Dante followed Jack in a daze. Once again, the man clamped one giant hand over his shoulder and pulled him along. His heart beat in his chest like a bird in an upended cage.

This can’t be happening! What did I do to deserve this? I committed no crime. What kind of people would force an innocent into the front lines of a war? The answer presented itself to him as he looked back to see his fellow passengers shuffle off into other trenches with a variety of gaits. And in one case, carried.

The same monsters who would see them return to the front lines.

He was so distracted by rapid-fire thoughts that he almost didn't notice that these trenches were different from the one he had hidden in. For one, it led underground and appeared formed full form from the living stone. Pipes of varying sizes and materials ran along the sides of the tunnel. Which was impressive given that the trench was nearly five times wider at this point. Space that was desperately needed as it was crowded by soldiers hurrying to and fro, oftentimes burdened with crates or sacks. It was lit by lanterns which cast a warm reddish glow, which gave everything a slightly sinister cast.

I may have underestimated their technology, some of this looks complicated. He would have loved to inspect it longer, but he was ... distracted.

Dante managed to leave a small trail of gawkers as some of the soldiers stopped and inspected him as if he were some strange animal that wandered into their midst. It was uncomfortable and he struggled not to feel self-conscious. He certainly wasn't at his best. Though neither are they, he thought, wrinkling his nose. The whole place stunk of sweat and waste.

This is going to become a regular thing, isn’t it?

That was a rather distressing proposition. In the types of places that he had lived, catching this much notice meant that you were someone’s mark. It was also a matter of personal preference, he preferred to be in the background.

Perhaps I can find some hair dye? I am almost certain that they don’t have contacts, but I wasn’t planning on looking at anyone anyway.

As he was pondering the problem, they began to pass side passages that lead to large chambers of varying shapes and purposes. He saw dormitories, mess halls, and even an open-air park. It was extensive and he was wondering just how many people lived here when his attention was diverted by one room that was markedly different from the others.

From that room, poured out a veritable rainbow of light and he felt an odd pressure emanating from it. It was similar to what the women had projected but weaker and less imperious. If Dante had to give a comparison, it would be like the difference between being crushed in a giant's hand versus sitting underneath a waterfall. It was a matter of ... intent?

As they walked past the room's entrance Dante peaked inside inside to see were nine robed and hooded figures positioned equidistance around a circle. Between them was a mess of multicolored threads splayed in three dimensions. In the middle of the room, all of the threads over together to form a familiar pillar of light. That was all he had time to observe before he was whisked away.

So this is where the barrier is created. Well, at least one of many. If he recalled, there were at least hundreds of strands involved. This must be some kind of support or staging area. Now this would be a zone I wouldn’t mind staying in. Alas, that hope seemed to be for naught as ahead of them the tunnel ended and the pair passed back into the open to a more familiar sight.

It was similar to the first trench Dante had sheltered in, though still wider than what he remembered. The crowd thinned substantially here and those that were around seemed ... more of a scholarly sort. They wore white robes and seemed to bear no burdens aside from small knapsacks or books. Off in the distance, he could hear a strange sound.

First, there was a ground-shaking THRUM followed an instant later by a crack that was not dissimilar to the sound of a gunshot but far more … weighty. Dante flinched and nearly dove for the ground but when he looked around no one else seemed concerned. Barely half a minute later it happened again, louder this time and he had to clap his hands over his ears. This helped a bit for the next one.

I guess this is a regular occurrence around here? Whatever it is, it doesn’t seem dangerous at least.

In a semi-regular rhythm, the noise would repeat at varying volumes. Sometimes it was a whisper and other times it was like before. He was a little concerned because the noisier ones were getting even louder. Also, he swore that he could feel a breeze every time the noise occurred. Dante waited for the next occurrence and when it happened he focused on the wind.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

There it was! There had been a definite movement in the air almost as if something has sucked the air forward. What all of this meant? He had no idea.

I am sure it is caused by magic and it’s likely on these people’s side.

They turned down a smaller corridor, barely enough space for two to walk side by side. They traveled down that for some time and the mysterious sound was getting quieter again, though it never quite faded away. Eventually, they reached trenches that were identical to those he had traveled before. His pulse quickened and he focused on taking calming breaths. Save for the fact that they were full of people now. They were widely spaced, perhaps one soldier every dozen paces.

They wielded a truly diverse range of arms and armor, some of which he recognized and some he didn’t. He even saw one man wielding a pitchfork. The only commonality between them was that they all wore the same base uniform that he was currently wearing. Occasionally, one of them would step up to the fire step and lose some manner of ranged weaponry through the machicolations at some target out of sight. Invariably, another soldier would step up next to them wielding a shield and looking poised to act.

The atmosphere here was different from the previous two trench lines. Strained, like a thread about to be cut. There was no laughter or talk to be heard here.

Dante kept looking up into the clouds, trying to see if he could see any of the volatile spells that nearly killed him the last time he was here. Fortunately, he saw no sign of anything like that. Perhaps they only used them during pitched battles?

Jack continued to lead Dante on and he wondered just where there was left to go. Certainly not the no man's land itself? Right as that thought crossed his mind, Jack suddenly stopped and Dante nearly ran into him. “You are seriously living up to your name Jack …” he mumbled and looked up. He froze as he saw a familiar figure facing away from them.

Pitch black armor that seemed to consume all light save for the pinpricks of light that resided in its depths, an oversized tower shield, and a blade that nearly appeared like a missing chunk of the world. An ominous figure taken together. However, to him, it was the form of his savior.

Finally, some luck! If I am meant to brave the depths of this hell, it might as well be with them.

Jack cleared his throat, a sound that somehow managed to be heard over the constant din, and the night-cloaked warrior turned to face them. Their gaze flicked over to him, but Dante saw no recognition in those ruby eyes. On the other hand, they seemed to brighten up when they caught sight of Jack. Of course, they did.

Dante tried not to sulk as the pair chatted amicably. At least he had determined the gender of his savior, as the voice that came out of the armor was decidedly female. It was a strong, authoritative voice that he could tell was the result of many hours barking orders.

Eventually, Jack gestured at him, said something, and then the warrior went silent. The next she spoke, it was with furious heat and Dante’s stomach dropped. The argument raged for a while, with Jack remaining cold and the woman growing increasingly angry. Eventually, the dispute seemed to reach a peak. The woman spit one last furious retort, threw up her hands, and stalked away.

Thanks Jack, that went well. Just when I was hoping that I would find one friendly face in this land.

Dante stumbled as he was shoved forward and he turned his furious gaze back on the perpetrator. Jack simply inclined his chin towards the retreating woman. He got the message.

What is it with everyone getting physical with me? Do I just have some sort of sign on me that screams ‘Abuse me’ or something?

He hastened to catch up to the woman and fell alongside her. She didn’t even acknowledge him. Jack may have messed things up, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t try to fix it. Since they couldn’t understand each other he should try and keep it simple.

“Umm, hi?”

No response.

“My name is Dante,” He pointed at himself, “Dante.”

Still nothing, but he couldn't quit now. He pointed at her.

“Name?”

Silence fell between them he was about to give up when she finally spoke up in a terse tone.

“Sūnva Māno”

Well, at least that wasn’t a complete failure. Sūnva Māno huh? I owe a debt to you and I always pay back my debts.

Sūnva stopped and picked up something that was lying against the trench wall, then turned and pressed it against his chest. He looked down to see that it was a wooden shovel. When he looked back he saw that she had walked over to one of the regular short-length trenches and was gesturing for him to follow. When he had, he saw that it was mostly filled with mud and rubble. One other man was digging there and he was depositing the dirt in a hand-drawn cart. She pointed at that man, then Dante, and then mimed digging. He nodded, that was easy to interpret.

Well, might as well get to it. If I show that I am a hard worker then perhaps I might earn some respect or leeway. Dante began striding forward and took a place beside the man, who looked up curiously. Dante gave him a nod and, after gawking at him for a second, the man returned it. It seemed some gestures survived interdimensional travel. Dante let the shovel bite into the dirt and pleasantly noted that it sunk in easily. There was nothing worse than dry and rocky soil when it came to digging.

All things considered, I guess this isn’t so bad. Discounting the whole being forced to do this part. He threw a clump of earth over his shoulder into the cart. Can’t mess this up and it’s easy enough work. Dante grunted as he moved a sizable rock. At least no one is trying to kill me. I probably don’t have to worry about food either. Another shovelful.

[Menial Labor] has advanced to 4.

Well, would you look at that?