Dominik walked slowly on his way to Raphael at the mine where he worked at Long Mountain. As he walked the path filled with stone dunes and the sound of the machines used at the mine, the conversation with his grandfather earlier that day played on a loop in his mind.
The revelations about the IGE48, the labyrinth, and the elaborate preparations that the upper classes undertook to ensure their survival had left him deeply unsettled. More than that, he couldn't shake the feeling that his family's background held even more secrets. How had his grandfather, a Class 5 citizen, come to know so much about the inner workings of the elite? And what was the truth about their time in Disane? He was not so naive as to believe his grandfather's excuse about learning about it while serving a Class 2 family.
Now that he thought about it, why would his grandfather leave Disane for Ahnduim City, an impoverished city, to scrape a living as a healer when he could have earned more supposedly working for a Class 2 family? Moreover, his grandfather and mother never really had the bearings of a Class 5 citizen.
As he mulled over these questions, Dominik felt a growing suspicion that there was more to his family than met the eye, especially regarding his grandfather and mother.
The sun was high in the sky when Dominik arrived, casting long shadows across the rugged landscape. Raphael, dressed in his work clothes, dirty and covered in sweat, was on his lunch break. He carried two bunis wrapped in parchment paper in his left hand.
"Hey, Raphael!" Dominik called out as he approached.
Raphael looked up from his meal, a smile spreading across his face. "Dominik! What brings you here?" he said while offering him one of the bunis.
Dominik sat down beside his friend, reaching for one of the bunis, the words tumbling out before he could stop them. "I'm going to Turin."
Raphael's eyes widened. "Turin? That's a long way from here. What's going on?"
Dominik recounted the conversation with his grandfather, the truths about the IGE48, and his suspicions about his family's past. "There's something more, Raphael. My grandfather and mother... I feel like they're hiding something about our family. Something important."
Raphael listened intently, nodding occasionally. "It sounds like you've got a lot to figure out, but I agree that it's very suspicious. However, on the bright side, you have a real chance at the IGE48 now, so that's a positive. But Turin, Dominik? That's incredible! It's your first time traveling, right?"
Dominik nodded, a spark of excitement in his eyes. "Yes, and I can't wait. It feels like the start of something big."
"By the way, when do you leave for Turin and how long will you be there?" Raphael asked.
"I don't know that yet. I'll ask my grandfather later today."
"Let me know when you leave so I can bid you farewell."
"I will."
The friends finished their meal, after which Raphael left to return to work.
With renewed determination, Dominik headed back to his grandfather's house. As he entered, he found his grandfather poring over an old map of the region, tracing the route to Turin with a thoughtful expression. Dominik never knew what to make of his grandfather's affinity for papers when he could easily check for a map online using his chip.
"We'll leave tomorrow at dawn," his grandfather said without looking up. "Make sure you pack everything you need tonight."
Dominik nodded, the reality of the journey settling in. "What should I bring, grandfather?"
"Pack light, but be sure to bring enough clothes, your training gear, and any personal items you can't do without. We'll be traveling via airbus, and we'll be in Turin for a month. You'll go to the capital for the consignment directly from Turin."
"Yes, grandfather," Dominik said in response.
Dominik's mother walked into the room at that moment, saying, "We'll need to take permission from the matriarch for him to travel. We better get going soon so I can see her before nightfall."
By the time Dominik and his mother returned to their apartment in Hera Building, the evening was settling in. The sky had turned a deep shade of purple, and a cool breeze hinted at the rain to come. The first thing they did was head to the upper floors to seek permission from the matriarch for Dominik to travel.
They entered a room where the matriarch resided. The room was quite simple with rugs on the floor, walls painted in a beige color, and simple decorations here and there.
"Good evening, Matriarch," Dominik's mother said while kneeling down to greet the matriarch as is tradition. Dominik followed suit. The matriarch, a plump woman with beady eyes, had her mouth downturned upon seeing Dominik's mother.
"What brings you and your good-for-nothing son to my presence?" she asked.
"I wish to request that you grant Dominik permission to travel with my father to prepare him for the consignment."
The matriarch laughed out loud. "I heard Foden has been training him. What would he learn from your Class 5 father? It's always been said that Class 5 people lack common sense."
Dominik clenched his fists at the derogatory remark as the matriarch turned to him.
"So, Dominik, you wish to travel to Turin?"
"Yes, Matriarch," Dominik replied, standing respectfully.
The matriarch's gaze softened slightly as it seemed that she recalled something. "That reminds me, you always went on all sorts of trips with your father and mother before he died back then."
Dominik's brows furrowed in confusion as he couldn't recall ever traveling with his parents.
"It's a shame you turned out like this. Your father, despite being a Class 4, was stronger than some Class 3 individuals. Marrying a Class 5 woman ruined him. If only he married who I chose for him. Consider this permission a parting gift before your likely imminent death."
The bitterness in her tone stung, but Dominik pushed it aside. He had more pressing matters to focus on.
"Thank you for your permission, Matriarch," Dominik's mother said while bowing her head deeply. The matriarch ignored the statement before saying, "Leave my sight."
Dominik and his mother left the room.
A heavy rain began to fall outside, the sound of it drumming against the building's exterior. Dominik spent the next few hours meticulously packing his belongings, ensuring he had everything he might need. As he finished, his mother entered the room, her face a mix of worry and resolve.
As night fell, Dominik stood by the window, gazing out at the pouring rain and the colorful fugashu that dotted the night sky in beautiful patterns. His mother approached him, holding a small box in her hands.
"This belonged to your father," she said, opening the brown box to reveal a gold chain with a medallion shaped like a lion. "He always wore it, and I want you to have it. Never take it off, Dominik."
Dominik took the necklace, feeling the weight of its significance. He slipped it over his head, the medallion resting against his chest.
"Thank you, Mother," he said, his voice thick with emotion.
She gave him a small, nervous smile. "Take your training seriously in Turin. Your grandfather believes in you, and so do I."
She guided him to the mat and began massaging his head with oils, her hands gentle and soothing. "Good luck, my son. You have the strength within you to overcome any challenge."
"Mother," Dominik began hesitantly, "the matriarch mentioned Father's travels. Why don't I remember any of it?"
His mother's hands paused for a moment before she resumed. "You were very young, Dominik. It's natural to forget such things."
Dominik sensed there was more to it but decided not to press further. Instead, he focused on the journey ahead. He would be spending a month in Turin, training intensively before heading directly to the capital for the IGE48 consignment.
That night, as the rain continued to fall, Dominik used his chip to write a virtual message to Raphael.
*Hey Raphael,*
*I wanted to let you know that I'll be leaving tomorrow morning at dawn. According to my grandfather, I'll be in Turin for six months and head directly to the capital for the consignment. I might not be back again. Thanks for being such a great friend.*
Within moments, a response came through.
*Dominik, I'm surprised you're leaving so soon. But I'll be there at the airbus terminal to say goodbye. Take care, my friend.*
Dominik smiled at the message. Despite the uncertainty ahead, he felt a sense of resolve. With his family's secrets weighing on his mind and the support of his best friend, he was ready to face whatever Turin had in store for him.