Year 2105
It has been over sixty years since the world has transformed no other. The very notion that around ten billion people were inhabiting this planet is enough to make one's stomach churn. To utter such a statement out in the open today would be nothing short of madness. Not so long ago, those who claimed to have seen an Elf or Goblin buying bread down at the bakery across the street would have found themselves admitted to a psychiatric ward that very night. It's incredible how the world has changed, with creatures that once existed solely in mythology now being seen as common sights.
Humans, who had once been the dominant species on the planet, have been reduced to nothing more than entries in a rare and enigmatic tome. It is said that mankind nearly met its undoing and that in its place, a myriad of wholly unique creatures rose to prominence. Scholars have attributed the cause of this shift to a cataclysm that occurred before I was even born.
The merging of two worlds was akin to a rift in space itself, opening up gateways to alternate realms. The thought of actualizing the deeply cherished aspirations and most secretive desires became a distinct possibility as people contemplated the prospects of being a part of something extraordinary. There was a sense of hope - a feeling of being able to fulfill those fantastical dreams, to become a champion of hope or an agent of despair, flanked by a harem of gorgeous and enchanting elves. However, it was not to be, for the alien entities from far-off worlds had no intention of sharing our domain. As they gathered in sufficient numbers, they immediately set about slaughtering the human race without a second thought. Technology and well-armed forces proved to be utterly impotent against them, and all efforts to halt their march were in vain. It was akin to a breeze that flattened cities and left destruction in the wake of its furious, unrelenting fury.
It was not merely a single orc that was to be vanquished, but a sea of angry and belligerent orcs that demanded a response; there was no escaping the enchanted weapons that easily cut through even the most resistant forms of armor, not with the magic that deflected all projectiles, sending them straight back at our hapless troops. And then there was the proliferation of diseases, entirely new kinds that had never been encountered before - some with no known cure. To stumble upon a mushroom that appeared all too familiar, only to realize after taking a bite that it had transformed you into a soulless creature, was a scenario of such terror that it could hardly be conceived.
On the first day after the cataclysm, magic shattered the laws of physics that had long governed this world. With the blink of an eye, the electronic devices we had deemed so reliable turned to ashes. In a mere moment, we descended back into the Dark Ages, albeit a shorter and crueler version. Some humans, hoping in vain for a magical transformation, wished for a miracle that could grant them powers and abilities beyond their dreams. This was no different from the fantasies of many a protagonist in their favorite novel, where they were bestowed incredible magic and set out to save a world that had wronged them. But reality has its way of proving our hubris to be woefully misplaced. The universe dealt the world a fatal blow, taking away everything we had once known and loved. Once great nations, cities, and continents were nothing but faded memories.
The era of humanity's rule over technology and science was over, in its place a new age of mysticism and knowledge had arisen. Even the most obscure parts of society were now ruled over by the Magurai, creatures of magic and wonder, each with their particular desires. But it was not all doom and gloom, humans had made their mark in society through their pop culture and day-to-day life. The Magurai found these aspects of human life to be quite to their liking and thus changed everything to cater to their whims. Phones and televisions were soon replaced by enchanted mirrors and projection crystals.
This was the world I, an ordinary 23-year-old, had found myself in. I was no hero and had no desire to be. I simply hoped to continue my mundane life, however difficult that may have become, in the face of such awe and wonder.
*******
As for my personage, I am Caleb Black, a young man of a stalwart frame, standing a good six feet tall with eyes of green and locks as black as coal. My heart often yearns for adventure, but it would seem that my life has taken a more mundane path. I work as a humble server at a delightful tea shop, serving my fair customers the most delightful cups of tea, and a rather delicious scone on the side. As I make my way towards my place of work this fine morning, thoughts of my upcoming shift weigh most heavily upon my mind.
"By the Old God, the subway is more bustling than ever today," I mumbled under my breath, taking a quick survey of the passengers around me. In the crowded space, a handful of robust orcs were deep in a heated debate about the upcoming game of knuckleball, their hands moving with the kind of energy that only the biggest fans of the sport can muster. Despite their rough appearance, the third of their number, with features noticeably less harsh, gave them away as being of mixed ancestry. Across from me, a stout goblin sat with eyes glued to the notebook of a halfling, pen racing over the paper as they jotted down information with the kind of eagerness that only a halfling can exhibit. Nearby, a massive troll stood, gripping the handrail with unnaturally long fingers, listening to Dania Woodheart, perhaps the most well-liked news anchor in the land, on his enchanted mirror. It seemed there was no shortage of creatures of all kinds making their way through the underground domain that day.
My mother's mood often darkens when she catches sight of Lady Woodheart on the nightly newscast. For the appearance of this long-lived elf serves as a somber reminder that our race is beset by a far more rapid rate of aging and that this difference in longevity may continue to widen as time goes on. Woodheart, for her part, has been offering the weather forecast to viewers for over two decades now, yet her appearance has barely changed, having retained all the delicate loveliness of her youthful days, much like a robust wine that has grown only more distinguished and rich in flavor while maturing.
As I gazed upon the landscape, my mind filled with thoughts as numerous as the giant mushrooms before me, when all of a sudden, the cursing of a dwarf with red locks, like flames, interrupted my contemplation. His words, harsh and abrasive, filled the air like the thunderous roar of a dragon, and his gaze, filled with anger, cast upon the leshy before him.
The dwarf, of small stature and dressed in an ensemble of tracksuits, reached out to grasp his left leg, his face contorting in pain, and I heard him exclaim, "$#&@ you, Mushroomhead!" It seemed the leshy had accidentally struck the dwarf's leg due to the dwarf's short stature. Leshy's voice, calm and collected, like that of a gentle river, spoke, "Pray tell, what is the matter?" At that moment, he leaned forward, lowering his head to better hear the words of the dwarf, for the dwarf's stature had rendered himself nearly invisible to the leshy's gaze.
The dwarf's eyes widened in alarm as the leshy, yet again, stepped upon his foot with such force that he winced in pain. The dwarf's fingers curled into a tight fist, and he unleashed a swift punch in the leshy's direction, but the leshy remained as calm and oblivious as before, staring into nothingness. However, the blow was intercepted by an angry squirrel that seemed intent on clinging to the dwarf's arm. The dwarf, no stranger to such challenges, attempted to free himself from the rabid creature's grip, but the squirrel was too agile and elusive, dodging the dwarf's rough touch. The dwarf remained determined to shake loose its hold, but his efforts were fruitless as the squirrel's claws dug deeper into his skin, making it nearly impossible to shake off the pest.
All eyes were fixed upon the fierce battle that had erupted between the fierce beast and the warrior from the Brotherhood of Kicked Feet. It was a sight uncommon to all and seemed to bring great delight to the orcs, who erupted in wild laughter. Even the halfling and goblin pulled small mirrors from their pockets, capturing the drama on film to show to their kin. The troll, however, seemed entirely uninterested in the fight and continued to watch the news, maintaining the same peaceful expression. Meanwhile, the two elves sitting together in the coach whispered to each other before opening their small backpacks, each pulling out a book and pretending to read while offering the dwarf a pitying glance. The event seemed set to continue for some time had it not been for the night elf watching over them. A noble-looking person of impressive stature and a wearied expression walked swiftly towards them, pushing past the orcs with ease. The night elf seized the rabid animal with a swift hand and brought it back into the leshy's beard, then lifted the half-clad dwarf back onto his feet before handing him a scroll. He then returned to his previous seat with the same expression on his face, leaving the dwarf to peruse the scroll.
The dwarf, still seething from the shock, quickly read the message and let out a deafening roar of rage. "Why in the name of Balgur do I have to pay 25 gold pieces? I did nothing wrong! If anyone is to blame it's that cursed mushroom eater!" His voice echoed through the carriage, catching the attention of everyone present. The dwarf, in a fit of anger, attempted to throw the scroll at the elf's back, but to his surprise, the parchment did not even fly a foot before returning to his hand. The elf turned around calmly, and replied, "You were issued a fine for not adhering to the dress code while in public transportation. If you have any questions, please contact the main office." The dwarf's face flushed with embarrassment upon noticing his change of attire, and he retreated behind the crowd of passengers, waiting silently for the next stop. Once the doors opened, he burst out of the subway, his anger still raging but tempered by his embarrassment.
*******
After emerging from the train, I took a deep breath of fresh air and steadied my nerves. The notion of riding in a subway train, which consisted of the innards of a colossal worm, had left me feeling queasy. I wondered how much pain the creature felt, having its insides ripped out by dwarves and goblins to accommodate the railcars. Nevertheless, I shook such disturbing thoughts from my mind and made my way towards a cafe.
Despite my kind boss, I didn't want to test her patience. After all, I didn't want to end up as sustenance for a Jorogumo, a spider-woman who could easily spin me into a web if she so desired. I quickened my pace, eager to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city and into the comfort of a quiet cafe.
The café's location, not far from Elara's temple, ensured a steady flow of customers, particularly paladins. With their patron goddess of light watching over them, their finances remained unaffected by the economic uncertainties of the world. In addition to the café, the neighborhood boasted an inn and a bakery, all of which contributed to the lively atmosphere. However, despite the café's delicious food and cozy atmosphere, the host, a formidable spider of immense size, proved intimidating to many patrons. Even monsters were occasionally wary of their fellow creatures, as the host's mere presence was enough to instill a sense of dread and unease in the hearts of the most courageous individuals. Despite these challenges, the host remained determined and eager to provide a comfortable space for all to dine in and to ensure the café's continued prosperity.
As I entered the cozy café, the sound of the bell echoing throughout the establishment, the mistress at the helm, Madam Fuji, swiftly descended from her perch on the ceiling, hanging by her eight legs. She had a stunning appearance, with Asian features that would rival even the most beautiful of geisha girls, though it was her multiple arachnid limbs that betrayed her true nature as a monstrous spider. With a sly grin plastered across her face, she presented me with an apron and an order of tea and sweets, pushing me out of the kitchen and into the guest area.
"Miss Alice is waiting for her order, so make it snappy," Fuji exclaimed with a giggle, clearly anticipating a generous tip from her beloved customer. It was no secret that most of the patrons at the café were not ordinary individuals, but rather sought something more... unusual. As such, I served as the main attraction, with customers eager to sample me.
In a world where the majority are beasts with sharp teeth and claws, human flesh has become a prized commodity. It's harder and harder to find victims to satisfy their appetites, and paladins with knights have been keeping a watchful eye. But for those who crave the forbidden taste, the desire is insatiable. Human flesh is now worth its weight in gold. In this world, humans are reduced to nothing more than the playthings of the rich elite, sought after as the centerpiece of lavish meals and expensive ingredients for their potions. We are nothing more than the cherries on top of their cakes, waiting to serve the whims of these human eaters.
*******
As I approached the table where Mrs. Alice was sitting, I couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. While I had served many dangerous customers before, this one seemed particularly daunting. She had a reputation for being demanding, and her appetite for human flesh was notoriously intense. I tried to remind myself that I was just doing my job and that I shouldn't let my nerves get the better of me.
I set down the tea and treats, making sure they were arranged just so. Then, with a smile that felt more forced than genuine, I asked, "Do you want the usual Mistress or would you like something else?" I tried to make my voice sound friendly, but it came out sounding more like a strained whisper.
Alice was an imposing presence, standing tall and commanding. Her upper body was human-like, but her lower half was that of a snake, with golden scales covering her skin and her long, silky hair flowing down her back. She always wore dark glasses, and I never saw her eyes. I never asked why, as I didn't want to risk earning her ire.
Her golden scales glistened in the soft light as she leaned forward slightly, her hands trying to gently touch my arm. I fought the twinge of revulsion that crept into my mind, knowing that I must maintain my composure at all times.
"Please, darling, call me Alice. I'm not old yet," her voice rang out, and I almost winced at the sheer coldness of her voice. It was enough to chill even the strongest-willed souls, yet I remained stoic and steadfast, knowing that my job was on the line.
Taking a deep breath, I poured a small vial of my blood into the tea, watching as she inhaled deeply, the fragrance almost enough to make her shake with excitement. In that instant, her mask faded, and I saw the true nature of the beast, ready and willing to tear me apart to satisfy her unquenchable hunger.
Alice pounced on the cup of tea with a feral growl, raising it above her head with inhuman strength. She wasted no time in slamming the contents into her open maw, her fangs glinting red in the dim light. For all their beauty, lamias were deadly beasts, with a single bite capable of paralyzing their prey. As I stepped back, I realized that I was a mere insect in comparison to the power of this monster. If she so chose, she could have ended my life with a single flick of her tongue. The vast divide between humans and monsters was all too apparent, and my survival depended upon remaining in her good graces. In my heart, however, I knew that even if I did everything right, I was still serving as the cherry on top of the cake.
I watched as Alice eagerly licked the spilled tea off the table, her long forked tongue quickly mopping up every drop. The scene was so surreal that I almost couldn't believe my eyes. But I knew better than to take my gaze away from the lamia, for even the slightest slip-up could mean death.
When Alice came to her senses, she turned to me, her hair disheveled and her breath heavy. Her hand was outstretched, and I knew what she wanted. I swiftly produced a handkerchief from my pocket, offering it to her. "Allow me, my lady," I said softly, bowing my head in deference.
Alice accepted the handkerchief, her smile revealing her sharp teeth once more. She began to dab at her face, her movements deft and precise. "Thank you, Bunny... You're always so considerate," she sighed, a touch of affection in her voice. I was just relieved that she hadn't attacked me, and I could only imagine the horrors that awaited those who failed to keep the lamia satisfied.
*******
"Caleb, my dear friend, I've been meaning to ask you something." Alice's voice trembled slightly as she spoke, her long, feathery tail shifting around the table, pressing lightly against the wooden surface, and causing it to creak with her weight. I looked up at her, fighting the urge to pick up a shard of broken cups, and replied, "Alice, you can ask me anything you like." She continued, "I hope you don't take this the wrong way, Caleb, but are you married, or do you have a girlfriend? Is there someone special in your life?"
And so, in that very moment, I could have sworn that even through her dark glasses I saw her eyes glow with a dim light. I had not expected a question of such a personal nature. My thoughts seemed jumbled in my head, and I didn't know what to say. I could either tell the truth or lie, but both options held their risks. Alice's claws tapped impatiently on the table, making it clear that she did not intend to leave without an answer. But just as the situation seemed to be at its most awkward, Mrs. Fuji stepped in. "Oh, there you are, boy! Hurry up and take this jasmine tea to table 6 in the second hall!" As I took the tray from her, she immediately engaged Alice in conversation about her family and her work in the Cyclops Quarter. With a sigh of relief, I quickly left the room for special customers and went to the room for regular customers. In the end, I was grateful for Mrs. Fuji's timely intervention.
*******
As the sun set, I found myself weary and spent, my bones and muscles aching from the day's many tasks. Being a waiter, cashier, cleaner, dishwasher, and blood donor all at once was more than even my young body could cope with. Mrs. Fuji preferred to keep costs down, and so I found myself filling all the empty positions that other staff had once occupied. Fortunately, the absence of special customers today gave me a break from the usual hustle and bustle of the cafe. But, as the hours passed, I felt my stamina slipping away, my movements becoming slower and more labored. I knew that all I wanted was a hot bath, a good meal, and a soft bed to collapse into.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, I found myself once more deep in thought. My shift, which had felt like an eternity, was finally coming to an end. I had but a short while longer to endure before I was granted the sweet release of the day's end. But even with the promise of freedom from my labors, my mind was troubled. My mother had been suffering from nightmares as of late, and I had promised to fetch the herbalist's remedies on my way home. The thought of facing another night filled with her screams and cries filled me with dread.
As I scrubbed the floor, I heard the chime of the antique clock hanging by the front door, signaling that it was almost six o'clock. My heart sank, for I knew that I would have to leave my work unfinished to make it to the herbalist's shop before it closed. Madam Fuji appeared from behind me, and I almost jumped out of my skin. She spoke to me of the broken jade cup, and I felt a twinge of guilt. I knew it was my fault that Alice had been so rough with the pottery, and I had hoped that my employer would not be too upset.
"Do not trouble yourself, young man. The cup was insured," Madam Fujii said, soothing my fears. "And besides, it was a simple mistake. Please do not let it bother you. But I do think that you should take better care of the customers' belongings in the future"
As she spoke, she handed me the envelope with my tip, and I accepted it with gratitude. I felt that I had earned it today, even if I had had to deal with the stress of Alice's reckless behavior.
"You may leave a few minutes early tonight," Madam said, looking at her watch with a worried expression. "It has not been safe in this part of town at night lately. Be careful, young man"
Despite my exhaustion, I nodded my head in agreement, grateful for her concern for my safety. I did not want to admit it, but I had also been feeling uneasy walking home at night. I was thankful to have a kind and understanding employer, even if the job itself was taxing.
I placed the mop in Mistress Fuji's outstretched hands, careful not to let it slip and fall. With a quick and decisive motion, I snatched the envelope containing my payment and stuffed it into the deep pocket of my leather jacket, already missing the warmth that it provided. As I stepped out into the chilly night air, I saw that the golden light of the full moon shone brightly in the sky, casting eerie shadows across the stone streets of Iltayn. Though a lovely city with its charms, it could not escape the dangers that plagued such places, such as the dark corners of alleys and the shadowy form of figures lurking in the distance.
In haste, I pressed on towards the herbalist's shop, hoping to arrive before the worm came. The gargoyles, cursed creatures of the dark, flew overhead, uttering their hideous cries and casting their long shadows over the moonlit streets. These monsters, eager for the night to fall, cared not for any living thing, and those unwise enough to carry meat of any kind were at risk of being torn apart by the merciless gluttons on the spot. This was the law of the city, a grim reality that kept the citizens in a state of perpetual fear. Still, I pressed on, hoping to reach my destination, for the night was yet young, and the worm had not yet emerged from its lair.
It was almost as if my ears had stopped, for all I could hear was the sound of my breath and the pounding of my heart. The silence was uncanny as if the world had ceased its motion altogether. Suddenly, I was aware of a dark shadow, falling upon me like a falling star. Before I could react, I felt a sharp jolt in my back that knocked me to the ground, sending my senses into confusion. I struggled to regain my bearings, but before I could, I felt a sharp sting in my leg - it was a Snallygaster, a wretched being of the night with the wings of a bird, the talons of a squid, and the fangs of a bat. Its tongue, a venomous appendage, had pierced straight through my flesh.
The creature tried to pull me to it with its tongue, but without even thinking, I grabbed it with my teeth and chewed it off. The beast howled in agony, but I wasted no time and quickly pulled two enchanted knuckles out of my jacket pocket. I was about to activate the charms and move away from the creature when, in the blink of an eye, its tentacles wrapped around me, preventing any movement. With a mighty flap of its wings, the creature soared into the sky, carrying me with it.
"Why don't we call it a draw, bald rooster? Both of us had a bite from each other, and I'll tell you honestly - you don't taste very good. I almost threw up from the taste of your dirty blood" The monster didn't respond to my suggestion, but instead hissed menacingly. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a massive tree below us, and realizing that this was my only chance, I shouted with all my might, "At-Rama-GUOHHHHH!"
A static discharge ran through my body, causing the creature to finally let go of me. I felt a brief sense of relief, but gravity quickly reasserted itself as I hit a tree branch on the way down. Although my fall broke a few ribs, I was still able to climb back down to the ground.
"Ha-ha, I guess someone's gonna be out of dinner tonight" I spat blood and forced a smile as I hobbled away from there, silently praying to myself that the creature wouldn't decide to return.
I rolled my eyes in frustration and continued to limp away, but an all-too-familiar voice broke the silence of the street. It came from a dark alley nearby, and it was the voice of someone I despised with every fiber of my being.
"You saw that, guys! I thought people couldn't fly!" the voice of that feathered freak rang out.
I grit my teeth in anger and wave a hand towards the alley, my muscles tensing in preparation for a fight if need be. Slowly, the beast emerged from the shadows, revealing himself to be none other than Corax, a half-bird, half-man beastmen with a penchant for annoying me every chance he got. He was accompanied by half a dozen Orcs and two Hobgoblins, their numbers more than enough to give me pause.
"Oh, ha-ha, Corax, long time no see, buddy!" I said, forcing a smile onto my face. "It has been a long time, hasn't it? You didn't even send me a birthday card!" I couldn't help but be sarcastic, despite the seriousness of the moment.
Corax simply grinned at me, his bird-like eyes shining with anticipation. "Come now, you can't stay mad at me forever. Or can you?" he said with a chuckle.
With a heavy sigh, I straightened myself up as best I could, trying to stay upright despite the agonizing pain in my side.
"Hey, it's getting pretty late, so maybe we can catch up another time. You know my number, right? You can reach out to me this weekend, although I have to tell you that I've changed it so I won't be available over the weekend. However, I'd be happy to mail you a gift for Yotunali?" Corax beamed at me as I said this, I began to slowly back away.
"What's the matter, Caleb? Got a cut from a bird?" he asked, motioning to my leg which was bleeding. I waved my hand dismissively. "It's just a scratch!"
As he spoke, Corax's goons began to approach me, with the beastman's expression turning from friendly to one of malice. "Oh, so you know each other, do you? He mentioned something about Corax selling rotten eggs, but I didn't think it was you!" I gave Corax a quick grin and, with both hands behind my back, activated knuckles.
My stupid joke might cost me my life tonight, but so be it. Corax tilted his head to the side for a moment and then laughed like a man possessed looking at me. "Damn, for the son of a prostitute, you're pretty funny! I even feel a little sorry for you Caleb."
With a wave of his hand, he signaled his dogs to teach me a lesson. The blue orc was the first to pounce on me. The guy was much bigger than me and stronger, but I still had an advantage with a moment of surprise. After dodging two of his powerful swinging blows, I was able to counterattack by punching the big guy in the stomach. A powerful wave of magical energy in the form of lightning stunned him, allowing me to deliver a precise blow to his groin. The pain from such a harsh attack knocked out even such a formidable opponent. "So who's next!" Shouted I breathed heavily, my whole body aching and shaking. My mind slowly started to fade due to blood loss. My fists are shaking just from hitting that orc a few times. My knuckles ache like I've been hitting a concrete block for hours without tiring. "Damn! Why are you so stiff?" I cursed, clenching my fists tighter, the skin on my fingers torn to shreds and blood dripping from them relentlessly.
Two hobgoblins came at me at the same time, and I couldn't even block their attack. The one with the goatee punched me in the jaw, while the other with the pigtails on his head kicked me in the liver. I was about to lose my balance but redirected my weight forward and managed to stay on my feet, the nose of my trusty red-skinned friend helping to stop me from falling.
As I cracked one of the hobgoblins on the nose with my forehead, I was distracted for a moment and missed a monstrous blow from the orc. I was thrown several feet away, toppling to the ground. The taste of metal filled my mouth. I spit the contents out and found that I had lost a handful of teeth. My nose was also broken, preventing me from breathing, and my head hurt like hell. I must have gotten a concussion from the fall.
But my fans did not wait for my recovery and without pity continued my beating. I broke the nose of that red-skinned man with the beard, because of all of them he beat me the most furiously. He even decided to make sure that I would be the last of my kind by kicking me a couple or three times in the groin.
*******
When my further beating stopped making any sense, they stopped and let their leader finish what he had come to do. The feathered one squatted down beside me and then rummaged in my pockets for what he'd come for. An envelope of money. Without another moment's hesitation, he opened it and greedily counted the money. "This won't even cover half of what you owe us. Hell, you should get a better job! Okay, this we'll take for today. But remember in two months, you'll have to pay us back the full amount, or I'll pay a personal visit to your mother and make her serve all these fine gentlemen next to me" Coming close to my ear, he deliberately put his foot on my broken arm.
Realizing his intentions I nodded my head in agreement, albeit barely. "Good! And don't forget to say hello to Fuji-sama for us. Let's go, guys, it's getting a little chilly in here... Brr!" Standing up and crossing his arms over his chest, Corax pretended to be freezing. After taking only two steps away from me he stopped, then turned around with a good-natured smile and tossed me a single silver coin, with the words, "You've got to get home somehow"
"Thank God, it probably could have been worse" I whispered slowly to myself in a painful, hoarse voice. Strangely enough, it turned out that my troubles wouldn't end there today. It started with a heavy downpour, and then I was arrested by the Knights of Gwenevra. For buying a magic item from the black market. And the most annoying thing is that I was arrested by none other than my classmate from the school I used to go to five years ago.
Already in the knights' carriage, I complained to the knights with resentment and regret: "Because of you today I will miss my favorite show!"