[Elizabeth’s PoV]
*Sigh*
It’s been four days since we left that massacre behind at the doors. The only good that came out of that was Gerald losing the Demonic Fox girl, none of those who were left alive returned, we assume they are dead. Sadly, the higher ups don’t like uncertainties. After we returned and gave our report, we were ordered to stay within the city, not allowed to leave until we’ve been investigated. Sighing once again, I finish the drink in my hands and look out the window towards the slums. Flashing past my eyes is the look that the silver haired girl, Number 14, gave us before running into the forest with Number 32…it was filled with hatred and bloodlust. I couldn’t blame her either, with how humanity treats her kind I wouldn’t blame her for wanting to kill us if given the kind.
Standing up and reaching for some more whisky, I pour myself another drink. It’s boring being stuck indoors all day, even though I can go out I generally avoid doing so. Because of my fathers research on mind controlling hybrids, our family was praised by the council and the nobles. However, the moment I started asking for better conditions for the hybrids, I was disowned from my family, and pushed to living in the lower levels, near the walls to the hybrids. I wouldn’t mind but I can’t go into the slums to help or give them care, as it’s outlawed and would end with me jailed. I suspect there is a reason they don’t want to give the hybrids better conditions, since we already sacrifice them for our so called safety there shouldn’t be a problem giving them some food and shelter, right?
Well, when we returned and reported that we lost all fifty hybrids assigned to us, the council was not happy. Their greatest fear is the hybrids finding out about level 10 and onwards, as from then on you gain a substantial increase in strength, sense and intelligence. The next increase came from being level 15, when you get even more strength. Level 20 is likely the same, but the nobles and council keep that as confidential information. They fear that a group of hybrids will discover this after escaping Crater and come seeking revenge. I can’t say I blame them, a group of high level pissed off hybrids that can form release would likely cause massive damage to our society, if they don’t wipe all of us out completely. Treating them with a bit of kindness might’ve given us some leeway to talk down potential hybrid threats, a little late for that if any of the escaped hybrids from our batch do end up wanting revenge.
As I sit down about to start drinking again, I hear a knock on the door. Sighing and putting my glass down, I stumble slightly towards the door. Opening the door, I see a young boy with a mailbag slung around his neck, holding out a letter. Grabbing the letter, I thank him, give him a coin and return to my table. Lighting the lantern, I check the letter and see the seal on the back, a crown with five jewels embedded on it, the symbol of the council who are above the nobles in rank. Opening the contents, I read the contents.
“Miss Elizabeth,
Report to the Council within one hour of receiving this letter to discuss recent matters involving the Mutated Dimensional Dungeon, Cerberus’s Domain, and to give a statement on the events that took place that lead to the massacre of hybrids. Failure to report to the council will result in punishment.“
Seriously, a summons to the council at this time? Getting up, I quickly change to my formal clothing, a simple robe, stitched on the back is a portrait of Crater without the slums and on the front top right is my name, and under it my citizen number. Unlike the hybrid numbers, we are given a number on our 10th birthday as a formal registration to Crater and is used for official business. Tying my hair back into a ponytail, I leave my house and start walking under the moonlight. Thanks to a force we don’t understand, monsters do not approach the city, or anywhere within 200 metres of the slums.
Walking down the street, I see children out walking around playing and chasing each other happily. They would not learn of the dangers of the world until their 15th birthdays, when they are given formal training and a career choice. Becoming a monster hunter such as myself is seen as a lowly profession, but one that is necessary since we need food and materials. I joined the monster hunters after being disowned by my family in an attempt to give better treatment to the hybrids, and as it turns out that was a mistake, no one cares what I say, I could only treat the hybrids under me better, like not killing them when they became “useless”. I did however have to execute those who reached level 9 by force due to the laws.
Walking further in and past the houses and shops, I reach a building that sits on the border of the wall further into Crater. Past this wall are the farms, and past the farms is another wall, then the nobles land. Having never been that far myself, I could only wonder what was there, since the nobles never came down here. The council too resides in the noble section, however in certain circumstances they would come down to the building I’m standing in. Built like a courthouse, it is usually used for trials, and in cases like the summons I’ve received, usually a high level meeting. Walking in, and giving my letter to the receptionist, I’m led down a corridor to the waiting room, lit by lanterns on the wall. Within, I see Gerald, Ryan and the other handlers from that day. Ignoring the group, while they ignore me, I sit away from them and patiently wait for our group to be called up.
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After waiting ten minutes, the receptionist came back and guided us to the main room doors. As the guards opened the door, we were announced.
“Monster hunting group 478 have arrived, my Lords.”
Gesturing for us to come in, we stand at attention in front of the five hooded councilmen. No one knows their identities, presumably to protect themselves against noblemen, since even the System does not show their names or levels.
[Level Hidden, Hidden]
Rumour has it there is a skill that can be used to disguise their levels and names, another says it’s the hoods that have the effect. Since the System says it is hidden it means that a method was discovered to prevent others from prying. As we stand for another minute, the councilman in the middle speaks.
“We have read the report provided by Gerald. We wish to confirm the truth of what is stated here. Elizabeth, please provide the truth of what occurred four days ago word for word. We will know if any untruths are spoken, speak.”
Taking a step forward, placing a hand over my heart and giving a slight bow and holding this position, I speak the details of what occurred that day with no emotion or biases. I was unaware that a report was filed in the first place, and done by Gerald of all people. I’m surprised he could even write, and a report would not be done by us but by our coordinator. Unable to see Gerald’s face, I have a feeling that I was left out of some sort of discussion on what to talk about in this meeting, and perhaps I was chosen to speak based on this.
Finishing my report, I step back and release the bow I held. For a few minutes, we are quiet while the councilmen spoke about what we could only guess was the contents of both the written report and the one provided by me. Feeling a glare on me, I keep my head straight, not moving, since the councilmen demanded our respect to not move. After ten minutes of them discussing the reports, they finally turn to us, with the councilmen in the middle speaking once again.
“Gerald, step forward.”
Seeing Gerald stepping forward from the corner of my eye, I see he looks angry and scared. Ah, so he did write a false report after all. Idiot. They would’ve found out either way.
“Gerald of the House Crolock, the report you filed contains many falsehoods. You stated here that upon arriving at the mutated dungeon the hybrids started attacking each other when you claimed there was no safe way to bring them back to Crater. You also stated that you personally witnessed all hybrids die at the hands of each other, with a few finished off by their handlers. You did not inform us of the Demonic Fox nor Number 14 escaping into the forest. You did not inform us that you allowed just under half the hybrids to live. Even though the probability is high that they were killed by monsters in the surrounding areas, we can not ignore that you left out a potential threat to our society in your report.”
Seeing more fear creeping up on Gerald’s face, he turned and pointed at me.
“My Lord, this wench has forgotten her place and given you a false report about the events that unfolded, she sympathises for the hybrids and is motivated to ensure some of them escape. I ask of you my Lords to punish her for giving you a false report.”
Seeing three others in the group nodding, including Ryan, I remain silent and don’t move my eyes or face. I simply remained stationary, awaiting for the councilmen to speak.
“You do not understand Gerald of House Crolock. Elizabeth did not hide nor tell any falsehoods in her statement, we can tell, do not question us. You on the other hand have committed a crime against our society. We are the last stronghold of humanity, allowing these hybrids to escape our control gives rise to a potential threat that we must overcome. We will send out a hunting team to pursue them, and if any are found alive, you will be held responsible. Ryan of House Nor, John of House Twen and Lee of House Bon, please step forward.”
Seeing the three that nodded in agreement pale, they stepped forward, keeping their heads down.
“You three are complicit along with Gerald of House Crolock and thus will share the same punishment. You will be sent to the underground prison cells for six months, with a further three months working the farms. If any hybrids are found alive, your punishment will be escalated to include the loss of your dominant hand and the corresponding eye. If any hybrids that escaped are noted to be a threat or kill any of the hunters we send out, execution is possible. The rest of you, learn from this. If you need to leave hybrids behind, kill them, do not use or risk using them for your entertainment. You all may leave, Elizabeth, stay behind.”
Stepping forward as the others left, Gerald and the others escorted by the guards waiting, I waited for the place to be emptied and to be spoken to.
“Elizabeth, for your honesty, we will be assigning you to the Elite team that will be clearing the mutated dungeon. This is an opportunity for you to restore your name and honour. Do not let us down. Meet the team in three days at the walls before dawn, you may leave.”
“Thank you my Lords.” Bowing once more, I turn and leave the chambers. Sighing with relief, I passed the group I came in with who were giving me death stares. A sight I was used to, I just continued on my way. Stepping out of the building, I look over towards the slums once again. New handlers will be appointed to the group and another batch of hybrids given to us, however it would take some time, I estimate about two or three months until we would be ready to head out. The Elite squad I’m assigned to for now has three hybrids, the only hybrids that were successful from my fathers research, and the only ones higher than level 12. Sighing once again, I can’t help but look forward to the drink I left abandoned at home. Walking quickly, I started to consider what I would need for the mutated dungeon.