"Hey, Kitty," Vic's voice sliced through the air, dripping with cruelty. He was the epitome of the worst guards in this wretched place, relishing in tormenting me, fully aware of my helplessness. To him, I was nothing more than a pet, a plaything to be toyed with. "You've got a visitor."
Their footsteps reverberated down the short, dismal hall leading to my cell. As they approached, the man accompanying Vic stood in front of the bars of my prison, studying me in silence. His gaze lingered, a silent appraisal that sent a shiver down my spine
"You say she's got three cores?" The mysterious man asked curiously, his voice unfamiliar, I didn't recognize it amongst any of the guards I knew.
" Yup that's right. " Vic exclaimed proudly. "She was a vicious little girl when we first got her. Just about took out the eye of one of our hands here. But we broke her in eventually. Now she's good and tamed."
"Very well. I'll take her," the man replied somberly, his voice heavy with restrained disdain for Vic's callous words.
"We won't settle for less than 100 thousand," Vic declared triumphantly.
"What? 100 thousand for this wretched creature? She reeks, and it's clear she's got a broken arm," the man retorted, seemingly unimpressed. He noticed my healed injuries, a detail that surprised me. "She's not worth more than 50."
"80, and that's final. We've kept her fed for six months; that costs," Vic argued, trying to justify the inflated price. "Plus She comes from Osmiran, and Zeffan Nobility."
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I couldn't help but snicker, which quickly turned into a coughing fit. "Shut up, you brat!" Vic bellowed, his voice sending shivers down my spine as I involuntarily cowered against the cell's back wall. "See? She cowers at the mere sound of my voice."
"She's coughing too. You let her get sick?" The man's voice carried irritation, his concern evident.
"Yeah, so what if she has a little cough?" Vic dismissed carelessly. "Look, 60 Thousand Amps, you gonna take her or not?" Vic's indifference contrasted sharply with the man's growing displeasure. His scowl twisted into a false smile.
"Fine, we have a deal." They shook hands, producing small cards that emitted a crackling energy as they pressed them together. A warm green light enveloped them before they stowed away their cards.
"Alright, she's yours now. She's wearing an arc inhibitor, and I'd advise you to keep it on. She cracked everything up to green, so she's pretty strong," Vic cautioned. With a turn of his keys, my cell door swung open. Vic approached, unchaining my wrists and ankles. "Get up!" His commanding tone sent shivers down my spine, making me jittery. I mustered all the strength I had to stand, nearly toppling over due to my weakness. The man who had purchased me caught me before I hit the ground, hoisting me over his shoulder.
My small, battered body, covered in rags and filthy, found an unexpected haven in his arms. Despite my vulnerable state, he treated me with utmost respect, shielding me from any further harm. Clinging to him, I absorbed the warmth from his clothing, finding solace in his protective embrace. In that moment, I couldn't discern if he was a friend or foe, but the prospect of finally seeing the sky after six long months filled me with excitement and hope.
***
âTo My Dear King Viktor of Osmira,
We discovered it was our nanny who kidnapped our daughter. Her ailing father was mysteriously healed and we found Three thousand amps in their family home. The rest was used to treat her father's illness. She confessed immediately and told us it was a band of Grat Mercenaries who came to her with this offer. We've since returned her arc to the world. Gratam has denied any wrong doing claiming these mercenaries acted on their own, but after some deeper investigation my service men discovered they are amassing an army on our northern border. They claimed that through our killing of their mercenaries we have shown inappropriate aggression towards their people and are now threatening war. In response I suggest that we amass an army of our own and prepare our defenses. It's been six long months since I've lost my daughter, but if you do so, I would appreciate the opportunity to avenge her.
To Your Purity.
You're Humble Servant,
First Officer Marcas Deligan.â