Aurelion stood in the middle of the bustling city, staring at the crowds of beings moving past him. The registration was done. He was officially recognized as a traveler. He had access to resources, information, and supplies.
Now what?
He looked around. The city stretched in every direction, its crystalline spires reaching toward a sky that wasn't a sky. He had no idea where to go, what to do, or how to even begin finding a way home.
"K-7," he said slowly. "I think I'm going to be here for a while."
The robot beeped. "That is a reasonable assumption. Finding a pathway back to an unknown world will likely take time."
Aurelion rubbed his face. "Right. So I need a place to stay. A place to sleep. Food. All that stuff."
"Correct."
"So... where do I start?"
K-7 bobbed thoughtfully. "The most practical first step would be to secure employment."
Aurelion blinked. "Employment?"
"Employment," the robot repeated. "You will need currency to obtain lodging, sustenance, and other necessities. The easiest way to acquire currency is to perform work for the inhabitants of the city."
Aurelion stared at it. "I've been fighting a war for years. I've killed demon kings. I've punched black holes. And now I need to get a job?"
"Correct."
He sighed. "Fine. What kind of jobs are available?"
"I can provide you with a list of establishments that are currently hiring."
Aurelion nodded. "Okay. Let's see it."
First Attempt: The Library
The library was a massive structure, its walls lined with shelves that stretched into the distance. Beings of all shapes and sizes moved through its aisles, their guides floating beside them.
Aurelion approached the front desk. A tall, insectoid being looked up from its terminal, its multiple eyes blinking in unison.
"Hello," Aurelion said. "I'm looking for a job."
The being studied him. "Do you have experience in archival sciences?"
"Uh... no."
"Do you have knowledge of the Great Structure's history?"
"No."
"Can you read any of the languages in this facility?"
Aurelion looked at the books. The symbols on their spines were completely unrecognizable.
"No," he admitted.
The being was silent for a moment. Then it pointed toward the door.
"Thank you for your interest," it said. "Good luck with your search."
Aurelion walked out.
"Okay," he said. "That went poorly."
K-7 beeped. "Perhaps you should consider a job that does not require specialized knowledge."
"Like what?"
"Something more... practical."
Second Attempt: The Docks
The docks were busy, filled with workers loading and unloading cargo from the strange ships. Aurelion approached a foreman—a large, four-armed being with a gruff demeanor.
"I need a job," Aurelion said.
The foreman looked him up and down. "You look strong. Can you lift heavy objects?"
"Yes."
"Can you follow instructions?"
"Yes."
"Can you work for twelve hours without complaint?"
Aurelion hesitated. "I mean... probably?"
The foreman pointed at a pile of cargo. "Start with those. If you can move them in under an hour, I'll consider hiring you."
Aurelion walked to the pile. It was massive—stacked high with crates that were easily twice his size. He grabbed one, hefted it, and started moving.
The work was brutal. The crates were heavy, the heat was oppressive, and the foreman was constantly shouting at him to move faster.
He lasted thirty minutes.
"This isn't working," he admitted, setting down the crate.
The foreman glared at him. "Get out of here, offworlder."
Aurelion left.
"Okay," he said. "That went worse."
K-7 beeped sympathetically. "Perhaps something less physically demanding?"
"Like what?"
"Something that leverages your existing skills."
"My skills are fighting. Killing. Surviving."
The robot paused. "There may be positions in security or law enforcement."
Aurelion perked up. "Security? I can do security."
Third Attempt: The City Guard
The guard headquarters was a large, fortified building at the edge of the city. Aurelion walked inside, approaching the front desk.
"I'm here about a job," he said. "Security. Law enforcement."
The guard behind the desk—a tall, armored being—studied him. "Do you have any experience?"
"Yes. Years of it."
"Where?"
Aurelion paused. "Earth."
The guard's expression didn't change. "Where?"
"It's a planet. In another world. You probably haven't heard of it."
The guard was silent for a moment. "Have you completed any training programs?"
"Training programs?"
"Certifications. Licenses. Accreditation."
Aurelion opened his mouth. Closed it. Opened it again.
"No," he said.
"Have you worked in any similar positions?"
"I was a commander. In the military."
"Which military?"
"Earth's military. Like I said, you probably haven't—"
The guard held up a hand. "Without certifications, I cannot hire you. You are welcome to apply for an apprenticeship, but it will take years to complete."
Aurelion stared at him. "Years?"
"Years," the guard confirmed.
Aurelion walked out.
"Okay," he said. "This is ridiculous."
K-7 beeped. "Perhaps something less formal? Something that does not require certifications?"
"Like what?"
"I am detecting several establishments in need of general laborers. It would be temporary work, but it could provide currency while you search for more permanent employment."
Aurelion sighed. "Fine. Let's try again."
Fourth Attempt: The Restaurant
The restaurant was small, cozy, filled with the smell of unfamiliar spices. A cheerful being greeted him at the counter.
"Welcome! Are you here to eat or to work?"
"Work, actually. I need a job."
The being's antennae twitched. "Do you have experience in food service?"
"No."
"Can you cook?"
"No."
"Can you clean?"
"I mean, I can try—"
The being shook its head. "I'm sorry, but I need someone with experience. Best of luck."
Aurelion left.
Fifth Attempt: The Farm
The farm was outside the city, built directly into the Mundikuni's surface. Rows of strange crops stretched into the distance, their leaves glowing faintly.
The farmer—a small, furry being—looked up as Aurelion approached.
"Need a hand?" Aurelion asked.
The farmer squinted at him. "Do you know anything about bio-luminescent fungal cultivation?"
"No."
"Can you identify the nutritional needs of a Sorkian vine?"
"Absolutely not."
"Can you tell the difference between a Mundikuni's nutrient pulse and a normal growth cycle?"
Aurelion stared at the farmer. "I don't even know what half those words mean."
The farmer shrugged. "Then I can't use you. Sorry."
Aurelion walked back toward the city.
"This is impossible," he said. "I've killed gods, fought demon kings, punched black holes. But I can't get a job in a city built on a giant starfish."
K-7 beeped. "Your skills are specialized. They do not translate well to civilian life."
"Apparently not."
"Perhaps you should consider a different approach. You are not seeking employment to build a career. You are seeking employment to acquire currency and resources to continue your journey."
Aurelion nodded slowly. "So... what do you suggest?"
The robot paused. "I am detecting a position that may suit you. It requires no prior experience, no certifications, and no specialized knowledge."
Aurelion perked up. "What is it?"
K-7 beeped and responded "Follow me!" while slowly turning back towards the city.
Aurelion followed and eventually found himself before what seemed like a highly advanced colosseum.
It was massive—a domed structure that rose from the city's center like a monument to violence. Its surface was covered in glowing runes, and the sounds of cheering and clashing metal echoed from within.
The Coliseum was what it was named.
K-7 had led him here after his failed attempts at every other job in the city. The robot had been quiet for most of the walk, its sensor flickering as if it was processing something.
"Are you sure about this?" Aurelion asked.
"I am detecting a position that may suit your... unique skill set," the robot replied. "The Coliseum hosts combat exhibitions. They are seeking fighters."
Aurelion raised an eyebrow. "Fighters?"
"Gladiators, to be precise. Individuals who engage in combat for the entertainment of the masses. It is a prestigious and well-compensated profession."
Aurelion considered this. He had spent years fighting—demons, monsters, heros. He had been in more battles than he could count. Combat was the one thing he was good at.
"Okay," he said. "Let's check it out."
The interior of the Coliseum was even more impressive than the exterior.
A massive arena stretched before him, its floor covered in sand and scattered with the remnants of previous battles. Seats rose in tiers around it, thousands of them, currently empty but clearly designed for massive crowds.
Aurelion was led to a small office near the entrance. A being sat behind a desk—tall, gaunt, with four arms and eyes that seemed to glow faintly.
"Another applicant," the being said, its voice flat. "Do you have any combat experience?"
"Yes," Aurelion said. "Years of it."
"Where?"
"Earth."
The being's eyes flickered. "I am not familiar with that arena."
"It's not an arena. It's a world. I fought in a war."
The being was silent for a moment. "An outsider huh, war experience is acceptable. What weapons do you use?"
"Swords. Fists. Whatever's available."
The being studied him. "You are... small. Most of our fighters are larger."
Aurelion shrugged. "I've fought bigger things than me before."
"Such as?"
"Demon kings. Black holes. Heros"
The being stared at him.
"I'm not joking," Aurelion said.
The being was quiet for a long moment. Then it pulled out a datapad, its surface covered in symbols.
"We have a position available," it said. "It is not prestigious. The pay is moderate. But it requires no experience, no certifications, and no specialized knowledge."
Aurelion perked up. "What is it?"
"You will fight in the preliminary matches. Exhibition bouts against lesser opponents. The audience will be small, the stakes low. But you will earn currency, and if you perform well, you may be promoted to higher-tier matches."
Aurelion nodded. "I can do that."
"You will sign a contract. It will be binding. You will fight when we tell you, against whom we tell you. You will not complain, and you will not refuse."
"Understood."
The being slid the datapad across the desk. Aurelion picked it up, scanning the symbols. He couldn't read any of them.
"What does this say?" he asked.
"It says you agree to the terms."
"Right." He signed.
The being took back the datapad. "Your first match is tomorrow. Against a Dust Lurker."
Aurelion blinked. "A what?"
"It is a creature that dwells in the lower levels of the Mundikuni. It is aggressive, territorial, and highly dangerous."
Aurelion nodded slowly. "Okay. Anything else I should know?"
"It has six legs, two sets of jaws, and its skin is covered in acid."
Aurelion stared at the being.
"Acid," he repeated.
"Highly corrosive," the being confirmed. "I would recommend avoiding direct contact."
Aurelion opened his mouth to respond.
Then he closed it.
"Right," he said. "Acid. Great. Perfect."
He walked out of the office.
K-7 was waiting for him outside.
"How did it go?" the robot asked.
"I'm fighting a acid-covered monster tomorrow," Aurelion said flatly.
"That is excellent news! You have secured employment!"
"It's a monster. With acid. That melts things."
"Yes! You will be paid well for your efforts!"
Aurelion stared at the robot.
"You're not worried?" he asked.
K-7 beeped. "I am a guide. My purpose is to assist you. I do not experience worry."
Aurelion shook his head.
"Fine," he said. "Let's find a place to sleep. I need to rest before I get melted by a acid monster."