Chapter 11: NEXUS
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From dawn to dusk, ten-year-olds—half my size—battered and knocked me around the dojo. Utterly outmatched, my lack of skill was surpassed only by my embarrassment. Despite Yukiko’s initial disappointment in my ineptitude, she remained committed. By evening, I improved just enough to hold my own.
“Until now, you have sparred in single matches, Ember,” Yukiko said, circling the room. “But a Jingozi tournament is a game with six—one from each faction.”
Five youths in kendo armor wielding bamboo swords surrounded me.
“When you begin a match, you are taught to exchange your cards for the best possible starting hand. But so will all your opponents.”
It wasn’t an official Jingozi match, being the only official apprentice. However, Yukiko’s training dojo acted as a Jingozi simulator.
I loaded my hand and lucked out with a [7/7]. Spells were unavailable, which made it the strongest card in the match—pocket aces. We also weren’t permitted to raise our Zii wagers or fold. So, I infused the minimum 1 Zii and waited for the others to commit their cards.
“Begin!”
The dojo erupted into a whirlwind of gold and bamboo.
I somersaulted into the air, landing a kick to the back of one Samurai youth, sending him sprawling. Touching down, my sweeping kick took out another before rolling under a sword swing. The three collided in their haste for an opening. I struck two with open palm strikes, sending them skidding across the dojo floor.
One last opponent remained to win the hand. He lunged, feinting with his bamboo shinai, followed by an axe kick. I sidestepped into a spinning hook kick. But he was ready, blocking my attack.
The round ended. His card was a [7/4], tied with my [7/7]. We circled as we selected our next card.
As the first to act, I played my next best card, a [5/2]. My young opponent played his card and flew at me with a front snap kick. I caught his foot, which set me up. He flipped backward, catching me squarely under the chin with his foot, lifting me into the air. I came crashing down—my bottom lip split in half.
His card was a [7/6], beating my [5/2].
“Enough,” Yukiko commanded. She crouched beside me, lifting a finger under my chin. My lip stung like hell, welling with blood.
“What did you learn?”
“After a mulligan, there’s a higher probability all players have strong starting hands,” I said. “While my first card beat four, the fifth player had a seven attack, so we tied.”
“And then?”
“He had a second seven-attack card to play. I… did not.”
“Good. Know the strategies and anticipate your opponents, especially their habits and patterns. They will betray themselves if you pay attention.”
“Like poker,” I grumbled.
Kitty bounced into my lap with a squeak, licking my wound. My lip started to clot and close.
“Yes, in your world, there are strategies—so common anyone familiar with the game would know,” Yukiko’s eyes gleamed with intensity. “But you must master the nuances, detect the subtle shifts in the energy of the battle, and exploit every weakness. Know when to hold back, strike, and mislead. Predict your opponents’ next moves before they know themselves.”
She helped me up and checked my lip.
“My goodness,” she said. “The legends of the silverglint’s powers are true.”
Day [10/40]
As I walked through the village, enjoying the fresh morning air, a group of young samurai-in-training practiced their stances. They were all ten. Yukiko told me every child in the village was the same age. One of the boys caught sight of me and abandoned his drills, making a beeline in my direction.
“Hi there!” he said, puffing out his chest.
“Hello,” I said. “What’s your name?”
“I’m Hiro. You’re the famous Ember, right? Here for special training?”
“Well, I wouldn’t say legendary, but yes, I’m Ember.”
“I think you’re so friendly. And your hair is pretty. You’re like, um… the friendliest and prettiest girl I’ve ever seen.”
“Thank you, Hiro. That’s very sweet of you,” I tried to keep a straight face.
Hiro glanced back at his friends, who were snickering and giving him a thumbs-up. A cute girl with a gold bow in her hair was unimpressed.
“I’ve been training to be a Samurai since I was born. Everyone says I’m extra strong for my age.”
“Oh, I bet you are.”
“Yeah,” he flexed his tiny biceps. “I can lift a whole bag of rice by myself. And I can run faster than anybody. Maybe... maybe one day I could take you out for a run around the village. I promise I won’t run too fast so you can keep up.”
“That sounds like a lot of fun, Hiro. I’d love that.” I bit my lip to keep from laughing.
The young girl threw her bokken into the dirt and stormed off. Ignoring her, Hiro’s face lit up.
“Really?” he said. “I know all the best spots. And maybe I could teach you a few moves, too.”
“Oh, I’m sure you could. You’ll be a great Samurai one day.”
He blushed, glancing back at his friends, who were now flailing with laughter.
“Well, back to training—I need to stay sharp, you know?”
“Of course, Hiro. Keep up the good work.”
After an enthusiastic bow, he jogged back to his group, tripping over his feet. The other boys swarmed him, teasing and laughing. Hiro grinned like he’d just been crowned prom king.
“Ember!” a voice called. It was Yukiko at the top of the road. “I have something to show you!”
* * *
Yukiko led me through the village to a path I hadn’t noticed before. Kitty followed along but abandoned us halfway, distracted by an anthill. We wound through an exotic garden filled with vibrant flowers, pristine bonsai trees, and trickling streams that crossed our path under arched wooden bridges. The air was fragrant with blooming cherry blossoms and fresh earth.
We walked in silence, taking in the serene beauty. Reaching the end of the path, I saw a cave ahead, its entrance obscured by cascading ivy. In front of the cave, a natural spring bubbled up from sparkling green rocks.
“We call it a nexus—places in this world where the natural Zii concentration is the most potent,” Yukiko gestured to the pure jade stones surrounding the spring. “Legend tells us a jade Golem perished here and released its essence into the land. The Jade Golems have not been seen for a full millennium.”
I approached the spring, feeling a strange pull. The water was crystal clear and inviting.
“We believe places like this contain the necessary energy to connect dimensions,” she said. “Such as to your world, Ember.”
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
I teared up at the mention of home.
“Drink,” Yukiko urged, touching the water. “It will strengthen you, fortify your spirit, and connect you deeper to your Zii.”
I knelt by the spring. Cupping my hands, I dipped them into the cool water and brought it to my lips—a tingle of energy with a warm buzz spread through my body.
LEVEL UP
Name: Ember [8160]
Faction: Ninja [Field]
Level: 6
Card Deck: 36 [Battle] / 5 [Spell]
I kept my eyes closed to stay in the moment.
“Every nexus has the same effect,” she said. “But some offer more.”
“What do you—”
My consciousness opened like a blooming flower. A dazzling light show exploded in my mind, accompanied by vivid tastes, smells, and sounds, making me stretch and curl my toes.
“Let it flow through you.”
I moved into the new Zii-Kata routine, downloading into my consciousness. It was slower yet more rigorous and complex than the one Cragmarr taught. Instead of serenity and focus, this new form was about strength.
After a deep breath, I opened my eyes. In front of me was a floating red card.
“What if I fail?” I said.
“My child, of the billions of people on Earth, why do you think you were the one brought here to our village?” Presenting the card, she smiled, “We believe in you.”
I touched the card. It evaporated into red smoke, swirling into my ears, nose, and mouth. Yukiko caught me in an embrace before my legs gave way. I wrapped my arms around her and squeezed hard, bracing for the pain.
YOU HAVE LEARNED A NEW SPELL
Spell: Force Field
PVP: Burn your attack: End the hand instantly and freeze the pot for the next hand.
PVE: ???
Level: 6
Card Deck: 36 [Battle] / 6 [Spell]
The pain never came.
“What happened?” I asked.
“It is a divine blessing to shoulder another’s pain,” she replied.
“Thank you, Yukiko,” I squeezed her again.
“Wait here for a moment.”
She walked to the cave as a Jingozi emerged from the shadows—not the Jingozi I knew, but a different one. Stunned and furious, I clenched my teeth. After some discussion, Yukiko returned. The Jingozi retreated into the darkness.
Before I could protest, Yukiko knelt before me.
“Ember, I have arranged transport to the nearest Samurai city. It will be no more than three days’ travel. There, your training will continue.”
“But, I’m—”
“Ninja. I know, my child. Do you have your faction token?”
I produced it from my inventory.
“Good,” she said. “Nobody must know your faction or that you are a Jingozi apprentice—nobody. I am sending you as a tribute.”
“Tribute?”
“Yes, as a consort for the Shogun.”
“Wait, you’re selling me into prostitution?” I jumped to my feet.
“I understand how it may sound to you, but a consort is not a concubine. It is the only way you will gain passage. Ninjas are considered criminals. Do not forget our factions are at war, and if they discover you are an apprentice, they will execute you as a threat to their Jingozi ambitions. Reach the city, and your faction will find you.”
I guess I just had to go with it.
NEW MISSION: SAMURAI CITY
Travel to a Samurai city and find the Ninja faction.
A horn blast sounded from the village, and Yukiko grabbed my hand.
“It is time,” she said. “Quickly, cover yourself.”
She pulled a golden cloak from a pouch and draped it over me, clipping it with a round medallion carved with the Samurai faction symbol. The material was delicate and heavy.
Kitty was nowhere in sight, but I was sure she’d pop up eventually.
* * *
A convoy of golden Samurai waited for us at the village entrance.
The Samurai were mounted on metallic robot horses. At least, they resembled horses. They stood on six legs covered with interlocking armor plates. As each plate moved, it glowed from underneath, revealing a body of molten gold.
Attached to the magnificent creatures were three armored carriages. They also moved on six mechanical legs but more like insects. Intricate engravings and symbols covered each carriage. Gold banners adorned with the Samurai faction symbols fluttered in the breeze.
A samurai approached and dismounted from his mechanical steed. He was tall and well-built, his armor gleaming with the same golden hue. His dark hair was tied back neatly into a top knot, and his eyes were bright with gold highlights.
Name: Ryuunosuke
Tier 1 Apprentice
Faction Samurai [Warrior]
Level: 24
“Master Yukiko,” he said, bowing respectfully, “I am Ryuunosuke. I’ve come to pick up your tribute.”
“Ryuunosuke, yes,” Yukiko returned the bow. “I knew your father. He was an honorable and mighty warrior. This is Ember. She is my tribute to our Lord Shogun.”
The Samurai looked stunned. Was that good or bad? For a moment, I became very self-conscious.
“Ember defected from the Emperors of the North,” Yukiko continued. “A rare and exquisite beauty, would you not say? Such an exotic consort will be most pleasing to our Lord Shogun.”
I felt nauseous.
Ryuunosuke took a moment to collect himself and turned his gaze to me, his expression both curious and respectful.
“Ember,” he bowed, “it is an honor. We’ve traveled far to escort you. Your arrival will be highly anticipated.”
Yukiko nudged me. I stiffened but managed to bow back.
“Forgive her. She is a foreigner and has yet to learn proper etiquette. But I am sure she is a quick study,” Yukiko said. “Go to your room, Ember. You do not want to wear that for the Lord Shogun, do you?”
* * *
While staying in the village, I never took the time to appreciate my room lodgings. The walls were adorned with delicate paper screens, and a soft tatami mat covered the floor. I was going to miss it, along with Yukiko’s hospitality.
A dress was in the center of the room, draped over a wooden stand.
The kimono was a deep crimson, its fabric shimmering with subtle, iridescent hues hinting at its magical craftsmanship. Gold embroidery lined the edges, forming delicate patterns of blossoms that moved ever so slightly as the light caught them. Long flowing sleeves flared at the wrists, and the neckline featured more gold stitching.
I preferred the practicality of cargo pants and a hoodie. But running my fingers over the luxurious fabric, I couldn’t hide my appreciation. The material was soft yet sturdy, and the attention to detail was beautiful.
After storing the Samurai cloak in my inventory, I slipped into the white undergarments and the kimono. As the fabric settled around me, I was surprised by how comfortable it felt—the clothes molded to my body, fitting perfectly without being restrictive. I put on the red sash and moved to a nearby mirror.
A smile crept onto my face. Part of me wanted to hate it but couldn’t. The traditional dress made me feel elegant and empowered, a far cry from my basic Ninja uniform. I allowed myself to enjoy this gift.
YOU HAVE RECEIVED NEW ARMOR
Ninja Kimono
- Inventory Slots: 24
- Transform: 1 Zii
- Protection from fire: 2 Zii
- Self-cleaning & repair [Passive]
Woah. Armor?
After touching it with one Zii, the kimono shimmered into a black Ninja suit with a red sash and accents, complete with a mask, boots, and gloves—the whole package.
Well, this will come in handy for sure.
Infusing another Zii, it transformed back to kimono mode. I twirled, watching the kimono flow and shine. Yukiko had outdone herself.
I noticed something strange in the mirror—I looked healthier than ever. Even with the glorious bath in the hot springs, there was no way I could look this good after weeks of exposure to sewers, dust, sweat, and sweltering sun. My face should be a coffee-stained, tanned leather saddle by now.
The same thing was true for my hair—fuller and more vibrant—not a split end to be found, as if I’d just walked out of a salon.
Am I getting prettier?
Did this explain why every high-level Jingozi player looked like a model? After spending my entire adult life fussing over beauty routines, agonizing over every blemish, I didn’t know how to react or feel.
When I returned, Yukiko gave me a knowing glance. I acknowledged our secret with a nod and then flashed her a big grin. She put her hand over her mouth to hide her smile.
“Will I ever see you again?” I asked.
“As sure as fortune smiles upon us, my child, I know we will,” she said, embracing me. “Remember everything I taught you, especially the nexus.” Yukiko wiped my tears and held my face. I kissed her cheek before Ryuunosuke helped me into the carriage.
A silver streak shot between us, and Kitty was inside, sniffing around.
“And where have you been, young lady?”
She yowled, dismissing my admonishment, far more interested in the snacks on the table.
All the children gathered outside my window to bow in unison. As we lurched forward to depart, they broke rank to run alongside the carriage, shouting and waving goodbye. I stuck my arm out and waved back.
Sinking into my seat, I took a deep breath, observing the blend of luxury and practicality within my transport. The interior was lined with plush cushions upholstered in golden silk, embroidered with dragon patterns. Polished wood lined the walls, giving the space a warm, inviting feel. Paper and bamboo lanterns hung from the ceiling, casting ambient light to highlight the delicate artwork.
A bonsai tree in a pot sat on a dark, lacquered wood chest in the middle of the carriage. Small compartments and shelves were built into the storage units along the wall, stocked with scrolls, ink brushes, and other writing supplies.
The carriage rocked onward as I settled in and closed my eyes.
* * *
I awoke to Kitty scratching at the doors on the side of the chest. She jumped as banging came from the inside. I armed a knife and loaded my hand. The banging got louder as I pulled on the latch. The doors burst open, and a boy in gold rolled out, putting up his hands in surrender.
“I’m sorry!”