Chapter 1 –Summoning the Summoner
“Where the heck am I?! This is not the game! Even the fancy full emersion pods don’t get anywhere close to how real this feels. How did I get here? The last thing I remember was being in the game.
Looking around I realized I was in some kind of chamber. Torches were lit and I was sitting on some kind of stone or rock.
“Why is that glowing all ominously? Wait, am I in a magic circle?!”
It was at this point I was smacked in the back of the head. “Of course, you idiot! Yes, you are in a magic circle. Wow did we pick a dud? How dumb do you have to be to state the obvious?”
“Remember he comes from a world without magic.” Another more melodic masculine voice said.
I turned to face my assailant as I rubbed the back of my head. To the side of me were two beings out of some dark fantasy nightmare. “You’re... you’re a demon and... a fata?!”
“Again, with the obvious statements.” The demon went to go smack me again. Luckily their fata, which is Italian for faery, or fey companion interceded. “That seems counterproductive Abaddon.”
This made the demon pause mid-swing and step back. “Perhaps you are right Camidon. He just looks scrawny and weak.”
“He is human, of course he is weak.” Camidon replied.
“Are you sure you grabbed the right one?” Abaddon accused.
Camidon glared at his demon companion. “Do not dare to presume to make accusations hell-spawn, we fey hold to our agreements!”
Meanwhile I was trying to be as small as possible in the hopes of going unnoticed as I looked around frantically for an exit. Sadly, the only one I found was a set of doors that looked to be carved from stone.
‘No way those things don’t weigh a ton. Plus, I doubt I could sneak past these two to test my theory on how movable those doors are.’ I thought as I ran through alternative options.
It was as my mind was scrambling Camidon said something that caught my attention.
“You asked for one who made enough of a ripple in the pond as he absorbed potential in the Sea of Chaos. This one absorbed plenty. I grabbed him quickly before the Light could make their move on him or he exploded.” Camidon explained in a frustrated tone.
‘Exploded! What does he mean exploded?! Not sure I understand what he means by ripple in a pond or absorbing potential is. For that matter, what is this Sea of Chaos he is talking about?’ I realized I needed answers and leaving would not get me those answers.
“Do not take that tone with me! You Winter Court are all the same. You are bound by the agreement Camidon. Until you find a suitable specimen for the Dark’s purpose you are stuck with me just as I am with you.” Abaddon barked back to his companion.
The demon spat to the side when he was done with his reply as if he despised the idea of working with Camidon just as much as the fey did.
‘Is the ground literally sizzling where that demon’s spit landed. OK note to self, avoid his spittle.’ I thought as I watched the byplay.
I decided it was time to take a risk. One cannot succeed in life without risks, that, and hard work with a dash of talent. That was how I ended up part of the top raiding guild in the game. ‘Man, I wonder how my raiding buddies are doing. Do they even care what I am going through right now? No that is a dumb question. A few of them who I was friends with outside the game I know care.’
A few of my friends came from Italian immigrant families like me. We all had similar stories passed down to us. Combine that with an Italian’s natural tendency to stick together as one big family and our love for video games, we all became instant friends. They were good guys, and they were there for me when my parents died suddenly. I was angry with the world, but they were there along with my siblings to help me pick up the pieces of my life.
This was when I knew the true meaning of the saying blood is thicker than water. What most people in the world I came from did not even know the real quote, “The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.” Which means our chosen bonds through the hardships of life are forged tighter than any blood relation. When my parents died, my friends proved that true. I would die for those guys, and I know in my heart they would do the same for me.
With that in mind, I must find a way to see them again. Time for some answers. “Excuse me, but could any of you please tell me what is going on here?”
“Ugh, see what I mean…” Abaddon said as he pointed to me. “This one is defective or an idiot. The Dark has enough idiots dancing to our whims on the world he comes from, we need one that can lead an army not just be another puppet ruler.”
“You know faith magic is the only magic allowed in that world right now.” Camidon stated.
“Yes of course I know that! Why do you think we get them to believe in terrestrial things. We have spent so much time getting them to put their faith in things we control and manipulate like their governments and schools. Using their own free will they turn away from the Light, their only protection, and giving us the ability to creep into their minds. This of course grants us even more and more influence over them.” Once again pointing at me, Abaddon continued, “Heck this one could not have been summoned here if he still had faith in his Creator. Ha, bunch of fools.”
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Realizing the demon was not understanding his point Camidon pressed on. “If this human comes from a world that only possesses faith magic, then how would he be confident in knowing what happened. For that matter would he even understand the magics at play here?”
Abaddon’s eyes went wide when it dawned on him. He quickly masked his expression and replied, “Of course I know that foolish Winter Court. I was making sure you realized that. Do not make me do everything for you.”
Rolling his eyes Camidon just replied, “Of course.”
I felt like this was a good time to interject myself again. “Umm, so now that we have established that, can someone please tell me more about what is going on?”
“Of course. Your soul and body were brought to this place. The game you played, if you read the contract you agreed to, granted you the chance to be ripped from your world and its protections to this reality and world. In this place…” Camidon gestured to the room they were in. “You have a chance to learn other magics. The game was set up to help you understand the way this place works. You have a ‘Status’ or ‘Character Screen’ like the rest of us.”
“Wait, you mean to tell me this world functions like a video game?” I asked in surprise.
SMACK!
I was hit on the head by Abaddon. “Do not interrupt mortal. You must learn your place!”
Rubbing my head again I bit down my retort knowing it would do me no good here and only lead to more trouble.
Camidon raised an eyebrow before continuing. “Well, it is clear you can learn. To answer your question, in some ways it does, if you have access to the system screens and approach the world as such, but death here is real. Die here and you are gone. Understand?”
I nodded, not wanting to speak up just in case I got smacked again.
Camidon continued. “Good. If you think of status magic like a video game, then it will operate like one. As with life, it is all about your perceptions. For you and your life experiences it is best to use that visualization. Now, as for some other things. To get to this reality and world you had to travel through the Sea of Chaos. Think of each reality as a continent and the Sea of Chaos is the ocean between the continents. Does this make sense to you?”
I nodded again. So, he continued. “Good. Now to help you understand that further, the Sea of Chaos is turbulent, most cannot survive its currents and are destroyed in travel. Some of us are clearly defined and strong in structure and therefore can navigate through but that is all we can do, and we cannot stay long. However, humans are different.
Most humans would be destroyed in the journey, but some can absorb the smallest fraction from the Sea of Chaos. Think of it like drinking water, you can only take in so much before you drown, well in this case cease to exist.”
My eyes widened as Camidon went on. “Some, a very rare few have strong enough sense of self combined with either exceptional will or bloodlines or both. When this occurs, that person can absorb more than just the tiniest infinitesimal bit of the Sea of Chaos. Granted it is still not much before you burst unless someone like me intercedes before your demise.”
“See mortal, you owe us your life! And we plan to collect on that debt.” Abaddon interrupted.
‘So, they were telling me I would be dead if they did not save me.’ I realized.
Camidon raised another eyebrow, this time towards Abaddon. “As I was explaining before being so rudely interrupted…” Camidon looked at Abaddon before turning back. “You have been brought here. I am bound by an agreement. This agreement was to find one who was traveling through the Sea of Chaos and bring them here. This person must have already turned away from the protection of the Light, and the Dark wanted someone who had absorbed more than just the tiniest fraction.”
I raised my hand. Camidon just looked at me before realizing the gesture was to be able to ask a question. “Go on human.”
“Well first let me say thank you for saving me, Camidon. I do really appreciate not being dead. Second, would you please tell me why the Dark wanted such a thing?”
Nodding his head in approval Camidon answered my question. “You are welcome human. To answer your question, the Dark requires a general for a future war, that and to bring chaos to this world.”
“Yes, and only the worthy shall survive, if you fail you will die most horribly. I will personally see to your soul’s torture for all eternity.” Abaddon chimed in.
I gulped.
Camidon spoke up. “Stop interrupting me hell-spawn! Per the agreement, you cannot interfere in this part.”
Abaddon barked back, “If he fails our agreement is still in effect.”
Camidon gave no ground. “No. If he fails the trials, I am bound to help you find another. However, should he pass the trials our agreement is at an end. It is up to him, so I will prepare him for the trials. Or do you not want your champion?”
Growling Abaddon just snapped back. “Fine! Do your part so I can be finally rid of you!”
Clearly achieving some victory, I did not quite get, Camidon turned back to me and continued. “First let me explain where you are.” Pointing to the stone doors I noticed earlier. “Through those doors are where your trials begin. You are in a dungeon.”
Holding up his hands to forestall my inevitable question. “Yes, a dungeon like in a video game, but these dangers are real and very deadly. The Dark believes you must go through great pain to be forged into the weapon they want. Your objective will be to conquer this dungeon and beat the boss at the end before you are able to leave. Be aware once you leave the dungeon you will still be miles underground. There are several kingdoms down here and other opponents you will face. Do not trust anyone for that is not the Dark’s way. Heck it is not my people’s way either.”
I raised my hand again and Camidon motioned to me. “Thank you for the information. How am I supposed to do that? Are there other humans down here?”
“Not many, though there are some. We are closest to the dark elves territory near the border of the Undersea, the territory of the naga. We are also not too far from the Minotaurs mazes.” Camidon replied.
I raised my hand again, getting confirmation before I continued with my question. “Do any of them like humans?”
Abaddon chuckled. “Sure, both the naga and the minotaurs find humans rather tasty!”
I gulped. Camidon interjected. “It is time you looked at your character sheet. Think of the word ‘Status’ to bring up your information. Due to the nature of your journey though the Sea of Chaos you will have some options to help you survive and navigate this world.”
Following Camidon’s instructions I thought the word ‘Status’ and text appeared in front of my face causing me to jerk back for a moment.
Warning user must choose race before being able to access their status! Please choose a race! Do you want to see the list of options now? Yes, or No?
‘Hmm, this is interesting. I am guessing this is what Camidon meant about having options to help me survive. Well, no time like the present to get started.’ I thought as I mentally selected yes.