Chapter 5 (Rising Tensions)

It's raining outside today. It's the Union Protocol day, huh? The street is as busy as usual robots are walking the dogs, and people are probably shouting and screaming. Odalis is heading to work, listening to the music she likes. When she arrives at work, her outerwear is made of water-resistant material, so she doesn't need to worry about getting wet.

Maddie asks, 'Did you watch the news yesterday? It's the lottery day. Those in position don't know what they're doing matching and forcing people to get married.'

Odalis, did you check your behavior score?"

She didn't even care, to be honest, and just answered, "Yeah. They're ruining the good ones, matching them with the bad. Only Ruin, Shift, and Crest are the exceptions they don't participate in the lottery."

Maddie asked, "Why?"

"Why, girl? You don't even know this? I thought they studied this in schools,"

Odalis just shrugged. "Not really interested in those subjects."

Maddie sighed. "Let me explain briefly. Ruin-ranked people are the hopeless ones—high criminals, murderers. Shift is right in the middle. They're not good, not bad just stuck in between. Some of them aren't even working, no jobs. Crests are the top rank. They're usually military or government workers who are serving the community for the greater good. I'm in Rise, which is just below Crest. What about you, Odalis?" she asked.

Odalis shrugged. "Maybe around Dust or Shift."

Maddie raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Girl, you don't even know your rank?"

Odalis shook her head. "Nope."

"You're probably around Pulse, maybe even Rise," Maddie said. "You work in the library, which is a service job for the people. Service jobs are usually good ranks."

A workday at the library was usually calm and peaceful. Barely anyone was interested in reading, especially books made from paper. Most books were made from special paper that glowed in the dark. Older people tended to prefer these glowing books. The old books some of them really ancient were still in paper form, while others had been digital form. Young people hardly ever read books in the library.

Odalis' job mostly involved keeping the books clean, dusting them, and checking their conditions. She liked the peaceful nature of her work.

An old man, his back slightly bent with age, approached the counter where Odalis stood. His frail hands gripped a worn leather bag, and his eyes were sharp despite his years. His voice was soft but steady as he addressed her.

"Excuse me, young lady," he began, adjusting his glasses. "I'm looking for a particular book. It's about herbalism, you see. Something my grandmother used to read."

Odalis nodded, offering a polite smile. "Of course, sir. What's the title of the book?"

The old man reached into his bag, pulling out a small, folded piece of paper. "It's called The Healing Herbs. It's an old book, passed down through generations. It covers the use of plants and herbs for healing, remedies for ailments, and... well, some other ancient practices."

Odalis took the note from him and glanced over it quickly. "I'll see if we have it. Please give me a moment."

She moved briskly through the aisles of the library, the scent of aged paper filling the air. She headed toward the older section, where books on natural healing and forgotten practices were kept, often hidden behind newer publications. After a short search, Odalis found the book, its faded cover and cracked spine a clear sign of its age.

Returning to the counter, she gently placed the book before the old man.

"Here you go, sir. The Healing Herbs," she said, her voice warm with the satisfaction of helping.

The old man smiled, his eyes gleaming with gratitude. "Thank you so much, young lady.

He carefully tucked the book into his bag, the weight of it comforting in his hands.

As the old man carefully tucked the book into his bag, he paused for a moment, looking at Odalis with a knowing gaze. Without a word, he reached out, his hand gently brushing against hers. His fingers, rough with age, lingered for a brief second.

"You know, young one," he murmured, his voice soft yet strangely weighty, "your path... it's connecting with someone soon. Someone important. Keep your heart open."

Odalis froze, her pulse quickening at the unexpected touch. She felt a strange warmth spread from where his fingers had brushed her skin, but it was quickly followed by a shiver that ran up her spine. She jolted slightly, surprised by the intensity of the moment, as if the words and touch had disturbed something deep within her.

Her heart raced, and she blinked, trying to shake off the lingering feeling. The old man smiled gently, as though he had said what he needed to, before turning to leave.

Odalis stood there for a moment, her mind racing with thoughts she couldn't quite grasp.

Maddie looked uneasy as she leaned in closer to Odalis. "That man... he's always hanging around here. The other day, he said to me, 'Look after your son.' How does he know I have a son?" She paused, glancing around, her voice lowered. It's strange, don't you think?"

Odalis shifted uncomfortably. "Yeah, that is weird. Maybe he's just... confused?"

Maddie shook her head, her concern growing. "I don't know. I can't shake the feeling that he knows I don't even know him. Odalis couldn't stop thinking about his words. "Your path it's connecting with someone soon. Someone important. Keep your heart open.." She repeated them in her mind, her thoughts racing. A chill ran down her spine as she shook her head, trying to push away the uneasy feeling. Something about it felt too strange to ignore.

Nico's Office

Nico sat in his office, listening intently as Ronan relayed the news. "The gang wants to speak with you privately," Ronan said, his tone serious. Nico raised an eyebrow, sensing trouble. "Want money again?" he asked, his voice laced with frustration. Ronan nodded, his face grim. "They're pushing for more, Nico. They've been asking for you specifically. It's getting worse." Nico stood up, his expression hardening. "I'm done negotiating," he said, his tone cold. "I'll settle this once and for all. Ronan raised an eyebrow, clearly concerned. "So you want to fight with them?" he asked. "They've got a big back, as it seems. It's not going to be easy."

Nico leaned back, his expression calm but serious. "I'll settle it either the easier way or the hard way," he replied. "But it's time to deal with them, one way or another."

Ronan leaned back with a grin, nudging Nico. "Come on, man, let's hit the clubs tonight. We've been all work lately need to have some fun, enjoy the girls, and all that."

Nico chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, you're right."

Ronan clapped him on the back, and the two headed out, ready for a night of distractions and excitement.