The Murklin System: Rise of the Dark Hero

Chapter 3

Finn busied himself with the household chores. He fetched some water, and picked fruits they would need for the whole day. Sometimes it was enough, most of the time it wasn't. He had to work twice, even thrice, to feed the family.

He chopped wood and made charcoal to sell in the market that afternoon, and he chopped some more wood until he was satisfied. And he wasn't content all the time. He never was.

Another person wasn't content with him, in fact, in everything he does. His mother always sees the worst in him. Mandy was his archenemy.

"How long are you chopping that wood?" And here was her mother, again, criticizing his work. "It's already two in the afternoon. You won't sell anything if you're late."

"Give me a minute. I'm almost done." After chopping the last piece of wood, he turned to the finished charcoal and secured it with a rope.

"You should've left earlier when you're done with the charcoal, then just finish the remaining wood when you get back. Is your brain for decoration?" Her eyebrows were creased permanently as she continued scolding her second child.

"Alright. I'll do that next time. I'm sorry."

Mandy sneered before handing him a basket full of eggs that she got from their chickens. "We're out of chicken feed. Don't forget to buy some."

"Alright."

After securing the charcoal behind his back, he called inside. "I'm off to the market! I'll be back before dinner."

Carl came rushing out to see him off. "Take care, kuya. Don't forget my yoyo. You promised!"

Finn chuckled before rustling his brother's hair. "Of course, I won't forget. Please take care of ate Charis for me."

"Consider it done!" He grinned.

Finn locked their wooden gate, and traversed through their quiet town. As usual, there were people whispering and gossiping while staring at him. He had expected this, and it had been going on for a while now.

After Finn's father's death, which was rumored to be a punishment from hell, not only did people start gossiping about their life. They also isolated the family. No one dared to go near their household anymore, nor talk to any of the family members.

And when children hurt Carl for wanting to play with them, Finn prohibited his brother from going out. Charis's former friends stopped visiting her as well, and the other mothers stopped inviting Mandy at their gatherings.

Finn was left with no choice but to volunteer himself. After all, someone had to go to the market and sell some goods in order to eat. If not, they'd starve.

He was the only one left in the family to provide since he was also the eldest male in the family. His eight-year-old brother could not walk miles and miles just to go to the market, and then continue working once he got home.

*

Finn was worn out when he sold all the charcoal he brought. On the other hand, only two eggs were sold from the basket. A lot of competitors were here with him who were also selling eggs since it was the easiest to acquire.

It was already late in the afternoon, and he needed to go back soon. He still wanted to sell the remaining goods, but he was afraid his mother would be too angry if he was not home before dinner.

On his way home, there were a lot more people in their town than when he left. And some of them were talking so loudly that he couldn't help but overhear their conversation again. Or maybe, they wanted him to hear it.