Eight people dressed in casual clothes carrying weapons come to pick me. They use shackles and chains to restrain me and cover my head with a cloth.

I hear Crest talking with them.

“This is the report. Uzziye loses consciousness when she tries to remember her interactions with the monsters. Her saber calms her down, so at least take it with you.”

“Thank you for your hard work. We’ll take it from here.”

I feel how two of them grab my arms. They pull me over and guide me somewhere.

“Where are we going?”

“Stay silent. We’ll explain everything when we arrive.”

The one on my right answers me. I do what he says ‘cause I notice how stealthy they’re walking; none of them are talking and I can only hear two people walking. I can’t even hear their weapons.

This is the difference between the security force and adventurers. Adventurers talk all the time and make a lot of noise, more so, when they fight; though their goal is to attract monsters to hunt them. These guys, unlike adventurers, move like shadows except for me. They’re experts on hunting their prey without making a noise.

How am I so sure? ‘Cause I’m listening to the birds and insects. So what? Haven’t you traveled in a large group through nature? All the animals escape or evade you. I have decent hearing, so I can hear small mammals running away, like squirrels. Not now, though. And with my eyes covered, it’s easier for me to pick out the noises. So I can assure you about these guys’ skills.

Though I’m comparing them with adventurers.

“Stop.”

After stopping, the guys guiding me push me forward and to the left before releasing me.

“We’ll use magic, so don’t move.”

“Okay.”

A chill runs down my spine. It’s so uncomfortable I squirm and straighten my back. I feel the air become colder and everything is darker. I shake my head to get rid of the strange sensation. It only stops when they grab my arms and continue guiding me.

Mm? I can’t hear the birds… Metal? A door? Ah, so we’re inside a building.

“Remove the cloth.”

They take off the cloth covering my head. I find myself in a large room illuminated by candles; there are no windows or furniture. There are two members of the security force holding spears in each wall. Their leader takes out some tools from his clothes while the other members cut my clothes with scissors and secure my chains on the ground.

“Where am I?”

“In the most secure prison of the kingdom. Here we deal with people like you.”

“For how long will I be here?”

“Bring water, soap, and clothes.”

I wait for the answer, but it seems he won’t tell me.

“What will happen to me?”

“It depends on what you are.”

“If you’re sure that I’m human, can I leave?”

“Based on the report, the monsters want you for an unknown reason. I hope you understand we won’t let you leave as long as that threat is present.”

Ah… I didn’t expect this. I hate it; I don’t want to stay here.

My head hurts. I shake the terrible memories and tell myself that this place won’t be like that.

“I hope you cooperate with us and behave. We are just searching for the truth. If you help us, we’ll treat you like a human, just like us.”

“Mm.”

When the guy who went for water and clothes returned, they started cleaning my body in parts. First, they washed my hair and face, then they removed the collar to wash my neck and shoulders. They put on the collar again and continued with my arms, boobs, belly, and back.

I expected them to play with my boobs a lot more, but they didn’t.

They continue removing the chains to clean me and putting them again. They also act professionally and clean my crotch without the intention of enjoying my flesh or wanting to stimulate me.

I have to be honest here; this was the weirdest experience. Everyone, without exception, that touches my pussy, would put a part of their body inside me. Even the most innocent girls who know nothing about sex would do it. So it not happening feels weird. It was quite an abnormal experience. Though it should be obvious as they feel nothing but fear towards me. I wonder if they’d have fucked me if they didn’t think I was a monster.

While I’m assimilating this new experience, they use a towel to dry me off. Then they bring cheap-looking linen clothes. The underpants are better, so it’s good. The clothes are just pants and a long-sleeved shirt. There is a pair of boots too.

They dress me with everything except the shirt. My mind thinks that they want to enjoy seeing my boobs, and though I wouldn’t mind it, I shake those stupid thoughts.

“To make sure you can’t escape, I’ll place this magic mark into you. It’ll hurt, so clench your teeth and endure the pain.”

Aahhhh, I see! His tools looked familiar. When a magician wants to domesticate an animal, they burn a magical symbol into him.

“Wait. Will I lose my will?”

“That’s not how magic works; that’s a rumor. It’s a sensor you can’t take off. If you’re in a place you shouldn’t be, the magic system will detect it, and we’ll capture you. Get ready.”

The end of his stick with the symbol burst into green flames. He slams it into my right shoulder while three members of the security force hold me in place.

“Ahhh! What’s this?! It’s scary! Ahhh!”

“Focus on your breathing.”

The man at my left says that to me. I do it and try to resist the uneasiness.

I don’t know how to describe this pain. It’s like when you hit your elbow and can’t move it for a while. But it’s much worse and all over my body.

“It’s over. Are you fine?”

“I’m scared… Please help me.”

“This process is safe. Breathe and concentrate on it. Everything is fine.”

My knees become weak, but the other members of the security force support me. I let myself relax in their arms while letting some tears out.

“Bring her with you.”

“Try to walk. We’ll let you rest on a bed.”

“Thank you.”

They are so sweet I can’t believe it. Even the man I admire the most, my adoptive father, wouldn’t let me rest after breaking my bones. But these guys look at me with gentle gazes and show concern for my well-being. I hope with all my soul that this place is safe, not like the orphanage.