Noname, once his mind finally came back to awareness, concluded he hated these people, and no, he was not being dramatic.

A person had to have a line from which they would not stand any more abuse. His, which he found very reasonable, was having his own body ripping itself apart, only for it to be healed the very next second. Then, because why not? Have the pattern repeat a couple dozen times.

Could they have had the decency to perform normal torture and let him die?

‘No!’ He shouted in his mind. ‘We have to be creative with self-inflicting and healing wounds, and don’t get me started with this headache.’

Oh, the headache. It was like someone shoved a rock into his skull; now his brain and it were fighting for space, and the former was losing badly.

Then there was all the noise, endless amounts of it. 'Why?’ He thought. ‘Why have the women not sung yet? In fact, why does it sound like adults are crying instead of infants?'

He stopped rubbing his temples, and forced open his eyes.

If it weren’t for the fact that this wasn’t his first life, and he’d experienced and seen bizarre things before. He wouldn’t have believed the sight before him. On every slab was an adult, clothed and acting like children. It finally made him take note, that he too wasn’t a child, given he’d propped himself up to look around.

Gazing at his arms, hands, legs, even padded paws. He could see he was fully grown, same as the rest of the man-children around him. With it came a body fully covered in fur; it was a dull gold, with areas tinted in silver. Rubbing his face, he discovered he’d grown a mane, which covered most of his head and traveled down his back. More importantly though, was the glowing veins running down the length of his arms, the light partially hidden under his soft fur.

He was about to investigate more, however, his brain decided it was time for additional stabs of sweat-inducing pain.

The intensity of it caused him to freeze, and stare absently at the stone table he was resting on. The continued screams only added to the feeling of needles puncturing his mind.

He did what all men do in times of extreme pain. He curled into a ball; head held in his hands, and did his best to cover his large ears. Eventually, by the god's will, the pain would go away, and he would bring down righteous vengeance upon the wicked souls around him. Or quickly find a place to hide from these psychopaths.

As he thought this, a hum went out. But unlike before, there was only a single voice that echoed. It brought bliss, soothed the pain.

He instantly relaxed and rolled to his side, trying to go back to sleep, and hoping he could reach the comforts of his dream. Sadly, this song also seemed to be forcing him awake, its bliss imbued with bursts of energy that made him restless. Denied his means of mental escape, Noname forced himself up to see what was going on.

What he saw was like all things here, interesting, and troubling.

A single man, thinner than any he’d seen so far, and covered in gold fur which encompassed all his body. A fact he knew, because the man before him was barely clothed at all. There was just enough around the waste to hide his modesty. The rest of him was decorated with armbands, ear-piercings, and rings. all of which were made of gold, and encrusted gems. Yet even behind all that dazzle of wealth, what really drew Noname’s eyes, was the man’s veins. They were glowing the same color as the runes, his eyes as well. It made them very striking, with their large pulsating orbs of light, encompassed within the blackness of bestial eyes.

When this, obvious nobleman, finally stopped his humming, the glow in his eyes and veins diminished; though he was still a walking lantern.

Freed from the pain, and now the soothing touch of the song. Noname became instinctively aware of how long he been staring, and quickly shifted his gaze downward.

The reason for this was twofold. One, it was getting a little awkward staring at another man scantly clothed, with neither of them saying a word. And two, those in charge, at least those Noname had served; found offence when their underlings looked them in the eyes. And right now, that was the last thing Noname wanted to earn, for this man seemed rather upset, given the growing scowl marring his face.

Noname didn’t want to start off his new life already making enemies with people who could be in charge. So, he kept his head down, and surveyed the area with his peripheral vision. He found it to be almost equal to his frontal sight. A boon he didn’t question, and gladly used to study his new brothers and sisters.

They… They looked utterly helpless. Majority were staring at everything with mouths slightly ajar, and bug-eyed. Worse there were those that appeared empty minded and aloof to their surroundings, some though, held genuine looks of confusion.

'I suppose I’m fitting in,' he thought, the confused part anyway.

“What was that?!” Bellowed out a voice that had his ears ringing, and his shoulders scrunching up. All focus turned towards the glowing nobleman. Who in turn was facing a large pack of women, all of whom looked both exhausted and terrified.

Relief filled Noname, given he was not the one being yelled at. Though it didn’t last long, since he began to worry the nobleman’s loud rant was going to attract the attention of whatever was outside. Which became oddly mixed with joy, when Noname noticed he could understand the lecture being given.

“Were you all trying to fail? Didn’t I just tell you that it would require more from you, to be prepared?” He kept closing and opening his hands, the glow of his veins increasing. Moments later he was laughing, the kind that meant something bad was going to happen. “You all thought I was joking? Didn’t you!?” His hands were up pointing towards the women, glowing bright. “Oh, you’re all going to be at the very front of the line now, because by the Giver I’m not. Not with the amount of Anima you made me waste maintaining the Cord!”

One of the women took slow steps forward, hands raised to the side of her in a non-threatening manner. “Vernac,” her voice trembling. “Vernac Grand Chanter, defender of those in need, please give us another chance. We were taken by surprise by the sudden pull of the Cord, if you allow, we can help, we can ma—

A great surge of air pressure erupted from the nobleman’s hands, its appearance catching everyone off guard. Noname looked away as the sudden shift caused his ears to pop, and eyes hurt from rapidly moving particles hitting them.

Still even with those distractions, the screams and cries from the women, plus the sounds of moisture striking a hard surface, echoed in his mind.

Part of himself screamed not to look back, to remain blind. But curiosity, and the need to know if he was also in danger, had him ignoring the voice.

The woman who’d dared to speak was missing her top half. Which by the mess, had spread in every direction and caked the women behind her in blood.

Those that had been directly behind the now clearly dead woman, were on the floor themselves. They sobbed and wailed from the harm inflicted upon them. Clean cuts, ones that were deep and bleeding horribly, made his jaw clench. His gaze moved away from the gruesomeness. It snapped back to the person who’d caused the harm, an individual he endeavored never to anger.

The madman's arms were no longer held upright, he seemed too angry to concentrate, given his hands were balled up into fists. “Liars, all of you liars, all of you trying to stab me in the back.” His anger had his face scrunching up, a snarl for all to see as his arms shook. Noname’s fur raised, the madman seemed ready to lash out. Seeing what he could do, Noname took what little precaution he could, and moved. While the madman began to rave about punishments, and not to be taken lightly. Noname climbed off his slab of rock and hid behind it. Not the bravest thing, he knew. But when faced with a man who could perform magic, bravery became a meaningless trait.

Increased shouts had him stiffen, his senses waiting for another abrupt shift in pressure. Yet none came, only ravings. Slowly, and reluctantly, Noname peered over the lip of the slab and looked at the madman once more. The dangerous individual looked ready to burst. His face was covered in feral lines, his body shaking with rage, while he pointed and screamed at the women cowering before him.

Noname readied for another blow to come, for the rest of the women to be splattered across the floor. Instead, the enraged Spellcaster snapped shut his mouth and closed his eyes. At the same time his arms were forced downward, and hands curled into fists so tight that Noname heard knuckles pop. The loud echoes of promised punishments were replaced with constrained hissing.

Slowly the madness that had taken the caster ebbed, the light of his veins dimming.

Though his posture relaxed after a few seconds, Noname could see he was still livid, any additional annoyance would set him off again.

“Soulless to me,” the madman said while rubbing his temples. The guards arrived promptly, and to their credit, they only appeared alarmed for a moment once the dead woman came into view.

That reaction caused alarms to go off in Noname’s mind, while he watched guards compose themselves. Either the men were very well trained, or the situation was a common occurrence. His heart sank a little at the prospect that it was probably the latter.

An imposing guard, compared to the others, stepped near and kneeled to their psychotic leader. His armor made him stand out, since it covered most of his body, and was made of thicker plates. There was also the spear he held; its entire surface covered in glowing symbols.

“Grand Chanter.” His voice shockingly low, for even as the most imposing, he could still have passed as a woman in Noname’s eyes. “Are you well? We can fetch refreshments if the cord took more than expected.” He paused, quickly glancing at the Chanter’s face, who’s eyes were closed as he continued rubbing his temples. “The tunnels are still secure, if you wish, we can retreat and recoup in a more private setting.”

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“Yes, yes we’ll do that, but first,” the Spellcaster gestured with his hand in the direction of the women. “I’d like you to have some of your men take these Maids to the front.” The Spellcaster stared down at the kneeling guard, his eyes glowing menacingly. “The very front.”

The guard didn’t show any emotion on his face, merely nodded. “As you command, they will be put to blessed use,” he eyed them. “One way or another."

Hearing the words, the nobleman smiled, and made his way to one of the entrances.

“Good,” he commented taking a few more steps before stopping. The caster turned his gaze, and for a moment Noname’s and the caster’s met. Naturally Noname quickly looked away, and was tempted to hide completely behind the slab. But he controlled himself, given he was wary that such an act might annoy their leader.

When a person of importance takes the time to gaze at someone, it was best to remain frozen, unless ordered otherwise.

“Have them help you with the Newborns as well, I want them prepared for their stations at the front.” With that the caster left, heading gods knows where, but Noname was sure it would be safe and comfortable.

The leader of the guards got up from his kneeled position. He pointed to some of his underlings, and the chosen followed the madman out.

The guards hurried themselves, even when the caster was gone. An uncomfortable silence hanged in the air as they performed their work. One that ended the moment the lead guard made a hand gesture to his men, followed with a long-drawn-out sigh. One moment cold, the next, guards were coddling women, who were still in a shaken state.

The head guard moved over to them, then knelt and spoke to a woman that looked familiar to Noname. Squinting at her, he realized she had been the one who’d checked on him during his time in a crib.

The head guard placed a hand on her shoulder, attempting to get her attention. The woman appeared lost in thought, and was absentmindedly comforting women who were hugging her.

“What happened worthy?” the head guard asked, worry and concern marking his face. “I haven’t seen the anointed that panicked for Arcs.”

Said woman looked up at him, fear-stricken tears streaming down her face, her voice shaky as she spoke. “I don’t know, oh Giver, I don’t know, everything was fine then…” She stopped, lost in thought, trying to make sense of the situation.

“It was like the life was being sucked out of me,” said one of the women hugging onto the first to speak. “I couldn’t take it, it felt like I was about to die. So, I cut myself off from the cord; others were doing the same."

Both focused on the woman, who shriveled from the unwanted attention. The head woman began looking at the others. “How many of you repeated her action?” The question caused most to gaze at the floor.

“What are you doing Newborn?” Noname nearly yelped, so focused on eavesdropping he failed to notice the guards going around checking on the children.

Turning to face his own guard, Noname rose and tested his new legs for the first time. “J-Just watching out for trouble.” The guard’s demeanor, one of impatience, changed instantly when their eyes met. The guard tensed, his head angled down, and a silence fell over the two of them. Noname remained mostly motionless, as he kept looking at the guard. It was the eyes that had his attention. They had no glowing iris held within, it was pure black, the kind one would see on a rodent. In fact, now that he was aware of it. Noname realized all the guards were the same way, even the head one. A quick glance to verify his memory showed he was right. All the guards had onyx eyes.

“Most diligent of you worthy.” The guard said, pulling Noname’s attention back to him. The guard, his head still pointed down, stepped closer to him, the movements slow and careful. “If you will allow worthy, I will be your guide for the time being.” The guard said offering him a hand and acting very submissive.

It was an abrupt contrast to how other guards were treating the adult infants. But Noname was not one to refuse kindness, even if feigned. He gently took the hand offered to him and smiled back. “I accept,” he said, as the guard moved to his side.

“This way worthy.” The guard said, gesturing to one of the entrances. “We’ll wait there, while my fellows deal with the Newborns.” Noname nodded, and the guard slowly led the way, always remaining close. Likely waiting for him to trip over his own paws or lose balance. Magically changed or not, walking took time getting used to, or should have. But Noname already felt acquainted with the workings of his legs. So, the walk with the guard went by smoothly, unlike everything else happening around him.

Leaning against a wall near the entrance, Noname took in the situation.

While he seemed to have come out of the ritual with his mind intact. Many of the infants had not, they’d been reduced to slack jawed imbeciles that stared absently at nothing. They also reacted very little to any form of interaction, to the guards collective frustration. Regardless of this, they continued their work dividing the now matured infants into groups. Those who didn’t react were dragged off to the opposite end of the room from his position. Those that appeared aware, were being carefully guided to the entrance he was at.

The guards placed the other, Newborns, away from him, and his guide made sure it stayed that way. If a Newborn tried to near, his guide would push them back. Then return to his side, head lowered, ears pressed flat, and hand reaching out to hold his own. Every time he took the offered hand and held it without protest. Since that was the most affection he’d gotten so far, and he didn’t want to cause any trouble. To risk an act that might cause the madman to return, or someone else capable of lethal spells.

So, he stayed quiet while leaning close to his guide and watching the people around him. His gaze was drawn to the women, many of whom were still on the floor being comforted by their fellows or the guards. The latter acted in the same kind nature as his own guide. Heads lowered, ears pressed flat, and demeanors of submission. Still even with all the pampering they were getting, the women were not improving. They continued to be distraught, which in turn made Noname worry.

‘The Front.’ Those two words echoed in his mind; the way the madman had spoken to them left no doubt that it was something to be avoided. Yet he was already assigned to go there, all the Newborns apparently. If it was a dangerous place, which given how everyone was acting, it certainly was. Then he was already in for troubling times.

It appeared his current life might be a short one, and while normally that thought would have given him some comfort. Due to the strangeness of the place, and how he’d been mistreated as a child. But things were different now, he remembered details that made the fact he would be off to another life, not all that ideal. The visions of the past, his misdeeds, had him concerned. What if there was an even worse life awaiting him, with even colder people?

Even with the visions blurred, the message was still blunt. Death, or willing death by his hands, had brought him here.

Suicide.

But how far did that reach?

Would simply following commands and heading towards the front, where there was a chance he could die, count against him? In fact, did any act that meant unwanted death condemn him? Was he to fight for his life, or do everything in his power to avoid danger?

The questions caused him to glance about, and to ponder a musing.

He could try to flee, to escape. But the entire area was made of tunnels, and crowded with people with weapons. Plus, those who could perform spells. That would end poorly, maybe even with death.

Would that also be considered suicide?

Without a firm answer, he was unwilling to act. Meaning he was stuck, and the best he could do right now was make himself appear needed, of use. Perhaps show that he had thoughts swirling around in his head.

“What’s wrong with them?” He asked abruptly, causing the guide to look in his direction. Noname motioned to the growing number of Newborns being placed on the opposite end of the room.

“I am not sure myself, worthy,” the guide answered. “Use will be found for them though, but what was originally entailed can no longer be.”

Noname looked at the damaged Newborns, most of which laid crumpled on the floor where they’d been placed. Compared to the children near him, those far off were not only hampered in the mind, but the body as well. They looked sickly and half starved.

He offered a prayer of thanks that he had not ended up like that. For once it seemed luck had been on his side. Though it came with the draw back that he was one of those fit for the front.

“It’s a cursed sight,” the guide whispered. “But not all, the Giver blest us with some worthy at least.” The guide finished saying as Noname moved his own gaze to the guards headed towards them.

The group was gently guiding two Newborns, and he saw instantly what made them special. The glowing orbs in their eyes were larger than the other Newborns, even the women who’d cared for them, but nowhere near the intensity of the nobleman. Still, it was impossible not to notice them, and with what his guide had just spoken. It meant he too had those kinds of eyes.

It didn’t stop there either. They had glowing veins in their arms, and some that worked their way up the stem of their neck. He looked down at his own arms, and found a similar sight.

‘Does that mean we can perform spells?’ Noname wondered, the thought quickening his heart. If he could do the same as the nobleman, maybe he had a chance.

A part of him hated the prospect of it, oddly enough, having the means to survive. It meant he must, otherwise, would it not be another weight on his soul?

It was possible, and the visions of the past screamed to him that continuing such a trend would be his undoing.

The guards placed the two Newborns by him, one was a woman with fur of dark brown and dull gold. The latter being the dominant color for her mane. Similar to all the other women he’d seen, her ears didn’t stand upright, but drooped down below her shoulders.

The other Newborn was a man, fur of gray and light brown. His physique was on par with other men, scrawny. Not the type of body one would want to have when heading into a fight.

Neither of the grown infants said anything as the loose circle of guards guided them. The dull haired man-child seemed distracted by the sights, gazing at everything with keen interest. While the other infant was spending her time being overly affectionate to the guards around her.

Said guards accepted the touches of hands and pokes from her muzzle. But rather than enjoying it, they looked terrified and about to run. The woman didn’t seem to notice this, or maybe couldn’t. She had after all, been an infant only a few moments ago. Clueless of the uneasiness she was inducing, she continued with her groping. He saw the guards frequently shift their heads towards their superior, and the women now slowly rising from the floor.

His mind registered this as worried glances, then fear, when one of the women from the group took notice of the situation.

The guards tensed, their ears flattening further and their postures bending into a half bow. The female Newborn gazed at them quizzically, but continued with her affectionate touches.

To the guards growing discomfort.

A quick glance back to the women showed others had become aware of the situation. None appeared pleased with the development, and as the acts continued, more turned their heads, then headed over.

Four to be precise, each giving the guards dark looks, even though none of them were doing anything. They stood still, arms and hands pressed to their sides as the infant brushed their fur and tried to gain their attention.

“That’s enough Newborn.” One of the women of the group said, placing a hand on the infant and pulling her away from the relieved guards. “They’re Soulless, beasts, not something one aims to lay with.”

The Newborn turned and gazed at the group of women; her face scrunched up in a look of annoyance. “Soulless?” the infant echoed, and Noname realized her look was one of concentration, not irritation.

“Yes,” said the previous woman. “It’s easy to tell, look at their eyes, see not even a glint of Anima resides within, it’s the clearest mark.” The infant did as instructed, her gaze sweeping over the guards she’d once been fondling. All of them kept their heads lowered, their features neutral. But on the inside Noname was sure the guards were spitting curses at the woman calling them beasts. “They’re not to be laid with, your pups will be as low as well.” The woman warned as she gently tugged at the infant. “Come with us sister, we’ll explain all to you while we wait for the Soulless to finish their tasks.”

The Newborn hesitated only for a moment before allowing herself to be guided away. The guards relaxed after the group of women reached a certain distance, appearing more pleased than anyone else for the matter to be out of their hands.

‘The life of a slave or servant is always a stressful one.’ Noname lamented as small, unwanted visions of similar times entered his mind.