I finally get a say in the matter. My parents said they’d honor my decision. They might not have counted on me choosing to stop treatments though.
All paths just led me to an early death. I’m not giving up, I told them. I’m just accepting my destiny and making the most of it.
Journal entry, days after Jordan’s 6-month follow-up, after his final treatment results showed cancer still spreading.
######
I spent the next fifteen minutes writing and nodding off. After a half dozen attempts to list the four options in my newfound journal and only making it to the second description, I closed the notebook and took it to the bedroom. There, I couldn’t be bothered to change out of my clothes and just flopped onto the bed.
I awoke from a vivid dream of bugs crawling under my skin. I sat up, sweat on drenching my head and shirt clinging to my chest, wide awake.
I am not going to fall asleep anytime soon. What time is it?
It is 02:13. As a reminder, there are 27 hours of 60-minute increments here. To convert, that is about 67.5 minutes per hour if divided into 24 hours.
I recommend you adjust and learn the Prime times. 02:13 is still very early. You have a long time till your first class at 09:00. Do you wish me to convert local time into 24-hour increments?
Does their time work like military time back home?
Yes, the clock does not have AM or PM but counts from 00:01 to 27:00 midnight. It resembles Earth’s military: 24 hours in the first two digits, no repeating hour integers, and minutes are still 1/60th of an hour. Early accounts of the Prime planet showed a sexagesimal counting system where they counted in increments of 60 for mathematics and astronomy. This is similar to Earth’s ancient Babylonians. Do you want more information on sexagesimal or other related counting systems?
No, thanks. And don’t convert the local time. I need to learn. I remember you saying Felicity was about 70 Earth years old or 7.5 ellipses, right?
Yes, the time it takes Prime planet to orbit its local star is 9.33 times longer than Earth’s orbit of its Sun; the revolution of their central star takes 3,404 Earth days. Ellipses are for revolutions, and Trimesters are closer to seasons at 1009 days. I can still convert ages, but I recommend you learn the local time since it’s different. Calendars and other markings of the seasons I can always explain if necessary. However, the Academy students will already know this information, and you lack nearly all basic cultural knowledge and experience.
So I’m two ellipses old, huh? That’s weird. Just a toddler again. Never mind, that’s more descriptive of mobility than age.
Back to important matters. I thought of another thing and need your help on the big decisions.
System, I would like you to let me think the big decision through without your input. Then we can talk. I need to get my thoughts together like I used to, and I’m tired of other people telling me what to do—no offense to you.
Also, I need to name you. Do you have a suggestion?
You have complete command over me, Jordan. It would be best if you determined how to address me. I don’t have emotions like you and won’t be offended, and I don’t have a preference. I can list Prime Planet citizens’ most common system names if you want suggestions.
It makes sense that I’m not the first to want to name their system. I have given it some thought, and since you don’t want a say in it, I will call you Skit, short for Skittles.
It was my first pet’s name—a cat named after my favorite candy when I was about four—any objections? I thought it was better than Buddy since Buddy was the first dog. And my Grandpa ended up putting him down abruptly with a rifle for chasing his cattle. I didn’t hear about it for a long time. Mom and Dad were trying to protect my little heart.
Sorry, trauma and not a good memory. Do you mind being Skit?
No objections, Jordan. Is your decision based on your impressions of me as colorful, sweet, or some cat-like qualities?
I honestly don’t know. And I thought you didn’t care. It just came to me a while ago. But they are all things I like, so take it as a compliment. Let’s say I think you and I have a long future together, and I want to enjoy our connection.
Noted. I am just asking to understand you better.
Thanks, Skit. I smiled wide as I already felt better having a name for my only friend. My only friend…for now. I need to meet some people my age!
That is still highly recommended.
I wasn’t talking to you, but thanks. Please give me some silence while I write down my thoughts. The decision to choose from the four rewards was going to be difficult.
#####
Pull up the list of drop reward options. Please show me what the reward descriptions say in your standard display, Skit. I hope there is a way to narrow it down to make a decision.
1: Arcana Chest Armor Seed (Epic)
2: Harvested Remnant - Dragon (Fire Affinity)
3: Whispering Dragon - Zancara Epi-Suit (D Rank)
4: Crave Class - Zancara Class (Unique Rank), Level 1
I got up, changed my shirt, and went to the bathroom. I came back and landed on my back on the bed. Keeping my eyes open in the mostly dark room, I read the information displayed.
Arcana Armor Seed (Epic) - Epic-ranked item compatible with Arc System. Armor Seed will provide the shell for an Epic-grade armor chest piece when absorbed into an Arcana Source body. Shells, once accepted, will guide and simplify armor formation and allow for near-instantaneous equipping. Gathered Arc will naturally begin the construction sequences for the shell regardless of current pathways and advancement.
You meet all requirements to equip this item and to begin planting the seed immediately.
Well, nice. Immediately useful. This first option would give me a massive advantage for a piece of armor that covers my heart. I am beginning with Arcana Academy, so having an Epic piece of armor would immediately benefit me if I can plant and “grow” it. Not sure if that’s the term.
It would be something I would benefit from and likely won’t find again any time soon.
Although, it is limited to my Arcana side, at least based on the description. I still don’t know if the strengths of one system will help the other, but I’m going to assume that for this choice, they won’t. I could be wrong; I’ll have to learn later.
The other potential con is that I already created armor and a sword. The armor was not within my control, but I could try to form armor as I did with the knife and sword. There is no telling how an Epic rank or the Seed differs from the ability I already have.
I’ll give it an initial Jordan Grade of B minus. Not bad at all. Next!
Harvested Remnant - Dragon (Fire Affinity) -
Remnant from the Source layer; Lands, sub-layer 3, also known as the Affinity Layer.
Compatible with Arcana or Zancara Systems. This Harvested Remnant is categorized as Collected and offers a greater affinity for Fire.
Arcana utilizes them for elemental adaptation.
Elemental affinity with an element is typically limited to natural affinity.
This unique reward grants the Dragon’s natural affinity passed through this reward and is compatible regardless of natural affinity.
Zancara utilizes them for Epi-Suit Skill paths and Exo-Suit Skills. You meet all the prerequisites for immediate use of this reward regardless of Arcana or Zancara use.
I knew absolutely nothing about affinities for these systems or the Source. This does mention many things I didn’t know before.
Do I have a natural affinity for an element? This might very well be my only chance to get one if I don’t.
I can make some assumptions, but they are just assumptions. I like that it mentions both systems, but I can’t tell whether using it for one will exclude the other—so many unknowns.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
My thoughts are sharp, but I still feel stressed after yesterday’s torture bath, learning to gather, build constructs, and then surviving a rabbit hole worse than Alice’s.
Oh man, I need to keep pushing to find what will help me now and in the future.
I will lose this option in the next six days to determine my future. Next!
Whispering Dragon - Zancara Epi-Suit (D Rank) - This drop reward will produce an Epi-Suit focused on stealth and speed. The individual wearing this suit will need a D Rank body or higher.
This suit is also compatible with other Dragon Exo-Suits for additional benefits.
Additional details are only available upon bonding the Epi-Suit.
So this looks exciting. It tells me some hints of what to expect. I don’t know what Epi-Suits are. If I had to guess, “Epi” might mean epic, but probably not since Epic was mentioned already. However, there might be differences in the naming between the two systems. The other thought I had was funnier to me.
It may refer to the epidermis, like the outer layer of skin. After reading about it in a science book in middle school, I once teased a friend at the pool. I said, “Oh no, buddy, your epidermis is showing!” And he got so embarrassed and thought I meant he had a hole in his swimming trunks. Good times!
Anyway, Epi- and Exo- are both suits. I don’t know how they differ or what they do. There is no telling how they will react to my noble title or if I will meet the requirements. I think I have a D-rank body since my bloody baptism, but I don’t know what the body ranks mean or do for me.
Good thing I’m going to an academy. Hopefully, I can learn some of this junk.
Am I any closer to picking a winner? I have no clue, but I’m sure this suit would be something I want.
Speed and Stealth are areas I want for my future build. If they can’t see or catch you, you can attack and reset. Assassin Rogue, maybe? So far, it’s my top choice. But I already skimmed the last one, and I’m only more undecided than before I read these. Last one.
Crave Class - Zancara Class (Unique Rank), Level 1 -
Caution: This class is a Bespoke-Tailored-Unique and will be bound upon acceptance. It cannot be traded or sold. Additional information and details are available only upon acceptance.
System Note: *****Highly Recommended*****
Wow, no pressure. And tell me, why is the system being so seemingly generous but stingy on the info? It’s spotlighting this one but not giving me any details. It could be a trick. It could also be the best option by far.
It is like the first option in that it only favors one of my systems. I also didn’t know classes were a thing before seeing these rewards.
There is just so much to learn. And I have twice as much to learn compared to the others. Unless they learn about each other’s systems to help them fight each other, that would make sense, but still, I have to “know” and use them both.
I’m just nervous that the learning curve will break me or let others get so far ahead that I won’t be able to help Earth…STOP that noise. Focus Jordan!
Lacking friends, I have been talking to myself a lot.
I silenced my commentary thoughts and let the basic descriptions bounce around inside my head.
I could pick two and do a coin flip. I do have those coins…what did I do with them? I’ll have to find my old clothes.
Do you want me to show you where?
No, remind me later. I know I said I wanted to make this decision alone, but…I guess now I want your thoughts, skit.
The options are exceptional, but most are in line with a first-drop collection from the egg. It exceeded your abilities by several magnitudes. That encounter and this reward were orchestrated for you by the Lady.
The only choice that is an outlier is the Zan Class. Crave Class does not appear in any database I can assess. I’ve tried finding information everywhere. Don’t worry; I didn’t leave search queries or digital breadcrumbs that would lead back to you.
There are many Tailored classes. All of them are well suited to the individual they are offered to. There are many on record.
I have only found one record of a Bespoke-Tailored-Unique. The details are sealed, but the other recipient is a general of the Zancara empire and brother to the Emperor.
So you’re saying this is the best option? Or that it’s a dangerous one if others find out?
Yes, to both.
#####
So much for having a superhuman body.
I groggily woke from another dream. I was more tired than I thought since I fell asleep again.
My eyes were still closed as I evaluated my body and mind.
Feeling good, no damage, no pain. My brain is functioning at normal morning grogginess. What’s that smell?
“Good morning, Jordan,” Eld softly spoke, probably not trying to startle me.
Still, I nearly crapped the bed. I was twisting and jumping to land on my feet, blinking through sleep-encrusted eyes at Eld, seated on the far side of the bed with a pair of cups.
Trying to look more collected than I felt, I nodded and replied, “Uh, good morning.”
“Apologies for the start. Would you sit for a morning cup and discuss yesterday?” Eld seemed cowed and not at all his previous stoic self. My heart jumped in concern.
“How is Felicity? Is she okay?” I feared the worst. “Was the Source damage too powerful for her to recover?”
“Jordan, be calm,” Eld stood gracefully and held both cups in one hand as he stepped toward me and placed his free hand on my shoulder.
“She is going to recover fully. The injury, as you mentioned, was more than physical, and the attack spread through her Source body.”
“Let’s sit on your balcony, and I’ll tell you the rest.” Eld walked out of the room and down the hall to my balcony.
I quickly hit the bathroom and met up with him. On one side of the balcony was a small table and two chairs. I joined across from Eld. I immediately salivated at the smell of the cups.
Other than some trouble with pain medications, I never considered myself to be an addict unless you counted video games, reading, and coffee. But how could any of those be a bad thing?
“That is a drink made from the beans of a plant found on other planets and sometimes in TGs. I have heard it resembles your planet’s popular drink, coffee. I procured this and some other foods to help you find your stay more comfortable. Being so far from home.”
“This is my first time drinking it, and I thought you might like to share the experience.” Eld offered.
“Oh, that is really…kind of you,” I sighed and continued, “Actually, most people my age don’t drink this stuff on Earth. But there was a point when I couldn’t taste much of anything, and I tried to stay up late gaming when my parents took away energy drinks. Anyway, yeah, I love coffee. I’d appreciate a cup,” I rambled a bit, feeling like the healthy kid I always wanted to be, unfortunately only half the universe away from my family and home. I shook my head clearing distracting thoughts away and picked up the cup.
“Everything alright?” Eld asked.
“Just have a lot on my mind. I’ll tell you after you spill on Felicity,” I firmed my tone and hoped he wouldn’t try to force me to share. To my surprise, he kept his apologetic softness and continued to explain his viewpoint from the day before.
He apologized for not escorting me safely out of the TG. He explained he had waited till the Source entity’s presence was gone and that I was out of the Source. Once he confirmed I was out, he sent the message to my system and took Felicity for help.
She was being treated, and Eld would accompany me to classes today. I felt a little weird having him babysit me at the academy, but he assured me he would be unseen unless I needed him.
“I guess it’s my turn to share,” I sheepishly offered. Knowing I probably couldn’t share everything, I still needed his advice. Even now, I didn’t know if I would let him sway my decision on the reward. I felt that it was one decision I would make on my own.
I explained my view of the Source from the Prince, the leashed wolf, the door I was pushed through, and my meeting with the mysterious Lady. I intentionally left out her “gift” of my Insatiable wiggly passenger. If she became a problem, I’d share her existence. But for all I knew, he already was aware.
I told him about the conversation with the Lady, skirting around some details. He seemed satisfied with my descriptions; he didn’t ask or pry beyond what I shared.
“That leaves many reasons not to let you enter the Source in a TG,” Eld summarized his thoughts. I began to sit up to protest that idea. But he held up a hand. “But…I won’t do that. It would be best to grow; TG’s and the Source are the way forward. There will always be danger. And you survived beings who could kill people stronger than me if I had to guess.”
“So I won’t stop you. Just be wise; we must get you strong enough to weather the storms you will inevitably face with your Arc and Zan.”
“I have been considering your potential strengths and the known disadvantages you face,” Eld ruminated while finishing off his steaming cup. “So far, you have only exceeded my expectations, and I optimistically think you will stand out among the students at the academy for your strength rather than your uniqueness very soon.”
“But that also will make you a target,” my mentor stated seriously. ”That’s a worry for later. Today, we need to get you to the academy. There are suits in your closet.
“I already found them yesterday. Do you think they will still fit?” I waived up and down my body.
“Ha, ha, ha,” He chuckled. “Yes, I admit you’ve filled out and gained some height. But if they don’t fit you, we will only have to wait a day or two for replacements.
“Oh, did you ever hear about my shoes?” I got excited as my sneakers popped into my mind. “The ones I lost at the ceremony?”
“I was not there and not aware of any missing shoes. But you will need to wear the academy-prescribed shoes and boots regardless.”
“Perhaps we can have a pair made like your old shoes. For now, try on the Arcana attire, and if they don’t fit, wear what you have on. Then meet me down by the front door.” He took our empty cups and left me to get ready.
I figured he’d let me sleep in, given the bright sunlight. But I didn’t know how long past the start of class.
“Before we go, I need to tell you one other thing,” I hesitated, then continued, “During my time in the Source, I picked up my first loot drop.” I stopped at that teaser.
“And, what did you get? Was it the wolf after I left?” Eld leaned in curiosity spread over his posture and face.
“Not exactly. The Lady helped me crush a dragon egg,”
“You killed a dragon! For your first drop!” Eld shouted and stood in shock, pacing the room and balcony. “Tell me what the dragon egg dropped?”
“I have to let you know I will choose on my own. You can’t make me pick something I don’t want, but I would like you to tell me a few things.”
He sat back down but leaned close. “What do you want to know?”
“Have you ever seen the System give you a choice in drops but then recommend one of the choices?”
Eld nearly fell out of his chair as he sat back. Then his eyes drifted out of focus as he consulted his system displays. A moment later, he returned his focus.
“First, don’t tell others your outrageous story or about these rewards. I know we just met, but you need to trust someone. I promise to protect and guide you to the best of my ability.”
“As far as your drop having choices and a system recommendation for one,” He exhaled sharply, then inhaled deeply. “You are free to make your choice, but if it is The System giving the recommendation and not just your personal one, you should take it.”
“Why, though, is it giving me choices but also funneling me down this path?” My frustration leaked into my questions.
“If I had to guess, you are breaking the mold, the plans, the subsystems it manages. You are an outlier and have caught the attention of the all-seeing system and entities deep in the Source and Dukes here. I believe it is trying to account for your uniqueness and help you.
“It might have expectations for you, but you must make your own choices. What you decide might end up impacting generations and countless planets. But remember, you are still a first-year student at the academy. You don’t need to look that far forward—just a day at a time.”
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to introduce you to a friend at the Academy. So get dressed.” Eld stood and walked out of the room.
I sat, considering. He didn’t pry into my choices. He said to make my own choice.
I am getting a scratching itch to pick one of them.
I either want the Epi-Suit or the Class. But both of those are Zan-focused. Maybe I’m drawn to the dark side? I bet the Arc sees Zan as the dark for more than their Source Zan color. The opposite also has to be true of the Zan.
Where does that leave me? Friend and foe to both. I can’t sit on this any longer.
Bring up the system summary from when I first got the drop rewards.
Congratulations on the first Temporal Gate drop you collected.
Arcana and Zancara drop pools are active. Your System Rewards for killing a Level 240 Dragon Matriarch (Egg) are spread across both pools.
Choose one of the following within seven days, or it will be chosen at random:
1: Arcana Armor Seed (Epic)
2: Harvested Remnant - Dragon (Fire Affinity)
3: Whispering Dragon - Zancara Epi-Suit (D Rank)
4: Crave Class - Zancara Class (Unique Rank), Level 1
It's probably stupid, half-baked, and impulsive, but I’m different, and a class tailored for me is probably the best thing I’ll see out of any class options in the future. Besides, ever since the System arrived on Earth, I’ve wanted a class like everyone else. So yeah, let’s do this. Show me door number four. I choose Crave Class!