Chapter 3: Nostalgic Meetings and Winding Paths

"Speech".

"Thoughts".

The first week in Eirath passed swiftly as 2B established a new routine. Each day began at dawn with the village slowly coming to life. She would rise, awkwardly stretch her limbs—a simple act she was still getting used to—and head to the communal area where a modest breakfast awaited. The villagers had introduced her to a variety of foods, and she found herself developing a taste for the hearty, uncomplicated meals.

After breakfast, 2B spent her mornings assisting with daily chores. Her tasks included repairing damage from recent skirmishes and helping to tend the fields. She also participated in defending the village from minor threats, much like she had in Pascal's village, though on a smaller scale. Her combat skills, while not as sharp as they had once been, remained effective. The villagers came to respect and appreciate her dedication.

During her stay, Lena had been a guiding presence, teaching her basic literacy. 2B's quick mastery of reading and writing was a point of frequent admiration for Lena, who often remarked on how swiftly 2B was learning.

"Lena was right; learning to read and write wasn't as daunting as I thought. Her encouragement really helped. It's strange how quickly I've adapted to this new world."

Adapting to her human body proved more challenging. The physical needs and limitations of her new form were a far cry from her previous existence. She quickly learned the basics of eating, drinking, and sleeping, but the subtleties of human needs often caught her off guard.

For instance, she grappled with the frequent sensations of hunger and thirst, and the peculiarities of bodily functions occasionally left her feeling awkward. There were moments of embarrassment, such as managing feminine hygiene and dealing with periodic physical discomfort. These experiences were both amusing and humbling.

"I suppose these little embarrassments are just part of being human. The way my body reacts to certain things is… well, amusing and frustrating all at once. I never thought I'd find myself flustered over such simple things."

As the sun set, casting a warm, golden hue over the village, 2B rested after a long day of laboring in the fields. Sitting on the edge of a field with her back against a sturdy oak tree, she allowed her thoughts to drift.

"If I ended up here, there might be other YoRHa units in this world, too. Orario seems like a crucial place to start. I need to gather more information and search for any of my comrades who might be here."

With this resolve, 2B began planning her next steps. Her time in Eirath had given her a foothold in this new world and a taste of human life. She was now ready to set out for Orario, driven by the need to uncover more about her new reality and to seek any leads that could help her find her missing comrades.

"Orario might hold the key to finding my comrades and understanding this world better. It's time to prepare for the journey. I need to gather more information, and perhaps, this city holds the answers I seek."

2B spent the next morning preparing for her departure. As the first light of dawn filtered through the village, she gathered her belongings and made her way to Hektor's house. She had resolved to visit the village chief to discuss her journey to Orario.

Hektor welcomed her with his usual warmth. "Good morning, 2B. I understand you're preparing to leave. What can I do to assist you?"

2B nodded, her expression serious yet grateful. "Yes, I'm planning to head to Orario. I'm searching for some people I used to know. I would appreciate any help you can offer for the journey."

Hektor, recognizing the determination in her voice, nodded thoughtfully. "You've done so much for us already. It's the least we can do." He reached into a drawer and pulled out a small black satchel. "Here's some money and rations for your journey. It should help you along the way."

2B accepted the satchel with a nod of thanks. Hektor then handed her a hilt, the hilt of a sword. "I've had this prepared for you. It's a simple but durable hilt. I thought it might be useful if you need to adapt your weapon on the road."

2B examined the hilt with interest. "Thank you. This will be useful."

Hektor continued, "To get to Orario, follow the main road out of the village. It's a two-week journey if you keep a steady pace. There are some inns along the way where you can rest, but be cautious of the occasional bandit or monster."

2B listened carefully, memorizing the directions. "I understand. I'll make sure to be careful."

2B left Hektor's house with a sense of purpose and a touch of nostalgia. The village gate loomed ahead, marking the boundary between the familiar haven of Eirath and the unknown path toward Orario. As she approached, a crowd of villagers had gathered to bid her farewell, their expressions a mix of gratitude and sadness.

She paused at the gate, taking a deep breath as she surveyed the scene before her. The villagers had lined up to say their goodbyes, and the air was filled with a gentle murmur of well-wishes. Lena, who had been a constant source of support throughout her stay, stepped forward with a warm smile.

"Safe travels, 2B. I hope you find what you're looking for in Orario," Lena said, her eyes reflecting genuine concern. "You've been a great help to us, and we'll miss you."

"Thank you, Lena," 2B replied, offering a grateful nod. "Your guidance has meant a lot to me. I'll remember it on my journey."

As she prepared to move on, the little girl she had saved earlier approached, her small hands clutching a bouquet of wildflowers. With a shy smile, she held out the flowers. "These are for you, miss. Thank you for saving me. I hope you have a safe trip."

2B accepted the bouquet with a gentle smile. "Thank you. These are beautiful. I'll think of you when I see them."

Suddenly, the little girl threw her arms around 2B in a spontaneous hug. Surprised but touched, 2B gently patted her on the back. "Take care, little one. Stay safe."

As the child reluctantly released her, the rest of the villagers stepped forward to offer their farewells. Some shook her hand, others gave her a nod or a brief, heartfelt hug. Each gesture was a testament to the connections she had forged in Eirath, and the warmth of their support was palpable.

With one last look at the village and its people, 2B turned toward the road leading out of Eirath. She adjusted the bundle of supplies and the new hilt strapped to her belt, feeling the weight of both the journey ahead and the farewells she had just received.

As she walked away from the village, her thoughts were a swirl of emotions. The village had been a temporary home, but the friendships and experiences she had gained were significant. The path to Orario stretched before her, lined with challenges and uncertainties, but also with the hope of discovering more about her past and finding the people she sought.

With her resolve set and her heart a mix of gratitude and anticipation, 2B continued down the path leading away from Eirath, her black dress flowing in the breeze as she ventured into the unknown.

2B spent the first few days of her journey across the rugged terrain leading to Orario with a mixture of determination and adaptation. On the first day, she paused at a clear stream, deciding to test her skills in fishing. Though it was a new experience for her in this world, a flashback to her time with 9S provided a sense of familiarity. She recalled their use of the Pods' fishing module, a convenient and efficient tool in their previous life. Now, with a simple rod and bait, she managed to catch enough to provide a meal. She cooked her modest catch over a small fire, savoring the simplicity of the task and the quiet solitude of the forest.

The second day presented a different kind of challenge. As she traveled along the winding path, she came across a merchant caravan consisting of two traders, Eldric and Mira. Eldric, a burly man with a weathered face, noticed her sword and approached with curiosity. "You look like a warrior," he said, eyeing the Virtuous Contract. "We've had reports of monsters ahead. Would you be willing to escort us for a couple of days in exchange for a ride and some coin?"

2B considered the offer briefly before nodding. "I'm heading towards Orario. I can help you. What's the route?"

Eldric smiled and extended a hand. "I'm Eldric, a traveling merchant, and this is my wife, Mira." Mira, a slender woman with a kind face, waved politely.

"Nice to meet you both," 2B responded, shaking Eldric's hand. "I'm 2B, just a traveler heading to Orario."

Eldric outlined the path, and she agreed to assist. The caravan set off, with 2B accompanying them for protection. During their journey, the merchants asked about her destination.

"So, is Orario your destination to become an adventurer?" Mira inquired with curiosity.

"No," 2B replied waving her head. "I'm headed there to look for some people I used to know."

Eldric and Mira exchanged glances. "Is this your first time going to Orario?" Eldric asked.

"Yes, it is," 2B answered.

The merchants, having visited Orario once before, were eager to share what they knew. "Orario is a fascinating place," Mira began. "The gods have a significant presence there. They've blessed mortals with powers, allowing them to form 'familias.' These families gain special abilities and use them to manage the dangers of the dungeon."

Eldric nodded in agreement. "The dungeon is in the heart of Orario. It's a dangerous place, teeming with monsters that are much stronger than those you'd find on the surface. The gods' blessings help adventurers keep the monsters in check, the Familias are crucial in exploring and containing these threats."

2B listened attentively, absorbing the information. The gods' blessings and the concept of familias provided valuable context for her journey. She also noted that Orario was recognized by the giant tower in the center, Babel, which was a landmark that was impossible to miss.

The journey was relatively smooth until the late afternoon of the third day. As they traversed a narrow pass, the caravan was suddenly ambushed by a group of goblins and kobolds.

The attack was swift. Three goblins and two kobolds emerged from the underbrush, their eyes showing malice as they bared their fangs. The goblins snarled and brandished crude weapons, while the kobolds hissed and leapt with unnatural agility.

2B moved into action. Her blade cut through the air with practiced precision. She intercepted a goblin's swing and countered with a slash that sent it sprawling. Another goblin lunged at her, but she sidestepped and dispatched it with a clean strike. The kobolds were quicker and more challenging. Their small, agile forms darted around her, their attacks more erratic.

One of the kobolds jumped at her, but she caught its movement just in time. With a powerful swing, she cleaved through its defenses. The remaining creatures, seeing their comrades fall, hesitated before retreating into the forest.

Breathing heavily, 2B wiped the sweat from her brow. Eldric and Mira looked on with a mix of awe and relief. Eldric approached her, shaking his head in disbelief. "Impressive work. We're fortunate to have had you with us. We were planning to offer you a permanent position, but since you're not heading to Orario, we'll part ways here."

That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the caravan merchants and 2B shared a meal. The merchants expressed their gratitude and offered her a small pouch of coins for her assistance. 2B accepted with a nod, appreciating their hospitality and then parted ways.

On the fourth day, as 2B continued her journey, she heard a piercing, high-pitched scream—a distinct, feminine cry that cut through the forest like a knife. The sound was a chilling echo of the child she had once saved, its urgency propelling her into a sprint. The scream, a desperate "KYAAAAAA," guided her to a clearing where she saw a white-haired figure being tossed around by a pack of frog-like monsters. Their long, sticky tongues lashed out, wrapping around the figure and flinging them violently through the air.

Without hesitation, 2B charged into the fray. One of the frogs had the white-haired figure ensnared in its tongue. 2B sliced through the appendage, causing the creature to release its grip. The figure fell to the ground, dazed but alive. As she turned to face the remaining frogs, another tongue shot out and ensnared her, flinging her violently into a nearby tree. She crashed with a painful thud but quickly scrambled to her feet.

The remaining frogs closed in, their tongues flicking out menacingly. 2B grabbed her sword and threw it with precision, striking one of the frogs in the eye. The creature let out a pained croak, staggering as it struggled to regain its senses. As it stumbled, 2B retrieved her sword and moved in, slashing with calculated strikes.

One of the frogs lunged at her, its tongue whipping out like a serpent. She ducked under its attack, slicing through the creature's tongue with a quick, sharp motion. The frog recoiled, its defenses compromised. 2B took advantage of the opening, finishing it off with a powerful cut.

The last frog, seeing its companions defeated, made a desperate final stand. It lunged at 2B, its tongue snapping out with greater ferocity. She dodged its attacks, her movements fluid and precise. With a final, decisive swing, she severed the creature's head, leaving the clearing silent once more.

As she surveyed the scene, 2B noticed the white-haired figure was a young man, both visibly shaken and slightly injured. The boy, no older than 15, had striking red eyes and ruffled white hair. His leather jacket was tattered from the skirmish, and his innocent face bore a resemblance to someone she once knew, reminding her of 9S.

For a moment, she called out, "Nines?" with a questioning tone, her voice a mixture of hope and confusion as she waved her head, only to realize that it wasn't him. She then brushed aside her hair, pushing back her bangs to clear her vision. Turning her attention back to the boy, who was clutching a knife tightly in his trembling hand, she asked gently, "Are you alright?"