"This map is absolutely worthless. How ancient is Liz, exactly? It looks like it was etched straight out of the Stone Age. She can't be that old—she still looks like she's in her early twenties. I suppose I'll just have to rely on my instincts. Not that I have a gut to go off of," 09 muttered, eyeing the tattered map with disdain. "Also, why on earth would she call that place her house? It was quite literally a cave."
As 09 wandered aimlessly, lost in thought, he accidentally collided with a tree. Shaking it off, he noticed a nearby road cutting through the woods. With no better option, he followed it until he came across a small building—a modest outpost for adventurers to rest, provided they could pay a fee.
Deciding it was worth the stay in hopes of gathering information—and maybe a proper map—09 entered the inn.
The next morning, as he prepared to leave, a worker approached him with a tight smile.
"Thank you for staying at the Wangashi Inn. We hope to see you again. After reviewing your stay, you've accrued quite the bill—it comes to $500."
"Huh? Money? I don't have any," 09 replied blankly. "I assumed this place was free."
Without hesitation, the worker struck 09 in the back of the head with a hammer.
He awoke in a dimly lit underground chamber, chained to a metal slab. Around him, scientists frantically tried to open up his abdomen—but his body was far too resilient. With minimal effort, he snapped the chains and knocked them out cold.
"What is this? A black market of sorts?" 09 mused, surveying the surgical tools and cages. "They must not have realized I'm a golem—thought they could harvest organs or something."
As he made his way out, he noticed a cell containing a red-haired man who looked more irritated than terrified.
"Hey, you! You don't look like one of them. What do you say we strike a deal? You let me out, and I help you."
"A deal, huh?" 09 eyed him, considering. This could be useful…
"Alright, you've got yourself a deal. I'll get you out—on one condition. You take me to Brandoz."
"Brandoz? Hah, sure, why not. Now let's get the hell out of here."
With a casual display of strength, 09 tore the cell bars apart and freed the redhead.
"Alright. Now we just have to leave," 09 said calmly.
"Easier said than done. There are a ton of guards and adventurers upstairs," the man replied. "This inn's just a front—this whole place is a cover for their black market."
"Then we'll take the simpler route," 09 said.
"And that is…?"
"The sewers."
The redhead gagged. "Ugh, no. That's revolting."
"Would you rather take on fifty armed adventurers?"
"Point taken. Sewer it is," he grumbled.
After dispatching several guards on the way, the two slipped into the foul, grimy sewer system. The stench was unbearable, and it clearly hadn't been cleaned since its creation—perfect for sneaking out unnoticed. No one wanted to be near it.
Once they emerged from the filth and back into open air, the redhead finally spoke.
"Name's Wal, by the way."
"Nice to meet you," 09 replied.
"So, Brandoz, huh? It's a pretty long trek from here, but I'd say we can get there in three days."
"Three days…" 09 muttered under his breath. "That gives me just enough time to locate and capture them."
"Huh? Speak up. I can't hear a damn thing you're mumbling."
"Don't worry about it. Anyway, I was given this map by a friend. Think it'll help?" 09 asked, pulling out the ancient parchment.
Wal squinted at it and frowned. "What the hell is this? This looks like it belongs in a museum. How old is your 'friend'? The only beings that live this long are spirits."
"I'm not sure, but based on her appearance, I'd say she's an elf."
"Well, that would explain it. She probably found it during some expedition. Either way, this map is useless. We'll stick to the road—it's longer but safer. Wandering through the woods aimlessly is just asking for trouble."
"Sounds good to me. I'll follow your lead."
6 days remaining.