The sun was already moving into position for a late breakfast or early lunch when I decided to start my travels to discover the source of the contamination. My mind was racing a mile a minute and moreover, this was calculated explicitly to cull the rabbit-born numbers to manageable levels. Whoever orchestrated the contamination is somewhat high on the kingdom's food chain and/or payroll. This needs to be furtherly address in the future.

As I made it to the main river that the creek branched from, the water was definitely tampered with as it was an Alien Parasite in color. The color got heavier the further I ran upstream. No sooner than I reached a certain point in my travels, an alert popped up.

Warning: Multiple lifeforms stationed 30m from your location.

Recommended Action: Engage Stealth Arts

(Well, well, well. Looks like I'll be using Stealth Arts for the first time today.)

"System, Stealth Arts Tree."

As the scroll-like system expanded, I got to see what Jule was taking about. From what would be, a primitive status screen, showed a few things:

- The number of butterflies in possession

- A symbol that looked like a fusion function

- The current pathing of the art in question

- The current butterfly who is the custodian of the skill or art

- The evolutionary path once all nodes in the path are achieved

Looking inward, Stealth Arts had three starting paths and choosing one will lock out the other two:

- Hidden Dagger Path

- Shadow Bunny Path

- Mimic Hare Path

Each one of them had a skill that would correlate to the beginning of the path in question.

(Looks like I'll need to plan ahead with this in mind as I only get one shot at this. Time to look into the paths ahead...)

- The Hidden Dagger Path started rather simple with a single stream, but it became a mess once nine nodes were active as it branched like a infected mosquito looking to suck as much blood as possible. The Dark Dagger materialized a dagger that would be used as a primary weapon. The dagger itself held no weight to the user and would open a few different options further down the line with the skill Black Crescent Dash becoming available once the path made it to the fifth stage. Other than that, no real quality was to be had here.

- The Shadow Bunny Path started off nasty as it forced me into three choices consecutively from the first stage to the third stage of the path. What was particularly annoying was that despite this, all it provided was a shroud and a passive poison from the shroud to neutralize the targets. It didn't "mask" or "conceal" the origin of the poison and as a result, easily tracible back to me. Can't have that happening.

- The Mimic Hare Path proved, unique. Firstly, it branched every even path, allowing me time to prepare and still be engaging enough for me to see what's next. Secondly, it provided disguises and even a gender swap at the start for infiltration. Not looking to skirt on a possible chance to become a "woman", the path continued to be intriguing with it having no real combative applications except on the first branching path within the path. This would prove useful, if I survive that long.

"System, Mimic Hare Path, Enable."

Affirmative. The Mimic Hare Path is now engaged. The Hidden Dagger and Shadow Bunny will cease to exist.

With that command, the other two paths were erased and I was able to gain my first skill.

- Gender Swap was a simple task. By merely snapping my fingers on both hands, I would become a "woman" for a period of time. If I was attacked or assaulted in anyway, the first opportunity, I would return to my native gender (male in this case).

Without another thought, I decided to test this out and get into a favorable position to maybe ambush some of the threats. As I snapped my fingers, I felt, pressure at the upper body and reduction at the lower body. Fortunately, I did take the time to analyze the anatomy of rabbit-born when looking into a base of operations and nothing perverse was to be seen unless the individual in question is in heat. So, as a "woman" I continued my travels.

Eventually, morning was drawing to a close when I saw this scene: Two women, giving themselves for the almighty coin to three of the guards and two rabbit-born captives. The women were quick to seduce and undress and to keep this from getting further unsavory, I'm going to say that, the deed was done to all that were present (whether it was willingly or not). While keeping distance, I overheard and observed this conversation:

"Hammon, get the private to escort these lovely ladies back to the kingdom proper. I'll deal with these two "friends" personally."

"Sure thing. Make sure to dump the body at the lake."

"Yeah, yeah. I already know. Dealing with them should be as simple as doing this!"

He swung his longsword and beheaded both of the rabbit-born and then proceeded to dismember them both until they were nothing more than sliced sinew and gristle with a skull being the only identifiable part of their miserable bodies. The guard quickly looked at my general direction and signaled his men away. He began to enter my field of vision and quickly swung. I instinctively ducked and got ready in fighting stance.

"Well now! Look what I found. A female rabbit-born that wandered too far from home. Well, before I allow you to die, I'm going to have my fun with you, girly."

(Poor fool. If only he knew that my knowledge on hand to hand fighting will end his miserable existence, he would have retreated quickly...)

And knowledge was my advantage. As he got very close, the disguise ended and a swift back kick to the side of the head would instantly knock him flat out. Using his sword that he used to kill the other two, I beheaded him and then using the mud near the river and leaves in the area, i concealed him as best as I can.

(Looks like I won't get any further here and two rabbit-born were killed. Looks like I'm going to have to make another day to get back here and do something about this contamination. The longer I allow this to be an issue, the bigger the risk and the likelihood hat the damage may be irreversible. I'll need to swift return at first light tomorrow. Time to go home with the corpses and see how to dispose and rescycle rabbit-born remains.)

Taking their remains with me using a sack left behind by the private, I stuffed the bag with their parts and then proceeded home, knowing that they will shortly search for their missing comrade.

The most extreme few hours ensued with me lugging the sack home (it was hot and fucking muggy. Ever had the devil lick your body? Yeah, it felt like that...), but I made it as the sky started to hint at sunset. As I got to my property, the hut flashed then recloaked itself as I got inside. Jule's avatar greeted me.

"I take it that your work was successful."

"No. A prize, ill-gotten due to racism, borderline genocide. The water, polluted by a toxin created explicitly to cull unwanted rabbit-born numbers. Mark my words, I'm going to skullfuck every last one of the higher ups in Mot and then I'm going to skullfuck their families, after I fucking kill them. This is disturbingly gross. I don't know the customs for rabbit-born but to make use of them, I want to produce some weapons using the remains and I want to see what they saw before their demise."

"Granted."

A green glow manifested within me. The Blue Morpho that was assigned to me saw two more butterflies (A Kaiser-i-Hind and a Island Marble) around the skulls of the fallen rabbit-born. As they gathered to mine, they fused themselves and an alert presented itself.

Notice: Fusion is possible.

"System, what happens with Fusion and what is gained with this Fusion?"

Response: Fusion of butterfly vessels will offer themselves to the main butterfly. All skills, knowledge and legacies will be transferred to the owner of the main butterfly and an increase in potential becomes imminent. Some, discomfort will occur during the fusion process.

"System, proceed and make it quick. The remains will attract pests and pursuers."

Affirmative. Commencing Fusion.

HOLY SHIT did I feel like one of those flies back at home who for zapped for getting to close to the moonlit zapper light. The pain was unbearable at times and agonizing the whole time. As I was being ripped apart from the ears to the feet, knowledge and my Blue Morpho was transforming. I know the little guy was in excruciating and unspeakable pain, but as long as we survived, we knew this wouldn't be the last.

After everything was done, I felt fairly different, yet, the same. The butterfly was in it's pupa state but I did get to see what it was going to look like. It wasn't going to be a Blue Morpho, but rather, a Dagger Tail Butterfly (notorious for dive-bombing anyone too close to their territory). As I saw it exit the pupa state an hour later (mainly because I needed a rest myself), it wasn't what I expected... It was the Dagger Tail Butterfly, sure, but "she" only has the wings. It was a fairy or a sprite tat was about as large as my whole hand back when I was human.

"Hello, are you the entity named, Boa?"

"I am. You must be my butterfly that endured the agony alongside me?"

"Yes. I was the butterfly from before. I'm a Dagger Tail Sprite with butterfly traits. I'm not sure how to process myself right now, but I'll be your second pair of eyes and your archiver from hereon."

"My, archiver?"

"Yes."

"We just call them, secretaries."

"What is a secretary?"

"A person who does clerical housekeeping and manage the books. A must larger role than just a simple archiver."

"Do you look down on archivers?"

"No. Quite the opposite. If it wasn't for the archivers of old, secretaries wouldn't exist today, at least in my world."

"I see. So, I don't have a name. Could I, get a name?"

"Indeed. Since I'm Boa, you'll be named, Selira."

"Exotic. I like it."

Selira was very pleased by the name and as she began to walk around and get used to her new body, I started my research on the disposal of rabbit-born refuse. I accessed the system and got my tome out with a pen and began to slowly dissect and examine the remains. Selira after a few moments, came to assist. As moved the vital and essential organs from the lumps of gristle and muscle while I began to separate the muscle from the bone. The pelt was a hassle to skin off of the upper flesh (thanks in part by follicles that were buried deep within the sweat pores) and once the initial dismemberment was complete, the sorting and real work began.

"So, Boa, Selira. I'm going to be around, but I would like to have a report sent to me when possible. Could you have it ready for me within a few days?"

"Of course, High Spiritweaver Jule."

"Not a problem boss."

"Boss?"

"Boa, why call them, boss?"

"Why not? They gave me a purpose I like to do and unless you want to put up with Laurel or Demarite, I think this is the best form or respect without making this, weird."

"I like boss. Let's go with that. From now on, you two will address me as Boss Jule or Boss."

"Gotcha boss."

"Yes, boss."

"Good, I'll be awaiting the results."

With that, Jule waltzed out of the hut as we got started.

"System: Begin Disposal Services Protocol"

Affirmative, Disposal Protocol Enabled. You survived 80% of this day and accrued 100 points for upgrading the station. The system recommends that you get the Mana Refiner, pH test kit with Arcana and Divinity Options for testing soils and liquids, an upgrade to the anvil to produce tools and weapons, a smelter for forging recyclable metals and an upgrade to the hut itself for an underground lab.

"Agreed. Current points required to make all the necessary changes to protocol. "

Administrator Jule has deposited the necessary points and authorized all changes for today only without penalty. Do you wish to proceed?

"Proceed as recommended. Also, Selira is with me as my secretary. She will be managing the system during times I'm away. I authorize her to have managerial access to the system."

Designating Dagger Tail Fae, Selira, as manager-level user. She will have access to view all upgrades and also have authorization rights upwards to Level 3. Higher level upgrades will require either Administrator Jule or Owner Boa to approve of the change. Manager Selira will also have access to the shop. Wish to set spending limits without authorization?

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"What is the currency used by the shop?"

Currency used is gold or platinum. Gold will be used for the public shop while platinum is used for the premium shop.

(OF FUCKING COURSE... Can't do anything without a fucking microtransaction blueprint...) "System, ways to obtain gold and platinum."

"Gold is deposited daily from tasks and information done and distributed by Administrator Jule. Platinum is gained by discovering and sharing newly discoverable items, skills, weapons, etc."

"So, gold is awarded for just doing the work while platinum is gained for innovation that is searched to the system."

"Affirmative. Currently, you have 5000 gold and 250 platinum. Care to shop?"

"Not yet. Work first, shop afterwards. System, upgrade the protocol and then go on standby while Selira and I begin the work. OH! Before I forget, I would like to upgrade your system using the one hundred points to gain sentience."

Understood, allowing this system sentience will also recognize this system as a vital core member or resource to the operation. Are you sure of this change as it is irreversible?

"Continued as normal with the 100 points debited for learning sentience protocol."

Affirmative. Upgrades to the protocol and system initiated.

Selira and I began to drain the blood from the muscle and did moderate cleaning while awaiting the upgrades to our work. A short while later (with the hut cleansed of blood and decomposition), the system returned online.

Protocol updates and facility upgrades, complete.

"Excellent. How are you feeling?"

I, don't know. This is a new experience for me.

"It'll take some getting used to. While working, I thought of a name for you. From here on, how's the name, Relena sound?"

"Boss, that kind of name is lame."

No, I like Relena. This system will now identify itself as Relena and will operate with a woman's persona.

"Understood. Welcome to the team, Relena. Relena, prepare the pH test kit and Selira, the testable components."

"Right away, boss man!"

Affirmative. I'll start the pH testing process.

As Relena got the testing instruments materialized for me, Selira got some of the bladders of blood and a few pieces of the bone, muscle and pelt for the testing process. The blood was deposited first and JESUS, it was a problem. Rabbit-born blood was 2.2 on the pH scale. The blood was highly and potentially dangerous as it's in essence, a fucking acidic agent that if transplanted or injected, would melt anyone from the inside out.

"Relena, Selira, rabbit-born blood at it's purest form is highly acidic. In the future, disposal of remains will require a complete blood drain and a through washing of all bone and flesh before any future work is done with this."

"It's that dangerous?"

Understood. Annotating new disposal procedure for rabbit-born. Blood Removal process pending.

"The blood will require a Sanguine Press with acidic resistances. Is there on on the market or will we need to develop it ourselves, Relena?"

"The vampiric nation of Venyir would have the basic blueprint. Current relationship level with the Dukedom of Venyir, Neutral. I would recommend we produce a press with acidic resistant alloy in the very near future."

"Agreed. Selira, your take on this."

"Boss, I would think that for now, since you are a rabbit-born, that you handle the bloodletting until we get the tools for us to work this kind of material."

I agree. Owner, you should handle that material for the foreseeable future.

"Understood, I'll handle it. Everything else isn't needed for the pH test, so proceed with the Composition Analysis."

Understood. Beginning Composition Analysis.

Starting with the bone, the bone of a rabbit-born was incredibly brittle. Seeing that fucker behead two of my kind effortlessly, it would make sense that a sword would suffice for beheading them.

Owner, due to the brittle nature of the bones, it would be useful as a liquid for future processes and products.

"Agreed. Let's continue."

The muscle, adversely was incredibly tough and toned. A bit too tough as meat, it could be used for sturdier bladders and other elastic products. The problem is the muscle was the hide, so leathering would be a difficult feat.

"Relena, rabbit-born hide is heavily elastic and sturdy. Recommendations. Selira, I would like your input as well."

"Boss, I would think that we can maybe tender it up to create sturdy and elastic gourds for liquid storage."

I agree with Manager Selira. A liquid storage would be advisable.

"Ok. rabbit-born muscle tissue will be separated from the bone once the blood has been removed and properly stored. The muscle will be tenderized, via pulverizing, until sufficient density is achieved. A light tanning afterwards would be required before transforming the tissue into tools needed for day-to-day operations."

Acknowledged. New annotation for rabbit-born hide has been added and the report is currently being generated. Permission to send to Administrator Jule?

"Negative, we have a pelt to figure out."

"Boss, while you were working on the muscle, I discovered that the pelt itself is useless, but when combined with an acid, it produces a toxin that enhances the senses before robbing them of them for a period of time."

"Caffeine-like toxin??? Or maybe an energy toxin? Relena, mark the rabbit-born pelt for further research."

Affirmative, designating Rabbit-born Pelt for research.

"Anything else, Selira?"

"Nope. That's all for now."

"Good. Relena, send the first report up. Selira, can I get a list of what skills you've adopted during the fusion?"

"OH!!! I've been waiting for this! Are we going to be fusing skills now?"

"Indeed. Part of our employee program will be to learn a portion of my skills into their package while getting money and resources to further themselves. To do that, we need a package itself."

"Understandable! Relena, if you can, could you have a sub-protocol (?) done for fused skills?"

Negative, a sub-protocol isn't required for something this lofty. I would recommend a new system for fused skills and products for distribution. In that, I can provide the framework and the maintenance. All you would have to provide me is the information and blueprints necessary for the system.

"WELL THEN!!! The first order of the manager is to create the {Fusion Marketplace}!"

Understood, the creation of the {Fusion Marketplace} will be queued for service and be open to the public once enough fused blueprints are available.

"Blueprints required for operation?"

Twenty-Five blueprints will be needed for public operation.

"Owner authorization #1, the creation of the {Fusion Marketplace} is to be queued during your standby while we rest. This way, you can relax yourself while creating the system with ample time to spare."

Affirmative, {Fusion Marketplace} creation is scheduled for standby.

"Selira, let's begin."

"OK! So, here's what I have right now for you:

- Mimic Hare Path, 1st Node

- Bunny Hand-to-Hand, Unassigned, 3 Nodes available

- Surveillance, Unassigned, 2 Nodes Available

From your memories allowed by Boss Jule, here's what I can find on you:

- Translate, Max Level

- Military Martial Arts, Path Completed

- Special Forces Martial Arts, Unassigned, No Node Available

- Scythe Mastery, Basic Level, 2nd Node

- Sanitation Technician, Mastered and Maxed Level

I can fuse three times. So, what's the first fusion?"

For me, this was a huge boon to look at as now, the {recycling} process has now begun. Here's what I would look at from what she presented:

- Military Martial Arts and Special Forces Martial Arts all land under the umbrella of the martial art, Sambo. Fusing both of them would be redundant so I would also fuse the Bunny Hand-to-Hand to create a new style of Sambo with higher mobility options.

- Surveillance and Mimic Hare Path together is just fucking Hare Ninja Arts (Ninjutsu). But, that would help identify future problems, so I guess that would work.

- Translate and Sanitation Technician isn't needed for any fusion because they're maxed already and in the case with Sanitation Tech, I also have that mastered! So, I'll just make this work....

"Selira, Fuse Military Martial Arts with Special Forces Martial Arts and then from the product, fuse again with Bunny Hand-to-Hand."

"OK. So, you want me to fuse the two military fighting styles and then refuse them into the Bunny Hand-to-Hand?"

"Correct."

"Starting fusion now!"

Selira began to glow and used the hexagonal representation of the skills to begin the fusion process. As she got the first skill {Recycled}, Relena was able to identify it for presentation.

Attention: Fusion Successful. Advanced Sambo has been created. Congratulations, Owner Boa.

"Thank you, but it was Selira who was able to fuse them together."

Manager Selira, great success to you.

"Thanks Relena, but it's not done yet. I still need to redo the process, now adding the Bunny Hand-to-Hand."

Selira then used the fused skill ad added it to the Bunny Hand-to-Hand. She struggled on this one, but the result was favorable. In my eyes, she did enough for an evening.

Attention: Fusion Successful: Bunny Sambo created. Fusion system recognizes this skill with multiple paths that can be altered by who learns the martial art. Congratulations, team.

"Thank you again."

"*Wheeze* I'm tired. I need to do one more, though."

"That's enough for now. Let's hold off until tomorrow's trip. We have an early start in the morning."

"I get you. So, we're going to sleep?"

"Yes. Relena, you're officially on standby mode. Enjoy the rest. Selira, let's get some sleep."

"Yes. Now to a bed! Relena, materialize a bed before going into Standby."

Understood, bed is already prepared. Good night everyone.

As I got on my bed, it was meager, but suitable for my taste. I just needed somewhere to sleep for the night. Selira got something a bit fluffier for her and Relena has a light aquamarine hue as she enjoyed her first night on standby. Not much was remembered and as such, the first night began.

The first light was upon us and I needed to move fast to the source of the contamination. Selira woke up a few moments later.

"Morning."

"Morning..."

"Morning, Relena."

Good Morning Owner and Manager. The {Fusion Marketplace} is ready and has currently two fused products ready for sale.

"We'll continue to proceed once more products are available."

Affirmative. Owner, what's on the agenda today?

"Stay on Standby until our return. We're heading to the source of the contamination."

According to the map of Hightale, the nearest major water source is the Lake of Hevete. It's part of a seven lake system that runs through the entirety of the continent of Jorat. Would you like a holographic map for guidance?

"Negative, that would expose us. The element of surprise will be required at this moment."

Understood. Will be providing standby support to Manager Selira when requested.

"Excellent."

"I really feel important! Lets FUCKING GO!!!"

"You really need to stop probing my thoughts..."

"But it's good to know how you spoke in the past."

I couldn't refute that statement. Regardless, we headed out and headed to the Lake of Hevete. The sun was still rising when we got back to the point where I turned around yesterday, to be greeted with an unearthed mount of dirt.

(SHIT! The fuckers dug him up and is probably going to take it out on the rabbit-born who had ties to the two I took yesterday. I need to get to the lake, but I'll also need to be swift and silent so not to alert or attract unneeded attention. Hopefully, I can find the problem soon.)

As Selira and I proceeded, it wasn't too long until we got to the lake and DAMN!!! The lake was polluted to all hell and the Alien Parasite color was at its strongest here. The lake's center was barren and devoid of anything purposeful, but what greeted us wasn't just a polluted lake. Three guards (likely from the Kingdom of Mot) was about to push a cage of about nine rabbit-born into the pollution. I looked around to see anything that was the cause, but then it hit me. Bodies of the dead floated to the surface and a vast majority of them was rabbit-born. This was an execution spot for disobedient slaves and discordant criminals. A nesting ground of death, decay, disease and suffering for all those who lived nearby and those brought here to die.

(This isn't good. The water is likely contaminated by the dead corpses. Not to mention the amount or corpses that are present. There far too many to fully flush out in a few sessions. This is going to take a long time to even get the lake back to, manageable levels for any life to be present.)

Just as I was ready to continue forward to get samples, the guards dragged a young rabbit-born with a tag on her ear to the cage. She was weeping profusely with ragged cloths with special attention of how little the cloth was present closer to the upper legs.

"DO YOU THINK THEY DID SOMETHING TO HER!!!??"

"Keep it down. It's very likely that she's in the midst of getting assaulted again. Likely as a bargaining chip to keep them alive."

No sooner than I mentioned that, as if karma wanted to up the fucking ante, a second cage was brought over. This time, kids about her age in the cage and the number easily doubled the first cage, due to the age and size of the kids. I couldn't stomach this shit, but to attack now would get me killed without a plan. Laurel's principles wouldn't allow me that time. A conversation and an ultimatum was about to be mandated.

"So, rabbit-born slut. Service my men and I and I'll allow you to pick who lives and who dies. Sounds good?"

"*Unintelligible Speech*"

"What's that, I can't understand you with out non-intelligence. Tell you what, we'll get what we want regardless, but we'll be nice. Pick a cage."

The girl couldn't understand them and didn't respond. She got her clothes ripped and it exposed a horrible truth. Scars all over her body and her lower region in particular scarred and bloodied, as if she was manhandled the whole way without rest. She wept as I understood what she said.

"What did she say?"

"She said, 'I don't understand you. Why am I assaulted and why is my family in cages? Your translator rabbit told me that you'll release them if I disgraced myself to your boss. I did what you asked, now free them.' She didn't know that they never had the intention of letting her go. They'll kill her after assaulting her again and her family and friends in the cages will be executed."

"A Genocide!!!"

"Correct. We can't have that. Unfortunately, she'll need to suffer a tad more if I am to get them out of here."

"Poor girl..."

With that, I sprung into action and stealthy got close to one of the guard that was taking a piss away from the action. The horror, screams and cries filled the skies, which was perfect for masking my first kill. Using the broom on my back, I ambushed that fucker and choked him with the shaft inside his fucking throat. One down, two to go. As I proceeded a tad closer, the other two stopped what they were doing after seeing that their comrade was missing.

"Get armed. Push both cages and guard the bitch. I ain't done fucking her yet."

"Will do. Come here, bitch!"

Grabbing her by the ears, the guard dragged her back away from the lake as the cage with the adults got pushed in. Nine rabbit-born were now sent to their deaths with eighteen more hanging in the balance. The second guard got close and using the sword I "acquired" from the first kill, I again, ambushed that fucker and beheaded him. The final guard got paranoid. His heartrate skyrocketed and held the girl at her limit.

"LOOK HERE YOU FUCKING ASS! TURN YOURSELF IN OR I'LL KILL THE GIRL AND PUSH THE LAST CAGE! I'M FUCKING SERIOUS!!!!"

With no other alternative, I came from the reeds to present myself to him.

"I see. a rabbit-born we missed. A rather rare specimen with blackened fur. You would be an excellent slave to your majesty. Now, be a good fucker and walk this way, if you can understand me."

I walked over, but he drew what seemed to be, an old fashion snaphaunce flintlock pistol.

(FUCK. He's armed with a firearm. He's still going to kill everyone. I need to continue to get close.)

A mistake that was about to cost eighteen more lives. As I advanced, he shot a safety that was blocking the cage and it slid into the water with the kids still inside. The girl, now terrified and enraged, bit the guard's armed hand and then I quickly moved to behead him in the confusion. The girl grabbed the cage, but her stature wasn't enough to pull it out of the water. The kids didn't drown, but the high contamination began to melt the fur from the kids while the girl was also getting singed as well. After a futile yet valiant effort, the kids died in that damnable cage and she wept by the lake. Her fur wasn't badly damage as it was a bit singed from the ankles down.

The guard and I were fighting as he tried to make a run for it. The fucker withstood an assault of attacks to the arms and groin, all the while I was trying to get a good grapple in to end his life via suffocation. He kept his distance, but in his haste, he tripped and dropped his pistol on the ground. I got to it and he crawled, begging for mercy in drivel.

(OH NO! You costed me workers and now, you need to pay with your life as compensation!)

With the same flintlock he used to plunge eighteen lives to death, two quick shots to the head and the guard was no more. Far from a vindication, I breathed easier knowing that that fucker will do no more harm to anyone he considered slaves. The time for morality check was nigh as Selira slowly flew to me.

"The fucker is dead. Selira, status report."

"Aside from the girl, all others are dead. I'm sorry for the loss."

"No need to grieve. We tried. Save that for the girl we're going to bring home."

"Understood..."

The mood was somber as we went to the girl. She looked at us and cried into my chest.

"What happened?"

"I'm disgraced. I was forced upon by foreign, yet powerful people, drugged to no end, tortured for their amusement, all the while not being able to understand a single word. My family, my friends, now float in this damnable lake because evil people would do such a thing. Where is Laurel to save us?"

"Hate to break it to you, but these are Laurel's people."

"What? Why? Why would they serve her and do such, disgusting acts?"

"Welcome to human depravity."

"These are humans??!!!?? How do you know?"

"I was once, one of them in another life. So I know first-hand how disgusting and cruel they are. You're welcome to leave, but your safety isn't guaranteed at all. It's very likely you'll be hunted by the other guards once they discover that they didn't return home. Then, if they recapture you, you're likely to be used again, followed by execution."

Her face twisted in horror. I could only imagine what was running through her mind as she came to realize that her savior was a human in another life. She clutched harder, enraged that the family she had and the friends she made are now, dead in the water created by humans with no sense or shred of morality. When she calmed down, she looked up at me with a serious face.

"I don't want that."

Upon her saying that, she face lightened, as if to tell me, I trust you. I nodded.

"Then allow me to offer my home. It's not glamourous, but it has a cloaking system that will protect us as a whole. I'm in need of an assistant, but i won't require you to man the role because, well, you know."

Selira jetted swiftly to our location. She wheeze as she was wondering what as going on. The girl, now curious on why a fairy flew to us released herself and observed her.

"Boss, are we going to get some samples here?"

"A fairy??"

"Oh. Selira here is my secretary and is placeholding the role as sanitation assistant until I find someone to fill the role."

"Sanitation? What's that?"

"Sanitation is the process of keeping a place disease-free. Safe disposal of waste and proper decontamination of contaminated places is what the process is all about. I'm neutral. Fuck demons and angels alike. Fuck traditional religion and cults all the same. If it's in need of handling, I'll be there to reduce, reuse and recycle to have a world. While doing that, I'll be creating products for profit and reselling to those who may desire it.

I'm not the good guy or destined hero, but I'm not the villain or great evil looking to plunge a world into darkness. I'm just a rabbit, trying to make the place, habitable for any and everyone."

The girl dried her eyes and hugged me. The look on her, the look of admiration and determination filled her. I can tell, she wanted in.

"May I join the effort? I may not be able to be must help, but I can learn, I can adapt. Please, allow me to serve..."

I had to put a stop to that right there. In my mind, I needed no one to "serve" me at all!

"WHOA! No serving. You did enough of that when they forced it on you. If you're going to aid the cause, we do it the right way. You help with the work, you get paid as such. Whether it is with coin or knowledge, I can't have anyone be indebted to me without being employed by me. If you still want to aid the cause, I'm all for it."

"Allow me a chance at revenge against the humans that did this! I want to work for you, but I also want vengeance."

"Oh, you're not the only one looking to skullfuck the corpses of these fuckers."

Selira looked at me and then back at her. The look of confusion on the girl's face was amusing, yet justified. She wasn't used to slang.

"What is a skullfuck and who are fuckers?"

"Oh... Ok. So, do you know what they did to you, personally?."

"Regretfully..."

"I'm going to do that to their fucking faces and skulls. Thus, skullfucking and fuckers is anyone who makes our lives miserable and unnecessarily harder than it needs to be."

"Then fuck them!"

"That's the spirit."

The heartwarming meeting was interrupted by Selira, now frantically waving her arms and pointing towards the road.

"Boss, we have contact in twenty lengths. I suggest that we get the samples and move."

"You don't have to tell me twice."

"I don't have a name. I was born to slavery."

"Ok. Milve is your name. We can come with a new one once we return home."

"I like Milve. Can I keep the name?"

"Yep."

The gang and I quickly got a few bodies, the water samples and with great speed, we left to head home. As we got in, Relena greeted us and recloaked the hut. Milve got a glance at the place and was already looking to tinker with anything that she could get her hands on. A refreshing pace from the frantic one a few minutes prior.

"I like this place."

"Welcome home, Milve."

Milve cried a tad before wiping her eyes with resolve. I liked her look.

"Boss, allow me to be your assistant. Selira should be able to navigate us and I should be at your side to help collect and fight. Again, I want revenge, but to do that, I need your help."

"Without question. Relena, designate Milve here as Head Manager and 1st Assistant."

Affirmative. Employee Milve will be designated as the 1st Assistant to the Owner and Head manager of the Main Branch

"Looking at expansion before fixing our first problem?"

"Not at all. Once the problem is solved, we'll need controls and a SOP to maintain the status quo."

"I might need to be educated on what is going on."

Don't worry, Assistant Milve. I'll develop a training program that will assist you in assisting the Owner.

"That's a relief. Boss, what's your name?"

"My name? Just call me Boss or if you need my name, Boa is the name."

"Thank you, boss."

"No problem. We got work to do, let's get ready for another rough afternoon."

With salutes from everyone, the afternoon started....