Asuna had been tirelessly plotting her escape from the cage. The most practical plan was to steal the cage's lock code. She demanded a mirror from Sugou, using it to secretly glimpse the code, and succeeded. According to Sugou, he'd be absent today—a perfect chance to break free.
"Here we go," Asuna said aloud, steadying her nerves.
"Six… two… got it!" The lock clicked open. Cautiously, she ventured deeper into the World Tree. The corridors stretched far, wider than expected, lined with doors labeled "Data Reading Room" and "Nap Room." Peeking inside, she saw equipment resembling a high-tech laboratory.
(They built a whole research facility in here… probably to keep it hidden from the outside world,) Asuna thought, pressing forward.
Then, a sign caught her eye: "Specimen Storage Room." "Specimen… what do they think humans are?" she muttered, anger flaring. Peering inside, she saw two slug-like creatures slithering about.
(Sugou's fellow researchers? I can't get caught. But this room might have a logout console…)
After a moment's hesitation, Asuna slipped inside, moving stealthily to avoid detection. Scanning the displays, she spotted one labeled "Transfer."
("Transfer"… that's the most promising thing I've seen.)
She touched the word, and a soft beep sounded. (Crap, it makes noise?)
"Who's there?" a slug called.
Panicking but resolved, Asuna searched frantically for a logout option. (There!) She found "Exit Virtual Lab" and tapped it. A prompt appeared: Exit Virtual Lab? [Yes] [No]. As she reached for "Yes," a tentacle wrapped around her arm, yanking her from the console.
"Damn it!" Asuna gasped.
"Whoa, close call," the slug said. "You're the one Sugou's keeping caged, right?"
"Probably," the other slug said. "What now?"
Incensed by the word "keeping," Asuna snapped, "You know what you're doing, don't you?"
"Sure do," the first slug said. "I'll check with Sugou for orders."
"I'll go," the second said. "Hang on." It tapped the "Yes" button Asuna had opened and vanished.
"You said you know," Asuna said. "You're doing this inhumane stuff for money?"
"Of course," the slug replied. "The research is almost done. Once the company's sold, I'll get my cut, skip overseas, and live the high life."
"So it's just about money," Asuna said. "Pathetic."
"Call it pathetic," the slug sneered. "While we're at it, maybe I'll have some fun with you."
"What…" Asuna froze as the slug's tentacle grabbed her ankle, lifting her.
"Nice view," it leered.
Asuna clutched her clothes to keep them from slipping. "If I had one more tentacle, I could bind your other hand," the slug mused.
"Stop…" Asuna said, struggling.
"You'll get us in trouble with Sugou," the other slug said, returning.
"Whoops, you're back," the first said. "What'd Sugou say?"
"He's pissed. Put her back and change the lock code."
"Ugh, fine," the first said. "Let's go."
"Sugou said we're all drinking later to celebrate the research wrapping up," the second added.
"Sweet, let's hurry," the first replied.
As they spoke, Asuna scanned for options. Spotting an ID card beside the console, she thought, (It might help…) Stretching her leg, she reached for it with her toes.
(Almost…)
She snagged the card, quickly tucking it into her free hand as she was dragged back to the cage.
(They didn't notice the card…)
Her relief was short-lived. Two tentacles slithered into the cage, searching her and seizing the card.
"Nice try," the slug said. "Sticky fingers, huh? I'll take that back."
"You knew…" Asuna said, voice trembling with frustration.
"Yup," the slug said. "I almost clapped when you grabbed it with your toes. No openings with you, huh? Impressive."
"Damn it…" Asuna muttered, fighting tears. (I won't cry in front of them.) She held back as the slugs left, leaving silence.
"It didn't work… I was so close…" Asuna whispered, collapsing in tears.
The two slugs logged out, leaving only a night-shift GM intern in the room. "Alright, time to join Sugou," one said.
"It's bad to leave this place empty, but it's Sugou's call," the other said. "Hey, intern, don't slack off."
"Yes, sir! Good night!" the intern replied.
"Someone else should show up in two hours. Cover for us," the slug said.
"Got it. I'll handle it," the intern said.
Once they left, the intern made a call. Ten minutes later, a woman entered. After a brief talk, she accessed the console and dove into the virtual lab.
Asuna, having cried her heart out, steeled herself. "I can't stay sad forever. I need another way out," she muttered.
Noticing a slug approaching, she snapped, "What? Forget something?"
"Here to deliver something, A-chan," the slug said.
"Deliver?" Asuna asked.
"This, A-chan," the slug said, holding out the ID card.
Asuna took it, trembling. "You called me A-chan… are you…?"
"Bingo," the slug said. "Sorry to keep you waiting, A-chan."
"Argo-san!" Asuna gasped.
"No time to chat," Argo said. "Hachi-boy and the others are coming below soon."
"Hachiman's here?" Asuna asked.
"Yup. Everyone's coming to save you, except Liz," Argo said.
"Not Liz?" Asuna said.
"Liz is trapped here like you," Argo explained. "That card will get taken if you keep it. Drop it to Hachi-boy below."
"Got it. From here, right?" Asuna said.
"Yup. That card's the key to connect this place to below, thanks to Yui-chan," Argo said.
"Yui's here too?" Asuna asked, eyes wide.
"Yeah. They used Yui-chan's item from shared storage," Argo said.
"I'll see Yui again…" Asuna said, beaming.
"Time's tight, so I'm out," Argo said. "We'll save you. Hold on."
"Thank you, Argo!" Asuna called.
Argo vanished. Knowing Hachiman was close, Asuna's body trembled with hope. "Alright, let's do this," she said, rallying herself.
Logging out from the virtual lab, Argo addressed the intern. "Done, General."
"Argo-san, that nickname's kinda embarrassing…" the intern said.
"Timber-kun, then?" Argo teased.
"Better," he said. "How'd it go?"
"Success. I'm pulling out," Argo said.
"Good… Understood! Stay safe!" he replied.
"Later," Argo said, slipping away.
Alone, Zaimokuza whispered, "Hachiman, it's all on you now. My mission's done." In his heart, he sent his friend a silent cheer.
--+--
T/N: Although I'm an inexperienced Editor, I do have a Patreon account! Although it seems like I don't have many supporters right now, my webnovel will be released in full every day, and the advanced chapters will be uploaded to Patreon.
It may not be worth it now, but who knows, it might be different in the future. Who knows!
patreon.com/Greyhounds
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