Kaya Odyssey: Mastering The Future

Chapter 3: Ancient Books

Chapter 3: Ancient Books

Several years had passed since that night. Kaya Harris was now 15 years old, and his thirst for knowledge had made him one of the brightest students in his school. Despite this, his family remained trapped in the grip of poverty. As time went on, their situation only became more difficult, pressing harder on their daily lives. But Kaya’s desire to change his family’s fate only grew stronger with each passing day.

One afternoon after school, Kaya found his father sitting in their small living room, looking more exhausted than usual. His face was lined with weariness, as if carrying a burden too heavy to bear alone. Kaya approached cautiously, his heart filled with concern. "Dad, what’s wrong?" he asked softly, his voice full of care.

His father sighed deeply, his gaze distant. "Kaya, I don’t know how much longer we can keep going like this. My job just isn’t enough to meet our needs. I’m worried about your future... and the future of this family."

Those words struck Kaya hard. He knew his family was struggling, but hearing it directly from his father made it clear that their situation was worse than he had thought. The sense of responsibility that had been growing inside him deepened. "Don’t worry, Dad," Kaya said, his resolve strengthening. "I’ll find a way to help. I can get a part-time job or do whatever I can to contribute."

The next day, after school, Kaya walked around the city, searching for any work he could find. He visited various places—restaurants, grocery stores, even workshops. But wherever he went, the answer was always the same: rejection. "You’re too young," they said. "We don’t need any extra help." Even so, Kaya didn’t give up. His spirit never dimmed despite the constant rejection.

As the day wore on, and Kaya’s feet grew tired, he spotted a small, dusty bookstore tucked away on a quiet corner. The store’s windows were clouded with dirt, the sign barely legible, and the wooden door looked worn. Yet something about the shop called to Kaya. Maybe, just maybe, there was an opportunity here.

Inside the shop, an old man with gray hair noticed Kaya standing outside, eyeing the place curiously. "Hey, young man! What are you looking for?" his raspy voice broke the evening’s silence.

Kaya looked up, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "I’m looking for a job, sir. I want to help my family and learn more," he replied, his tone hopeful.

The old man smiled faintly, a smile filled with wisdom. "You look like a smart kid. Come inside, maybe I have something for you."

Inside the small shop, Kaya felt a strange warmth. Wooden shelves, ancient and tall, lined the walls, packed with books from various eras. The musty scent of old, yellowed paper filled the air—a scent that might bother others, but for Kaya, it was the scent of paradise. This was the world he had always dreamed of.

The old man pulled out a thick book from the highest shelf. "This is a book about ancient trade. Most people ignore it because it looks outdated and irrelevant. But I know there’s wealth hidden in these pages, just waiting to be discovered. You can help me sell these books, and in return, you can read anything you want here."

Kaya’s eyes lit up. Not only did he get the chance to work, but he was also given access to a treasure trove of knowledge. "Thank you, sir. I’ll work hard," he said, filled with enthusiasm.

Weeks passed, and Kaya had become a reliable assistant at the bookstore. He diligently organized the books, cleaned the shelves, and helped customers who came in. In between tasks, Kaya devoured every book he could, especially those on business and trade. He learned that knowledge was a currency that never lost its value.

One day, while cleaning one of the shelves, Kaya found the book the shop owner had mentioned—the book about ancient trade, filled with strategies and success stories of merchants from the past. "Maybe this book can give me an idea," Kaya thought as he opened the first page.