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Black Hole, is a survival, low-fantasy, sci-fi story and I'd rate it as pg-13 for violence, some suggestive themes, and some nudity.\n\nSorry for the long delay.", "description_bbcode_parsed": "Episode 83 of my series. Black Hole, is a survival, low-fantasy, sci-fi story and I'd rate it as pg-13 for violence, some suggestive themes, and some nudity.

Sorry for the long delay.", "writing": "Black Hole: The Book of Iratus, Episode 83\n\nChapter 821\n\nThe stadium quieted enough for Iratus to lead his group into the desolate town. The remnants of the festival sprawled before them like a battlefield—smoke curling from toppled stalls, and the cries of the wounded mingled with distant shouts. Iratus and his party worked to impose some semblance of order amidst the chaos. Peddlers and traveling merchants, left defenseless against the riots, eagerly sought refuge under the mouse boy's protection. Grateful for his intervention, they temporarily joined his ranks, offering what aid they could.\n\nDespite their efforts, the riots raged on. Iratus's group moved through the streets, trying to mediate between the two fractured factions, but the mob’s anger was unyielding. Rioters, initially retreating in the face of Iratus's attempts at enforcement, eventually began to push back. The group, overwhelmed and outnumbered, was forced to retreat to the stadium where the main conflict had already subsided.\n\nIratus slumped against a cracked wall, the crown perched crookedly on his head. He glanced at his companions, exhaustion etched into his young features.\n\nIratus: \"You know, I thought wearing this crown would make them stop. I thought it would mean something.\"\n\nResolutio gave a cough before speaking.\n\nResolutio: \"These people are lost. This festival was a fragile truce between two rival warlords. Now their leaders are dead, their purpose shattered. They have no reason to kneel to you.\"\n\nIratus gave a sigh.\n\nIratus: \"Well, let’s at least try to help the people here.\"\n\nMalignitas stepped forward, his one-eye showing him deep in thought.\n\nMalignitas: \"You do that. Meanwhile, during my infiltration of their ranks, I learned about a vault where these warlords hoarded their treasures. If we’re quick, we can loot it before the rioters remember it exists.\"\n\nIratus closed his eyes for a moment.\n\nIratus: \"Fine. Let’s make this quick.\"\n\nTurning back to the crowd in the stadium, Iratus addressed the weary survivors. He offered safe passage out of the city, a proposal met with mixed reactions. Metam’s crew, carrying their fallen leader on a makeshift cot, accepted gratefully. Sucus’s men, however, remained defensive, with only a handful agreeing to join the exodus. The rest stayed behind, clutching their weapons as if preparing for another battle.\n\nWith his ragtag group in tow, Iratus led them through the wreckage-strewn streets. Burned-out vehicles and toppled fences lined their path. The once-vibrant festival lights were replaced by the flickering glow of burning buildings. The acrid scent of smoke mingled with the metallic tang of blood as they passed wounded rioters from both factions, some groaning for aid, others lying eerily still. Though the fighting had largely ceased, the scars of violence were everywhere.\n\nFraus, Arcus, Deficio, Echo, Iter, Liora, and Malignitas struggled to keep pace, their injuries slowing them. Each step seemed heavier than the last. Meanwhile, Commercium, Confodere, Astrid, and Resolutio took point, their weapons ready and eyes scanning for danger.\n\nAs they trudged onward, Iratus cast a glance over his shoulder at the battered procession. His voice, though soft, carried strength.\n\nIratus: \"We’re almost through this. Just stay close. No one gets left behind.\"\n\n---\n\nChapter 822\n\nIratus led his group to a makeshift warehouse that was two houses fused together and modified to become a warehouse with the modern and elegant houses having disgusting plywood and corrugated metal sheets stapling them together. Iratus moved past several dead bodies and, just like with the stadium, tried to ignore them to the best of his ability. Seeing so many made him remember Sucus and killing the batfolk, which, even in the defense of others, was something that made his face hot with uncertainty.\n\nThe warehouse was in chaos with not only the festival factions fighting but also all sorts of random people killing over the resources. Iratus covered his nose for a second, for this building must have been near the mass grave nearby.\n\nIratus: \"God help me, it's overwhelming! Why do they even have a pit full of the dead if they have those stupid public executions yet to do?\"\n\nMalignitas casually: \"I think those were enemy soldiers, and they didn't have the luxury to keep them imprisoned.\"\n\nFraus, trailing behind with her usual feline grace, even with her wounds, quirked an ear toward the conversation. \n\nFraus: \"Oh sure, but what, they still dragged them all the way here, or the enemy attacked them here, or did they kill the enemy and drag their bodies here?\"\n\nMalignitas: \"Huh, I guess I never asked.\"\n\nFraus playfully: \"Useless!\" Her tail gave a flick to show her mock annoyance.\n\nIratus rolled his eyes, motioning for silence.\n\nIratus: \"Alright, people, focus. Commercium, take the main group to the signpost at the town’s edge. Confodere, Resolutio, and I will see what can be salvaged here.\"\n\nMalignitas: \"Oh no, I'm going in too.\"\n\nEcho raised his hand.\n\nEcho: \"I too shall be joining your endeavor.\"\n\nIratus skeptically: “You don’t exactly look combat-ready.”\n\nThe shark man straightened up.\n\nEcho: \"I'm a shark. We barely register pain. Let me help.\"\n\nIratus shrugged.\n\nIratus: \"Alright, sir, just keep your wits about you, and let's go.\"\n\nWith that plan, the group dived, and Iratus walked inside the warehouse, brushing against looters before drawing his blade as he saw vicious combat taking place inside.\n\n---\n\nChapter 823\n\nThe hollowed-out houses stood like husks of despair, their walls riddled with bullet holes and smeared with blood. Looters, driven by desperation or greed, tore through the remnants like vultures. Iratus pushed forward, his voice cutting through the chaos.\n\nIratus: \"Clear out! Out of the way!\"\n\nIratus tried to intimidate the looters, ordering his people to push back anyone who approached too closely, and while the weaker-willed individuals made way, the few people in the vault did not move and instead seemed to team up against Iratus's group, even though they were mostly trying to kill each other before he arrived.\n\nSome looters backed away at the sight of his armed companions, but others, furred and shark figures among them, held their ground. A tense silence fell before the rioters turned as one, rushing Iratus’s group with a savage cry.\n\nSpears thrust forward to meet the charge, and Resolutio’s maul struck with bone-crushing force, scattering attackers like leaves in a storm. But the tide was relentless. Iratus gritted his teeth as blades scraped against his gambeson, the impacts bruising but not breaking through.\n\nIratus: \"Hold the line!\" he shouted as he parried an incoming strike.\n\nResolutio’s strength finally broke their momentum, her heavy swings clearing a path. As the looters scattered, Malignitas and Confodere slipped into the fray, snatching whatever valuables remained.\n\nConfodere: \"Got some goods. Let’s get out of here before they regroup.\"\n\nHe and Malignitas carried a large bag each.\n\nIratus: \"Fall back!\"\n\nHe and his people fled back into the streets and quickly reunited with the others. The party marched out of the town, and once the town was out of sight, many of the festival people left the group, as they also wanted nothing to do with Iratus and his group, with the mouse boy giving them a fair farewell.\n\nEcho: \"Is it always like this for your group?\"\n\nIratus: \"Something like that.\"\n\nResolutio: \"Same.\"\n\nConfodere: \"I still don't feel great that we are leaving that place and all those people in that state.\"\n\nIratus: \"I hate killing, and it breaks me to see lives ruined like this. But all we can do is survive and protect our loved ones. They made their choices, and we made ours.\"\n\nDeficio clasped his hands together, his voice soft yet resolute. \n\nDeficio: \"If we truly want to help, we should pray. God’s guidance may be their only way out of this.\"\n\nIratus: \"Certainly.\"\n\nFraus, Arcus, Resolutio, Commercium, Confodere, Iter, and Liora seemed to nod in agreement while Echo, Astrid, and Malignitas seemed unconvinced.\n\n---\n\nChapter 824\n\nOnce Iratus and his party reached Commercium’s farm, the rabbit man and Iter eagerly sorted through the haul.\n\nIratus: \"Thanks for the help, you two.\"\n\nIter shrugged, cracking his knuckles: \"I was just here to smash bad guys.\"\n\nCommercium grinned, already sifting through the pile.\n\nCommercium \"And I’m here for the loot. Big money time!\"\n\nThey picked out their spoils—a broom, a hatchet, various ammo, seeds, and a few books.\n\nIratus: \"If that’s all you’re taking, then fair enough.\"\n\nAfter the farm, the group returned to Iratus’s tower. The remaining loot was divided among everyone—dining utensils, glass jars, a frying pan, a microwave, several clothes, antiseptic, and other small items.\n\nIratus ran his hand over the microwave, a faint smile crossing his face.\n\nIratus: \"We’ve seen plenty of these, but with electricity, we might actually get to use one.\"\n\nFraus quirked an ear, leaning against the table.\n\nFraus: \"You don’t have enough power for all this stuff, though. Maybe if you turn off everything else first.\"\n\nIratus nodded. \n\nIratus: \"Right.\"\n\nMost of the items went to others, leaving Iratus with only a few coins and minor supplies.\n\nResonantia caught his gaze and smiled gently. “A few coins are enough. Don’t worry about it.”\n\nIratus: \"I’ll try.\"\n\nThe next day, Iratus was getting ready to hold a makeshift interview with five people from the festival who had chosen to stay.\n\n---\n\nChapter 825\n\nIratus and his wives were bustling in the kitchen, preparing breakfast for their guests. Victoria cast a cautious glance at Iratus.\n\nVictoria: \"We didn’t have much time to talk yesterday. Are these people really the sort we should bring into our tower?\"\n\nIratus stirred the pot.\n\nIratus: \"That’s exactly what I aim to find out.\"\n\nIgnis: \"It may be possible for strength to come from travelers, but a traveler who seeks only strength from us will bring none of their own.\"\n\nAestus in a playful groan: \"It’s been, like, two years, Ignis. Do you always have to talk in riddles? Even Vicky dropped her accent.\"\n\nVictoria smirked: \"Ain’t no backward-spinnin’ water strider here, darlin’.\"\n\nIratus with a teasing smile: \"Aestus, it’s rude to suggest Ignis change how she speaks.\"\n\nThe otter girl pouted, cheeks flushing faintly. Resonantia chose that moment to step in, balancing plates piled with steaming food.\n\nResonantia: \"Bring those five up here, breakfast is ready.\"\n\nIratus nodded, excusing himself to fetch the newcomers.\n\nIratus nodded his head and brought in the five prospects. First was Praevalidum, a female antfolk with short brown hair and blackish-brown chitin covering her whole body except for her belly, which had dark gray skin. She had green eyes, two prominent antennae, an ant tail, and was fairly tall.\n\nNext was Otiosus, a male mousefolk who seemed calm and had a lazy grin on his face. He had dark gray fur, hair, and blue eyes and didn't seem to be much older than Iratus.\n\nSutura, a female hyena with a streak of scars across her arm, was on some sort of handheld electronic device, and Iratus could hear the blazing music just by standing near her. How she managed to have electricity in this world without civilization, he does not know. The girl had a ponytail of golden hair, with brownish-blonde fur with black spots and golden eyes to match.\n\nLastly were two fox brothers, Odorem and Inlecebra, who stuck close together, their sharp features mirroring their quick movements and whispered conversations. The two foxes were red-furred individuals with blue eyes, with Odorem having long red hair and his brother having fur-length red hair.\n\n---\n\nChapter 826\n\nThe common room was lively, with many of the tower’s inhabitants gathered to listen in on the conversation. Plates of roasted meat and mugs of drink were passed around as the group ate their fill.\n\nIratus addressing the newcomers: \"You were all at the festival. Can you explain why you were there and what you were doing?\"\n\nA brief silence followed until Otiosus, the mousefolk, spoke up. His lazy grin never faltered as he adjusted the rapier at his side.\n\nOtiosus: \"You already know why I was there, after Sanguinare, I was next in line to be Metam's greatest soldier.\"\n\nOtiosus wore a sturdy blue tunic and white baggy pants with red vertical stripes, his demeanor as polished as his gleaming blade.\n\nOtiosus: \"She may have had her quirks,” he continued, “but whatever happened between you and her doesn’t matter now. She was always positive about your group, and with Metam gone, her faction’s collapsed. Most of us were mercenaries in her—and Sucus’s—forces anyway.\"\n\nHe popped a strip of bacon into his mouth before speaking again.\n\nOtiosus: \"If you’re planning to fight Purple City, you’ll need every blade you can get. All I ask is to be paid when the fighting starts.\"\n\nStudium: \"I thought you'd want a place to live.\"\n\nOtiosus: \"Oh, I do, but my only skill is killing people, something I'm sure your settlement needs.\"\n\nIratus: \"If you want to join us, I need to know you’re in this for the right reasons.\"\n\nOtiosus: \"Of course, a soldier needs a place to call home before they can fight for it.\"\n\nResonantia: \"If you were such a powerful soldier, why didn’t you take control of your forces after your leaders fell?\"\n\nOtiosus hesitated, his grin faltering for the first time.\n\nOtiosus: \"And do what? Nothing came to mind except to keep fighting. Besides, no one listened to me until Iratus rallied them. You saved a lot of good people that day, by the way. Thanks for that.\"\n\nIratus glanced down, his ears twitching slightly.\n\nIratus: \"I just did what I thought would work,\" he murmured, his voice tinged with humility.\n\n---\n\nChapter 827\n\nThe next to speak was Praevalidum, the antfolk. Her simple fur garments covered her chest and waist, and her green eyes glinted with a mix of intelligence and unease.\n\nPraevalidum: \"The festival was a place of opportunity, a place ripe for profit, where I exchanged items of value to meet my needs.\"\n\nSalvos: \"At least we can understand this one.\"\n\nIratus: \"Yeah, the last antfolk had a far stranger way of speaking.\"\n\nAestus: \"Are you two kidding? This is just another Ignis.\"\n\nIgnis: \"I have not always spoken with such eloquence. Rarely do I need to clarify my words with such deliberate thoughtfulness.\"\n\nPraevalidum bowed her head slightly: \"I mean no harm. I offer myself to your settlement—to ease your burdens with housework and simple labors, should you allow me to stay.\"\n\nIratus: \"You don’t seem like a threat, but you’re aware of the danger Purple City poses, right?\"\n\nPraevalidum: \"There is no place truly safe from them. If I am to survive, it will be here, where strength gathers, rather than in the wilderness where both monsters and that city-state hunt relentlessly\"\n\nIratus: \"Fair enough.\"\n\nThe fox brothers, Odorem and Inlecebra, spoke up next. Their stitched-together clothing from more modern world contrasted with the chain shirt Inlecebra wore over his layered tops.\n\nOdorem: \"Purple City is everyone’s enemy.\"\n\nInlecebra: \"Which is why it’s better to stay here than face the wilds.\"\n\nOdorem: \"This place looks like a regular tribe, and we want to work with you.\"\n\nIratus: \"And at the festival? What were you doing there?\"\n\nOdorem: \"We are still new to what you call the Nexus Prime. Any large gathering of people is worth investigating.\"\n\nInlecebra: \"Purple City was the first. We traded for room and board and left the next day.\"\n\nIratus: \"They didn’t give you trouble.\"\n\nAstrid: \"That’s unusual! From my travels, they usually keep outsiders on edge. And then there’s the random murder... It’s impossible to figure out their motives.\"\n\nAestus: \"Hey, wait. Shouldn't the nix woman also need to be interviewed?\"\n\n---\n\nChapter 828\n\nIratus leaned back in his chair, his ears twitching as the conversation continued. “Astrid’s proven herself to us,” he said firmly. “I don’t see why she needs to justify her place here.”\n\nIratus: \"Astrid has been good to us, so I don’t see why she needs to justify her place here.\"\n\nAstrid, the nix woman, raised a hand, her expression calm but resolute.\n\nAstrid: \"I can answer, Iratus. Purple City killed my friends and took everything I had. All I want now is revenge, however I can get it.\"\n\nResonantia nodded approvingly.\n\nResonantia: \"Better to fight alongside us than alone.\"\n\nAstrid: \"Indeed.\"\n\nOdorem cleared his throat, bringing attention back to him and his brother.\n\nOdorem: \"If we may finish. I just wanted to say that while we were able to buy services from Purple City, their authorities told us to never return, for they reject outsiders who do not follow their every ideology.\"\n\nIratus: \"What, if you just accepted their way of doing things, you'd be welcomed?\"\n\nOdorem shruging: \"Seems that way.\"\n\nInlecebra: \"But doing so would have meant abandoning any mention of our past and glorifying only their ways. It felt too cultish to us.\"\n\nIratus’s ears twitched.\n\nIratus: \"That says a lot about how they control their people. Total conformity or nothing.\"\n\nThe room fell into a brief silence, broken only by the clatter of utensils as the last of the breakfast was finished. Finally, attention turned to Sutura. The hyena woman adjusted her black hoodie and leaned back in her seat, her golden eyes sharp but nonchalant.\n\nSutura: \"The festival? They had food. I traded for food. That’s it. I stuck with them because it meant I could keep working and eating.\"\n\nVictoria: \"No bad blood?\"\n\nSutura shrugged. “Metam was fine, I guess. I miss her, but she was just another warlord, like your ‘bat dude.’ I kept my head down and got by. As for you? I’ve got nothing against people with food and electricity.”\n\nVictoria narrowed her eyes, suspicion mingling with boredom.\n\nVictoria: \"Ah. I see.\"\n\nResonantia: \"So long as you give your strength to our settlement, you are free to live here.\"\n\nSutura raised a hand, giving a lazy thumbs up.\n\nSutura: \"Sounds good to me.\"\n\n---\n\nChapter 829\n\nThe six new members, which include Astrid, were busy setting their sights on where to build their new homes.\n\nIratus crossed his arms, addressing the newcomers.\n\nIratus: \"There’s the farm to the east or Last Mistake to the south. You don’t have to live right here if you don’t want to abide by our rules.\"\n\nAstrid: \"I am here to serve under your command. There’s nowhere else I wish to be.\"\n\nPraevalidum tilted her head slightly, her antennae twitching. \n\nPraevalidum: \"I, as well, require only the wages the Lionheart family provides, for this is the way of my occupation.\"\n\nVictoria with a teasing smile: \"Like, a maid?\"\n\nBefore Praevalidum could respond, Otiosus chimed in, his grin as lazy as ever.\n\nOtiosus: \"A soldier should live close to their employer. Makes sense, right?\"\n\nAnd then the two fox brothers.\n\nOdorem: \"We’ll check out the other locations, but I’d prefer to live in a walled settlement\"\n\nInlecebra: \"Same.\"\n\nAs plans were being made, Sutura approached Iratus, her steps deliberate. She stopped a few feet away and folded her arms casually.\n\nSutura: \"Iratus, friend.\"\n\nIratus: \"Yes?\"\n\nSutura: \"You are clearly the monarch here, so I have a question.\"\n\nIratus: \"I wouldn’t call myself a king. I just live here, and people settled near me. If you mean the crown, it’s stored away.\"\n\nSutura: \"Regardless, I noticed you have four wives. How did you manage that?\"\n\nIratus: \"Uh… I guess being alone together for so long, we just… got carried away.\"\n\nSutura: \"Perhaps the lord of this land,\" her eyes roved over him appraisingly, \"needs another wife? I guarantee my skills won’t fail you.\"\n\nIratus: \"No, no. I’m fine with what I have. Besides, we barely know each other.\"\n\nSutura: \"That’s easily solved.\"\n\nAcross the courtyard, Victoria and Ignis caught sight of the conversation, their suspicious glares aimed squarely at the hyena woman. Resonantia and Aestus, on the other hand, seemed wholly unconcerned, chatting quietly between themselves.\n\nIratus held up his hands defensively.\n\nIratus: \"Honestly, four wives is already more than enough. Too much, really. I hope you understand, but I’m not looking for any more lovers.\"\n\nSutura: \"Hm. Alright.\"\n\nWith that, she turned and walked away, her expression unreadable.\n\n---\n\nChapter 830\n\nIratus stood near his tower, surveying the land. He had marked several trees for felling. Victoria approached, slipping her arm through his and giving him a soft smile.\n\nVictoria: \"I hope that little interview was enough to decide whether those strangers are here to help—or just drag us down.\"\n\nIratus: \"I hate to think about the day we find someone stealing from us, and I’m forced to banish them. It’ll take months—maybe half a year—before we know if they’re truly good folk or... the other kind\"\n\nVictoria glanced toward the gate, where a cart loaded with supplies was starting to roll out, driven by the new arrivals.\n\nVictoria: \"Sending them to pick up the milk feels like such a small test.\"\n\nIratus shrugged: \"Feel free to join them if you think it’ll help.\"\n\nVictoria chuckled, leaning up to give him a quick lick on the neck before heading off to hop onto the cart. The gesture left Iratus momentarily flustered, but he shook it off as others began emerging from the tower to get to work.\n\nThe day’s task was cutting down the marked trees, and each member of the settlement took to it with varying enthusiasm. Studium, forever caught in the attention of his two wives, Fuligo and Bellum, struggled to focus. The pair rarely let the fox have a moment to himself.\n\nEcho and Resolutio, both older and more disciplined, worked with quiet dedication, their steady rhythm setting an example for the others. Arcus, meanwhile, muttered under her breath, barely hiding her dislike for physical labor. Still, whenever anyone glanced her way, she stifled her complaints and pushed herself to meet perfectionist standards. Fraus, true to her feline heritage, worked diligently, despite her clear lack of enthusiasm. \n\nInside the settlement walls, Astrid had already started digging and flattening a second patch of land for her future home. Unlike the crude cabins scattered around the settlement, it was clear she planned to construct an actual house. She worked tirelessly, clad in camo army pants and a black crop top—a practical outfit for the warm climate that most residents had adopted.\n\nAstrid calling Iratus: \"Hey, buddy. So, what are your plans moving forward?\"\n\nIratus: \"First priority is expanding the walls. I never thought I’d be housing this many people. This was supposed to be a quiet life for me, my family, and a few friends. Now I’ve got a small warband living here.\"\n\nAstrid: \"You’ve got real power now. Might as well put it to use.\"\n\nIratus shrugged.\n\nIratus: \"I just wanted peace. Now, I’m building an army to fight off a rival settlement. If—or rather when—they come, we’ll need fortifications to withstand a siege. And I’ll have to find more people to bolster our numbers\"\n\nAstrid: \"And guns.\"\n\nIratus: \"We haven’t had much luck finding any.\"\n\nAstrid: \"Then you need to send your scavenging parties further out. It’s the only way.\"\n\nIratus: \"Yeah... I’m going to have to.\"\n\nHe bid her farewell, leaving her to her work as he returned to his duties. Despite his determination, the words of Yaqar—the insane AI that had once predicted their doom—lingered in his thoughts. The farm, the copper mine, the rice fields—all vital resources that made the settlement a target. If Purple City ever learned of these assets, war would be inevitable. Even with their month-long journey to reach the settlement, the threat loomed like a storm on the horizon.\n\n---\n\nEPISDOE 83: END\n\n---\n\nEpisode 83 End Character Sheet\nName: Iratus Lionheart\nSpecies: Mousefolk\nAge: 16\nCoverings: blonde fur, white gambeson (many repairs, some leather patchwork), leather gloves, tactical vest, tailorcraft backpack, leather plate helmet, delicate gold chain with a small pendant shaped like a lion's glare, flashlight, bronze breastplate\nWeapons: long sword, 1 knifes, short sword, hammer, 1 dagger\nEquipment: belt, belt bag, water skin, leathercraft backpack, 2 bags, 5 copper coins, 2 small silver bricks, 20 silver coins, 30 gold coins\n\nWounds: minor wounds, several burns\n\nRelevant Community Stash: a fire starter, whetstone, several leather items, 3 glass jars, 8 bottles, 1 fish net, primitive sewing kit, a bunch of small wooden figures, wooden dice, metal scrap, lots of rusted metal, several small fish nets, sextant, some bedrolls, a tent, a large barrel, writing material, 64 cloaks and other clothing materials, some fabrics, 4 carts, 3 stitched tents, skin drum, beautiful arts of tropical scenery, floatation devices, wildlife figures, lots of tropical clothing, gas generator, four flood lights\n\nArmory: 30 short swords, 23 knifes, 17 daggers, 21 metal spears, 4 arming swords, 4 long swords, 2 extra gambeson, semi-automatic rifle (no ammo), 3 hunting traps, 5 snares, 10 backpacks, 3 katanas, 3 short katanas, crossbow, several pounds of C4\nAestus: gambeson, bronze breastplate, leather helmet, metal spear, 2 knives, short sword, bronze long sword.\nVictoria: bronze breastplate, gambeson, leather helmet, metal spear, short sword, crossbow, 2 daggers, flashlight\nResonanita: steel breastplate, gambeson, metal helmet, metal spear, short sword, 1 knife, compound bow, flashlight\nIgnis: bronze breastplate, gambeson, leather helmet, metal spear, crowbar, 1 knife\n\nTreasure: 13 copper coins, 12 silver coins 12 iron coins, 2 gold coins, a tarnished silver brooch, a small ornamental figurine, a few antfolk tapestries, some antfolk art, bronze lantern, bronze idol, some jeweled trinkets, iron lantern, silver lantern, gold crown with large sapphire\n\nHome Base, Tower: Large Storage Area (many crates, clay pots, and wooden chests), Basic Workshop Area (lots of tools, woodcarving tools, glue, sandpaper), Kitchen Area (many tools, many cutlery items, pots&pans, makeshift grill, microwave), Library, Armory, Infirmary Room (surgery tools, first aid kit, plenty of medicine and equipment), Children's Quarters, Master Bedroom (proper bedding, sensual antfolk sculpture), Six Bedrooms (proper bedding), four portable solar panels\n\nOutside Base: Butchering Hut (modern butchery kit, smoking rack), Tannery Hut, Underground Storage Area, Garden Area (fenced in), Tool Shed (fishing gear and supplies, trowel, woodcutting axe, woodworking tools, lots of rope, rope ladder, plows, hoes, sickles, rakes, shovels, scythes, chisels, anvils), Wooden Wall, Small Cabin (Resolutio), Large Cabin (Winter Winds), Large Cabin (Dark Sky Family), Small Cabin (Fraus and Arcus) 2x Gravestones, Rabbit Hutches.\n\nBooks: 3x woodworking books, weathered leather-bound journal, war game booklet, sketch book (from warband), Bathhouse Reviewers (entire 80 book series), cards, Fractura's Notes, Tempestas's Notes, 12 survival guides, 3 technical manuals, 46 fiction novels, 11 encyclopedias, 4 dictionaries, 22 cookbooks, 2 gardening guides, 3 crafting books, 20 educational textbooks, 5 religious texts, 4 diaries, 12 children's books\n\nYear 2, Day 209\n---\n\nTOWER FOLK:\nIratus of House Lionheart\nmouse, male, blonde fur, blonde hair, gold eyes, 6'6, age: 16, b day: 350\n-\nVictoria Mother of House Lionheart\nraccoon, female, gray fur, black hair, brown eyes, 6'3, age: 16, b day: 5, (preg 22 days)\n-\nAestus of clan Riversinger\notter, female, red fur, red hair, blue eyes, 6'2, age: 16, b day: 99, (preg 214 days)\n-\nIgnis Yang\nred panda, female, reddish-brown/white fur, black hair, golden eye, 6'4, age: 16, b day: 344, (preg 114 days)\n-\nResonantia Diamond Heart Steel\nshark, female, blue-gray hue skin, white hair, blue eyes, 6'5, age: 16, b day: 2, (preg 241 days)\n---\n\n\nCHILDREN:\nNegligere Lionheart\nshark, male, steel gray skin, white hair, gold eyes, age: 1, b day: 2\n-\nRuina Lionheart\notter, female, orange fur, vibrant orange hair, blue eyes, age: 1, b day: 330\n-\nGula Lionheart\nred panda, male, brown fur, dark brown hair, gold eyes, age: 1, b day: 340\n-\nTenacitas Lionheart\nraccoon, female, silver fur, dark blonde hair, amber eyes, age: 1, b day: 345\n\nFrustra Lionheart\nraccoon, male, gray fur, blonde hair, gold eyes, age: 0, b day: 338\n---\n\n\nNEIGHBORS:\nEcho\nshark, male, gray skin with a white underbelly, black hair, black eyes, 6'8, age: 41, b day: 142\n\nFraus\nfeline, female, bright gray, white underbelly fur, white hair, blue eyes, 6'7, age: 18, b day: 90\n\nArcus\nfox, female, slightly dark brown fur, slightly dark brown hair, blue eyes, 6'5, age: 20, b day: 326\n\nResolutio\ngoat, female, black fur, black hair, blue eyes, 7'0, age: 52, b day: 13\n\n---\n\n\nWINTER WINDS CLAN:\nStudium of Winter Winds\nfox, male, gray fur, black hair, blue eyes, 5'10, age 14, b day: 190\n\nFuligo Leaf Shadow\notter, female, black fur, blonde hair, blue eyes, 5'6, age 13, b day: 245, (preg 143 days)\n\nBellum of House War Knuckles\ncheetah, female, blonde fur, blonde hair, blue eyes, 6'0, age 15, b day: 91, (preg 179 days)\n---\n\n\nDARK SKY FAMILY:\nSalvos Dark Sky\nwolf, male, black fur, white hair, copper eyes, 6'8, age 27, b day: 66\n\nLeitmotif Schlange\nsnake, female, yellow and red scales, naga bodied, gold eyes, age 24, b day: 229, (preg 254 days)\n\n---\n\n(farm)\nUMBRA OCEAN FAMILY:\nProcella Ocean Drinker\nweasel , female, blonde fur, black hair, green eyes, 6'5, age 23, b day: 207, (preg 158 days)\n\nIter of Sanguinem Umbra\ngoat, male, white fur, blonde hair, brown eyes, 6'7, age 20, b day: 334\n---\n\n(farm)\nTHE COBALTS:\nCommercium Jade Blue Cobalt\nrabbit, male, white fur, black hair, gray eyes, 6'8, age: 25, b day: 221\n\nAbrasione\nhyena, female, tan fur with black spots, blonde hair, gold eyes, 6'5, age: 20, b day: 4\n\n-\nKuxatura Jade Blue Cobalt\nhyena, male, tan fur, black hair, gold eyes, age: 1, b day: 284\n\nVulnera Jade Blue Cobalt\nhyena, male, white with black spots fur, black hair with some golden strands, gray eyes, age: 0, b day: 189\n\nRuptura Jade Blue Cobalt\nhyena, male, pale tan fur, blonde hair, gold eyes, age: 0, b day: 189\n---\n\nLAST MISTAKE\nDeficio\nlion, male, gray fur, rich gray hair, green eyes, 6'6, age: 47, b day: 111\n\nConfodere Oculi Acuti\nhyena, male, dark brown fur, black hair, gold eyes, 6'9, age 26, b day: 239\n\nMalignitas of House Brokensand\nfeline, male, light black fur, light black hair, brown eyes (single eye), 6'7, age 29, b day: 343\n\nLiora Woodleaf\ndeer, female, Light brown with white spots, blonde hair, hazel eyes, 5'9, age: 25, b day 323", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "Black Hole: The Book of Iratus, Episode 83

Chapter 821

The stadium quieted enough for Iratus to lead his group into the desolate town. The remnants of the festival sprawled before them like a battlefield—smoke curling from toppled stalls, and the cries of the wounded mingled with distant shouts. Iratus and his party worked to impose some semblance of order amidst the chaos. Peddlers and traveling merchants, left defenseless against the riots, eagerly sought refuge under the mouse boy's protection. Grateful for his intervention, they temporarily joined his ranks, offering what aid they could.

Despite their efforts, the riots raged on. Iratus's group moved through the streets, trying to mediate between the two fractured factions, but the mob’s anger was unyielding. Rioters, initially retreating in the face of Iratus's attempts at enforcement, eventually began to push back. The group, overwhelmed and outnumbered, was forced to retreat to the stadium where the main conflict had already subsided.

Iratus slumped against a cracked wall, the crown perched crookedly on his head. He glanced at his companions, exhaustion etched into his young features.

Iratus: "You know, I thought wearing this crown would make them stop. I thought it would mean something."

Resolutio gave a cough before speaking.

Resolutio: "These people are lost. This festival was a fragile truce between two rival warlords. Now their leaders are dead, their purpose shattered. They have no reason to kneel to you."

Iratus gave a sigh.

Iratus: "Well, let’s at least try to help the people here."

Malignitas stepped forward, his one-eye showing him deep in thought.

Malignitas: "You do that. Meanwhile, during my infiltration of their ranks, I learned about a vault where these warlords hoarded their treasures. If we’re quick, we can loot it before the rioters remember it exists."

Iratus closed his eyes for a moment.

Iratus: "Fine. Let’s make this quick."

Turning back to the crowd in the stadium, Iratus addressed the weary survivors. He offered safe passage out of the city, a proposal met with mixed reactions. Metam’s crew, carrying their fallen leader on a makeshift cot, accepted gratefully. Sucus’s men, however, remained defensive, with only a handful agreeing to join the exodus. The rest stayed behind, clutching their weapons as if preparing for another battle.

With his ragtag group in tow, Iratus led them through the wreckage-strewn streets. Burned-out vehicles and toppled fences lined their path. The once-vibrant festival lights were replaced by the flickering glow of burning buildings. The acrid scent of smoke mingled with the metallic tang of blood as they passed wounded rioters from both factions, some groaning for aid, others lying eerily still. Though the fighting had largely ceased, the scars of violence were everywhere.

Fraus, Arcus, Deficio, Echo, Iter, Liora, and Malignitas struggled to keep pace, their injuries slowing them. Each step seemed heavier than the last. Meanwhile, Commercium, Confodere, Astrid, and Resolutio took point, their weapons ready and eyes scanning for danger.

As they trudged onward, Iratus cast a glance over his shoulder at the battered procession. His voice, though soft, carried strength.

Iratus: "We’re almost through this. Just stay close. No one gets left behind."

---

Chapter 822

Iratus led his group to a makeshift warehouse that was two houses fused together and modified to become a warehouse with the modern and elegant houses having disgusting plywood and corrugated metal sheets stapling them together. Iratus moved past several dead bodies and, just like with the stadium, tried to ignore them to the best of his ability. Seeing so many made him remember Sucus and killing the batfolk, which, even in the defense of others, was something that made his face hot with uncertainty.

The warehouse was in chaos with not only the festival factions fighting but also all sorts of random people killing over the resources. Iratus covered his nose for a second, for this building must have been near the mass grave nearby.

Iratus: "God help me, it's overwhelming! Why do they even have a pit full of the dead if they have those stupid public executions yet to do?"

Malignitas casually: "I think those were enemy soldiers, and they didn't have the luxury to keep them imprisoned."

Fraus, trailing behind with her usual feline grace, even with her wounds, quirked an ear toward the conversation.

Fraus: "Oh sure, but what, they still dragged them all the way here, or the enemy attacked them here, or did they kill the enemy and drag their bodies here?"

Malignitas: "Huh, I guess I never asked."

Fraus playfully: "Useless!" Her tail gave a flick to show her mock annoyance.

Iratus rolled his eyes, motioning for silence.

Iratus: "Alright, people, focus. Commercium, take the main group to the signpost at the town’s edge. Confodere, Resolutio, and I will see what can be salvaged here."

Malignitas: "Oh no, I'm going in too."

Echo raised his hand.

Echo: "I too shall be joining your endeavor."

Iratus skeptically: “You don’t exactly look combat-ready.”

The shark man straightened up.

Echo: "I'm a shark. We barely register pain. Let me help."

Iratus shrugged.

Iratus: "Alright, sir, just keep your wits about you, and let's go."

With that plan, the group dived, and Iratus walked inside the warehouse, brushing against looters before drawing his blade as he saw vicious combat taking place inside.

---

Chapter 823

The hollowed-out houses stood like husks of despair, their walls riddled with bullet holes and smeared with blood. Looters, driven by desperation or greed, tore through the remnants like vultures. Iratus pushed forward, his voice cutting through the chaos.

Iratus: "Clear out! Out of the way!"

Iratus tried to intimidate the looters, ordering his people to push back anyone who approached too closely, and while the weaker-willed individuals made way, the few people in the vault did not move and instead seemed to team up against Iratus's group, even though they were mostly trying to kill each other before he arrived.

Some looters backed away at the sight of his armed companions, but others, furred and shark figures among them, held their ground. A tense silence fell before the rioters turned as one, rushing Iratus’s group with a savage cry.

Spears thrust forward to meet the charge, and Resolutio’s maul struck with bone-crushing force, scattering attackers like leaves in a storm. But the tide was relentless. Iratus gritted his teeth as blades scraped against his gambeson, the impacts bruising but not breaking through.

Iratus: "Hold the line!" he shouted as he parried an incoming strike.

Resolutio’s strength finally broke their momentum, her heavy swings clearing a path. As the looters scattered, Malignitas and Confodere slipped into the fray, snatching whatever valuables remained.

Confodere: "Got some goods. Let’s get out of here before they regroup."

He and Malignitas carried a large bag each.

Iratus: "Fall back!"

He and his people fled back into the streets and quickly reunited with the others. The party marched out of the town, and once the town was out of sight, many of the festival people left the group, as they also wanted nothing to do with Iratus and his group, with the mouse boy giving them a fair farewell.

Echo: "Is it always like this for your group?"

Iratus: "Something like that."

Resolutio: "Same."

Confodere: "I still don't feel great that we are leaving that place and all those people in that state."

Iratus: "I hate killing, and it breaks me to see lives ruined like this. But all we can do is survive and protect our loved ones. They made their choices, and we made ours."

Deficio clasped his hands together, his voice soft yet resolute.

Deficio: "If we truly want to help, we should pray. God’s guidance may be their only way out of this."

Iratus: "Certainly."

Fraus, Arcus, Resolutio, Commercium, Confodere, Iter, and Liora seemed to nod in agreement while Echo, Astrid, and Malignitas seemed unconvinced.

---

Chapter 824

Once Iratus and his party reached Commercium’s farm, the rabbit man and Iter eagerly sorted through the haul.

Iratus: "Thanks for the help, you two."

Iter shrugged, cracking his knuckles: "I was just here to smash bad guys."

Commercium grinned, already sifting through the pile.

Commercium "And I’m here for the loot. Big money time!"

They picked out their spoils—a broom, a hatchet, various ammo, seeds, and a few books.

Iratus: "If that’s all you’re taking, then fair enough."

After the farm, the group returned to Iratus’s tower. The remaining loot was divided among everyone—dining utensils, glass jars, a frying pan, a microwave, several clothes, antiseptic, and other small items.

Iratus ran his hand over the microwave, a faint smile crossing his face.

Iratus: "We’ve seen plenty of these, but with electricity, we might actually get to use one."

Fraus quirked an ear, leaning against the table.

Fraus: "You don’t have enough power for all this stuff, though. Maybe if you turn off everything else first."

Iratus nodded.

Iratus: "Right."

Most of the items went to others, leaving Iratus with only a few coins and minor supplies.

Resonantia caught his gaze and smiled gently. “A few coins are enough. Don’t worry about it.”

Iratus: "I’ll try."

The next day, Iratus was getting ready to hold a makeshift interview with five people from the festival who had chosen to stay.

---

Chapter 825

Iratus and his wives were bustling in the kitchen, preparing breakfast for their guests. Victoria cast a cautious glance at Iratus.

Victoria: "We didn’t have much time to talk yesterday. Are these people really the sort we should bring into our tower?"

Iratus stirred the pot.

Iratus: "That’s exactly what I aim to find out."

Ignis: "It may be possible for strength to come from travelers, but a traveler who seeks only strength from us will bring none of their own."

Aestus in a playful groan: "It’s been, like, two years, Ignis. Do you always have to talk in riddles? Even Vicky dropped her accent."

Victoria smirked: "Ain’t no backward-spinnin’ water strider here, darlin’."

Iratus with a teasing smile: "Aestus, it’s rude to suggest Ignis change how she speaks."

The otter girl pouted, cheeks flushing faintly. Resonantia chose that moment to step in, balancing plates piled with steaming food.

Resonantia: "Bring those five up here, breakfast is ready."

Iratus nodded, excusing himself to fetch the newcomers.

Iratus nodded his head and brought in the five prospects. First was Praevalidum, a female antfolk with short brown hair and blackish-brown chitin covering her whole body except for her belly, which had dark gray skin. She had green eyes, two prominent antennae, an ant tail, and was fairly tall.

Next was Otiosus, a male mousefolk who seemed calm and had a lazy grin on his face. He had dark gray fur, hair, and blue eyes and didn't seem to be much older than Iratus.

Sutura, a female hyena with a streak of scars across her arm, was on some sort of handheld electronic device, and Iratus could hear the blazing music just by standing near her. How she managed to have electricity in this world without civilization, he does not know. The girl had a ponytail of golden hair, with brownish-blonde fur with black spots and golden eyes to match.

Lastly were two fox brothers, Odorem and Inlecebra, who stuck close together, their sharp features mirroring their quick movements and whispered conversations. The two foxes were red-furred individuals with blue eyes, with Odorem having long red hair and his brother having fur-length red hair.

---

Chapter 826

The common room was lively, with many of the tower’s inhabitants gathered to listen in on the conversation. Plates of roasted meat and mugs of drink were passed around as the group ate their fill.

Iratus addressing the newcomers: "You were all at the festival. Can you explain why you were there and what you were doing?"

A brief silence followed until Otiosus, the mousefolk, spoke up. His lazy grin never faltered as he adjusted the rapier at his side.

Otiosus: "You already know why I was there, after Sanguinare, I was next in line to be Metam's greatest soldier."

Otiosus wore a sturdy blue tunic and white baggy pants with red vertical stripes, his demeanor as polished as his gleaming blade.

Otiosus: "She may have had her quirks,” he continued, “but whatever happened between you and her doesn’t matter now. She was always positive about your group, and with Metam gone, her faction’s collapsed. Most of us were mercenaries in her—and Sucus’s—forces anyway."

He popped a strip of bacon into his mouth before speaking again.

Otiosus: "If you’re planning to fight Purple City, you’ll need every blade you can get. All I ask is to be paid when the fighting starts."

Studium: "I thought you'd want a place to live."

Otiosus: "Oh, I do, but my only skill is killing people, something I'm sure your settlement needs."

Iratus: "If you want to join us, I need to know you’re in this for the right reasons."

Otiosus: "Of course, a soldier needs a place to call home before they can fight for it."

Resonantia: "If you were such a powerful soldier, why didn’t you take control of your forces after your leaders fell?"

Otiosus hesitated, his grin faltering for the first time.

Otiosus: "And do what? Nothing came to mind except to keep fighting. Besides, no one listened to me until Iratus rallied them. You saved a lot of good people that day, by the way. Thanks for that."

Iratus glanced down, his ears twitching slightly.

Iratus: "I just did what I thought would work," he murmured, his voice tinged with humility.

---

Chapter 827

The next to speak was Praevalidum, the antfolk. Her simple fur garments covered her chest and waist, and her green eyes glinted with a mix of intelligence and unease.

Praevalidum: "The festival was a place of opportunity, a place ripe for profit, where I exchanged items of value to meet my needs."

Salvos: "At least we can understand this one."

Iratus: "Yeah, the last antfolk had a far stranger way of speaking."

Aestus: "Are you two kidding? This is just another Ignis."

Ignis: "I have not always spoken with such eloquence. Rarely do I need to clarify my words with such deliberate thoughtfulness."

Praevalidum bowed her head slightly: "I mean no harm. I offer myself to your settlement—to ease your burdens with housework and simple labors, should you allow me to stay."

Iratus: "You don’t seem like a threat, but you’re aware of the danger Purple City poses, right?"

Praevalidum: "There is no place truly safe from them. If I am to survive, it will be here, where strength gathers, rather than in the wilderness where both monsters and that city-state hunt relentlessly"

Iratus: "Fair enough."

The fox brothers, Odorem and Inlecebra, spoke up next. Their stitched-together clothing from more modern world contrasted with the chain shirt Inlecebra wore over his layered tops.

Odorem: "Purple City is everyone’s enemy."

Inlecebra: "Which is why it’s better to stay here than face the wilds."

Odorem: "This place looks like a regular tribe, and we want to work with you."

Iratus: "And at the festival? What were you doing there?"

Odorem: "We are still new to what you call the Nexus Prime. Any large gathering of people is worth investigating."

Inlecebra: "Purple City was the first. We traded for room and board and left the next day."

Iratus: "They didn’t give you trouble."

Astrid: "That’s unusual! From my travels, they usually keep outsiders on edge. And then there’s the random murder... It’s impossible to figure out their motives."

Aestus: "Hey, wait. Shouldn't the nix woman also need to be interviewed?"

---

Chapter 828

Iratus leaned back in his chair, his ears twitching as the conversation continued. “Astrid’s proven herself to us,” he said firmly. “I don’t see why she needs to justify her place here.”

Iratus: "Astrid has been good to us, so I don’t see why she needs to justify her place here."

Astrid, the nix woman, raised a hand, her expression calm but resolute.

Astrid: "I can answer, Iratus. Purple City killed my friends and took everything I had. All I want now is revenge, however I can get it."

Resonantia nodded approvingly.

Resonantia: "Better to fight alongside us than alone."

Astrid: "Indeed."

Odorem cleared his throat, bringing attention back to him and his brother.

Odorem: "If we may finish. I just wanted to say that while we were able to buy services from Purple City, their authorities told us to never return, for they reject outsiders who do not follow their every ideology."

Iratus: "What, if you just accepted their way of doing things, you'd be welcomed?"

Odorem shruging: "Seems that way."

Inlecebra: "But doing so would have meant abandoning any mention of our past and glorifying only their ways. It felt too cultish to us."

Iratus’s ears twitched.

Iratus: "That says a lot about how they control their people. Total conformity or nothing."

The room fell into a brief silence, broken only by the clatter of utensils as the last of the breakfast was finished. Finally, attention turned to Sutura. The hyena woman adjusted her black hoodie and leaned back in her seat, her golden eyes sharp but nonchalant.

Sutura: "The festival? They had food. I traded for food. That’s it. I stuck with them because it meant I could keep working and eating."

Victoria: "No bad blood?"

Sutura shrugged. “Metam was fine, I guess. I miss her, but she was just another warlord, like your ‘bat dude.’ I kept my head down and got by. As for you? I’ve got nothing against people with food and electricity.”

Victoria narrowed her eyes, suspicion mingling with boredom.

Victoria: "Ah. I see."

Resonantia: "So long as you give your strength to our settlement, you are free to live here."

Sutura raised a hand, giving a lazy thumbs up.

Sutura: "Sounds good to me."

---

Chapter 829

The six new members, which include Astrid, were busy setting their sights on where to build their new homes.

Iratus crossed his arms, addressing the newcomers.

Iratus: "There’s the farm to the east or Last Mistake to the south. You don’t have to live right here if you don’t want to abide by our rules."

Astrid: "I am here to serve under your command. There’s nowhere else I wish to be."

Praevalidum tilted her head slightly, her antennae twitching.

Praevalidum: "I, as well, require only the wages the Lionheart family provides, for this is the way of my occupation."

Victoria with a teasing smile: "Like, a maid?"

Before Praevalidum could respond, Otiosus chimed in, his grin as lazy as ever.

Otiosus: "A soldier should live close to their employer. Makes sense, right?"

And then the two fox brothers.

Odorem: "We’ll check out the other locations, but I’d prefer to live in a walled settlement"

Inlecebra: "Same."

As plans were being made, Sutura approached Iratus, her steps deliberate. She stopped a few feet away and folded her arms casually.

Sutura: "Iratus, friend."

Iratus: "Yes?"

Sutura: "You are clearly the monarch here, so I have a question."

Iratus: "I wouldn’t call myself a king. I just live here, and people settled near me. If you mean the crown, it’s stored away."

Sutura: "Regardless, I noticed you have four wives. How did you manage that?"

Iratus: "Uh… I guess being alone together for so long, we just… got carried away."

Sutura: "Perhaps the lord of this land," her eyes roved over him appraisingly, "needs another wife? I guarantee my skills won’t fail you."

Iratus: "No, no. I’m fine with what I have. Besides, we barely know each other."

Sutura: "That’s easily solved."

Across the courtyard, Victoria and Ignis caught sight of the conversation, their suspicious glares aimed squarely at the hyena woman. Resonantia and Aestus, on the other hand, seemed wholly unconcerned, chatting quietly between themselves.

Iratus held up his hands defensively.

Iratus: "Honestly, four wives is already more than enough. Too much, really. I hope you understand, but I’m not looking for any more lovers."

Sutura: "Hm. Alright."

With that, she turned and walked away, her expression unreadable.

---

Chapter 830

Iratus stood near his tower, surveying the land. He had marked several trees for felling. Victoria approached, slipping her arm through his and giving him a soft smile.

Victoria: "I hope that little interview was enough to decide whether those strangers are here to help—or just drag us down."

Iratus: "I hate to think about the day we find someone stealing from us, and I’m forced to banish them. It’ll take months—maybe half a year—before we know if they’re truly good folk or... the other kind"

Victoria glanced toward the gate, where a cart loaded with supplies was starting to roll out, driven by the new arrivals.

Victoria: "Sending them to pick up the milk feels like such a small test."

Iratus shrugged: "Feel free to join them if you think it’ll help."

Victoria chuckled, leaning up to give him a quick lick on the neck before heading off to hop onto the cart. The gesture left Iratus momentarily flustered, but he shook it off as others began emerging from the tower to get to work.

The day’s task was cutting down the marked trees, and each member of the settlement took to it with varying enthusiasm. Studium, forever caught in the attention of his two wives, Fuligo and Bellum, struggled to focus. The pair rarely let the fox have a moment to himself.

Echo and Resolutio, both older and more disciplined, worked with quiet dedication, their steady rhythm setting an example for the others. Arcus, meanwhile, muttered under her breath, barely hiding her dislike for physical labor. Still, whenever anyone glanced her way, she stifled her complaints and pushed herself to meet perfectionist standards. Fraus, true to her feline heritage, worked diligently, despite her clear lack of enthusiasm.

Inside the settlement walls, Astrid had already started digging and flattening a second patch of land for her future home. Unlike the crude cabins scattered around the settlement, it was clear she planned to construct an actual house. She worked tirelessly, clad in camo army pants and a black crop top—a practical outfit for the warm climate that most residents had adopted.

Astrid calling Iratus: "Hey, buddy. So, what are your plans moving forward?"

Iratus: "First priority is expanding the walls. I never thought I’d be housing this many people. This was supposed to be a quiet life for me, my family, and a few friends. Now I’ve got a small warband living here."

Astrid: "You’ve got real power now. Might as well put it to use."

Iratus shrugged.

Iratus: "I just wanted peace. Now, I’m building an army to fight off a rival settlement. If—or rather when—they come, we’ll need fortifications to withstand a siege. And I’ll have to find more people to bolster our numbers"

Astrid: "And guns."

Iratus: "We haven’t had much luck finding any."

Astrid: "Then you need to send your scavenging parties further out. It’s the only way."

Iratus: "Yeah... I’m going to have to."

He bid her farewell, leaving her to her work as he returned to his duties. Despite his determination, the words of Yaqar—the insane AI that had once predicted their doom—lingered in his thoughts. The farm, the copper mine, the rice fields—all vital resources that made the settlement a target. If Purple City ever learned of these assets, war would be inevitable. Even with their month-long journey to reach the settlement, the threat loomed like a storm on the horizon.

---

EPISDOE 83: END

---

Episode 83 End Character Sheet
Name: Iratus Lionheart
Species: Mousefolk
Age: 16
Coverings: blonde fur, white gambeson (many repairs, some leather patchwork), leather gloves, tactical vest, tailorcraft backpack, leather plate helmet, delicate gold chain with a small pendant shaped like a lion's glare, flashlight, bronze breastplate
Weapons: long sword, 1 knifes, short sword, hammer, 1 dagger
Equipment: belt, belt bag, water skin, leathercraft backpack, 2 bags, 5 copper coins, 2 small silver bricks, 20 silver coins, 30 gold coins

Wounds: minor wounds, several burns

Relevant Community Stash: a fire starter, whetstone, several leather items, 3 glass jars, 8 bottles, 1 fish net, primitive sewing kit, a bunch of small wooden figures, wooden dice, metal scrap, lots of rusted metal, several small fish nets, sextant, some bedrolls, a tent, a large barrel, writing material, 64 cloaks and other clothing materials, some fabrics, 4 carts, 3 stitched tents, skin drum, beautiful arts of tropical scenery, floatation devices, wildlife figures, lots of tropical clothing, gas generator, four flood lights

Armory: 30 short swords, 23 knifes, 17 daggers, 21 metal spears, 4 arming swords, 4 long swords, 2 extra gambeson, semi-automatic rifle (no ammo), 3 hunting traps, 5 snares, 10 backpacks, 3 katanas, 3 short katanas, crossbow, several pounds of C4
Aestus: gambeson, bronze breastplate, leather helmet, metal spear, 2 knives, short sword, bronze long sword.
Victoria: bronze breastplate, gambeson, leather helmet, metal spear, short sword, crossbow, 2 daggers, flashlight
Resonanita: steel breastplate, gambeson, metal helmet, metal spear, short sword, 1 knife, compound bow, flashlight
Ignis: bronze breastplate, gambeson, leather helmet, metal spear, crowbar, 1 knife

Treasure: 13 copper coins, 12 silver coins 12 iron coins, 2 gold coins, a tarnished silver brooch, a small ornamental figurine, a few antfolk tapestries, some antfolk art, bronze lantern, bronze idol, some jeweled trinkets, iron lantern, silver lantern, gold crown with large sapphire

Home Base, Tower: Large Storage Area (many crates, clay pots, and wooden chests), Basic Workshop Area (lots of tools, woodcarving tools, glue, sandpaper), Kitchen Area (many tools, many cutlery items, pots&pans, makeshift grill, microwave), Library, Armory, Infirmary Room (surgery tools, first aid kit, plenty of medicine and equipment), Children's Quarters, Master Bedroom (proper bedding, sensual antfolk sculpture), Six Bedrooms (proper bedding), four portable solar panels

Outside Base: Butchering Hut (modern butchery kit, smoking rack), Tannery Hut, Underground Storage Area, Garden Area (fenced in), Tool Shed (fishing gear and supplies, trowel, woodcutting axe, woodworking tools, lots of rope, rope ladder, plows, hoes, sickles, rakes, shovels, scythes, chisels, anvils), Wooden Wall, Small Cabin (Resolutio), Large Cabin (Winter Winds), Large Cabin (Dark Sky Family), Small Cabin (Fraus and Arcus) 2x Gravestones, Rabbit Hutches.

Books: 3x woodworking books, weathered leather-bound journal, war game booklet, sketch book (from warband), Bathhouse Reviewers (entire 80 book series), cards, Fractura's Notes, Tempestas's Notes, 12 survival guides, 3 technical manuals, 46 fiction novels, 11 encyclopedias, 4 dictionaries, 22 cookbooks, 2 gardening guides, 3 crafting books, 20 educational textbooks, 5 religious texts, 4 diaries, 12 children's books

Year 2, Day 209
---

TOWER FOLK:
Iratus of House Lionheart
mouse, male, blonde fur, blonde hair, gold eyes, 6'6, age: 16, b day: 350
-
Victoria Mother of House Lionheart
raccoon, female, gray fur, black hair, brown eyes, 6'3, age: 16, b day: 5, (preg 22 days)
-
Aestus of clan Riversinger
otter, female, red fur, red hair, blue eyes, 6'2, age: 16, b day: 99, (preg 214 days)
-
Ignis Yang
red panda, female, reddish-brown/white fur, black hair, golden eye, 6'4, age: 16, b day: 344, (preg 114 days)
-
Resonantia Diamond Heart Steel
shark, female, blue-gray hue skin, white hair, blue eyes, 6'5, age: 16, b day: 2, (preg 241 days)
---


CHILDREN:
Negligere Lionheart
shark, male, steel gray skin, white hair, gold eyes, age: 1, b day: 2
-
Ruina Lionheart
otter, female, orange fur, vibrant orange hair, blue eyes, age: 1, b day: 330
-
Gula Lionheart
red panda, male, brown fur, dark brown hair, gold eyes, age: 1, b day: 340
-
Tenacitas Lionheart
raccoon, female, silver fur, dark blonde hair, amber eyes, age: 1, b day: 345

Frustra Lionheart
raccoon, male, gray fur, blonde hair, gold eyes, age: 0, b day: 338
---


NEIGHBORS:
Echo
shark, male, gray skin with a white underbelly, black hair, black eyes, 6'8, age: 41, b day: 142

Fraus
feline, female, bright gray, white underbelly fur, white hair, blue eyes, 6'7, age: 18, b day: 90

Arcus
fox, female, slightly dark brown fur, slightly dark brown hair, blue eyes, 6'5, age: 20, b day: 326

Resolutio
goat, female, black fur, black hair, blue eyes, 7'0, age: 52, b day: 13

---


WINTER WINDS CLAN:
Studium of Winter Winds
fox, male, gray fur, black hair, blue eyes, 5'10, age 14, b day: 190

Fuligo Leaf Shadow
otter, female, black fur, blonde hair, blue eyes, 5'6, age 13, b day: 245, (preg 143 days)

Bellum of House War Knuckles
cheetah, female, blonde fur, blonde hair, blue eyes, 6'0, age 15, b day: 91, (preg 179 days)
---


DARK SKY FAMILY:
Salvos Dark Sky
wolf, male, black fur, white hair, copper eyes, 6'8, age 27, b day: 66

Leitmotif Schlange
snake, female, yellow and red scales, naga bodied, gold  eyes, age 24, b day: 229, (preg 254 days)

---

(farm)
UMBRA OCEAN FAMILY:
Procella Ocean Drinker
weasel , female, blonde fur, black hair, green eyes, 6'5, age 23, b day: 207, (preg 158 days)

Iter of Sanguinem Umbra
goat, male, white fur, blonde hair, brown eyes, 6'7, age 20, b day: 334
---

(farm)
THE COBALTS:
Commercium Jade Blue Cobalt
rabbit, male, white fur, black hair, gray eyes, 6'8, age: 25, b day: 221

Abrasione
hyena, female, tan fur with black spots, blonde hair, gold eyes, 6'5, age: 20, b day: 4

-
Kuxatura Jade Blue Cobalt
hyena, male, tan fur, black hair, gold eyes, age: 1, b day: 284

Vulnera Jade Blue Cobalt
hyena, male, white with black spots fur, black hair with some golden strands, gray eyes, age: 0, b day: 189

Ruptura Jade Blue Cobalt
hyena, male, pale tan fur, blonde hair, gold eyes, age: 0, b day: 189
---

LAST MISTAKE
Deficio
lion, male, gray fur, rich gray hair, green eyes, 6'6, age: 47, b day: 111

Confodere Oculi Acuti
hyena, male, dark brown fur, black hair, gold eyes, 6'9, age 26, b day: 239

Malignitas of House Brokensand
feline, male, light black fur, light black hair, brown eyes (single eye), 6'7, age 29, b day: 343

Liora Woodleaf
deer, female, Light brown with white spots, blonde hair, hazel eyes, 5'9, age: 25, b day 323", "pools_count": 0, "title": "Black Hole: The Book of Iratus, Episode 83", "deleted": "f", "public": "t", "mimetype": "text/rtf", "pagecount": "1", "rating_id": "2", "rating_name": "Adult", "ratings": [ { "content_tag_id": "5", "name": "Strong Violence", "description": "Strong violence, blood, serious injury or death", "rating_id": "2" } ], "submission_type_id": "12", "type_name": "Writing - Document", "guest_block": "f", "friends_only": "f", "comments_count": "0", "views": "12" }