Slaves and Their Slavers

The sun was now beginning to set over the horizon when they finally made it to the cave however things weren't as they had seemed at first.

Stopping 200 meters from the mouth of the cave Luka spoke.

"Something isn't right"

The others waited for Luka's orders without asking questions.

When they were alone in a relaxed scenario the group was relaxed and easygoing. However, in a serious situation that required it or when battle or danger were around the corner. The four of them listened to Luka without question or hesitation. While he was their friend, he was also, and most importantly their young master. This was something ingrained in their very blood. Before Luka, they were friends, however, before their young master they were the most loyal and respectful soldiers. After all the Dawnless Master Clan was a military clan.

"The rock covering the cave doesn't appear in the drone shot. The drone covered this area three days ago which means something changed in this time frame."

Alice offered her opinion.

"It couldn't be a regular beast. They would not cover the entrance. Common beasts develop basic intelligence at the Lord Realm, any beast above the Sage realm Would not bother sealing the cave, their aura alone would deter most beasts in this jungle. If things in this new universe haven't changed too much then that would leave a relatively weak member of an intelligent race. Whatever it is, it's hiding from something whether it be the beasts or something else. Whatever it may be it shouldn't be too strong as a simple rock would not help a powerful being hide at all."

Luka still contemplating said

"I've come to the same conclusion. Let's wait and see what happens."

Without questions, the other four departed from their position finding observation spots on their own.

Luka did the same and found a spot atop a tree. Sitting down on the branch he waited for a few minutes. He had already decided if nothing happened before it got dark they would move on. So they would stay roughly 45 minutes. However, it didn't take long before his wristwatch vibrated.

The wristwatch was capable of communication much like a messenger app however due to the lack of antennae their maximum range was 500 meters without relaying between watches. Until they awakened their mental connection once they reached the Lord Realm this was their best method of communication.

The message was sent to their group; it was from Alex and it read.

[Two girls Age:14-15, Position: 80 m North-East of our previous location. Estimated realm Ascendant realm Adept and Elite Stages. One seems to be human and the other is a humanoid ]

As soon as Luka read the location he moved to find Alex. Hopping from tree to tree without making a sound he soon found Alex in a branch 6 meters above the ground, hopping next to him he touched Alex's Shoulder to notify him he was there.

Without turning to confirm knowing who it was that touched his shoulder Alex pointed.

Luka looking in the direction he had pointed saw two young girls just as Alex had described. However, what Alex had not mentioned was that the two girls didn't look too good. They were both covered in wounds and bruises. Their clothes, what appeared to be clothes, which in reality Luka only considered to be old rags. Were covered in mud and blood. Their hair was a mess and full of twigs and leaves. They didn't seem to have any serious injuries but nonetheless, they didn't look well. The girls were carrying nuts and berries in makeshift pouches of leaves.

Soon they reached the cave without realizing that they were being tailed from the trees.

Upon reaching the cave they spoke softly into the crevice between the rock and the rim of the cave. Soon after the rock was pushed aside by two other girls that seemed younger than they were.

Once the way was clear the two girls that were carrying their food dashed in and when they were in, the other girls once more pushed the rock to cover the entrance. What they failed to notice was a small sphere the size of a pea sneak in along with the girls.

Somewhere not far Luka and Alex were staring at a holographic screen projected from Luka's watch. What was displayed was the back of the two girls. Of course in the image, they were but bright spots of red. As the cave was too dark so they were using infrared to observe the inside of the cave. After a few seconds from under the cover of darkness, 6 other girls of similar age came out and helped the two arriving girls with what they could. After the girls arrived they lit a small fire which finally allowed the drone to see. The girls had a similar appearance as the first two however they were younger and some of the different races. There were a total of 11 girls in the cave. Including the ones that had returned and opened the cave, the youngest looked about 9 while the oldest were the two girls who had just arrived. However, there was one that wasn't looking so well. She was laying at the back of the cave. She was older than the rest, approximately 16 years old. She was currently asleep or unconscious. She had a rag of cloth wrapped around her thigh which at one point seemed to be bleeding and from the looks of it pretty heavily. The rest of the girls were currently eating what little they could from what the two girls had brought back. They didn't talk, they barely made any noise afraid something would hear them.

After the two oldest finished what little portion of food they could they approached the one laying asleep and proceeded to tend to her wounds as best they could. And they fed her or tried to by squeezing small berries in her mouth. The girl slowly regained consciousness and swallowed before passing out again.

Outside in the trees Alex and Luka watched.

Alex was in thought and looked to be in a dilemma.

Luka knew exactly why. The Dawnless Clan had always been a good and righteous clan helping others was part of being a clan member. However, kindness shouldn't be confused with weakness. Many groups have been annihilated for making this mistake. Luka knew well what type of person Alex was. He was a kind person even amongst clan members. That was something Luka respected.

However, more than his kindness was his duty to his clan. Luka being the voice of the clan had not said anything, so he wouldn't either. He knew they were not in a position to be making rash decisions based on his feelings.

However, Luka had his ideas. While Alex just saw girls that need help. Luka saw past that. He had a clear idea of what situation the girls were in. From the clothes the girls wore and a bruised collar mark some of them had around their neck. He could assume they were slaves. The road he had seen was about 5 days away on foot, for the girls anyway. The caravan they were in was probably attacked by either beasts or bandits. Leading to the death of their slave owner causing them to be released. Running into the woods was their only option if they wanted to avoid being captured again. They probably found themselves running for their lives until they found this cave, however, he still didn't understand why they had run this deep. The oldest girl's realm was probably what got them all the way here only a few dozen of the beasts around were stronger than her. Seeing as how she was at the Paragon Ascendant Realm. However, it seemed she was injured in the process.

Luka, having a deeper understanding of them, had an idea. The oldest girl had a high enough realm and was old enough to at least know a few things about the world and their surroundings.

Luka's Previous option was the village however as of things right now the village was more of an unknown than these girls so he made up his mind to help them.

However, before he could make a move his wristwatch vibrates once more.

Alex felt the same thing opens his and shows Luka the message he received.

[10 Men, Varying realm, Highest Spirit Elite, Lowest Ascendant Adept. Location: 120 meters south of the cave. Direction: North. Races: Human.]

After turning to take a look both Alex and Luka immediately spotted the group of men. They were quickly approaching the cave and by their expressions and body language, they knew what was hiding inside the cave.

Once they were not far from the cave they withdrew their weapons, but besides that, they had a large number of chains with them. They had come to reclaim their lost property. By the look of things, they had most likely been chasing after the girls.

Luka looked at Alex and nodded at him.

Alex understood and immediately typed a new message and sent it.

In another corner of the jungle not too far away. Alice was looking at the 10 men of varying ages and looks. She had just sent a message to inform the rest. She had no idea what was going on. However, she knew that after Alex sent a message, Luka would meet up with him. The Five of them had a tacit understanding of each other. So she just waited till she got new orders. Keeping an eye out and moving now and again to a new location. Until she had found these men.

It was then she received a message. The sender was Alex and it read.

[New orders: Engage. Proceed once the targets enter the cave. Lily Rush in. Alice and Emily, clear the way. Kill Order: Men]

Alice read the message while typically Alex couldn't give orders, she knew he was with Luka. So she understood the orders came from him. The men finally reached the cave; it didn't take them long to arrive.

The man with the highest realm made a few gestures with his hands. Two men then made their way towards the rock and pushed it outside. Immediately afterward five of them headed by the one who seemed to be the leader entered the cave leaving the other five to stand guard outside.

Luka monitoring the situation inside was looking at the girls terrified for their lives all huddled up in a corner of the cave while the two eldest stood in front protecting them. The girls had heard the rock being pushed aside which was when they knew they had come for them. Every single one was terrified. The two oldest girls were now facing the incoming men putting up brave fronts, but it was clear they were scared as their trembling legs betrayed them.

The men who had now gone inside were smiling and laughing as they had been chasing these girls for over a week.

The leader of the group gave a cheerful laugh and said

"It's time to have some fun boys."

The men cheered for him and moved forward to take custody of the girls.

It was then, that something startled them all. The girls as well as the men were taken by surprise. Heart screeching scream came from outside the cave. The men quickly turned to the mouth of the cave. It was then two more screams were heard and then there was an abrupt silence.

Nothing but the breathing of the men and whimpering of the girls could be heard in the cave.

Not even ten seconds after the screams came another. However, unlike the previous one, this one came from within the cave. Turning to look at their yelling comrade the men saw a blade sticking out from his chest as the life vanished from his eyes.

The men once more turned to look at the mouth of the cave. The only thing they saw was a shadow rushing into the cave. However, it was then they heard a loud thud from behind them turning to look once more they saw the two oldest girls had taken the opportunity to smack the men on the head with rocks. Knocking two men unconscious. Three of the five men who had entered the cave were now down.

Only two remained however before they even realized what had happened they too were dead.

Between the corpses of the men stood a dark figure. The girls who had witnessed all these strange events were now even more scared. If before they feared for their freedom, at this moment they were fearing for their lives.

The two oldest girls had an idea of what had happened. The dark figure had probably killed all the men. Now that they were looking at it they were even more terrified than they were before. So much so that their trembling legs gave out, and they fell on their butt. The girls had not realized what was happening until they saw all the men dead. They only attacked cause they saw an opportunity when the men had turned their back on them.

However now they were regretting making it easier for the dark shadow to get to them.

However, the darkness did not last long. As a second shadow made its way into the cave. The second shadow only added fear to the trembling girls.

Luka was now making his way into the cave. It was dark within the cave, as the world around them had finally entered the darkness. If Lily had not had night vision goggles. Things would have been less clean. Luka taking Lily's advice and remembering he had magic. Cast one of his firstly mastered spells.

Extending his hand Luka felt the mana course through his body and gathered in the palm of his hands as a bright flame burst into life as it danced around his palm.

The first thing Luka saw was Lily pushing a pair of sunglasses up her face along with her hood which had covered her face. Then shifting his sight he saw the girls cowering in a corner the two girls who had bravely stood before what he assumed to be either slave traders or mercenaries, was now fumbling in the ground afraid of them. Crawling their way back a little at a time.

Luke looked at each of the girls intently and the girls were now looking at him too. Lily had moved behind him. So the girls could only look at him now. However, the look in their eyes was not a good one.

Luka shook his hand and the flames dancing on his palm shook and split into four each flying into a separate corner of the room. Now with the entire room illuminated. Luka took a step forward.

He approached the two girls who were shuffling away from him in fear. However, once he got close the girls froze in place. Kneeling on one knee. Luka looked at the two girls with a kind smile on his face. Taking out something from his bracelet and opening it before the girls who were still looking at him in fear.

He took a bite of the chocolate bar in his hands. The girls looked at him as he took a bite. They watched him eat and swallow. He then broke off a piece and offered it to the two girls, in front.

The girls understood what he was attempting, they knew he was trying to convey he wasn't a bad man. But the girls were nonetheless afraid.

After Luka's hand hung out for a while one of the girls. Slowly stretched her hand. Her hand slowly approached Lukas. As she reached for the piece of chocolate. The girl's hand was trembling. She took the piece from his hand and slowly brought it up to her mouth. She gave it a sniff before biting a small piece of it. After tasting the sweetness of it the girl. Chomped down on the remaining portion.

Luka seeing how the girl had taken his offering was delighted, breaking off another piece and offering it to the other girl. Listening to the few words the girls had spoken while he was eavesdropping especially when the men had found them. He had understood that he understood none of what they were speaking. This caused another problem of how to convey his good intentions. So he came to the conclusion of, chocolate.

In the Master Realm food was often used as an offering to convey positive feelings and emotions. As far he understood back in the old universe, of all the cultures the master clan had recorded off. Mostly all of them had the common practice of giving and offering food as a symbol of peace and respect. Subjects offered exquisite and luxurious dishes to their kings in respect. Worshippers offered fruits and meats as, well as a symbol of worship. Enemies had meals to symbolize their desire for peace. So he thought that food was his best shot. And besides who doesn't like chocolate.

After the second girl had stuffed the piece of chocolate into her mouth she too seemed a little delighted nonetheless she was still wary of his presence.

Luka then took the whole chocolate bar and offered it to them, gesturing for them to share it with the rest.

The first girl now a little more trusting took the bar, with her now calmer hand and moved back to the girls who were now looking at them a little scared but much calmer. Kneeling before the bunch of girls she took chunks of chocolate and spread them to the girls. The girls were not as suspicious, as they had witnessed them eating it. Slowly the girls' expressions eased a little bit. However soon the chocolate bar was out. Some of the girls had not received a piece. The oldest girl who had been spreading the chocolate. Realizing it was gone, turned back to look at Luka who by this time was now holding out another chocolate bar towards her.

Making her way back for the bar and back to the girls, she continued spreading the chocolate.

Luka now switched his attention to the girl who remained near him who was still on the ground. The girl who was also switching his attention back to Luka after watching the girls eating the little bar that tasted so sweet now looked at the boy before her.

Luka extended his hand towards the girl, offering his hand as he asked for hers. The girl, still a little apprehensive of the entire thing. Grabbed a hold of Luka's hand.

Luka grabbing the girl's hand stood up and pulled on the girl motioning for her to stand up.

The girl with Luka's incentive stood up, her legs still shaking a little. Once she was standing before him. Luka was finally able to take a good look at her. She was a beautiful girl with long silver hair. She had what seemed like blue eyes under the low light. She had fair white skin. However, what caught Luka's attention the most was the animal ears over her head and the long fluffy tail behind her back. Luka initially thought they were decorations but seeing them move on their own he understood they were real. He tried to find any other abnormalities with the young girl however besides those traits she appeared completely human. Luka had never heard of a species such as this in the old Universe. However, even if the master Clan ruled the universe there were still plenty of species they didn't know about so this didn't distract him for much. Looking around he saw that most of them were human. However, there were some others with animal traits and some other non-human traits.

Luka focused on the girl in front of him. And spoke "Do you understand me?' at the same time pointing at his mouth with his finger.

The girl seemingly able to understand what he was trying to say shook her head as she spoke some incomprehensible words to Luka.

Luka understood and nodded his head.

Luka speaking to particularly no one spoke.

"Logic, analyze all non-English language patterns and composite a translation program."

A small *beep beep* was heard as a small glow shined from his wristwatch and died back down.

The girl surprised by the weird noise and small glow took a step back.

Luka seeing her surprise giggled. Not putting it to mind he proceeded to take something else out from his storage space. These were nutrient bars; they were not as tasty as the chocolate but their focus was more on nutrition than taste. He proceeded to unwrap them and hand them towards the girl. Who, realizing it was more food took a bite. However, after tasting it, she wasn't as delighted as she had hoped. Seeing at how many Luka had she understood that while the former had been a snack to ease the fear and calm them down this was an actual meal. Or at least it seemed to be. The bar didn't taste bad but it was slightly bland however once each girl received one as they were being passed down. They didn't complain as they had been left hungry with what little they could find to eat in the jungle.

Luka observed the girls as they each ate the rations he had provided for them. It took him a while to unwrap each one but he realized the girls had no idea what a wrapper was. When he saw them try to eat the chocolate wrapper only to spit it back out.

Luka who had now managed to somehow gain some trust of the girls was now their focus of attention as they had all finished their meal. The same two girls now stood before him. They lowered their head in thanks as the rest of the girls followed suit.

Luka accepted their bow and lifted their heads. After the girls had now settled down. He then pointed to the last remaining girl, the unconscious one.

The girls followed his finger to find the oldest girl of the bunch still lying asleep. Turning back to look at Luka they saw him pointing at his leg where the last girl seemed to have been injured. Then pointing at Lily who was still standing behind him. The girls panicked and stood before the last girl spreading their arms. To stop them from approaching.

Luka seemed to understand what they were afraid of. They had seen Lily do one thing only and that was kill the men who were trying to enslave them once more. They were afraid Lily would hurt the last girl too.

Understanding this much, Luka took a knife from his bracelet placing it on his forearm, and cut himself. Blood dripped from his arm to the ground. The girls panicked for a second as they didn't know what was happening or what to do. Luka extended his bleeding arm before the girls and Lily slowly approached him. She took what seemed to be bottled water. Opening the cap she poured a little over Luka's wound to which he grimaced in pain. Seemingly it wasn't plain water but rather alcohol. She then took out a piece of gauze and applied pressure over the wound. Then she took out a bandage and wrapped his arm up.

Once Lily was done, Luka showcased his arm to the girls who finally understood what he had previously meant.

The girls then moved aside making a path. Lily walked forward and repeated the same procedure for the girl. However, the girl's kept a close watch. When Lily took out the same bottle she showed the girls who were watching over her and pointed at Luka. Who then grabbed his cut-arm and grimaced in pain. The older girls understood that this would probably hurt their dear friend but they also knew that without treatment she would be worse. After she poured the alcohol over her wound the unconscious girl screamed in pain but it soon faded away and she calmed down again. Lily then repeated the same procedure with a few more steps here and there.

While Lily had technology that could restore human limbs much less a small cut. It was too soon and not as important as to take out such technology.

Once Lily was done she retreated to her original spot. The girls once more bowed their heads in thanks but this time towards Lily.

Luka then pointed towards what seemed to be makeshift bedrolls made out of leaves. Putting his hand together and then under his head, he gestured for them to sleep. Pointing at himself he pointed at the cave mouth to which the girls panicked a little thinking he was gonna leave.

Luka seeing through their worry. Made one more gesture he stood straight with both arms sticking to his body and one hand straight forward as he was a guard.

The girls didn't initially understand. However, the oldest girl seemed to be purely human. Seemed to understand and she spoke to the others.

„Cred că vrea să stea de pază afară"

The girls finally seeming to calm down made their way to their makeshift beds.

Luka nodded at the girls as they looked back at him. Then proceeded to make his way out of the cave not forgetting to drag the corpses out with him. Lily helped and cleaned up the blood as best she could before heading outside completely.

Once Lily reached the mouth of the cave she saw Luka standing with Alice. Soon Alex and Emily arrived as well.

Once they were all there Luka spoke to inform the others.

"It seems that the two girls Alex spotted as well as their friends who were inside the cave numbering eleven, were slaves, for reasons unknown they managed to escape, those men seemed to come to reclaim them. Also, everything but the fact that they are girls and that they are eleven is pure guesswork. They seem to speak an unknown language so the translator didn't seem to work. Logic is now analyzing the language but without enough samples, it won't be done anytime soon. Either way, we will have to wait. Putting that aside what was your opinion on the strength of the men, girls?"

Lily spoke giving her opinion to the group

"I don't know about Alice but the men didn't seem particularly strong, if it weren't for their aura I would say they were normal people. Even when they saw me coming for them they just stood still. Even turning their backs on the girls who then managed to knock two of them out. Speaking of which, I've tied the two survivors to a tree. They should regain consciousness soon."

Alice agreeing with Lily spoke.

"I agree even after Emily shot down two of them the others just stood there, frozen by fear just awaiting their deaths."

Luka listening to them spoke.

"We should keep the men alive for now. They might turn out to be useful sources of information once we manage to understand them. As for their skill, there are two possible options, one they were either off their game, or two they're not men known for fighting. Seeing as how they seem to license in chasing down runaway slaves they might not be the best fighters. In the meantime, we shouldn't use them as a source of reference. Well any time, we should always assume our opponents are stronger."

Alex than asked

"So what are we gonna do with the girls?"

Luka remained still for a while before finally concluding his thoughts.

"We will stick to our plan. We'll take the girls with us as ride alongs I suppose. On the way, we will obtain more language samples. Hopefully, by the time we reach the village the program will be complete. At least for basic conversations. For now, we will set up camp here. Set up a perimeter. Once we're done, we'll rest for the night."

Alex once more took out from his bracelet a large heavy cylindrical device whose surface was covered in a grid pattern. Once Alex set it down each little grid box burst open as hundreds of little orbs flew out and spread across the night sky.

Once that was done Alex said.

"The Hive is set."

The others each set out to do their tasks. Alice prepared a meal, while Emily and Lily helped her out. As for Alex and Luka, they headed out to gather firewood and stones.

While they could very well set up a magical fire to cook. Luka saw no point in wasting mana.

After they had gotten a fire started and the meal was done. Luka sat down to eat around the fire. The others accompanied him. While they ate no one said a word.

The silence was suddenly broken when Alice asked Luka.

"Hey, Luka what happened to your arm."

Luka looking down at his arm said.

" Oh, one of the girls was injured and unconscious. The girls were afraid of Lily so I cut myself to demonstrate how she would treat their friend for them to let her take a look."

Alice was a bit surprised

"Oh"

Lily then jumped into the conversation

"Speaking off, the nanites should have closed off your wound already. You can take off the bandage anytime you want. The wound should completely heal within the hour. There should be a scar left either."

Luka answered

"Thanks. But that aside we should rest early tonight. Tomorrow we'll be heading out as soon as the sun rises. Well, have our hands full from today onwards."