The first light of dawn breaks over Yaris, the warm sun shining a soft glow over the city and the fields surrounding it. In one of these fields, just outside the bustling rings of Yaris is Ryn and Kyle. They stand facing each other, ready to spar. The field is a perfect backdrop for them, with vibrant wildflowers swaying gently in the morning breeze. The air is crisp and filled with the scent of blooming violets.
Kyle adjusts the carabiner attached to his belt loop, his nano-sword compacted within it. He glances at Ryn, who is already in a fighting stance, her eyes focused. Ryn’s nano-sword, activated from her wrist bracelet, glimmers in the early sunlight, catching a sharp reflection in the rays.
“Ready?” Ryn asks, her voice calm but authoritative.
Kyle nods, gripping his carabiner. With a swift motion, he yanks it off his belt loop, and it transforms into a gleaming sword in his hand. “Ready.”
Without another word, Ryn lunges forward, her sword slicing through the air. Kyle meets her strike, their blades clashing with a metallic ring. Sparks fly off the point of contact, illuminating the intensity in their faces.
“You’ve got to be faster,” Ryn advises, pressing her attack. She swings her sword with a wide stride, aiming for Kyle’s side.
He parries, his muscles straining as he blocks the powerful blow. “I’m trying! You’ve had six months of training on Atlas. I’ve barely had six weeks.”
Ryn smirks, pushing him back with a series of rapid strikes. “Then consider this accelerated training.” She steps forward, her movements fluid. Each swing and thrust is calculated, her training evident in every motion.
Kyle, though less experienced, holds his ground admirably. He counters with a quick upward slash, aiming for Ryn’s shoulder. She deflects it with ease, spinning on her heel and coming at him from the side.
“Good! But you’re telegraphing your moves,” Ryn critiques, their swords grinding together once more.
Kyle grits his teeth, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. “And you’re relentless.”
Ryn laughs, a light and melodic sound amidst the clanging of metal. “In a fight, you have to be. The Wastes won’t give you a moment’s rest.” She steps back, giving Kyle a second to breathe. “Again.”
Kyle adjusts his stance, his eyes narrowing in concentration. He lunges forward, putting all his strength into his attack. This time, Ryn meets his strike with a more defensive approach, letting him push her back slightly before she pivots and counters with a swift strike that disarms him.
Kyle’s sword clatters to the ground, and he stumbles back, panting. “Damn, you’re good.”
Ryn lowers her sword, a satisfied smile on her face. “And you’re getting better. Just need to work on your footwork and anticipation.”
Kyle retrieves his sword, which collapses back into the carabiner form as he attaches it to his belt loop. “Thanks. I’ll get there.”
Ryn nods, her expression turning almost serious. “You will. We all need to be at our best if we’re going to survive out here.”
The two of them stand in the field, the flowers around them chopped with the intensity of their training. The morning sun continues to rise and birds begin to sing, the peacefulness of the area slowly returns.
Kyle stretches, feeling the strain of the sparring session in his muscles. “You think the others are up yet?”
Ryn glances back toward the city, where the rest of their group is likely still resting. She shrugs. “Hard to tell. We should head back soon anyway, get ready for whatever.”
Before they head back to the city, Ryn and Kyle take a moment to rest among the wildflowers. The gentle rustling of the petals in the breeze provides a soothing tranquility over them. They sit down, the flowers brushing against their legs, and both take a deep breath, savoring the calm before the next storm.
Kyle leans back on his elbows, gazing up at the clear blue sky. “So, Ryn,” he begins, his tone casual, “what’s your life like outside the game?”
Ryn shrugs, plucking a flower and twirling it between her fingers. “Not much to tell, really. My life outside the game is pretty mundane. That’s why I spend so much time in GameBox's virtual worlds. Here, I can be someone more interesting, do things that matter.”
Kyle nods thoughtfully, watching as she opens her inventory. A holographic menu appears above her watch, and she navigates through it with ease. She pulls out a simple sandwich, neatly cloaked in a digital shimmer. She unwraps it and breaks it in half, handing one piece to Kyle.
“Thanks,” he says, accepting the sandwich. He takes a bite, chewing thoughtfully.
“What about you, Kyle? What’s your story?”
He sighs, looking down at the sandwich in his hands. “Not much different from yours, I guess. Outside the game, life was… rough. I was bullied a lot and it made me feel like I didn’t belong anywhere.”
Ryn listens quietly, her eyes softening with empathy. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
Kyle offers a small smile, though it’s laced with sadness. “Thanks. But in these virtual worlds, I feel like I have a purpose. No one cares about who I am or who I love. It’s just about what I can do, what I can achieve.”
Ryn nods, understanding exactly what he means. “Yeah, I get that. It’s why I keep coming back, too. Here, we’re not defined by our pasts or what people think of us. We’re defined by our actions, our choices.”
Kyle looks at her, admiration in his eyes. “You’re pretty amazing, you know that?”
Ryn chuckles, shaking her head. “I’m just doing my best, same as you.” She takes a bite of her sandwich, savoring the simple comfort of the food. “And you’re doing great, Kyle. You’ve come a long way and you aren’t even an Assault Dropper, and I know you’re going to do even better.”
Kyle smiles, more genuinely this time. “Thanks, Ryn. That means a lot.”
They sit in comfortable silence for a few moments, enjoying their sandwiches and the peace of the flower-filled field. The sun continues to rise, its warmth a reminder of the day ahead.
Eventually, Ryn stands up, brushing off her pants. “We should head back. The others will be waiting.”
Kyle nods, getting to his feet as well. “Yeah, let’s go.”
Together, they make their way back towards Yaris, their bond strengthened by shared stories and the understanding that, in the virtual world, they had found a place where they truly belonged.
Once back in the city, Ryn and the others make their way to the Council Chambers, the heart of Yaris and a bustling hub for all players.
As they enter the grand hall, the atmosphere is charged with activity. Players of all kinds mill about, discussing strategies, forming teams, and consulting with the council members. The walls are adorned with murals depicting battles and significant events from the lore of Abos, lending the space an air of grandeur and legacy.
In the center of the chamber, the large oval table dominates the room and above it the holographic sphere, displaying a detailed map of Abos. The map is dynamic, constantly updating to show the latest information about story missions, side missions, and various other events taking place across the planet.
To one side of the room stands a virtual bulletin board, a vibrant display where players can see tasks posted around the city and opportunities to help other players. The board is filled with a myriad of requests, ranging from simple errands to more complex missions requiring a team effort. It's a place where players can find purpose and make their mark in the world.
Ryn steps closer to the table, her eyes scanning the holographic sphere. "This place is incredible," she murmurs, captivated by the sheer scale of the information.
Kyle nods, his gaze fixed on the map. "It's like the nerve center of the game. Everything we need to know, all in one place."
Elara moves to the bulletin board, her fingers gliding over the display as she browses the tasks. "There are so many requests for help. Looks like we won't be short on things to do."
Jax points to the holographic map. "We need to focus on our main objective. But it wouldn't hurt to take on a few side missions to gain more experience and resources."
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
As they discuss their next steps, a familiar voice calls out to them. Lysandra, their Yarian guide, approaches with a welcoming smile. "Ah, Droppers, welcome back. I see you're getting acquainted with our mission hub."
Ryn turns to Lysandra, nodding. "It's impressive. We were just figuring out our next mission."
Lysandra gestures to the holographic sphere. "The map here shows the current state of Abos. Major story missions are marked in red, side missions in blue, and other notable events and player-driven activities are highlighted in green. You can select any mission to get more details."
Elara steps closer, pointing to a red marker near the southern continent. "What's this one?"
Lysandra taps the marker, and the holographic sphere zooms in, providing detailed information about the mission. "This is a story mission. It involves investigating a new type of Waste that has been causing trouble in the region. It's highly recommended for experienced players, as the threat level is significant."
Kyle looks at the marker, then back at the bulletin board. "And these tasks? Are they as dangerous?"
Lysandra smiles. "Not all. Some are more mundane, like gathering supplies or aiding in construction efforts. But every task helps build the community and contributes to our collective goals."
Ryn scans the bulletin board, noting a mix of tasks that range from combat-oriented to logistical. "We should probably balance our efforts. Tackling some side missions will help us gain the experience and resources we need for the bigger challenges."
Jax nods in agreement, slightly rolling his eyes. "Agreed, I just said that. Let's start with something manageable and work our way up."
Elara selects a couple of side missions from the board, both involving nearby areas. "These should be a good start."
Ryn's eyes dart around the virtual bulletin board, looking for a task that would be both manageable and useful. One entry catches her attention:
"Searching for help. My friend has gone missing. Said something about exploring a cave in the western part of Yaris. He hasn't returned."
Ryn taps the entry, and her watch buzzes with the confirmation. She turns to Kyle, who has been studying the map intently. “Kyle, I found something. A player went missing in a cave to the west. It sounds straightforward, but we should be cautious.”
Kyle nods, his expression serious. “Got it. Let’s find the task giver and get more details.”
Their watches buzz again, displaying the task and a location marker for the mission giver. The marker guides them to a small plaza near the western edge of Yaris, where a young man stands nervously, shifting from foot to foot. He looks up as they approach, relief in his eyes.
“Are you the ones who accepted my request?” he asks, his voice filled with anxiety.
Ryn nods, stepping forward. “Yes, I’m Ryn, and this is Kyle. We’re here to help. Can you tell us more about your friend and where he went missing?”
The young man, who introduces himself as Tomas, takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself. “My friend, Niko, loves exploring. He heard about some ancient cave to the west of the city and decided to check it out. That was two days ago, and he hasn’t come back. I’m really worried something might have happened to him.”
Kyle glances at Ryn, then back at Tomas. “Did Niko mention anything specific about the cave? Any dangers or landmarks we should be aware of?”
Tomas nods, his brow furrowed in concentration. “He said the cave was hidden behind a waterfall in a small forested area. He thought it might contain old tech or artifacts. Niko always carries a signal beacon, but it’s been silent since he went in. I’m afraid he might be trapped or worse.”
Ryn pulls up the map on her watch, marking the location Tomas described. “We’ll head there right away. Stay here in case he comes back or sends a signal. We’ll do our best to find him.”
Tomas’s face softens with gratitude. “Thank you so much. Please, just bring him back safely.”
With a final nod, Ryn and Kyle set off towards the western part of Yaris. The city gradually gives way to more natural surroundings, the bustling streets replaced by quiet paths and lush greenery. As they approach the forest, the sound of rushing water grows louder, guiding them towards the hidden cave.
They find the waterfall easily, its cascading waters sparkling in the sunlight. Behind it, just as Tomas described, is a narrow entrance to a cave. Ryn activates her flashlight, the beam cutting through the dimness as they step inside. The air is cool and damp, the walls of the cave slick with moisture.
Kyle unsheathes his nano-sword from its carabiner form, ready for any threats. “Stay close,” he murmurs, his voice echoing slightly in the confined space.
Ryn grins, “I’ll try my best, good and powerful one.”
He huffs as she nudges him. “Yeah yeah.”
They move cautiously deeper into the cave, the sound of dripping water accompanying their steps. The path is uneven, forcing them to navigate carefully around jagged rocks and small pools of water.
After a few minutes, they come to a wider chamber. Ryn’s flashlight reveals scattered pieces of metal, looks like Niko was right about old tech, and remnants of a campsite. “This must be where Niko was exploring,” she says, scanning the area for any signs of life.
Kyle points to a narrow passageway leading further into the darkness. “There’s more back there. Let’s check it out.”
As they proceed, the cave becomes increasingly labyrinthine, with twisting tunnels and sudden drops. They follow the faint traces of a path, occasionally finding signs that Niko had been there—scratched notes on the walls, discarded supplies, and at one point, a broken flashlight.
“Looks like he went this way,” Ryn says, moving forward with urgency.
Deeper into the cave, a faint rhythmic tapping becomes clearer, guiding Ryn and Kyle towards it. The narrow passageways twist and turn, their flashlights casting shadows on the damp walls. The air is cold and only gets colder as they descend more and more. Ryn shivers slightly..
Finally, they reach a small chamber where Niko is trapped beneath a fallen rock. He looks up as they approach, his eyes filled with exhaustion and relief. “Thank goodness,” he whispers, his voice hoarse. “I thought I’d never get out of here. My body core is low.”
Before Ryn and Kyle can move to free him, a growl reverberates through the chamber, stopping them in their tracks. From a shadowy corner of the cave, a grotesque Waste emerges, its mutated form twisting unnaturally as it approaches. The creature’s skin is a sickly green, marred with pulsating veins, and its eyes glow with a red light. Sharp, jagged claws extend from its fingers, dripping with a viscous black substance.
Ryn steps back, ready to draw her sword, but then glances at Kyle. “This is a good opportunity for you to get some practice,” she says, “Why don’t you take it down?”
Kyle nods, determination flashing in his eyes. He tightens his grip on his weapon, the blade humming with energy. He takes a deep breath, steadying himself before moving to face the Waste.
The creature snarls, lunging at Kyle with surprising speed. Kyle sidesteps, narrowly avoiding the swipe of its claws, and counters with a quick slash of his sword. The blade connects with the Waste’s arm, cutting deep and eliciting a screech of pain from the creature. Black ichor oozes from the wound, hissing as it hits the ground.
The Waste recovers quickly, its eyes locking onto Kyle with fury. It charges again erratically but powerful. He braces himself, deflecting a series of vicious attacks with calculated precision. Sparks fly from his blade as it clashes with the monster, the cave echoing with the sounds of their battle.
Ryn watches intently, ready to step in if needed but confident in Kyle’s abilities. “Stay focused,” she calls out. “Watch its movements.”
Kyle nods, moving his grip on the sword. He ducks under a wide swing, then spins, delivering a powerful slash to the Waste’s midsection. The creature roars in agony, staggering back as its lifeblood spills onto the cave floor. Sensing an opening, Kyle presses the attack, his strikes becoming faster and more precise. He lands blow after blow, each one weakening the creature further.
The Waste, now desperate, lunges wildly, but Kyle is ready. He parries the attack, then brings his sword down in a powerful swing, cleaving through the creature’s neck. The Waste collapses with a final, pitiful growl, its body disintegrating into a pool of black sludge.
Breathing heavily, Kyle stands over the fallen creature, his sword still humming with energy. He looks back at Ryn, a triumphant smile on his face. “Got it.”
Ryn nods, impressed. “Well done, Kyle. You’re a master of the blade.”
With the Waste defeated, they turn their attention back to Niko. Carefully, they lift him off the ground. Niko winces as he stands, but smiles gratefully at his rescuers. “I thought I was done for. Thank you.”
Ryn grabs out a health stim from her inventory and shoots it into his arm. He takes a deep breath, a wave of energy returning to his body. “ Ready to move? We need to get you back to Tomas.”
Supporting Niko between them, they begin the trek back out of the cave. The journey is slower with their added burden, but the sense of victory and relief keeps their spirits high. As they finally emerge into the daylight, Tomas rushes forward, his face lighting up with joy and relief.
“Niko! You’re safe!” Tomas exclaims, embracing his friend tightly.
Niko smiles weakly, leaning on Tomas for support. “Thanks to Ryn and Kyle. They saved me.”
Both of their watches buzz, confirming the completion of the task and awarding them with some well-earned experience points. They share a look, smiles crossing their faces. Just another step in the right direction.
“We should head back to the Council Chambers,” Kyle suggests. “There’s still a lot to do.”
Returning to the Council Chambers, Ryn and Kyle head straight for the virtual bulletin board to mark their task as complete. The room hums with activity as other players check their own tasks. Ryn’s fingers hover over her watch, and with a few quick taps, she confirms the completion of their mission.
Instantly, their watches buzz with notifications. Ryn glances at her screen and sees a congratulatory message followed by her rewards: 400 XP, some materials, and a few health items. Kyle’s watch lights up as well, showing a more substantial reward of 800 XP, recognizing his effort in taking down the Waste.
As the rewards tally, a warm glow envelops Ryn. Her watch announces her level-up to five, and a small cheer escapes her lips. Kyle, standing beside her, checks his watch with a proud grin. “Level three,” he says, clearly pleased with his progress.
Ryn gives him a friendly nudge. “Nice work out there, Kyle. That Waste didn’t stand a chance against you.”
Kyle chuckles, modest despite his pride. “Thanks, Ryn. Couldn’t have done it without your guidance.”
They both take a moment to go through their new inventory items. Ryn inspects the materials she’s received, noting they could be useful for crafting or trading. The health items are always a welcome addition, given the constant threats they face. Kyle does the same, organizing his rewards with a focused look glued to his face.
Ryn glances up at the map of Abos, various icons glow rith story missions, side missions, and other tasks. She takes a deep breath and sighs…there’s so much to do.