“Mm…”

“Mmm…”

“Wh… What...s go...ing on…?”

[Notice: You’ve Failed the quest “Emergency Personal Quest”]

Hecate’s vision was blurry.

“I don't… und- ers… tand.”

“Oi! She’s awake!” shouted someone.

She heard a mechanical whirring and tried to make out the source.

“How are you feeling?” asked a young woman.

Finally, her vision started to become clear. “You… Who are you?” questioned Hecate in a sleepy voice.

“Ah, Sorry- My name’s Imperium, and I was the one in charge of your surgery.” replied the dark haired woman wearing a lab coat.

A look of confusion quickly crossed her face before that space was filled with dread at the thought of what could’ve been done, Like a puzzle, the pieces quickly clicked together and she looked towards where her arm had previously been, what sat in its place was jarring. A mechanical prosthetic arm was attached to her torso, it was silver in color and had green lights leaking through the various seams. When thinking about moving her arm the prosthetic moved accordingly- perfectly matching her will.

“it’s convenient,” stated Hecate.

“It’s not just for looks, it actually has multiple systems built in to better your daily in-game life. Things like a built-in flashlight, it can create simple barriers using the built-in Neutral magic, Oh! And It Increases your strength by 12.” Responded Imperium

An uncomfortable expression covered Hecate’s face as she spoke her next sentence. “What's the catch?”

Imperium smirked. “It only functions because of the chip I placed in your Brain Stem.” a moment of silence passed. “Get this fucking thing off of me!”

“Stop whining, The chip is directly in your brain stem so I could stop your character from breathing if I felt. The Only reason I didn't is that you'll become a powerful asset in the future- so we'll help you grow into a Null Representative that participates in events on behalf of us. if you refuse I’ll make it impossible for you to enjoy the game by killing you continuously.”

Null Corporation; a black company that pounced on the opportunity to become one of the major powers In Aether Online. Basically, they’re absolute scum.”

Hecate lowered her head and bit back her tongue.

“That's what I thought.” Replied the doctor ruthlessly.

[Notice: a new quest has been created.]

Escape from The Black Corporation.

Two players “Solomon” and “Bloody Berserker” completed the World Quest, and delivered you to a Null Enforcer, Escape the Control of the Black Corporation.

Difficulty: A

Rewards: [1 Spin at a God’s Gacha][F-Rank ◾◾◾◾◾Contract][Miscellaneous Seeds] and an [A-Rank Cursed Grimoire]

OR

Null Representative

The Null Corporation has offered you a position as a representative. If you choose to accept you'll be rewarded with limited access to the company's assets.

Difficulty: F

Rewards: [Limited access to the Null Corporation’s assets][Boosted Growth Rates]

‘That’s easy, I choose the quest “Escape From The Black Corporation” I won't become a corporate worker this easily.’

[Quest Accepted.]

“Hello? Are you ready?” questioned Imperium

“Ah! Yes, Sorry.”

Hecate followed the doctor through the unnaturally white hallways whilst thinking to herself.

‘How am I supposed to get this chip out of me? I didn't really think this through…’

“Here we are.” Imperium spoke, “this will be your home for the next few hours.”

Hecate stepped into a small white room fashioned with a simple toilet and a bunk bed.

“...”

“...”

Suddenly the door behind her shut and Hecate was trapped. “Oi! What the hell?!” she shouted, the doctor smirked “Did you think we’d give you items and skills instantly? That's not how this works, we can't trust you yet.”

“Logout” Hecate mumbled.

[Notice: Logout Obstructed.]

“Shit.”

Somewhere outside the prison.

“I was under the impression that we weren't going to turn her in.” Solomon, the giant man with silver hair stated. In response, Bloody Berserker, the small girl with curly blond hair scoffed. “You control 72 different ◾◾◾◾◾’s We could easily break her out.” Suddenly Solomon stopped walking and looked up towards Red, “She’s a friend, we shouldn't have sold her out for an S-Grade item.” some time passed, “Sorry” the girl managed to squeak out. Another long time passed before Solomon sighed, “we can't directly break her out, so instead we’ll increase her luck so that the perfect person to break her out shows up.”

“Summon The Twentieth.”

[Summoning “The Twentieth” Contracted ◾◾◾◾◾]

What appeared before the pair was a vicious onslaught of trumpets, past the noise a small man with a lion's head, held a viper, and rode a bear. “What do you want?” asked the small man. “I need you to make the character ‘Concern’ assist the character ‘Hecate’.” the small man looked at Solomon before quickly nodding and then speaking twice at the same time, “It will happen/it is done.”

“... let us hope she isn't too angry.”

Inside Hecate’s cell.

“Oi, when are you gonna let me out?” Hecate moaned out. “Shut it, nobody wants to hear your voice.” replied the guard. “Douchebag” she whispered. “Whoa, That's too far!”

Suddenly, their argument was interrupted by the sound of footsteps. “Open the door, she's getting a new roommate.” It was imperium. The doctor threw a man into the room so quickly that Hecate didn't have time to escape, “Hey are you alright?” The man was beaten, bruised, and bloody.

He made a move to pick him up, “Seriously, are you alr-” she stopped mid-sentence. “You… Why are you here?”

Somewhere in Aether Online

Millions of images were flashing in front of her eyes

‘Mother?’

‘What's going on?’

‘Your not even worth my time’

‘You...Why are you here’

The images started to shift into a deep black, and the one seeing them let out a heavy breath. “Why am I seeing such a person’s memories?” The woman who spoke had short disheveled silver hair, a pale face with delicate features and red irises. Her dress which had once been elegant and white was now dirtied and ripped in most places, but what really drew attention was the broken crown that floated a few inches above her head. The woman slowly stood and stumbled her way to the corner where she grabbed a bottle, “Shit…” she paused, “that's some good booze.”