After Naoko left my cell all I could feel was dizziness and confusion. I snapped back to focus once the guards came to remove the collars. Right after that I just feel asleep with nothing else do to. I didn’t think she’d come back. She'd have no real reason to take me.

But after what I guessed was about five or so hours of sleep I felt something poking at me, at my arm, face, then boobs and my face again. Slowly opening my eyes I saw that it was Naoko trying to wake me. I was sleepy, but surprised to see her.

“Finally, I thought I’d have to carry you there.” She said

“What..?” I replied in my sleepy state

Naoko would practically drag me out of my bed and place me on my feet.

“Just follow me.” She’d say

“What…about the..guards…?”

She’d shake her head.

“Don’t worry about them for now.”

She’d grab my hand and would lead me out of my cell. I’d manage to close the door without making much sound.

“I..can’t keep up.” I’d tell her as she’d start leading me a bit faster

She’d glance and would stop for a second before picking me up and would continue moving but much faster. I had to close my eyes since I didn’t want to hurl while she carried me like a princess at the speed of a sprinter. If I had to count then it took about three minutes before she stopped.

Despite her carrying me I was holding her as tight as I could. It seems that dashing for Monk templates was incredibly more faster than I expected.

“Blondie.” She said to me

I’d open an eye at her.

“We’re here. You can let go.”

I’d open my other eye and my grip around her would ease and she’d place me down gently. Turning around I’d look at where she brought me. My jaw nearly dropped at what I saw.

Bright lights..

The sounds of crowds..

Nothing else could have sights like this except the place she spoke of. The Undercity…it was…enormous in scale. Built underground from the appearance, very deep underground in such a large cave opening. Buildings carved into the natural stones....this wasn’t made in a day....how was it made at all?

How was this allowed under such a large prison?

I looked back to Naoko.

“What…is this…place?” I’d manage to ask

“The Undercity.” She’d simply say which wasn’t exactly helpful, but at least confirmed my guess

“That…..isn’t what I meant…” I replied

“I’ll take you to her.” She grabbed my hand and started leading me into the city

Her? I wanted to question who, but my nerves had gotten to me once again and I submitted to Naoko leading me.

It wasn’t twenty steps till we encountered a crowd moving about in these streets, the sounds coming from all over drowned out Naoko's steps as well as mine. All had the same ragged clothes like I did, but many of these people here didn’t look like hardened criminals. Some were just shopping, some were talking. Some..oh…some decided to use the alleys for…

I glance away at the scene that is making me blush and just focus on the other parts of the Undercity.

Never in my long time of playing Highlander have I ever encountered something like this. Underground cities were common depending on where you were, but underground prison cities were never a thing mentioned in lore.

It then dawned upon me that the writings on these buildings were unknown to me, but I recognized them in a sense. Some were Undercommon, some Dwarvish, Orcish, Beast-tongue and more. I wondered if I could get books on language learning. I doubt that those imprisoned here get released back into the world after a certain amount of time.

The rate of which Naoko was dragging me had slowed down, I looked up at her and saw that she was staring in the direction of a loud area. I moved my own head to see, but wherever she was looking was obscured by a few building.

“Naoko?” I spoke quietly

She glanced back to me and shook her head.

“Nothing, don’t worry about it. Wha-“ she gets cut off

“Naoko!” a gruff male voice calls out to her

Both of us turn to towards the voice. It was a tall bearded man, his hair was in a knot, his skin a dark green, he had tusks nearly reaching up to his nose, his body heavily muscular everywhere. Orc, I was sure of it, but with the complexion of his skin he was most likely a variant.

They had no official name per say, but they had nicknames such as unstoppable or raiders. In their lore the main Orcish god’s brother didn’t agree with how the race was going forward as a people and so he set out to fix that and looking through every orc alive in the current moment he picked out the strongest.

And by strongest I mean the most bloodthirsty, the most relentless. A mindless beast basically, that Orc became the model for this variant, all of them are aggressive and predatory, almost hated by every other race because of that very trait. Most bandit groups, mercenary bands will have some. Males and females are equally deadly along with being quite tall and muscled.

Anything to live for the fight and anything to gain the fleeting pleasure, the fact that there’s one in front of me right now is…concerning..

In my sudden analysis I didn’t seem to notice Naoko letting me go and actually lightly chatting it up with the Orc.

“Whose the elf?” the Orc asked

That made me freeze for a slight second. That wasn’t good. And as much as I’d like to think that not every Orc is the same in his variant I can’t just ignore the fact about how they were written to be.

Naoko looked back to me and looked into my eyes, her face not really showing anything. Turning back to the Orc.

“Wanted to look around the Undercity, so she tagged along. I wouldn’t mess with her.”

Why are you saying it like that?!

“Oh ho?” the Orc laughed “Don’t tell me skin, tits and bones beat you in a fight?”

He’d lean in to whisper something to Naoko, then she spoke back something. I couldn’t hear them with all the noise around us, but I did see her face and his, both seemed rather serious about what they were saying.

I feel like a side character right now..

“Haha! Don’t get your tail twisted!” the Orc said patting her on the shoulder before starting to walk away, but his gaze lingered…on me…

Totally…not..concerning…

Naoko watched the Orc leave before coming back to me and grabbing my arm.

“Who..was…that?” I’d ask

She glanced back with a carefree face.

“Don’t worry about it.”

I don’t think that’s the best response, but I can’t push the matter…she..isn’t exactly the most…complex person or seemingly talkative person....

But as she led me around I started noticing how there was more ambience to the Undercity, at least to the area where we were in, and as I glanced around, the surrounding area gave off a red hue you could say.

It was oddly calming.

As I was taking it all in I saw how the number of women increased and the number of men started decreasing. This raises a few questions, not just about this area, but about my own body. I’m actually starting to see how pathetic I used to be suddenly.

My god it is depressing.

I lightly sigh before Naoko slows down in front of..a place actually built of something instead of built into stone. It’s more like half a building but still. It was made of wood in the most likely scenario, there was no door, but a well decorated portiere.

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“What…is..this…” I asked Naoko

She let go of my arm and turned around to look at me.

“It’s where the Mistress of the Undercity is. Since she probably knows I brought you here you can go ahead.” She said standing to the side

I’d rather go with you..but I can’t bare to say a sentence like that..

“I..um..I.”

She rolls her eyes.

“Dah! Ynnessa!” she moved behind me and started pushing me forward

I had no real chance in resisting, but I put up a minor effort. She pushed me past the curtains and took a breath.

“Once you’re done here find me at the Ring.”

The ring? I turned around to ask what that is, but she was already running in the opposite direction.

Great..

I silently gulp and turn back around.

Compared to the larger part of the Undercity this particular place wasn’t lit with torches, rather they had these small red globes inside small glass cages. This specific area had them as well, but in this house it was more prominent .

A sudden rush of a smell hit my nose which made my eyes watery suddenly, the smell had a taste to it you could say. I took a step forward into the place. I noticed there were no doors at all.

Looking forward I saw a staircase that led upstairs, next to it stood a rather tall woman, I couldn’t make out her race, but I was guessing that she was my destination currently

Moving forward the sound of the side rooms nudged at my ears. Looking side to side all I could see were various women of different races sitting in comfortable surroundings, some upon each other in passion, some seemingly high out of their minds.

A pleasure house? It could be, so far every room had a hookah of varying sizes, I saw no men, so, maybe this is that kind of place.

And right now little virgin shut in me is here in the middle of it…

Reaching the stairs I could make out the woman was human, she had a muscular physique like Naoko, but in general she was smaller than her. She just pointed up the stairs without a word and I nodded in thanks before going up.

With the atmosphere like this I wasn’t exactly terrified, more nervous in a sense. I’ve been here so little and now I’m meeting with the boss lady of this place. It might have went by too fast for me. I just don’t know what to do besides going forward.

It wasn’t long until I reached the top floor, from there I had to move forward once again until I came into contact with a single door.

I thought about waiting, maybe I’d be called for, but no, I decided to open it and step inside.

As I stepped inside I closed the door, but I had to cough as the smoke was more dense here than downstairs.

“My, my..” a voice called to me

The voice was something I’ve heard before, but in more ecchi or sexual content if you get me. The voice was soft, mature, commanding in a sense as it called to me.

I looked up to see where this woman was.

She was sitting on a proper chair, with fancy cushions. You’d think she was a noble in a sense. Her hair, was a deep crimson with light white streaks, from her forehead sprouted two horns which made me realize she was an Oni, a race from the game. Her face was that of an older woman, she was in her forties more likely, but Oni lived to three hundred I think.

Her face was smooth, appearing with a few scars over her lip and across her eye, her skin tanned. In her mouth was a long pipe which she held with a slender hand. Her clothing by no means modest, she wore actual clothes compared to me though.

She wore a seemingly skin tight and lightly translucent dress, the center of her body open only closing down at her waist. Her stomach adorned with white scars , her chest as large as mine, her nipples covered by her dress somehow. Every slight movement she started made her breasts move. I could actually relate to that “problem”.

Going further down was the most surprising . She possessed no legs beyond her thighs which arose a few questions in me. Don’t get me wrong, she was beautiful, magnificent even.

Her very presence made my heart beat faster, made my body hot. I was actually lucky not to pop a boner, being grateful for not being a guy was new.

I gulped as she basically pulled a seductive Ara Ara on me.

“Don’t fear me, young elf.” Her voice reached me again

Raising a hand of hers she beckons for me to move closer. I looked around the room, in front of her were a few cushions where I’m guessing she wanted me to sit.

I moved slowly, but her smile never faded, her eyes never left mine.

I had reached the cushions and sat in a way where I wouldn’t expose myself to her.

I looked up at her, she looked down at me.

She removed her pipe and blew out some of her smoke and just watched me. I grew red every second that it happened.

I’ve never been in a position like this. Not that I’ve actually had many conversations with women. I was hopeless in that.

“Saint Elves are rare around these parts, especially Level one Saint Elves.” She said

She knew that by my look? I’d guessed as much that she’d be above level three..but she was smart as well..

“Say your name to me.” She requested kindly

She knew it, I knew that, but if she asked, I can’t really ignore it

I gulped

“Ynn….Ynnessa…” I said in my shy feminine tone that I’d never be able to hide

Her smile just grew, which I hoped meant that she was pleased about the way I said it..

“Naoko was kind enough to bring you here, you’ll thank her for me.” She said “Welcome to the Undercity, Ynnessa, I am it’s Mistress.” She leaned forward and extended her hand to me

It wasn’t to shake it, her palm faced the floor. I hesitantly reached out to hold it. Her skin was nearly as smooth as mine as I took hold of it.

I didn’t feel nervous as I took her hand oddly, I felt calm, hot, focused. My head leaned forward without thinking and I gently placed a kiss on her hand.

Any sort of fantasy like this was never going to be fulfilled when I was alive as my old self, the closest I’d ever gotten was watching hentai, but now was different I guess. I won’t lie that this very moment is making my new body feel new things..

As these sudden fantasies run through my head I feel the Mistress pull her hand back to her pipe. I blink a few times to focus and look back up to her.

“You have questions by that glint in your eye my dear Ynnessa. Ask them and I will answer them.” She said

Alright…I need to ask everything and how to escape..and other things…

“I…how..is…this…place…here?” I ask shyly

“The Undercity.” She chuckles “Where to start? It has been here for a long time, but no one knows its origin. Yes, the guards and even the Warden know about this place and allow it without the collars. Some even live here permanently.” She explained

“But..”

“How have we not dug an escape tunnel?” she asks my own question with a chuckle of her own

I’d just nod.

“The stone cannot be mined here for some reason. Many have tried little one. I’m sorry to say that no one has managed to escape this prison since it was created, I doubt anyone ever will.” She takes a whiff of her pipe and blows out the smoke above me

I can’t really reply to that, I don’t want to really accept that..

My head falls and I close my eyes, I feel a tear drop on my hand. Why am I crying? I don’t want to be crying right now, I don’t want to be told that I can’t ever leave. I don’t want to accept my borderline eternal life to be here. I don’t want to die miserably after I just got a new chance…

I lightly begin sobbing, more tears dropping from my face, I’m utterly embarrassing myself right now..

Then I’d feel a finger lift my chin. My teary eyes would meet her lustful and stoic pair.

“Don’t cry, Ynnessa. You can try as many times as you want to leave, simply have a plan yes? A good one I should say, but I know your fear.” She said

Her finger would wipe away the tears under one of my eyes.

“Young, beautiful, weak. You are a target to those around you.” She said, what she spoke was true “You’re lovely touch, complexion and your astonishing body told me of your heritage if you might wonder. Have you guessed mine?” she’d ask

I’d just nod.

“..Oni..”

“Smart, good to know. You’re a magic user yes?”

I’d nod again.

“As am I. But you’re low level makes me assume you have limited spells, out of my kindness I will tell you that in the library you use there are books disguised, inside those disguised books you shall be able to learn spells to better yourself.” She said

My eyes simply went wide. Why was she telling me this? What have I done to earn the favor of a woman like this?

“W-Why?”

Her finger left my chin and she leaned back in her seat and took another whiff of her pipe.

“Because you are a phenomena, a rare one. Elves are few here and you are the only Saint Elf. Your possible knowledge is quite the tool. You might know more than me.” She’d explain “But, there are others that might realize this and might take advantage of you or kill you.” She added

I gulped at her words. She was smart, but her intuition was on another level.

“And those that are simple minded or average might have other interests in you. Having a body like that can make both men and women think of sins. Some might try to kill you, maul you out of jealousy. Some might try and rape you because of your beauty. And you are defenseless with that collar on. Even without it, your spells might not be enough.”

She basically confirmed my fears regarding my looks. The image of that Orc comes to mind which makes me shiver.

“With your surprisingly victory over Naoko I can tell you that she will be your guardian whether you like it or not. Pantherians like to cling to people that imprint on them.” She chuckles “Your body will never become a weapon, Ynnessa. You can train it for a hundred years and it still wouldn’t be enough, you could consider it the fatal flaw of your race.” She says

I just sat and listened to her words, I had no reason to deny anything, she hadn’t been wrong. Naoko being my guardian was relieving so to say.

“Answer my questions if you would, be them with nods or with that enchanting voice of yours.” She said, making my face momentarily red

“Y-Y-Yes..”

“Do you hate Humans?” she asked

I just shook my head, I had no real reason to hate anyone but my past self.

“Do you know why you’ve been brought to this prison?”

“B-Border..crossing..” I’d say

“Do you know your sentence?”

I shook my head again, I didn’t think sentencing would be part of the lore or in a world like this.

“Till you meet your end either by age or at the hands of anyone here.”

I just gulped at that.

“You want to see this world?”

I’d nod, the light in my eyes appearing for a second.

“I see. If my suspicion of what you’re doing above comes true then I shall call for you again.” She said “You may leave, unless you’d want to spend the night here, I’m sure my girls downstairs would love to spend time with you, unless you don’t prefer them. Or perhaps if you prefer me?” she teased me

I just glanced away, my face red as a strawberry.

“I..um..what…um..no…” I stammered and bumbled like an idiot

She suddenly laughed and took another whiff of her pipe.

“Enjoy the Undercity, little Elf.” She spoke her goodbye

I slowly stood, the red fading from my face. I’d look her in the eyes and would lower myself and bow.

“Thank..you..” I said my thanks

I stepped away from the cushions, her eyes following me. Moving to the door I’d finally turn away and open it.

“Remember, my dear Ynnessa. I will be watching.” She said as I left and closed the door

As I closed the door I felt my knees shake. I..hadn’t felt like this. Not this heat, not this excitement over meeting anyone. My hands trembled as I wanted to touch myself, but I calmed myself down. I took a moment to catch my breath before moving forward, back down the stairs

As I reached the bottom of the stairs the same human was there. She handed me a coin which I took, but I gave her a confused look.

She sighed and clenched the bridge of her nose for a second.

“She never explains anything. Give it to the morning guard, that way they’ll know you have permission to come here. And you’re looking for where Naoko went. The Ring right? That woman is too loud to not overhear.” She said, annoyed

The Human woman would then give me some directions before sending me on my way. I’d find myself outside the only built building in the Undercity.

I just took a moment to think about the things that just happened. Was this actual help? Did my mockery of a fake prayer actually work? I wanted to laugh and cheer, but I couldn’t and I don’t know why..

Once I’d taken a moment for myself, I just took in the city once again. I moved through the red hued district slowly, my eyes shining while looking at everything. I felt like a child seeing a visually stunning film.

I soon reached the entrance of this district, I glanced back to the Mistress’s building, it might have been her home. I had too many questions about her and for her, but right now I needed to find Naoko.