Yuna stood on the balcony of a dojo atop a mountain, bathed in the setting sun’s warm glow. She marveled at the sensation of a calm, cooling breeze washing over her. A grandiose castle embedded into the mountain loomed over the dojo.
“It feels so real. Crazy.” Yuna flitted a hand about the breeze.
“It’s a passable ALTRscape, for now. Usually, people are known to freak out a bit more,” said a calming girl’s voice. Yuna turned to see an attractive girl with cat ears and a tail.
“Who the fuck’re you?”
“Huh?” The girl ran their hand through their hair, brushing over an ear. “Oh. Whoops. Forgot I used this one last. Allie, wardrobe please.” A woman in a maid costume appeared nearby with a curtsy.
“Yes, master,” Allie said. A wardrobe manifested in front of the girl. She turned briefly to a bewildered Yuna.
“I’m Dante, by the way,” the girl said. She opened the wardrobe, and an interface projected out.
“Dante? What kinda weird shit are you into? Why’re you a girl…with cat ears? Is that a tail?” Yuna asked.
“Best to let those small-minded thoughts from the physie world drift away. In ALTR, you can be whatever you want. You’ll see all kinds of crazy avatars. Some like to stick to one or a few. Personally, I enjoy switching it up pretty often. Yesterday I was a cute cat girl. Today I’ll be Dante-ish and tomorrow maybe a werewolf or something. Sadly, I’ve only recreated a few of my avys from memory. All my great ones are locked away at home.” Dante swiped his hand through several high quality holographic projections displaying different humanoid avatar forms.
“Hmm.” Yuna slipped into thought.
“Here we go.” Dante tapped a hologram. In an instant, the cat girl switched to Dante. Yuna watched in awe. The Dante-esque avatar had some noticeable differences from its physical counterpart. “See?”
“You seem… different.”
“Of course. I’m ripped,” Dante flexed, “and a little more handsome.”
“Shouldn’t you be a little more shameful? Saying that?”
“Nope.”
“Are you taller than me now?” Yuna closed in, inspecting Dante before eyeballing their heights. “So strange.”
“Maybe.”
Yuna punched Dante’s midsection. “What the, you’ve even got abs?”
Dante appeared unfazed. “Of course. Thanks, Allie. That’ll be all for now.” Allie curtsied, then disappeared. It was a good idea to preemptively disable pain.
“Oh, I was so busy being weirded out by your cat fetish that I didn’t even ask who that was?”
“Allie. There’s an ‘Al’, too. AI-assistant you can change to your liking in ALTR.”
“And she was in a maid outfit, because?”
“It’s cute.”
“Weirding me out how shameless you’re being.”
“Shame’s for physies. Embrace it. Anyway. I have to admit, I’m impressed by how well you’re taking this all in.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“There’s that quick temper. Settle down. Most first-timers get pretty overwhelmed by the sensations. After all, it really feels like the breeze is cascading over us while the sun sets, doesn’t it?”
“Yeah…”
“Reina freaked out for about thirty seconds, but then acted like it never happened and started feeling everything she could touch.”
“Seriously? That’s so her.” Yuna laughed. “Wish I could’ve seen that. You played along, though, right?”
“I know I’m not good at social norms, but even I’m not such an ass.”
“Good.” Yuna returned to basking in the sunlight as she stretched. “She gets embarrassed easily, but hides it real well. And if she doesn’t, she pretends whatever it was, didn’t happen. Just another of my favorite Reinaisms.”
“Uh-huh. The closeness of you two is somethin’ else.” Dante shook his head. “By the way, I just remembered I recorded Reina, had meant to give it to Celeste. I forgot.”
“Show me, show me.” Yuna dashed to Dante in an instant in excitement.
“Remind me later, so I remember to give it to Celeste, too.”
Yuna grumbled. “Fine. What took you so long, anyway? What’s it been, like, thirty minutes? I had that account and avy junk. What’s your excuse?”
“Ah, yeah. Sorry about that. I had to do some stuff, there was a limited-time event in—.” Dante stopped. He reluctantly met Yuna’s piercing gaze. She blinked and withdrew to his relief.
“I should be more annoyed, but I’ll let you off the hook since you’re helping me. Where even are we?”
“Appreciated. This.” Dante gestured around to the castle and surrounding area. “Is my temporary home. Ahh. Wish you could see my actual one. This place’s basically empty. Anyhoo. I did think up some places to visit while waiting for my event, for you to choose where to take Reina.”
“They better be good. Even you can tell, right? She needs to de-stress asap.”
“Yeah, she keeps turning down my ALTR invitations.”
It’s already been over a month, Reina, Yuna thought. Why’re you running yourself so ragged? I can already see why your smile was so bright when you told me about this place. So why haven’t you been coming back?
“I know a world with a pretty cool city beneath an ocean that really blows away newbies. It could be—.”
“You’ve been helping her, right?”
“Huh? Reina? Kinda, I guess.”
“Do you know why she’s so determined?”
“Uh, you? Also, isn’t she just a workaholic? Not that I can relate.”
“Give me some credit, asshole. I’m not stupid enough to not realize she has me in mind.”
“My bad.”
“But I’ve been actively suppressing my—”
“Bloodlust?”
Yuna sighed. “Yeah.”
“True, you have seemed more chill. Less prone to violent outbursts. Fewer threats and tantrums. Huh. Kinda surprising, thinking back.”
“That can be changed, asshat.”
“Settle down, I was just agreeing.”
“You’ve got a real attitude in here, don’tcha, pal? Don’t forget, I’m within arm’s length in the real world.”
“Threat received.”
“Is work and me really all that’s driving her?”
“Well…”
“Spit it out.”
“I can’t say for sure, but she might be obsessed with the hunt. Even though I hated my work for the Legion, I fell down the rabbit hole occasionally.”
“‘Hunt’? ‘Rabbit hole’? What?”
“Hmm. So, say you really really want to find something. As if you’re tracking prey. You pull thread after thread, follow trail after trail. Problem is, the net’s unfathomably big. So there’s almost always another hole you can fall into. Y’kno?”
Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.
“So she’s like Inspector Copinious?” Yuna mumbled under her breath.
“Yeah, pretty much. You a fan?”
“You heard me?” Yuna asked. Dante nodded. “Fine, so what if I am?”
“I prefer Zed-files myself, but it’s surprising you watch that. Anything else?”
“Full—.” An alarm went off, interrupting Yuna. Dante stopped it.
“Ah, damnit, I’m gonna miss this round. I’ve gotta wrap this up.”
“You mother—.” Yuna had a furious expression that went unnoticed by Dante as he continued on about the underwater city and more.
“So, just ask Allie for more details if you need to. I got somewhere to be before my raid later.”
Yuna grabbed Dante’s shoulder. “Wait, you son of a bitch. Your attitude’s really pissing me off, but I’m trying to remain calm because I asked for help. I just realized, though, I made my avatar like me without thinking about it. But this ‘underwater city’ is gonna have other people there, right?”
“Yeah, so?”
“You don’t see an obvious problem with that?”
“No?”
“How the fuck can’t you? You don’t think people are gonna freak out?”
“About what?”
“Me! My face! Have you somehow still not realized what I am?”
“I mean, you can sport a pretty intimidating scowl, but…”
“I’m Hrewim, you fucking idiot!”
“Uh, you’re what now?”
“You god-damned.” Yuna pulled back her fist until she saw Dante’s bewildered expression. Her arm fell to her side. “Thinking back, you didn’t react when you first saw me, either. Do you really not know? I thought you had to of realized by now, but didn’t care or something. This unique hair and eye color that literally sends people screaming?”
“I’m very lost. I wouldn’t say it’s common, but I’ve seen plenty of that combo in ALTR. Can’t recall any panic, though?” Dante noticed Yuna’s dumbfounded expression. “Allie, what is ‘Hrewim’?” Allie appeared nearby.
“The Hrewim were an ethnic minority that became infamous as a paramilitary religious organization who orchestrated several high-profile terrorist attacks. Compared to most ethnicities in a post-Aegis day world, they were easily identifiable by their snow-white hair and amethyst-hued eyes,” Allie said. “Shall I continue, Master Dante?”
“Ooh. Kinda sounds familiar. When was that, Allie?”
“The Hrewim were active between twenty forty-six and twenty fifty-three. Mercenary groups hired by a government coalition successfully ceased Hrewim activities in twenty fifty-four.”
“Ahh… that’s around when I got into ALTR. No wonder. Wait, what about your family?”
Yuna had a quizzical expression. “Are you a dumbass? Have you really not realized I’m adopted? It’s pretty fuckin’ obvious. Thought you were smarter than this?”
“Huh. Nah, I just—.” Dante cut himself off. Don’t care. Yeah… best I not say that out loud. Gotta admit I’m curious now, though.
“You just what?”
“Didn’t think about it. You’re all so close. Like I wouldn’t believe it if I didn’t see it, close. Especially not coming from my family.”
“Sure.” Yuna had a suspicious glare. “Is what you said true? About people running around looking like me?”
“Yeah. Nothin’ special.”
“Hmph.” Is it really possible people have forgotten, or just don’t care anymore?
“So, you’ve sparked my curiosity. What happened? How’d you become part of the Vyx?”
“None of your fuckin’ business. Why should I tell you?”
“Oh.” Hmm, now I’m even more curious. Usually characters are all for divulging their origins when asked in games or shows. Unless it was traumatic? Dante glanced over Yuna. She appeared preoccupied in thought. No way. I really can’t picture Yuna of all people being traumatized. Although, maybe that could be connected to her rage issues? Such characters do often act out. Hmm.
“Hey,” Yuna said. Dante gave no response. “Hey!”
“Yeah?” Dante asked.
“Why do people go around looking like Hrewim?”
“Huh? I dunno. I assume because they like the look?”
“That’s it?”
“Well, can’t say I’ve ever asked. Probably the main reason, though.”
“Weird.”
“If I consider what you’ve said, I’d be surprised if anyone cares IRL, either. Ancient history at this point. Anyway, it’s not as easy as editing your avy here but if the look bothers you in the physie world, why not change it? Not all that hard these days.”
“I have my reasons.”
Huh. She doesn’t seem angry? Dante thought. Yuna stood in thought. In retrospect, that was a really dumb question I just asked, and she didn’t flip out? Damn, now I really wanna know. But I get the feeling she won’t divulge anything if I just ask. Maybe I could just ask Reina? Nah, she wouldn’t share if Yuna’s not okay with it.
“Whatever. I’ll just ask one for myself,” Yuna said. “No use wasting time guessing. Hey, let’s get back to the Reina plans.”
Ah, snap, it’s gonna bug the hell outta me if I don’t learn her origins. Heck, even more interesting, now that I think of it? Allie spoke in past tense, implying they were all wiped out. Gotta think of something. Dante glanced around the area until noticing an impatient glare from Yuna, then the floor caught his eye. We’re in a dojo, of course!
“Before that,” Dante said, “what would you say to a duel you have no chance of winning?”
“What did you just say?” Yuna said.
“After I win, you’ll tell me more of your origin story.”
“What? Why do you care suddenly?”
“Is it too sensitive to share?”
Yuna made a quick movement, then gestured at Dante, as if gripping her dagger. “You better not be thinking I’m traumatized or some other pussy ass garbage.”
“Then could you tell me how you ended up in Vyx?”
“Your dumbass self didn’t even realize I was obviously adopted. Why care now?”
“True, I outright devote energy to actively not caring about physie stuff. But. How couldn’t I be curious? Aren’t you like the last of your kind? That’s prime story material.”
Yuna sighed. “That is why I don’t want to. Not some trauma bullshit. My ethnicity, or whatever, quit bothering me a long time ago, but it was a huge pain in the ass when I told Val. She kept asking fuckin’ questions. Gives me a headache just thinking about it.” She shook her head.
“Huh. Well… it’s gonna really bother me if I don’t find out now. So, duel?”
“It irritates me you know me well enough to be pushing my buttons. I know I’m being tricked, you sly fuck, but your attitude here is pissing me off.” Yuna stretched in habit. “And if I win?”
“You’re in my world now.” Dante pointed at Yuna. She raised a disapproving brow. “Sorry, couldn’t resist. Anyway. Whatever you want. You can even choose post-win.”
Yuna laughed. “Hard to believe you’re the same wimp as outside. Gonna make you regret it. You’re on, motherfucker.”
Dante walked some distance away. Sync rate can take days, even weeks. I feel a little shame not telling her and hopefully she won’t punish me IRL, but I’m somehow even more curious now after she said no to trauma.
Yuna jumped a few times as she warmed up. “Rules?”
“None, really. Fine with fisticuffs?”
“Of course.”
“It’ll be slightly game-y obviously. Allie, initiate honor duel. Rules package: brawl.”
“Yes, Master Dante.” Allie said. The building surrounding the dojo disappeared, leaving only the floor.
“Let’s see.” A projection of location pictures appeared in front of Dante. With each swipe of his hand, the surrounding area changed between a jungle, the moon, ocean and more. He glanced over to see a dazed Yuna. “Oh, my bad, any preference?”
“Can you feel nauseous here?” Yuna cupped her mouth.
“Er, my bad. Forgot how it can be for a newbie. Let’s just go with some good ol’ plains.” The surrounding area changed into a serene, wide-open plain as far as the eye could see. A gentle wind washed over them. Yuna exhaled in relief. “If you put your fingers to your temple like so.” Dante placed his index and middle finger to his temple. “You’ll see some settings pop-up. You should see a health bar by now. Can move it if you want. There are also sliders for blood, pain levels, etcetera. Take a bit, I’ll wait.” She followed suite, set sliders to max and exited. “Uhh, you know you put pain to max, right?”
“Hell yeah.”
“Those settings only affect you, by the way.”
Yuna shrugged. “Let’s do this.”
Dante shook his head. Have I ever even played with maxed pain? Hope I don’t regret this. She might retaliate IRL.
Dante and Yuna faced one another in stances. Allie appeared equidistant between them.
“Are the—?” Allie asked.
“Skip the spiel, Allie,” Dante said.
“Understood, Master Dante. Begin!”
In an instant, Dante appeared in front of Yuna with a lunging strike at her chest, sending her flying. She landed, then tumbled backwards with sluggish motions into a kneeling position. He approached with a kick primed, only to halt. She coughed up blood onto her right arm, which crossed over her chest. Her wrist fell limp.
What the? Did she really manage to partially block that? Her sync rate, though? Wait a minute. Her wrist? Dante thought.
“Hey! Your wrist! Did you seriously enable bone damage? It’s off by default and buried in the options for a reason! Only masochists turn that shit on. Are you insane?” Dante asked.
“Pain…” Yuna used her left arm as a brace as she executed a sweeping kick at Dante. However, her movements were so comparatively slow that he stepped back, dodging with ease. “…teaches.” She followed up by moving to her feet.
Fuck. Knew she was crazy, but damn. Better just end this like ripping off a bandaid, Dante thought.
Dante closed the distance between them in a flash, striking Yuna’s shoulder and sending her reeling. He followed up with several more blows to her body. She attempted to block, however, by the time she moved, another punch would land elsewhere. He then grappled her shoulders, throwing her downward to her side. Before she hit the ground, he kicked her upward and jumped. He flipped forward, swinging one heel all the way around into her chest, rocketing her into the ground. As she bounced from the springy plain, Allie announced ‘Flawless Victory!’. By the time she landed, all signs of injury disappeared. She had an intense grimace for a moment as Dante landed nearby. She then sat up in a confused daze, checking her body.
“You, uh, alright?” Dante approached in hesitation. Yuna stopped, took a deep breath, and exhaled.
“Sit.” Yuna pointed to the ground in front of her. Dante acquiesced with an uneasy expression. “It’s just all gone, that intense pain? Can’t remember last time I felt that much. Guess it makes sense.” She flexed her previously broken hand. She glanced at him, noticing his demeanor.
“What’s got you so spooked?” Yuna asked. Her calm tone caused visible surprise on Dante’s face.
“You seem… not you?”
“Thinking because of my temper, I’d be a sore loser?”
“Maybe?”
“Lucky you. After what you pulled, I should be. Believe it or not, I take pride in not being a sore loser. I’ll keep up my end. But, before I do, explain why I moved so slow?”
“You’re really not mad?”
“I will be if you make me repeat myself.”
“Okay, okay. So, uh, here’s the thing. Your sync rate is probably pretty low. Especially since this is your first time in ALTR. Though, you really surprised me with that first block. I wasn’t holding back, speed-wise, at least.”
“‘Sync rate’? I’m not Reina. Explain better.”
“Right, sorry. To put it as simply as I can think of, ALTR reads, intercepts and sends signals to and from your brain. It needs to kind of ‘learn’ you. It usually takes days, even weeks or more, depending on the device and a bunch of other junk.”
“So that’s where that cockiness came from. I never had a chance, did I?”
“Nope. Really, even if you were synced, I’d probably still win,” Dante boasted. He glanced at Yuna, noticing an oppressive glare. “Oops.”
“Too late. You’re gonna regret wanting to know more about me.” Yuna chuckled with a devilish smirk as she cracked her knuckles.