Working as a laborer in the docks is really exhausting and the scorching sun makes it even worse. Even wearing thin clothes to let some some air for the skin is not helping much. Working in a dock involve things such as loading and unloading cargo from the ship, carrying boxes of steel, coppers, herbs, and pulling cart of coals for the ship's fuel. I used to think that spec ops physical training is the most tiring activity to do, but this laborer work can be a match to it.
"Already tired? It's still noon, you know. Still halfway to go for today's work," one of the laborer says to me as I am busy unloading a cargo from a ship. He must be noticing that I've been sweating profusely and occasionally gasping for air, "You're new here right? Darius brings you here, if I'm not mistaken," Darius is the name of the muscled guy who welcomed me to join them last night. He's somewhat the leader, as well as the person who checks on labourers' work in this section.
"Yeah," I exhales, "Is there a lunch break for us?" A break from work is the only thing I need right now.
"Soon." A bell rings loudly which can be heard by every laborers in this area, "There, it is the time,"
Finally. I occasionally think I want to collapse from the heat. Different from yesterday, this day is very sunny with no clouds sighted, making it hotter than ever. The laborers proceed to their mess hall to have their lunch. The dining hall itself is inside an old garage where it is used to store the ships. Now it is turned to a mess hall for the laborers, and by the time I enter the place, it is filled with a sea of people queuing in line to feast on their lunch.
The lunch that we received is less than palatable. It only has a piece of bread, a small bowl of curry, and a glass of water, which aren't equal to our hard work. Be patient, I keep telling to myself. This laborer thing will be done tonight after I investigate the cult's activities. I just need to survive for today.
"Jason, over here!" a voice calls. I look to the source of the voice, they are the group of laborers whom I met last night. They're sober now, which is good.
"How's the day at the work?" the skinny guy asks. Their skins and hair are wet with sweats from the work, making them as if they've just taken a shower.
"Good enough," I wheeze. My hand is already aching from carrying too much weight for the day.
"You should be. We're just halfway there for the gathering tonight, remember?" now the short guy talks.
"Yup, I will," I proceed to take a seat and have the less-than-satisfying lunch, "by the way, what will be done in the gathering?" I ask them. I think now it is appropriate time to gather some information where possible.
"Oh, it's a secret. You wouldn't want to have it revealed now, would you?," the tall guy answers with a smile, which shows his teeth who are busy chewing bread. Well, it's worth the try.
I try to finish my lunch as fast as possible, so I have the time to meet with Castlle to report each other progress. He's already waiting by the entrance to the docks.
"Having some hard work today, aren't you?" he laughs as he greets me. I swear, even back in ASAC, none of us has ever been tired this much with clothes and hair are soaked from sweats.
"Just tell me about your meeting with the mayor," we proceed to look for well-shaded place.
"It went well. I've already reported your action to join with the labors. He is surprised and interested in the same time. I also have informed him about what worst could happened, so I suggest him to have the guards ready for anything,"
"And his response?"
"He agreed. So, should you have to escape them in a violent way, he will accept the responsibility of all our actions. The guards are also on our side. Those are some good news. What about you?"
