Contractor no. 12067

In an empty grayish room, a huge projection appeared in front of the girl that was casually sat on the ground.

The girl had just woken up and found herself alone in this room. Remembering what happened before she could black out, she hastily checked the place that she was injured, only to find out that there was nothing. No bandages or scars.

'How long was I out?'

[Initializing...]

[Body identified. System integrating. The download may take a while does the Contractor want to play a game while waiting? Yes/No]

After confirming that she didn't have any weapons with her, the girl thought that it wouldn't make a difference what she was doing since her enemy was powerful enough to put her in this situation, so she might as well spend her time playing whatever game was provided.

[Yes. Game starting.]

Once she saw what game was her eyes sparkle could rival the sun.

"This sure brings memories"

Super Mario 64. Judge how much you want but for the girl, this was the best Mario game ever created. Those that came after were nice and all, but this one just had something special about it. Probably was due to it be the first game she played or that she associates it with fond memories, either way, she loved this game.

The girl totally immersed herself in the game, completely forgetting the situation at hand. Just as she was about to beat Bowser, The screen went back to the letters.

[Download complete]

"SHIT! Couldn't you have fucking waited for me to win? Was it so hard?!"

In her rage, she threw the gamepad that was in her hand.

'Wait'

Since when did this game controller was here? If she remembered correctly when she woke up, the room only had her and the holographic screen. The weirder part is that she took everything as a normal occasion when clearly it wasn't. Besides, she was always alert in any situation, but she put down her guard completely just now.

Her instincts told that she was safe and in peace, but the more she felt that way the more she stayed alert. Maybe she was drugged or hypnotized... the situation was too fishy and her brain was too muddled to do a through and clear analysis.

"I would be delighted to be granted permission to see you"

Like magic words, they made something occur. Where was the holographic screen, now stood a... thing.

"Eh... Hi, I'm Chloe. By any chance do you know how to get out of here"

Even though she thought she went completely nuts to talk with a projection of a thing, Chloe didn't have any other options either.

The creature looked like the Bao short film that she loved so much. Instantly the new creature was named Baobao in the girl's head.

Baobao who had his eyes closed opened his eyes after listening to Chloe's question.

[Contractor no. 12067 sure is different. In class I've learned that new contractors would either be in denial or panic, only a few would express different sentiments... answering your question you can't leave your room now. I need first explain your situation and you have a choice to make in the end]

Chloe collected bits of information from Baobao's speech. First, other people also passed by this situation and he called her a number that is probably related to the number of individuals that came before her. Second, she will be let out at some time. Finally, Baobao seems to know what happens inside this place, so the best course of action would be to follow his lead until she can find an escape route.

After summarizing all the information, Chloe nodded her head so that Baobao could continue his explanation.

[First here is your room. It's a safe place in which only you and the people you gave permission to can enter. Right now what is present here is not your real body but only your 'conscience'. Because the Oreka decided that you would fit the role of a Contractor, instead of dying from the stab you took the Oreka saved your conscience and offered you the chance of becoming a Contractor]

"What is a Contractor? Also, who is this Oreka?"

[12067, you don't have the authorization to know the details of Oreka yet, but I'm allowed to tell you that is an organization that seeks an equilibrium for the universe. The organization makes contracts with many skilled individuals from n number of planets. These individuals go to other plains and accomplish tasks issued by the Oreka, in return they can gain strength, intelligence, power, knowledge among other things]

"...right. By the way, my name is Chloe, you can call me Empress if you want though. And what does 12067 stands for anyway?"

[1 is the number of your planet and 2067 is the number of individuals that became contractors from your world+1]

'Did this little dumpling just ignored my suggestion?'

"No Empress then hum? What about Queen?"

[Not in a million years!]

The voice that was very mechanic turned into an infants voice... a very spoiled one.

Chloe noticed the change but she only thought that fitted the little guy more.

"Baobao don't be like that. Okay, I will let you call me Mistress. Now, let me hear you calling"

[B-Baobao? Is that my name?]

The little dumpling started to get a little red in his cheeks. He didn't think that he could one day have a name again!

"It is, you don't like it?"

[Is so-so. Since you gave me a name I guess I can graciously call you Mistress. Mistress do you accept being a Contractor for the Oreka?]

Baobao said pretending indifference while he was clearly delighted. It was such a poor performance, but for Chloe who was always surrounded by her three uncute partners, this coy little dumpling was refreshing so she didn't dismantle his performance.

"If I don't, what happens?"

[Oreka won't save you and once you return to your body, you will naturally die]

Hearing her options, Chloe let out a deep sigh.

"Beggars can't be choosers, can they? Do I need to sign somewhere?"