Hello there, I hope everyone had a pleasant new year since we last met. It’s been a while since the last blog, but I would like to try something new. I’ve seen some interest in my other works, so I thought I could write a short story set in the game world, and perhaps offer a new perspective. I don’t intend to do this too often as it might distract me from my main focus on working on the game, but it’s a good break once in a while, and perhaps is a fresher way of looking at things.
These short stories are not crucial to read to experience the game, but rather, they offer a view into the world that might give you the readers some idea of what the world is like. Perhaps we might even see some characters and places that we’ve discussed before. I should stress that these stories are not important to the overall plot, and therefore one should not expect high stakes. More of a casual slice of life rather than a thriller, if that makes sense.
I have also included an addendum to this update, which can be found on a different page here. It is not strictly necessary to read it before the short story, but it contains an explanation of certain aspects of the world featured in this short story. If you happen to finish reading this dev blog and want more explanation, the addendum is the place to go. This short story, however, is written without expecting the readers to be aware of the finer details. One could consider the addendum a watered-down version of what I would usually do for dev blogs.
As I said, don’t be worried about me turning this site into a place where I dump my short stories. I will still keep with the usual style of dev blogs in the future. Do let me know in the comments what you think, be it wanting more short stories or preferring the usual instead (or anything else in general). With that out of the way, let’s begin.
Short Story:
It was a sea of endless light. Unfurling through the night sky like the dissipation of an eclipse, it was truly like an ocean of drowning light. A mere moment of gazing upon a shrouded sky, but quickly shattered as the sky brightened faster than any dawn could have been broken. Radiating through the lands of silence, outshining the indifferent moon. The brilliance, unmatched. The awe, unfettered. The dread, unknowable.
The light he had seen on that day was of such glory. Still, he often questioned himself: Which day was deserving of this unquestioning reverence?
The morning rays no longer held any significance in his heart after that day. How could the beauty of sunrise compare to the majesty of that luminous night? Nevertheless, he was far too earnest to sleep beyond the first stirrings of a new day. That did not mean he wasn’t one to take sneaky naps, however.
“A pleasant dream, I hope?” a gentle yet unnerving voice jolted him awake. “The meeting is going to start.”
There was no light to be found in the waking world, at least none of the natural or breathtaking variety. Even if he wanted to complain about the morning rays, his only audience was flickering candlelights and hovering orbs.
“You’re rather early.”
“Given the circumstances, of course I would be.”
The dreamer’s companion let out a deep sigh, exhaling a puff of smoke that left a crinkle on the man’s brows. Resting on an extended index finger, a smoldering pipe was held towards the dreamer as a gesture of offering. Long and thin, the pipe was of a construction he had rarely seen. While it was undoubtedly custom built knowing his companion’s tastes, such a variety of a tobacco enjoying tool was rather uncommon in this part of the world.
“Whatever you smoke is too heavy for me. Moved on from cigars? Cigarettes next, perhaps?”
“I don’t enjoy any of them, truth to be told. How is a lady supposed to enjoy these fine products of the colonies when I could barely pull out my indulgences without being stared at?” the lady remarked with a thin smile, at least that’s what the dreamer assumed was hiding behind those long sleeves of hers.
“I doubt the people here are that uptight. Probably has more to do with rarely seeing people like yourself, don’t you think?”
A self-centered friend she was, but the dreamer doubted even she lacked awareness of her foreign appearance. Draped in an exotic fabric with a value that could purchase an estate, the lady was certainly not truly concerned with the attention she would receive. That alone could be ascribed to some level of eccentricity, but her guise was far beyond the musings of wealth. It was difficult to tell under the dim light, but the vast shadow on the ground gave away the absurd tail-to-body ratio she possessed. Unlike the people of this city, she possessed more than a singular tail. The dreamer had always felt it was rude to stare, so he had never decisively counted the number of bushy tails she possessed, so in his mind it was but a ball of fur that could possibly serve as her bed if she wanted.
“If you’re here, then is the Commonwealth really stepping in?” with the pleasantries dispensed with, the dreamer asked with a light sigh.
“So impatient, aren’t you? Once everyone is here, you will know. That being said, you have nothing to worry about,” the lady paused, then quickly corrected herself with a half-hearted smile. “Ah, I misspoke. The Cartographers certainly have nothing to worry about. You, on the other hand…”
The lady’s teasing was soon cut short with the arrival of a sharply dressed cohort, who all filed into their seats with urgency. Some the dreamer recognized, others unfamiliar, yet none compared to the one who woke him from the dream, both in style and friendship. It was unfair to compare them to the pride and vanity of the lady, but the dreamer found them all dreadfully boring. Their typical appearances, which he had seen thousands upon thousands of times during his uneventful service in the bureaucracy, blended together.
He was not asking for the sound of chimes to follow in their steps, nor was he expecting the scent of exotic flora to waft in their presence, but the dreamer had no doubt these boring bureaucrats would benefit from learning a thing or two from the lady, no matter their high station in the Cartographer’s Hall.
“Let this be for the record,” one of the forgettable ones nodded towards a clerk. “Today, we are joined by an observer of the Commonwealth, as is protocol. Without further ado, let us commence today’s committee.”
“Good day, Lords and Ladies. It is an honor,” the dreamer greeted his superiors, trying his best to ignore the yawn of boredom from the observer.
“Good day. Your works are well known to this committee, and your contributions to the Hall have been noted,” the representative of the committee replied curtly. “I believe everyone present has heard of the matter in Singidunum recently?”
“Most tragic, it was,” the dreamer’s response was met with nods of agreement. “Has the disaster been difficult? Is more assistance needed for that region?”
“While your enthusiasm is greatly appreciated, we do not require your attention on Singidunum, for now. Fortunately, plenty of brave souls have already volunteered for disaster relief,” while the committee might not have noticed, the dreamer did not miss the inaudible snicker of the observer.
Noticing his confusion, the representative signaled for the clerk to hand out several documents, “This report has been quickly assembled over the recent weeks since the disaster. Please give it a quick read.”
With reading speeds befitting one of the bureaucracy, the dreamer remarked with furrowed brows, “Are these readings of Kallipolis? No, the Church would never allow us close to it. Other pillars have far too different weather currently to replicate similar results. Surely, it cannot be…”
“Indeed. We are currently sending a different team to verify these results, but it is highly plausible these results are reliable. Perhaps it has to do with the events of late, especially when the star is said to have fallen into the new continent. Regardless, it would seem, for the first time in this century, a pillar is awakening from its slumber. The pillar across the coasts of Singidunum has been roused.”
The first time in this century? This century? The dreamer could not help but be indignant. A lifetime in offices, as opposed to fieldwork, has truly made people boring, for he could not explain the absurdity of their indifference otherwise. The known world has not seen the awakening of a pillar in nearly half a millennium! To say a century was understating the gravity of the situation. The turn of this era was marked by the ruination of a pillar that held up a vast empire, and this matter, if true, was of no lesser importance in the dreamer’s eyes. The witnesses of history now stand at the dawn of unprecedented times, a new era free from the curse of the shattered pillar that brought upon an age most lamentable.
“You have, for the longest time, advocated for the exploration and mapping of the new continent, have you not?” the dreamer was questioned.
“That I have. Is that not the reason for the Cartographer Hall’s Existence?”
“Yes, my department has received countless proposals from you regarding expeditions to the frontier,” a member of the committee remarked dryly.
“It is of great misfortune then, that for the longest time, the continent had sheer cliffs and no shelter for ships.”
The dreamer tilted his head curiously, “‘Had’?”
“It would seem the pillar itself heard your prayers,” the representative remarked with a wry smile. “With the awakening of the pillar, even the earth itself forms a path to the new continent. Much of the unscalable cliffs have collapsed, not to mention the numerous inlets the scouts have reported to have formed.”
A different committee member added, “As we speak, the forward team is proceeding with the construction of a harbor at one of the largest inlets, which will allow simultaneous access to both the base of the pillar and the Strait of Singidunum. By the end of this week, we will have mooring for even the largest ships in our fleet.”
“Then that must mean…” the dreamer trailed off.
“Is this not what you wanted? Considering the years you have spent arguing for chartering the unknown continent. The committee has recognized your efforts, and thus has agreed to put you forth as a candidate for the position of leading the newly established Charter in the frontier.”
“Really? That would be an honor!” the dreamer was unabashedly excited.
“While the decision is not yet final, you should start making preparations for that role. After all, I do not think there’s exactly competition for leading the Charter of the frontier.”
There were some dry smiles and soft laughter of mockery, as their disdain was made visible beneath the surface. Still, the dreamer was far too caught up in his excitement to realize, earning a silent gaze of disappointment from his previous companion.
“Then shall this committee presume you do not have any complaints?”
“I stand ready to serve the Cartographer’s Hall,” the dreamer affirmed.
“Very good,” the representative smiled, for the first time during the meeting. “Then this meeting is adjourned. Please, do begin to pack your belongings for the frontier.”
As the shuffling of chairs overtook the room, the committee members sent the dreamer half-hearted words of congratulation, moving past him in a blurry collage of faces. Only he, along with the observer, remained seated, but none of the committee members seemed too interested, as if they wanted to be rid of this meeting as quickly as possible.
The dreamer rested the back of his head on the top rail, sinking further into his seat, unbefitting his stuffy and formal outfit. Staring aimlessly at the master-crafted ceiling, he let out a deep sigh. Etched deep into the ceiling tiles was the emblem of the Hall, serving as a reminder of the duty that rests above each and every member of the Hall. Still, gazing upon the symbol he had seen thousands of times, the dreamer could not help but feel he was being mocked by its provocative design.
“Oh dear oh dear. You haven’t changed at all. Look at yourself. Sometimes, I wonder how we even became friends in the first place. It wretches the heart to watch you stumble every single time.”
The dreamer closed his eyes, “Don’t pretend you didn’t accept the role of observer just to come laugh at me.”
“Can’t deny that,” a giggle came as a reply. “A fool, like always. Do you do this on purpose?”
“I am quite satisfied with the outcome.”
“What, the entire Hall leadership throwing you to the wolves? There is no value in that foreign land. It will take decades for any settlement to be built up underneath that pillar. In the meantime, your position will be stuck governing a meaningless backwater region. They crowned you a king, yes, but a king with no kingdom. Don’t tell me you really believe that the falling star they were alluding to holds any realistic value, if it exists at all.”
Her scathing criticism was met with a great silence, yet it wasn’t an uncomfortable one. It was a common occurrence to be met with her unforgiving critique, and the days were long when it came to conversations like this. The nights were longer still, yet here they remained, as unforgiving critics of their respective careers.
“Not everyone thinks of everything in terms of climbing the social ladder. There is meaning in my job, unlike your game of gains and losses.”
“Speak of your ideals to me once you lay dead in unknown lands, in search of that meaning of yours.”
What could he say? There was no fault in her words. A pointless journey, and a meaningless goal. His motivation could not be ascribed to anything concrete. If the dreamer could not describe his dream without being laughed at, what worth was there in that dream? Even so, that was not something he could accept.
“Better than selling your soul in politics.”
The companion laughed coldly, “Well worth it. You are now speaking to one of the nine Commissioners of the Commonwealth. Perhaps by the end of your madness, you can even make that number a ten?”
“Can I take that as a sign of Commonwealth interests in the new continent?”
“Take it however you wish. Still, from one friend to another, I would say you can rest easy. There are far bigger concerns the average Commonwealth citizen is upset with than a piece of unexplored land, regardless of the potential it holds a few decades down the road, with or without an active pillar. What foolishness. Can’t be out seizing territory with prospective harbors when your constituents are far more worried about blanks roaming the streets.”
The dreamer’s frown deepened, further and more disapproving of her words. Her words had always been delivered with dripping mockery, but it was only now had the dreamer finally drew the line. There was an unspoken disappointment in his creased brows, but for whatever reason, he had no courage to speak of it. Or, perhaps, he expected his companion to be fully aware of her mistake, perceived or otherwise.
“Don’t look at me like that. What, you think I believe in the stuff I peddle?”
The dreamer shook his head with a sigh, “There’s no need to use such uncouth language.”
“Certainly rolls off the tongue better than ‘featureless’. Definitely gets you more political support.”
“So that’s how you became a commissioner?” the dreamer was exasperated. “By campaigning for ideals you yourself don’t even believe it?”
The politician shrugged, “What’s the harm?”
“You don’t see the harm? You know as well as anyone this isn’t acceptable. Especially so, when you are an outsider to the Commonwealth. Shouldn’t you be more understanding of their plight?”
It was the politician’s turn to frown, yet somehow her expression maintained an air of grace. It was a great displeasure to be sure, yet she chose not to express her dissatisfaction visibly.
“My people were outsiders for decades, and I spent it selling my soul to the very thing you condemn. We were worth barely a single seat in both the Council and Parliament combined, yet now we stand as equals on the Commission. What were you doing in those years as I lied and backstabbed my way through Commonwealth politics? Doing now, even? Chasing that light you had seen on that day? Go ahead then. I am everything you have accused me of, but your idealistic pursuit will lead you nowhere, even with several more decades. With or without people like me, nothing will change. Your refusal to accept reality will do nothing to help the people you defend.”
The politician took in a deep breath as if she was about to continue her rant of indignance, but she swallowed back whatever word she had prepared, returning the breath to the world through a sigh.
The dreamer’s gaze appeared distant, not too bothered by his companion’s reprisal. There was an indescribable expression floating beneath the surface of his unlabored features, holding an emotion that went beyond the skin of their disagreement.
“How would you…” the dreamer was hesitant, slow and methodical in phrasing his words, “describe the recent event that befell Singidunum?”
Although she did not quite understand the purpose of his question, the companion played along, “Disastrous. A tragedy on a generational scale. The expression on the faces of those who witnessed the sky that day was nothing but true terror.”
“Really?” the dreamer’s knuckles turned pale white as he gripped his hands together. “Was the light in that moment not majestic?”
The companion blinked in disbelief, “Now you have fully gone insane.”
The dreamer averted his companion’s gaze, “You are right. I have behaved in an unreasonable manner ever since that day all those years ago. To you, even. Still, as horrifying as it sounds, I feel as if…”
The dreamer’s next words, whatever personal meaning it shared between the two of them, were enough to have her inscrutable expression crumble into unperformed speechlessness.
“The brilliant light deserves no less reverence than the radiance I had seen on that day.”
Closing Remarks
A bit longer than usual. I won’t do this often, since this is a dev blog at the end of the day, and I would prefer to go deeper into the design process and whatnot. Still, feedback is welcomed (like how I still haven’t figured out how to format this site properly to accept my indents and paragraph spacing). Do let me know if you enjoyed it (or not), and don’t forget to check out the addendum if you are still interested, or would prefer something more like the usual dev blog. Until next time.
- Sketch by Riifushi ↩︎