Chapter 12: The Sewer
The Sewer
People unconsciously pepper their speech with adverbs like "extremely," "so," or "absolutely." These words are often overused without much meaning, usually to emphasize their feelings. However, Artemis is different.
[I'm really grateful I'm not a living being.]
When she uses an adverb like "really," it means something different. Her language is quantitative. Every word, including adverbs, has a specific value, and she never deviates from that standard. Though she's a difficult woman, once you get used to her, she's also a surprisingly easy conversational partner in some ways.
[If I had to smell this stench, I wouldn't be able to stand it. It's awful here.]
We are currently moving through the sewer.
"I don't really smell anything either. My helmet doubles as a gas mask."
I tapped my helmet. It's a security model focused on mobility, so its protection and endurance are limited, but it's more than enough to block the sewer stench all day long.
"Traveling through the sewers was a good decision. I can't believe no one else thought to take refuge here."