Finished new chapter and made some edits on the previous ones. Please enjoy! (Holy shit I'm so close to 100 Follows thanks so much!)
Arhen
Getting back to the regular tunnels was easy enough. The Dex Check for the cave-in tunnel wasn't too difficult with my new stats.
I'm certain that the Wolf-Morph and Unit Alpha heard me as I entered the elevator. But were not too concerned about who saw them.
I reached the first mineshaft a few meters away from the cages before I heard the loud shire of a bugle. Then simultaneously, all noises of mining stopped.
The workers flooded outside the tunnels in a straight line. Weariness crept on their faces, I could tell as they were uncaring when I suddenly slid into the line myself.
Quickly too, as Overseers were starting to watch the sides and fling their whips in the air if even one of us got out of line.
Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Unit Alpha. Comparing him to the other overseers, I could tell that he was bigger, and more lean than the overseers. But still drew a flat line much like them.
As he raised his hand, I could see the barcode on my neck glow and form a large azure choker chain that bound my hands and feet.
Ah. I figured that we were relatively free when we mine, but I'm guessing that any overseer can do this at some point.
Looking back, I didn't see the crying woman amongst the lines of slaves. I did see the women that were splashed with the dog-worker's blood. Also the men, but they weren't as disturbed or--for lack of a better word, dead. As the woman staring blankly at the floor.
Maybe the sorters look like that because they know what happened to the crying woman.
I look away just as Unit Alpha starts to tug on our chains. The line moved onward past the mineshaft. And the tunnels with cave-ins. And even past the dead woman stuck inside the stone.
Soon we even pass the cages. And the cell that I woke up in. The dead fennec boy still resting underneath the rusted metal frame of my bed. Only now from this perspective, I could see a small hole in the wall that passes onto the next room.
We went past the cells and in the distance, I could see a little hub area with some rusted barrels, fire wood and lots of things on the floor, including what looks like leftovers.
It's unfortunate that I now require nourishment of some kind despite not feeling hungry in the slightest. But it's an inconvenience that I'll learn to live with. After all, this body is keeping me alive. Whether unconventional or not, it has my gratitude.
When Unit Alpha reached the center of the hub. He relased the chain but our chokers and the chains did not dispel until he left the hub and slammed a metal gate shut. Cutting us from the tunnels but leaving our cells free. Only then did our chains disappear.
I sat aimlessly on a large rock nearby and watched as the workers light up the rusted barrels and fire wood and the blood-stained sorters drop to their feet and start crying.
How unpleasant. There was always just something about how one looked when they cried that highly disturbed me. I hate dealing with people that cry.
Although their tears are rightfully justified--They saw a person die of course. It doesn't make it any less annoying to hear.
For a moment, I rolled my head to crack out any stiff joints until I tuned out the cries of the guilty sorters and payed attention to an entity more interesting that stood far to the left of the women.
[Name: [̝̝̩͚̺̬̹͎͕ͪ̾ͧ͛̄͏̨́?̢̹͔͚̠͙̩̤̗̭̦̯͐̀̅̋̒̾̿͜?̵̷̷̧̛̰ͥ̒̐́̀ͧ͊̽͑̀́́̚̚͘͟͞?̰̩͉͕͉͔ͯ͌ͣ̊̾ͨ̎̀͞͞]̵̡̢̠̠̺͇̹̱̯̲͉̈́̚͘͠͞͠͠
[Race: Lesser Half-Orc]
[Level: ̴̡̨̛̌̾̒ͩ̒̓̕͟͜͠͏͞?̶̴̨ͣ̏̚̕͟͡?̶̷̷̡̨ͨ́ͮͦ́́͠͏?̷̌̀͝]̸̕
[HP: ?̷̷̷̶̡̧̅̀̆̀͂̅̈̆̚͟͜͞͝͞?̓̇̈͊̎̀̂́͠?̴̨̑̇ͪͭ͒̅ͥͨ̂ͭͦͯͤ͌̑͘͟/̴̡̛̀́͜͡?̶̛̀̈́ͤ͛̆͛ͩ͊̈̅͐͏̴̨̢͜͢͠?̧̢̍͛͋̐ͯ̑̀̕͝?̃̌ͬͩ̂ͭ͜͝]̸̴̵̨̡̀ͦ̉̈́͘͟͟͡͠͠
[MP: 1000/1000]
Racial Type Added--[Lesser Half-Orc]
I never expected to see a race that is prevalent in higher fantasy in such a world. Then again, I have no idea of what lurks beyond the surface so I believe my ignorance was self-explanatory.
The annoyance over the lack of information that [System Scan] would bring me is making itself known.
He stood amongst a small crowd of people. None of which were as interesting the Half-Orc nor the other figure slowly walking up to him.
This one was more amusing than interesting, but a bit of self indulgence after a hard day wouldn't hurt.
[Name: [̝̝̩͚̺̬̹͎͕ͪ̾ͧ͛̄͏̨́?̢̹͔͚̠͙̩̤̗̭̦̯͐̀̅̋̒̾̿͜?̵̷̷̧̛̰ͥ̒̐́̀ͧ͊̽͑̀́́̚̚͘͟͞?̰̩͉͕͉͔ͯ͌ͣ̊̾ͨ̎̀͞͞]̵̡̢̠̠̺͇̹̱̯̲͉̈́̚͘͠͞͠͠]
[Race: Lesser Rat-Morph]
[Level: ?̷̷̷̶̡̧̅̀̆̀͂̅̈̆̚͟͜͞͝͞?̓̇̈͊̎̀̂́͠?̴̨̑̇ͪͭ͒̅ͥͨ̂ͭͦͯͤ͌̑͘͟/̴̡̛̀́͜͡?̶̛̀̈́ͤ͛̆͛ͩ͊̈̅͐͏̴̨̢͜͢͠?̧̢̍͛͋̐ͯ̑̀̕͝?̃̌ͬͩ̂ͭ͜͝]̸̴̵̨̡̀ͦ̉̈́͘͟͟͡͠͠[̝̝̩͚̺̬̹͎͕ͪ̾ͧ͛̄͏̨́?̢̹͔͚̠͙̩̤̗̭̦̯͐̀̅̋̒̾̿͜?̵̷̷̧̛̰ͥ̒̐́̀ͧ͊̽͑̀́́̚̚͘͟͞?̰̩͉͕͉͔ͯ͌ͣ̊̾ͨ̎̀͞͞]̵̡̢̠̠̺͇̹̱̯̲͉̈́̚͘͠͞͠͠]
[HP: [̝̝̩͚̺̬̹͎͕ͪ̾ͧ͛̄͏̨́?̢̹͔͚̠͙̩̤̗̭̦̯͐̀̅̋̒̾̿͜?̵̷̷̧̛̰ͥ̒̐́̀ͧ͊̽͑̀́́̚̚͘͟͞?̰̩͉͕͉͔ͯ͌ͣ̊̾ͨ̎̀͞͞]̵̡̢̠̠̺͇̹̱̯̲͉̈́̚͘͠͞͠͠[̝̝̩͚̺̬̹͎͕ͪ̾ͧ͛̄͏̨́?̢̹͔͚̠͙̩̤̗̭̦̯͐̀̅̋̒̾̿͜?̵̷̷̧̛̰ͥ̒̐́̀ͧ͊̽͑̀́́̚̚͘͟͞?̰̩͉͕͉͔ͯ͌ͣ̊̾ͨ̎̀͞͞]̵̡̢̠̠̺͇̹̱̯̲͉̈́̚͘͠͞͠͠]
[MP: 300/300]
Racial Type Added--[Lesser Rat-Morph]
I almost couldn't see the race and the MP by how much code from absent data was plastering the screen.
But luckily I was still able to see the Rat-Morph clear as day. Approaching the Half-Orc. I eavesdropped in the conversation taking place.
CON Check l Req: 12 l Current: 30 l PASSED
Ah, yes. Thank you, for making sure I can hear things at a relatively close distance.
The rat-man looked sly. Like a thief but was putty in the orc's hands.
"Jaxter. How are you?" The rat man started.
"We lost one today, so why don't you tell me how I'm feeling?"
He stood silent and gave a small smile. "You know how it goes." He held up a sign of three, which I can assume is money.
"Pay up if you want me to talk."
The Half-Orc snorted as he quickly grabbed the rat man by the rags and hammered his fists onto his face.
"Pay you? For what? Useless information? A man and woman is dead because you couldn't give us any info worth our time!" The orc clocked him again then threw him on the floor when the rat man started to bleed.
Oh, the crying woman is dead? To be fair, she did experience a really violent rape so her eventual demise comes as no surprise. Hell I'm even grateful.
She would have tried to kill me if she lived, so the Wolf-morph has my thanks for saving me the trouble.
The orc seems to have cared for her though, I don't see the other workers beating on the rat man. Safe for the others that worked in the mine alongside the crying woman.
She looked so ugly when she cried, I didn't expect her to be so loved. Yeah it's definitely a good thing she died, wouldn't want to get beat down by that mob.
They split soon enough, the Half-Orc spitting on him as soon as the Rat-morph painfully sat up. I blinked in surprise. The combined pressure of being repeatedly kicked and beaten up by a mob of people should have killed him. But at best he's been heavily bruised.
Other workers don't even spare him a scornful glance or stare. Huh. I would have thought a budding information broker would be rather popular here, but these people obviously aren't able to use what he calls information.
I stood up and dusted my pants. And as the rat-man looked ragefully at the Half-Orc and the rest of people that crouded him. I walked towards him, eyes never leaving his back.
I had once thought that the slaves down here would be all but useless to me. But lo and behold, here I stand corrected.
"That was a rather rough treatment wasn't it?" I said.
He turned around and scanned me head to toe before giving a light scoff. "Tell me something I don't know."
I scanned him vice versa, he didn't have long ears or a tail of any sort. And as I looked even closer, he didn't even have the same teeth as a rat. "You're a Rat-Morph. And yet you don't even remotely look like a rat."
He chuckled. "You're terrible at this."
"Heard you are offering information. Do I get to know what kind?"
The Rat-morph folded his arms and sighed. Before looking at the workers surrounding Jaxter.
He motioned towards them. "Didn't you hear? The only thing I got for you is useless information." He said.
I dug into the small pockets at the sides of my pants. "Well that's better than the grand total of fuck-all I managed to get." I pulled out the large Fire Dust ore I mined earlier and bounced it in my hand.
"What do you think this could get me?" I said, my lips drawing a still line as I kept my eye on the ore.
He took one glance before widening his eyes and staring dumbfoundedly at the red ore bouncing in my hand. "Fire Dust? And a large one at that."
"Seems like you know. Now let us negotiate."
"How did you even manage to get such a thing?"
"Irrelevant."
The Rat-morph chuckled. "Heh. I get you. But I gotta ask, you don't seem exactly new here. So why take a chance on me?"
I narrowed my eyes. "The only thing you need to know is that I need information." I pulled out another shard of Fire Dust and tossed it towards him.
"Accept, and you'll find that I pay a lot better than that Half-Orc."
He widened his eyes. They looked like they had wanted to ask me a question. But they learned as he shut his mouth and pocketed the Fire Dust.
"What's your name?" He asked.
"You can call me Arhen."
"Arhen, huh? Don't really have a name myself. So you can call me Faceman."
A weird name no doubt. Perhaps an alias? He is a budding information broker. Although a terrible one if I listen to the masses.
I'm not one to listen to a bunch of people who can't remember that Fire Dust explodes.
He offered his hand. In the spirit of business, I took his hand and pulled him up before shaking it.
"Make no mistake, Faceman. I bought your useless information. So I expect to be the only one you're offering this to." I warned.
He shrugged. "Hell. It's not like I got much options. Maybe I'll learn a few things about you as well."
"Doubt it. You don't need to know that much about me."
I motioned for him to follow me. As he trailed behind me, I walked towards the cells alongside my new informant. "Come. Let's go somewhere where we can talk."
"I hate the way that orc is staring at me."
Weiss
"Everything has been prepared, miss."
She could see that.
The carriages were ready, a total of five all being drawn by mechanical horses that can brave the snow and blizzards.
A small black sedan ran between them. Outfitted with tires that contained a little more traction on the off-road.
She felt heavier than usual. Weiss didn't intend for the coat that she was wearing to have any sort of heaviness. And it didn't, the material was thin.
Perhaps this was a foreboding sort of heaviness. One that indicates a trying time. She speculated that it was the upcoming Auction that was the cause of this sudden unease.
Regardless, Weiss took one glance at all the carriages decked out with steel cages before Klein opened the door of the sedan and she climbed inside.
The sedan began to move after staying still for a while and checking the tires. Klein sat on the front seat beside the driver.
Immediately, Weiss removed her coat and placed it on her lap. She looked towards the front seat.
"Klein." She called.
"Miss?"
"The case, please." Weiss asked, flattening out the royal blue coat against her lap.
Klein turned away and reached underneath the dashboard. "Right away, my lady."
He then turned around and gave Weiss the silver case again. He nodded and looked back at the tinted windshield. "We'll be there shortly."
As she brandished her silver revolver, Weiss pulled out the bullets from the chamber and began to disassemble the gun.
She sighed. "Remind me again why the Dust mines are so far apart from the plantation?"
"It's mostly to avoid some tension with faunus supremists and controversy with the Schnee Dust Corporation." Klein explained.
"So father doesn't want the rest of the people on Remnant to know what we do here."
Klein remained silent for a while, and Weiss used this opportunity to pickup her barrel and use a small glyph to shoot a small burst of wind through and clean it.
"I am afraid that's the case, my lady." Klein said in an apologetic tone.
Weiss lips drew a still line as she wiped the excess gunpowder off the barrel with a little silver cloth. "I see. There's not much I can do then."
Slowly as the Schnee Manor grew smaller in the distance, she cleaned the rest of the parts that assembled her revolver.
There were small rocks that bumped against the sedan's tires, but proved no trouble. Out of the corner of her eye, through the frozen birch forest of Solitas, she spotted deers with white pelt and some antelope in the distance.
With each of the parts clean. Weiss reassembled her revolver but halted of reloading the bullets in the chamber.
She pointed it at the glass pane, leading the deer into a mock range of fire. The gun clicked and she pulled the trigger, simulating a shot. The hammer clicked forward as no visible recoil was felt.
Satisfied, Weiss grabbed the silver bullets in the case and slowly began reloading her revolver.
Klein looked back and passed a folded back effigy to her. "Mistress, the data you requested on the slaves in the mine."
Weiss's eyes widened slightly as she stopped loading her revolver and placed it inside the case before accepting the effigy.
"I thought the analysis on them was supposed to begin on the plantation." She said as she unfolded the black effigy and a transparent azure screen the acute size of a tablet popped out.
"I am sure that's the case madame. But with the Auction just around the corner, I thought it best to compile what I had for you as soon as I can." Klein explained.
"That's the head of intelligence for you." Weiss chided as she scrolled through the azure tablet.
Klein chuckled heartily before brandishing a small smile. "I thank you for the compliment, madame."
"Good work deserves to be recognized. It's sad that I can't say the same for the slaves."
Klein looked back with his eyebrows raised. Weiss motioned to the tablet. "We lost one. By what Unit Alpha tells me, she was found dead near the mineshafts leading to Ore Vein 36."
"She was raped. But she was found with her skull cracked open so I'm reluctant to say what exactly killed her." Weiss sighed as she closed the report displayed on the tablet.
Klein narrowed his eyes. "Are we sure that Whitley didn't have something to do with that?"
Weiss placed a finger on her chin in thought. "Perhaps you are on to something, Klein." She said as she closed the tablet and placed it beside the silver case.
"But we cannot disclose the possibility that this was assisted suicide. The time of her death and the time of her rape are inconsistent according to Unit Alpha."
"Are you sure that the data is accurate?"
"Well, he hasn't gone deviant. I guess we'll just have to see when we get there."
The conversation died as both of them sat still in silence. Weiss fiddled with her gun from time to time, causally spinning the chamber.
Soon, they reached the snow that spread across an entire plain. Blanketed by a light blizzard that slightly dimmed the sight but managed not to completely obscure it.
Weiss could only do this to prepare for the up and coming Auction. Perhaps her chance at gaining greater freedom.
She leaned against black car seat. "Let us hope this transport goes well. Klein. It would be disasterous if the slaves were in no condition to be sold."
"We will make sure that it's successful. At any cost madame."
"Good. Make sure you do so."
Arhen
"We won't be disturbed here."
"Never thought I'd be heading to these things early for a deal. Nor that you'd be so close by."
I entered into my cell and slammed the steel gate shut. "It's convenient. We'll use the hole in the wall for transactions."
A few moments later, I heard the gate next to me slam closed and some pressure was applied on the walls I leaned into. I assume Faceman has made his way inside.
Good. He didn't need to be told twice, that'll make him easy to work with.
"So, how exactly is this going to work?"
I drew a still line as I thought about what to ask. Then I turn back. "Why don't you tell me about that thing you're holding?" I asked.
"Ah, of course the dust wasn't free."
"Did you think I was that wasteful?" I asked, staring at the wall in front of me.
I heard him chuckle. "Of course not. And I also didn't think you'd be one to mess with, given by the dead overseer under your bed."
My eyes widened in surprise before I regained my composure. With my information matrix restored, I had never thought of taking another look at the Fennec boy.
I smiled. Interesting, he was the only one who had noticed. "You're good."
"This thing, Dust. Is usually the main source of power all around Remnant."
"Remnant?"
"What this planet is called. It has five kingdoms, Atlas, Vacuo, Vale, and Menagerie. The last one is unknown, but dust circles throughout all of these kingdoms regardless."
Faceman stayed silent for a moment. Then I heard his chains chime a bit, so I assume he's getting into a more comfortable position.
"Atlas is the Kingdom were currently on. Home of the biggest manufacturer of refined dust on the planet. The Schnee Dust Corporation."
I brought my hand and slid it across my neck, right where the barcode was resting.
S.D.C--Schnee Dust Corporation. Ah, so they are the ones who built this mine.
"The people that own us no doubt." I commented.
It checks out. The corporation is most likely a monopoly for Dust related refinement and distribution. Meaning they are quite affluent, which explains how they are able to run a mine and outfit all of the overseers with armor like that.
There's most likely a Dust type that is used as a prime source for energy and electricity--that was the thesis that I threw around earlier.
If they are the only ones who have access to dust types such as that, then it's no wonder why no one opposes the overseers nor makes any attempt to escape. I am not even able to fathom the amount of power and sway that the Corporation has over the Atlas Government and judiciary.
Supplying the only means the Kingdom has of powering their city. Finding a runaway slave is but a matter of talking to the right person. Death isn't too far behind given by how slaves are treated here.
I dug into my rags and pulled out the remaining three Fire Dust Ores I had. I was tempted to ask Faceman about the different types I could find. But I suppose my Information Matrix could fill in the blanks if I encounter such when I escape.
"Tell me about the family that owns the Corporation."
Faceman was silent. I was in the process of manuvering another Dust ore through the hole before I heard him shift and froze midway. Placing it back in my pocket as I listened.
"I don't know most of the members by name." Faceman started.
"That's fine. I just need to know the ones with the most immediate effect."
"What do you mean?"
I sighed.
"The ones who come by the mine the most. Tell me about them."
"..."
"The Schnee family is made up of five members. Husband--who is the patriarch, Wife, and three children. Two daughters and one son--who is the heir." Faceman started.
"Pretty much have never seen the Patriarch before. Neither did I see his wife come by. Don't know about the eldest Daughter, but I've heard that she serves the Atlas Military as a high ranking Lieutenant General."
"The middle child, Weiss Schnee is the one who owns this particular mine. She doesn't come by often, and it usually gets messy when it does."
I raised my eyebrow. "How so?"
"People in this mine tend to hate on the Schnee Family, and ironically, it isn't because of the slavery. I'd elaborate but." Faceman dragged out the last word for a bit before being silent.
I was a tad bit annoyed, but amused by his bravery. Perhaps I was getting a bit chided at how the mighty fell. Never used to be treated like this when I was deleting planets.
I chuckled. "You certainly are a greedy rat. Alright, I'll put a hold on that…continue."
Faceman gave a little chuckle himself before continuing to speak. "I've only ever seen her here once or twice. Usually when something happens or too many of the overseers have been killed. One or two of us usually die when she checks this mine out."
"But?"
Faceman remained silent. Once again, I heard shifting within is bed and blankets before he spoke again.
"...but she isn't even the worst one."
"As I would imagine."
Affluent families tended to have that one member in the immediate family that was "special".
"Whitley Schnee."
"Youngest child of the Schnee Family Patriarch, direct heir to the corporation. We almost never see him in the mine in person. However, most of the overseers here belong to him. Including Unit Alpha."
"The Wolf-Morph is his way of keeping watch over the mineshaft. Doesn't bother with the men, but most of the women who are unruly or who show defiance of any kind get sent to him." Faceman explained.
"You can imagine what happens next."
"Don't really think I need to. Faceman."
Once again, he remained silent. But this time, I didn't hear the shifting movement nor the rustling of slim rags. It was as though he was contemplating my words.
I tossed a small Fire Dust Ore in my hand. Before he began to retort, I passed the Fire Dust through the hole in the wall.
Faceman accepted it, I could feel his small rat hands gently prying the crystal away from me.
"That thing you mentioned before--about people in the mine hating the Schnee Family. Elaborate on it." I commanded.
"What do you want to know?"
"You said that despite being enslaved, the people in this mine don't hate the Schnee Family because of it."
Faceman hummed for a bit. "True. What about it?"
"If they hate the Schnee Family so much, why does no one try to revolt? Despite my speculation on the futility of escape, defeating the overseers is simple."
"There will always be the reckless few that would get themselves killed. I'm just curious as to why I don't see them." I said.
Soon after I spoke. All the fires in the hub area were turned off. And I could hear the heavy clanking of metal and the soft pitter-patter of heavy footsteps.
The Wolf-Morph strode past me, Unit Alpha at his side. Another woman being dragged wordlessly through the cages into the shafts. The only thing of note that the woman had was silver hair. Not as brilliant as Lucille's but still enough to make me freeze for a moment.
Faceman stopped talking for a while now, probably thinking about the newest girl to get apprehended by the Wolf-Morph. Most probably to the exit or some kind of passage to the surface.
I had still retained the 3-D map of the mineshafts and tunnels from my earlier venture, so I can probably tell where the wolf-man was heading.
But until I'm able to see enemies on my map, I would have no way of defending myself from him.
Whatever. It wasn't my problem anyway.
If her treatment was anything like the crying woman's then the silver haired that was just dragged has my mild sympathy.
Faceman mentioned kingdoms, but he also mentioned energy and electricity. Giving rise to the notion of being in a world with at the very least modern technology.
Lineage Added--[The Schnee Family]
Location Added--Atlas, Solitas Region.
[The Kingdom of Atlas]
Region: Solitas
One of the Five Kingdoms of Remnant, heralded as the most technologically advanced of the Five.
It is only in this Kingdom were Dust is mined and refined into crystals one can use in combat, utility or mayhaps in the field of medical study.
The Kingdoms wealth and stature is depcted from the successes of the Atleasian Military, The Schnee Dust Corporation and [͕̬̹͎̝̯ͤ́̀̀͟͠͏̵̡͜R̴̶̶̷̟̼̩͓̥̝͓̜̳̹͍̠̤̮͓̿͂͆͊ͩͨ̒͒̎̚͘͢͡͠͏̴̛̕͝͝E̛̙̺̟̺͕̥̰͊̉̈́̾̓ͦ̽ͮ͐̽͆̒͘̕ͅḐ̸̘̞͙̦̭̗͕̼͙̹̭͆ͯÁ̵̸̸̢̗͓̹̬͓̺̹́́̀͘͜͢͠͝͝͞͠C̛͙͎̹̻̟̲̙̞̈́̔̎̉̈́̑̔͑̄͒ͫ̀T̨̨̨̛̛̪̦͈̖̲̪̞̰̤̥̰̥̻͎̣̱̪̖̀͑͑͒̐́̚͝͞E̠͓ͥ͗̔͋̏̇͗̍ͨͮ̇̚͏̸̴̷̴͠D̡̡̨̪̲̯̘̗͚̹̮̫̞͎̣͔̥̹͇͚̰̐̏̇̉ͭ̿̌ͨ̏ͧ̏̈ͮ͂ͮ͑͋̓̍̈̀͢͡͝͏̢̡̨̀́͜͠͝͝͞͡]̸̶̣̟̰͇̣̦̠̘͈̹̣͕̖͖͎̜͓̝ͥͧ̓ͬͮ̒̃̔ͯ̃͆̔͒͋͘͘͢͠͠͞͝
̨̢̡̨̡̛̰͖̹̩̱̦͚̪͍̮͕͈͈̘̣̲̬ͭ͞͠͏̀͢
Some of the information in this world has been restricted. But unlike obscuring the data behind lines of code, the malware running down my left hand started to surge once again as I read further.
-2500 HP
I felt myself physically take damage from trying to read the encoded data.
Recommended Skill for Comprehension of Data--[Gamer's Mind] [Level 5/???]
Right, I forgot.
The information matrix has the glaring weakness of damaging me if I try to read any type of data I can't comprehend.
Given how long I have spent with Gamer's Mind on MAX. I have forgotten how annoying it can be while it's levelling up.
Speaking of which, Faceman is asleep. And I highly doubt I'm going get any more answers out of him tonight. He may be a cheese-eating rat, but I'll work him like a dog tomorrow.
"Skill Display."
[Gamer's Mind] [Level: 2/???]
Description: A vessel of power that is suited to allow connection and comprehension of data received from the Metaverse. Allows one to observe data collected from the Metaverse.
Effects skills: [System Scan] [System Analysis] [???]
Note: Due to the connection to the Metaverse, this skill applies 5% Resistance against all Mental debuffs, skills and attacks.
[System Analysis] [Level: 89/100] [Req: System Scan] [Auto-Skill]
Description: Allows one to tap into the Archaic Records of the Metaverse and display information based on particular assets of interests. This includes but is not limited to Characters, Items, Regions, Stats and Skills.
Allows one to observe people, places and items of interest in real time. And the reading of potential stat figures and level.
Note: Due to low proficiency in skill [Gamer's Mind, information belonging to characters above 50 levels of player will not be revealed.
[System Scan] [Level: MAX] [Req: 20 MP, Co-ordinates of highest point in region.]
Description: Allows one to scan the topography of the region for additional information and distilment of accurate map data on all areas of the region scanned. This includes, but is not limited to, Compounds, Skyscrapers, Houses, Tunnel Systems, and River Systems on the same region that has been scanned.
Note: Due to low proficiency level in skill [Gamer's Mind, hostile entities shall not be displayed on any kind of distilled map.
Allows the use of Skill [System Analysis] within the range of [System Scan].
[Information Matrix] [Level: 17/100] [Auto-Skill]
Description: Allows one to create a small Archive of data collected from a specfic database field created by the Metaverse.
Allows implication of Craft Items, Locations, Organizations, Regions, Weapons, Items and Consumables. Changes to overall HUD may vary.
One of the Matrix has been added to my Skill Display. And thanks to Faceman, I can see that it's already filling up quite nicely.
The strongest matrix still remains, hidden by what I can assume is the first part of the overall Platinum Quest.
A leg sticked out of the frame of my bed. I narrowed my eyes and roughly shoved the dead fennec boy's foot back underneath the bed.
Afterwards, I stared at the bed I sat on and scratched my head in genuine confusion.
"How do the gamers do this again?" I muttered as I pulled out the rugged sheets and slipped underneath.
Tomorrow I'll go to Ore Vein 36 again and mine out some Dust for Faceman. There are some things that I haven't asked him and I am tempted to try and pry him for now.
He's no use to me dead. So for now, I'll keep him alive.
...Weiss Schnee, huh?
I'll have Faceman tell me more about her tomorrow.
For now, I'll try what these Gamers call 'sleep.' even if only to recover what health I lost reading the restricted data.
Klein
The sedan held up nicely against the frozen plains. Thankfully the slave transports behind them are still intact and none of the tires on the car popped.
Grimm attacks may somewhat be of a rarer occurrence to warriors who are not Hunters and Huntresses on the front lines, but there are still common around Solitas.
Klein could see the snow fall clearly through the night sky. Even as the light blizzard fell incredibly slow and had obscured the sky from clear sight, it was still ever so beautiful.
Part of him wished that Weiss could see it. But as he looked back, he found that she had dozed off on the leather car seats.
The homonculous driving the car didn't dare stop and startle the mistress. Wise. The madame would have shot him dead and ordered another homonculous capable of driving.
Which reminded him that Weiss fell asleep with the tablet still on. Klein speculated that she was looking through the data that Unit Alpha had brought before she fell asleep.
Damnable Whitley. If only he was half as competent as Weiss. Perhaps he could also be a little hard-working as well.
The Faunus Overseer stationed at the mine has been unresponsive as of late. He supposed that he couldn't judge Polendina for making the fennec boy have an attitude. Even he himself had to admit that the apathy of most of the homonculous in the Schnee Manor was starting to unnerve him.
But he digresses. He and Weiss should be at the mine entrance by morning. They had left the estate rather late so if they start to make the return trip by midday, Weiss would be able to reach the plantation by evening.
Silently. Klein hoped that she would avoid the areas where people have recently died before, but to no avail.
Even if one had no intention of going somewhere in the first place, animals still tend to bark up the wrong tree. Too bad for them, Weiss was never an animal lover.
As he looked back at sleeping Weiss. Whilst he'll never admit it aloud, Klein silently cooed and prayed for the Auction never to stress her this much.
He wishes she could sleep peacefully like this always. No, he'll make sure she does.
After all, it's was always his duty as the Head Servant of the Schnee Family to see to his master's health. So surely one couldn't blame him if he kills a few rabbits to make her sleep better?
He felt as though he could stomach a few of the animals getting gutted before he eventually folded.
What difference does it make? No. That's wrong. To Klein, there was never any difference, divergence…any of the sort.
It was only him and the happiness of his master. Which he will fulfill, at any cost.
Yes.
At any cost.
But why did the price seem so high for him? So steep?
He didn't know. He didn't know a lot of things. He is only a homonculous himself.
The only thing he knows is the sleeping master.
Whitley
The wild slapping of flesh sounded through the grand area of his bedroom. One guard at his side and yet another slave he's rutting into.
For a while, he was seeing her hair, disheveled and spread across his satin pillowcases. Taking in every inch of her perfect body.
The way her skin upheaves near to her collarbones and becomes ultra sensitive to his touch. How her usual cold tone began to gradually crack and fold beneath the pleasure she's receiving just, did something to him. Something that drove him wild.
Each time he repeated the motions of repeatedly pulling out and slamming into her cunt made it harder and harder for his knees not to buckle out beneath the pressure.
Avoiding a leg cramp was hard. Especially when the bed was as big as this.
Through her arousing, raspy moans, she had uttered out his name so soothingly, with desperation dripping from her like the sweat on her back.
Her pussy clamped up and tightened. As much as Whitley tried to resist the orgasam, the cunt sucked him dry as he gave one final slam deep into her cunt and emptied his load.
Whitley couldn't help but get a cramp when he's toes curled up in reaction to the pleasure.
As he pulled out and watch his cum leak from her, his heart began beating wildly with arousal and exhaustion.
The girl on his bed hadn't said anything in a while. And as he stared at her, his arousal washed away as though a bucket of cold water had been poured on him.
The more she stayed silent, the more imperfections he saw. Her silver hair was too dull, her eyes were plastered in a green that made them look blue under the correct lighting.
Her moans were too common, too sensual carrying none of the cold nor sharpness it should. And suddenly, when he looked back at her again, she was a slave.
His lips drew a still line, and the naked girl beneath him flinched. Ah, it was obvious to him now. Unit Alpha had failed once again.
At least he couldn't deny that he enjoyed himself. She was a good fuck but he wanted more and she blue-balled him. It was difficult for Whitley to get hard on something he as no intention of sticking his dick into anymore.
Another waste.
"Oh well, at least the guests will enjoy her when they come around for the Auction." He said.
Whitley then turned to face another homonculi that sat in the far corner of his room. Being a voyeur.
He wished that reactions would show on her face, but the homonculi despite being female is even more apathetic than Unit Alpha. Not that Whitley had minded of course, she doesn't need to have Human reactions in order to function.
It was unusual for Delta to be the one to being him the deviants, she was usually roaming the Schnee Manor. But it was welcome, he hadn't seen her in a while.
She was dressed usually compared to the other Overseer Homonculi. Clothed in a Black Jacket over her slim white unisex t-shirt. Coupled with formal black pants and shoes instead of the heavy armor worn by Unit Alpha.
Whitley usually preferred Unit Delta rather than the one indisposed. For reasons obviously including that she's easier on the eyes for him and tends not to speak as much.
"Delta. This one is bad. She's good but not exactly what I am looking for." Whitley complained, moving towards the desk nearby Delta, and pouring a glass of water.
"I see, So I have failed."
As Whitley downed the glass in one large continuous gulp, he placed it back on the desk and looked at the homonculi. "That you have. But you can hardly be blamed for it, Unit Alpha usually handles these directives, but Weiss is coming soon so he is indisposed."
He looked back at the sliver haired slave resting on his bed. "Make sure you take her to the Barn in the morning."
"Morning?"
Whitley moved his hands and lightly grazed Delta's lips. "I still have a use for you."
He then raised his other hand and used it to cup her cheek, motioning for her to stand by raising it further, it notion flowed smoothly as Delta was more than obedient.
"You don't mind, do you Delta?"
With his hand still cupping her chin, Whitley slowly led her towards the edge of his bed. "I will do anything you command, master."
"That's good." Whitley responded, lowering his hand in tandem with Delta's chin. On her knees, Whitley lightly stroked his cock and sat on the edge of his bed.
Delta moved closer to his legs as Whitley made soft slaps against her cheek with his semi-hard cock before resting it on the crusp of her face.
"You weren't exactly what I was looking for either, but at least you can make me hard. Beggars can't be choosers I guess." Whitley chided as he felt himself twitch when Delta licked his spot.
Giving it a little lick, she reached out and began to make long, slow strokes along Whitley's shaft. Gradually speeding up as his cock grew to full mast.
As she jerked him hard and laid long licks on his shaft, Delta pulled away while she stroked him, facing the tip, Whitley grabbed strands of her brown hair and forced her down his shaft.
Whitley could barely keep his eyes from rolling back with pleasure as he felt his dick simply bury down her throat without gag reflex. He couldn't resist sitting up on the bed, latching onto the back of her head and pounding her throat.
Each moment that he pulled back and made Delta deepthoat his dick till the base was simply mind-blowing.
Instinctively, Delta held on to Whitley's shaky legs as he kept ruining her throat. He was grateful for the balance it provided. It made it easier to jackhammer her throat without buckling in to the convulsions of pleasure.
Whitley began grunting hard and he sped up his thrusts, fully skull-fucking the homonculi as the sharp increase in his grunts and moans signal his inevitable orgasm.
With a final thrust and grunt, he plunged his cock as far down as he could and exploded in her throat. Keeping Delta's head fixed to the base of his dick as he emptied his load down her throat and leaked out onto the floor.
He laid back onto his bed the same time he slowly pulled Delta's head away from his shaft, a few excess shots landing on her face as she gave one large gulp and swallowed.
Using her pickie finger, she wiped away the small drop of cum that landed on her eyebrow. Placed it between her two fingers then pulled them apart, stretching the sticky drop of Whitley's load.
Seeing this, Whitley wished that he had the energy remaining to push Delta onto his bed and pound her, but it was getting increasingly harder to keep his eyes open as he panted harshly.
"Are you satisfied, master?" She asked, continuing to play with his drop of cum.
"I'm not, but sadly that decision isn't up to me." Whitley chided as he quickly amassed any strength he had remaining and stood up.
The slave girl was still lying on his bed, breathing fine but the eyes looking drained.
Uncaring, Whitley dragged her by the arm out of his bed and threw her on the floor before getting into the satin sheets himself and resting his head against the pillow.
He thought for a minute, then opened up a little area in the blankets. "Delta. Why don't you join me here in bed?"
Without missing a beat, Delta starts to unpin all of the buttons on her coat, then removes it along with her shirt. Whitley twirled his finger and Delta turned her back to him. Proceeding to unbuckle her pants and bend down to remove them.
Exposed in her black lace undergarments, Whitley was tempted to leave her dressed as she is. The undergarments were plain and weren't as risque as he had hoped, but Delta turned him on with the deepthoat from earlier. So part of him thought that he couldn't help it.
In the end, he decided to let her continue. Making notes to run by any lingerie store on Atlas in his free time. Perhaps a Red Airtex Lace? Or maybe a black one? Delta did seem to look good in black given by her coat.
His thoughts were rapidly silenced by Delta giving him a show and bending down to remove her panties. Flashing him with an excellent view of her rather shapely ass and clean, shaven pussy.
After kicking the discarded clothes away, Delta faced Whitley again. Her eyes peered to the exhausted slave on the ground rapidly gaining energy.
With a raise of her hand, the barcode on the slaves neck glowed. And moments later, with an azure chain, the slave found herself restrained onto the very sturdy bed frame.
As Delta turned back to Whitley he instinctively licked his lips and opened up more space for her in the bedsheets.
When she made her way inside, Whitley closed up the sheets and planted his lips on Delta.
Another chapter complete.
This time Arhen learns more about the world outside and the family who owns this mine by recruiting a budding info broker Faceman. (He isn't sticking around long.)
Writing Whitley was kind of fun but difficult. I mean, writing a smut scene is bad enough but doing it while trying not to get a boner in class is horrifying.
Next chapter should pick up in pacing as Arhen and the slaves in the mine are relocated to Weiss's Plantation.
Until then, please review. And see you all next chapter!