Chapter 1: Crystal of Hope
"The last day of this year and I am still poor as fuck."
Hex climbed out of the narrow aperture and snorted.
"Six years. I toiled six years in these dark strips of hell. But it wasn't enough. I failed."
When he discovered this crevice he thought the heavens were helping him.
If Hex was less frustrated he would realize the crevice did provide more edibles and herbs than he ever got anywhere else.
But it lacked beasts to hunt. He had hoped to stumble upon a slumbering nest of beasts to slaughter.
Winter in the barren mountain lands was the best time to sell meat and fur. It was the best way to earn a lot of coins.
The lack of funds to participate in the ritual frustrated Hex greatly. A few youngsters his age would perhaps acquire their first Blessing.
He didn't wish to remain behind. A blessing, even a common one, would enable him to seek tutelage under a Class.
"Money. Everything comes down to money." Hex hoisted the patched-up leather bag on his back. His curses echoed in the hollow mountain.
"Calm down. Breathe in and out. You got this. Maybe next year." Years of solitude resulted in him often muttering to himself.