Chapter 34
The Crazy Train
I emerge to find myself in the middle of a new world. Behind me is the glowing exit point, a spot that shines like a beacon of light and hope in the world around me. But around me is the start of a Tower, a world of worlds upon worlds. Each floor is both complex and unique, in this case the world is filled with what reminds me of a desert landscape. All around are cacti, dust, sand, barren lands, and a train.
Yes, a train. Well the tracks to a train, I assume that with the tracks there will be a train, eventually, but for now there is nothing. All around me is nothing, then as my senses slowly expand ever outward, I notice more and more of the surrounding area. There are monsters in the fields, the sky above, and what appears to be a deserted train station far ahead.
At times like these, when just entering a new zone I’ve noticed a few things. The first thing is that my senses slowly take time to build out to their maximum range. A way most people could probably relate to this would be the equivalent of being in a completely dark room, then suddenly turning on a blindingly bright light to illuminate the world around you. While the light allows you to see almost immediately, there is an adjustment period. There is that time needed for your eyes to adjust to their new environment, and your mind to be able to process the new sensations your eyes are feeding it. That is the same for me and my Angel’s Sight, I can see the world around me in highly visible details. The only problem comes when trying to focus on individual spots or areas. It takes time for my mind to focus and adjust to understand the sensations around me.
Right now, I am what I would consider the half spirit-realm. Really this would just be an intermediate phase of life and death, where spirits and creatures of both walks of life appear to be able to survive, though I use that term loosely. All around me I can see that living creatures are dying, slowly, only to pass on, to be reborn as spirit versions of themselves, where their spirit form then deteriorates and dies. Seeing everything unfolding around me, I watch as a nest of scarab beetles die, to get reborn, and then die, only to come back as some form of stone statue of themselves.
This is an odd realm to say the least, I don’t know if the decreased damage the living and dead take here is a blessing or a curse. Logically it could be a blessing for the living adventurers who come here, trying to explore the worlds and then survive. But it could also be a curse, in that rather than a quick and in comparison merciful death, now the individual in question has to deal with not just their physical death, but their spiritual one as well.
“What do you make of this Zero?” I ask.
“I don’t know. This is new.” Zero my familiar, and spiritual companion says, projecting their thoughts directly into my mind.
“Shall we go to the train station?” I ask.
“Something is out here?” Zero asks, a faint note of curiosity in their voice.
“Yeah, just over there. There appears to be a way station for the train tracks.” I say, gesturing first to the spot off in the distance, then at the tracks next to us.
Seeing the tracks, I can see how they make a seemingly direct path towards the way station, the only real deviation is two turns in the track where the tracks clearly plow through spawning nests of creatures.
Looking at the tracks and the nests, it seems almost purposeful the tracks construction. Almost as if the tracks were made with the sole intent of charging into spawning areas, where any distracted creature would stumble onto the tracks, and be subsequently destroyed. Seeing that I couldn’t help but wonder about the stability of such a train that was required to go through such a violent and rugged landscape.
In the cases where the tracks made detours through spawning nests, Zero and I instead took the straight path that completely avoided the different monster summoning areas.
Screech.
High overhead, the caw of scavenger birds could be heard, giving more signs of life to the land. These scavenger birds were not immune to the death and destruction of the mixed lands, as I could see the way their skin and feathers burned and flaked off from just flying around. Unlike the scarab beetles and other slowly dying creatures however, these birds seemed to be thriving. For as soon as a scarab’s physical body died, a bird landed and almost immediately began digesting the body. This happened all over. Then when the spirits of most creatures died, the spirit versions of these same scavenger birds hungrily ate the dead carcasses as well. These were what the game referred to as plausible ecosystem maintainers. If not for the birds constantly flying overhead, the number of dead and dying corpses would be immense. Thus by having these birds around and flying about so vigorously, it was clear that there was at least some basis for how the zone around me was able to maintain its fairly empty and desolate state.
As I walked, I also saw the stone scarabs eventually begin to shake free, only to then emerge once more as a level 2 or level 3 variant of their former selves. At which point the cycle of death and renewal struck once more. The predatory birds also had a similar system, those that ate the body of a slain enemy grew in size and level. It was clear that this zone was quickly evolving, logically I knew this was the way the zone would eventually expand to a level 10 zone. I had heard rumors of such events, the slow and steady progression of creatures. By level 10 it was assumed that the creatures of this spiritual wasteland would be able to regenerate the near constant damage they were subjected to, under the harsh conditions of this zone.
It was also clear, that in time there would be quite a few packs of creatures to worry about. The first would be the scrab beetles, a very symbol of life and death, then there were also the roaming packs of scavenger birds that seemed to rule the sky.
While there could be other creatures that also survive and will eventually add to this landscape, those other creatures will have a harder time adapting. Now I know scarabs have no point in being in a clearly western zone, as scarabs are generally thought of as being from the middle east, but here, they seem to fit in seamlessly. Especially considering the fact that there is nothing that states that this area has to be the American west. Instead, it is just a sort of hodgepodge of different plants and species from around the world that all fit the general motif of the zone, while not inherently being of the natural biomes in life.
At times I managed to see animals that at least became aware of my presence, but none seemed to go out of their way to antagonize me. I didn’t know if this was due to the perceived level disparity, as I was a level 10 and these creatures were clearly in the process of evolving to reach my current level. That or this could have been further evidence of my quest appointed surname Spiritlight coming into play, as it made me inherently neutral to spirits. Regardless of the case, I was left alone on my long but ultimately uneventful journey to the train station. Logically I knew I could just Teleport to the station, but that somehow seemed to be cheating. Not that I am against cheating, I fully expect and support cheating wherever and whenever possible, but to deny myself this walk felt like I would be cheating myself.
The sun, if there was one, it is hard to tell, was neither too hot, nor too cold. There also wasn’t the tell tale signs of night or day, I almost thought about asking Zero if it was nighttime, but ultimately decided against the ask, as it was ultimately pointless.
The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
The reason why it was pointless was the fact that I could see both nocturnal and diurnal animals out and about. Fast moving birds that I instantly understood to be the colloquial roadrunner birds existed, the more they ran, the faster their feathers burned, giving rise to think of them as some form of elite speed demon creatures. Likewise, the coyotes who are traditionally nocturnal were out and about. While coyotes were not strictly nocturnal, the fact that they were out was a sign that these environments were suitable for them.
Again, there was a so much to take in and try to understand about this zone. Also it seemed from a glance that the roadrunners and coyotes were the creatures that this zone was specifically designed for, especially considering most of these started off at level 5, but that just meant they took slightly longer to die. The only ones that seemed to be doing better, were the ones that turned and ate their dead and fallen comrades.
Shiver.
I watched as the young fell over, burned to death by the constant pain inflicted by the spirit realm on the living coyotes. Then how the elder coyotes hungrily tore into and then devoured the flesh of their dead and fallen children. At least that is what my mind associated with their small forms, but I decided to think about other things on my walk. Instead, I just wanted to take in the purpose of this zone. What was it? Why was it here? These things should be readily apparent to me, especially as it was a zone designed for and catered around me and my unique playing style. That would explain the reason for the dichotomy of life and death being so prevalent in this zone.
Also the fact that everything sees to be so intertwined of life-death-life also seems to mirror my recent play style.
As I get closer to the train station, I begin to allow my mind to drift over and focus on the board.
There is a list of departure times, a singular destination, and most importantly an open ticket.
Of particular interest is the train schedule:
Living Line: Destination: Magical Wastelands Spirit Line: Destination: Magical Wastelands
Seeing the two options, I realized this was me given my first task, of choosing how this zone would evolve. Clearly now the zone itself was in turmoil, as the creatures could only live on scavenging the dead. There was no way for this zone to survive on its own for now, which meant that I had to make a choice. My first choice, in this new tower was likely one that would impact every floor hereafter.
Approaching the stand, I could feel the energy of the ticket booth. A booth that seemed to glow with magical energy. Just approaching the ticket counter, I felt a strange surge of energy. My approach apparently took too long, as the ticket master was dead. Not just their human form, but their spirit form was nowhere to be seen either. Looking around, I realized that if I wanted to choose a ticket, I likely needed to break into the ticketing section and choose to take a seat on one of the two lines available.
Poof.
For the first time, I Teleport in the new realm. My feet landing over and around the dead corpse of the ticket booth operator. For a moment I wonder why the birds didn’t eat this ticket master, but then I realize the same bars that required me to teleport in, likely prevented the same predator birds from entering and feasting on the corpse as well.
Kind of morbid, but it’s okay, I am meant to fix this, by choosing. Clearly this zone and likely this tower is experiencing similar conditions all over, reaching down I choose the only train that seems like it would be perfect for me. Reaching down, I tug on the glowing ticket, and instantly see the words on the ticket change.
Soul bound Item Obtained: Spirit Line Ticket: Description: You have within your possession the golden ticket for any train system in the Arcanarus Tower. This ticket provides first class seating on all trains, and a first-class meal for you and a friend. In addition, you are offered 1,000 Gold for your gambling needs. Note: Your character is a minor and therefor unable to utilize the 1,000 Gold gambling funds until you become legally of age.
And there it was, a sign that my Broke flaw was still at play, I had 1,000 gold apparently waiting for me, but only once I became of age. Meaning that I had to wait the final year, at least, until I turned 14 in order to be able to avoid the pitfalls associated with my Broke flaw. This was something I was well accustomed to by this point, but it still stung. While I don’t think I would have been wealthy by an stretch of the imagination, being poor for so long has helped me realize the importance of certain things. Most important, are the use, collection of, and implementation of soul bound items. This meant that this ticket was likely a godsend. Not only would it respawn on me the next day after I lost it, but it would also not count against me towards my 100 gold limit that the Broke flaw seemed to limit me to. If this was not the case, then something terrible would likely happen, like the train getting attacked by giant monsters, me being mistaken for a thief, or other issues that often arise as part of the complications following my Broke flaw. Honestly, I have to give the game credit, it always had ways of making sure the effects of this flaw were in enforced at the words times. In fact, I wouldn’t doubt that the original script for this zone had nothing to do with providing a Gold enforced spending limit, that or if it did the amount would be minor and likely enough to be covered by my flaw. Meaning the game took my flaw into consideration and artificially inflated the amount, then made it so I was unable to access the funds, due to my technically being a minor. In these cases and circumstances, I considered myself to be faux rich, I mentally knew the money was there, teasing me, but just out of reach. It was an evil game, but I did ultimately appreciate it keeping me honest, as this also meant that my Merits that I purchased with the points I gained from those flaws were also always in effect, but those merits didn’t have expiration dates, unlike the flaws.
With the taking of the ticket, I also generated a system wide message.
WORLD NOTICE: Arcanarus Tower Change Notification: The Arcanarus Tower has now officially become the first full Spirit Tower.
CHOO-CHOOO!
Just as I was processing the implications of the world notice, a loud drawn-out steam powered whistle fills the air, all but screaming for my attention.
Chuga-chuga-chuga.
The mechanical grinding of steam powered mechanics at their finest could be heard peeling out over the vast open wastelands. The train followed the trail of the train tracks, from somewhere far off in the distance, to the starting point, through the now dead and dying camps of spawning spirit monsters, then finally to stop right in front of the platform.
By this point I of course had made my way out of the ticketing booth with the dead and decaying mortal body. Using Teleportation, I managed to make my way out of the ticket booth without leaving any real forensic evidence. There was of course my magical teleportation resonance, but that would be hard to search for, also given the fact that the body of the ticket master clearly died from spirit damage rot, or the slow poisoning caused by being exposed to the spiritual realm, I doubt anyone would come looking to make a point for restitution against me.
Instead, I just waited patiently for the train to arrive.
Whoosh.
The moment it arrive, it let out a steam powered burst of air, that allowed the train to come to a complete stop with the door perfectly waiting in front of me. Honestly I was fairly impressed with the driving skill of the conductor, as that level of perfection was rarely achieved. I know, it’s a game, but still the mobs of the world all have varying levels of competency at their jobs, this ability to stop at an exact spot, showed that at least for the related skill of mechanical operation, steering, and likely a few other skills I was not aware of, this conductor was top notch.
This would of course be one of the classes and jobs I could learn, to drive, pilot, steer, or control multiple variations of different mechanical engines and devices. Of course, being a train conductor sounds exceptionally boring, until you realize that it is often a pre-requisite to unlocking the ability to drive, steer, pilot, and control most mechanical vehicles to include planes, blimps, and mechanoid steam based robotic suits. With this I could almost see myself settling down for a few weeks to become a train conductor, if only for the future benefits of what those related skills would offer. But then I realize I would have to be a train conductor, likely one of the most dangerous jobs. Not only would I have to worry about the occasional monster on the tracks, damsels getting tied up on the tracks. Yes, there are women, men, and even children who can be tied up on the train tracks, all of whom can be saved by train operators, there is often a quest involved where we would then be expected to take the rescued damsel to their home, only to find the home destroyed by the very same bandit gang that tied them to the train tracks. A lot of hassle for someone who could become an in-game lover, friend, confidant, or ally. In the process you would likely gain at least a rival in the former lover, the bandit leader, or the filing clerk you somehow offended while filling out the paperwork. Basically, you could gain a lot, but it would cost you just as much.
Still for the moment, I had no intention of becoming a train conductor, at least not yet. For now, I just wanted to enter my train, take in the atmosphere and see what these magical wastelands had in store for me.
“Good evening, miss. May I see your ticket?” The ticket inspector says, tipping his hat and bowing slightly to me.
I hold out the glowing soul bound ticket, and immediately when he holds the item in question, I can see his entire demeanor and expression change.
“Oh, a VIP, I take it this will be your plus one?" The ticket master says, gesturing to Zero.
This is sort of odd, as I normally don't think about Zero in that way, but since this is the spirit realm, needing to think about Zero as my companion makes sense.
"Yes." I respond.
"Then right this way, right this way.” He says, gesturing for Zero and me to go to the right, towards the front of the engine of the train, and likely to the luxury cars. “You two are in luck. This is one of the safest trains around, we have anti-theft, and anti-monster defenses set up that are sure to make your stay extremely comfortable and uneventful.”
And just like that, I could feel the warning alarms going off that something big would happen shortly.