After an 'Intense' session of interrogation, I learned that the world we live in is not as simple as it seems.
Martial artists, who call themselves walkers and weavers, possess supernatural abilities to manipulate the energy around them. They live among normal people while hiding their true identities.
Walkers are advanced trainees, elite members who are still in the process of mastering their skills. They are ranked as Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Elite, and Master.
On the other hand, weavers are professional martial artists who have a better grip on their abilities and are stronger than walkers.
This martial arts world is similar to the sects you see in movies, with four branches spread across the globe. They teach, train and fight.
But what do they fight against? The answer is creatures born with the negative energy of the world, known as Dark Mantles.
They can be found anywhere, from schools to hospitals to isolated places, and there is no specific reason for their existence. However, they pose a significant threat to humanity.
But here comes the catch: Dark Mantles, like walkers, are just newborn creatures. The next stage of their evolution is called Night Lords. Whereas, these creatures on the whole are called, Murks.
The Dark Mantles follow a sequence in ascending order: Lesser, Common, Greater, Elite, and Supreme. The same order applies to the Night Lords as well.
"See, that was easy! Feeling better now?", I asked Olivia as she munched on a chocolate bar.
"Can I ask you something?" she inquired.
"You just did," I replied with a smirk.
"Ugh, I mean can I ask you a serious question?" she clarified.
"Oh sure, if that's what floats your boat," I said with a shrug.
"What are you? You're not a Murk or a weaver, right? You're that guy from the morgue who killed those guards and a nurse, aren't you?" she asked, getting straight to the point.
"…"
"I was sent here to gather information on you and possibly detain you if I could. If I passed this mission, then I would be directly promoted to an intermediate weaver," she explained.
"Regarding those murders, they were necessary for my survival. As for my identity, I'm afraid I have no recollection of my past. I'm like a newborn child in that regard, born with a sense of ethics and the ability to communicate. And finally, regarding your mission, I believe I can be of assistance, So, what's your plan now, Sherlock?" I responded, my tone calm and measured.
"How will you assist me?" she inquired, disregarding my sarcastic comment.
"Simple, from now on, I am your prisoner, in words that is. I'll be your genie in a bottle, a tiger in a cage, the dildo in your pu... okay, I'll stop," I replied, trying to make light of the situation.
"..." The silence conveyed that my answer did not amuse her.
"Let's proceed then," she declared, getting up from her seat.
"Very well," I said, following her lead.
And with that, I exited the hotel room following her lead but this time hiding my presence. I couldn't check out of the room because I didn't have the same appearance as when I checked in.
As we arrived at the train station, we were met with a busy scene of people rushing around. I followed Olivia as she weaved through the crowds, heading towards the ticket booth.
We stood in line for a few minutes before it was finally our turn to purchase tickets.
Olivia stepped up to the counter and requested two tickets for the next train to Oakhaven.
The attendant, a young woman with bright blue hair, smiled and handed her two sleek, plastic cards. And of course, I had to pay for them with the remaining 300 aurums I had.
As we boarded the train, I couldn't help but marvel at the sleek, modern design of the interior. The seats were made of a soft, comfortable material, and the windows were huge, offering a stunning view of the city outside.
We settled into our seats, and the train began to move. As we sped through the city, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the advanced technology that surrounded us.
The city outside was a mix of modern skyscrapers and quaint, old-fashioned buildings, creating a unique and interesting atmosphere.
After a while, we arrived at our destination, Oakhaven. We got off the train and walked out of the station, where a taxi was already waiting for us.
"How did he know we were arriving?", I asked her.
"Once you make any payment in the name of a walker or a weaver, your every action is monitored by the cyber team, they are also responsible for your guidance and once you become a weaver, you get assigned your personal cyber assistant.", she replied.
"Fascinating", I muttered as the doors of the taxi unlocked and we took a seat.
As we drove through the streets, I took in the sights and sounds of the city. There were bustling shops and restaurants on every corner, and the people were all dressed in stylish, modern clothing.
After a drive of one and a half hours, we arrived at a barren garage which was apparently being used as a trash disposer, and the taxi dropped us there.
"Wow, what a lovely neighbourhood. Are you sure this is the right place?", I commented as we stepped out of the car, trying to hold back my disgust.
"Ahan, it's not that bad, it's the best place to create a pathway to branch", she said nonchalantly.
"Oh no, it's lovely. I can almost smell the roses," I retorted, waving my hand in front of my nose.
"Fucking degenerates, couldn't choose a better place", I muttered.
"Did you say something?"
"Nothing", I followed her cautiously as we entered the garage, trying to ignore the overpowering stench of rotten food and garbage.
The floor was sticky with some unknown substance and the walls were covered in grime and graffiti.
"Don't touch anything, especially the walls," she warned me.
"I wouldn't dream of it," I replied, trying to keep my hands as far away from the walls as possible.
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