The strange woman introduced herself; her name was Makima. This person in front of me wasn't human, I could tell that much. However, she wasn't hostile for the time being; she's a snake, coiled and ready to strike.
"What do you want from me?" I asked, keeping my distance.
"I am stuck here, just like you." Makima smiled, giving a reassuring, disarming smile. "You're very capable. I like that, is it possible if we were to work together?"
What's my choice here? Say no? I don't know how she'd react. She's strong and absurdly so. I don't know the full extent of her powers; she's not someone who'd probably take no for an answer.
I was about to say no until we both felt an incoming heavy presence. The presence felt oddly familiar; that was when I realized who was coming. It was one of my shikigami, the deadliest one of them all.
Mahoraga.
The walls behind us exploded, and debris was now scattered everywhere. The hulking shikigami was then revealed, because of the tight spaces, its towering height was now slumped.
Mahoraga, it's my first time seeing it. An eight-handled wheel was stuck between its head and the low ceiling. Also, the expression on its face was furious and displeased.
So Mahoraga was brought here, too? How?
"Quite a character that thing is." Makima smiled.
"You're lucky I am here. We can protect each other, look out for each other." Makima then walked forward, facing the shikigami. She positioned herself in front of me, as if trying to protect me.
Makima then mimicked a pistol gesture with her right hand and fingers. "Bang!" Mahoraga's form exploded, and it suddenly kneeled; a vast, gaping hole was now in its chest.
"Bang!" Mahoraga's face was blasted with an unseen force, destroying and erasing half of its face. Mahoraga then managed a smile and charged forward.
I don't want to spectate this fight and become a casualty. I ran away as fast as I could in the opposite direction, guarded by my rabbit shikigamis.
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I was back at the metallic gate entrance, catching my breath. The strong metallic gate was still locked; not only that, but I just noticed that there were surveillance cameras around. Surely, anyone on the other side must've spotted me.
Yet, why were there no follow-ups or investigations? Also, does this gate actually lead anywhere, or was it simply another design element or mock piece?
If it weren't for the fight raging in the distance, I would've done everything that I could to catch their attention, but alas, I don't want to be caught in the crossfire.
I ordered my rabbit shikigamis to lead the way again, this time into an uncharted area. I saw another vending machine. I didn't even bother trying to see if there were real snack items inside; I ignored the growls of my gnawing stomach.
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The repeated thumping of my thousands of rabbit army was oddly satisfying, almost meditative. It was better than the old humming buzz of the fluorescent lights above me.
As for the exit, still no progress.
My rabbits must've opened, explored, turned, and even destroyed doors. There were still no signs of an exit or any significant clue about what this place was.
It wasn't a seal, no.
It was something else. A prison? A cage? A trap?
Those were the most prominent guesses inside my head. If those were indeed the reasons for this place, then why am I here? I am not the strongest or most dangerous. When it comes to qualifying for significant influence and power, I don't mark the checkboxes.
My rabbit army found something; another rabbit was tugging my slacks. Also, I've sensed something strange from my rabbit, who saw it.
I hurried to the discovery, and it wasn't much. Just another spacious office. However, this time it really is the inside of an office.
There were rows of cubicles, each with a computer. The computers were archaic; however, they look like they came from the 2000s or 1990s. It's my first time seeing one. What a strange kind of computer.
I've ordered my rabbits to go further, and to open cabinets or drawers. There might be a clue or a sign here. My eyes caught the weird and old appearance of a computer mouse.
What a strange thing... I've heard that they've got big balls inside them. I opened the mouse, and there it was, there really was a ball inside. People who used these kinds of computers before must be really old now.
I pocketed the ball and looked around. One of my rabbits was tugging my slacks again; they found something. They then led me to it, and it turned out to be a water dispenser.
I picked up a cup from the table and tasted the water. It tasted like water, a bit cold but still satisfying. I drank as much as I could and even filled the found water canteen. The cold water was enough to keep my hunger suppressed for now.
My rabbits didn't have good luck. All they found inside the drawers and cabinets were blank papers, some pens, spare mice, some wires, and even several staplers.
In short, nothing good was found.
I then left the area. This old office was giving me a sense of dread. It was way too wide, almost mall-wide. If this existed in real life, it would be so soulless and mind-numbing.
Good thing I am a sorcerer, I can escape this kind of employment.
Another hallway, another set of doors. I let my rabbits lead the way again, and I steadied my steps. I didn't want to waste all my energy on stress and recklessness.
Steady steps and steady breaths.
"Round Deer!" I've summoned the shikigami and did the proper hand sign. I then saddled it, and it's a good thing that this is a bulky deer; it can comfortably support my weight.
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My deer shikigami didn't mind me riding it. Good thing, I needed to conserve my energy. My rabbits were now jumping in front of me; they found something again. "Let's go, Deer."