[DCI] Chapter 82 - Developer's Wet Dream (Patreon)

With all the topics prepared for this interview exhausted, we all stood up. When asked about the leftovers and dirty tableware, Justitia told us to leave it behind for the Pixies to pick up. I didn’t want to add to their work, but she insisted, explaining that they loved to help and were disappointed when people deprived them of that pleasure.

I guess all Pixies were the helpful sort by nature.

Taking one last glance out the window panes and admiring the view, we followed J out of the meeting chamber, filling into the cozy corridor. A pair of DCI employees was walking down the hallway and exchanged polite greetings with our Supervisor. They were dressed similarly to Justitia so their positions must not be that far off.

“You’ll be able to find your way back to the first floor, right?” the golden-haired goddess asked with a warm smile. “This took a bit longer than scheduled so I have to run. I’m sure I can trust you not to wander around the areas still restricted to you.”

“Don’t worry about anything.” I smiled back, glancing over my little crew. “We won’t bring you unnecessary trouble.”

“Same here.” Aurora nodded firmly. “I wouldn’t want to be caught where I shouldn’t be.”

“Thank you.” Justitia turned to me and I could feel her hidden gaze connect with mine. “I’ll be awaiting your quick promotion to an Agent, looking very forward to that day rather impatiently. Good luck on your delves, Defenders.”

Offering us a respectful bow, she sauntered away with regal movements, our eyes following her figure until it disappeared behind the nearest corner.

I had to say, that suit did wonders for J. But it wasn’t like I knew much about what was underneath, so it was hard to judge. All in all, she seemed like a badass woman who would sport a very impressive body, not just a pencil pusher in a typical rat race.

Or her clothes were designed to make her appear like that, who knew?

Nevertheless, I switched my focus to my friends and companions. “You know what that was about, Aurora?”

Our Intermediate Agent friend shrugged. “No idea. I can’t think of anything that would make a big difference, save for access to one more floor, but it doesn’t feel like it.”

“We’ll see for ourselves one day, I guess.” I sighed. “Shall we go, then?”

No one wished to risk upsetting our goddess so we hurried to the staircase. The path down seemed much shorter than up, but maybe we were just so tense about being confronted for sneaking into places we weren’t allowed in yet. I could definitely see Aurora skipping steps on our way, almost leading the party. It would make me feel really bad if she received some flak for this because of us.

We reached the main lobby in record time, strolling into the boisterous hall.

“Do you want to take a booth again and grab a dessert?” I asked the group.

Examining their faces, I didn’t find much eagerness to follow that plan, and it didn’t take me long to figure out why. While the cafeteria wasn’t silent, plenty of patrons were focusing on us again. They hadn’t forgotten what the quarter escorted higher up by a quite important employee looked like. The ladies weren’t too comfortable with all that passive-aggressive attention.

“Scratch that. I don’t think I can swallow a bite of anything after stuffing myself so much up there,” I added in a flash. “We’ll most likely retreat to our apartment. What would you like to do, Aurora?”

The Celestial Saber scrunched her nose while considering her options. “I think I’ll go back too and grab a nap. All this food has made me feel fairly lazy. I’ll see you guys another day if you are not busy? And if you would like to keep meeting with me to chat, of course.”

She turned a little awkward and timid, reminding me of her comment on not being too much of a people person.

“We would love to be friends with you!” Aisha came to the rescue, grinning at the catgirl joyfully. “Having someone to spend the evening with and unwind after a full day of tough work is splendid!”

“How will we arrange the meeting, though?” Levia pondered out loud. “Are the doorways leading to our realms static, like assigned rooms in an inn?”

“Oh! Sorry, I forgot about that bit!” Aurora chuckled shyly. “When a Defender’s Personal Domain isn’t connected to the Community Hub, meaning they aren’t currently spending their time here, any vacant door will do, serving to establish that connection. You can identify free doors by the emerald glow escaping from the crack at the bottom. And, to invoke the correct passage, you need to hold onto something belonging to your target. Here, you can have this.”

She fished something out of an inner pocket and handed me a paw-shaped piece of gray rock. It was finely sculpted, including the feline pads on one side. I rotated it in my fingers with a raised brow.

“What’s this if I might ask?” I glanced at her curiously.

“One of my flints.” She ducked her head, clearly embarrassed about the cute shape of the tool. “If you’ll find a need to use it, any surface should do.”

“Thanks. It’s a charming gift.” I pocketed it with an appreciative smile and started searching for an equal offering.

Before I could locate anything, Levia reached for and opened her deck holder. With a skilled flick of her wrist, she pulled an arcana and held it out to our new friend.

“Thank you!” Aurora bowed while receiving the card from the shorter woman. “It’s not like it does need to have some kind of a function, but does it do anything besides looking so pretty?”

“When you infuse your mana into it, your body will be enveloped by a water-repellant wind barrier, also providing you enough air to breathe for twenty minutes in case you find yourself submerged in any liquid,” the wise Witch explained. “This should be a fitting gift for your kin, should it not?”

“That felt a little stereotypical, don’t you think?” I chuckled wryly at my petite lover.

But Aurora’s eyes sparkled in wonder. “No! It’s perfect! I hate getting wet! I’ll cherish it and save it for an emergency!”

“It has three charges so do not be afraid to make use of it,” Levia added. “And you are welcome.”

“So, we just have to knock and it should work, right?” I asked and the feline lady nodded eagerly. “Perfect. I guess we’ll be seeing you soon. Have a good rest.”

We exchanged hugs with Aurora and she turned around to walk into the hallway with the staircase, her current connection located most likely somewhere in that direction. Following suit, we headed for our own exit, trying to ignore all the stares. Hopefully, this wouldn’t be a permanent thing and would turn back to normal after a few days.

Finding our way without an issue, we stepped into the familiar air of my sweet home.

“Don’t take it wrong, this little expedition was epic, but I missed fresh air.” I chuckled as we spread out.

“What now?” Aisha asked, wrapping her strong arms around me from behind.

“That depends,” I answered with a peck on her lovely cheek. “Any specific wishes?”

She shook her head, and so did Levia.

“I’ll follow your lead,” Shuri announced. “This is still all new to me.”

“We could handle your accommodations, then. Or sit on your new forge and workshop. Maybe talk a bit more about everything now that we aren’t pressed for time. Or…” I hummed to myself. “We could lean into that newness and introduce you to my world. Maybe we’ll catch Zeke and deliver the flash drive to him.”

“Hell yeah!” My drakan girlfriend pumped her fist into the air. “It’s a date!”

“We have barely returned from one.” Levia rolled her eyes. “Besides, this outing is for Shuri, not us. We could take her shopping while we are sightseeing.”

“Eh, details.” Aisha waved her off. “We can kill multiple birds with one stone.”

“At least with that last part, I can agree.” I snickered. “We are already dressed for it too. What does our new partner say?”

“I certainly am curious about your realm,” Shuri admitted. “I think I would like that.”

“Great. Let me give Zeke a ping and see if we can drop by his place today.” I nodded.

“And we will plan the rest of the trip!” My draconic mate rushed to the PC with the escort of the always joyful Rose.

Leaving the girls to their own devices, I pulled out my phone and sent my buddy a DM.

>Yo! How is my favorite pal doing? Busy slaying code or open for a little break?

I received a response right away.

>Just wrapping it up in the office, man. I can hit you on my way back if you want to talk about the project.

>No need. We are out for a little adventure this evening. I’ll pick you up from work and we’ll head for your place. As long as you don’t have anything against it.

>Pick me up? How? Are you a cabbie now? That last job didn’t last too long, heh.

>Nah. I got me a new wagon. Well, the girls did, technically speaking, even if with my own money. I can now drive your ass whenever I want.

>WHAT?! How come I’m only hearing about this now?! Where are my pics?!

>Chill, dude! It’s damn recent. The last twelve hours were very eventful. I swear it felt like a whole week with how much happened. Anyway, we’ll be at your workplace in half an hour.

>How will I recognize you?

>You’ll know. Trust me.

>FUCKING TEASE!

Snickering to myself, I shoved my phone back into my pocket. “Are we ready?”

“Just so!” Aisha replied and the girls trotted up to me.

I grabbed the keys and we headed for the exit. Willing it to lead to the staircase, I opened the door and stepped through with our crimson princess by my side, who would be experiencing modern Earth for the first time. She examined the cold architectural style with wonder, but just like always, it was the street that truly hit her.

We gave Shuri a moment to take in all the sights, smells, and sounds. I let the ladies answer some of her initial questions and went to fetch our ride from the parking lot. My proud carriage waited for me where we had last left it, bringing a smile to my lips. It was still hard to believe this baby was all mine.

Hopping in, I brought it to the front of the apartment building and the girls filled in. Levia helped Shuri to the back while Aisha took the front seat. Everyone belted, with more or less struggle, and I gunned it, minding our dear Levia, of course.

“The beast pulling this shiny carriage has such a mighty roar,” the oni said with an impressed voice and wide eyes. “It was called a car, yes?”

Aisha snickered. “The whole thing is a car, that’s what we meant. And there are no beasts or horses. This thing moves on its own, thanks to… Uhhh… What was it?”

“The engine,” I aided her a little.

“What’s an engine?” Shuri asked.

So, I proceeded to explain the concept while we drove. Our new companion seemed mesmerized by the wonders of our technology, showcasing great interest in almost all fields, not just craft or artisanship. It didn’t shock me that much, honestly. She was an artificer of sorts so having a thing for mechanics and similar stuff must come naturally for her. The questions didn’t end almost to our very destination, but neither Aisha nor Levia minded, letting me converse with the excited princess comfortably.

“I see him,” I said, spotting our next passengers after navigating to the company parking lot.

Needless to say, Zeke didn’t make much of the incoming Charger, even if he looked at us with the usual fascination a guy showed when a damn nice car was passing by. He grew rather confused when that nice car slowed down next to him, coming to a complete stop. 

Aisha rolled down the window and pulled her sunglasses a bit lower. “Hi there, sugar.”

He gaped at her with his jaw resting on the very sidewalk. His daze ended a few seconds later after he spotted me behind her, holding the wheel with a cheeky grin.

“Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuude!” Zeke threw his arms to the sides. “DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDEEEEEEE!”

Chuckling, I exited the vehicle, and so did Aisha. We walked up to him, and I took his laptop bag to throw the device into the trunk since the back seats were rather cramped.

“That’s one sick Charger!” He grasped his hair as I returned. “You aren’t pranking me, right? It’s not a rental?”

“Only the best for our hardworking Lucas.” My draconic lover turned to the car and tapped the roof while leaning over it. “She’s a beauty, isn’t she?”

My friend swallowed thickly, his gaze jumping between her back and the car’s body. “She fucking is…”

Shaking my head, I landed a light smack on her tender rump, making Zeke’s eyes widen in surprise. “Alright. Hop in. You don’t want to waste our precious time, do you?”

I wouldn’t be able to deny our relationship forever with how they acted around him, so to hell with it.

She laughed charmingly and moved to open the rear door, but Zeke waved his hands. “You keep the shotgun! I can take the backseat!”

“That’s mighty kind of you, but I’ll gladly join the ladies for now.” Aisha winked at him and squeezed inside.

Moments like these were exactly why I had preferred to take a five-door model.

“Come on. We can talk on the way.” I patted him on the shoulder and returned to my own seat.

Zeke entered after me, still a little stunned, and when he took a glance at the back of the car, he did a quick double-take.

“Hello, ladies,” he stammered out with an awkward smile.

Returning his face to the front, he gaped at me with wide eyes and raised brows, mouthing ‘Another?’ as he put on his seatbelt. I laughed under my breath and started driving.

Needless to say, we didn’t talk much on our way to his apartment. The girls chatted amongst themselves, sometimes involving me in their discussion, but my mates must have filled Shuri in on the fact that most humans weren’t initiated with the magical world, and the topics revolved around mundane things. She was a smart girl, already doing great in this completely alien environment.

It felt like she was used to putting up a mask and acting a certain way.

Finding an empty spot in front of the building, I slipped our beauty into the gap and we hopped out of the fancy metal carriage. Zeke took the charge and we followed him to his apartment. Right from the doorstep, it was obvious how much bigger and better-furnished it was than mine, at least before all the Defender shit happened, but he was a genius programmer while I had been a project manager. Guys like him were much rarer.

“I still prefer our charming love nest,” Aisha whispered into my ear, nudging me with her elbow.

“Can I get you anything to drink?” Zeke asked after dropping his bag off on a nearby sofa.

“Sure, but let me take care of introductions first.” I nodded, turning to our newest party member. “Zeke, this is Shuri. Shuri, this is Zeke, my good friend.”

“It’s an honor.” The scarlet princess curtsied politely.

“Likewise.” He chuckled wryly. “Is she from photo cosplay and commercials like Aisha and Levia?”

“Not exactly.” I quickly mulled it over. “She… specializes in modern armorsmithing, which actually can overlap with that field a bit. Her replicas and original works are fire, I tell you.”

Zeke let out an impressed whistle. “Damn, girl. I would love to see some of your work one day. And man, they were right about connections being the goat. Can’t believe it all started from Aisha.”

We looked at each other with Shuri and I nodded approvingly. The talented craftswoman rolled up the sleeve of her hoodie until it revealed the gauntlet attached to her forearm. She held it up for all to see, causing Zeke’s eyes to widen for the n-th time.

“Fuck me! That’s gorgeous!” He rushed up to her and examined the armor from up close, tapping it with his knuckles. “And that’s real metal?”

“Of course.” She nodded proudly. “The base isn’t exactly my personal work, but I customized it myself. I promise to show you the full suit that I’m starting to work on soon. It’s going to be my greatest masterpiece.”

“I can’t wait!” He giggled like a little girl. “Man, I’m so jealous you get to hang out with such amazing ladies! This is so cool!”

“You aren’t so bad yourself.” I shook my head with a snicker. “This guy here is a real virtuoso of writing code, which is like magical sets of instructions that make all the advanced IT artifacts do wonders. He’s kind of a Rune Wizard setting up his Golems, I guess.”

I tried weaving in an explanation Shuri could understand into the introduction, and it seemed that she’d caught on with the limited knowledge of computers she had gained from her brief interactions at my apartment.

“You flatter me too much!” Zeke laughed out loud and jogged to the kitchen. “Make yourselves comfortable, I’ll be with you in a second!”

He upheld his promise, returning with a few glasses and a bunch of different sodas and juices.

“So, what can I do for you this beautiful evening?” He rubbed his hands in anticipation.

I pulled out the sleek flash drive and held it out in front of me. “I’ve been contacted by higher-ups. They told me to give you this, no questions asked. All I know is that it’s supposedly no malware or other stuff that would fuck with you.”

“Shit…” I watched him pale as I was speaking, but he got it slightly under control by the end. “And you are sure?”

“You know you can’t ever be sure,” I replied with a sigh. “But I trust the person who gave me this. I believe they wouldn’t fuck me over, knowing I would give them hell if they did.”

“Well… You only live once, right?” Zeke let out a strained chuckle. “Let’s try it on my personal device. I was planning on upgrading soon anyway so it won’t be as much of a tragedy if I have to completely scrap it after this.”

I rose, handed him the stick, and followed him to his desk, which was much more complex than mine, with multiple monitors and keyboards. He seated himself in his comfortable office chair and put the drive in. First good sign, nothing exploded or started flashing ominously.

Licking his lips nervously, Zeke navigated to the new partition and frowned. “They fucked something up. It shows 1 EB instead of 1 TB, and that obviously can’t be.”

“Maybe…” I wasn’t so sure, to be honest. “Can you open it, though?”

“Let’s see…” He frowned.

It turned out that he could as an abundance of sorted folders appeared on the screen. Zeke’s eyes bulged out at some of the names, but he started jumping between them before I could get a second to catch more details. I was fast when it came to computers, but I could never compete with this guy. This must have been how Aisha felt when I had been showing her the ropes the first time.

In the span of a few long seconds, multiple PDF documents and other files flashed through the screen, my tech guru friend beginning to vibrate in place, gripping his mouse so hard I was afraid he was going to crush it.

Until finally, he stopped.

“BRO!” Zeke roared in disbelief, jumping in his chair so high he landed in a crouch atop the seat, like a certain genius character from a very popular series. “Bro, bro, bro, bro, brooooooooooooooo!”

He bounced up and down so fast I was starting to get dizzy.

“Calm down, geez!” I grabbed his shoulders to hold him in place. “What’s gotten into you?”

“You don’t understand! It’s all here! Everything!” He laughed maniacally. “Every piece of documentation, all the SDKs, instructions on how to parse the code properly, even a fucking decryption key for the protected modules! Every fucking door or even window is wide fucking open!”

My manic friend leafed through the files at insane speeds.

“I knew this bitch had an infrared sensor!” he cried out victoriously. “What the fuck is an ultrasonic spatial wave emitter? Illusory projection catalyst? Rune power level detector? Is that a codeword for something? New environment?”

I slowly waved my hand in front of his eyes but he completely ignored it, already in the middle of importing all the repositories and stuff into his digital workspace.

Turning to the ladies, who were looking at us curiously after the recent outburst, I smiled wryly. “I think we lost him. Who wants to go on a little trip and see if he returns to the world of the living in the next few hours?”

I didn’t have to convince them any further, the three gorgeous women happily lined up for the exit in mere moments.

Well, I should have expected that, but at least we would get to spend some time together without having to worry about our secrets.