Black Hole: The Book of Iratus, Episode 39

Chapter 381

The group listened to Sermo, the shark man, as he explained his group's affiliation with a lionfolk named Fastus. The man tried to recruit the nomad group to help with a construction project, but they turned him down.

Sermo, "We did give him a ton of scrapes because we got too weighed down by our excess crap."

Iratus, "Any specifics on what he wanted you guys to build?"

Sermo, "Technically, even he didn't know. He was hired to get it built, and he sought out the resources and people to do so. He did tell us that it seemed like some sort of dance club, whatever that is."

The old fox woman sat back down.

Venatio, "Oh, and who hired him?"

Sermo, "The old guy said he was contacted by people from outside of the Nexus Prime. He got the instructions from a metal orb, or something like that."

Venatio, "He found a metal orb, but I doubt it could have issued such orders."

The sharkfolk shrugged.

Sermo, "That's really all there was."

Iratus, "Well, we found the building; it trapped us, and when we danced, it said contract fulfilled and crashed around us."

The other four girls were standing around waiting to put forward their own input, with Aestus taking the initiative.

Aestus, "It was filled with holograms, and one of them went super hostile on us after it destroyed the building."

Sermo, "No, no. I don't know any of that stuff."

Iratus, "Don't worry about it. If that's all you know, then that's all."

The shark man nodded his head.

Sermo, "So, what about my job offer?"

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Chapter 382

Iratus, "If people are in need, then I do feel like I should offer something. If you really do need another body, I am willing."

Sermo, "How overly altruistic of you." He said it almost as if it were a question.

Iratus, "It is by my faith that I am called to help others."

Sermo, "Oh right, you and Clamor had quite the religious spat with Victorium."

Iratus, "Considering you must have taken a pledge to his god, it's a quarrel with you too."

Sermo, "Like, it's not really something I took stock in. It was just something you had to do if you wanted in."

Iratus, "Sermo, buddy, faith is a powerful force that shapes individuals and societies. By pledging to Victorium's god, even if you didn't mean it, you gave legitimacy to his world views."

Sermo, "I don't see the point. It's not like I really believe in all that god stuff."

Iratus, "Belief or not, it held influence. By dismissing the significance of your pledge, you underestimate the impact it had on the cohesion and effectiveness of Victorium's forces."

The red panda girl walked up.

Ignis, "Allow me, Iratus." Then, turning to Sermo, "Allow me to share a tale with you. In the quaint town of Da Lei, the people cherished the teachings and virtues of their founder. One fateful day, a cunning deceiver arrived, craving power and control. He weaved a web of lies, tarnishing the founder's reputation with a false narrative. The townsfolk, initially dismissing the falsehoods, carried on with their lives. The deceiver, however, cleverly enticed the residents by offering treasures to those who embraced his lies. A daily reward for a single untruth became a tempting proposition. As influential figures succumbed to the allure, the once-sincere town fell prey to a relentless cycle of deceit. In just two decades, the distorted narrative of the founder's alleged misdeeds echoed through the streets, drowning out any trace of truth."

There was a moment of silence, with the shark man's expression showing that he could understande the story. Then his face lit up.

Sermo, "Hey, wait a minute, doesn't your kind speak really funny-like?"

Iratus playfully, "Hey, yeah. What's up with that?"

Ignis, "Such difficulties exist for translating my people's stories that it makes me have to speak as plainly as possible for meanings to come out correctly."

Sermo, "But you guys could talk like the rest of us the whole time?"

Ignis, "Barbarian! I hope you are not assuming a lack of ability for my species."

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Chapter 383

The shark girl was next to come over to the table.

Resonantia, "Can we get back on point?"

Iratus, "Which one?"

Resonantia, "Dang it, love, you have detracted from the job."

Sermo, "Hey, uh, I've been meaning to ask. There are four pregnant girls here, and I just wanted to ask, Are there others here or something?"

Iratus, "I am the father to all of them."

Sermo, "For the love of fermentation, save some females for the rest of us."

There were a few chuckles at that.

Iratus, "Now then, explain your group's location. Where is it?"

Sermo, "Just up the dirt road. You'll eventually come across a ruined tribal village, but you keep going. Then the next important landmark is a large orchard; after that, it's a hunting lodge, and we'll be using it to rest for the day. Then there is a massive tree where the dirt road splits up. Just keep heading to the mountain, and you'll see our current stay at a mechanic shop. Its right on the road with a few other odd buildings from whatever times and places."

Resonantia, "Is it more than a day's walk from here?"

Sermo, "Basically."

Iratus, "Hm."

The four girls would start to wash and put away the dishes while Iratus and Venatio stayed at the table. Iratus gave a sigh, and the old fox woman responded to it.

Venatio, "My offer still stands."

Iratus, "Unless you wish to come for your own desire, I won't need backup."

Venatio, "While it may be a journey and job beyond what my body can handle, if I can get some real pay out of it beyond coin, then I'm all for it."

Victoria made a sound from the kitchen and came running back to the table.

Victoria, "Oh! Before I forget, we have treasure. As you no doubt saw on the first floor, are coins and treasures of any real value? Can we trade or buy stuff with it?"

Sermo, "Uh. Well, some of the members of the group have talked about successful trades. Most of the time, coins and treasure are viable, but only for well-established survivors. Even to us, not many of us would relinquish our goods for coins. Now if you haul some over to trade with, you will find people that will allow it to be used in trade, so go ahead and bring some along."

Victoria, "Iratus, my love, you must buy everything. All the things if you must!"

Iratus slightly sarcastically, "Oh sure, just let me drag a large bag full of heavy metal with me."

Victoria, "That's the spirit."

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Chapter 384

Iratus took an hour talking to the girls about the job, and they all came to an understanding. As the group walked back into the communal room, the shark man spoke up.

Sermo, "I can't stay here for long. The crew needs every able body, so I have to get back as fast as possible."

Resonantia, "Then what are you doing way out here?"

Sermo, "Hoping to find someone before I got here. Since there isn't anyone else on the road, my last resort was Clamor and Iratus. Speaking of which, where is the rabbit, dude?"

Iratus, "Currently not available. You will have to settle for me and the old lady."

Venatio, "Pah."

Sermo, "Oh? You are coming then?"

Iratus, "As long as the pay is good, of course."

Sermo, "You'd have to see our horde to believe me, but I assure you we will come to an agreement."

Venatio, "You'll have to pay me in firearms or other fine weaponry."

Sermo, "Ack...uh, probably, maybe."

The old fox woman gave a low growl but smiled afterwards.

Iratus, "Let me get ready. If we must get there as fast as possible, then we shall leave post haste."

The shark man nodded and waited next to the door while Iratus and Venatio gathered their gear around.

Venatio, "Something that has always been odd to me when I heard the story was that Victorium's army stayed near the metalheads. I've learned that their sickness was worse than I thought. Didn't you guys have metalhead sickness being around there?"

Sermo, "We've camped near metalheads before and never suffered the sickness. Heck, I thought our doctor, Fractura Exos Cibum, was lying when he talked about the sickness. Once people started disappearing, people thought we should take it more seriously. I've recently learned that it is more than interaction that causes the sickness, and no one was any wiser. I assume it was the mouse-cat boy's and Clamor's plan to kill us that way."

Iratus, "And it still took too long. How useless."

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Chapter 385

Iratus gave his final goodbyes to the girls, and each one responded.

Resonantia, "And here is my daily: such trust is dangerous, and you should be doubtful of people."

Iratus, "Then how can society ever form? Trust others, and they will spread their goodwill."

The shark girl gave a seductive grin. Then the raccoon girl was next to speak.

Victoria, "Love, stay safe."

Iratus, "I've been hired to possibly fight an ebony. Of course I'll be fine; it's everyone else that we should fear getting hurt."

The otter girl piped up next.

Aestus, "We wish you all the luck!"

Iratus, "I don't need luck; I have God on my side."

Ignis, "But luck is a mathematical variable known to most in this place."

Iratus, "I swear one day I will expose karma for whatever it is for what it is."

Venatio finished loading their cart with empty bags, some treasure bags, and bags of food. She also asked to borrow the crossbow and took it as well.

Venatio, "Everything is ready. Let's head out and hope for the best."

Iratus nodded his head and then turned back to the girls.

Iratus, "I will succeed, and I promise to return. No force in the Nexus Prime can stop me from coming back home. I love all of you too much to die."

He then gave each of his loved ones a goodbye hug and then headed off with the other two towards the dirt road.

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Chapter 386

The east road wasn't known to Iratus. While he had gone hunting this far out, the dirt road passed the heavy forested area and entered the open plains with a scattering of forests in the distance. Iratus was able to see some of the animals that wander the plains. There were many herbs of bison as well as a lot of coyotes. There were a surprising amount of turkeys as well as a few bobcats, but what really surprised him was a horse-sized armadillo.

Iratus, "That's a weird-looking thing."

Sermo, "The armadillo or its size?"

Iratus, "Yes."

Venatio, "I can't say that I've seen one that size before."

Iratus, "You know, I just thought of another thing. Sermo, have you heard of a person or people calling them a Sin Lord?"

Sermo, "The broken stars, is that?"

Iratus, "A hologram talked about it."

Venatio, "These holograms were quite desperate to finish their programming. Things got weird after that."

Sermo, "Can't say I've had any experience with holograms, but our leader might. Praefiguratio has seen a lot of stuff in the Nexus Prime, so I am sure if you have any questions about it, she will know."

The group continued their travels, with the dirt road striking through a ruined village that had already decayed quite a bit. The dirt road continued, but there were two new roads nearby, both being well-worked stone, though one led to a destroyed wooden bridge while the other led to a thick forest and died at its boundary. Forward ever more, the group continued and would see the orachard in the distance.

Venatio, "Oh my, shall we stop by and grab some fruit?"

Sermo, "No time. We are already going to walk in the dark before we get to the lodge."

Soon after, the dirt road became a lot more worked and maintained, and right after was a forest line. The road cut through the wilderness with plenty of breath between the trees. By this time, the sun was already about gone, and the group ran into a small horde of wandering treeskins. The shark man was quite the expert in his spear skills, while Iratus did his best to stop the party from getting overran. Venatio made great shots with the crossbow until the bulk of the horde was upon everyone. While they tried to fight the treeskins, they soon had to abandon the cart temporarily in order to get some more distance, which allowed Venatio to further thin out the horde. The near-mindless monster didn't stand a chance against the party's kiting skills and was soon wiped out.

After traveling in the dark for a while, the group finally got to the hunting lodge and quickly got ready to sleep, their travels taking a hefty toll on them.

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Chapter 387

The exterior of the building was built with sturdy timber, and the roof was a steeply pitched one adorned with wooden shingles. The lodge had large, arched windows and also had an entrance that had intricately carved wooden doors depicting scenes of hunting and wildlife. After entering, Sermo got to work, getting a fire going in the fireplace.

Iratus, "Does it actually get chilly out here?"

Sermo, "Well, I think so."

The main hall is expansive, with a vaulted ceiling supported by massive wooden beams, though the area itself was quite bare, with only a few skins around being the only indication that it was a hunting lodge. There were a few fur-covered chairs and a bear skin rug, and the most impressive item was a large tapestry depicting a hunting scene hanging on one wall, the makers of the lodge being wolffolk.

In the dining area, the group ate some of their own rations while sitting down at a polished wooden table. The table was large enough that it could be used to host feasts, with the ornate chandeliers capable of casting a glow on the wooden paneling. Further into the lodge was a library with mostly empty shelves, though a few leather-bound books with drawings of various hand-drawn sketches of animals did exist.

Ascending a wooden staircase, Iratus and Venatio searched out what else the lodge had to offer, which was just bedrooms all lined up on the upper floor. Looking out his bedroom window, Iratus could see a spacious courtyard with a training area for archery, but he was too tired to check it out.

The party got to sleep fast and woke up early to head out once again.

Iratus with barely any emotion, "Uhg, the morning is so painful."

Sermo, "Somehow it wasn't my idea."

Venatio, "Oh, look at me. I have to get back to my traveling group as soon as possible. What, walk back in the morning? No!"

Sermo, "The morning doesn't even exist."

Iratus, "Tell me about it."

Venatio, "Useless men!"

The group traveled further into the forest until the forest gave way to a wide open area with a tall and thick tree. Large centipedes would crawl all over it, but they drew little attention as everyone else was focusing on the road that became an asphalt road around the tree.

Venatio, "You made it sound like we would still be following a dirt road."

Sermo, "Ah, sorry."

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Chapter 388

The road would wined up to the foot of a mountain. Cars and other vehicles from time to time would be seen on the road, and Iratus had to ask Venatio about the yellow dashes and lines on the road.

Venatio, "It's just to separate traffic."

They got into a neighborhood that was very long, with buildings far away from each other but close enough that they seemed to be in the same area. There was a rusted and faded mechanics shop with several people camping around it. People were sitting in foldable chairs, two kids were throwing a ball to each other, and there was a makeshift fire pit where someone was cooking a rabbit.

In the lot was an impressive RV, which had a chain hooking it to the building, the chain being hooked around the sign for the shop. The mechanics shop had a hazy orange over its dying visage; the mostly red brick building was looking like it was bleeding. The white door had an ancient fade on it, as if the door was about to start rotting in the next few decades.

Venatio, "I should have known you didn't actually mean wagon."

Sermo, "What are you talking about? That is a wagon, just a really advanced wagon."

Venatio, "This is what I get for thinking primitives could have any real understanding. I could have brought some tools to help fix your RV if I knew what was going on."

Sermo went ahead to inform his companions, and while the pair got the go-ahead to come closer, they only had suspicious eyes on them.

Iratus, "What's their deal? It is us that have the right to be suspicious."

Sermo, "In a world of no laws, there is nothing but danger from others. It takes a while for people to open up."

The shark man pointed out each person. There were two rabbit men, Echo and Commercium. The first one had black fur and short black hair, and the second had white fur and moderate-length black hair. Both wore mechanical laborer's overalls.

There was a pregnant hyena woman with long blonde hair and tan fur with black spots. She wore a modified dress to accommodate her pregnancy, and her name was Abrasione.

The two kids, probably around twelve years old each, were an otter girl named Fuligo and a fox boy named Studium. They wore matching children's clothes from a more modern-like planet.

Finally, an older goat woman and a weasel man were talking to each other; the woman was named Resolutio, while the weasel man was Siccitas. The goat woman wore a black shirt and military camo jeans, while the weasel was armored up like a knight from the age of pike and shot.

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Chapter 389

Sermo brought the pair to the goat woman.

Sermo, "Where is your sister?"

Resolutio, "Busy. You brought back some help?"

Sermo, "Iratus the mouse-cat and Venatio."

The goat woman gave a grin.

Resolutio, "I've heard great things about you, boy. Where is your old man?"

Iratus, "Clamor wasn't available."

Sermo, "But these two should be enough to help defend everyone."

Resolutio, "Certainly, let me give you a tour."

Iratus and Venatio were shown the nearby area, the parking lots, buildings, and their trailer, which was a cattle trailer with chickens and two goats inside, which the nomad group would take on a leash around the area so that they could eat. Finally, they were allowed in the shop where Echo was working. Resolutio would join him as she concluded the tour.

Venatio, "My, such a large group."

Resolutio, "Not really. Our group has been both smaller and larger. Recently, we have lost a few people already. Also, Siccitas is like the two of you, hired help."

Iratus, "Have any of you thought about settling down? There is plenty of space near where I live, and I could use more able bodies."

Resolutio, "I myself will not stop moving." Then she smiled. "But that's just me. Invite whomever you wish. I promise none of them are bad people. Though I only met the weasel recently, that will be at your own risk."

Iratus nodded.

Resolutio, "Your job is to be available to fight at any moment, even at night. If you want to get paid, then that's what you will do."

Venatio, "I'll take a patrol then. Can we see the treasure so we know what to expect?"

Resolutio, "When my sister comes back, ask her."

With that, the pair dispersed, with Iratus asking around if anyone had any wishes to stop being a nomad.

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Chapter 390

Venatio groaned in agony as she saw the solar panels on top of the RV, then screamed in pain when she actually looked under the RV.

Venatio, "What did you do to the wheel bearing?"

Echo, "Oh yeah, that thing snapped, so I just welded it back on."

Venatio, "Oh my God, you ruined everything."

Echo, "I'm pretty sure I fixed it."

Venatio, "Oh, so you'll be leaving soon, then?"

Echo, "Well, I'm just waiting...for it to stick."

Venatio, "Do you even know how cars work? RVs in this case."

Echo, "No, but I know welding."

Venatio, "And now you're fired. Get out of my way while I fix your damnation mess."

Iratus then turned away from the commotion and turned back to trying to recruit people.

He started with the rabbitfolk and hyenafolk couple.

Iratus, "And that's why I am looking for people to join me."

Commercium, "While we don't know anything about you, Iratus, you do drive a hard bargain."

The hyena woman gave a chuckle and then spoke next.

Abrasione, "To be honest, I like the idea. I'd do anything to stop moving, but the gray masks make that so impossible."

Iratus, "Well, my group has had successful fights against them. Currently, we have slain two conduits and have stopped seeing them sense."

Commercium, "Impressive! Oh, but I assume it's temporary?"

Iratus, "I hope to be the first civilization that beats them back."

Commercium, "Nice. The two of us will think about it. Good chatting with you, Iratus."

Iratus, "Same."

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EPISDOE 39: END

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Episode 39 End Character Sheet
Name: Iratus Lionheart
Species: Mousefolk
Age: 14
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
Weapons: Long Sword, 3x Knifes, Short Sword
Equipment: belt, belt bag, water skin, leathercraft backpack, 2 bags, 33 oval copper coins, 6 small silver bricks, 3 gemstones, 20 fine silver coins,20 fine gold coins, metal keycard

Wounds: none

Relevant Community Stash: a fire starter, whetstone, several leather items, 2 glass jar, 12 empty 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, 79 cloaks and other clothing materials, some fabrics, 5 carts, 8 tattered tents, skin drum, beautiful arts of tropical scenery, floatation devices, wildlife figures, lots of tropical clothing

Armory: 10 wooden spears, 50 short swords, 53 knifes, 23 daggers, 34 metal spears, 21 rusted weapons, many armor pieces, ruined metal armor, semi-automatic rifle (no ammo), 3 hunting traps, 3 snares, 4 backpacks
Aestus: leather vest, leather helmet, metal spear, short sword
Victoria: scrap metal breastplate, leather helmet, metal spear, short sword, crossbow, flashlight
Resonanita: breastplate, metal helmet, metal spear, short sword, compound bow, flashlight
Ignis: leather helmet, metal spear, crowbar

Treasure: 62 oval copper coins, 19 oval silver coins 64 ancient metal coins, 8 fine silver coins, a tarnished silver brooch, a small ornamental figurine, a handful of sparkling glass beads, a few antfolk tapestries, some antfolk art, 46 copper lion coins, 5 silver lion coins, 4 gold lion coins, 57 wolfen metal coins, bronze lantern

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), Library, Armory, Infirmary Room (surgery tools, first aid kit, plenty of medicine and equipment), Guest Quarters, Master Bedroom (proper bedding, sensual antfolk sculpture), Six Bedrooms (proper bedding)

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), Partially Built Wall, Small Cabin

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

Year 0, Day 254

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Iratus of House Lionheart
mouse		male			blonde fur, blonde hair
gold eyes		6'2 (188cm)		age: 14
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Victoria
raccoon		female		gray fur, black hair
brown eyes		6'0 (183cm)		age: 14
-
Aestus of clan Riversinger
otter			female		red fur, red hair
blue eyes		5'10 (179cm)	age: 14
-
Ignis Yang			
red panda		female		reddish-brown/white fur, black hair
golden eye		6'1 (185cm)		age: 14
-
Resonantia Diamond Heart Steel
shark			female		blue-gray hue skin, white hair
blue eyes		6'1 (185cm)		age: 14
-
Venatio 
fox			female		red fur, red hair
brown eyes		female		age: 71

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