Freedom

Miner

Clunk, Clunk, Clunk.

Only an hour more of work left for my arms to handle, I was feeling confident that I'd be able to make it in time. With my full force, I struck the ores, making sure every strike was at maximum efficiency. Usually, the intense heat of the mines would force me to take frequent breaks from my work but now the heat didn't affect me at all. Sweat covering me from head to toe, I continued without rest. A second wasted would be regret for my entire life. I was finally getting a Class Promotion.

Clunk, Clunk, Clunk.

I always hated my life as a miner. Extremely low pay, close to no respect and the occasional extra punishment hours I got for my past clashes with the filthy animals running this mining sector. It provided food on the table but that was just about all it provided; food. People in this world either hated miners or pitied them, but it's not like we chose to be miners. Every single human being on this planet was given a duty according to their abilities when the Oniyakmi  took over. The human race was divided into several classes, one of the lowest being 'Miners', and were forced to either do their assigned duty or die a terrible, painful death.

Clunk, Clunk, Clunk.

Even though I hated this place, the idea of finally leaving it... brought an unusual sadness upon me. I looked around and saw faces of people I've worked with for years, people who had a mutual understanding with me. I wondered how people in my new class, 'Blacksmith', would take upon a transfer. Would they treat me like how those filthy animals treat me, or will they welcome me with open arms? Although I knew the latter sounded more like a fanciful dream than anything, deep inside I really hoped that's what would happen.

Clunk, Clunk, Clunk.

Finally, finishing 15 minutes before my expected time, I clenched my numb fists, rushing blood back into them. As I dropped my pick, I looked around to see familiar faces one last time. They all looked at me, knowing that my time to go had come. I nodded and they nodded back, the only form of affection we showed here. I changed my soaked shirt with something more presentable and grabbed my luggage, getting in the automated transporter and leaving. I looked back one last time as everything slowly started escaping my view, the iron mine I worked in for so long. 'What do they need all this iron for?' In the 5 years I worked here, the thought never passed my mind. I almost chuckled.  I closed my eyes, feeling freer than a few minutes ago.