I was in a shop.
The back room in the shop from the movie Gremlins was where Mr. Wing kept all the secrets and trinkets. All that was missing was the smell of cigars and the traffic noises in the background. There was even a little bell noise as I entered.
It was dark and had a counter and someone behind it. Piles of crates, books and stacks covered in white cloth. Shelves with boxes. Some mannequins lined one wall. There were two other doors leading out of the room. Julie was also here, standing at the counter, talking.
"This is Hydrox. She is a, let’s call her, a Water Elemental, a Vitohydress. Her species are energy water or sapient water. Their species name can be disconcerting if you are not used to how things sound, and it can be painful to say and hear. You can ask me later. She is from the Karmahouse Emporium."
I smiled and waved. "Hello, Hydrox"
It spoke with a watery gurgle that sounded like, “Hello Human, Luke Hammond.”
"I have just entered a contract with them on behalf of Earth Inc. The Karma House Emporium agreed to be exclusive to you and Earth Inc. if you and the company maintain a positive Karmic balance. We get a flat 5% discount and free shipping, and with your Title, you will receive another 10-20% discount, subsidised by the System. Earth Inc. guarantees to purchase through them unless this store is unavailable or they do not offer the products. If we get enough volume, Hydrox here will split, spawn, I think they call it."
She looked at Hydrox, who nodded, "and become a permanent Earth Inc. storekeeper with better deals. For sales, we get their system guaranteed best deal plus a fixed markup of 2-7% depending on volume and the shoppers standing within the store, which saves a lot of haggling. Also, they guarantee to put all your information in the Legendary Price tier. That is a win-win for them and us. Only the big boys and girls can afford to buy the info, and Hydrox earns a packet if someone does get it. Oh, she is now also a shareholder of Earth Inc. Does that cover it? "
There was a rumbling, gurgling "Yes", a sound like a goldfish was chewing marbles while trying to escape the fish tank by ramming the walls with its head.
"Oh, and I got some vouchers for being such a good customer. I’m on a shopping spree. See you soon." Julie left out one of the other doors with a wave.
I looked at Hydrox, and It — they???, Julie had called it she, looked at me. I had no idea how to tell the gender, even if it was appropriate. Hydrox was a swirling bundle of well, semi-transparent water in a roughly humanoid shape. Two arms, two legs, a head, and a torso. Taller than me and with rough, moving, watery features. Very feminine. Seductive and sexy in an exotic kind of way. I was trying hard not to gawk and failing miserably.
This was my first real-life alien. I mean, I knew that Tasar and even Julie were technically aliens. But they looked human. Here was my first real live alien who looked like an alien being and, as a bonus, wasn’t out to kill me.
One of the arms motioned to a familiar palm plate on the counter.
Pressing down on it, I saw dozens and dozens of listings and categories for everything I could ever want or imagine.
It was eBay, the ‘zone marketplace, Kogan, and even a Catch super sale, and it was insane and on steroids. I loved it.
"Um. Hydrox, how does this work? It is my first time shopping; can you please help me?"
"Are you new to the System?"
"Yes?" I replied, knowing that any merchant would rip me off if I demonstrated weakness, despite what Julie said.
"Thank goodness, Re-calibrating", the rumbling gurgling voice.
A soft, chirpy, feminine voice sounded, "Sorry about that. We were concerned that you were like Miss Julie and would take further advantage of our good nature. We were using the Grumpy Storekeeper persona overlay, which is most unpleasant. I feel like I will need a Karmic Clean after meeting and negotiating with that one. I am Hydrox. I am representing the Karmahouse Emporium. We are the Empire's fifth-largest independent mercantile house, the largest in the fringes of space and time. I am currently a senior trainee and on my first major independent assignment. Welcome to the store. I will be your personal merchant while our agreement stands."
Man, I was starting to get lost. I was really starting to freak out. I had to ask myself, was all of this real? Was I really here? Where was my natural body?
Was it still on Earth? Or back with Tasar? Deep breath. One, Two, Three. Deep breath.
"Oh, Hi, I am Luke. If you don’t mind me saying, you sound much more friendly and sales-person-thingy than before."
"Thank you. Don’t tell Miss Julie this, but she scares us." Hydrox said with something that looked like a nod towards the door Julie left through.
"She reminds us of an Ayargajin, a large aquatic predator that eats everything on our homeward."
"A shark! Well, she is a Lawyer, I think. That is what I thought when I first met her."
"Well, welcome, Luke. I am here to assist. I can buy and sell items. Do you know how a merchant store works?"
I shook my head, then said, "No". How would an alien know that shaking your head was negative?
"We offer a full shopping experience. We have extensive storage facilities and processing chains; you can get custom artisan orders. If you want advice on searching, we charge 1% per Tier for items of specific needs. Custom Items can be crafted in-house or by our extensive network of artisans we use. If our artisan levels up, we offer a discount. As Julie said, anything said or purchased, identified or done here will be Legendary Tier information, meaning only those with bottomless pockets will purchase it."
"How often can I come here?"
"As often as you like, as long as you have a positive Karmic Balance and you have the energy for the store transfer. The Karmahouse Emporium covers the energy transfer back as we get a bulk deal with the system as part of owning a Mercantile License. While you are here in this shop and until we have a more permanent setup, no one else can be here. Still, we have multiple sales representatives, and any can also be Hydrox. Any system shop can bring you here; we incorporate that into our fees. I am currently a Tier 2 merchant – although considered a trainee bordering on Tier 3. I get more experience from sales and buying from you. If it is a very favourable deal, I can also negotiate based on perceived experience gains. If I level up, then we can talk further deals."
"What do you mean when you say any can be Hydrox?"
"All sentient water can share or interchange our sentience. We can shed our personalities across many bodies, although with reduced efficiency. I can operate only this one entity with skill. When I level up, I will be able to use more. We are a mutually agreed shared hive consciousness. I can branch my personality with effort and energy, allowing me to multitask between several hosts. It is not a full hive mind. We do have our privacy and can be individuals when we choose. We are ideally suited to the Empire’s mercantile system. Some insectoid and rodent species are also suited to being merchants, although those true hive minds are quite strange even for us. Do you have any questions?"
"OK, what would you recommend I get? I am a total scrub." I still felt like I was in a game, so I would try to use some gamer lingo. Not that I was ever able to play many games, given my past, but I had been called a Noob or a scrub often enough.
"By scrub, do you mean newcomer? If you don’t mind me asking, what class and level?”
"No class yet, pending me finishing my shop, and I am level 0, 20 years old, less than one day integrated! I would have thought I got a class then shopped afterwards."
"That sounds logical, but you can purchase items and skills that can guide you towards a class you want, improving the odds of a better choice and range."
Hydrox paused to look me over.
"What role do you see yourself taking on, combat, support, leadership, crafting? There are many options. Performance, Politics, Bounty Hunting. Gaining power and riches, treasure hunting, exploring, arena fighting, piloting. You could be a reporter, celebrity bard, assassin, or spy! This is quite exciting!"
"All of those? My world is being sold into slavery, and I want to help. I only have a couple of really close friends, no family…." I decided not to lie to Hydrox. She seemed to be okay with me so far. "Well, no one, really. My parents are dead, I live alone in a unit with a bad neighbour, and I guess even he doesn’t deserve to be a slave to some alien race he never heard about. I have three weeks to get sorted. I have no real experience other than mooching off my trust and what I can learn from YouTube. Sad, really."
"Ok. I would suggest Survival, combat and leadership. This would mean that you should spec Body, Spirit, and Mind. However, you should consult a specialist on this or purchase a guide from the store. If you want to lead, I suggest Mind, Spirit and Body. I recommend ‘Foundation of Glory’ by Jobiqeez as a beginner's guide, although the reviews say it is long, boring and expensive."
"Thanks. That’s what I am talking about. My specialist seems a bit scattered, crazy even, and I am starting training soon. What gear should I get? I really have no idea. I might check out the guide, although if it is long and boring, maybe not."
"Most people start with some basic skills. I would recommend a general identification skill, a healing skill, a damage or combat skill, a movement skill and a stealth or concealment skill. Tier 1 Skills should not cost too much. Be mindful of your skill cap for your Tier. I notice you have a token for a skill and a perk. Use those first. Costs can go up quite quickly. I recommend a melee weapon, a ranged weapon, some healing gear, and communications gear. Getting an AI would be a good investment. They are expensive but essential for full functionality with the system and skill usage. The default system AI is ok but very limited. The sooner you get one, the better. One-off use items are good but also very expensive. If you are interested in building things, artisan kits are available for the different classes but are also expensive. Then you need materials!"
Shit. I added all that to my list, I needed to prioritise this though. "Ok, how do I view these or see them?"
"Skim through the lists, filter by Tier, category, or if you had an AI, they make searching easier. Skills are just skill crystals; you buy the skill, and we give the crystal to you, and you use it. You go through the other door for other items, and you can view them in the simulation. It will size them for you, and then when you come back here, they are transferred here, and we can make sure they are right for you. Some items may need some lead time to arrive."
"Skills first. Do you have a chair or something?"
"Oh, I am sorry. In my excitement, I forgot to cater for your biological needs. Your race is unknown to me. It says so when I Identify you, which is very unusual and quite a novelty. No wonder Ms. Julie wanted Legendary privacy. I have no idea about your comfort requirements, and I am very remiss not to inquire. Would you care for some complimentary refreshments while you browse the shop?"
She passed me a crystal tablet the size of an iPad. Neat. A chair appeared from her inventory and was placed behind me. I watched as Hydrox didn’t walk. More glided across the ground. I tried not to stare. It was creepy, but I could not look away.
"Some food would be good, thanks" I sat in a very comfortable chair that was almost a deckchair but more of a free-standing hammock-like camping chair that moulded to my butt. "I want one of these chairs!"
"Of course,"
I pressed the skills tab on the tablet. The list was extensive, with millions of entries. I was going to follow Hydrox’s suggestions and identification skills first. The list was still enormous. The names and descriptions told me almost nothing; some were fun, and others were ominous. The prices ranged from 10 credits for a Tier 1 skill called:
Know that Thing:
Gain essential knowledge about any item or object of Tier 2 or below, upgradeable, mystical, technology EMPIRE FOREVER SKILL SCHOOL.
All the way to
Legendary Mystical Sight of Efro:
See everything and see anything. Price on application. This skill requires a personal invitation from a member of the Efro Society. Restricted Implant in some areas.
"What does upgradeable, mystical technology mean on Identification Skills, Hydrox?"
"Ahh, upgradeable means that as you Tier up, the skills can be upgraded too, for less than purchasing the full skill at that Tier. Mystical means it can be used with Mana, so it requires Mind and Spirit. Technology means it might be an item or implant, can interface with other tech items, or needs an AI for full functionality. You need high Mind and Mana to identify creatures. I am assuming you are looking at Know That Thing? It is a basic Tier 1 skill. 90% of the population uses it daily because of its low price. Some of the available upgrades are good at higher tiers. Suppose I can make a recommendation - Eye of the City Watch. It is also an implant, but it is more reliable and will upgrade with you. Going higher than the Tier 1 one is more expensive than the Know That Thing, but it will grow with you."
Eye of the City Watch:
This Tier 1 to Legendary item grants identification skills to those needing reliable and scalable identification. It taps into our crowd-sourced item, being and creature database, the most extensive database in and outside the Empire. This implant uses openly available plugins with all AIs. It has a guaranteed Tier Level of privacy. Mana, Technology, upgradeable, implant. 10000 Cr. Version 3 was released by Doso Corp.
I pressed the button to buy it, add it to my cart, or whatever happened here; it was similar to buying a bunch of stuff off Amazon and eBay.
As I admired my ability to navigate alien shopping, Hydrox brought me some burgers and fries that looked suspiciously like they were in an Uber Eats bag. "I hope you don’t mind. I tapped into your planet's culinary delights, and this seemed to be popular."
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
There was an icy cold beer as well. I was in heaven. It was delicious and very popular right here as well.
After wiping my greasy hands, I looked at healing skills. Healing skills were much more straightforward here. I knew what I wanted: something simple, well, at least until I got my body to 100. Evidently, once your body gets past 100, You could start regenerating from near death, so upping my body seemed a good goal. What I did get was:
OMG, Heal me, it hurts.:
Pain suppressor and boost healing quickly. In comparison, it won’t bring back from non-life. It is an active and passive skill that will get you back from the near dead, not the dead. Numb all pains and regenerate that limb in no time. Upgradeable, Mystic, Body. 10 Cr is another Ubbarice Corporation product (Followers of Redemption subsidiary). Please provide promotional material for guarantee and limitations. Consult with a medical practitioner with information about compatibility with your biological.
The price was great, the name was outstanding, and the blurb was crazy English. I realised that these listings had reviews and comments, and after reading the first few, I understood that asshattery and annoying people existed everywhere when you could post anonymously. It did have an average four-and-a-half cherry rating, though.
I spent quite some time looking at damage skills. Martial, shooting, blowing up, body modification, mana skills - I am pretty sure I’ll call magic and blame the translator. I wanted so many. In the end, I got two skills. Laser Beams from my eyes:
Eyes of Fury:
Shoot concentrated light beams from your ocular implants. Tier 1. Upgradeable, Implant, Mystic - Magical. 1000 Cr. Mys Suns Eternal Body Mods.
The other one was:
Thunder Grip:
Enhance your grip to become a crushing grip. It may or may not sound like thunder when applied. Do not use this skill while shaking hands. Tier 1, Upgradeable, Magic 100 Cr The Order of the Perpetual Chains.
Why these? Because shooting lasers out of my eyeballs was a thing, and Thunder Grip, enough said.
I wanted more movement skills than damage skills, and the lists were terrific. I could get bursts of speed, short-range teleport, long-range teleport and flight. Long-range teleport was expensive and sounded dangerous. It needed some math and spatial skills that I didn’t qualify for, but maybe something I could work towards learning. Even for my current budget, 20 million credits for a long-range teleport seemed a bit much.
Shit. I had a moment of cognitive dissonance when I realised I was even considering a skill that cost 20 million credits. I had no idea what the value of a credit was, and I had over 100 million of them!
Flight sounded terrific, too, but Hydrox suggested that some flight equipment, like a jet pack or rocket boots, maybe better as Skill-based self-powered flights tended to be short and erratic or overpowered and super expensive to maintain in energy and stamina. In the end, I went with the following:
Leet Parkour:
Wall running, turn vaulting, landing roll. Use your agility and endurance to move around the environment. Tier 1, Upgradeable 100 Cr Leet Parkour Developed by and for The Pep 'n Punch Dance Academy.
I wondered what and how the Interlingual Reproduction skill managed both slang and an obscure sport in one skill.
Stealth and concealment were something I was very keen on, so I just went straight out with:
Stealth - Hide from shit:
It’s that simple. 100 Cr Upgradeable, Body, Magical. A genuine, Humble, Divine Skill.
But the concealment was my absolute favourite:
Can’t see me, I am invisible:
Tier 3 Upgradeable, Magical 10000 Cr A genuine Humble Divine Skill.
Stealth and Can’t See Me were from an organisation called The Humble Divine - which sounded like a cult and seemed to have some synergy. "Can’t see me, I am invisible" was my highest-tier buy. I was in 20-year-old heaven. Invisible, shooting laser beams from my eyes and wall running.
Hydrox spoke as I finished with the skills, "The skill crystals will be here when you have purchased your equipment. May I recommend at least a day between the two implants so there is some time to settle? If your body is too low, there can be some discomfort. "
I nodded, that seemed like an issue for post shopping Luke, it was time for me to look over the equipment.
Hydrox was thinking Level 0, No class, low stats. I was Level 0, with No class and monster stats.
"Sure", as I went out the door opposite the one Julie had used.
The room was a full-blown holosuite. I was not a Trek fan, more a pre-Disney Star Wars fan, but I knew enough to geek out. It was super cool. The floor walls and ceiling were all glass-like panels, with one displaying a large circle in the middle of the floor. I went and stood in the centre of the room.
A smooth, mechanical female voice spoke from around, "I am the Karmahouse Emporium Holographic Shopping Guide. What can I help you purchase today? "
"Melee weapons, ranged weapons, healing gear, communication gear and something to fly with."
"You will need to be more specific for each category. For example, Melee weapons include swords, knives, clubs, and spears. Can you be specific so that I may assist you?"
I thought briefly, then said, "I want a full Legion kit." I had heard Petal say the First Cohort and the Imperial Legion were on the way to Earth, and I had seen the kit in my rapid perusal just before, so maybe I could get some brownie points. I could see myself as a legionnaire, so that sounded cool.
"Standard Legionnaire, Close combat, Tactical Survival, or Cavalry?"
Tactical Survival sounded perfect for what I wanted. I was not sure I was patient enough to be a close combat specialist.
Not that I had any idea, so I said, " Tactical Survival, upgradeable. Highest Tier I can afford, please."
"This is a restricted item. Permission is required to purchase Legion equipment. Sold pending authorisation, substituting short sword, spear, and shield equivalents, sent to Earth Legion Camp."
"Ranged weapons, Energy or Kinetic?"
"Ummm? What’s the difference?"
"Lasers or guns and bows"
"Recommendation?" I replied, being short with this slightly condescending AI.
"Energy weapons require power packs. Kinetics require ammunition. It is easier to get energy, although it is inconvenient to run out. An AI implant is recommended for any energy weapon."
"OK, small energy weapon, and add an AI to the list."
The holodeck - that’s what I was calling it, let me test a bunch of guns. It was pedantic with names, and I was getting confused. Guns, pistols, rifles, long arms, muzzle loading, breach loading, semi-automatic, automatic. I was not an expert on all their variations, so I called them all guns. After hours of fun, shooting, and blowing up virtual targets, I selected a matching pair of Thunderguard Flintlock Energy Pistols. Tier 3 at 30000 Cr each and ten standard energy packs for 200 Cr each. These energy packs were the default size and would fit into any energy weapons or armour that took standard-sized energy clips, as opposed to military specifications, which had a higher capacity.
The Thunderguard pistols looked like old flintlock pistols, except they shot electrified plasma. Heat and Electricity! They were compatible with Tier 2 or above AI, including the default system AI. Now I had guns! For the healing gear, I picked up a carton of 24. Ha, funny how aliens have slabs - I was well versed in the size of a carton or slab of beer, if you know what I mean. I picked up a slab of healing canisters. It was mixed flavours and Tier 2.
Liquid Health:
Guaranteed instant health and regeneration is a convenient package. Fresh for one year. Please read the full disclosure before use. Some ingredients may cause adverse reactions. Use only under close medical supervision. Mild Narcotic, Stimulant. It may be addictive. Excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. Followers of Redemption are not liable for death after consumption due to the dangerous nature of when they are consumed.
They were backed by the Followers of Redemption organisation, a big name in healing. I found out after I queried Hydrox and read some of the reviews. They had more than half the healing market in the outer edges of the Empire. I had the choice of canisters – I’d call them potions – or injectors, the same type that Sarah had jabbed me with, even though I didn’t feel it; injections - no thanks. The potions were about the size of a hand grenade, in indestructible canisters that could clip to any tactical gear. They came in 6 bright colours in different flavours. They were guaranteed to heal and taste great; I even had a refund on returning empty canisters. Intergalactic recycling, I felt better. A karma boost would be appropriate, too. Or maybe that was what happened. Beings just recycled cause it made sense. I got the carton now and subscribed to their max tier subscription service for continuous delivery of canisters.
The communication gear was a simple, subvocal, in-ear implant compatible with any Tier 2 or higher AI for 1000 Cr. Guaranteed Tier 3 privacy costs a boatload more at 10000 Cr. Once again, I used the reviews to get some gear used by ISID.
All Comms:
Multi-channel public and private communication. Personal, local, and global network connections are available.
Although the Store AI let me try some jet packs, some jet boots and a hoverboard, I was not skilled in any of them. They required higher-tiered energy packs than I wanted to buy -- I had no infrastructure to recharge larger than standard packs. I also needed a license for some of them. I could test out and be licensed, but that would take time and extra money. I was starting to be conscious of both. I didn’t care about the money after getting the payment from the IB. I sighed. Even in this new world, it was a trust fund bitch.
I didn’t get my flight item, but I purchased a few sets of current fashion items. Once I figured out that was a thing, all the clothes I got were repairable, upgradeable, and self-cleaning. I got four nano-weave under-armour. It was self-padded and provided some protection from the elements. It was essentially activewear with padding and built armour. It looked a little like something Batman, the movie Ben Affleck Batman not Adam West Batman, would wear if he were not trying to scare the shit out of people. It also cleaned me, removing sweat and other bodily fluids – from the reviews, some quite graphic. I could take a dump in it, and it would convert that into some form of energy for the nanites. Not something I was going to test in a hurry, but it could be handy if I got stuck in an emergency. It was form-fitting and super comfortable. It did show my family jewels off a bit more until I found a setting that added padding and was a bit more modest.
The store AI just told me the price of the AI, and it would be ready for implanting in 2 days, as they took time to splinter up - which is like being born for an AI.
Thinking about other stuff I might need I picked up a month’s supply of healthy foods, a mixed selection of ‘EnergiCrunch Bites’ their marketing was slick.
EnergiCrunch Bites
These bites are designed to provide a quick boost of energy and offer various buffs to the user. There are five different types of EnergiCrunch Bites, each with its unique buffs:
EnergiCrunch Power Bites:
Buffs: +10% Energy Regeneration for 30 minutes.
Description: These bites are packed with natural ingredients that give you a sustained energy boost, enhancing your stamina and endurance.
EnergiCrunch Focus Bites:
Buffs: +15% Concentration for 20 minutes.
Description: These bites are infused with ingredients that sharpen your focus and cognitive abilities, making them ideal for problem-solving or strategising.
EnergiCrunch Vitality Bites:
Buffs: +20% Health Regeneration for 15 minutes.
Description: These bites promote rapid healing and vitality, helping you recover from injuries or fatigue more quickly.
EnergiCrunch Agility Bites:
Buffs: +10% Agility and Reflexes for 30 minutes.
Description: These bites enhance your agility and reflexes, making you quicker in combat or when evading obstacles.
EnergiCrunch Radiant Bites:
Buffs: +5% Radiance for 40 minutes.
Description: These bites give your skin a radiant glow, making you more attractive and charismatic to others. They can be useful in social situations or negotiations.
I also picked up a slab of their energy drink, EnergiFusion, which replenished energy.
I booked a time to get that implant done, the Eyes of Fury, and my Eyes of City Watch. They would implant The Eyes of the City Watch today and the others over the next few days. I could get the skills for them today, though. This new integration stuff was quite annoying to work out.
I thanked the AI, who refused to let me name it, citing it had been without a name since the founding of the Emporium, and it didn’t need one now, although it did thank me for the consideration. Could an AI be offended? Not sure.
Leaving the cool holodeck, I returned to where Hydrox put out all my purchases.
She looked up, "Your purchase of the Legion equipment has been provisionally approved. You will receive it when you sign up to join the Legion. It has been shipped to the nearest active legion group. That was the best we could do. To compensate for it, I have also slipped in an extra skill you may find helpful.
Swift Pockets:
Swift Pockets is a handy skill that enhances the user's manual dexterity and speed when it comes to retrieving and stowing small objects. This skill offers the following abilities:
Quick Draw: The user can draw small items, like keys, coins, or tools, from their pockets or pouches with remarkable speed. This skill can be beneficial in situations where speed is of the essence. Does not work on weapons.
Sleight of Hand: The user gains a heightened ability to perform sleight-of-hand tricks and minor illusions involving small objects, which can be useful for entertainment or distraction.
Efficient Retrieval: Swift Pockets allow for efficient retrieval of specific small items from bags or backpacks and inventories, reducing the time it takes to find what's needed.
Precision Stowage: When stowing objects, the user can neatly organise and stow items in their pockets or bags and inventory, ensuring that they're readily accessible when needed.
Juggling Mastery: This skill makes juggling small objects, like balls or fruit, a breeze, allowing for impressive juggling displays or performances.
Swift Pockets are a practical and entertaining skill that can prove helpful in various everyday situations, particularly when speed and dexterity with small items are required. It adds a touch of finesse to the users' abilities without being overly powerful.
I sighed, "Wow, that’s good, Hydrox, thank though".
She showed me how to use the skill crystal.
Skill Acquired: Swift Pockets.
The hit was intense and so good.
"A complimentary chair is also included. I hope you do not mind the Emporium’s symbology on it?"
It took me a moment to refocus, "Of course not! Thanks!" Their logo was quite cool looking, even if I had no real frame of reference to know what the hell it stood for.
"Do you require dimensional storage for all the equipment? I know that a Tier 1 inventory is notoriously tiny."
I peeked at my massive void storage, "Nah, thanks, I should be right, mate".
"The total comes to two million, nine hundred and twenty-five thousand four hundred and twenty credits, less the discounts, and it is two million, three ……,"
I tuned out and just palmed the offered pad. I left a 5% tip.
Hydrox's smile brightened as I picked up the gear and stored it.
The skill crystals were in a small box, which opened to show the cube-like crystals. They were labelled with instructions and a recommended best order to use them.
She guided me on how to use the implant. I picked the "Eyes of Fury" first. It seemed easy to implant, although I was freaking out. Ultimately, it was easy, painful at first, but manageable. Hold the crystal over each eye and depress the nanite injector. You'll have 10 seconds of blindness and an ice-cream-frozen brain headache.
Skill Acquired: Eyes of Fury.
A small HUD popped over my vision. With a countdown:
Initialising, 9 hours 43 mins.
"You were supposed to lie down and have someone do that!" Hydrox exclaimed when she noticed what I had done.
I did the "Eyes of City Watch" quickly.
Crapola! That hurt worse than when I accidentally wiped wasabi into my eye. Luckily, it only lasted a few seconds.
Skill Acquired: Eyes of City Watch
Doing two eye skills, back-to-back may not have been the smartest thing I had ever done. Maybe I should listen to Hydrox in future. I could not read the HUD prompt over the tears leaking from my eyes. One by one, I used the skill crystals. I figured that with my stats, I’d be ok. Despite the blurred vision, a frozen brain, and a dull stabbing behind my eyes, they were easy to use.
"Hey, Hydrox, how do I use a skill?"
She looked at me. "Just think about the skill. Some people say the skill name, but it is unnecessary if you have an organised mind and good focus."
"Heh. All good, buddy, all good," I said in my best imitation tough guy voice to hide the tears from the pain from the bright lights. I thanked Hydrox and asked how to leave.
Everything went black again.
Sadly, I was getting used to that.