How long has it been, since his mind was his own? Takju mused. To be imprisoned within his own body, his own mind for more than a decade was cruel torture.

He used to think he was strong, that he was mighty. When he was young he was undefeated in battle, always showered by the love and adoration of his people. He stood side by side with his clan-brothers to fight the dangers of the wilds and the horrors of the night. His was a small clan but it was full of people dear to him. Takju Kul Porudin of the Gigantes race was soon elected to become the patriarch and he swore he would lead his clan to prosperity.

He succeeded... for a time.

All it took was a defeat and he lost it all.

Despite his might, there were others mightier still. Broken in battle, he was hoisted to the lands of the humans as a lowly slave. What had become of his clan he did not know. Remembering that day brought him nightmares that still haunted him to this day. Not of his defeat, but of his failure protecting his clan.

How easily his life turns by a whim of fate. Just like the day he lost everything, his life was now undergoing a massive change. Irkun, a young human tyrant that he owed absolute loyalty to because of the slave seal, was dead.

Before Irkun died, he transferred his master’s right to the one who killed him. Quite the comedy.

His first order was to guard Boram, his new master’s other slave, to the outskirts of the city. Takju couldn't resist, nor did he want to. At least his mind was not frozen like before. Perhaps he might have a chance to break free of his bondage now. Should he fail, death was also an acceptable alternative.

And so here Takju stood, overlooking the chaotic city with young Boram.

Not long after they arrived, without warning, packs of monsters that resided in the place between dimensions were flowing out from the spatial cracks. Suddenly, the city was invaded by monsters that were literally falling from the sky.

While the city was erupting with activity under the still night sky, Takju and Boram were witnessing the kicked anthill from a serene hilltop. Both waiting for their master’s arrival as per his order.

The three meters tall man turned towards young Boram, with the build of a child. Like himself, Boram’s mind wasn't shackled. He wanted to converse with this pitiful child that had become a slave at such a young age.

***

As a slave, Boram was given a wide breadth of freedom, he thought. His master didn't make him do something utterly repulsive or compel him to the master’s every word and whim, a fact he was very much appreciated because not all slaves were so lucky. He could do with less desperate battles that pushed him to the limit but it couldn't be denied he was growing stronger to the point he thought it was possible.

But I think I took liberty too far this time…

Boram was holding a black cat in his arms, almost covered entirely by a cloth. Which made the boy look like he was carrying a baby. The cat was currently sleeping.

While on the way here, Boram stumbled upon the cat. Bleeding on the side of the street, broken legs, and perhaps internal injuries. Boram just wasn't cold-hearted enough to let the cat’s life flickered out on the street. He fed it a healing potion -given by his master for emergencies- and applied first aid before bringing it along when he went outside of the city.

Boram had no plans whatsoever about the cat. It was a spur-of-the-moment thing. Even with the potion, it wouldn't survive on its own.

Ai, I hope Master is not too upset.

After foiling the capture attempt at the inn, he chose to feign capture so he could strike at the heart of the mastermind before walking out with plundered strength and riches.

The plan was simply recklessness in Boram’s mind but not to his Master. True to his word, he succeeded. And then, after their short meet-up, Boram was tasked to get away from the city along with a crazy big person and waited for his arrival. Boram was tasked with safeguarding the Master's backpack and steed, while the giant was safeguarding himself.

He knew he shouldn't but curiosity got the better of him so Boram took a peek inside the bag. There were some valuables but the rest were strange things.

For the love of him, Boram couldn't fathom the reason Master Avel walked around with a human bone.

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Just yesterday Boram was still busy with his reading homework and muscle training. Now his head was spinning about how to convince his master to let him care for the cat, looking at a city turned warzone, standing beside a scary giant, and worrying about where they would go from here.

He envied Brownie. The horse was grazing lazily as if there was nothing wrong with the world.

“Boy,” the giant man’s voice made him jump out from the mire of his thoughts. “How old are you?”

“Er… should be twelve this year.”

“Twelve… how long have you been,” the man hesitated, “a slave?”

“I don't know. Three years at least. My memory from even farther is hazy.”

“I, see...” Takju’s voice was heavy. “Is your master… cruel to you?”

The giant spoke hesitantly as if asking a delicate subject. Boram didn't understand the need. It was just a normal question. “Not this one,” he answered. “At least he hasn't hit me since he bought me a couple of weeks ago.”

A stretched silence. Uncomfortable.

“Do you… want to escape?”

“From what?”

“From your master, from slavery!” The giant said with leaking hate.

It was Boram’s turn to be silenced. If he was freed from slavery at this moment, what would he do? Where would he go? Boram didn't have family or friends. Where would he stay? Going alone into the unknown frightened him. And there was one more thing that didn't sit well with him.

“No. I’ll think about freedom once I have learned more about the world and paid Master Avel the kindness he showed me.”

Yes, Boram didn't want to escape. He would live his life with dignity. The source of hope in his being. Escaping, even when he could, would be dishonorable since his master had done so much for him while he hadn't repaid what was given.

The giant paused and Boram added more.

“Besides, I have no family left. No home to return to.”

“No!” Tajku growled. “If you want, I can...”

The big man didn't finish. He didn't know what he should say and he felt someone approaching. The Level 4’s senses were sharp. Boram was thankful, he didn't really want to talk about it.

The pair waited in silence as the conversation died down. In a few minutes, their master finally arrived.

“Yo,” Viers called as he approached. “What a night, huh? Good thing I got out before the barrier locked down the place.”

“Master! You’re hurt,” Boram looked worried. His master looked like he had been trampled by a hundred horses. He was limping a bit as he walked.

“Eh, I’ll get better,” Viers shrugged. “I’ve got what I wanted.”

With a grunt, Viers sat down on the grass while leaning on a rock. Looking at the city in the distance. The city was a mess but not long ago, the city’s defensive barrier was coming to life, enveloping the city in a dome of bluish light. The barrier prevented other monsters from getting inside the city. Those that were already there, would soon be dealt with by the city’s defenders.

Burning houses, monsters on the streets, screams everywhere… kind of similar to Luxore town when the calamity struck. It brings back bad memories. At least Farley and Paina aren't seeing this horrid spectacle.

Viers watched with a somber mood.

Rest well, Callahan and other adventurers that perished. Find peace in the next world, Viers offered them a prayer. The city is mostly okay so perhaps Peanut, that restaurant cook, and the little inn helper survived. I hope so. May fortune be with you.

On the other note, I hope Izabella and the other cultists are dead in the Tomb. May all that know or suspect my identity be buried in the battle. Less trouble for me. Unlikely, but a man can hope, right?

His hand touched the pouch that contained the Thousand Treasures Casket then moved on the moon pendant on his chest

But I've gained plenty from this endeavor. Shame that the magic item that created that misty space was destroyed. It would be very useful… Well, can't win them all, Viers.

“Alright, time to settle your matter,” Viers raised his body up and stood before the unusually tall man. “Takju, was it?”

“Yes, Master.”

“I will use the slave seal to compel a set of instructions to you,” Viers said as if it was the most natural thing to do.

“I am your servant,” Takju said.

A different hand holds the leash but the leash remains, Takju thought.

Takju’s slave seal was essentially an array embedded in his body. Since he was a Level 4, the slave seal was much more powerful than Boram’s. Viers invoked his master status and commanded him.

“You will not kill, injure, or sabotage me, my own, and my causes. Directly or indirectly.”

Takju felt the compulsion branded onto his soul. It seems the helmeted man was not as lax as he thought since the first compulsion was about ensuring his safety.

“You will not mention, divulge, or inform others about any information about me without my permission. Directly or indirectly.”

Secrecy for the second compulsion? It was good, Takju thought. It meant he would be granted a measure of free rein unlike his time under Irkun. He might not be able to harm this new master but he might be able to escape.

Since his master was so much weaker than him.

“You will not exploit any loophole in those two compulsions and obey the core means of the terms.”

Reinforcing the compulsions was a sign of prudence. It was almost unheard of. Slave owners usually didn't bother, believing themselves secure. He might be dealing with a more troublesome master than Irkun, Takju cursed.

“Under these three compulsions, I release you from slavery. Go away now.”