NT veRse - bad End Guide 22 - Invite Sphinx (Patreon)

The top slot slid open, revealing a pair of Beastfolk eyes. Non human, for sure. Quite large and male by the shape of the face behind the slot.
“Let me in. I need information.” You asked. The only thing you needed to do was ask and have the password.
“The password is 'Humble.'”

“Seems you know this place well.” The male behind the slot offered in a tone that sounded like it could or could not have been sarcasm. He closed the slot and opened the door a second later.
“You're welcome, my lady.” He bows.

“Thanks...” In places like this, the intuitive decision is to keep your chin up. Don't show weakness. Exude strength and avoid being a target. It was not difficult but you were almost not worth being a target anymore except by the most dangerous of predators. You smiled cockily at the doorman. As you did and refused to exchange a proper greeting the room suddenly felt as if it turned on an axis. No, not the room, your own perspective. You were wobbling.
“What...” You glanced back at the man. He was gone. Looking up you could see smoke in the air.
“Is it just the atmosphere of this place?” You wondered out loud as you stepped into the quiet clubhouse floor.

There were many people in what you would qualify as extreme bondage gear. Leather and lace. Tight, tying those unlucky enough to be wearing such garments like a roast. They seemed like servants, though there were not many individuals without such gear on. Those that existed in the club in normal attire sat at tables in a somewhat lifeless fashion. They seemed pampered, but also vacant. You did not think much of it, you would not be here for long. You smiled like you belonged and waved over a woman in just a thong and stockings. She bowed cordially and approached.
“How may this slave serve you, Mistress?” She asked.

You let out a short laugh. “This treatment isn't too bad... I expected to be harassed.”

“Not at all...” She cooed.

You decided to be firm. “I need information so-” The room turned again, you felt dizzy. The woman reached for your shoulders and turned you around. Before you understood what was happening she sat you down at a table.
“What... is happening?”

She took your hand and lowered herself to her knees before you, kissing it. “I am your humble slave, here to serve you. Is something wrong? You are such a strong, powerful Mistress so go ahead and order me as much as you like.” She winked.

“Oh...” You nodded your heavy head.
“Then. Go. I need information about August. Where his office is. If you can't get that for me, get someone that can. Quick.” She stood up and you were not sure what drove you, but you gave her bare rear a smack that resonated through quiet room with a snap. You blushed as the whole room of men and women dressed shabbily as sex slaves turned their heads and clapped for you. You tried to stand.
“Something's not right...” You said nervously. As soon as you stood the woman turned and sat you back down.

“Allow me to serve you.” It did not sound like she was asking. For some reason as you looked up at her you felt as if the roles had been reversed without you realizing.

“Yes?” A drink is placed in front of you, then another and another. They seem to empty without you remembering to drink them. You look down at your hand and see a long pipe placed between your fingers.
“How long... Since when have I-” You stared at the woman sternly.
“What are you doing!? I asked for information.”

She bowed her head and crossed an arm over her chest. “Oh, my apologies, mistress. Just a while longer.”

“How- how much? How much has it been already?”

“Only a few days...”

“Ah.” You nodded.
“Wait-” She pressed a finger to your lips and leaned down to kiss your neck.

“A 'Mistress' should cooperate as well. No? Allow this slave to serve you. Clear your mind of everything else.”

“Okay.” You nodded like a student in class obediently. You wondered when you became so week to her words and since when your body felt so frail. Not since waking up have you felt so weak. You looked up.
“Thank you.”

The woman smiled genuinely. “No need to thank this slave.”

More time passed. Gradually you were stood up and taken towards the door. A different door from the one you arrived in. The woman held your hand. As she pulled your passive self outside the building her clothing changed into an extravagant set of layered silk robed. Something a princess might wear. Her ragged hair became done up with the finest jade and ivory binding it. She smiled sweetly at you. All you could do is stand with your arms at your side and stare.
“You are a treasure. Eyes like rubies. Hair soft as, and the color of cotton. Appearance like a small, pale white rabbit.” When she finished looking over you she shrugged.
“Lower your head in my presence. You are coming home with me. You will serve me from now on, understand?”

It did not feel as if you could do anything except understand. “Y-yes!”

-

You looked around the floor from a new perspective. The first iteration in which you came in through the right door as far as you knew.

'This club is a place where nobles play power games with each-other. Everything is reversed, so acting like a slave and humiliating yourself and serving... All of those empower you against the one being served until the other is hopelessly enthralled. Without understanding anything, people will come in and be trapped by those that know the rules. It feels good to be pampered and to be served. Most people wouldn't stand a chance.' You looked back at the two boys you carry in tow. You decided to let Sphinx come along.
“Do you know the rules?” You asked him.

He cocked his head. “Do you?”

“Take that as a no... It's annoying speaking with you.”

“Oh we'll get used to one-another, darling.” He promised. Sun made a gagging noise.

“Okay... I'm being serious, you two. Don't let someone outdo you here. If they try to humiliate themselves before you, you have to do the same but worse.”  

“W-what!?” Sun gasped.

You stopped as a girl that could be described as the same young lady from your notes appeared. An aggressive woman that seems to desire a great many things. A woman so eager to humiliate herself to get what she wants. As she stood in front of you she bent at the waist.
“A woman such as yourself seems far too dignified to dirty herself here... Please as this slave for anything and I will provide. Even-”

You interjected quickly. “Mistress, this humble slave is quite comfortable at your feet so don't think otherwise.” You knelt down and lowered your head.
“Please, if you need anything from this slave just ask and I will even give this body.”

“Hoho...” The woman looked excited, though you barely raised your head to see it in her eyes.
“You aren't new.”

“Please. This slave is still learning.” You smiled humbly.

“Come, then... I will serve you to your destination.” She lead you from the club floor into the back. There was less smoke. It was instead replaced with a sweet smelling aroma.

Sun whispered in your ear. “E-eve, you know so much about this place...”

You did not answer. 'I died many times here. Of course I know. But... Any place like this that has so many ways to reach an end are actually perfect for me. So much information appeared. Enough to write a book. That is what”s allowing me to succeed right now.' You looked over. Sphinx wore a lustful expression. It was directed solely at you, of all the bodies he could be staring at.

“I become more interested in you by the minute...”

As the lady lead you into the back she guided you to a seat with a raised position. “You may take a seat here if it calls to you. The tricks are over back here.”

You searched your memory. She was not exactly lying, but it was just enough that you had to be cautious. Luckily you knew.
“For you. This slave will sit at her Ladies feet, as it should be.”

“Goodness...” The girl huffed, her clothes shifting to the fine, flowing cloth that had been described many times. The owner of this club sat down before you, elegantly crossing one leg over the other.
“So, what is it you are after, dear?”

“I beg you for information.”

“It's worth more than gold.” She shot back.

“I will pay.”

She smirked. “I see. We may be able to work something out.”

You looked up from your prostrated position. 'If this is a bizarro world where everything is opposite... Then haggling is also bad.' You shook your head.
“Nonsense. I will offer everything and more. Even... Myself.” You crawled forward and kissed the top of her foot demeaningly. It sent a shiver down your spine. It was impossible for this place to not affect you, even while you walked the tightrope perfectly.

“Eve!” Sun gasped at the offer. Sphinx merely chuckled. You waved back at them to quiet down, then held the ladies foot and licked from it, up her leg to her inner thigh.

“Psh...” She made an annoyed sound.

“Even someone that knows what to do normally can't stand doing as much as you... It's inevitable that a Human will have some self-respect.”

You tried not to smirk. 'It”s because they only have one life and when they stumble it's over without them even knowing. I”ve already had many. If you know that you”re up against death I can make myself do anything. I think... Truthfully, I”m flying pretty blind right now. I have to go off intuition or it will be another note in the book.'

“Alright.” The Lady relented.
“As you know, the currency in this place isn't gold or anything else. Because this place was made for my amusement and I don't need more gold.”

'Figures.' You thought.

The Lady smiled, kicking you off of her gently. “You can stop that. What do you want.”

“If- if it pleases you I'd like to know where August's office is.”

She looked up in thought. “If it's 'that' the office doesn't exist here.”

“But-”

“Someone could think that it is. I am sure they would think that no matter what city they traveled to in the North West. Because in each city there is a way to reach that place for people that have business with him. The one that decides who has business with him happens to be...” She waited to see the hope in your eye before answering.
“Not me.” She giggled.
“Sorry. I had to. Anyway... In regards to finding the door, those who he thinks should see him will tend to see him and those that do not will not. That is usually how it goes.”

Sphinx spoke up. “I was curious, my Lady, but you mean to say that he has an 'Internal Space?'

“Why should I answer?” She winked cheekily at him before looking back to Eve.
“He does have a personal space. A door can appear anyway. So the one that told you he has an office here is technically right. The one who said he is out may also be right, but to find the office means he will find you, too.”

“It should take a lot of power.” Sphinx commented instead of asking this time.

“August is a Great Saint.” She offered. The two men looked surprised.

“He's a good man?” You asked.

The Lady laughed. “It feels like you know a lot of information selectively, somehow.”

“There are those that use contracted or 'Divine' power. Those who use Aura and those that Use Soma. Great Saints are those who have reached the peak of harnessing the Divine power of their Patron.”

Sphinx chimed in happily. “Maggie is a Great Master.”

“Then is the other one a Heavenly Master? An Aurar?” Sun asked the Lady.

The Lady nodded. “Correct.”

You thought for a moment. “Each of them has their own specialty... Is it strange for a Traveler to use a Patron?”

“Very.” The Lady nodded, tapping her bare foot.
“To be honest, the only normal one was the woman. Travelers naturally gain power in Soma. It is strange for them to have any Aura, or any Divine Patron. That being said. Don't assume that they are weak in any other respect, just because they are only a Master in one.”

“You've actually been really helpful, Lady.” You said seriously.

She patted you on the top of the head. “You have also been quite entertaining. Feel free to come back any time and play in this place to your hearts content. You can keep whatever you take.” She stared down at you admiringly.
“I so wish I could have had you...”

“Eyes like rubies... Hair like cotton. A little white rabbit.”

Her eyes widened with interest. “If you need anything in the North West come to the Merchant Alliance building and show them this charm. It's good for one favor.” She pulled a coin with a hole in it by a fine thread running through the center, then dropped it into your hands.

Sun sounded crazed. “A- A favor from the Merchant Alliance can be worth upwards of a thousand gold pieces!”

You were almost lost in the possibilities when Sphinx took it and handed it back while bowing. “We can not accept such a fine gift, my Lady. Slaves such as us simply do not deserve it.” He spoke slyly. You snapped out of your daze.

'Shit... Of course. I almost...' You looked over at Sphinx. He was staring back at you with a humble mask that hid a heavy amount of smugness.

'This guy is useful.'

The Lady laughed and withdrew the gift. “My my... That was my last chance. I'll remember your name then, Eve.”

You bowed your head and kissed her hand as it was offered. “Thank you, my Lady.” All of you stood up and left for the door right away.
“Thank you.” You said to Sphinx.

“Being tripped up at such a point would have been unfortunate. I can't bare to see you in such a state.”

You suddenly became annoyed for reasons he could not understand. 'Coming from the bastard that killed me at least twice already... At least he isn”t talking to me like he”s trying to trap me anymore. Still, even if he saved me he”s a guy I can”t let myself relax around for even a second.' She sighed.

Sphinx looked down sadly. “I know that look. You seem to be quite wary around me.”

“With good reason!” Sun argued.

“So you say.” he nodded.

“You're fine for now, Sphinx... But if I catch you trying to kill any of us with words from now on I'll make it an issue.”

“For you, my fiancé, I will agree.” Sphinx offered cheekily.

“Stop talking shit.” Sun grunted.

You saw Milk in another alley and waved her over. Nina was with her, as obedient as ever. “Hey.”

“Thought I lost you.” Milk looked quite relieved. She stared at Sphinx and asked you.
“That guy is still with you?”

“He said he'll behave.” You reassured her.
“Don't drop your guard just know that he was useful to me so I'll give him a chance.”

“I understand completely.” Milk nodded.

“I couldn't find any info while I was wandering around looking for you.”

“We found out that we can in theory reach the office just by attracting his attention.”

Sun added. “Or by finding the doorman.”

Sphinx shrugged. “They are roughly the same. The doorman may be a person that can be found, but it should be true that they will not open the door unless their master sees an interest.”

“The doorman can be convinced.” Sun argued.

“Eve?” Milk asked.
“Your choice.”