The dungeon branched into four distinct sections, each overseen by a powerful guard. Some prisoners toiled at mining while others handled transporting and processing raw materials. Shobai and his chain-mate were assigned excavation duty.

Play nice, Butt Grabber. Donavon said. 

Hey, it's him! One prisoner said to another. The butt grabber.

It was an accident! Shobai said.

Sure it was. The guard said and handed him a small axe. Now get to work. 

Shobai stared at the imposing mountain of rock in front of him. Finding Tiana, escaping the dungeon, traveling to Behemoth–it all seemed insurmountable. But he had to try. Survive the day. Meet the quota. That was the battle at hand.

With a mighty swing, Shobai barreled into the wall. He had worked many tedious jobs back in school. This he could do, and do well.

PEW.

His attack barely made a dent. Am I really that weak? He ran his fingers down the axe. It was old and rusted, with a hairline fracture that snaked down the head. Useless. Five kilos, with this?

He looked around at the other– rusty tools, cracked helmets–even the dim flickering light seemed to mock their efforts. In New York, this place would have already been shut down by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Association). A ball of anger burned in the pit of his stomach. How could anyone work like this?

Glancing away, he was met with scowls from guards and prisoners alike. They watched him from every direction, cruel amusement and disgust in their eyes. What could a human do? Was his life some twisted form of entertainment to them? 

His attention shifted to the only one who didn’t seem to care–his chain-mate. Up close, the creature looked more human than not. If it wasn’t for the dog ears and tail, Shobai would have thought they were the same. 

Excuse me. He said. 

The creature edged away slightly.

Hey. Shobai whispered, closer. I need some help with– 

Butt Grabber! The guard said. No grabbing.

I wasn’t! I… Shobai took a deep breath. If he was going to make his quota, he’d need a new plan. He turned to the guard.  Ma’am, about the quota?

Suddenly, a whip ripped past him and hit his chain-mate!

What did I say! The other prisoners cowered in fear, but Shobai kept going.

I’m happy to work, really. He said. It’s just… this tool’s a bit old. And these conditions… Maybe not quite up to standard? 

The guard’s face tightened. What are you, a union rep! 

Oh no, ma’am! I just want to be helpful. Quotas and all, you know. Shobai said. “If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed...” Sharper tools would help everyone look good.

CRACK. 

Another whip blasted past Shobai. This time, its sharp tip drove directly into his chain-mate’s butt.

AHHHHH. The creature said, tears streaming from his eyes. Shobai reached out to help, but the creature turned away. The others began to whisper amongst themselves. 

Butt Grabber’s got a point, though. One said, just loud enough to be heard. 

What’s going on here? A group of powerful guards approached. Donovan trailed behind, his face buried in a stack of paperwork. 

Thinking quickly, Shobai stepped forward. 

Donavan, sir. His voice trembled uncontrollably. What if I told you I could increase mineral procurement?

How dare you! The guard said and pulled back her whip–eyes locked on Shobai this time. 

And how might you do that, Butt Grabber? Donavon said, not looking up.

With sharper tools. The words spilled out. I think we could double our productivity, sir. 

Donovan paused for what felt like an eternity. Shobai's gut tightened. Had he gone too far?

You filthy creatures love to gamble, don’t you? Donavon said and broke the silence. He handed his papers to the guard. Fine. Double is five hundred kilos by the end of the week. If your men can do that, then the tools are yours. I might even consider letting you go.

Five hundred? The prisoners said. They could barely deliver fifty kilos a day, let alone five hundred. Only an idiot would accept those terms.

Deal. Shobai said. 

It’s settled, then. A grin stretched across Donavon’s face. Oh, and if you fail. I’ll rip out that filthy tongue of yours and feed it to everyone here.