A slave contract wasn't a simple sheet of paper. The terms and conditions listed on it would decide the future of the ones signing it. But it was more like some sort of trade, in which the humans willingly gave away their loyalty in hopes of getting food and shelter.
Strangely enough, the invention of the contract wasn't done by the werewolves or any other factions, but by humans themselves. Why would they do it, you ask? Well, simply because in the past, their treatment was much worse than they usually suffered through nowadays.
The evolved beings were able to use their strength to dominate them and make the lives of humans a living hell. Thus, the humans willing came to an agreement with the werewolves, they will willingly give away their loyalty to them, in exchange for certain things like food.
This helped the humans secure a source of food and shelter along with a plethora of different things. While for werewolves, it ensured that none of the slaves would act up no matter what they made them do. After all, revolting was in the nature of humans and the contract would prevent them from doing that.
It was a win-win situation was both parties. While the lifestyle of the slaves didn't improve much, a least they were able to get something out of slaying away unlike before. Thanks to the terms of the contract.
As soon as the contract was signed, a tattoo resembling a chain would appear across the neck of the human. While a similar tattoo would appear on the wrist of the master. This symbolised successful bond formation between the slave and the master and also served as a way to punish them.
If either the slave or the master violated the terms, they will be punished. While in the case of the slaves, the tattoo would either tighten itself around their neck and choke them to death, or it would burn them alive.
While in the case of the owner violating any terms, they would not be allowed to have any slave... for a month. It wasn't surprising that the punishment for the 'masters' was so lenient. After all, even though it was the human who came up with the idea of willful slavery, still, it was the werewolves who incorporated it on a large scale through various resources.
This idea was such a hit that even the vampires and undead, at least those who had enough intelligence, immediately adopted this idea of turning slavery into a way of commerce.
However, these contracts only worked against humans and not with those possessing other genes. Ashton didn't know whether it was because the werewolves were afraid of tables being turned on them or for some other reason altogether. But according to Rose, there was no record of such a slave contract ever existing.
As for Ashton, he did not allow Duncan and Daniella to have any rights. They were literally his slaves and would get food and shelter based on his generosity, but nothing more. He knew it wasn't fair and he initially wanted to give them some more benefits and willingly make them sign the contract.
But after what they did, in his eyes, they didn't deserve it. However, in future, if they did a good job and Ashton felt like he could trust them, he would reevaluate the terms and give them more benefits. But nothing was set in stone just yet.
Also, there was one term he did put on the contract. Upon signing the contract, Duncan and Daniella no longer had freedom of speech. Which essentially meant, their vocabulary was very limited.
Ashton did so to ensure that they will never be able to talk or write about anything that they should not have. Like him leaving the dorm room at night to hunt or to go and fight underground battles.
This made Ashton's life a lot easier. He no longer needed to hide and sneak away from them. He could do whatever he wanted and Duncan and Daniella would not be able to do anything to hinder him. If they tried to do something, they'll die immediately.
'But having just the two of them sign the contract would not have been enough,' Ashton thought before pouring a healing potion on Duncan's wounds, 'The child Daniella is carrying could be a hindrance to me.'
[You have acquired a new slave.]
[Number of slaves in possession: 3]
[You can view their details under <Slaves> tab.]
Even though Ashton wasn't sure whether Daniella would somehow be able to use her child to escape the loop. Thus, he wasn't willing to take a risk. As a result, he even included the unborn child in Daniella's slave contract. For that reason, it was showing that Ashton had three slaves instead of two.
"There you go. All healed up." Ashton stored the empty bottle back inside his inventory before turning towards Daniella, "Clean this place up while I go out for a walk."
"Yes... master." To her surprise, the words forcefully came out of Daniella's mouth.
"I can get used to this." Ashton smiled and left the room.
He wanted to get a bit more exp for his werewolf genes, to make sure no one surpassed him in his class. And the best way to do that was to head towards the black market. Although it was a bit dangerous for him to roam around the streets at night, thanks to the curfew, still it was alright to head out during the day.
However, as he made his way towards the main gate, he saw a couple of weirdly dressed people there. If felt as if they were part of some kind of elite police force or something. While one of them was an adult, there was a girl about his age accompanying him.
It only took a glance for Ashton to realise that the girl was in love with pink. Everything, from her hair to her bow and arrows was pink. As for the man next to her, he was a walking brochure of a tattoo artist and had numerous knives strapped on his bulky body. They appeared to be busy conversing with... the director.
'Hm... interesting. Should I try listening in- never mind, they are leaving already.'
Ashton continued walking towards them when the girl turned around and looked him straight in the eyes. He didn't know why, but the moment she looked at him, Ashton felt vulnerable. As if he was being interrogated or something. It was an awkward feeling but it disappeared as soon as the girl left.
'The hell was that!?'