Zack walked through the dimly lit tunnels for some time, his footsteps echoing softly against the cold stone walls. The air was stale and heavy, pressing against his lungs with each breath. Eventually, he spotted a crowd gathered ahead, blocking the entrance to the women's changing room with their bodies. They stood in a tight cluster, whispering urgently and pointing, clearly fascinated by whatever spectacle lay beyond the entrance.
"MOVE!" Zack's voice cut through their murmurs like a blade, sharp and commanding. The single word carried such raw authority that the crowd parted immediately, bodies shifting aside like water splitting around a rock. Their eyes went wide as they recognized who had arrived, and they practically stumbled over themselves to clear the path.
The scene that greeted him was absolute chaos. Blood was everywhere, splattered across the walls in violent arcs and pooling on the floor in dark, sticky puddles that reflected the dim tunnel lights. Bodies were scattered across the ground in various states of defeat. Some groaned weakly, clutching their injuries, while others lay completely still, unconscious or too hurt to move.
Leaning casually against the wall like she didn't have a care in the world was Rugged Woman, laughing in a low, exhausted voice that held equal parts satisfaction and weariness. Her body looked like it had been through hell. Her muscles trembled slightly from overexertion, and her breathing came in controlled but heavy pulls. Her clothes were torn in multiple places, revealing angry red cuts and already-darkening bruises beneath the fabric. Her short, rugged hair was matted with filth and blood, clumped against her forehead and neck in wet strands.
Zack walked over casually, stepping around the fallen bodies without bothering to look down, and approached her with measured steps. He stopped in front of her and spoke with a slight frown creasing his features, his tone carrying mild disapproval. "Oi, I need you. Why are you wasting your energy so early?"
"Hmm, hehe, Boss, you came!" Rugged Woman grinned through her exhaustion, her teeth showing through cracked, bloody lips. Her eyes lit up despite the pain clearly wracking her body. "I guess that woman is fine then." She shifted her weight against the wall, trying to push herself into a straighter position. Her legs shook with the effort, but she forced them steady. "Don't worry, Boss! This woman is strong! I can defeat these puny little people a hundred times over! Hehe!"
She pushed herself off the wall with determination and stood as straight as she could manage, though she still leaned slightly to one side for support. She looked at Zack's perfect face, her eyes roaming over his features with open, unashamed appreciation. Her gaze lingered on his jawline, his eyes, the way the dim light caught the angles of his face.
Without warning, she leaned forward boldly and draped her arm around his shoulder, pulling herself closer with surprising strength for someone so battered. Her breath was warm against his skin, carrying the metallic scent of blood mixed with sweat. "Boss, they think we're not your women. Why not kiss me and let them know that I belong to you? Then I don't have to spend so much energy on these filthy bastards." Her voice dropped lower, almost sultry despite the roughness. "What do you say, Boss?"
She pressed even closer, her body molding against his as her lips came dangerously close to his face. Her eyes gleamed with mischief and needy look that she didn't bother hiding.
THAP!
Zack's palm shot up at the last possible second, creating a firm barrier between them. Her lips met his hand instead of his mouth. The impact made a soft sound that echoed in the sudden silence.
Surprised but completely undeterred by the rejection, Rugged Woman didn't pull back. In fact, she seemed to take it as a challenge, a game she was more than willing to play. She kept kissing his palm with increasing enthusiasm, her lips moving slowly and deliberately across his skin.
SLLPP! SLPPP! UMMM!
The wet, deliberate sounds filled the air as she planted kiss after kiss on his hand. Her lips were warm and soft despite being cracked, moving with sensual slowness that made each kiss feel intentional. After a full minute of this shameless display, she finally stopped and spoke with genuine satisfaction coloring her voice, sounding almost dreamy. "Even Boss's hands taste so good! Hehe."
"There's no need to keep acting now that I've gotten what I needed," Zack said flatly, his expression showing absolutely nothing. But his other hand was clutched tightly over his crotch where a slight bulge can been seen. "Maybe I won't come back tomorrow. It doesn't matter anyway. Let's go. I need you."
He ignored her advances completely, as if the entire display hadn't even happened. Instead, he bent down smoothly and wrapped one strong arm around her waist with practiced efficiency. In one swift, fluid motion, he hoisted her up and over his shoulder as if she might as well have been a sack of grain. Her body draped over him, completely at his mercy, swaying slightly with his movements.
"Ah! I guess this is also okay!" Rugged Woman let herself relax completely, going limp over his shoulder. Her voice took on a drunk quality, slightly slurred from exhaustion and the rush of being so close to him. "I'm being carried by my boss! HEY, YOU BASTARDS! CLEAN THE MESS! BOSS AND I HAVE SOME WORK, SO DO YOUR OWN JOBS! AND DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH ME OR OUR SUBORDINATE WOMAN OTHERWISE KEKEKEKEKKEKEKEKEK............."
Her voice echoed through the changing room area and down the tunnels as Zack turned and began walking away, carrying her without any visible strain. His steps were steady and sure, his breathing unchanged despite the added weight.
They moved slowly through the winding tunnels, his footsteps creating a rhythmic echo in the enclosed space. After a moment of comfortable silence, broken only by the sound of their movement and her occasional shift to get more comfortable, she spoke softly. Her voice was different now, stripped of its usual bravado, vulnerable and almost hesitant. "Boss, do you find me attractive?"
"Hmm, what's with you both?" Zack replied with no change in his expression, his tone genuinely puzzled by the question. "Why are you both asking existential questions all of a sudden?"
"Hehe, we're women, so our moods change swiftly," Rugged Woman laughed, though there was a sad, hollow edge to the sound that betrayed her real feelings. "Tell me, do you find this dirty, muddy, muscular woman attractive? And would you make a whore woman like me your girlfriend????? And don't lie!"
She laughed again as she dangled over his shoulder, her arms hanging down and swaying with each step he took. The vulnerability in her voice was raw and painful to hear.
Sigh...….
Zack paused completely in his walking, stopping mid-step. He seemed to gather his thoughts, weighing his words carefully before speaking. When he did speak, his voice was measured and thoughtful.
"Did you forget that I reacted to seeing your body?" He started walking again, his words coming out carefully chosen. "That alone should make it clear, you are an attractive woman for me. As for the idea of making you my girlfriend while calling yourself a whore, first of all, I don't love you, so no."
He paused, letting that truth sink in before continuing. "Second, if I had loved you, then I wouldn't care about your past! The word 'whore' simply means selling one's body for money or pleasure. But if you were to love someone else behind my back, or sleep with someone purely for fun and pleasure while in a relationship with me, that would be the greatest betrayal anyone could commit. That is something I would never forgive. So no, I don't have a problem with a woman who has a past as a whore."
Zack shook his head firmly and kept walking, carrying her steadily through the dim tunnels. His footsteps echoed in the quiet space, the only sound between them for several long moments.
Listening to this, Rugged Woman's expression softened visibly. A genuine smile spread across her face, warmth blooming in her chest and spreading through her whole body. "Heheh, what if a wife's family doesn't have money, and then she has to sleep with another man to survive? Then what?"
"Huh? Then her husband is useless," Zack said matter-of-factly, without a single moment of hesitation. "Women usually respect themselves, and if a man can't stop her from having to do these things, can't provide for her, protect her, then he doesn't deserve to be called a man. He should just cut his dick and become a woman."
He laughed lightly at his own crude joke.
"Haha, what if the woman is the breadwinner of the house? Then what will she cut?" Rugged Woman laughed too, genuinely enjoying their conversation. The earlier tension had completely dissolved into comfortable, easy banter.
"Then I guess the woman has to man up," Zack said, tilting his head with a confused smile, clearly not having thought through that particular scenario.
"FUUUHAHHA! WHAT are you speaking? Nonsense!" Rugged Woman burst into loud, genuine laughter, her whole body shaking on his shoulder.
"Hey, you're asking stupid questions!" Zack defended himself, mock offense in his voice.
"Boss, you're not a woman charmer, you know that, right?" She grinned widely, still laughing.
"What? I thought I'm quite the charmer. I even got a beautiful woman for myself," Zack said with genuine confusion.
"Huh! Well, that's not a surprise that you have one, but I'm sure she's the more aggressive and smarter one! Kekeke!" Rugged Woman teased mercilessly, enjoying herself immensely.
"Hey, I'm also smart!" Zack protested, sounding almost offended by the implication.
"Yeah, yeah, not in that sense," she said dismissively, waving it off.
"What sense?"
"See, Boss? You're stupid!" She laughed triumphantly, as if she'd just proven her point.
TAP! TAP!
Zack's hand came down on her rear in light, playful slaps that made sharp sounds in the tunnel.
"OW! OW! BOSS, DON'T HIT A WOUNDED, FRAIL WOMAN!" Rugged Woman yelped.
"Who is frail? Didn't you say you could fight them a hundred times over? Why were you telling lies?" Zack pointed out with perfect logic.
"AGH! I can! But right now, I'm in resting mode, so it hurts more!" She tried to defend herself desperately.
"Oh, rest mode? Should I drag you on the ground then so you can sleep comfortably?" Zack suggested with false innocence that didn't fool her for a second.
"No thanks, Boss! One time experiencing that was enough!" She shuddered visibly at the memory.
"Weren't you a sadist?" Zack asked while smirking.
"AGH! Boss, only in a romantic way, not in my daily life!" Rugged Woman corrected him emphatically, her voice rising.
"Yeah, yeah, sure, sure, weird Rugged Woman," Zack said dismissively, clearly not buying it.
"STUPIIIDDD BOOSSS!!!" She shouted in pure frustration, pulling his hair lightly.
"OW! OW!"
They went deeper into the tunnel system as their conversation continued, their voices bouncing off the walls with interesting, comfortable talks. The atmosphere between them was easy and familiar, like they'd been doing this for years. They drew closer and closer to the place where Subordinate Woman was waiting patiently for their arrival.
The tunnel gradually widened slightly, and the air became a fraction fresher, less stale.
"Boss, you're different than your usual self," Rugged Woman spoke while still hanging lifelessly over Zack's shoulder, her arms swaying with each step. "Your acting was good."
"GAH! AHM! Don't speak nonsense," Zack brushed off the observation casually, his tone deliberately dismissive. "Are you feeling okay? You can go back if you want."
"Hmm, I'm fine," she assured him, shifting her position slightly. "Just your shoulder started to poke my belly uncomfortably."
"Where's your muscle now? Did it go inside or what?" Zack asked with bone-dry humor.
"Stupid Boss! You try this position, then you'll know!" Rugged Woman complained while pouting cutely.
"Fine, don't cry. We've reached," Zack announced as Subordinate Woman came into view. She stood straight with perfect posture, waiting patiently for their arrival. Her clothes were clean now, all the blood and dirt washed away completely. The cloth Zack had given her earlier was still tied carefully around her waist.
"Looks like my free ride is over," Rugged Woman said with exaggerated disappointment dripping from every word. "You could have carried me in princess style, you know."
"Are you a princess?" Zack asked bluntly, without any hesitation.
"No, but I can become one! Just some makeup and a beautiful dress, then TADAA!" She made a dramatic gesture with her hands, nearly hitting Zack's back in the process.
"Then wait for your prince. He'll carry you like that," Zack said completely unbothered.
"Hmm, but I've decided you to be my prince," Rugged Woman said, her voice suddenly dropping to something softer, more serious and genuine. "What do you think? Can I be your mistress?"
"Not interested. Now get down." Zack stopped walking and carefully set Rugged Woman down on her feet, making absolutely sure she was steady and balanced before releasing her completely.
"OW! OW! Boss, next time use a different position! It's not my style!" Rugged Woman stretched her arms high above her head, working out all the kinks and sore spots in her muscles. Then she turned to look at Subordinate Woman and spoke with genuine approval warming her voice. "Looks like you're in one piece. Great job running!"
"Thank you!" Subordinate Woman bowed to her gratefully, a small, sincere smile appearing on her face.
"Don't worry about little things," Rugged Woman waved it off casually, like it was nothing. "But guess what I found out? Boss has a woman! It looks like there's no chance for us." She sighed dramatically, placing her arms across her shoulders in a show of theatrical sadness. "Sigh, our luck is only to have him as boss."
She spoke in an exaggeratedly sad tone, acting like a frail, heartbroken girl, completely contrary to her usual rough, tough demeanor.
Subordinate Woman didn't look surprised at all. Instead, she asked with genuine curiosity, her voice soft and gentle, "Umm, Boss, if you don't mind, can you tell us who she is? Maybe we know her?"
"Yes, yes! I forgot! Tell me, who is she? Who made Boss all lovey-dovey?" Rugged Woman perked up instantly, her fatigue seemingly forgotten in a heartbeat. She bounced slightly on her feet with excitement.
"Hmm, her name is Natalia," Zack spoke casually without any hesitation.
"Hmm, this name..." Rugged Woman paused mid-bounce, her mind working. "AH! Your woman's name is similar to the Princess's name! Hey, hey, are you a loyal fan of hers or what, naming your woman the same as her? Boss, you're great and all, but she's the Princess, you know! Many people saw her for the first time today." She laughed loudly and turned to Subordinate Woman, hitting her back in a friendly, casual way. "Hey, I told you Boss must be all smitten over the Princess!"
She joked while repeatedly hitting Subordinate Woman's back in easy camaraderie, completely missing the tension building.
Subordinate Woman went rigid this time, her whole body locking up like she'd been struck. Her fingers began fidgeting nervously at her sides, and she bit her lips hard. Her eyes grew slightly watery, emotions swirling visibly in them like a storm, hurt and confusion and disbelief all mixed together in a painful cocktail. But slowly, with visible effort, she forced herself to calm down. Her breathing steadied deliberately as she pushed everything down deep. She asked in a shaky voice that she tried desperately to keep together, "Is she truly Princess Natalia?"
"Yes," Zack spoke without hesitation again. There was no joke in his voice, no playfulness, no indication whatsoever that he was messing around.
"AHAHHAH! Boss, you sure have guts! Hahahha! Nice, nice! That's why I like you!" Rugged Woman burst into loud, genuine laughter, slapping her thigh hard enough to make a sound. "Fine, fine, you can boast! Let's go wherever we have to go."
She completely dismissed what Zack was saying, treating it like an obvious, ridiculous joke. There was simply no way Boss was actually with the Princess. That would be utterly insane. But even if it somehow is true, I still won't stop loving you! The thought crossed her mind as she shook her head and smiled while thinking.
"Hmm, good," Subordinate Woman smiled sweetly, though her expression held something much deeper beneath the surface. Sadness, resignation, acceptance, all mixed together in a complex blend of emotions. She kept looking at Zack, who glanced around casually, observing their surroundings with his usual analytical gaze.
Sigh...…
Subordinate Woman let out a small, controlled breath, pushing down whatever painful feelings were rising inside her. She buried them deep where they couldn't affect her work. "Boss, I've found one entrance. Let's go there."
She spoke professionally now, and guided him toward the entrance she had discovered during her earlier scouting.
They moved slowly and carefully toward a hole in the rock wall. It was big enough for them to squeeze through one by one onto the other side, but not much larger than that. They crawled through with care, their bodies scraping against rough, uneven stone that threatened to catch on their clothes. Rugged Woman went first…... Then Zack followed, his broader shoulders nearly getting stuck. Finally, Subordinate Woman brought up the rear, moving gracefully through the tight space.
On the other side, they positioned themselves behind a large rock formation, staying low and keeping their movements minimal and quiet.
The sight before them was striking. A well-lit underground tunnel stretched ahead, completely different from the dark, rough, unfinished passages they'd been navigating. This tunnel had proper lighting fixtures embedded directly into the walls at regular intervals, casting a warm, steady glow that illuminated everything clearly. The construction was professional and clean, maintained with obvious care.
"WOW! This is better than our route! Even the ground is properly maintained!" Rugged Woman spoke while admiring the construction with genuine appreciation. She ran her hand along the smooth rock wall and asked with curiosity, "Is this the elite class route or what?"
"Not just elite class," Zack corrected her, pointing ahead with purpose. "But people who pay enough to get those things inside the containers."
He pointed at a large container being carried by two people, one gripping each end, guided by a third person walking in front and directing them. The container was substantial, rectangular, and completely sealed. Occasionally, some higher Crown members could be seen walking alongside them. Their clothes were noticeably finer and cleaner, marking them clearly as people of status and wealth.
"What's inside that container?" Subordinate Woman asked with genuine curiosity, leaning forward slightly to get a better look without exposing herself.
"A type of energy that can make you feel energized in a weird way," Zack spoke casually while observing the movements carefully, watching the patterns of foot traffic, studying guard movement.
"Huh! That's it? Aren't there many things that can make you feel like that?" Rugged Woman looked at Zack with clear confusion, her brow furrowing deeply. "Why would people pay extra for that?"
"Well, it's not that simple," Zack said, his voice dropping noticeably lower, becoming more serious. "Do you remember the guy who attacked the Queen's palace on the night of the Princess's birthday?"
"Hmm, yes." Both women nodded immediately, their expressions sobering completely at the memory. That night had been absolute chaos, terrifying and unforgettable in the worst possible way.
"The energy inside that container is similar to that man's energy," Zack explained, his voice heavy with the weight of the information. "Yet it differs from standard EIRNET energy. I'm trying to determine who is taking it and what the long-term effects of using it are."
"But Boss, how do you know they're different? Can't it be some rare EIRNET energy power making those people feel weird?" Subordinate Woman asked while tilting her head slightly in thought.
"Hmm, I have my way of finding out," Zack said vaguely, offering no elaboration or details. "Right now, I want to know who the ones taking it are. We probably have to enter their main place and look for some names, records, anything useful we can find. If you have any ideas, say it."
He looked ahead intently, studying the patterns of movement with sharp focus.
"Boss, it's not easy to go inside the main office, and we don't know where we are right now," Rugged Woman spoke while checking their surroundings carefully with experienced eyes, scanning constantly for potential threats. "If we just roam around blindly, then we'll surely die after getting caught. The only way is to go forward rather than backward."
"But how would we know the forward route? Isn't that the same as roaming around aimlessly?" Subordinate Woman asked with worry creeping into her tone.
"Hehe, do you think this experienced Ex-Boss is in name only?" Rugged Woman grinned with pure confidence, tapping her temple smartly with one finger. "I only need to see the details on that container and figure out the route. Even though this is a different route than I'm used to, the way they manage these things is always the same. I know exactly how these operations work. Don't worry about a thing. Let's go and kidnap an owner! Keke, it'll be fun!"
She laughed with evil glee, a predatory gleam lighting up her eyes. Then, moving like an agile, practiced animal, she swiftly repositioned herself around the area with silent steps, finding the absolute perfect hiding spot. She crouched low behind cover and waited with the patience of a seasoned hunter, her body coiled tight like a spring ready to release.
Zack followed her movements silently, trusting her instincts completely, and positioned himself on the opposite side of the path. Together they had the route covered between them, creating a perfect trap. Subordinate Woman remained at the back, watching them work together with clear admiration shining in her eyes.
They waited patiently, their breathing quiet and controlled, bodies still as statues. After what felt like an eternity, some people appeared in the distance. They were carrying boxes and talking casually among themselves, completely unaware of the danger lurking in the shadows ahead. They laughed and joked, their voices echoing down the tunnel.
As soon as they moved past the hiding spots, crossing the perfect ambush point—
WHOOOSH! BOOMM! BOOMM! BOOMM!
Simultaneously, both Zack and Rugged Woman exploded into motion with devastating speed. They struck like vipers, knocking out two men and one woman with brutally precise strikes to the neck, temple, and pressure points. The attacks were surgical and efficient, honed by years of experience. The targets didn't even have time to cry out or raise alarm before their eyes rolled back and they crumpled like puppets with cut strings.
THUMP!
The heavy container fell from their slackened grips, making a dull, resonant sound as it hit the ground hard. The noise echoed briefly down the tunnel before fading into silence.
Moving with practiced, lightning-fast efficiency, they dragged the unconscious bodies to the side of the pathway and stripped them of their uniforms quickly. Buttons were torn off, fabric ripped in their haste. The bodies were hidden carefully from view, tucked deep into the shadows where casual passersby wouldn't notice. Subordinate Woman rushed forward and helped them with swift, sure hands.
"Here, take this!" Subordinate Woman threw a man's outfit to Rugged Woman, the fabric sailing through the air.
"Oi, I want that woman's clothes!" Rugged Woman complained immediately, pointing at the female uniform that Subordinate Woman was clutching. "Why do I have to wear the man's?"
"Shu, shu! You don't have anything on your chest!" Subordinate Woman poked her tongue out cutely and playfully, teasing with a mischievous grin that lit up her face.
"Grr! Tsk, Mine is bigger than yours!! Fine, whatever!" Rugged Woman stopped complaining instantly, knowing this absolutely wasn't the time to play around or argue. She snatched the male uniform roughly and started changing behind the big rock with quick, efficient movements while grumbling under her breath the entire time.
Zack also took one of the male uniforms and changed somewhere else, giving them privacy and maintaining watch over the area.
The trio regrouped a few minutes later, now dressed in the stolen uniforms. They assumed their new roles perfectly. Rugged Woman became the lead supervisor, standing tall with authority. Zack and Subordinate Woman became the carrying workers, heads appropriately lowered. The disguise was convincing enough as long as nobody looked too closely or asked difficult questions.
"LET'S GO, MY SOLDIERSSS!!!!!" Rugged Woman started walking proudly forward, her chest puffed out, playing her role to absolute perfection. She walked with clear authority and confidence while occasionally glancing at the details on the container. She studied the serial numbers, destination markers, and handling instructions carefully, memorizing the route markers and filing every piece of information away in her sharp mind as they moved deeper into the facility.
Behind her, Zack and Subordinate Woman carried the heavy container between them, their heads appropriately down like proper, obedient workers. They moved with steady purpose, blending seamlessly into the flow of traffic around them.
The infiltration had officially begun.
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END OF CHAPTER
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AUTHOR BLABBERING
Hey there, readers! Have you ever stepped into a real cave, a natural one shaped by time itself? The moment you enter, it feels like stepping into another world. The air becomes cooler, your footsteps echo softly against the stone walls, and somewhere in the darkness you can hear the steady drip of water.
Caves are not built by humans like tunnels. They are the result of the Earth's slow and patient artistry. Most caves form when rainwater, which is slightly acidic, seeps into the ground and gradually dissolves rocks such as limestone. This process takes thousands, and sometimes even millions, of years.
Inside these caves, you may find incredible formations. From the ceiling hang stalactites that look like stone icicles, while from the floor rise stalagmites reaching upward. These formations grow extremely slowly, sometimes only a few centimeters over an entire hundred years.
Some caves even contain their own tiny ecosystems. There can be blind fish that have adapted to life in complete darkness, strange fungi that glow faintly in the shadows, and rare minerals embedded in the rock that sparkle like tiny stars when light touches them.
Standing inside a cave reminds you that the planet beneath our feet is alive in its own quiet way. It is constantly changing, shaping itself slowly over time, creating hidden worlds deep within the Earth.
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