1 The Drop Off

"NEW ORDER DELIVERY- No 8 Mawar Street! The package has been left on your doorstep."

Duke groaned as he reached for his phone to silence the speaker. He hated how cheerful the lady sounded. There was no need for Duke to keep alarms anymore since his new job had been making it a point to deprive him of his peaceful slumber.

Duke turned on his mat facing the other side of the wall; he knew it wouldn't be long before that lovable voice threatened him.

2…1

"Thirty percent of your salary will be deducted if the package hasn't been delivered by 9 AM."

There it was. The only motivation he needed to make him get his ass off the mat. He sprang off from his mat.

He traces his hand on the small table nearby in search of something. His search came to an abrupt end when his hands got hold of it. His glasses.

He picked it up and roughly shoved it in his face. The rough effect made one of the hinges fall off once again. He groaned in dismay before keeping the hinge that had fallen off on the table, while he wore out the worn-out pair.

His sight wasn't that bad but they weren't good either. Duke was amongst those plebe that would walk with no glasses on knowing fully well their eyesight was bad. It was recently when he got a job that he found his way around the lens he now had.

Living in a single bedroom with just enough space to fit a single bed and stool and his luggage was enough for him. A TV that hasn't been turned on since it was bought, was mounted on the wall. Duke had gathered most of what he earned when he went out to deliver packages to get the television. He didn't bother turning it on yet since he was still yet to get the new gaming device he wanted. But he was happy today.

He knew if he got paid cash after the delivery, it would fill out the amount for the gaming device he wanted. And then get junk and beer afterward.

Duke didn't waste his time in his bathroom. He did his business and came out quickly heading for the neatly ironed shirt he had placed on the stool where his phone was.

Duke came out to meet the package still on his doorstep, it really did not bother him if someone would come to steal it. Everyone was pretty much busy trying to level up their tiers and get the government to notice them. Duke has to admit that he kind of likes the change a little. Everyone was focused on one aim. While he was simply trying to get enough money to afford what he wanted.

Nevertheless, the world did change. It started when everyone started chatting about the government proposal after an apocalypse emerged. Now, it wasn't the zombie like neither was it treacherous infection spreading and killing. It was the government. The government formed an unusual alignment with supreme beings, and they had the government propose a task to humanity. Anyone that could get certain tiers after completing tasks, would get a huge reward.

And ever since then, the world has turned into a semi-graveyard. Some people disappeared without cause, and others remained, whispering amongst themselves about the so-called 'tiers' and their soon-to-be 'wealth'.

At first, it started like a bloody rumor, no one was quite sure if the rumors was valid or not. Till they started seeing friends of theirs exhibiting great skills they could only dream to have. It started with the parents, they wanted what the government had promised to make their lives and that of their kids better. And then the teenagers and young adults followed. And soon after, the adults started quitting their jobs when they realize that their friends who had join in the game were now rich and could afford all that they wanted.

Except for Duke.

The news has thrilled him just like it did with everyone else, but Duke was much more excited to be the only one doing the delivery work so he could get a good amount of money, than what he usually get paid.

The fellow that worked with Duke before joining the crowed for the pursuit of fame to the unknown had called Duke a selfish- smart man. He even joked about not letting Duke have all the glory of working alone. But after some days away from work when Duke hadn't seen him, he realized he had joined in the task for fame.

Duke unlocked his motorcycle before he rolled it out from the corner he usually conceals it from the worlds view. The bike was given to him by the company he works for, their logo was encrypted on it.

Duke had joked to himself about himself and the company being the only one that hadn't given up on their natural work. He later figured it wasn't the company running the business anymore. It was the government. Since he was the only one working under the company as it stands, they gave him an apartment and also the bike so he could be steadfast in his job.

Duke rode down the deserted road from his house, to the main road where he could navigate the street where he is suppose to deliver the package. Luckily, it wasn't far from his house. He started to make his way toward the said location, and in less than five minutes he was there. He gave the man the package and immediately the money was cashed out to him. He grinned with delight. He turned his back and started making his way back to his bike but he was hollered to come back.

"Hi Bro," the man greeted as soon as duke came closer. Duke simply muttered a 'hello' in response.

"I'd like you to deliver this same package to this location-" The man was saying while handing out a note to duke, but duke already started protesting saying that the company is the only one that task him with deliveries but The man was quick to dismiss Duke own words.

"I get that Bro. But you see they make us wait for another ten days before we can send out packages. And there's really no one else to plead with to do this. But seeing that you are here, and you don't have a package to deliver at the moment, please help me drop this off. I'll pay double of what was given to you."

Duke ear sprang up on hearing double of what was given to him. His mind raced while he kept a calm expression as he thought of what else he could buy in his room. The things he needed only was what he was getting today, but there was no harm in having extra cash.

Duke sighed as if he had no other choice before he spoke. "I'll do it since I don't have a package to deliver at the moment."

The man grinned before handing the package back to Duke, who collected it effortlessly.

"Well you know how it goes, you get paid on delivery once who you delivered to affirmed his package. But since this isn't the usual, he'll be giving you the cash himself."

Duke nodded before veering around as he made his way to his bike. He smiled when he felt the money he had collected from the delivery. Now he is going to have two more of the same amount.

"Sweet!" he mumbled before zooming off to the location written on the piece of paper.