GODAN GEARLOCK: Godan & The Water Goddess Stone

The gray sky grew darker as Godan, Marta, and Jomie walked back from Bu Lenna's tea shop. The cobblestone streets of Somara were lined with piles of trash, while the stench of decay drifted with the wind.

Despite the grim surroundings, their conversation about the Water Goddess Stone continued, keeping their minds distracted from the city's dismal state.

Their steps came to an abrupt halt when a large man wearing a worn leather jacket stood in the middle of the road.

Boss Rocko, a man well-known as the leader of one of the worker groups in the waste city, stared at them with a sharp gaze, his arms crossed over his chest.

"You three," his voice was low but loud enough to make them feel uneasy. "Why aren't you at work today? Don't you usually handle things at the incineration site?"

The incineration site was in the same district as the factory, where contract workers like Godan and Marta burned waste that couldn't be recycled. The pay was decent.

Godan swallowed hard and stepped forward. He knew Boss Rocko wasn't someone who appreciated flimsy excuses.

"We're off today, Boss," he said calmly. "This morning, we were sorting out our rent and helping Mrs. Lenna at her shop. We'll be back to work tomorrow."

Rocko narrowed his eyes, scanning their faces one by one. After a few seconds, he exhaled and relaxed his stance.

"Well, I know you're hardworking kids. But remember, without hard work, you won't survive in this city."

"Yes, we understand, Boss," Marta said with a nod. "We just needed a little time to take care of some things."

Rocko studied them for a moment before nodding. "Alright. It so happens I'm on my way to City Hall. Come with me. There's a mayoral debate today. You might learn something."

Marta and Jomie exchanged puzzled glances, but Godan quickly nodded. "Alright, Boss. We'll come."

* * * * *

City Hall of Somara, though old and poorly maintained, became the center of attention today. Dozens of residents gathered in the spacious courtyard in front of it, standing under the shadow of the clock tower that had long stopped functioning.

Most of them were hardworking people like Godan and his friends—those who still hoped for change in this city.

Amid the crowd, three distinct groups of supporters were clearly separated. On the right, Haigan's supporters wore blue ribbons on their arms, holding posters of a man in his mid-fifties with neatly combed silver hair.

On the left, Karven's supporters donned red ribbons and waved small flags emblazoned with a flame logo, a symbol of rebellion and drastic change. In the middle, the neutral group stood silently, faces full of doubt, waiting for someone to win them over.

Boss Rocko strode confidently toward the crowd, followed closely by Godan, Marta, and Jomie. The three felt intimidated by the tense atmosphere but continued to follow him until they found a good spot to view the stage.

On the stage, the two mayoral candidates stood on opposite sides, each surrounded by loyal supporters.

Haigan, a man with a calm demeanor and a diplomatic smile, spoke with a tone full of confidence. Meanwhile, Karven, a young man with sharp eyes and a fiery speaking style, stood with clenched fists, ready to counter every argument his opponent made.

"I have worked tirelessly for the past ten years to maintain stability in Somara!" Haigan declared, his voice clear among the crowd. "Even in these tough times, I've ensured every resident has work and food. I promise to continue that stability if re-elected!"

"Lies!" Karven's voice cut through the crowd like a knife. "You all know that what Haigan calls 'stability' is stagnation! No progress, no change! This city needs a total overhaul, and I will bring it! We don't need empty promises—we need real action!"

The crowd erupted, divided between Haigan's supporters and Karven's. Amid the heated atmosphere, Boss Rocko smirked faintly, enjoying the increasingly intense debate.

"So, who are you siding with?" he asked Godan, Marta, and Jomie without turning his head.

Marta shrugged. "I'm not sure yet. Haigan seems calm, but Karven… he feels like a beacon of hope."

Jomie nodded in agreement. "I feel the same. But can he really deliver change? Or is it just talk?"

Godan remained silent. He watched the two candidates closely, analyzing every word they said. On one hand, Haigan had experience, but his efforts so far hadn't been enough to change the city's plight. On the other hand, Karven brought fresh energy, but his boldness seemed reckless and risky.

The debate continued, with each candidate striving to win over the neutral crowd. They discussed issues like waste management, clean water, and revitalizing the city's economy.

But for Godan and his friends, it all felt like empty words—neither candidate addressed real solutions to the city's greatest problem.

As the debate neared its end, Haigan raised his hand to quiet the crowd.

"Remember, people of Somara," he said firmly. "In three days, you'll be choosing this city's future. Choose wisely. Choose experience and stability!"

"And choose the courage to change!" Karven fired back passionately. "Somara doesn't need a leader who only maintains the status quo. Somara needs someone brave enough to turn things around!"

The crowd erupted in cheers once again, but this time, Boss Rocko patted Godan on the shoulder. "Let's go," he said curtly. "You've seen it for yourself, haven't you? Whoever wins, there's no guarantee things will get better. You need to be prepared for anything."

Godan nodded slowly, though his mind was still consumed by the debate he had just witnessed. One thing he knew for certain: whoever became mayor, they would have to find the Water Goddess Stone. It was the only real way to save Somara.

The three of them followed Boss Rocko out of the crowd, back into the narrow, grim streets of the city. Following the factory owner like a duckling.

Some people still stayed at the town hall to offer spiritual support to their respective candidates. Godan actually wanted to ask who Boss Rocko would vote for, but he felt like he already knew the answer.

From Godan's observations, Boss Rocko would likely cast his vote for Haigan Mor.