just laughed it off. "Okay, we have a lot of work to do on the farm. Come on, follow me," he said, leading the way. While walking, KC couldn't help but ask, "Sir, are you still making money with the extremely low prices of your goods?"
Andok shrugged his shoulders. "It's Not About the Money Boy," he replied, looking content with his simple life.
As the sun began to set over the central capital, KC and Andok left the bustling city behind and made their way towards the fields that surrounded its outskirts. The cool evening breeze brushed past their faces as they walked, and the golden hue of the setting sun painted the sky in shades of orange and pink.
As they made their way towards Andok's house, they were greeted by many farmers who knew Andok well. They all greeted him happily, and KC could tell that Andok was a respected member of the community.
Finally arriving at Andok's humble abode, they wasted no time in sitting down to a hearty meal. The aroma of the food filled the air, and KC's stomach growled in anticipation. He tasted every dish, and was pleasantly surprised by how good they all were.
After dinner, Andok began to prepare the equipment they needed for farming and hunting. "Time to plant the ingredients," he declared. And so, they made their way to the farm.
Andok handed KC a set of farm tools and instructed him on how to use them to cut, grab, and harvest the vegetables and fruits in the fields. KC worked hard, and healmost broke his back carrying all the goods, but by the time they finished, it was already midnight, and his body was numb.
It was now time to hunt for meat, as this was the best time to catch animals that were sleeping in the nearby forest. Andok handed KC an arrow, and they set off into the woods. It wasn't long before they spotted a ghawari, a horned boar with legs and tail of a horse and as fast as a cheetah. KC took aim, but unfortunately missed his shot, and they returned home empty-handed.
Exhausted and discouraged, KC collapsed onto his bed while leaving huge sigh while thinking. "I can't do this anymore,"feeling defeated. "I want to give up. I'll just get my first salary tomorrow and quit."
Andok felt kc is dejected so he place a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, KC," he said with a smile. "Tomorrow is a new day, and we'll try again. You'll get the hang im going to teach all the tricks that i know to make it more easier, just believe."before leaving.
KC let out a deep sigh, feeling slightly comforted by Andok's words. He closed his eyes, and soon drifted off to sleep, dreaming of a brighter tomorrow..
Andok's eyes fluttered open as he felt a gentle shake. He squinted as he tried to make sense of the blurry figure looming over him. It was four o'clock in the morning, and he was suddenly wide awake.
"Time to tell him I'm leaving this useless job," KC thought to himself.
But before he could say anything, Andok spoke up with a surprising burst of energy. "Good job yesterday," he said, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "Here, nice effort." He handed KC his salary and couldn't contain his joy as he beamed like a ray of sunshine.
"I have one more gift for you," Andok continued. "Since you are my first employee, I hope you like it." He presented KC with a set of clothes.
"It's okay," KC said, relieved. "The only clothes I had were in tatters" He changed at the same time,"These clothes are a definite upgrade."
"I'm happy you like them. Now, quickly, what I served was delicious," Andok said, his excitement palpable as they both rushed to the kitchen to eat.
After breakfast, the two of them were busy planting fruit and rice. Andok taught KC how to properly use the bow, and he showed him the right way to slice bamboo like a sword, skills that could be useful in battle.
Later on, Andok sent KC to the capital to buy some things, and it was during his absence that a group of people arrived at Andok's place, lining up outside his door. In front of the imposing bodyguards stood a short, fat noble named abbar who wanted to take over the land.
"Andok, as I said, if you're not going to sign the papers to sell me this place, you're going to be beaten," the noble abbar threatened as he struck Andok's face with a cane.
In this world, people like Andok, who were not blessed with magical abilities, did not have the right to have an opinion or oppose anyone. All they could do was keep quiet and succumb to the whims of those in power.
The noble spat in Andok's face. "Guys, beat him up until he signs the contract. For a long time, I've wanted to turn this land into a brothel and fill it with many beautiful slaves from different races that I'm going to sell," he ordered as he threw an expensive cigarette at Andok.
They descended on Andok, beating him mercilessly as he lay helpless on the ground.
As the sun set on the fields of andok's farm, the air was thick with tension and the bitter scent of blood, after some time kc returned, KC's heart pounded with anger and frustration as he gazed at the sight of his employer, Andok, lying in a pool of his own blood. The crops they had worked so hard to cultivate were now ruined, and KC couldn't help but feel a deep sense of despair wash over him. This wasn't the first time something like this had happened, he couldn't help but feel a sense of deja vu. This was just like what happened to Doc before. Why did it keep happening? and he couldn't shake the feeling that it wouldn't be the last.
Trembling with fear and rage, KC rushed to Andok's side, his body shaking as he tried to keep his emotions in check. "What happened here, sir?" he asked, his voice shaking with concern as he looked at Andok's battered form.
Andok gasped for air as he spoke, his voice strained and barely audible. "The nobles... they're taking the land," he said, his voice choking on the words as he struggled to breathe.
KC's fists clenched in anger as he heard this. He had always known that the strong would rule over the weak, but it was always painful to see it happen before his very eyes. He felt a deep sense of powerlessness wash over him, as if he were a mere pawn in a game played by those with more money and influence than he could ever hope to possess.
But Andok remained calm and collected, despite the pain he was clearly experiencing. "Just calm down," he said soothingly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Nothing will happen if you keep getting angry with yourself. You'll only get hurt. Just let it all go."
KC gritted his teeth in frustration, his hands shaking with anger. KC's fists clenched in anger. This was the same way Doc had died. He hated that the strong always ruled. He punched the ground in frustration. "It's useless! Whatever we do, we can't fight back!"
But as he looked at Andok's serene expression, he felt a sense of calm wash over him. Despite the pain he was experiencing, Andok remained steadfast and resolute, refusing to give in to the whims of those who sought to oppress him.
As Andok struggled to stand, KC helped him to his feet, KC hurriedly fetched the medicine, the same one the guild lady Kristel had given him before. Andok drank it gratefully, and the healing potion worked its magic, mending his broken bones and easing the pain of his bruises.
Andok smiled weakly, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you," he said softly. "You've been a good friend to me, KC. I won't let them take my land. I'll fight for it until my last breath."KC realized that Andok was enduring being beaten because that was the only way to protect his land.
As he watched Andok suffer, KC couldn't help but feel a deep desire to help. But no matter how much he tried to convince himself, he knew he had seen this happen to Doc before and didn't want to be a part of it again.
Feeling defeated, KC sighed heavily. "I'm sorry, but I have to leave. I can't bear to see this happen again," he said sadly, taking Doc to his room to let him rest before walking away.
"I'm quitting. Goodbye, sir," KC thought to himself. "I'll just look for another job rather than witness this again."
But as he walked away, he heard his stomach growl. He realized he hadn't eaten yet and felt a pang of guilt for leaving.
Full of worry, Andok saw the sadness in KC's eyes and said"Before you leave i had cook something for you the table, please eat". Though he tried to hide his own sadness from KC, he could see the pain in his friend's face.
"I'll try. Rest and heal sir, be careful," KC said wearily, tired of feeling sorry for others.
Kc didn't want to eat anymore because he felt so heavy and sad, but he was also really hungry, so he grabbed a bite.
As he tasted the food, he was shocked to find that it tasted just like his favorite dish. He could feel the care that Andok had put into making it, and remembered how observant Andok had been to notice his reaction to every food he serve. And with that, he had made a dish that KC would love.
But then, as he was eating, some food fell on his clothes, and he felt a weight of guilt and shame. However, as he wiped it away, he noticed something special. His name was carefully and laboriously sewn into the gift, and he could feel how much care was put into its making. It felt like a warm embrace, like a parent's hug.
Andok was the first person to accept KC in this world. The first person to show him kindness, the person who could be considered a friend.
Feeling a mix of emotions, KC smiled through his tears of joy and felt guilty for his earlier decision. He mustered the courage to return to Andok's room and bravely said, "I'm sorry for earlier. Could you still accept me?" Hoping for forgiveness.
Andok smiled, obviously happy and grateful that KC had come back. "Yes, of course," he said warmly. offering his hand to KC.
KC felt better and smiled with relief. "Thank you for accepting me," he said, grateful for Andok's kindness.