BATTLE FOR STARS

“Where are we going now?” Ding Yufei asked, looking at Jill.

“Is this your first time here?” Jill guided her small hovercraft smoothly into the building, with Ding Yufei and Belina following behind.

“Yes,” Ding Yufei answered honestly. It wasn’t just his first visit to a slave trading center—it was his first time in outer space altogether.

“What kind of slaves are you looking for? Or rather, what purpose do you need them for?” Jill asked.

She could tell at a glance that neither of them were local slave owners. That meant they weren’t here to purchase laborers for long-term use, but more likely to buy a few slaves to take away—something quite common during the carnival season. Many visitors came to Planet Boman not only for entertainment and indulgence, but also to bring back a few slaves as souvenirs of their trip.

“We haven’t decided yet. Why don’t you introduce what kinds are available?” Ding Yufei said.

He had no idea what categories existed, nor what he might need, so letting her explain first seemed the safest approach.

“All the slaves in this building are available for purchase. Would you prefer to view them in person, or select through the system?” Jill asked.

“If the quantity is large, the system can filter options for you—it’s much more efficient. But most guests who come here prefer to see them in person first.”

Naturally. If everything could be done online, there’d be no reason to come here at all. The experience—the atmosphere—was part of the attraction.

“Let’s take a look in person,” Belina decided.

“Of course.”

Jill led them toward a white gate in the main hall. It opened silently before them, and she flew through first.

Ding Yufei and Belina followed into a long, brightly lit corridor. The illumination was so clear that nothing could be hidden.

On both sides were rows of perfectly square transparent rooms. Inside each stood an elf slave.

As the visitors entered, the slaves stepped forward, smiling warmly, posing gracefully—some seductive, some elegant—doing everything they could to draw attention.

Most of them were either naked or scantily dressed. Even those who wore clothing did so only to emphasize contrast and individuality.

Ding Yufei couldn’t help but notice—the layout resembled a prison back on Earth. Uniform cells, sealed environments, each containing only a bed and a few simple items. At the back of each room was a small area resembling a bathroom.

As his gaze moved along, projections appeared on the outer walls—data displays for each slave. Age, traits, and price stood out as the most important indicators.

“Why don’t they have names?” Ding Yufei asked, noticing the absence of such a basic detail.

“They are only given names after being purchased,” Jill explained calmly. “Right now, they only have identification codes.”

Though she knew this was common knowledge, her training ensured she showed no hesitation. Her role was simple: answer everything the guest asked.

“All of these can be bought?” Ding Yufei glanced down the corridor.

“Yes. These are all newly matured slaves,” Jill replied.

“Newly matured?” Ding Yufei frowned slightly. According to the data, they were all around twelve years old—but judging by their physiques, they looked closer to sixteen or seventeen by Earth standards.

“Yes. In our system, twelve marks adulthood. After that, they are transferred here to await purchase.”

“Twelve… they really don’t look it.”

“That’s because their growth cycle is accelerated compared to natural development,” Jill explained.

Ding Yufei paused, then asked directly, “Then how exactly are slaves cultivated here?”

Under normal circumstances, such a question might raise suspicion—but the VIP bracelet on his wrist ensured otherwise. Jill had been trained to accommodate nearly any request, no matter how unusual, as long as it didn’t violate core rules.

“A slave begins as a fertilized embryo,” she began. “They are incubated in artificial wombs for six to eight months before birth. After that, they are transferred to infant facilities designed to accelerate early development.”

“From the age of five, they undergo comprehensive testing—physical, intellectual, and psychological. Based on the results, they are assigned to specialized training institutions.”

“They remain there until the age of twelve. After completing their development and training, they are transferred here—to the trading center—to await their owners.”

She gestured lightly at the rows of rooms around them.

“So they really are only twelve…” Ding Yufei muttered, clearly unsettled.

“They are given growth enhancers,” Belina added quietly beside him.

“So that means… all slaves we buy must be over twelve?” Ding Yufei asked.

“You may also purchase those under twelve,” Jill replied evenly. “However, demand for them is relatively low.”

“Under twelve too? Then why don’t I see any here?”

“Those under twelve remain in their respective training facilities. We can provide holographic projections for selection. Once chosen, they will be delivered directly to you.”

“No need,” Ding Yufei said quickly, cutting the topic short.

He had no intention of going further down that line. On Earth, such a practice would be considered a grave crime—and his upbringing alone was enough to make him reject the idea instinctively.

“What kind of education and training do they receive?” he asked instead.

He found it hard to imagine that slaves would undergo years of structured development.

“At age five, each slave undergoes a full evaluation,” Jill explained. “Based on the results, they are categorized.”

“Outgoing and cheerful individuals are trained as service slaves. Calm and obedient ones become domestic slaves. Those with strong reflexes and physical ability may become combat or war slaves. Highly intelligent ones are trained as academic slaves.”

“Each category receives different training.”

She paused briefly, then continued:

“For example, service slaves like myself are trained in etiquette, culture, dance, music, entertainment, and household management. We must maintain our physique and appearance, and most importantly, we are taught absolute loyalty and obedience to our masters—as well as… intimate service skills.”

“In short, each slave is shaped according to their traits. Their training determines their role—and ultimately, their value.”