I was in a strange mood... we were well, who knows how deep underground we were now. I felt somewhat uncomfortable with that fact... at the same time, this was an opportunity of a lifetime. If I managed to learn something... that was even close to how that Shadow moved. Damn, I would feel like a [King]... I knew that there would be a catch to it, being sold and all. But did freedom mean anything to me at this point?

Being free to do anything, yet unable to do anything... or having no freedom but no longer being useless? Potentially becoming someone strong? And we had yet to learn the job of a [Slave]... Will we have no freedom, or will it only be restricted? I didn't know.

I was free my whole life, and yet... I was restricted to the three streets in a ruined village. So the whole concept of freedom somewhat eluded me. Yes, it wasn’t a nice place, it was scary too… but if we received food, and even got to keep these beds? And still, sleep in them?

The cheerful atmosphere of the room didn't help, it was somewhat infectious... with the usually silent beggars back at that village--- changing to this? There was no longer an uncertain goal, relying on luck with the Awakening, yes there would be still luck involved from what we knew.

But now we were their property... and we were betting that well, they wouldn't just throw us away if our Class turned out to be useless. And seeing how 'nobles' from our previous village were never chased out, or abandoned because of a useless class? That meant that even if they didn't have luck... there would still be a way.

I didn't know if it was possible to change a class after Awakening, or how they did it, but if there was a way I was certain that people like [Slaver] Ron or Shadow would know more about it, it only depended if they wanted to tell us.

I was interrupted by a loud cheer. I felt somewhat annoyed, I scanned the room looking for the guy that was making a ruckus. Seeing who it was… I just facepalmed and slumped back onto the bed.

Fifteen was lying on his bed with a hand pumping towards the ceiling, cheering even trying to sing something. But seeing how it wasn’t working, he decided to make a speech.

"We shall feast like [Kings] today! Why do you not cheer friends, we were finally granted mercy! The gods finally looked our way!"

Eleven and Seven were somewhat similar, their reactions almost mirrored. They were somewhat tempted to join Fifteen. Eleven spoke somewhat hesitantly.

"We would, but it's all so sudden... we haven't yet processed it all. What do [Kings] even eat, or how do they eat?"

Seven jumped in. "I know that [King] is a person at the top, but what else comes with that?"

Fifteen just cut them off. He was annoyed at how hesitant they were.

"Who cares! We have a house, it's clean! We shall be served food! It's time to enjoy, not think. Don't ruin the moment!."

Two was getting annoyed at this point, at the monkey shouting. He wasn’t feeling comfortable… being locked in a room, somewhere underground.

"Shut the fuck up! If you're happy, be happy. Don't yell here like an idiot."

Fifteen recoiled, flabbergasted he stared at Two. It took him a while to come up with something, before puffing out his chest.

"What a mood killer, sheesh. You need to relax man!" Looking around, for someone that would support him, and seeing no one, Fifteen somewhat deflated. "Fine whatever, you really know how to ruin someone's mood."

The way that Fifteen acted... like the wronged party, was pretty impressive. Knowing that well, to some extent we were stuck together for who knows how long... this wasn't a good start. But I knew what side to pick, at least it was the side with less stupid people.

Silence resumed, as we were waiting for food, and I was actually curious to see if they would have anything else to tell us. Like what do we actually do?

________

Ron was happy, they had finally arrived no more sleepless nights, no more riding horses. He should have brought a carriage. But that damned [Assassin], was against it... saying something about how with war starting, they had no time to waste. One more reason to hate his guts. But Shadow was useful and Ron was happy to just be back, and the amount of the [Slaves] made it even better.

It was a shame that they didn't have female [Slaves] in here... but it’s either all men or all women. Or there comes to a conflict… inner strife, and [Servants] are there well, to serve and not create drama. Well, they all were competent, leaving them to do their thing Ron continued to his personal chambers to take a bath and well, see what they were going to do with the [Slaves].

Ron would need to check if he had enough [Slave] collars, if not could he get more? They were always in high demand... and with his reputation, it would be rather hard for him to get his hands on any extras.

Or if he did, it would cost him too much, maybe he could let the smallest [Slaves] go without it? And just separate them from the rest... while beating them into obedience? Before collars, that was the way of training [Slaves], and it was actually much cheaper than buying those collars.

It was a tempting idea, but he would need to ask Shadow for his opinion, Shadow will be in charge of their training anyways unless Clark managed to learn fast.... he might be even close to evolving his class soon. And variety might push him over that point.

Arriving back to his personal quarters, it felt nice... Ron missed his room. And he was smart enough to get the bathroom enchanted. With the [Servants] occupied, Ron would have to wait for them to finish their orders. Then wait for them to fetch water for his bath. But now? He would just press the side of the bathtub... and the thing would automatically fill itself, with the previously set temperature.

Every time he bathed… his respect towards [Enchanters] grew. The sheer amount of little things, that enchants made so much easier. Was amazing.

As he finished and was coming out of the bathroom. There was a knock on the door. He went towards his closet, taking his time to pick the clothes that he wanted to wear. Deciding on a comfortable pair of red pants and a sleeveless shirt. He turned towards the door.

“Come in”

A second after, the [Head Servant] came in. He did a slight bow.

"Master Ron, we are done with organizing the [Slaves]. Your food and Mr. Shadows’ is being prepared. Do you want to dine in your chambers, or in the main room?"

He hasn't changed a bit... maybe he leveled a bit? Ron couldn't tell. Clark was a tall lean man, if his face was a bit prettier, Ron would have sold him off, but he was satisfied. Clark did his job well, and Ron had yet to be dissatisfied with his abilities. That mattered more to Ron than some quick profit. Leaving his estate often, required him to have competent [Servants].

Thinking of what Clark asked him... he didn't feel like leaving his room at the moment.

"My room,"

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Clark nodded.

"Yes, Master Ron. As for [Slaves], they'll receive fresh bread with some meat that we had leftover, would you like us to give them something to drink, except water?"

The [Slaves] had yet to prove useful, and giving them too much at the start? Ron wasn’t about to do that. So he waved his hand dismissively.

"No, that's fine, I'm thinking to let you assist in training them. Maybe Shadow would be happy to teach you and have some extra help. I assume you're close to leveling?"

Clark seemed to brighten up with the offer, and Ron couldn’t blame him.

"Yes Master Ron, I think I'll be able to get a new class soon... that's close to a [Butler]. Of course, I will be asking for your approval... and opinion on the class.” Pausing to think Clark continued. “About training new slaves, I have never done it, but if I had someone instruct me in the correct ways of doing so and me learning... wouldn’t make an issue to you. I would be more than happy to learn."

Ron was happy to hear that, even though he was somewhat happy to make Shadow work. He would feel much more comfortable if Shadow didn’t have to do anything that was related to his business.

Remembering the [Thugs] Ron sighed… another thing that he had to worry about. Even though they might come in handy, he would have felt better… with them gone.

"About the [Thugs], get them all something more expensive... just to lower their guard and put some sleeping drugs... medium level ones, just to make sure. After they’re out cold, get them all into a separate room with a cage... we'll be using them later. Just treat them as [Slaves] after they wake up, same food and same treatment. Make sure to take their items beforehand though.”

Pausing to consider, Ron continued.

“We'll probably need to use some collars on them... damn. Whatever, we will need them to stay in shape. But if they cause a raucous, just tell Shadow."

As Ron finished, he walked towards his chair and slumped down. He had a lot on his plate, and dinner wasn’t even served. Seeing as Clark was still there, Ron just waved him off. Wanting some quiet time.

Clark bowed his head as he turned and left.

Now, Ron had to organize it all, he didn’t have the luxury of forgetting stuff... now that even his life was on the line--- with Shadows loyalty being compromised. Even here, in his room, Ron doubted that he could take him on. And hiring someone who could help him out? Would only bring more attention to himself. And he highly doubted that Shadow wouldn't notice.

So, all he could do is wait. And with a knife above his head... It would be a long wait.

________

Even though the estate was much smaller, than most that he saw... the interior, paintings, the quality of the light orbs--- being much cheaper. Shadow had to give it to the man, even though Ron was the lowest on the ranking of the [Slavers], he knew how to live. The estate had everything, enchants were on point... servants organized. Shadow guessed that he took care of them or well... the way that he used their collars was much more efficient than the others.

The only issue he could see was the lack of staff. Having only a few [Servants] and some [Cooks]. Shadow didn’t approve of that.

Shadow had to report to Guild Master, now that he was back... and with the number of the [Slaves]. He had a feeling that his wish to end this job wouldn’t come to be. Seeing how he was sent here a few weeks before their excursion. The Guild Master probably somehow… already expected a big amount of [Slaves]?

Shadow removed his coat throwing it onto the bed, as he entered the room. He checked if anyone messed with it, seeing no traces. He sat on the bed next to the coat, activating one of the many enchanted items that he possessed. This one being a bracelet, it looked cheap made of thin metal, and stuck close to his skin so that it wouldn’t make noise as he moved.

To untrained people who had no experience in magic, or enchants it would be impossible to notice the ripple as a barrier formed, just large enough to cover his entire body. It made sure that no one could overhear what he was saying.

He still wasn't certain about it, so Shadow never risked it. Using something like that in a public place... wasn't worth the risk.

Twisting a ring, on his right hand. This one actually looked nice, silver band with a red jewel on top that gleamed when it was used. And the only way of reaching out to him. Though not many could recognize it, probably no one except people under the Guild Master. The ring represented proof of his affiliation with the Guild Master. He felt proud of having it.

Shadow spoke into the air, basically telling them what happened and his current location. Setting the ring in its previous position he waited. Guild Master was a busy man, and Shadow doubt that the report would reach him today, but he must have ordered someone to respond... with orders for each outcome, except maybe for this one. Seventeen slaves were probably unprecedented, for a single trip their age too.

After a few minutes came the reply. Twisting the ring in a different direction--- a voice came out.

"Good job young Shadow, we shall forward the report to the Guild Master. So I would suggest staying there until we hear a response from him. I'm sure he will be pleased."

The voice was old, Shadow guessed it was one of the [Managers]. Thinking back… how he actually thought that the Guild Master himself would respond… he felt stupid. It was his first missing after all.

Shadow tried to consult himself, but it wasn’t working. Now, he was stuck here. And he doubted he would have a different assignment anytime soon. He needed to find something to do in the meantime… thinking of the [Slaves], he was pretty certain that Ron would ask him to train them. And that might be just enough, for him to have some fun.

After he finishing what he had to do, Shadow planned to just relax for the day. Turning off the bracelet, he lied down... and as he did so Shadow noticed that he still had the rest of his clothes on.

Smelling himself, he grimaced… he had to take a bath as well.

Better get on with it then, at least Ron had water runes. It still surprised him, how much wealth Ron invested in those things. But it at least made the whole stay more enjoyable.

________

As Clark finished his talk with Master Ron, he went to the kitchen to informing the [Cooks] of the change of plans. Picking the poison on the way.

As Clark entered, everyone was busy making sure that the food for two Masters was perfect, he went on and gave them more tasks.

Most of the [Cooks] cursed him, some even wanted to throw stuff at him, but they held back not wanting to ruin the already done work.

Done with that Clark whistled as he left the kitchen, he closed the door behind him. He was in a good mood, having an opportunity to level, and even get trained by Shadow? That made him stop.

He still had to go to Shadow, and see where he wanted to eat. Or if he had any other instructions or requests.

But damn something about that man just scared him. Shadow had just recently joined them, someone from the top probably sent him. And seeing that even Master Ron didn't antagonize him, Clark concluded that he must be a formidable person.

Before he could knock on the door, Clark heard Shadow’s voice.

"What do you want?"

Clark tried not to react, or let it show on his face... that it scared him, not knowing if Shadow could see him. He tried to calm down. Before he spoke. Deciding to bow his head not knowing if Shadow could see him, and not wanting to offend him.

Clark proceeded to informed Shadow about Ron’s orders. To what Shadow replied.

"Sure, bring the food to my room as well, if some of the [Thugs] manage to stay awake. Even with the poison, just smack them a few times."

"Yes, Master Shadow." Clark straightened, turned, and left.

He was glad that it was over. He could feel the sweat on his palms.

_______

As the food arrived, the awkward atmosphere in our new room lifted, as the amount of food was more than enough to feed us all, even the grumpy Two cheered up.

"I told you that we'll be eating like [Kings]!"

Fifteen declared. He was looking proud. From what it seemed, he liked being right.

"Whatever, shut up and eat." Two snapped back.

Someone knew how to annoy people, I thought to myself. But I had to agree with him. The bread was warm, even tastier than the [Bakers]. And the meat? It didn't even taste like the meat that I was used to having. It was spicy, salty even without salt from the bread. You didn't even have to chew it for long... it was so good.

And the lack of bones in it? It made it so easy to eat. You could actually take mouthfuls at a time. It was heaven on a plate.

After the initial few words between Fifteen and Two, everyone was stuffing their faces. Not wanting to stop and talk.

After I was done, I just collapsed on my back. And soon fell asleep, if they talked about something. I didn't hear anything.