{[The right choice is never easy. That’s why heroes tend to die while monsters continue to live.]}
“Spin”
The menu spun differently. This time, it extended like a video game’s leveling chart.
(Rare Language Proficiency.
The words on the menu were blue instead of purple this time.
Rare and Epic. This feels more and more like a video game. But I wonder what Common and Legendary pulls will be like? And I get one freebie a week.
“Menu, show me this skill in detail.”
The menu expanded.
(Rare) Language Proficiency.
Level 1 – (Bought) – You gain the ability to master your first language in speech, writing, and reading.
Level 2 – 10 XP – You gain the ability to learn other languages at the cost of 30XP, and you can give allies the ability to learn any language of your choice at the cost of 30XP.
Level 3 – 100 XP – You gain the ability to read and write any language you learned. Any ally you bestowed your gift to also gains the ability to read and write on top of speaking that language.
Level 4 – 1,000 XP – You gain the ability to learn dead languages.
Level 5 – 10,000 XP – All languages are yours to learn. This includes one’s beyond the capability of your race.
This one is impressive. And beyond the capability of my race? I don’t understand that one.
Gearing up, Ashner needed to test something.
He tapped his doorknob with the key, and it shifted to the magical door. He opened it and walked inside.
The room was exactly the same. Reaching into his cargo pocket, Ashner tossed out a single bullet. He then closed the door.
“Let’s take a look.”
Opening it again, the bullet was still in its place.
So I can store items in this room? I might as well put my stash of weapons and ammo in here. If the police knew about it, I’d end up in jail again.
Ashner brought boxes of ammo and dozens of other ‘illegal’ weapons inside the room.
“If this space is the medium between both worlds, then only I should be able to access it.” Ashner tapped the chin on his mask. “I just realized something. There is no guarantee these doors will take me to the slime world or back to my world.”
Ashner sighed. If that were the case, then all the work he put into coming back here was in vain.
“It doesn’t matter. Nothing worth my time is behind me.” He readied his assault rifle, switching it from safe to fire.
Next, he brought down his night vision NODS.
He opened the door.
The temperature spiked. It wasn’t the middle of fall anymore, and it was humid.
Ashner turned his nods on.
The green light illuminated the dark room.
He closed the door and took a few steps into the new world.
So it’s the same place.
He glanced back. The door he stepped out of was a tiny home that was rotting away. Inside the house were chairs and a bed. But the same magical door was there. The home was long abandoned.
Humm, so this world has some intelligent species. They require sleep, and they have the skills to build. At least they’re more or less my height, judging by the bed’s size.
The soldier focused on the rest of his environment. Above him were stalactites, and below him stalagmites. They were dripping water around him. He palmed one.
Limestone. So I’m inside a cave. This place might not have an exit.
A moving ball caught his attention. The creature’s light shined a bright green through his nods.
“There you are.”
The slime stopped, and the ball inside its body turned towards Ashner.
“Hitting that small thing is a pain, but all I need is a hollow point round.” The slime rolled towards Ashner.
He pulled the trigger, the slime splattered and disappeared, and two coins dropped. The roar of thunder ripped around the cave, and his bullet shell fell to the ground.
XP:2 > XP:4
“Yes!” Ashner picked up the coins. They were the same as the one he had before. “If only it were this easy in my world.”
Ashner walked to the brass shell. He picked it up and put it in his backpack. He readied himself, scanning for more slimes.
Nothing.
“So they don’t use their ears to find their prey. They don’t have eyes either.” Ashner put the coins in his duffle bag. “This time, it didn’t drop a potion.”
Ashner moved through the cave, keeping his weapon at the ready.
Occasionally killing a stray slime. Until Ashner scoped a blue light, the cave had a small hole, large enough to crawl across.
XP:4 > XP:62
“What is that light?” Ashner emerged at the heart of the cave.
A blue pond, reflecting light from crystals, formed like a rose in bloom from above. The dungeon greeted him. It gave the cave a frisk of elegance and royalty.
Around the water rolled hundreds of slimes. Ashner smiled. “I can use this.”
He stepped away from the pond into the dark part of the cave. And kept exploring until his nods became too bright for his eyes. “Sunlight.” Ashner took off his nods, bringing it up and keeping it on his rhino mount.
The soldier readied his weapon and stepped outside. The world was a flash of his teenage years.
Trees, plants, and grass. The echoes of the forest were similar, from crickets to birds and the rustling of the leaves. He gawked up at the clouds and the sun.
Some trees and animals had survived the war, but they were all sick one way or another. Most bugs had died out. It reached the point where the world’s superpowers got together and started using artificial methods of creating oxygen. They modified bugs to continue pollinating the world but try as hard as they might. All things eventually fell victim to radiation.
Ashner inhaled deeply. The air was fresh. For the first time in years, he filled his lungs with as much oxygen as they could manage. And they hurt. Like everyone else’s lungs, his were damaged.
A growl caught his attention. He turned his weapon to his left, with the body of a bobcat and the spots of a Dalmatian. A cat kept its angry eyes on Ashner. In its mouth, she carried something similar to a squirrel. They both had two tails.
“Easy, girl. I’m not after your lunch.”
The cat skittered off deeper into the forest.
Ashner lowered his weapon. “Those weren’t like the slimes. The thing in its mouth didn’t turn into black smoke. Maybe this world has two types of sub-species. Creatures similar to ours and… Well, monsters are the best way to describe the slimes.”
“Lala-itina erada zamariai!” Ashner caught the odd words. The voice was masculine and close.
Ashner crept, going tree to tree, keeping his weapon snug tightly against his shoulder. Closing in on the voices, he crawled using thick vegetation as cover.
A road? And a carriage?
Two mounts similar to horses, except with horns and two tails, carried a wooden cart with a cage. Four men argued among themselves.
Something caught his eye. The cage didn’t carry animals.
It carried people.
“Ramira! Luci era nira!” One of the men screamed at a woman in the cage.
I should’ve known better. Another world is bound to have a different language. Humm, I wonder.
His menu popped up. “Languages.” The menu scrolled on its own.
“Level it up.”
XP:62 > XP:52
Level 2 – (Bought) – You gain the ability to learn other languages at the cost of 30XP, and you can give allies the ability to learn any language of your choice at the cost of 30XP.
“Waste 30XP to learn their language.”
XP:52 > XP:27
This is ridiculous. I can learn every language on Earth with this.
“A slave doesn’t talk back! You’re lucky we spared you!”
Ashner eavesdropped. His suspicions were correct.
The men were human.
Maybe this was a different dimension, or perhaps another planet.
Judging by the carriage, this world isn’t very advanced. They’re also carrying swords, not guns. And the road isn’t paved.
Ashner accidentally stepped on a branch. The noise spooked a bird above him.
“Who’s there!” The men glanced towards Ashner. Their hands were reaching for their weapons.
Gig’s up.
Ashner stepped out of the woods and walked towards the road. The men took a second to process his clothes, armor, and mask.
“You’re a little aggressive, don’t you think?” Ashner needed to test if they understood his language since he was still thinking and speaking in English.
“Show us your ears!” The men demanded. Ashner turned his head, showing him that his ears were the same as the men’s.
They relaxed.
“Just making sure you’re not a demi.” The men walked towards Ashner. They were not aggressive anymore. Even so, Ashner kept his finger on his M9’s trigger. “Why are you wearing a mask?”
“I was wounded, and it’s better to keep it on,” Ashner answered honestly.
The men accepted it gracefully and returned to pushing the cart over the thick rocks. “Are you heading to the city?” One of them asked Ashner.
City?
Ashner nodded.
“Keep going down this trail. You’ll get there soon.” The men were nonchalant around Ashner, treating him like a friend. Ashner regarded the people in the cage. They all had different ears. Some had tails.
They all had the same defeated gazes on their faces.
So this is the kind of world I’m in. Even here, humans are s***.
The demi’s glanced at him, curious about his armor and weapons.
“You want to buy one?” The man asked.
“Buy?”
“You’re not from around here, are you?” Ashner said nothing. “That armor gave it away. I’m guessing you’re from the islands in the east. Odd magic and armor from them.”
This world has magic?
“We’re taking them to the city. Tomorrow, they’ll be up for sale.” The man smiled. “Unless you want to buy one right here and now, we’ll give you a discount, as long as you don’t tell anyone.”
“How much do they cost?”
“The cheaper ones go for three thousand gold coins or three mythril. They go for five thousand mythril or five dragon coins if you want a pretty girl. More if they’re a virgin.”
“How do you ensure they won’t run away from their masters?”
“With a magic seal.” The man’s eyebrow raised. “You’re really not from around here.”
Ashner shook his head.
If only you knew.
“If you buy one, you can do anything you want with them. They’re your property.” The man clasped his hands together. “Interested?”
“I’m going to have to pass.”
The man’s gaze quickly became foul. But he didn’t say a word.
Ashner walked ahead of them. The carriage was slow, thanks to the terrible road.
They have a primitive mindset, but magic intrigues me. Can I learn it?
He glanced back at the cage. At the end of the day, they were at the mercy of other people.
I could save them, but attacking the first people I see is a ludicrous idea. If magic is real, then how will I fare if I fight against that? Will bullets do the job? I can’t forget, this isn’t my world…
{[Your desires and shames shape your soul.]}
The city was smaller than Ashner presumed. Their homes were made of mud bricks, asphalt roofs, and fireplaces were commonplace. Ashner tuned in to the splashing of water running under his feet.
They have a sewer system.
Furthermore, the horned horses pulled carriages. The city had roads made of broken stones and cement. This world had similarities to Ashner’s, minus one thing.
“Hurry it up!” An older man screamed at a young slave. The boy had dog ears and even a single tail. The child hesitated, so the man slapped him.
So that’s how it is.
Ashner focused on another part of the city. A woman walked hand in hand with two fit demi-men.
Their bodies were that of seasoned bodybuilders.
One had dog ears, and the other had two horns growing out of his head.
A few meters behind him walked a woman with a demi behind her. They both carried groceries in a basket. The demi smiled and happily increased his pace to keep up with her.
So, some are treated better than others.
All eyes were on Ashner. His armor made him stand out like a flame in the bleak night. Gossip followed from both humans and demi’s.
“He must be one of those eastern warriors.”
“Is he a demi?”
“He carries an odd blunt weapon.”
Ashner keened in their curiosity.
At least they don’t seem hostile.
“Stop right there!” Two men, dawned in heavy armor, excluding their headpieces, rushed towards Ashner. Each was carrying a sword and a round shield.
I spoke too soon.
Ashner’s finger flipped the safety switch on his weapon.
“Remove your helmet, traveler.”
Ashner moved his hand away from his trigger, letting his weapon hang on the sling around his neck. He reached for his headpiece and removed it from his head, showing his ears clearly to the guards.
“You’re one of us.” The guard’s tone shifted to a more relaxed one. “You can keep your mask on, but make sure your helmet is off while you’re in the city.”
“Very well.” Ashner clipped it to his gear. “I’m new to this town. Are there customs or laws I need to follow while I’m here?”
The guards glanced at each other. The question wasn’t out of the ordinary since he obviously didn’t appear to belong there.
“The same as anywhere else, don’t hurt anyone who doesn’t deserve it, and don’t steal.”
Ashner glanced at a group of slaves. They were carrying firewood. “What about the laws involving them? Where I’m from, we have no slaves.”
“Don’t harm them unless their Master approves. They’re property, so they should be treated as such.”
“Hmmm, I see.”
Footsteps walked towards him. Ashner glanced to his side. A man wearing elaborate, lime green clothes that draped to his side walked towards him.
“Are you perhaps interested in one?” He gave Ashner a fake smile.
Salesman.
“I have a collection of beautiful women. These demi’s were freshly caught and.” He whispered into Ashner’s ear. “They’re virgins.”
The idea did intrigue Ashner. He focused on the five women in the carriage, hugging each other. They were all demi’s, one with raccoon ears, another with oddly shaped horns, and one with dog ears.
The one with dog ears gawked at Ashner. Something about her gripped his heart like a ghost forcing itself onto him. She wasn’t just beautiful. She was divine even if she was dressed in ragged clothes. She was hugging a young boy with yellow fox ears.
“I see Alex, and the other one caught your eye.” The slaver urged the girl to step forward. “She’s my most valuable possession since she’s a succubus. The smaller one is a stray we picked up. He’s sick and worthless, but I’ll throw him in as a freebie if you buy Alex.”
“A succubus?”
“Never ran into one before? She’s not a pure breed since she wasn’t born with wings. She resembles her mother’s demi side more.” He once-overed Ashner’s armor, taking a keen interest in it. “Normally, I’d charge ten mythril coins for her, but I’ve always been interested in the magical gear from the east.”
“I won’t trade my armor or weapons for her.”
“Oh, I don’t want the whole thing, just anything you’re willing to let go of.”
Let go of?
Ashner reviewed his armor, then his flash and stun grenades, his sidearm, and then his land navigation gear. Something cheap and easily replaceable. He removed a compass that strapped like a watch from his wrist.
“What is that?”
Ashner reviewed the compass. Sure enough, it worked. “This isn’t a magical device, but it will always point north. It’s a way to ensure you don’t get lost.”
“That’s spectacular.” The man ogled it. As Ashner spun it, the compass’ arrow stayed north. “I’d accept this trade for Alex and the other one.”
Should I buy them? I can barely support myself as things stand.
Ashner glanced at her. She was wearing thin clothes, but he got a glimpse of her chest and hips. They curved nicely. His face blushed, and he fought back his lust.
What’s going on with me? I’m never this turned on… Is it her succubus power? Is it messing with my head… But I can always use someone helping me out, plus if she’s mine. Can I f*** her?
“Deal.” Ashner handed him the compass.
“Step here.” The man ordered his slaves. He drew out a knife from under his belt. Ashner cautiously reached for his sidearm. “One drop of blood should do it.”
“Blood?”
“Yes, to seal the contract. Your blood will bind their soul to yours. This will ensure they can never harm or betray you.”
Ashner removed his glove and let the knife cut into his finger. The slaver manipulated the blood and smeared it against Alex’s and the boy’s chest. The blood went down between their torsos and disappeared. On their chests, a star with odd shapes lit up and faded.
“Go on!” The slaver pushed her into Ashner. Her body was soft, and his lust spiked. The little boy stared at them for a few seconds.
“What are you doing?” Ashner asked Alex as she stepped away from him. Ashner’s eyes landed on the boy. He shook, and his eyes were wide open, along with his mouth.
He’s terrified of me… I don’t blame him. This mask and my armor must have him confused… I didn’t think this through…
“Have fun with her tonight.” The man winked.
Ashner rationalized something.
Why did I buy her?
He reviewed her. She was just his type. She had a slim waist and a chest that was not too large or too small. Plus, her face rivaled most models. Her dog ears were also a plus.
“Take me home, Master.” She spoke with an alluring voice.
“Not yet.”
“Please, Master.” Her eyes widened, and Ashner’s heart raced. He sighed and complied.
Walking away from the city, he caught that all eyes were on Alex, even without makeup and in drags. Her allure ensnared everyone around her. Behind them, the young boy kept up. His eyes locked on Ashner.
Finding the cave he used to enter the world took a little time. At the entrance, Ashner’s focus blurred.
She has ears and a tail. I can’t take her to my world. What was I thinking?
“Master,” the girl clasped his arm. “Please take me home.”
Ashner’s lust rose, his pulse raced, and his body became hot. Just being stroked by her was amazing.
“Sure, follow me.” He stepped into the cave, and Alex followed behind curiously.
“Monster.” She spoke quietly and leaned against Ashner’s arm.
Sure enough, a slime rolled towards the two. Ashner reached for his sidearm and took a single shot.
The slime turned into black mist, and the coins fell.
Alex and the boy shook from the echo of the bullet. Then they glanced at the gun.
Their eyes were both mystified and terrified.
XP:27 > XP:29
Ashner grabbed the gold and the shell.
“That weapon is amazing,” Alex commented as she studied it. “Can you take me home now?”
This is a bad idea. Why do I want to take her to my world so desperately?
He found the door to his world. The redwood and carefully carved illustrations were still there. Even if behind it, the house was utterly destroyed. Alex gave him a confused eyebrow raise.
Ashner gripped the door and opened it. She jumped back.
“You wanted to come home, right?” He stepped inside the room between worlds. She followed hesitantly.
“Welcome home.”
The two slaves glanced around the room confused. They stayed silent.
Alex evaluated the bed and then studied the boy. He was confused. Ashner closed the door behind them but focused on Alex. Something was wrong.
“I know why you bought me, what your heart truly desires. My succubus powers let me know everything that involves your lust.” She removed her top, showing everything to Ashner. Her body was more magnificent than he had ever hoped for. It was as if the aroma itself was turning him on. He tumbled on the bed as she mounted him.
This feels wrong.
Ashner shrugged his head.
Almost like I’m drunk, menu, show self status.
Idiot, You’re Under the Effect of a Charm.
What? How do I stop it?
The menu jumped and froze.
Come on, how do I stop it?
The menu took a second to reply, then it spun, and the words stopped.
Fine, I’ll help you just this once, but it will come at a cost to me. I will return to my slumber for some time. If you accept, physical pain breaks the Incubus’ Charm Effect.
… What… The… F***!…
Ashner bit his tongue hard enough to draw blood, and reality came crashing down.
The girl’s voice faded away.
The spell was broken.
Ashner was alone on the bed.
The slave was no longer there. In fact, it had all just been an illusion.
“I’ll do whatever you want, Master.” Alex held onto the child on the opposite side of the room.
The soldier leered at the young man he had bought. He was sitting on the seat, fiddling with his hands. Alex’s words lacked enthusiasm, but his eyes were glowing a deep purple. Now that the spell was broken, Ashner perceived how slim his body was.
“Oh, I’m going to kill you.”
Alex’s ears shot up. He was obviously not expecting him to say that. He focused harder on Ashner. His eyes glowed purple once more.
“Don’t scare me like that, Master.”
“Your little spell isn’t working anymore.” Ashner reached for his sidearm, quickly shifting it from safe to fire.
“Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!” Alex slid across the bed against the wall of the room. He shoved the child aside. Making himself the only target.
“I traveled billions of miles across the stars, through a wormhole to another world… And somehow, I managed to get f****** CATFISHED!” Ashner stood and aimed his handgun at his slave. “Why did you charm me!”
The slave lifted his arms up, covering his face. His pulse accelerated, and his body shook with fear. He had appraised firsthand what a gun did. His fear was rational.
“Please stop.” A voice whispered.
Ashner turned to the boy, but it wasn’t a boy. It was a little girl. Maybe twelve or thirteen years old. She had yellow fox ears and a tail. Her tone was soft, and she clasped her hands together.
“We needed to escape…” Her hair was cut short, making it easy to confuse her as a boy. “I asked Alex to use that spell to charm you…”
“Why me?”
“Because… You aren’t like the other humans…”
Ashner sighed and controlled his rage.
It’s a ploy to get bought by a wealthy master, I’m assuming… Can I really blame them for doing that to survive… F***!
“Talk.” Ashner sat down, lowering his weapon. His rage had settled, but he was still bummed out, and he needed answers.
After a few seconds, Alex dared to take a peek at him. Ashner was calm and collected.
“I’m not a succubus. I’m an incubus. I charmed you and everyone around you… I also overheard the conversation you had with the guards. You know nothing about slaves, so I assumed you would start buying lots of us, and we could just slip in between the cracks.”
Ashner raised his eyebrow.
“Male slaves are usually bought and sold off to work in the mines or forced into wars. Most of us don’t live for more than a few months. With the exception of attractive young boys, they are often sold for… Other reasons, but it’s rare… I changed Naomie’s appearance so she would be less desirable. Women are often sold and turned into prostitutes, regardless of their ages… I thought, maybe, if you bought us, we would live in a mansion and eat lavish foods to our heart’s content. And if you desire more, I’d charm you and create an illusion to keep you happy… You know, a give-and-take relationship.”
Ashner sighed, switching his weapon from fire to safe. His hand went to his head. “I can’t believe I got catfished… I’m such a loser.”
Alex bowed down on all fours on the floor. Bringing his head as low as possible.
“What are you doing?”
“I wasn’t aware you could break my Charm magic. Now I have no way to serve you properly… Even after everything I went through, my plan backfired.”
“What did you go through?”
“I charmed the whole city. I even went through female slave training… That was probably the most awkward part of the whole thing.”
“I’m pretty sure seducing me was worse… Unless you’re into men?”
“No, I’m only interested in women, but the ones with money are older and ugly. While men have money and food, and did I mention mansions?” Alex refused to stand. He kept his head down on the floor. “I know I failed you. Please, if you need to punish one of us, punish me, but don’t harm Naomie. She’s still a child… Please don’t abandon her. If you wish, end my life.”
“That’s a bit much, don’t you think?” Ashner stood, irritated with his stupid luck. “Stand up already.”
Alex obeyed. He didn’t peek at Ashner’s face.
“What else were you taught?”
“I mastered the art of cooking, cleaning, and entertainment.” Alex smiled.
He recovers fast.
“I know we’re not what you wanted, but.” Alex gave another wink. “I can sense it. You’re sexually frustrated. If you want, I can use my power on you whenever you want. It’s not real, but it’ll feel-”
The soldier sensed a vein pulse on his forehead.
Ashner slapped Alex hard across the face.
The echo vibrated for a few seconds.
“You slapped my face.” Alex’s head came back, filled with tears. “My beautiful, perfect, chiseled face!”
“So that’s your real personality.” Ashner stepped back, away from his slave. “Don’t ever pretend to be something you’re not in front of me, half-assed compliments, fake smiles. I hate them all. The people who give those out will only stab you in the back when it’s convenient for them. From now on, just be yourself.”
Alex quickly submitted and lowered his head, keeping his gaze off Ashner. His eyes darted around, confused by his comment.
“Don’t ever use your power on me again. That’s not cool. Regardless, I also won’t abandon either of you. But honestly. I can’t find a use for you. I do envy your powers, having the ability to seduce anyone. I’d kill for that power.”
“My power isn’t fit for combat,” Alex admitted. He glanced at Naomie. “About her.”
Naomie kept her eyes on Ashner’s hands. He glanced at them. The C-R had faded a little, but it was still there.
“I won’t harm her. She’s just a kid, after all.”
Alex sighed in relief.
Catfish or not, he’s protecting a teen, and I can respect him for that.
“Alright, Alex. I’m not happy with how things developed, but,” Ashner made up his mind. “I’ll make you a deal. Use your powers how I see fit, on whoever I choose, and if you do your job properly, you’ll end up living in a mansion in a city that floats among the clouds. With foods your tongue never tasted before.”
“Cities that float in the sky?” Naomie raised her eyebrow.
Alex’s eyes lit up. Saliva went down his side. “You don’t have to ask. I am your property.”
“I won’t order you to do anything you don’t want to do. Plus, I’d rather you use your power willingly, not because I ordered it.”
With his power, I’m curious what I can achieve in my world… I’ll find a way to be accepted into one of the floating cities. F*** Iris, I’ll make myself an asset so valuable she’ll have no choice but to name a floating city after me. And f*** Ensley.
“If it’s my choice, then I accept, Master.”
Ashner shook Alex’s hand, confusing the incubus.
“Oh, don’t call me Master. Just call me Ashner.” He evaluated the slave. He was skinny and a head shorter than him. His ears were down, more than likely ashamed of his actions, but deep down, Ashner didn’t blame him. If anything, he admired his determination for a better life.
“I have a plan to get rich, and I’m going to need your help.”
Alex’s ears shot up. He tuned in curiously to Ashner’s plan.
You may be a slave, but your desire to live, succeed, and push for a better future far outweighs my own. Someone like you shouldn’t be locked away. You should be free to live your life.
Ashner explained his plan to Alex and Naomie. The two tuned in silently until Ashner finished.
“No! I specifically charmed you to avoid being in dangerous situations.” Alex pouted. “Plus, you promised me food.”
“It won’t be that dangerous,” Ashner half-lied. “We just have to attract and kill most of the slimes.”
Alex shook his head. “If a slime gets on your skin, it will eat away your flesh. Plus, they tend to travel in packs and kill their prey slowly and steadily. That’s why everyone avoids this cave. Plus, their loot is worthless.”
Gold is worthless?
“That’s why we need to take advantage of our situation.” Ashner stood off the bed and walked up to a riot shield. He had a few, next to the weapons rack and half a dozen explosives. Next to that, he had a self-reloading station for bullets and a second military armor set. “How well do you know war, Alex?”
“I know my ancestors fought against humanity and lost.” Alex leaned up, studying all the equipment curiously. “I can’t say I know anything beyond that.”
“Really now?” Ashner dropped his spent brass into a bucket next to the self-reloading station. “Then just take a guess. What’s the most effective way to destroy an army? If you have to do it on your own.”
“I don’t know.”
“You gather them in one spot, then eradicate them together,” Ashner smirked. “It’s called a death funnel.”
Alex raised his eyebrow.
*******
Alex carried two riot shields while Ashner kept his M-4 Carbine at the ready, scanning the cave for slimes. He retraced his steps toward the small hole that led to the pool. Naomie followed behind them, carrying empty military duffle bags. Ashner asked her to stay in the White Room, but she refused.
Before they arrived, Ashner fired at three slimes.
XP:29 > XP:33
“Won’t the sound of your weapon attract the slimes?”
“No, these things can’t hear. My guess is they have some form of vision that allows them to see in the dark. It would explain why none venture out of the darkness.”
One of Alex’s ears shot up while the other came down. “How long have you been killing slimes for?”
“I started this morning.”
“This morning?” Alex almost dropped one of the heavy shields. “And you figured that out already?”
“Yeah,” Ashner focused on another slime. “Study your enemy to defeat them. That’s the basics in any type of warfare.”
He pulled the trigger.
XP:33 > XP:37
The two arrived at the hole in the cave. Alex waited for Ashner’s guidance.
He wasn’t comfortable at all and just wanted to leave. Ashner didn’t blame him.
“Now what?” Naomie asked. On the other hand, she was more interested in fighting the slimes.
“Now, we lay a trap.”
“How? You said they couldn’t hear.”
Ashner got into the hole and started crawling through. It was tight, but even with his gear, he managed just fine. Emerging on the other side was a lake with hundreds of slimes around it. Alex crawled out right after him. Once he reviewed the number of monsters, he turned tail.
“Nope! I’ll wait in the magical room!”
“Hold it.” Ashner gripped his tail, and Alex just about cried. “If you try to run away, I will shoot your dick off. Then I will feed it to a slime in front of you.”
Alex turned around with a forced smile. “How may I be of assistance, my master?” His tone was nervous, and his eyebrows shot up and down rapidly.
“Simple.” Ashner pulled a combat knife out. He had it secured on his back, under his Camelbak bladder. Tossing it up, he caught the blade and handed it to Alex. “If you watch my back. You won’t have to fight if things go as planned.”
Alex stayed silent for a few seconds, gripping the combat knife.
“You’re trusting a slave with a weapon?”
“Are you planning to stab me in the back?”
“No.”
“Then you’ll be fine. Now, let’s get the trap ready.”
Ashner duct-taped a strobe flashlight on top of the passageway. Crawling out, he turned it on. The quick and repetitive light shot into the cave.
“Now for these.” Ashner grabbed both riot shields and stuck them inside the passageway, making the exit of the hole smaller. Next, he dropped an extra two strobe flashlights outside the cave. Making the inside of the hole shine like a terribly lit rave.
“Master?” Naomie spoke.
“It’s Ashner.” The soldier started attaching a bipod to the front of his weapon rail system, twisting the knob until it locked on the jagged edge.
“Is this really going to work?” She was eager and was between Ashner and Alex.
Alex held the knife hesitantly in both hands. He had kept his eyes open for slimes, and luckily none had emerged.
“Just wait and see.” Ashner positioned himself on his stomach, adjusted one leg in front of the other, tugged his weapon’s buttstock against his shoulder tightly, and aimed using his advanced sight. Lastly, he turned off his night-vision goggles. The strobe flashlights were more than enough light for him. “Alex, your job is to make sure nothing sneaks up behind me. Do that right, and I’ll forgive you for catfishing me.”
“Umm.” Alex turned around with the knife, prepared for the worst. “As you wish, Master.”
“It’s Ashner… Gosh, you two are going to kill a kink of mine.”
“What’s a kink?” Alex asked.
Ashner sighed. “You’re the worst incubus I’ve ever met.”
“Hey! That’s just mean!”
The slimes started emerging from the cave.
I was right. They can see the distortions in light.
The monsters rolled toward Ashner, Naomie, and Alex.
“Here we go. Don’t forget to watch my back.” Ashner held the weapon tightly against his shoulder, controlled his breathing, and gently placed his finger on the trigger. His breathing was calm. In and out, in and out. In… And out… Ashner pulled the trigger.
XP:37 > XP:45
Ashner breathed in. His chest expanded and brought his body up. Next, he smiled. A line of monsters died, and all it cost him was one bullet.
The bullet’s shell rolled to his side. Alex glanced toward the hole, and his mouth dropped.
“Keep your eyes behind me, don’t let anything sneak up on us.”
Alex turned around quickly, keeping his eyes sharp for any type of threat.
Two dozen more slimes rolled towards them.
This is easier than shooting fish in a barrel.
Ashner fired again.
And again.
And again.
For hours.
*******
XP:45 > XP:625
“That should just about do it.” Satisfied, Ashner ogled the gold coins. They were piled up on top of each other like a pirate’s secret stash. “Now about you.”
At some point, Alex got bored. He was currently taking a nap next to Ashner. Naomie took it upon herself to be the lookout.
“I gave you one job…” Ashner stood up quickly and tuned into something. Alex’s stomach was growling.
He’s very skinny. In fact, all the girls that slaver had were. That’s why he has low energy… Maybe he purposely starves them to make them look more appealing.
Ashner’s mind returned to the war and the people living in that barren wasteland. The ones in the cities were better off. In contrast, the ones in the towns often suffered the most.
At least, it was that way at the beginning of the war. Most of the large cities were gone now. They were filled with radiation and skeletons.
“Wong took good care of those kids… I wonder what he’s up to nowadays… And Gio…”
Alex turned to his side. Naomie studied Ashner’s eyes. “Are you okay? Master?”
“Yeah… Even if I bought you, I can’t really think of either of you as my property.”
Ashner stood and started collecting the gold coins, putting them inside a duffle bag. Naomie was collecting the spent brass and putting it inside another bag. The metal jingling in the bags woke Alex up. His eyes first focused on a granola bar in front of him.
“Master?”
“It’s Ashner.”
“Is this for me?” He pointed at the food.
“Yes.” Ashner finished picking up the coins and tugged the duffle bag. He smiled for a second. Then his muscles retracted back.
That’s odd. Why does it hurt to smile?
By the time Ashner finished, Alex was done with his food. He stayed on the floor, bewildered.
“Alex?” Once Ashner mentioned his name, his tail wagged. Naomie helped herself to some rations as well, savoring the crackers that have a habit of sucking all the saliva out of someone’s mouth.
So all it took was a little food to make them happy?
“We can’t stay here. I need to test a few things before we decide if we want to stay here or in my world.”
“We?”
“Yes, ‘we.’ If you’re going to help me, then you drop the whole master, slave b*******. You have something I desperately need.”
“What is that?”
“Knowledge from your world.”
The three walked back to the door inside the cave. Ashner carried both bags. Naomie was skinny and only managed to move the backpack for about a hundred feet. Both bags were filled with brass and gold. Alex carried both riot shields. He barely kept up.
They’re both malnourished.
The three entered the White Room. Alex glanced around it, taking it in.
The culture shock might break them. What if I leave them here? No, this is a small room. It’s no different than a jail cell… I wouldn’t wish that on someone innocent.
His menu popped up.
Access Denied for Slaves.
That complicates things. Menu, can I take them along to my world?
The menu scrolled.
Yes.
XP Share – 100XP required.
That much! But it’s better than keeping them here alone… Well, at least it’s not that bad. Accept.
XP:625 > XP:425
They also won’t be able to understand the world’s language. Menu, buy Language Proficiency Level 3.
XP:425 > XP:325
Level 3 – (Bought) – You gain the ability to read and write any language you learned. Any ally you bestowed your gift to also gains the ability to read and write on top of speaking that language.
The menu displayed fake fireworks, glittering red and green.
Good, now for both of them, let them learn my world’s language.
XP:325 > XP:265
Alex and Naomie now speak the (Common) tongue of English.
Ashner glanced at Alex. One of his ears went up.
He doesn’t look like he changed much.
Tugging on his shoulder, Ashner smiled once again. The sensation on his muscles faded quickly. His luck was finally taking a turn.
*******
“I want to take you to another world,” Ashner told both of them. “This place is very different from your home.”
Alex raised his eyebrow, but they were in the White Room, so he wasn’t that surprised. Naomie’s eyes darted across the room left and right.
“Let’s go.” Ashner grabbed the doorknob that led to his world.
“No.” Naomie’s word was barely a whisper.
“No?” Ashner studied her posture. Her legs were shaking, and she was close to crying.
She doesn’t trust me. But I won’t force her to leave. I promised them some level of freedom… But I can’t let her return to her own world either…
“Forgive her, Master,” Alex spoke closer to him. “Demi’s slaughtered her parents, and slavers caught us. We’ve been together for a while, and I grew attached to her… Naomie struggles with odd things, and at night she sometimes cries herself to sleep.”
“I won’t force anything on her,” Ashner reassured him. “How about if you stay in this room?”
Naomie tilted her head to her sides.
“Nothing can get to you while you’re here. And if I decide to come in, I’ll open the door slightly and knock twice.”
“O… Okay.” She half-heartedly nodded.
Ashner sighed and led Alex out of the White Room. He left the weapons with Naomie, but they were locked up for her safety. “I’ll ask you again. Are you sure you want to stay here?”
Naomie nodded.
Ashner closed the door, leaving the girl in the room in-between.
As he closed it, she knelt down in the corner of the room and started weeping bitterly.
*******
Alex stopped after a few steps outside of the room. He struggled to breathe.
“Alex?” Ashner raised his eyebrows. “Oh s***, Menu. Buy the next two levels of Radiation Resistance.”
The menu popped up and spun.
XP:265 > XP:155
Level 2 – (Bought) – You gain full resistance against any kind of radiation, and you can give the same resistance to one ally at the cost of 30XP. Your body naturally rejects radiation, making even damaged cells regenerate.
Level 3 – (Bought) – You gain full resistance against any radiation, and you can give the same resistance to your allies at the cost of 30XP. At this level, you can cure radiation damage in animals and plants.
The menu showed a digital nuclear bomb and a silhouette walking through it.
“Menu, give Radiation Resistance to both Alex and Naomie.”
XP:155 > XP:95
The moment the XP dropped, Alex started breathing properly.
“How are you feeling?” Ashner tapped Alex’s back. “Breathe the radiated air, it’s okay.”
“What was that?” Alex spat. “It burned.”
“That is the air in my world,” Ashner admitted. He inhaled slowly. It was easier to inhale the radiated air, even if it had small traces of radiation. It took his lungs months to adjust. Everyone on the planet had damaged lungs. From rumors that he eavesdropped on, Raven Corp was trying to develop artificial synthetic lungs, but it would only be available to the wealthy in the floating cities.
“Why did it hurt?” Alex asked.
“It’s a long story… I’ll tell you some other time.” Ashner removed his armor, and he gave Alex some spare clothes. It was a little too big on him, but he made do with it. He also ordered Alex to hide his tail by wrapping it around his stomach, and he gave him a beanie to hide his ears.
Ashner had ten gold coins, and he hammered them away first before handing Alex a jacket. “Put this on, it’s almost winter here.”
The two walked out. Trash was scattered everywhere, and a handful of trees were starting to wither and die. The radiation was killing them.
Ashner didn’t say a word. Instead, he guided Alex to the pawn shop. He’d ditch his terrible apartment if selling a handful of coins brought a good profit.
These are the first steps. I have to find a place to sell gold in large quantities, which reminds me.
“Alex.”
“Yes.” Alex jolted his head forward.
“We killed a lot of slimes, but none of them dropped a weak potion. Why is that?”
“You had a weak potion?” Alex kept pace with Ashner. “They go for five mythril each. Only one in every thousand or so monsters drop a potion. Finding one usually means a year or two of luxuries if you sell it to the right merchant.”
“How much is a mythril coin worth in gold?”
“One mythril is worth one thousand gold.”
Ashner pouted. “And I spent it on a hangover.”
“They can be bought.” Alex tried to reassure Ashner as he struggled to keep pace with him. “But a Weak Potion only cures immediate wounds. Mid, High, and Angelic potions are rarer. Angelic potions can even restore lost limbs.”
Ashner stopped. “What… What about scars and deformities?”
Alex glanced at Ashner’s mask and finally grasped why he refused to remove it. “Everything will be cured. The Goddess blesses the potion.”
Ashner grabbed Alex’s shoulder. “How do I get it?”
“I don’t know where you can buy them… But I know they’re a reward for clearing a dungeon. You get a single one. Some adventurers buy their noble titles by simply gifting an angelic potion to a king.”
“Of course.” Ashner took a step away from the young demi-dog. “Nothing worth having ever comes easy.”
They exchanged the coins for money. Then, the pawn shop owner strongly suggested that they avoid coming to him again.
“Why can’t I keep coming here?” Ashner raised one eyebrow.
“Because you’re trading gold. I don’t know what kind of death wish you have, but you’re a target, and it’s better if you leave me out of it… If you’re that desperate to move your product, then find Crow’s gang.”
Those weirdos are a pain to trade with… But, I may not have a choice…
Ashner held ten grand. He never held that much money before. Even all the money he collected during the war didn’t compare.
The two left. Alex hadn’t said a word. Instead, he observed the whole ordeal.
“Ashner?” Alex shivered as the two returned to the dirt stain that was Ashner’s home.
“You’re finally calling me by my name. What is it?”
“What did you do to me? All this is new to me, but I know most of it.” He pointed down the street. “That’s a car, and that’s a streetlight.”
“You know how your world has magic? I have my own type of magic. I can share my experiences with others. But it requires the slaying of monsters.”
“So those slimes you killed today, they were for my benefit?”
“Hmmm, I guess it came out that way.”
Alex took a few seconds to reply. He studied the city’s poverty, from the graffiti and trash to the people dying in the streets. “You’re different from all the other humans I know. Why is that?”
“Different?” Ashner and Alex turned towards his apartment complex, and of course, Iris was waiting for him. With two female police officers. “… F***.”
She wore bright red high heels, expensive jewelry, and a purse worth a small fortune. Ashner and Iris were both aware that she didn’t need the money. She just got off by rubbing it in Ashner’s face.
“There he is.” Iris gestured to the police officers in a drunk tone. They walked towards Ashner. He glanced away and gritted his teeth.
“There you are. You failed to pay your court fees this month, so we’re here to arrest you.” Iris lifted her heel against her sports car and smiled. Her robot guards were scanning the world around them. In case someone elected to attack her.
“Wait! I still have two weeks to pay.” Ashner reached into his pocket and took out his wallet. “How much do I owe her? I can pay her right now.”
“You have three thousand?” Iris scoffed.
“Yes, I do.” Ashner’s heart raced. He didn’t want to go to jail again, especially over something this stupid.
“Officer’s, he’s lying. Please arrest him.”
What happened to ‘showing you my face and that making us ”square”’? Why does Iris always make my life hell?
The two women walked towards him. Ashner glared away.
Again! It’s happening again! Having shitty luck is only worse if I have a shot at bettering it, only to have it all taken from me again… F*** IT ALL!
“That won’t be necessary,” Alex spoke up, unaware of everyone around them, excluding Ashner. His eyes glowed purple. His charm influenced the three girls. “If he has the money, why are you wasting your time arresting him?”
Alex’s eyes are purple… Wait, is he helping me? But why?
The three females glanced at Alex. Their faces blushed red, and one of the police officers brought her hand down her leg, stopping herself right before she fondled her girly bits.
That was kind of hot.
“You know what.” Iris’ tone shifted. It was more cheery and feminine. “If you have the money with you, I don’t see why I shouldn’t let this go.”
Ashner sighed and pulled out the money from his wallet.
One of the police officers took the money, counted it, and gave it to Iris.
They took their leave, eyeballing Alex. As they drove off, one gave him a flirtatious wink.
That lucky bastard.
Iris counted the money and dug it inside her purse. Her eyes were a mix of emotions. Like her plans had been ruined, she squinted at Alex. “Who’s your friend?”
“I’m Alex.”
“Did you know Mr. Alex?” She leaned closer to them, enough to whisper into his ear. “You should choose your friends carefully…”
“Whatever do you mean?”
“Did you wonder why this loser has no job, girlfriend, or life?”
Ashner shook in fear. Alex caught that detail but kept listening.
“He’s… A… Child… Rap… Ist…”
Alex had a single ear lift up along with his eyebrow. Ashner’s hands became fists. He squeezed so tightly that his knuckles were becoming white.
I didn’t do it.
“Eight years ago, when he was still in the military, he was caught red-handed raping a girl. That girl just happened to be my little sister.” Alex glanced at Ashner with the oh-so-familiar shocked gaze. “Just helping you out, so you don’t involve yourself with someone like him… You’re welcome.”
She walked back to her car, whispering into Ashner’s ear before she did. Alcohol heavy in her lungs. “Don’t ever forget what you are.”
Ashner gritted his teeth.
I didn’t do it… I never touched her.
“You don’t even fight it anymore. Well, once a rapist, always a rapist.”
Satisfied, she left in her car and flew into the sky once more. Both the men stood outside in the cold under a dim street light.
Ashner kept taking deep breaths. They were visible thanks to the cold.
“Ashner… About what she said.”
“Just drop it!” Ashner made his way into the house. “Sleep on the couch… Just don’t talk about what she said.”
Alex submitted and lowered his head. “As you wish.”
Ashner slammed the door behind him.
“She said eight years ago… But that’s impossible, your scent… You’ve never had sex… What scars do you carry, master?”
