Chapter 2 : The Weight of New Realities
"Speech".
"Thoughts".
2B's consciousness gradually returned, her senses slowly reawakening. She blinked her eyes open to find herself lying on a bed of soft leaves and moss. The forest around her was bathed in the gentle, dappled light of the morning sun, filtering through the dense canopy above. The air was cool and crisp, filled with the soothing sounds of birds chirping and the rustling of leaves in the breeze.
As she sat up, she felt an unfamiliar softness beneath her and was overwhelmed by the vibrant colors and the rich, earthy scent of the forest. Her body felt heavy and uncoordinated, a stark contrast to her usual precision. The sensations of hunger and cold were new and uncomfortable. 2B glanced around, her gaze falling upon her Virtuous Contract, lying a short distance away.
Confusion swept over her as she reached for the sword. Its increased weight was a shock, the blade feeling cumbersome and unwieldy in her weakened state."Why does it feel so heavy?","This isn't right…" The effort required to lift it was a stark reminder of her diminished strength. The once-familiar sword now seemed almost alien, adding to her sense of disorientation.
As she struggled to steady herself with the sword, a disturbing thought crossed her mind. The tranquil forest, so beautiful and serene, seemed almost too perfect. "Is this… hell? Did I end up here because of everything I've done? Could this be some form of punishment?"The contrast between the peace around her and the turmoil of her past made her question if this was a form of retribution. "No… it can't be. Hell isn't this beautiful. It's too calm, too perfect for that."
The questions swirled in her mind—"Is this a twisted afterlife, a reprieve from my suffering, or something entirely different? How did I end up here? What is this place?"The serenity of the forest did nothing to quell her uncertainty.
Driven by a mix of bewilderment and urgency, 2B decided to explore. The peaceful surroundings seemed almost mocking in their perfection, and she struggled to reconcile them with her fragmented memories. With a growing need to understand her new reality, she began to navigate the forest, determined to find answers and come to terms with her situation.
After walking for a few hours through the dense forest, 2B was jolted by the sudden, distant sounds of screams piercing the quiet of the forest. The tranquil chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves were abruptly replaced by the urgent cries of distress. Her instincts, honed by countless battles, kicked in despite her disorientation. The cacophony of screams pushed her into action, and she hurried toward the source, her steps heavy and labored.
Navigating through the thick underbrush, 2B emerged into a clearing, her eyes widening at the scene before her. A small settlement, built with structures that seemed rudimentary but functional, was under attack. The settlement's inhabitants, who initially appeared to be android-like figures, were desperately fighting off a horde of wolf like beasts and green skinned monsters she had never seen before.
Her gaze was drawn to a particularly distressing sight—a little girl, barely more than a child, was surrounded by the monstrous creatures. The child was huddled in fear, her eyes wide with terror as the creatures closed in on her. Despite the ongoing battle around them, the defenders were too preoccupied to come to her aid.
A surge of determination washed over 2B. "I can't just stand here. That child needs help."She tightened her grip on the Virtuous Contract, the sword feeling heavy but familiar. Pushing through her exhaustion and confusion, she charged into the fray with a renewed sense of purpose.
With swift, decisive movements, 2B engaged the creatures. Her combat skills, though slightly dulled by her weakened state, were still formidable,2B's first target was a goblin, its green skin mottled and its eyes gleaming with malice. It lunged at her with a feral screech, but 2B sidestepped and brought her sword down in a powerful arc. The goblin's scream was abruptly cut off as the blade cleaved through its chest, sending it crashing to the ground.
Another goblin charged from the side, brandishing its crude claws. 2B blocked the attack with the flat of her sword, the force of the blow jolting through her arms. With a practiced twist, she countered with a quick, decisive strike, severing the goblin's leg and then finishing it off with a thrust.
The kobold, larger and more imposing, roared in fury and charged at her. Its large claws swiped through the air with brutal strength. 2B ducked and sidestepped the attack, using the opening to deliver a decisive, upward strike with the Virtuous Contract. The blade sliced through the kobold's side, and with a final, desperate swing, she cleaved through its neck.
The last of the monsters fell, leaving the clearing in eerie silence. 2B, her breath ragged and her sword dripping with dark blood, quickly turned her attention to the child she had saved. The little girl, now trembling but unharmed, looked up at her with wide, tear-filled eyes.
"It's okay," 2B said gently, kneeling beside the child. "You're safe now." She carefully picked up the girl, who clung to her with a mix of fear and relief.
The noise of the battle had attracted the attention of the village leader, a bearded man in his fifties with a strong, imposing build. His weathered face bore the marks of a life lived in the rough, including a prominent scar that ran from his left cheekbone to his jawline, adding a rugged edge to his otherwise stern appearance. His graying beard was neatly trimmed, and his striking green eyes reflected a mixture of relief and curiosity as he approached.
"Thank you," he said, his voice rough and resonant, carrying the gravelly tone of an elder leader. "We couldn't have held them off without your help. My name is Hektor. May I ask who you are and what brought you to our village?"
2B stood, still holding the child, and looked at Hektor. "I'm… 2B. I'm not sure how I ended up here. I was just trying to help."
Hektor's brows furrowed slightly at the unfamiliar name. "2B? That's an unusual name. Is there a particular significance to it, or is it a title?"
2B hesitated, her gaze drifting as she tried to recall her past. "It's just my designation. It's… what I was called."
Hektor's skepticism was evident in his expression. "A designation? We've never encountered anyone from beyond the village with such a name. It's hard to place where you might be from."
Deciding to drop the questioning for now, Hektor focused on the more pressing matter at hand. The villagers, sensing that the immediate danger subsided, villagers began to gather around. They offered their thanks, their faces a mix of awe and admiration. Some brought food and water, while others inquired about her origins and purpose.
"Please, accept our gratitude," a young woman said, offering her a cup of water. "You've done more than we could have hoped for."Another villager, an elderly man, approached and patted her on the shoulder. "You've saved not just the child but all of us. We're in your debt."
2B took the offered beverage, though her stomach was still adjusting to the sensation of hunger and her throat to the sensation of thirst . She nodded appreciatively but remained focused on understanding her surroundings and the villagers' needs. The attention she received was overwhelming, but she was determined to learn more about this place and ensure her continued assistance.
Hektor gestured towards the village. "We have a place for you to rest and recover. Please, come with me. We need to make sure you're taken care of."
As she followed Hektor, 2B felt a mixture of relief and confusion. The immediate danger was over, but this new location she found herself in was still a mystery. The warmth and hospitality of the villagers provided a brief respite from her uncertainty, yet she knew that getting a clearer grasp of her new environment was essential.
Hektor led 2B through a narrow path that opened into the heart of the village. As they emerged from the dense forest, the contrast was striking. The village was quaint and peaceful, with cobblestone streets and simple, charming houses. The vibrant colors and the soft hum of daily life were a stark contrast to the chaos of the recent attack.
As they walked, 2B felt the weight of her circumstances pressing heavily on her. The visor she had worn as part of her combat uniform had become more of a hindrance than a help in this unfamiliar place. While the technology allowed her to see through the fabric, it no longer functioned as intended, unable to send data or commands. This rendered it impractical, so she had removed it, letting it hang from her belt as she followed Hektor.
Upon entering the village center, 2B noticed the villagers casting curious glances in her direction. Her presence, marked by her striking beauty and the sleek, unfamiliar design of her combat attire, seemed to captivate them. Whispers of admiration and speculation floated through the air. The villagers, accustomed to simpler, more rugged appearances, looked upon her with a sense of awe, some even whispering amongst themselves that she might be of noble birth. The contrast between her ethereal appearance and the rustic simplicity of their surroundings was stark, making her seem almost otherworldly in their eyes.
"This is our village," Hektor said, gesturing around. "We've been struggling with these surface monsters for some time now. Your intervention has been a blessing. If you were injured during your battle, let me introduce you to our healer. She will tend to your wounds."
Hektor led 2B to a modest but well-kept building where a kind-faced woman was tending to the child 2B had rescued. Lena was a blonde woman in her twenties, with soft chestnut eyes that seemed to convey both warmth and empathy. Her hair, tied back in a practical braid, framed a face that held the gentle signs of a life devoted to caring for others. She wore a simple, earth
toned dress with an apron, which was smeared with a few spots of herbal ointments and bandages.
As they entered, Lena looked up from her work, her expression shifting from concern to relief. "This is Lena, our village healer," Hektor introduced. "Lena, this is 2B. She's the one who saved the child."
Lena offered a warm smile. "Thank you, 2B. You've done a great service to us today. I'll take care of the child and make sure she's alright." Her gaze then shifted to 2B, and she added, "Please, join us for a meal and rest. We have plenty of food and a place for you to stay."
As they moved into the room, Lena and a few villagers who had been assisting with the preparations of said room took the opportunity to observe 2B more closely. Without the visor, her features were fully visible, and her striking appearance became evident. The golden light of the evening sun illuminated her face, revealing a beauty that stood out in the simple, rustic setting of the village.
Lena, noticing the villagers' curiosity and 2B's discomfort, offered a gentle comment. "Your appearance is quite remarkable, 2B. It's not something we see every day."
2B, feeling somewhat self-conscious but appreciative of the kindness, nodded. "Thank you. I'm still trying to understand this place and how I ended up here."
As the sun set and the villagers left 2B's room, 2B found herself alone in the small, dimly lit chamber provided to her.
The room was simple but cozy, with a few rustic furnishings and a window that offered a view of the starlit sky. 2B is now laying in the bed, the soft, worn sheets and pillows a stark contrast to the cold, unyielding surfaces she was used to. The tranquility of the village, so different from the chaos she had known, provided a serene backdrop for her reflections. She took a moment to consider everything she had learned, the weight of her new reality settling heavily upon her.
From the snippets of conversation and the information provided by Hektor and Lena, 2B pieced together a clearer picture of her surroundings. The village, named Eirath, was situated about two weeks' journey from the bustling city of Orario. Orario, the capital of this world, was a grand metropolis where various races coexisted and thrived. It was renowned for its colossal dungeon, a place of immense danger and opportunity. The dungeon was said to create monsters and shape the very essence of the world's challenges. The gods, who were believed to have descended from the heavens, had a significant presence in Orario, often interacting with adventurers and influencing the world's fate.
"Orario… A city where gods walk among mortals. This place—this world—is nothing like the one I knew. I've been transported to another world. How could this have happened?"
As she absorbed this information, 2B's thoughts turned inward. The villagers had mentioned gods and adventurers, and the descriptions of Orario painted a vivid picture of a world vastly different from her own. She had initially struggled to grasp the concept of this new reality and had dismissed her thoughts as a mere illusion.
The more she reflected, the more she began to understand the gravity of her situation.
"This is no illusion. The way the villagers treat me, the reality of this world—it's all too real. But why am I here? What does this mean for me?"
The realization struck her deeply: she was, in fact, amongst humans. The people she had helped, the child she had saved, and the life she was now experiencing were all part of this new world—and, by extension, part of her new existence.
"I'm among humans… I've become one of them. My body feels so different from before. It's weaker, slower… I feel hunger and fatigue in ways I never did. This is what it means to be human, isn't it?"
As she processed this, a wave of conflicting emotions washed over her. The humans she had fought against, the ones she had sacrificed so much for, were now the very ones she was living amongst. The same humans she had fought and died for repeatedly in her past life—the same ones she had killed 9S for, over and over again—were now surrounding her in this new existence.
Should she feel anger, knowing that these humans, in a sense, had forsaken her and her comrades, leaving them to their endless battles? Or should she feel relief, or even happiness, at the chance to finally be among the beings she once fought to protect?
In the end, the reality of her situation became clear. These humans were not the same as those from her past world; they were a new, different people, with their own lives and struggles. Her old world and its conflicts were now a distant memory, inconsequential in this strange, new reality. If these were truly humans, they were nothing like the ones she had known before. This world had no ties to her previous existence, only a new and poignant beginning.
"I remember my operator's fascination with human culture, with all its nuances and intricacies. Is this what she meant? To experience life in all its fragility and complexity?"
As 2B turn around in the bed, her thoughts continued to swirl. The idea of being human was both foreign and familiar. Her past interactions with 9S, A2, and the others had always been tinged with an underlying quest for understanding what it meant to be alive. Now, in this world, she faced the ultimate test of that understanding.
"Am I meant to find something here that I couldn't in my old world? What does it mean for me now, in this place? "
With her thoughts unsettled and her future uncertain, 2B closed her eyes and let the quiet of the room envelop her. Tomorrow would bring new challenges and discoveries, and she knew she needed to face them as best she could, despite the uncertainty that loomed ahead.