Rise of the Harem King

Davi's tired eyes lingered on the sunrise before him. Perhaps that view was the only thing he actually liked about his hometown.

This place had once been a small grove where children played. But the land was sold, as a nearby mine of magical stones made it valuable. Soon, a massive industrial complex took over that part of the city.

Now, thick pollution blanketed the area. The soot made visibility awful, and a foul stench hung in the air constantly.

The boy scratched his long, disheveled hair as he reflected on the past. Maybe it wasn't so bad, the destruction of his memories helped him let go of it all.

Then, he stared at the payment he'd received for his days of backbreaking labor. No matter how many times he counted, the amount of money he had still wasn't enough.

With a bitter sigh, he thought, if only he hadn't punched his boss on the last day of work, they wouldn't have cut his pay.

The reason for his reckless outburst was defending a coworker. But if he'd just ignored it, he'd have the money he needed now.

So, what now? Another year of this?

Clenching his fists in frustration, he was reminded again of his own powerlessness. If only he were as strong as his father, he wouldn't have to work that hard for so little.

And still, the oppressive smoke continued to suffocate him.

"Damn it!" he yelled trying to release all the pent-up anger inside.