With the question-and-answer session done, I proceeded with the interrogation. I learned a lot of interesting information today.
Firstly, it appears that I am unable to communicate verbally with anyone. Despite my attempts to converse with the intruder, I couldn't produce a voice. This limitation may be attributed to my current puppet-like form and my identity as a soul residing within it. My unique form renders me devoid of basic human capabilities, or more broadly, those of a living organism.
This world, much like the one I previously inhabited, is teeming with diversity. It has a variety of languages, nationalities, species, and cultures. The intruder I've captured doesn't speak the Cidae language, which happens to be the first language I encountered in this world, and somehow I can understand it. It's plausible that this is an innate ability as a puppet, and I believe there is a system inside of my head that is specifically designed to translate languages. As a white-collar puppet handling records, I can only assume this feature is for essential purposes, and I appreciate the Artificer's foresight in equipping us with such a tool.
Furthermore, I seem to possess incredible calligraphy skills. Did the Artificer provide puppets with this talent as well? Perhaps it's linked to the "obsessive-compulsive disorder" mentioned by the intruder. While I'm unsure of its exact meaning, I can make an educated guess. From my observations, this place has maintained a high level of organization from the start, and when I inquired about it, the intruder confirmed as much.
Apart from this 'obsessive compulsive disorder,' it appears that Artificer's name is associated with many other negative connotations. Should I be concerned, or should I extend the benefit of the doubt and disregard these rumors? Nonetheless, rumors often have some basis, and there must be a reason for their existence. One thing in particular stands out among the rest: why is he referred to as the 'soul reaper,' and how does it relate to my current situation?
Regrettably, I lack the means to answer these questions at present. On a brighter note, I've gained more insight into 'souls,' although it requires further confirmation. Additionally, I've acquired some knowledge about the machinery present in this world. It turns out that these machines were created through a process known as 'engineering,' and I'll need to delve deeper into this subject.
Last but not least, I've obtained significant information about humans. My hunch was on the mark; there are indeed spies aboard the ship, and they happen to be humans! It was not difficult to make the assumption that there were spies; however, I didn't expect them to be humans. I considered the possibility, yes, but I had thought that the chances of that happening were slim. Actually, now that I've thought about it more carefully, the odds are... not as low as I thought. On one hand, it seems unlikely, but on the other, it seems the most probable!
The main question is, what should I do to answer my questions and finally satisfy my thirst? To satisfy my thirst for knowledge, I require more information about 'souls' and 'engineering.' Unfortunately, I currently lack access to this information, and I'm unsure about the means to obtain it.
One more feasible option is to seek an audience with Artificer, but this approach carries some risks. At present, the only concrete asset I possess is the weapon I acquired from the intruder. It's something I can work with.
Should I break it open and see how it works on the inside? If I can disassemble it, I'll also learn how to reassemble it. Additionally, I don't foresee a need for it as long as I'm aboard the ship, unless they start noticing my unusual behavior, which I believe won't happen in the near future. However, a new challenge arises... How will I break it open if I don't have tools? And it's not like I know where to—Hm...
Following the recent attack, there are numerous parts of the ship in need of repair, including the office, a location I can access. If a repair team is dispatched, I could seize the opportunity to steal some tools and materials. To do this, I'll have to wait and see.
With that settled, for now, I'll allow my mind to rest. Although my current form doesn't necessitate rest, mental exhaustion is still a possibility. Fortunately, there's a bed here where I can find some peace, but hold on. A bed?
Why would there be a bed designated for a puppet? In fact, why is there even a room designated for the puppets? They're meant to be mere 'dolls,' so what's the reason behind this setup? Perhaps the rumors about Artificer placing souls inside these puppets hold some truth, and he has provided them with a room and a bed to create the illusion of...
His thoughts raced through the night, even as the stars reappeared in the sky. When morning came, an announcement echoed throughout the ship, finally breaking him out of his contemplative state: "The ship is currently undergoing repair and maintenance. All work is temporarily suspended. Kindly remain within your chambers until further notice."
With the announcement serving as his cue, No. 44 rose from his bed, unlatching the door. He waited for a brief moment, listening intently for any signs of activity outside. Once assured, he cautiously opened the door and stepped out into the dimly lit hallway, making his way toward the office. As he reached the entrance, he hesitated; he didn't immediately enter; he hid behind a pillar and silently observed from a safe distance.
It didn't take much time before a procession of puppets dressed in blue, along with several machines, entered through a nearby entrance. Among the machines, two particularly prominent ones stood out. One featured a towering skeletal framework with a long lattice arm, from which a hook hoists tons of materials with ease. The other was a robust vehicle with a cargo bed situated just behind the driver's cabin, supported by hefty, heavy-duty wheels loaded with copious amounts of metal.
Though smaller vehicles trailed behind these two, they were less noticeable. One bore a resemblance to the first vehicle but had an arm adapted to support a puppet, granting access to elevated locations that would typically be beyond reach.
The puppets commenced unloading the vehicles and carefully arranged their tools. No. 44's attention fixated on one specific puppet who carried a compact tool kit.
Would they notice me if I just swooped in and took that?
But before he could analyze the situation further, his attention was drawn to another puppet that inadvertently collided with one of the lifeless bodies strewn on the ground. No. 44 closely observed its reaction and noticed that the puppet pressed a button on its chest, triggering an alarm. He inspected his body and found that he also had the same button.
So this button is used to call upon the attention of... His thoughts trailed off as he noticed a marching group of puppets in black uniforms entering through an entryway. Their attire was tailored to their forms, which allowed them to move more quickly and freely. On top of their heads were hats that resembled a sailor's hat. The buttons on their suits shimmered like gold, and the epaulettes on their shoulders were of the same color and quality. They had high black boots and a black cape hanging from one shoulder, secured to the suit with a golden chain. Warriors? Soldiers? Guards? What term is best to describe these puppets?
The group of puppets dragged the dead body effortlessly. Once they were out of sight, the remaining puppets resumed their duties. No. 44's focus has shifted back towards the tool kit. He observed as the puppet placed it on a desk, opened it, and took out a tool with a metal handle that had grooves for better control and to prevent slipping. There's a long metal rod that extends from the handle. It was just the right size to fit the puppet's hand.
After taking the tool, the puppet turned to approach the unloaded materials. No. 44 took this chance to swiftly pass by and seize the tool kit. He acted naturally, as though it were a common occurrence. After taking it, he left the scene without even turning to look back.
The puppet, meanwhile, attempted to use the tool on a screw, but it quickly became apparent that it was the wrong fit. Perplexed, it retraced its steps to where it had left its tool kit, only to discover it was gone.
Observing this, No. 44 couldn't help but muse: It seems that even if I were to walk right past these puppets, they wouldn't react to my presence, viewing me as just another 'puppet.' Would they mind if I took more in the future? He thought as he retreated back into his room.
Upon entering, he saw the captured man slumped down on the floor but paid him no heed as he promptly slammed the door shut. He went towards the desk, where he set the tool kit down. He opened it to check its contents and began to inspect the tools inside. He was mostly unfamiliar with the tools; he had never seen these items before in his previous world.
I've never had to rely on practical things such as these during my time in my previous world due to the presence of mana. With mana, I would have easily broken this up, but I guess learning practical skills would be beneficial. Sigh. I only hope I don't struggle with adapting to this new reality.
No. 44 shifted his focus to the gun. It was slightly longer than his forearm and resembled a cane, predominantly crafted from brass and copper, materials commonly seen in this world. At the top, a round barrel with a diameter of about nineteen millimeters stood, while the stock featured a pipe extending throughout the gun's body, releasing intermittent puffs of steam through small vents. A metal framework enveloped its structure, and beneath the barrel, there was a silver blade.
He took some time to understand how the tools worked, and after familiarizing himself with the tools, he began attempting to use them to disassemble the gun but his initial efforts yielded little success. The tools often proved incompatible—too big, too small, or simply ill-suited for the task at hand. Exasperation crept in as he struggled with the device.
Is it even possible to dismantle this? he wondered. Certainly, it must be. Perhaps I should take a short break before making another attempt. After all, prolonged, uninterrupted tasks can tax the mind. It's a healthy habit to take breaks every now and then before continuing the task at hand. I'm certainly not thinking of procrastinating.
No. 44 settled on the bed, eyeing the man on the floor. He rose once more, retrieved a piece of paper and a pen, and dropped them near the intruder before lightly prodding him with his foot. The man, roused from his slumber, instinctively moved away from the puppet. With his remaining eye, he noticed the paper and picked it up; there was nothing on it. He glanced at the puppet, which was gesturing toward the gun on the desk. Thanks to their previous encounter, the man now easily grasped the puppet's non-verbal request.
He proceeded to write down the following: "I was only taught how to shoot; I unfortunately don't have much experience with guns. However, I've seen Lala disassemble her gun for cleaning. She began with the outer frame, removing the screws and various components, followed by the smaller pieces attached to the body. Then she took..."
"...That's the extent of my knowledge on this matter. I left to train, so I'm not sure about the next steps. Forgive me for not being able to provide a complete answer." It appeared that the intruder had adapted swiftly to his circumstances.