We had hundreds of theories of how the apocalypse would come. Most people were probably hoping for zombies, eager to take out life's frustrations on slow, shambling targets. None of us thought that it would come from peace, though in our defense, no human on Earth knew about the war waging through most of our galaxy. When it ended however, there was not a single life on Earth that it didn't effect. As for myself, well, I would have been happy to tell you that retail was hell for years. I had no idea how right I was.
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“...the sign, CLEARLY, said that this was $49.99 and you’re trying to make me pay $150 for it? Are you a thief? Do you think I’m stupid and will just hand over my money? Do you have any idea how often I shop here?”
The irritating, nasal whine pierced the late night bustle of Dalmart, drowning out the Christmas music playing a month too early. Max went up on tiptoes to peer over the aisle separating him from the Self Checkout. On the other side, a woman caked in thick makeup ,clutching a ratty orange wrap around her, had Dawn cornered by the register. How do you always attract the crazies? Max wondered as he eased down and headed for the back room for his last break. He had been heading over to cover for Dawn’s break, but she would have to take hers next, as Max was sure that she would still be dealing with that customer when he came back.
Turning the corner into hardware, a bright red light blinded him while intense pressure hit him from all sides, like going on a rollercoaster but condensed into a single second. He staggered forward, throwing out a hand to catch himself on the nearest shelf. Instead, his hand found a smooth, stone wall. Blinking, he turned trying to figure out what had happened. Where moments earlier had been shelves filled with hardware, instead was a room made of interlocking stones and an odd orangish mortar. The only thing other than him in the room was a small wooden table that oddly didn't seem to have any joints or seams. As if rather than being constructed it had been grown.
image [https://imgur.com/YcJ6D9b.png]
With a flash of light a blue notification with a golden spinning spiral on if had appeared in his vision, overlaid over the background, until he focused on it when it became clearer. With another flash, the notification changed.
image [https://imgur.com/kYyHbME.png]
As soon as Max read it, the words changed.
image [https://imgur.com/ieps0Pw.png]
Almost immediately, this notification too disappeared, leaving a small glowing spiral in the corner of his vision with 1% next to it.
Wait...What? A war? Mana? This sounds like something out of a fantasy book or a video game. Then where's the tutorial or starting character to explain the backstory?
Suddenly, another notification filled his vision, only instead of the previous blue notifications this one was a washed out gray and offered a choice.
image [https://imgur.com/1hBQTRb.png]
The notification didn’t immediately close, so Max figured he had a little time to make this choice. He had never been interested in joining the army and he could only figure that once you added mana you probably added monsters which would make it that much more dangerous. On the other hand, he had no idea where he was, what was going on, or even what this system was that kept talking to him. A tutorial could be invaluable for his survival. What about Dawn? She wasn’t that far behind me, where is she and what didn’t she show up in this room? Is anybody else being offered this Tutorial?
Wondering where he was, Max looked around the room, noticing this time a small window about the size of his head set high up in the wall. Peering out Max saw that instead of Dalmart or the rural surroundings the room looked out over a cliffside into a dense swamp covered in fog. That decided it for him, with nothing familiar to rely on he was going to need all the help he could get. He would have to deal with whatever consequences arose later. Now all he had to do was figure out how to select yes. As he focused on the yes, it selected and the notification changed again.
image [https://imgur.com/oeOI9AL.png]
Okay…Let's try to think logically here. Golden Army, well in most books those names are all chosen by people that think they're chosen by god or superior to others. Imperial means an Empire so that option should be far reaching and have a lot of resources. Steel army could be beginner ranking like in cultivation novels or a descriptor. Army Number Three implies other armies so again maybe bigger? Phantom Scouts could be ninjas or a scout division which could be helpful as he didn’t have any other members of the army around. Farthrashers didn’t give a lot of info and wtf was with the last one? ****** Did that mean it was profane and was bleeped, or too classified for him to know, or incompatible with translation? Without more to go on Max chose the one that he figured would give him the best chances for survival.
image [https://imgur.com/hiBN7xf.png]
Max watched the notification waiting for a flash of light to announce the summon. Instead he heard a creaking behind him, spinning around Max saw that there was now a chair similar to the table in that it seemed to be all one piece. Lounging in it was a human tiger hybrid, with light gray fur marked with the typical black tiger stripes. Its large cat ears were adorned with several silver and ebony earrings matching the light gray and black uniform it was wearing. Its feet were up on the table, showing off a pair of black scale boots that looked like a cross between snakeskin and leather. In contrast to its laid back posture, its light blue eyes were trained on Max taking in every detail from his shaggy brown hair down to his non-slip shoes required for working the deli.
“Well, well, this is a surprise” Its voice was a deep rasp with a buried growl in it that perfectly matched the hybrid.
“What is?” Max asked.
“It's been ages since a world has upgraded and not even minutes later we get an application to join our army. Truly, not even the most chaotic goblin would have bet on the chances of it.”
“An-n application? The system said-”
The hybrid's sharp snort cut Max off.
“The System only sets things up. We have as much free will as you and the requirements to join the army aren't that easy to be waived.”
“What requirements?”
“Hmmm, let’s see boy” it drawled while dragging a claw through the air. Behind it a silver mist formed into the shape of a scroll. The hybrid leaned forward to peer at the dark writing that dripped down it.
“I’m not a boy, I’m 26” Max blurted out, stung by how quickly his best chance seemed to be vanishing in front of his eyes.
“I’m over 460,and still considered a young adult by Tigron standards” it absentmindedly retorted. Its eyes widened in shock.
“Well, well, not just basic but upgraded from base that might just be a first. Boy, you might just be the luckiest recruit this side of the Abyssal Trench.”
“Uhh”
“Tell me do you even have the first idea of what mana is? Or the System?” it questioned, with a more understanding tone.
“Mana? You mean like magic and stuff?
“Magic, hah, Back when y'all last had mana it was at runic level which would have entailed a lot of rituals and chanting so I can see where you'd put it like that, especially after being without it for the war. However, Mana is not just some wishy washy power appearing out of the nether. It is a byproduct produced by every living thing. How you utilize Mana is determined by the density of the Mana in your realm. Thanks to the efforts of Mortal Armies in the war, like us Tigrons, our victory has supplied your realm with enough Mana to move beyond the basic to Cards.
“Cards? Like playing cards or TCG’s?” Max asked.
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It tilted its head to the side as it peered at something Max couldn’t see.
“Yes, TCG’s might come close, but not any basic paper nonsense, real power molded by the system into Artifacts, Items, Weapons, Lands, Spells, and Creatures. But first things first, let’s see what we are working with.” He gestured down at the table and Max watched as a small crystal ball appeared filled with lightly glowing purple fog.
“Touch it” The Tigron commanded.
Hesitantly, Max reached out and touched the crystal. It felt cool as it was radiating a slight chill. The chill crept up his arm and grew to fill his whole body. With a ding, a light silver notification popped up above the ball.
image [https://imgur.com/hE94Oee.png]
“This is your status screen, you’ll be able to call it up from now on just by focusing on wanting to see it.”
The Tigron peered intently at the notification and before Max could give it more than a basic scan, he started pointing down at the bottom.
“A Ruin synergy, hmmm, well that could mean either a strong de-buff build, an assassin, or maybe a swarm summoner. And what’s this? A Blessing? For a Level zero nobody who just got elevated? Hmm, this is interesting. Okay kid, I'll give you a chance and see if you’ve got what it takes to be of service to the Phantom Scouts.” With a wave of a claw, a new silver notification appeared.
image [https://i.imgur.com/EAeF5o9.jpeg]
Max looked over the contract, finding it far more insightful and straightforward than any of the others. So his name is Shadowstalker, sounds about right for a gray tiger. The trial will last 30 days and I'll get a draw pack. I wonder if it'll be like those Sorcery cards and be all random or if it'll match my…synergy? What exactly will I get for Ruin cards?
With that mental focus he was starting to get used to, he accepted the contract. Looking at Shadowstalker, he asked “How do I get cards?”
“The only way to get cards is to level, complete a dungeon or quest, or perform an act benefiting a God. Then you’ll receive a Draw pack.” He stated while slinking back onto the chair.
“Will these cards match my synergy?” Max asked.
“Most likely not, but all cards fall within the six elements: fire, water, air, earth, light, and dark. As long as it's a Dark card you’ll be able to use it. Anything else, you can trade at a hub inside any civilized city. “
“How do I level? Gods are real? How do I reach a city? Where am I?” The rest of Max’s questions spewed out like water bursting from a dam.
“Relax, kid, you level the same way as anybody else: killing monsters. As for where you are, you're in the Trial of Ascension which is a temporary realm created to house Sentient life while your world is Ascended. Gods exist, but you're better off keeping out of their business, that way always spells trouble.”
Max found himself pacing back and forth in front of the lounging tiger while he tried to get all the information he could out of him. There was some odd sense in the back of his mind, like a ticking clock, making him sure that his time was rapidly running out.
“What about my Blessing?” he queried.
“Hah, a blessing from Deakron, the God of Pain? I wouldn’t put a lot of hope in Him. He’s far more likely to reward you for making it out alive but missing all your limbs, than to pull your fat out of the fire.”
“So all I have to do is hold out here for 30 days till I return to Earth and then kill monsters?” Max asked with a faint sense of relief. Maybe this would be more manageable than he’d been thinking. He had thought it would be like one of those books where the main character was thrown from one fire to the next.
This made the Tigron release the biggest laugh yet. “Hah, no you’ll have to face monsters here too. No place touched by Mana is free from those little buggers. But buck up kid, the best way to level is by killing monsters, and you definitely need the levels. I haven’t seen a level zero since I left the breeding caves of Trybeck ages ago.”
With a sinking feeling, Max realized he’d got his hopes up too fast. Turning, Max watched as the Tigron was covered in red light, then disappeared as fast and noiseless as he had come. Great, and there goes the recruiter, my only chance to get more information. Wait, he never said how to get to a city. Just great. I bet that God’s blessing is from working in retail.
Straightening to his full 6’ 2” height, Max set his shoulders and faced the door. Time to go kill some monsters and gain some levels. With any luck he might even come across Dawn or other survivors. With a simple push on the lever, the door opened inward just in time for Max to see that crazy lady shuffle past, ratty shawl flapping as her nasally shriek pierced his eardrums.
“Helllllppppp, 911, Manager, Mannnnagggeer”
Behind her plodded a skeleton, leaning heavily forward. Discolored bones peeking out of rotted scraps of clothing. A rusty old sword was held out in a two handed grip towards the ladies back. Max stared shocked at the monster as it slowly paced past and a small gray box appeared over it.
image [https://imgur.com/ftCWagO.png]
Max frantically looked around the room, while patting his pockets, looking for a weapon to use. However, the only thing he came up with was his boxcutter, which he doubted would do any good against a skeleton even if the inch long blade wasn’t duller than a spoon. Skeleton, skeleton, what do I know about skeletons? In most games they are weak to Holy spells and weapons, which I don't have. Uhh, uhh, they also are generally weak to blunt damage. If only I had a club. Looking up, Max noticed that the skeleton was approaching a turn in the corridor and a dumb plan began to form.
Crouching down into a football stance, Max prayed that this worked like the movies. With all his strength, he lunged forward into a charge down the hall. As he neared the skeleton’s back he watched the blade raise up and fall, sending a spray of blood up into the ceiling. Seconds later, Max crashed into the skeleton plowing it into the stone wall in front of it. Bones broke apart, leaving Max to fall prone over the lifeless body of the cheap shopper.
Gold light rose from the bones and flew over and entered Max. The only thing that had changed on his status was a listing for exp, showing him at 25/100.
Only 4 more to level. Man, I wish I could have been just a little faster, not even she deserved to die like that. Getting slowly to his feet, Max noticed that the skeleton’s corpse had completely vanished, including the sword. Dang it, of course it did. Nothing’s ever easy. Leaning over, Max pulled the shawl over the body trying to restore some small dignity to her. The body glowed with a light purple light for a second then vanished. Max saw a small notification pop into view.
image [https://imgur.com/9RdCqdB.png]
Dang, she had more exp then I got from killing the skeleton. How on Earth did she manage that? Hearing scurrying behind him, Max spun around to see a small swarm of rats closing in on him. Each of them was the size of a football and their beady, red eyes almost seemed to be glowing a demonic red color. The only good news was that the bars above their heads declared them as level 0’s, so much weaker than the skeleton.
A wave of fear rolled over him, as he realized that his sprint had taken him too far from the door to make the room, before they were upon him. Gathering himself, he wedged himself into the corner, making it so the rats had less ways to come at him. As the monsters reached him, Max started stomping, crushing the first couple rats. The next couple leapt up sinking their teeth into his legs. Punching down sent them tumbling to be crushed under the swarm. Max kept stomping even while feeling blood start seeping out of his wounds. The stomping kept the rats from getting too close, and Max focused on punching any that leapt at him. A grueling thirty seconds later, he crushed the last one and collapsed into the corner. His work jeans were in tatters below both knees, the tough denim no match for the rat's teeth. Likewise, both legs were covered in scrapes and wounds, with blood trickling down over his boots. Another notification popped up, helpfully condensing the exp from all the rats into one.
image [https://imgur.com/swLnHKq.png]
Golden light poured off his body in a bright pulse, while a perfect warmth like sitting under the sun on a summer day, filled every cell. Looking down, Max noticed that the wounds on his legs were gone, leaving only the blood and torn pants as proof that they had ever been there. Max propped himself against the wall looking back down the hall. He could barely believe that in the space of five minutes, he had gone through two different encounters with monsters. It seemed so weird to be sitting in an empty corridor like this with no bodies, only blood and his notifications giving any proof that anything had happened.
That tiger clearly knew it would be like this. Why couldn’t he have given me any more information? Or at least a weapon of some kind. “Good luck, kid”. God what I wouldn’t give to punch him right in the face. As Max calmed down, he noticed a small blinking circle spinning next to the countdown for the realm upgrade. As he focused on it, it expanded to fill his view with a new notification.
image [https://imgur.com/61SUEqv.png]
Max couldn’t help but grin as he gave the assent. Finally, time for some magic, and with any luck he might even get a weapon or some armor. The notification blinked out and more of that silver mist the Tigron had used filled the air until five cards hung in the air before him. Each of them was bone white in color, with black bars down the sides. Eagerly, Max leaned in to read the descriptions.
image [https://imgur.com/j2yx05y.png]
image [https://imgur.com/SbSSWe4.png]
image [https://imgur.com/OJigtl8.jpg]
image [https://imgur.com/kkCWiaZ.jpg]
image [https://imgur.com/G8owl4j.jpg]
image [https://imgur.com/xjzdqUz.jpg]
The cards from the draw were Young Hellhound, Withering Gaze, Ring of Starlight, Forgotten Ruins, and Cloak of Shadows. One each of creature, spell, item, land, and armor. It looks like the only one I can summon immediately is the land, which will then start producing Mana, which I can use to summon the others. It doesn’t look too bad to start with, but I would really have preferred a weapon, so I wouldn’t have to punch rats again. The Gift card was from Deakron, and seemed to utilize his Blessing. I wonder if my blessing will apply to my creature or if it would need its own Blessing.
With a sigh, Max climbed to his feet and headed back to the room. As much as he’d like to continue exploring, these fights had shown him that he needed to be better prepared to wander the halls. While he might not have the most experience with trading card games, Max knew that the next step was to familiarize himself with his cards. If he could figure out the basic mechanics before he ran into another monster, he’d have a much better shot at winning. So far he’d been very lucky, with perfect scenarios and weak opponents, but he couldn’t depend on that in the future. Closing the door, Max called up his status.
image [https://i.imgur.com/ys2HMWu.jpeg]