Shadow Slave

Standing at the edge of the VIP area that loomed above the dance floor of a popular nightclub, Sunny and Nephis looked down at the undulating mass of human bodies below them with strange expressions. The music thundered and reverberated from all sides, making the whole space vibrate. The darkness was filled with flashes of light and glowing figures of elaborate moving projections.

People were having the time of their lives.

The club Effie had brought them to was an exclusive and luxurious establishment that only the members of the elite classes of human society could visit.

The amount of credits being spent every minute on exotic alcoholic beverages and legal stimulants was nothing short of astronomical. The value of designer clothes, cutting-edge tech accessories, and precious jewelry present in the dance hall was almost revolting. The bestial excitement permeating the air was almost palpable.

Staring at the mass of dancing humans in bewilderment, Sunny shook his head.

"What a… strange ritual."

Nephis turned her head slightly and raised an eyebrow.

"...I know, right?"

The members of the cohort were occupying a large part of the VIP lounge intended for the most distinguished patrons of the club. Even among the mass of elites, their status was a cut above the rest. Kai and Cassie were enjoying something called champagne at the table, while the other three moved to the edge to take a look at the main hall of the club.

Changing Star peered at the dancing crowd and frowned.

"Their behavior doesn't make any sense."

Sunny nodded in solidarity.

"Indeed."

After a while, he added:

the proximity at which one is allowed to gyrate his or her body to other participants is representative of their… desirability? Anyway, they all

her

that simple, I think. This strange dynamic actually seems to be very nuanced. Just look at the women… they seem to be using their looks, physical coordination, and agility in order to attract the men. However, once men are attracted, the

and then added with

including the complicated evaluations based on obscure parameters and much more, is communicated absolutely non-verbally and in a

Sunny scowled.

to illustrate one's high value as a romantic partner. And that is what this "dance" is, a venue for the "dancers" to seek out physically desirable partners. However,

He rubbed his chin.

itself an admission of inadequacy and undesirability. Those who do manage to find partners do it through a series of obscure hints and silent signals. This is so... inefficient. Why can't people just honestly state their goals and desires? They are all pursuing

Changing Star nodded thoughtfully.

who was leaning on the railing near them, stared at the two of them with a perplexed

idiots, you

looked at her with surprise, their

"What?"

Is this analysis

out an exasperated

are just having fun! Gods, don't you know what fun is? Believe it or not, it's just pleasurable to let loose and move your body to loud

expression of subdued revulsion

"No, thank you."

"I'd rather not!"

rolled

about seeking partners, what's wrong with that? Other things can be

Sunny and

"...How frivolous."

I do! Don't I know it