The world has never been fair to those born in Somara, a city once grand but now left with the ruins of dreams. Somara used to be the center of civilization, with abundant water sources and technological marvels that could conquer nature.
But all of that changed. The water that once flowed as the lifeblood of the city dried up. Rivers turned into streams of toxic sludge, and the air was thick with dust from piles of waste that kept growing relentlessly.
The city is now known as the Garbage City, a place where life is only about survival, not thriving.
In the midst of this devastation, a young man named Godan Gearlock stands atop a hill of rubble. His face is hard and full of resolve, his gray eyes looking over the sprawling city below, shrouded in thick fog.
His strong hands grip an old shovel tightly, an essential tool in his life as a contract worker in the incineration plant. Behind him stand two others, their faces weary yet full of determination: Marta Amberlash, a young woman with fiery red hair, and Jomie Jaelwyn, a young man with disheveled curly hair.
"Somara's rotting away," Marta mutters bitterly, her gaze sweeping over the city below. "How much longer can we survive here?"
Godan doesn't answer. He is too lost in his thoughts. He knows that question doesn't require a response. Life in Somara is a never-ending struggle. The three of them, like so many others in this city, work hard just to get a sip of clean water and a plate of food. But lately, even that seems like a luxury.
However, tonight is different. Something has been nagging at Godan ever since he heard strange whispers in the middle of the night a few days ago.
The whispers, faint but clear, called his name, directing him to the ruins at the edge of the city. It was there that he discovered something unexpected—a place that revealed part of the legend of the Water Goddess Stone, a legendary artifact that was said to be the source of life for Somara in the past, during the city's days of glory.
"Godan," Marta's voice breaks his reverie. "What are you planning?"
Godan takes a deep breath. He knows they need hope—something that could change their fate and Somara's. In a low but determined voice, he says, "I will find the Water Goddess Stone."
Marta lets out a small laugh, though there is no joy in it. "You're serious? That's just an old story to get children to sleep. No one knows if that stone really exists."
"But what if it's real?" Godan replies quickly. "What if that stone can save Somara? We've got nothing left to lose."
Marta looks at Godan with doubt, but she knows that her friend doesn't speak lightly. If Godan believes in something, it means he's thought it through thoroughly.
"Alright," she says at last. "If you believe that stone is real, then I'll help you find it."
Jomie sighs deeply, scratching his messy hair. "I don't know if you guys are crazy, reckless, or desperate. But I also don't want to be alone here. So, count me in."
Godan gives a faint smile. They might not have much, but they have each other. That's enough to begin this long journey.
---
That night, they return to the ruins at the edge of the city, the place where Godan discovered the remains of the Water Goddess Stone's resting place. A cold wind blows fiercely, carrying the foul stench of the nearby garbage piles. Under the dim moonlight, they open the pages of the journal, trying to decipher the hidden clues within.
Godan studies the map carefully. It shows a location not far from where they are now, within a large hollow that might have once been the stone's storage place.
The following days are filled with challenges. Godan, Marta, and Jomie must face threats from low-level bandits, mysterious creatures, and even other city inhabitants who covet what they seek.
The three of them also encountered unexpected individuals who turned out to have hidden agendas in approaching them. As teenagers, they often struggled to figure out the right steps to take, but in the end, they were forced to grow up quickly and make critical decisions.
However, they also found kindhearted people who could potentially become allies during this time, such as Mrs. Lenna, the owner of a tea shop who offered them temporary shelter, and Boss Rocko, a leader of the workers' community with a wide network in Somara.
They also learn of the Star Key, another artifact supposedly needed to activate the Water Goddess Stone. The Key is said to have been lost with the fall of the Oran Tower, but the journal they found offers crucial clues about its whereabouts.
At the end of the first chapter of their journey, Godan, Marta, and Jomie successfully find the Star Key in the dangerous ruins. But they are not alone. A large creature with dark skin and eyes that glow like embers chases them, forcing them to fight for their lives to keep the Key.
Breathing heavily, they manage to escape, bringing the Star Key and new hope. However, they know their journey is far from over, and greater dangers await.
Somara may be on the brink of destruction, but the three of them believe that as long as they continue to fight, there's still hope to save the city. The Water Goddess Stone isn't just a legend. For them, it is their only chance to prove that justice and life are still possible in this dark world.
And for Godan, this isn't just about saving Somara. It's about proving that those forgotten by the world still have a voice and the power to change their own destiny.
No matter what challenges lie ahead, whether they are terrifying, dangerous, thrilling, or even heartbreaking, they knew they could overcome them. It was the belief they had held on to for years living in Somara, and it would be the belief they would cling to throughout the search for the Water Goddess Stone.