This place was really big. It really had the feeling of a mouse in a maze. I was scared to touch anything. The worst part being, I still have yet to find anyone. I had no idea where I was supposed to be, or who to talk to to do my job.

It felt like I was wandering around the halls forever before I eventually wondered where I thought I was supposed to be. I ended up in a large room, which seemed to seat a lot of people at once, while all the seats were focused down onto the stage down below. Above are blacked out windows, maybe rooms behind them? I guess this would make this the auction room.

“Ah, so you're the one who took the job. My, my. What are the odds?” The auction man said coming out of the stage.

“Oh it's you again old man. I did take the cleaning job. What is it you need cleaned?” I asked, ready to get started on my job.

“Oh? Already starting so eagerly?” He asked.

I wasn't sure what made my hair stand up, but the way he asked that had me questioning the legality of my job. I swallowed down my pride, I needed to do this job. Pixel also made it sound that this man is not someone to upset.

“Ya, if you would let me. Standing here won't let me make progress.” I replied, making sure to sound confident.

“Well then, come with me.” He said, as he turned and walked back the way he came from, behind the stage.

I walked down the stairs to the stage. This room definitely is for showing off his wealth. The seats seem to have a soft fabric covering and look rather comfortable, golden and wood trimmings where they can be. It really is surprising that wood is a symbol of status, but it seems that because we can't farm trees their value is worth its weight in gold.

Getting up to the stage and following where he walked behind the curtains. It seemed completely different back here to stone and concrete. Reinforced walls everywhere, the fancy facade gone in an instant. There seemed like scattered paint on the wall, or well I guess that's not paint. I saw him standing over some cleaning equipment.

“Well, the last auction didn't go well, so it's your job to clean that up. Do your best and you might get a little extra.” He said, waving his hand and left.

Once he was gone I went over to the cleaning gear and looked it over. I saw some basic cleaning equipment, but each had enhancements. Guess you might have “problems” in your work, cleaning equipment is needed.

I picked up what my memories referred to as a mop and started scrubbing the floors, and the cleaning power was impressive, just a single swipe left it looking spotless. I worked over the floors, making them very clean. Then grabbing the brush I was able to start scrubbing the walls, this one didn't leave water or cleaning residue behind, and cleaned the walls very well. I was rather impressed. I wonder what gives them the ability to clean so well.

“Each of those are imbued with a talisman. Items can gain abilities as well.” A voice said behind me.

I jumped a little bit, startled when I thought I had been alone. I look behind me and see a leopard sitting on a bench watching me. If she had not spoken I may have finished the entire job without noticing her presence.

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“Oh, I didn't know objects can receive powers. I still am rather unused to the concept of talismans.” I admitted.

“Ah, well most don't know what they look like, or what they do, just they grant power. Each can have their own potential. Only very few can actually tell what potential power it might hold. Though we here have taken great detail to learn about them. We have almost a 90% accuracy in estimating its potential.” She said smiling.

“May I guess you might have one, to make it hard to be noticed?” I asked curiously.

“Ah, very sharp to learn. Close to it. Though if one gains power, you should never reveal the true nature. If you ever do, then it would make it easy to counter.” She advised.

“Oh, that is fair I presume. Revealing the nature of the power, would make it easy to notice if it's capable of being countered. Though if it isn't, it would be easy to recognise the user. I am curious, can one remove the power once they have obtained it?” I asked.

She shook her head no, “afraid you can’t. Once you gain the power it is very much permanent. The power it attached to you, even if where it was attached is removed the power will stay. Though say if it's on your hand, and requires using your hands, then you lose your hands, making the power impossible to use. Though the power and talisman stays a part of you. Though the power can eventually be released back into the wild, only after who dies, or the object it was attached to is recoverable.” She detailed more.

“Oh, that's very important. So that would also mean if one has a power that is desirable they will be hunted down.” I wondered.

“Correct, there have been several notices of those who happened on great power and suddenly went missing one day. The worst place for such things is in the underdark.” She noted.

“I heard a lot about the underdark. Still haven't seen it yet, and know even less about it.” I admitted, and went back to working on cleaning while talking.

I looked back at the spot the woman was, but she was gone. Seemed like that was the end of the conversation. There was more I wanted to learn, but those answers will wait. The only thing I can do now is finish this job. Finishing this job is the gateway into jobs which can earn me real money. Decent money can get me gear, and the gear I get can keep me alive longer. It just feeds into itself. I really want to make my way to that underdark. It's like a draw, it pulls me toward it, promising new things. Is it what might have been programmed into me? Surely I can't be the only thing like I am.

After some hard work I had finished all the cleaning and put the cleaning equipment away. I sat down panting a bit, admiring my work. The room is spotless. I had made sure to do extra work and clean up well. My first job can make a difference. I rested for a while, and wondered if it would be possible to get some food. Maybe with some money from this job I can get some. I haven't eaten since my breakfast and the day seems to be ending, but I really am not too sure what might classify as a “day” here.

Like he is able to watch me from afar, soon the auctioneer came again. The man came walking in like a ghost. It's impressive how much he knows, a part of me wondered if he had some talisman that allowed him to watch what happens in or near the building. The few people I had seen near it seemed to avoid it fairly hard.