Working With Phantoms

Infinite Sweatshop

August 29th

It was the first day of the next semester of school, and Madran felt herself semi-comfortably sliding back into her usual routine. However, what she was looking forwards to most was lunch, due to the events of the pervious few days. Once she arrived there, Madran saw that both Akira and Haru were already at the table.

"Hey, guys, what's up?"

"Oh, hi, Madran. So, school again, huh?"

Madran shrugged.

"It's not too bad, to be honest. It's not as crazy as last semester, I'll give you that. Also, Haru, how're things going?"

"Oh, I'm doing great. The Metaverse is far more fascinating than I first expected, so I'm glad that Rosana showed me it."

"Ah, speak of the devil, hey, Rosana."

"Hola."

Rosana sat down next to Haru, with Suga and Sheila soon arriving as well.

"So, school, oh boy. How are everyone's classes going?"

From what Madran heard, her group were either still getting used to the sudden switch back to school or, like her, were already used to the new schedule.

"Well, I'm glad that we're good. Now, what about the Metaverse? Akira, what have you all seen?"

"Well, we saw a lot of shadows and some gate where we have to get permission to get through."

"Really? We've only had to deal with a few shadows, but have needed to go up this chain of command. For example, we first had to get a keycard from the small blue robots, and we just got keycards from the small yellow ones."

"I see. That's interesting. I've heard that Philemon's group have been... all over, to be frank."

"Yeah, they have."

The group then chatted for the rest of lunch before going back to continue their school day and heading back home once it was done.

"Hi, mom, I'm back!"

Madran was still aware that Elia was still taking the break, with that next week being the second and final one. Elia and Chicory then went up to Madran, with Chicory excitedly running around her and Elia hugging her.

"Well, how was your school day?"

"It was good. It's a bit weird to suddenly be back to school, especially with how this summer break went, but I'm glad to be back to what the first part of all of this Metaverse fuckery was like."

Madran and Elia then chatted for awhile before heading with Chicory into the Velvet Room, where most of Madran's group were already gathered. Then, after a quick briefing from Philemon, the group headed out and split into the groups that they were in yesterday. Then, once Madran found herself and the other four members of her group safely inside of the latest Safe Room, she turned to all of them.

"Ok, everyone, bring out your CH cards."

The group brandished their keycards, with Madran nodding.

"Ok, good. Up next, we're going for what I believe are the red spindly ones. Are we ready to go?"

"Yeah, let's get this done."

"Good answer. Onwards!"

The group then went out and approached the CH door, with everyone getting in via their keycards. Then, Madran scanned the area, identifying plenty of rooms.

"Ok, guys, let's split again. Beauty, do you still have the robot head?"

"Uh huh. Do you still remember the frequency?"