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Black Hole, is a survival, low-fantasy, sci-fi story and I'd rate it as pg-13 for a violence, some suggestive themes, and some nudity.", "description_bbcode_parsed": "Episode 11 of my series. Black Hole, is a survival, low-fantasy, sci-fi story and I'd rate it as pg-13 for a violence, some suggestive themes, and some nudity.", "writing": "Black Hole: The Book of Iratus, Episode 11\n\nChapter 101\n\nThe horde of thirty treeskins mostly stood around the tower while some actively searched around for prey. Inside the tower, the party got ready to attack the horde. Iratus was still very wounded, so he took the short sword, but he also equipped himself with the tactical vest. Ignis tied her long black hair in a ponytail and grabbed a wooden spear, as well as her crowbar on her belt. Victoria had her crossbow and held herself up in the second story of the tower. Resonantia, with her bow, waited on Aestus, who was waiting for everyone to be in position.\n\nDespite the tropical area, a cold wind had been blowing through the mornings, making the current time slightly chilly. With one last look around from Iratus, everyone nodded their heads. Aestus opened the door and ran out, with Iratus quickly shutting it. Aestus ran out into the wilderness with Victoria, shooting treeskins while they chased her. Once only the stragglers were left, the door was opened again, and the others came out to dispose of them.\n\nOne treeskin was dropped by Resonantia's bow, while Iratus and Ignis took down two. Another three came back and pushed the group back into the tower before the treeskins could be killed.\n\nIratus's group tried to lure some treeskins back and managed to gather another two, which looked like the male versions, but they were quite large and strong, throwing Resonantia to the ground. With enough backstabbing, Iratus killed the two brutes.\n\nFrom the tower, Victoria shot down bolts into the treeskin horde, missing many shots, landing a few shots, and killing two. Aestus ran around back to the front of the tower, out of breath. She clearly used far more stamina than planned. The horde started to fill in, and while the group was able to kill another three, they had to flee. Ignis ran this time, trying to gather the treeskins, while the others took refuge in the tower.\n\nBecause the treeskins were scattered around the tower, Ignis had to change plans and flee towards the dirt road. The door on the tower was being attacked until the group opened the door, spears at the ready, and endured the treeskins piling into the door. Victoria wounded a few more and killed one more. Three treeskins impaled themselves and died at the door, while the others pushed forward and came into the tower itself.\n\nResonantia pushed forward herself and tried to stop the enemy rush. Iratus and Aestus had to back out, killing another two on their retreat. The shark girl abandoned the door and headed to her allies with a few new scrapes. Victoria came down from the stairs and landed another killing shot with the other three defending the stairs, killing the rest of the treeskins and slaying the last four.\n\nThe group ran out and attempted to find Ignis, who eventually showed back up to the tower with the remaining six treeskins on her tail. The shark girl and raccoon girl unleashed their ranged attacks and killed another two treeskins. Iratus moved the dead treeskins from the door, and the group used the doorway as a chokepoint again. This would be enough to finish off the remaining four treeskins.\n\n---\n\nChapter 102\n\nEveryone was tired as they tried to move the treeskin corpses into a pile. They all had to take a break and wait until the afternoon before trying to burn the bodies, which they found difficult until the bodies were bled enough. The treeskins really were made of wood, and so they did burn quite well. For the rest of the day, it was all about rest, with the girls eventually heading down to the hot springs. Iratus used the ashes from the treeskins for the garden. He also noticed some missing bits from the door but could only shrug at them.\n\nThe day would come to an end soon enough. The fifteenth day came. This time the group decided to head to the camp for the ton of loot still left there. Ignis stayed behind this time. Aestus wasn't at her peak form yet, but she was well enough to travel and fight.\n\nAt the tree line, the group observed the area.\n\nIratus, \"We just took out thirty treeskins so do you think we could take out these guys?\"\n\nThe metalheads continued to wander through the camp. They were made up of many different species from many different time periods.\n\nResonantia, \"We had to divide them up and kill them in smaller groups. Not only that, but we had the tower.\"\n\nAestus, \"How many of these metal people are there anyway?\" I think I can see....like a lot.\"\n\nVictoria, \"A random guess of twenty, and that's what we can see.\"\n\nAestus, \"So we can do it?\"\n\nIratus, \"Let's try to avoid trouble for right now. Let's check the medical cabin first.\"\n\nThe party infiltrated the medical center and found a few metalheads inside. The group was able to kill them, though Iratus got slightly burned from the fight.\n\nIratus, \"It doesn't look like it left any marks. I guess it's just pain then.\" He poured some of the water from the waterskin to try to dull the pain.\n\nAestus, \"What's next?\"\n\nResonantia, \"I saw an archery range over there, and I'd like an upgrade for my bow.\"\n\nThe archery range clearly once had a number of weapons stocked within it, but they had long since been looted. The party had to stop searching when they realized they had attracted a large number of metalheads.\n\nThe group fought and fled to a large watchtower of some sort, slamming the door behind them. Resonantia was almost out of arrows, and Victoria had half a quiver left. Iratus discarded his now-broken wooden spear and drew his short sword. He still didn't use his own longsword, for he still didn't have the best feeling in his right hand.\n\nThe group looked around and tried to plan as the metalheads beat on the door. They could hear screeching and the sound of burning, as well as see smoke coming from the door.\n\n---\n\nChapter 103\n\nThe metalheads ripped through the door and tried to enter the watch tower, only to be met with attacks from the party. They managed to kill six metalheads before they had to retreat upstairs. They used the stairs as another chokepoint and managed to halt the enemy advance and slay another four metalheads.\n\nAt first, the monsters stopped coming, but the vast number of metalheads could still be heard outside. The group backed themselves into a corner and waited for a while to see if the monsters would go away. Victoria managed to silently climb a ladder to the top of the tower to take a view, with everyone else trying not to make a sound themselves.\n\nWhen the raccoon girl came back down, the sound of metalheads moving away could also be heard.\n\nVictoria whispering, \"I fired a bolt at a tree to lure the creatures away. Come on.\"\n\nThe party did their best to move silently out of the watchtower. Once outside, they had to run away and into another building as the monsters caught sight of them.\n\nThe group entered and found a backdoor to leave the metalheads behind.\n\nAfter catching their breath, the group searched for the wood workshop. The group grabbed as much stuff as was still there or not burned. They got wooden carving tools as well as a few wooden planks and boards. In another area of the workshop, they found wood glue, half-finished wooden sculptures, a few small boxes, sandpaper, and some books on woodworking.\n\nAs Iratus was packing anything that was of use, he suddenly smelled an adrenaline spike from somewhere. The smell came from Resonantia, and Iratus found her outside, scanning the area.\n\nIratus, \"What happened?\"\n\nResonantia, \"I thought I saw...someone. Someone who should be dead.\"\n\nIratus after several moments, \"You ok? You are really tense, you know?\"\n\nResonantia, \"I'm fine.\"\n\nHer heartbeat did not completely return to normal.\n\nIratus, \"The train group went crazy staying here. Heck, we even released Clamor without much discussion.\"\n\nResonantia, \"To tie the poor man up, what madness afflicted them? Maybe I am beginning to understand why. I need to get out of here.\"\n\nIratus signaled to the others, and the party started to head back home.\n\nAestus, \"Resi, your heart is way out of line. Are you okay?\" Resi is the nickname she gave the shark girl.\n\nResonantia, \"Just seeing things. I'll be fine once we get home.\"\n\nIratus, \"And we've got some real tools. I'll be making real figurines now!\"\n\n---\n\nChapter 104\n\nAnother two days passed with the tower folk living their lives. Iratus managed to create better wooden figures, and the girls got their garden working. Everyone worked together to create a roof for the muddy hole, and after some time, they finally created an underground storage area. It was a deep hole with a roof covering it as well as an opened top that should work like a ventilation system. There was a water container with some soaked cloth hanging inside the building as well to try to absorb the heat. The place still lacked proper insulation, but Iratus mentioned that would have to come later.\n\nThat night, everyone gathered around.\n\nIratus, \"Thanks to everyone's hard work, we now have an underground storage space. The cold room is now a reality.\"\n\nIgnis, \"Thanks to the most excellent tools from the camp, of course.\"\n\nAestus, \"I also see you got some more papyrus. You're going to make some more paper.\"\n\nIratus, \"Oh yeah, we will need a lot of paper if we are going to play some games.\"\n\nVictoria, \"Resonantia, are you still seeing things?\"\n\nResonantia, \"Nope, it was just at the campsite. We should definitely avoid going there.\"\n\nIgnis, \"Then I believe the other tower building where Clamor and the others used to shelter will be our next pilfering target.\"\n\nVictoria, \"What about your train? That thing is still there.\"\n\nIratus, \"We also really do need to take out the other ebonies.\"\n\nResonantia, \"Why ebonies? Why not Ink Thing, Black Goo, or...I don't know. I just think calling these new monsters ebony is odd.\"\n\nIratus playfully, \"I killed one so I get to name them, ha!\"\n\nIgnis, \"Also, we need to practice with the hyena's guns. I have seen these powerful machines in action, and let me say that they are army-destroying firearms.\"\n\nIratus, \"I've fired some muskets before, so it shouldn't be too hard. What about you?\"\n\nIgnis, \"Handguns are more my thing.\"\n\nVictoria, \"How about more tower projects?\"\n\nIratus, \"Oh, I have some ideas.\"\n\n---\n\nChapter 105\n\nOn the eighteenth day, the group created a sorry-looking makeshift bookshelf and decided to use the second half of the fourth floor as a library. They only had two books, but it was a start. They made wooden stands to hold their individual equipment. Iratus had his Gambeson leather gloves, a longsword, a knife, and now the tactical vest. Victoria had her crossbow and bolts, while Aestus had her leather chest piece. Ignis had her crowbar, and Resonantia had her bow, arrows, and breastplate; she also took the combat knife. Everyone also had at least one wooden spear. Finally, they converted one of the rooms into an infirmary.\n\nThe day had almost already passed by the time they finished.\n\nIratus, \"I dare say that our little tower is now quite functional.\"\n\nIgnis, \"The room for healthcare is not ideal. Storing sick people where other sleep is pitifully lacking in mental ability.\"\n\nVictoria, \"It will be a few days before we can make the lumber and actually craft a building in earnest.\"\n\nAestus, \"But we need nails! Nails right?\"\n\nVictoria, \"Yes.\"\n\nAestus, \"Where do we find them?\"\n\nIratus, \"We could dismantle some of the other buildings around and take their nails.\"\n\nResonantia, \"I might have to. It isn't like we can smelt and craft our own steel yet.\"\n\nIratus, \"I'm sure we'll figure it out sooner or later. Now about our other goals: I suggest we take out the other ebonies as soon as possible. We might not have run into them for now, but we've been sending almost everyone outside when we go hunting for stuff. It isn't safe out there.\"\n\nVictoria, \"Was it ever safe?\"\n\nIratus, \"Dangerous, sure, but manageable.\"\n\nAestus, \"Then we will explore the mines tomorrow.\"\n\nVictoria, \"Can you handle it, Iratus? Your face almost popped open the last time you fought one of these things, and I can't say that the combats recently have had a positive effect on keeping it together.\"\n\nIratus, \"How about I borrow the bow and stay back?\"\n\nResonantia, \"Take the crossbow or guns.\"\n\nVictoria, \"I'm for that. Let's check out these strange firearms tomorrow, then.\"\n\nIratus, \"Then it is settled.\"\n\n---\n\nChapter 106\n\nThe next day, the nineteenth day since Iratus came to this world, the party did their regular routine. They had breakfast and started doing some exercises. This time, the girls did exercises in the common room.\n\nIratus, \"Excuse me, the commons is no place for...all this.\"\n\nIratus pointed to the girls in various degrees of barely dressiness.\n\nVictoria, \"And yet you walk around shirtless almost all the time.\"\n\nIratus, \"Topless men are fashionable. Topless women are indecent.\"\n\nVictoria, \"So females must suffer while males get to frolic naked?\"\n\nIratus, \"You know what? Nevermind.\"\n\nThere were a few chuckles.\n\nResonantia, \"At least we are in the cold season. The mornings at least feel better.\"\n\nVictoria, \"There are no seasons in Nexus Prime.\"\n\nResonantia, \"Then why did Clamor call it the cold season? SEASON!\"\n\nThere were a few more chuckles. Eventually the group would get around to traveling to the stone city so that Iratus could practice with the rifle. Iratus took out the modern rifle and found the feeling of holding it much different than the muskets he had used in his home world.\n\nHe loaded the magazine and placed a makeshift ear muffler on his head, with the others doing the same. The other four girls joined Iratus in this adventure this time. Iratus tested the firearm in the treeskins in the distance. The recoil was fierce, and the sound was absolutely awful. Even with ear muffs, everyone could feel the sound rip apart the inner workings of their ears.\n\nThe speed and recoil made aiming difficult, and Iratus couldn't adjust to the rifle's rapid-fire capabilities. Iratus did manage to shoot a treeskin once, and the damage was bad enough to cripple the poor thing. A horde of treeskins began to form, and Victoria and Resonantia had to start firing their own ranged weapons at the treeskins.\n\nEventually the treeskins were close enough that Iratus was able to shoot a few more of them, ripping and tearing some limb from limb. The power of the rifle was beyond anything Iratus could imagine, with the exception of the cannon.\n\nOnce the treeskins were almost upon the group, everyone headed out. The party ran through some wilderness to try to lose the treeskins. They met backup at the tower and quickly ran in and locked it down. They waited for some time before looking back outside. With no treeskins in sight, they got back to normal.\n\nIgnis, \"How was the strength of the rifle for you?\"\n\nIratus, \"It was crazy hard to wield, and I saw the bullets tear those treeskins apart. Too bad we only have so much ammo; otherwise I'd practice all day.\"\n\nAestus, \"Firearms bad. My ears feel like they are bleeding, even though they are not.\"\n\nVictoria, \"Tell me about it.\"\n\nEveryone gave a chuckle.\n\n---\n\nChapter 107\n\nAfter some time, everyone loaded up again and headed out for the mine. They started with the corpse of the leopard, but the corpse of the ebony was gone, with only the tattered cloths remaining.\n\nIratus, \"That's ominous.\"\n\nResonantia, \"I would have objected, but the lantern missing is what is most odd.\"\n\nWith that, the group headed to the mine and went inside. Without the ashborn lighting the way, it became very difficult to see, and the party's night vision wouldn't be able to work. There came a point where the group had to stop.\n\nResonantia, \"This has become ill-thought out.\"\n\nIratus, \"Aren't you a shark? Can't you just see in the darkness?\"\n\nIgnis, \"Sharks have normal night vision like any other animal.\"\n\nResonantia, \"Also, not a shark.\" She waves over her breasts. \"I am as much a shark as you are a mouse.\"\n\nIratus, \"Point taken.\"\n\nVictoria, \"Ok, so we need a light source. Anyone know how to make a torch?\"\n\nThere was silence for a moment.\n\nVictoria, \"Are their light sources we can pilfer?\"\n\nAt the same time,\nIgnis, \"The train should have a flashlight.\"\nResonantia, \"I bet the camp has a flashlight.\"\n\nIratus, \"Ok, let's split up and meet back at the tower. I'll head over to the camp with Ignis and Aestus.\"\n\nEveryone agreed and then moved out. At the campsite, the group got to work searching the camp once again.\n\nIratus looked to Ignis, \"Going crazy yet?\"\n\nIgnis, \"Nope, not yet. So, I think any lodge will do, as long as some leftovers still exist. Honestly, I am shocked we didn't find a flashlight already.\"\n\nThey managed to roam around the outside area until they reached a particular lodge. It was some sort of dining building. There were a few bags around from travelers long past. Iratus set some items to the side and then looked around. Somehow, the other two seemed to have gotten out of his sight.\n\nIratus looked around and then headed off to the kitchen area. It was a room with counters all around and many items scattered about. He then heard banging on a side door and looked at it. There was more banging, and Iratus pulled the short sword out and readied himself as he moved to open the door. He reached out to open the door, but then got a splitting headache. Iratus noticed that he had missed the handle and had a hard time concentrating, but finally was able to try for the handle again.\n\nThe banging from the door had already stopped, but Iratus still attempted to open the door. Finally, Iratus was able to grab the handle, somehow making the task more difficult than it should have been. He opened the door, and thick smoke billowed out of the small room. From the smoke, a bright and brilliant light came from a pair of eyes, and an arm came out, reaching for Iratus, who stood still in a daze. The figure walked closer to Iratus, and upon leaving behind loud stomps from its walking, it finally snapped Iratus from his daze. The smoke dissipated, and the glowing lights were also gone as if they were illusions, and only the metalhead in the closet was left. This metalhead was already wounded significantly, but what disturbed Iratus the most was that despite the burned and metallic form, he could still make out the clothing and form of Heinrich, the human thing and part of the train folk.\n\n---\n\nChapter 108\n\nIratus had to push the metalhead off of himself, but once he pushed it to the ground, he found the perfect opportunity and slammed his knee down into the monster and started stabbing the metalhead in the head. Once the metalhead was clearly dead, Iratus stood up and noticed some cuts from the creature's figures on his pants, or perhaps claws if they could leave cuts.\n\nIratus moved out of the kitchen and back into the dining area, where Aestus was gathering the random assortment of items.\n\nAestus, \"Oh, there you are. You disappeared on me, so where did you go?\"\n\nIratus, \"Me? It was everyone else who left me. Whatever, where is Ignis?\"\n\nAestus pointed outside, and Iratus went to go look for Ignis. He quickly spotted her standing on the docks. Irauts walked up and stopped to talk to her.\n\nIratus, \"You ok?\"\n\nIgnis seemed to snap out of her stupor.\n\nIgnis, \"What? Oh sorry. Yeah, I'm fine.\"\n\nHer speech was different this time. Normally her speech felt forceful, as what Iratus had been calling common folkish was not her native language, and she tried to add flavor to her words.\n\nIratus, \"This one thinks you have seen some weird things.\"\n\nIgnis, \"Bless you. I am most certainly fine. It is true that I have seen some odd things; in fact, I once thought metalheads were not even much of a threat. Now, I'm starting to become afraid of them.\"\n\nIratus, \"I actually almost died. For some reason, I was just standing around waiting to die.\"\n\nIgnis, \"Clamor said the train folk lost their minds. Interestingly enough, I fear that we may need to stop coming here for a while.\"\n\nIratus, \"We also need to tell everyone that Heinrich was turned into a metalhead.\"\n\nIgnis, \"Arg.\"\n\nIratus, \"Hey, if you guys have been around forever, then wouldn't you all be aware that metalheads have these strange abilities?\"\n\nIgnis, \"No one has ever stayed around metalheads. From what Clamor has said, the three basically came here all the time. Given enough hours, I assume that is what activates the hallucinations. We train folk never had to stay for long in metalhead-infected areas.\"\n\nIratus, \"Anyways, come see if we found the flashing light thing we were looking for, and then let's get out of here.\"\n\n---\n\nChapter 109\n\nIgnis, \"Junk, junk, junk, oh my.\"\n\nShe grabbed some matches and a compass from the pile.\n\nIratus, \"Aestus, we've got some stuff.\"\n\nAestus had already grabbed several things from the kitchen. She got some more cutlery items: bowls, plates, mugs, a pot, a can opener, and some candles.\n\nIgnis pocketed a multi-purpose tool and then put a bottle of shampoo in the backpack. Then, after checking the last bag, she found a flashlight.\n\nIratus, \"Success! Let's go.\"\n\nThe group quickly left the campsite and headed back to the tower, where the others were already waiting.\n\nIratus, \"Got anything?\"\n\nVictoria, \"No, there was a large lizard-looking treeskin in the way. We just turned around and waited here.\"\n\nIratus talked about what happened and what was found at the campsite. There was some sadness for Heinrich, but they were determined when Iratus took out the flashlight.\n\nIratus, \"Let's take a break, and then we will try to find some ebonies to slay.\"\n\nWith some mutual agreement, the group would take some time off before they got ready to venture out again. Ignis tested the flashlight to make sure it worked. Aestus, Victoria, and Iratus were dazzled by the technology.\n\nAestus, \"What magic is that?\"\n\nIratus, \"It isn't magic. It is just some sort of advanced technology.\"\n\nResonantia, \"The flashlight is indeed advanced technology. Gelus's time had already made these kinds of things on mass.\"\n\nIratus, \"Do you know how it works?\"\n\nResonantia and Ignis just shrugged.\n\nIgnis, \"I know it needs this energy source called batteries.\"\n\nIgnis showed how to open the flashlight and reveal the batteries. This would go on for a while before it was time to go out again. Once again, all five of them headed off to the mine.\n\n---\n\nChapter 110\n\nAt the mine, everyone walked into the darkness with the flashlight lit. They traveled down to the intersection, where Iratus explained the paths.\n\nIratus, \"Down there is the train; over there is a dark abyss that we need to avoid, and the third path over there is where the, uh, goo mass thing is.\"\n\nResonantia flashed the light down the dark hole, and while it didn't reveal much, at the farthest end of the light, something was there. Everyone had to squint to see what it was. There was some movement, and after staring some more, it was discovered that there were giant spiders and their webbed nests down this tunnel.\n\nResonantia, \"Wow, ok. Let's not explore this tunnel.\"\n\nWith that concluded, the group headed down the third tunnel with their senses on high alert. They got to the hole in the ground, and the light revealed that the black mass was gone.\n\nIratus, \"I still think we should see if we can find these things.\"\n\nVictoria, \"Our plan was to run out into the open so that the guns wouldn't murder our ears because of the close spaces. Can we still run away if we move further down or move through this hole?\"\n\nAestus, \"We could send someone ahead with the others waiting outside.\"\n\nIratus, \"Sounds too dangerous.\"\n\nAestus, \"I'm up for it!\"\n\nIratus, \"I'd like to see what's on the other side. I think we should at least try to travel together.\"\n\nAestus, \"Alright...\"\n\nThe party traveled over the hole and went deeper into the cave, which was a natural cave and was not like the mine they were just in. However, they eventually got to a stone-worked area of the cave. They had walked into a massive and vast room that stretched almost beyond their sight. The ceiling was adorned with stalactites hanging high above. While torches that were mounted on the walls were waiting to be lit.\n\nThe floor beneath their feet is a meticulously crafted mosaic of stone tiles, worn by the passage of countless feet over time. The tiles formed a complex pattern, perhaps a map of sorts, depicting the interweaving tunnels and passages that crisscross the vast underground network. Though, after some time, one could see that the map and what was in these tunnels did not match up,\n\nNarrow walkways snake through the chamber, and sturdy stone pillars had intricately carved ornate designs in them, and they supported the walkways at regular intervals, providing a sense of stability and architectural beauty.\n\nThe air within the chamber feels cool and slightly damp, carrying a hint of earthy scent and the faint sound of distant water trickling through unseen channels. While this place should have been a hub of travel, now it is an eerie and dead area. To the side, a massive platform stands, raised slightly above the rest of the chamber. It was probably the departure point for the transport system that this place was made for. Large carriages were left on the platform, long abandoned. Their wooden bodies are adorned with carvings and symbols, while their interiors are lined with plush seating and lamps.\n\nThe chamber seemed to be a place that connected a lower tunnel to the upper tunnel, but just like with the stone city or other places in Nexus Prime, whatever tunnels or roads that should exist don't, as if this room was taken and placed here.\n\nWith the flashlight, Resonantia lit up a massive staircase that led down to the bottom of the room.\n\nResonantia, \"Loot or continue exploring?\"\n\n---\n\nEPISDOE 11: END\n\n---\nEpisode 11 End Character Sheet\nName: Iratus Lionheart\nSpecies: Mousefolk\nAge: 14\nCoverings: Blonde Fur, White Gambeson (moderately damaged, leather patchwork), leather gloves, tactical vest\nWeapons: Long Sword, Knife\nEquipment: belt, belt bag, water skin, leathercraft backpack, 2 bags, 33 oval copper coins, 7 small silver bricks, 6 gemstones\n\nCommunity Stash: a fire starter, whetstone, several leather items, a lot of animal bones, some animal hide, 3 glass jar, 1 fish net, primitive sewing kit, trowel, woodcutting axe, a lot of wooden spears, a bunch of small wooden figures, wooden dice, lots of sheets, metal scrap, lots of rusted metal, several small fish nets, short sword, box of unknown ammo, tailor craft backpack, some medical supplies, semi-automatic rifle and ammo, a pocket watch, a strange device (Gameboy-like device), lots of wooden blanks and boards, wood glue, sandpaper\n\nTreasure: 50 oval copper coins, a tarnished silver brooch, 15 ancient coins, a small ornamental figurine, a brass ring, a handful of sparkling glass beads, a dainty silver bracelet, a small wooden trinket box, a collection of delicate, hand-painted porcelain charms, 33 ancient metal coins, 15 fine coins\n\nHome Base, Tower: Large Storage Area (many crates and clay pots), Basic Butchering Area (few tools, smoking rack), Basic Workshop Area (some tools, woodcarving tools), Kitchen Area (many tools, many cutlery items, pots&pans), Outside Makeshift Tannery, Underground Storage Area, Garden Area, Library, Armory, Infirmary room (surgery tools)\n\nBooks: 3x Woodworking books, weathered leather-bound journal\n\nWounds: Left Leg bitten (partially healed), Right Hand (limited functionality, almost fully healed), Face (multiple severe injuries, some healing)\n\nYear 0, Day 19\n\n---\n\n(Extra Stories)\n\nExtra Story 1\n(Some time ago) Clamor was tied to a pillar as he stood there with a bored look on his face. Time continued to pass until nearly an hour passed, during which Clamor finally broke.\n\nClamor, \"Eh! I thought we were joking! Where are all of you? Human thing? Bager? Cat boy? Wasn't this a joke? Where are you guys?\"\n\nAfter a sigh, Clamor had no choice but to keep waiting. Then he heard laughter.\n\nClamor, \"Boy, is that you?\"\n\nThe voice of the young cheetah man could be heard from another room.\n\nAvaritia, \"I'm going home.\" His voice almost seemed floaty: \"I'm selling you to future men for my freedom.\"\n\nClamor, \"Invaders cannot be trusted! If they were here to help, then why wouldn't they just take everyone back home? In my experience, they are just adventurers looting treasure and slaying monsters like in fictional stories.\"\n\nAvaritia, \"Or tabletop gaming, by the sounds of it.\"\n\nClamor, \"Like a board game? What?\"\n\nAvaritia, \"The deal was I'd give them the rabbit lord in exchange for transportation home. I want to go home, and you get to...something.\"\n\nClamor, \"Are you sure this isn't a prank?\"\n\nAvaritia, \"They ask for you specifically. I have to ask, what did you do to piss them off?\"\n\nClamor, \"I avoid those people, so no idea!\"\n\nAvaritia, \"Clamor, are you there?\"\n\nClamor, \"Here we go.\" Finishing with a sigh.\n\nThe door was slammed open, and Avaritia walked in and looked around. He was wearing different clothes now, something that Gelus would wear. He now wore clothing that was probably leftover from the campers. Avaritia himself now had a serious burn across half his face. It also seemed like he didn't even see Clamor.\n\nAvaritia, \"He has escaped! Sound the alarm!\"\n\nAvaritia slammed the door shut and ran outside.\n\nClamor, \"Yup. Just like last time. Bye.\"\n\nHours would pass, but Clamor was able to maintain a positive attitude throughout the passage of time.\n\nClamor singing, \"When the bridge falls down, the Lord comes to save thee. With his angels on silvery chariots and the Lord's son stopping the flood, all praise be to the Lord.\"\n\nEven more hours will pass.\n\nClamor, \"And then I said, please arrest me. I want to go to prison for stepping in horse feces.\" Clamor gave a chuckle, but then suddenly stopped. \"Ugh, no. That won't work. Argh, comedy is so hard.\"\n\nThe night would come.\n\nClamor, \"Don't worry, Clamor, the Lord never breaks his promises. Oh, thank you, me; I needed to hear that. No, he didn't, because he is just talking to himself, which means he has lost his mind, like his so-called friends. I wouldn't call them friends; more like people who shrugged and said welcome aboard. And yet here you are!\"\n\nClamor gave a pause as his senses told him something was wrong.\n\nClamor, \"Are we alone? What's this 'we' crap? None of you are real! I'm talking to myself, darn myself. Oh my God! The boy hasn't comeback yet. Well, that's unbelievable. I have nothing to do but wait for God to save me.\"\n\nClicking and movement could be heard. Clamor tried to look around, but he could only ever see a shadow outline of something that looked like a giant centipede in the corner of his eyes. He never actually got a good look at it, but the sounds and moving shadows put his fur on edge and spiked his adrenaline. Clamor took a few deep breaths. The shadow insect felt like it was still there, and the sounds it made gave it a sense of danger. Clamor took one more breath.\n\nClamor in a non-serious tone, \"Oh no, danger. Well, time to sleep.\"\n\n---\n\nExtra Story 2\n(Some time ago) Heinrich looked over the dead body laying on the medical bed. It seemed like he was in a medical room with medical equipment laying around. The body itself seemed featureless but definitely human. Heinrich held up a clipboard with no paper on it. Heinrich spoke in his native language, but his words seemed to be slurred, and sometimes they didn't even make sense.\n\nHeinrich, \"Subjekt siebzehn hat Schnittwunden, Prellungen und verschiedene Knochenbrüche. Dennoch lässt mich die schiere Menge an Drogen im System des Probanden vermuten, dass er nicht an einem körperlichen Trauma gestorben ist.\" He turned around and talked to someone who was not there. \"Lehrer, was ist wirklich mit diesem Mann passiert?\"\n\nThen the corpse grabbed Heinrich, and the room melted down until it was just a regular building in the campsite. The human body melted and revealed that it was a metalhead. Smoke filled the room quickly as the eyes of the monster glowed bright. Heinrich stood in a daze, unable to act, as the metalhead lifted itself off the table and held the human in place.\n", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "Black Hole: The Book of Iratus, Episode 11

Chapter 101

The horde of thirty treeskins mostly stood around the tower while some actively searched around for prey. Inside the tower, the party got ready to attack the horde. Iratus was still very wounded, so he took the short sword, but he also equipped himself with the tactical vest. Ignis tied her long black hair in a ponytail and grabbed a wooden spear, as well as her crowbar on her belt. Victoria had her crossbow and held herself up in the second story of the tower. Resonantia, with her bow, waited on Aestus, who was waiting for everyone to be in position.

Despite the tropical area, a cold wind had been blowing through the mornings, making the current time slightly chilly. With one last look around from Iratus, everyone nodded their heads. Aestus opened the door and ran out, with Iratus quickly shutting it. Aestus ran out into the wilderness with Victoria, shooting treeskins while they chased her. Once only the stragglers were left, the door was opened again, and the others came out to dispose of them.

One treeskin was dropped by Resonantia's bow, while Iratus and Ignis took down two. Another three came back and pushed the group back into the tower before the treeskins could be killed.

Iratus's group tried to lure some treeskins back and managed to gather another two, which looked like the male versions, but they were quite large and strong, throwing Resonantia to the ground. With enough backstabbing, Iratus killed the two brutes.

From the tower, Victoria shot down bolts into the treeskin horde, missing many shots, landing a few shots, and killing two. Aestus ran around back to the front of the tower, out of breath. She clearly used far more stamina than planned. The horde started to fill in, and while the group was able to kill another three, they had to flee. Ignis ran this time, trying to gather the treeskins, while the others took refuge in the tower.

Because the treeskins were scattered around the tower, Ignis had to change plans and flee towards the dirt road. The door on the tower was being attacked until the group opened the door, spears at the ready, and endured the treeskins piling into the door. Victoria wounded a few more and killed one more. Three treeskins impaled themselves and died at the door, while the others pushed forward and came into the tower itself.

Resonantia pushed forward herself and tried to stop the enemy rush. Iratus and Aestus had to back out, killing another two on their retreat. The shark girl abandoned the door and headed to her allies with a few new scrapes. Victoria came down from the stairs and landed another killing shot with the other three defending the stairs, killing the rest of the treeskins and slaying the last four.

The group ran out and attempted to find Ignis, who eventually showed back up to the tower with the remaining six treeskins on her tail. The shark girl and raccoon girl unleashed their ranged attacks and killed another two treeskins. Iratus moved the dead treeskins from the door, and the group used the doorway as a chokepoint again. This would be enough to finish off the remaining four treeskins.

---

Chapter 102

Everyone was tired as they tried to move the treeskin corpses into a pile. They all had to take a break and wait until the afternoon before trying to burn the bodies, which they found difficult until the bodies were bled enough. The treeskins really were made of wood, and so they did burn quite well. For the rest of the day, it was all about rest, with the girls eventually heading down to the hot springs. Iratus used the ashes from the treeskins for the garden. He also noticed some missing bits from the door but could only shrug at them.

The day would come to an end soon enough. The fifteenth day came. This time the group decided to head to the camp for the ton of loot still left there. Ignis stayed behind this time. Aestus wasn't at her peak form yet, but she was well enough to travel and fight.

At the tree line, the group observed the area.

Iratus, "We just took out thirty treeskins so do you think we could take out these guys?"

The metalheads continued to wander through the camp. They were made up of many different species from many different time periods.

Resonantia, "We had to divide them up and kill them in smaller groups. Not only that, but we had the tower."

Aestus, "How many of these metal people are there anyway?" I think I can see....like a lot."

Victoria, "A random guess of twenty, and that's what we can see."

Aestus, "So we can do it?"

Iratus, "Let's try to avoid trouble for right now. Let's check the medical cabin first."

The party infiltrated the medical center and found a few metalheads inside. The group was able to kill them, though Iratus got slightly burned from the fight.

Iratus, "It doesn't look like it left any marks. I guess it's just pain then." He poured some of the water from the waterskin to try to dull the pain.

Aestus, "What's next?"

Resonantia, "I saw an archery range over there, and I'd like an upgrade for my bow."

The archery range clearly once had a number of weapons stocked within it, but they had long since been looted. The party had to stop searching when they realized they had attracted a large number of metalheads.

The group fought and fled to a large watchtower of some sort, slamming the door behind them. Resonantia was almost out of arrows, and Victoria had half a quiver left. Iratus discarded his now-broken wooden spear and drew his short sword. He still didn't use his own longsword, for he still didn't have the best feeling in his right hand.

The group looked around and tried to plan as the metalheads beat on the door. They could hear screeching and the sound of burning, as well as see smoke coming from the door.

---

Chapter 103

The metalheads ripped through the door and tried to enter the watch tower, only to be met with attacks from the party. They managed to kill six metalheads before they had to retreat upstairs. They used the stairs as another chokepoint and managed to halt the enemy advance and slay another four metalheads.

At first, the monsters stopped coming, but the vast number of metalheads could still be heard outside. The group backed themselves into a corner and waited for a while to see if the monsters would go away. Victoria managed to silently climb a ladder to the top of the tower to take a view, with everyone else trying not to make a sound themselves.

When the raccoon girl came back down, the sound of metalheads moving away could also be heard.

Victoria whispering, "I fired a bolt at a tree to lure the creatures away. Come on."

The party did their best to move silently out of the watchtower. Once outside, they had to run away and into another building as the monsters caught sight of them.

The group entered and found a backdoor to leave the metalheads behind.

After catching their breath, the group searched for the wood workshop. The group grabbed as much stuff as was still there or not burned. They got wooden carving tools as well as a few wooden planks and boards. In another area of the workshop, they found wood glue, half-finished wooden sculptures, a few small boxes, sandpaper, and some books on woodworking.

As Iratus was packing anything that was of use, he suddenly smelled an adrenaline spike from somewhere. The smell came from Resonantia, and Iratus found her outside, scanning the area.

Iratus, "What happened?"

Resonantia, "I thought I saw...someone. Someone who should be dead."

Iratus after several moments, "You ok? You are really tense, you know?"

Resonantia, "I'm fine."

Her heartbeat did not completely return to normal.

Iratus, "The train group went crazy staying here. Heck, we even released Clamor without much discussion."

Resonantia, "To tie the poor man up, what madness afflicted them? Maybe I am beginning to understand why. I need to get out of here."

Iratus signaled to the others, and the party started to head back home.

Aestus, "Resi, your heart is way out of line. Are you okay?" Resi is the nickname she gave the shark girl.

Resonantia, "Just seeing things. I'll be fine once we get home."

Iratus, "And we've got some real tools. I'll be making real figurines now!"

---

Chapter 104

Another two days passed with the tower folk living their lives. Iratus managed to create better wooden figures, and the girls got their garden working. Everyone worked together to create a roof for the muddy hole, and after some time, they finally created an underground storage area. It was a deep hole with a roof covering it as well as an opened top that should work like a ventilation system. There was a water container with some soaked cloth hanging inside the building as well to try to absorb the heat. The place still lacked proper insulation, but Iratus mentioned that would have to come later.

That night, everyone gathered around.

Iratus, "Thanks to everyone's hard work, we now have an underground storage space. The cold room is now a reality."

Ignis, "Thanks to the most excellent tools from the camp, of course."

Aestus, "I also see you got some more papyrus. You're going to make some more paper."

Iratus, "Oh yeah, we will need a lot of paper if we are going to play some games."

Victoria, "Resonantia, are you still seeing things?"

Resonantia, "Nope, it was just at the campsite. We should definitely avoid going there."

Ignis, "Then I believe the other tower building where Clamor and the others used to shelter will be our next pilfering target."

Victoria, "What about your train? That thing is still there."

Iratus, "We also really do need to take out the other ebonies."

Resonantia, "Why ebonies? Why not Ink Thing, Black Goo, or...I don't know. I just think calling these new monsters ebony is odd."

Iratus playfully, "I killed one so I get to name them, ha!"

Ignis, "Also, we need to practice with the hyena's guns. I have seen these powerful machines in action, and let me say that they are army-destroying firearms."

Iratus, "I've fired some muskets before, so it shouldn't be too hard. What about you?"

Ignis, "Handguns are more my thing."

Victoria, "How about more tower projects?"

Iratus, "Oh, I have some ideas."

---

Chapter 105

On the eighteenth day, the group created a sorry-looking makeshift bookshelf and decided to use the second half of the fourth floor as a library. They only had two books, but it was a start. They made wooden stands to hold their individual equipment. Iratus had his Gambeson leather gloves, a longsword, a knife, and now the tactical vest. Victoria had her crossbow and bolts, while Aestus had her leather chest piece. Ignis had her crowbar, and Resonantia had her bow, arrows, and breastplate; she also took the combat knife. Everyone also had at least one wooden spear. Finally, they converted one of the rooms into an infirmary.

The day had almost already passed by the time they finished.

Iratus, "I dare say that our little tower is now quite functional."

Ignis, "The room for healthcare is not ideal. Storing sick people where other sleep is pitifully lacking in mental ability."

Victoria, "It will be a few days before we can make the lumber and actually craft a building in earnest."

Aestus, "But we need nails! Nails right?"

Victoria, "Yes."

Aestus, "Where do we find them?"

Iratus, "We could dismantle some of the other buildings around and take their nails."

Resonantia, "I might have to. It isn't like we can smelt and craft our own steel yet."

Iratus, "I'm sure we'll figure it out sooner or later. Now about our other goals: I suggest we take out the other ebonies as soon as possible. We might not have run into them for now, but we've been sending almost everyone outside when we go hunting for stuff. It isn't safe out there."

Victoria, "Was it ever safe?"

Iratus, "Dangerous, sure, but manageable."

Aestus, "Then we will explore the mines tomorrow."

Victoria, "Can you handle it, Iratus? Your face almost popped open the last time you fought one of these things, and I can't say that the combats recently have had a positive effect on keeping it together."

Iratus, "How about I borrow the bow and stay back?"

Resonantia, "Take the crossbow or guns."

Victoria, "I'm for that. Let's check out these strange firearms tomorrow, then."

Iratus, "Then it is settled."

---

Chapter 106

The next day, the nineteenth day since Iratus came to this world, the party did their regular routine. They had breakfast and started doing some exercises. This time, the girls did exercises in the common room.

Iratus, "Excuse me, the commons is no place for...all this."

Iratus pointed to the girls in various degrees of barely dressiness.

Victoria, "And yet you walk around shirtless almost all the time."

Iratus, "Topless men are fashionable. Topless women are indecent."

Victoria, "So females must suffer while males get to frolic naked?"

Iratus, "You know what? Nevermind."

There were a few chuckles.

Resonantia, "At least we are in the cold season. The mornings at least feel better."

Victoria, "There are no seasons in Nexus Prime."

Resonantia, "Then why did Clamor call it the cold season? SEASON!"

There were a few more chuckles. Eventually the group would get around to traveling to the stone city so that Iratus could practice with the rifle. Iratus took out the modern rifle and found the feeling of holding it much different than the muskets he had used in his home world.

He loaded the magazine and placed a makeshift ear muffler on his head, with the others doing the same. The other four girls joined Iratus in this adventure this time. Iratus tested the firearm in the treeskins in the distance. The recoil was fierce, and the sound was absolutely awful. Even with ear muffs, everyone could feel the sound rip apart the inner workings of their ears.

The speed and recoil made aiming difficult, and Iratus couldn't adjust to the rifle's rapid-fire capabilities. Iratus did manage to shoot a treeskin once, and the damage was bad enough to cripple the poor thing. A horde of treeskins began to form, and Victoria and Resonantia had to start firing their own ranged weapons at the treeskins.

Eventually the treeskins were close enough that Iratus was able to shoot a few more of them, ripping and tearing some limb from limb. The power of the rifle was beyond anything Iratus could imagine, with the exception of the cannon.

Once the treeskins were almost upon the group, everyone headed out. The party ran through some wilderness to try to lose the treeskins. They met backup at the tower and quickly ran in and locked it down. They waited for some time before looking back outside. With no treeskins in sight, they got back to normal.

Ignis, "How was the strength of the rifle for you?"

Iratus, "It was crazy hard to wield, and I saw the bullets tear those treeskins apart. Too bad we only have so much ammo; otherwise I'd practice all day."

Aestus, "Firearms bad. My ears feel like they are bleeding, even though they are not."

Victoria, "Tell me about it."

Everyone gave a chuckle.

---

Chapter 107

After some time, everyone loaded up again and headed out for the mine. They started with the corpse of the leopard, but the corpse of the ebony was gone, with only the tattered cloths remaining.

Iratus, "That's ominous."

Resonantia, "I would have objected, but the lantern missing is what is most odd."

With that, the group headed to the mine and went inside. Without the ashborn lighting the way, it became very difficult to see, and the party's night vision wouldn't be able to work. There came a point where the group had to stop.

Resonantia, "This has become ill-thought out."

Iratus, "Aren't you a shark? Can't you just see in the darkness?"

Ignis, "Sharks have normal night vision like any other animal."

Resonantia, "Also, not a shark." She waves over her breasts. "I am as much a shark as you are a mouse."

Iratus, "Point taken."

Victoria, "Ok, so we need a light source. Anyone know how to make a torch?"

There was silence for a moment.

Victoria, "Are their light sources we can pilfer?"

At the same time,
Ignis, "The train should have a flashlight."
Resonantia, "I bet the camp has a flashlight."

Iratus, "Ok, let's split up and meet back at the tower. I'll head over to the camp with Ignis and Aestus."

Everyone agreed and then moved out. At the campsite, the group got to work searching the camp once again.

Iratus looked to Ignis, "Going crazy yet?"

Ignis, "Nope, not yet. So, I think any lodge will do, as long as some leftovers still exist. Honestly, I am shocked we didn't find a flashlight already."

They managed to roam around the outside area until they reached a particular lodge. It was some sort of dining building. There were a few bags around from travelers long past. Iratus set some items to the side and then looked around. Somehow, the other two seemed to have gotten out of his sight.

Iratus looked around and then headed off to the kitchen area. It was a room with counters all around and many items scattered about. He then heard banging on a side door and looked at it. There was more banging, and Iratus pulled the short sword out and readied himself as he moved to open the door. He reached out to open the door, but then got a splitting headache. Iratus noticed that he had missed the handle and had a hard time concentrating, but finally was able to try for the handle again.

The banging from the door had already stopped, but Iratus still attempted to open the door. Finally, Iratus was able to grab the handle, somehow making the task more difficult than it should have been. He opened the door, and thick smoke billowed out of the small room. From the smoke, a bright and brilliant light came from a pair of eyes, and an arm came out, reaching for Iratus, who stood still in a daze. The figure walked closer to Iratus, and upon leaving behind loud stomps from its walking, it finally snapped Iratus from his daze. The smoke dissipated, and the glowing lights were also gone as if they were illusions, and only the metalhead in the closet was left. This metalhead was already wounded significantly, but what disturbed Iratus the most was that despite the burned and metallic form, he could still make out the clothing and form of Heinrich, the human thing and part of the train folk.

---

Chapter 108

Iratus had to push the metalhead off of himself, but once he pushed it to the ground, he found the perfect opportunity and slammed his knee down into the monster and started stabbing the metalhead in the head. Once the metalhead was clearly dead, Iratus stood up and noticed some cuts from the creature's figures on his pants, or perhaps claws if they could leave cuts.

Iratus moved out of the kitchen and back into the dining area, where Aestus was gathering the random assortment of items.

Aestus, "Oh, there you are. You disappeared on me, so where did you go?"

Iratus, "Me? It was everyone else who left me. Whatever, where is Ignis?"

Aestus pointed outside, and Iratus went to go look for Ignis. He quickly spotted her standing on the docks. Irauts walked up and stopped to talk to her.

Iratus, "You ok?"

Ignis seemed to snap out of her stupor.

Ignis, "What? Oh sorry. Yeah, I'm fine."

Her speech was different this time. Normally her speech felt forceful, as what Iratus had been calling common folkish was not her native language, and she tried to add flavor to her words.

Iratus, "This one thinks you have seen some weird things."

Ignis, "Bless you. I am most certainly fine. It is true that I have seen some odd things; in fact, I once thought metalheads were not even much of a threat. Now, I'm starting to become afraid of them."

Iratus, "I actually almost died. For some reason, I was just standing around waiting to die."

Ignis, "Clamor said the train folk lost their minds. Interestingly enough, I fear that we may need to stop coming here for a while."

Iratus, "We also need to tell everyone that Heinrich was turned into a metalhead."

Ignis, "Arg."

Iratus, "Hey, if you guys have been around forever, then wouldn't you all be aware that metalheads have these strange abilities?"

Ignis, "No one has ever stayed around metalheads. From what Clamor has said, the three basically came here all the time. Given enough hours, I assume that is what activates the hallucinations. We train folk never had to stay for long in metalhead-infected areas."

Iratus, "Anyways, come see if we found the flashing light thing we were looking for, and then let's get out of here."

---

Chapter 109

Ignis, "Junk, junk, junk, oh my."

She grabbed some matches and a compass from the pile.

Iratus, "Aestus, we've got some stuff."

Aestus had already grabbed several things from the kitchen. She got some more cutlery items: bowls, plates, mugs, a pot, a can opener, and some candles.

Ignis pocketed a multi-purpose tool and then put a bottle of shampoo in the backpack. Then, after checking the last bag, she found a flashlight.

Iratus, "Success! Let's go."

The group quickly left the campsite and headed back to the tower, where the others were already waiting.

Iratus, "Got anything?"

Victoria, "No, there was a large lizard-looking treeskin in the way. We just turned around and waited here."

Iratus talked about what happened and what was found at the campsite. There was some sadness for Heinrich, but they were determined when Iratus took out the flashlight.

Iratus, "Let's take a break, and then we will try to find some ebonies to slay."

With some mutual agreement, the group would take some time off before they got ready to venture out again. Ignis tested the flashlight to make sure it worked. Aestus, Victoria, and Iratus were dazzled by the technology.

Aestus, "What magic is that?"

Iratus, "It isn't magic. It is just some sort of advanced technology."

Resonantia, "The flashlight is indeed advanced technology. Gelus's time had already made these kinds of things on mass."

Iratus, "Do you know how it works?"

Resonantia and Ignis just shrugged.

Ignis, "I know it needs this energy source called batteries."

Ignis showed how to open the flashlight and reveal the batteries. This would go on for a while before it was time to go out again. Once again, all five of them headed off to the mine.

---

Chapter 110

At the mine, everyone walked into the darkness with the flashlight lit. They traveled down to the intersection, where Iratus explained the paths.

Iratus, "Down there is the train; over there is a dark abyss that we need to avoid, and the third path over there is where the, uh, goo mass thing is."

Resonantia flashed the light down the dark hole, and while it didn't reveal much, at the farthest end of the light, something was there. Everyone had to squint to see what it was. There was some movement, and after staring some more, it was discovered that there were giant spiders and their webbed nests down this tunnel.

Resonantia, "Wow, ok. Let's not explore this tunnel."

With that concluded, the group headed down the third tunnel with their senses on high alert. They got to the hole in the ground, and the light revealed that the black mass was gone.

Iratus, "I still think we should see if we can find these things."

Victoria, "Our plan was to run out into the open so that the guns wouldn't murder our ears because of the close spaces. Can we still run away if we move further down or move through this hole?"

Aestus, "We could send someone ahead with the others waiting outside."

Iratus, "Sounds too dangerous."

Aestus, "I'm up for it!"

Iratus, "I'd like to see what's on the other side. I think we should at least try to travel together."

Aestus, "Alright..."

The party traveled over the hole and went deeper into the cave, which was a natural cave and was not like the mine they were just in. However, they eventually got to a stone-worked area of the cave. They had walked into a massive and vast room that stretched almost beyond their sight. The ceiling was adorned with stalactites hanging high above. While torches that were mounted on the walls were waiting to be lit.

The floor beneath their feet is a meticulously crafted mosaic of stone tiles, worn by the passage of countless feet over time. The tiles formed a complex pattern, perhaps a map of sorts, depicting the interweaving tunnels and passages that crisscross the vast underground network. Though, after some time, one could see that the map and what was in these tunnels did not match up,

Narrow walkways snake through the chamber, and sturdy stone pillars had intricately carved ornate designs in them, and they supported the walkways at regular intervals, providing a sense of stability and architectural beauty.

The air within the chamber feels cool and slightly damp, carrying a hint of earthy scent and the faint sound of distant water trickling through unseen channels. While this place should have been a hub of travel, now it is an eerie and dead area. To the side, a massive platform stands, raised slightly above the rest of the chamber. It was probably the departure point for the transport system that this place was made for. Large carriages were left on the platform, long abandoned. Their wooden bodies are adorned with carvings and symbols, while their interiors are lined with plush seating and lamps.

The chamber seemed to be a place that connected a lower tunnel to the upper tunnel, but just like with the stone city or other places in Nexus Prime, whatever tunnels or roads that should exist don't, as if this room was taken and placed here.

With the flashlight, Resonantia lit up a massive staircase that led down to the bottom of the room.

Resonantia, "Loot or continue exploring?"

---

EPISDOE 11: END

---
Episode 11 End Character Sheet
Name: Iratus Lionheart
Species: Mousefolk
Age: 14
Coverings: Blonde Fur, White Gambeson (moderately damaged, leather patchwork), leather gloves, tactical vest
Weapons: Long Sword, Knife
Equipment: belt, belt bag, water skin, leathercraft backpack, 2 bags, 33 oval copper coins, 7 small silver bricks, 6 gemstones

Community Stash: a fire starter, whetstone, several leather items, a lot of animal bones, some animal hide, 3 glass jar, 1 fish net, primitive sewing kit, trowel, woodcutting axe, a lot of wooden spears,  a bunch of small wooden figures, wooden dice, lots of sheets, metal scrap, lots of rusted metal, several small fish nets, short sword, box of unknown ammo, tailor craft backpack, some medical supplies, semi-automatic rifle and ammo, a pocket watch, a strange device (Gameboy-like device), lots of wooden blanks and boards, wood glue, sandpaper

Treasure: 50 oval copper coins, a tarnished silver brooch, 15 ancient coins, a small ornamental figurine, a brass ring, a handful of sparkling glass beads, a dainty silver bracelet, a small wooden trinket box, a collection of delicate, hand-painted porcelain charms, 33 ancient metal coins, 15 fine coins

Home Base, Tower: Large Storage Area (many crates and clay pots), Basic Butchering Area (few tools, smoking rack), Basic Workshop Area (some tools, woodcarving tools), Kitchen Area (many tools, many cutlery items, pots&pans), Outside Makeshift Tannery, Underground Storage Area, Garden Area, Library, Armory, Infirmary room (surgery tools)

Books: 3x Woodworking books, weathered leather-bound journal

Wounds: Left Leg bitten (partially healed), Right Hand (limited functionality, almost fully healed), Face (multiple severe injuries, some healing)

Year 0, Day 19

---

(Extra Stories)

Extra Story 1
(Some time ago) Clamor was tied to a pillar as he stood there with a bored look on his face. Time continued to pass until nearly an hour passed, during which Clamor finally broke.

Clamor, "Eh! I thought we were joking! Where are all of you? Human thing? Bager? Cat boy? Wasn't this a joke? Where are you guys?"

After a sigh, Clamor had no choice but to keep waiting. Then he heard laughter.

Clamor, "Boy, is that you?"

The voice of the young cheetah man could be heard from another room.

Avaritia, "I'm going home." His voice almost seemed floaty: "I'm selling you to future men for my freedom."

Clamor, "Invaders cannot be trusted! If they were here to help, then why wouldn't they just take everyone back home? In my experience, they are just adventurers looting treasure and slaying monsters like in fictional stories."

Avaritia, "Or tabletop gaming, by the sounds of it."

Clamor, "Like a board game? What?"

Avaritia, "The deal was I'd give them the rabbit lord in exchange for transportation home. I want to go home, and you get to...something."

Clamor, "Are you sure this isn't a prank?"

Avaritia, "They ask for you specifically. I have to ask, what did you do to piss them off?"

Clamor, "I avoid those people, so no idea!"

Avaritia, "Clamor, are you there?"

Clamor, "Here we go." Finishing with a sigh.

The door was slammed open, and Avaritia walked in and looked around. He was wearing different clothes now, something that Gelus would wear. He now wore clothing that was probably leftover from the campers. Avaritia himself now had a serious burn across half his face. It also seemed like he didn't even see Clamor.

Avaritia, "He has escaped! Sound the alarm!"

Avaritia slammed the door shut and ran outside.

Clamor, "Yup. Just like last time. Bye."

Hours would pass, but Clamor was able to maintain a positive attitude throughout the passage of time.

Clamor singing, "When the bridge falls down, the Lord comes to save thee. With his angels on silvery chariots and the Lord's son stopping the flood, all praise be to the Lord."

Even more hours will pass.

Clamor, "And then I said, please arrest me. I want to go to prison for stepping in horse feces." Clamor gave a chuckle, but then suddenly stopped. "Ugh, no. That won't work. Argh, comedy is so hard."

The night would come.

Clamor, "Don't worry, Clamor, the Lord never breaks his promises. Oh, thank you, me; I needed to hear that. No, he didn't, because he is just talking to himself, which means he has lost his mind, like his so-called friends. I wouldn't call them friends; more like people who shrugged and said welcome aboard. And yet here you are!"

Clamor gave a pause as his senses told him something was wrong.

Clamor, "Are we alone? What's this 'we' crap? None of you are real! I'm talking to myself, darn myself. Oh my God! The boy hasn't comeback yet. Well, that's unbelievable. I have nothing to do but wait for God to save me."

Clicking and movement could be heard. Clamor tried to look around, but he could only ever see a shadow outline of something that looked like a giant centipede in the corner of his eyes. He never actually got a good look at it, but the sounds and moving shadows put his fur on edge and spiked his adrenaline. Clamor took a few deep breaths. The shadow insect felt like it was still there, and the sounds it made gave it a sense of danger. Clamor took one more breath.

Clamor in a non-serious tone, "Oh no, danger. Well, time to sleep."

---

Extra Story 2
(Some time ago) Heinrich looked over the dead body laying on the medical bed. It seemed like he was in a medical room with medical equipment laying around. The body itself seemed featureless but definitely human. Heinrich held up a clipboard with no paper on it. Heinrich spoke in his native language, but his words seemed to be slurred, and sometimes they didn't even make sense.

Heinrich, "Subjekt siebzehn hat Schnittwunden, Prellungen und verschiedene Knochenbrüche. Dennoch lässt mich die schiere Menge an Drogen im System des Probanden vermuten, dass er nicht an einem körperlichen Trauma gestorben ist." He turned around and talked to someone who was not there. "Lehrer, was ist wirklich mit diesem Mann passiert?"

Then the corpse grabbed Heinrich, and the room melted down until it was just a regular building in the campsite. The human body melted and revealed that it was a metalhead. Smoke filled the room quickly as the eyes of the monster glowed bright. Heinrich stood in a daze, unable to act, as the metalhead lifted itself off the table and held the human in place.
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