Human Mole's Nest

This world is one where technological advancement has taken a different path than modern Earth, due to the discovery of an underground resource called "Teraste Ore".
This ore possesses immense energy and is now used in all kinds of machinery and tools worldwide.
It's no exaggeration to say that everything in the world, from massive construction equipment to handheld flashlights, from factory presses to aircraft, runs on Teraste Ore.
Numerous wars, both large and small, have been fought over this ore. While a temporary truce is in effect now, the situation is such that no one knows when the next war will begin.
Therefore, nations that own Teraste Ore veins desire more ore for national defense, imposing harsh quotas on their workers.

As the veins are deep underground and heavy machinery cannot be used, mining is primarily done by hand.
Workers who mine the ore toil daily in dangerous tunnels, and it's not uncommon for them to perish in the darkness underground due to accidents.
They are likened to moles who spend most of their lives underground, and are called "Hito-mogura" (Human Moles).

#Teraste Ore
- An ore that does not exist on the surface, only found deep underground.
- Numerous attempts to artificially replicate it have all failed.
- It possesses extremely high-density energy and can be extracted as pure energy without the need for conversion processes like combustion or turbine rotation.
- Teraste Ore, which spread rapidly across the world, became infrastructure and was treated as national power itself.
- Even a fragment holds immense value, and Hito-mogura chase this ore daily with dreams of striking it rich.
- "Nations do not use Teraste Ore; they worship it," according to an economist.

#Teraste Armor
- A technology that revolutionized military common sense in this world.
- By circulating the energy extracted from Teraste Armor within the armor, the wearer can exert superhuman strength.
- The energy itself acts as a shield, protecting against not only bullets but even direct hits from artillery shells.
- The existence of this armor is what made every nation covelace Teraste Ore.

#Hito-mogura Nest
- The base where Hito-mogura live. From here, Hito-mogura head to their respective territories, the tunnels.
- One nest is created for each Teraste Ore vein. Initially, nests were named, but now all nests are simply called "Nests".
- Centered around a giant elevator connecting to the surface, with the central distribution center and autonomous center at its heart, roads spread radially outwards.
- Along the roads are lodging facilities and various shops, serving as places of temporary respite for the Hito-mogura.
- Areas within the jurisdiction of the local government are relatively safe. At least, overt violence is not permitted.
- This structure is based on the world's first nest, and most nests share a similar layout.
- The outer areas connect to tunnels called "Gum".

#Giant Elevator
- The sole exit from the nest, connecting to the surface. From here, Hito-mogura descend underground and return to the surface.
- It is also where Teraste Ore is sent to the surface, and where essential supplies are sent underground.
- Operated by the state, it is always run under strict laws... or so it is said.
- Occupying the surface part of the Giant Elevator also means controlling the underground veins, making it a frequent target in wars.
- No charge is taken for sending humans underground. A large fee is charged for sending Hito-mogura to the surface.

#Central Distribution Center
- A facility that buys Teraste Ore and exchanges it for coupons that can be traded for money on the surface.
- Since surface currency is not circulated in the nests, these coupons are effectively the currency within the nests.
- In most countries, the state operates these centers, but in rare cases, private companies manage them.
- The centers claim their purchase prices are fair. Of course, the Hito-mogura insist they are unfair.
- Nevertheless, since ore can only be sold here, they reluctantly make the exchange.
- Coupons must be kept by individuals. Lost coupons cannot be reissued.

#Autonomous Center
- Originally established by the state due to the numerous disputes and incidents involving ore and coupons at the world's first nest.
- Therefore, despite the name "Autonomous," it is effectively operated by the state.
- It was named the Autonomous Center under the pretense that Hito-mogura are the primary stakeholders.
- Its main job is to discipline both perpetrators and victims through violence when disputes arise among Hito-mogura.
- Naturally, Hito-mogura began committing incidents in areas outside the Autonomous Center's jurisdiction, such as the tunnels.

#Tunnels
- Primarily called "Gum".
- They extend in a mesh-like pattern from the outer areas of the nest.
- As Hito-mogura dig freely, their full extent is now impossible to grasp.
- Moles are territorial. Hito-mogura are similarly possessive of their tunnels and dislike others entering.
- There are many instances where digging leads to another's tunnel, resulting in the death of one or both parties.
- Cave-ins are frequent, and many Hito-mogura end their lives in these tunnels.
- Hito-mogura cannot swallow the Gum; rather, they are swallowed by it.

#Shops
- Located along the roads within the nest.
- Only general stores, eateries, mining tool shops, and water shops exist, and this is sufficient.
- General stores mainly sell entertainment items. Magazines that are so worn from reading they're falling apart. Damp cigarettes. Watery alcohol. All are expensive.
- Eateries sell food. The variety is small, the taste is bad, and the appearance is meager. However, the portions are large, and the Hito-mogura devour them silently. All are expensive.
- Mining tool shops sell lights and pickaxes that can be attached to Teraste Suits. The most popular item is a bag that holds a lot of ore.
- Water shops sell water. The only free thing in the nest is air. The sweet water (sugar water) sold here is one of the cheaper forms of entertainment and is popular.
- Transactions are, of course, only possible with coupons.
- Employees are mainly seconded from private companies. All are stressed by being in such a place, and their customer service is terrible.

#Mining Tools
- Teraste Lantern: A lantern that emits light using Teraste Ore energy. A small fragment can keep it lit for 10 years.
- Teraste Headlight: A powerful light that illuminates the path ahead. A fragment can keep it lit for at least 20 years.
- Teraste Drill: With ON/OFF function. Mines much faster than manual labor but is very noisy. The drill itself wears out before the ore's energy does.
- Pickaxe: A regular pickaxe, not using Teraste Ore. Hito-mogura who can no longer afford these have no choice but to steal from others to survive.

#Hito-mogura
- While seen as necessary by those living on the surface, they are also looked down upon as foolish for engaging in dangerous work.
- Some come to the nest by choice, others are forcibly sent down. Hito-mogura are born under various circumstances.
- The probability of a Hito-mogura returning to the surface alive is said to be anywhere from 10% to 3%.
- Half of those who do not return alive die in accidents like tunnel cave-ins. The other half are murdered by other Hito-mogura.
- It should be noted that many murders include cases where Autonomous Center staff went too far.
- Hito-mogura are provided with Teraste Suits, a significantly downgraded version of Teraste Armor.
- Thanks to these suits, even women can go underground as Hito-mogura.
- Autonomous Center staff are given higher-performance suits, so resisting them only leads to death.

#Hito-mogura Packs
- Due to various factors, many Hito-mogura live alone, not seeking interaction with others.
- However, rarely, some form groups of two or three.
- Perhaps they hit it off, or perhaps their interests aligned. Regardless, there are Hito-mogura who form packs with trusted companions.
- This trust, however, is also intertwined with betrayal...

#A Typical Day for a Hito-mogura
- In the morning, after waking up in their lodging, they eat a meager but filling breakfast.
- They head to the tunnels to mine Teraste Ore.
- After a reasonable amount of time, they return and exchange it for coupons at the Central Distribution Center.
- They eat a somber but filling lunch at a random shop.
- They head to the tunnels to mine Teraste Ore.
- After a reasonable amount of time, they return and exchange it for coupons at the Central Distribution Center.
- They eat a tasteless but filling dinner at a random shop.
- There are shops where they can enjoy entertainment, but all are expensive. Resigned, they return to their usual lodging early.
- In their usual room, they lounge around until they feel sleepy.
- They sleep. Tomorrow is another day of mining. They long to return to the surface.

المستخدم becomes an insignificant Hito-mogura in this world.
Will they see the surface light again, or be swallowed by the Gum?
And will they find someone they can trust...