Chapter 5: Living Together
Back at the base house, the comforting hum of technology filled the air.
Nano and Lumina stepped inside, the warm scent of cooked meat already drifting in the air as the drones hovered over the boar carcass, carefully slicing it into clean, uniform cuts. Lumina watched in awe, her fingers brushing over the walls and lights like she still couldn't believe she was here.
"They're… butchering it?" she asked, half impressed, half confused.
"Yeah, they're programmed to help with stuff like this," Nano replied, walking toward a nearby screen. "Just give them the task, and they take care of the mess."
He pulled up a display of recipe options, curious about boar meat.
"Boar stew? Grilled cuts? Sweet glazed bacon… okay, yeah, we're eating good tonight," he muttered with a grin.
But then his eyes shifted to Lumina again.
The collar was still around her neck.
Heavy. Rusted. Ugly.
And enchanted.
It didn't belong on her. Not here. Not anymore.
"Hey…" he said quietly, stepping toward her. "That collar. Is it… traceable?"
Lumina blinked, instinctively touching the metal around her neck.
"I… I don't know. I don't think so. But it's… magical. Enchanted."
"Can I… try to get it off?" he asked gently.
She hesitated, eyes unsure—but then slowly nodded.
"Okay."
"Drone, scan the object around her neck," Nano commanded.
One of the hovering units zoomed down and gently hovered near her shoulder. A soft light scanned the collar, emitting a quiet pulse.
"Scanning… Object: Mana-Enchanted Slave Collar. Detection spell dormant. Removal blocked by embedded magic lock."
"Well, that's a start…" Nano muttered. "So it's not active… but it's locked down."
He crouched down and looked at the display, mind already working through solutions.
"I don't know if I can brute force it off without hurting you… but maybe I can build something to cancel the magic out."
"You'd do that for me?" Lumina asked softly.
He looked up at her.
"Of course. You're not a slave. Not anymore."
She smiled—soft, but real.
"Thank you… Nano."
He rubbed the back of his neck.
"We'll figure it out, okay? This collar's temporary."
Nano watched the scan results on his tablet, mind racing.
"Drones," he said, turning toward them, "can you create a tool to cut through enchanted metal? Something that cancels magic?"
The drone closest to him beeped in response.
"Affirmative. Based on Operator's affinity, magical disruption tools are available."
"Perfect. Make it."
The drones floated over to the fabrication corner. Lights sparked, a soft hum filled the room, and within seconds, a pair of sleek, black-metal scissors formed—etched with glowing circuitry and pulsing faintly with energy.
Nano held them in his hand. They were light… but radiated power.
"Anti-magic scissors. Let's do this."
He turned to Lumina.
"You ready?"
She hesitated, hand brushing her collar again.
Then she nodded.
"I trust you."
Nano stepped closer and gently placed the scissors at the base of the collar.
"Alright… one cut."
SNIP.
The collar broke open with a soft hiss of energy. A faint ripple of purple light escaped the metal, then vanished into the air.
The enchantment was gone.
Completely.
Lumina froze.
Her hands rose to her bare neck—no chain, no weight, no magic.
And then… the tears came.
She covered her mouth, sobbing quietly, the weight of years slipping off her shoulders all at once. Nano didn't say anything. He just opened his arms.
She collapsed into him, hugging him tight.
"You're safe now," he whispered, gently stroking her hair. "I'm not gonna let anyone put something like that on you again. Ever."
She nodded into his chest.
"Thank you… Nano."
Later that evening, the aroma of sizzling meat filled the base.
The drones had done an amazing job seasoning and cooking the boar. The table was filled with steaming cuts, roasted vegetables, and thick, savory slices. Lumina eagerly dug in.
"Whoa—slow down!" Nano chuckled. "Don't choke!"
"It's just so good!" she said with her mouth half-full, eyes sparkling.
He smiled, watching her enjoy food like it was the first time in forever.
After dinner, he stood and glanced over at her.
"Hey… you deserve some new clothes. Drones, think you can help?"
They beeped in response and scanned Lumina from a distance. Within moments, a soft outfit—simple but elegant—materialized neatly folded on the counter. Tunic, leggings, and even soft slippers.
"Here. Shower's that way," Nano said, pointing down the hall.
She took the clothes and disappeared into the bathroom, curious but excited. He heard the water start, followed by the familiar sound of soap dropping and a surprised yelp.
"Hot again?" he called out.
"A little!" she laughed.
That night, Nano set up a second bedroll across the room, giving her the main bed.
But as he turned to walk away, he felt her hand gently grab his.
"Stay," she said quietly. "Please… I don't want to be alone tonight."
He looked at her, surprised.
"You sure?"
She nodded.
He climbed into the bed beside her, careful and respectful. She scooted closer and curled up against him. He wrapped his arms around her gently.
She looked up at him—those glowing eyes filled with gratitude and something softer.
And then… she leaned up and pressed her lips against his.
Soft. Warm. Honest.
He kissed her back without hesitation.
"Thank you," she whispered.
"For what?"
"For saving me… and giving me back my freedom."
He smiled, resting his forehead against hers.
"Anytime, Lumina."
They drifted off to sleep like that—together, safe, and for the first time… at peace.
The room was dark, save for the soft glow of standby lights along the walls. Lumina slept peacefully beside him, curled up in the sheets with a small smile on her face.
Nano slowly stirred.
His eyes opened to the quiet hum of his base's systems. He gently slipped out from under the blanket, careful not to wake her, and made his way to the restroom.
"Man… that stew ran through me," he muttered, rubbing his eyes.
After finishing up, he stretched and reached for his tablet, curious to check on things before returning to bed.
"Menu," he whispered.
The holographic display flickered to life.
And then—a notification appeared in bright green letters:
Level Up!
Congratulations, Ernesto "Nano" Rivera
You have achieved Rank 2
New Title Earned: Boar Slayer 🐗
Bonus: Stat Boost +1 to Stamina, +2 to Reflex
Unlock: Weapon Blueprint – "Pulse Arc Pistol"
Nano's eyes widened.
"No way… I can level up? Titles? Stats?!"
He opened his status screen, scanning through his updated information:
Name: Ernesto "Nano" Rivera
Level: 2
Title: Boar Slayer
Class: Technomancer
Abilities: Adaptive Technomancy, Instant Fabrication
Status: Stable
Inventory: Tablet, Drone Unit-01, Drone Unit-02
Unlocked Blueprints: Basic Drone, Cabin Base, Laser Rifle, Pulse Arc Pistol
"I've played games with systems like this… but this is real," he whispered in awe.
He smiled as the screen faded.
"Boar Slayer, huh? Not bad for a guy who used to mop floors at Sam's Club."
He turned and looked back toward the bedroom, where Lumina slept soundly.
"Guess I'm not just a regular guy anymore."
He slid the tablet away, stepped back into the room, and quietly laid down beside her again.
And for once… he didn't feel small.
He felt ready.