We drove into the city a few hours ago, and everything seemed to be normal. A few random acts of violence, but that’s normal. Everyone wanted a chance to check out their own places and make sure things had changed too much so we split up. Daamin made sure to keep Kay with him while Kai and I each went solo. Being back in my apartment feels good. I’m still in pain, but the home healing bonus will help to make sure I’m good to go in the morning or afternoon whenever they call.

Hopefully the next challenge won’t be an issue. From what Kay told us, it takes place at monastery in the city. I don’t recall seeing a monastery and I’ve been over a good portion of the city. It’s a digital city that’s always growing and changing but I would know if I had passed a monastery in a place like this. I really don’t want this to be another quest where we have to fight. Daamin really shined in the fighting tournament and I managed to extort Kevin into giving us the drives, but almost got wiped out again in the process. I don’t think anyone would blame me but I wouldn’t be upset if they did. I need to do better.

I take a seat at my work bench and lay out my arsenal before me along with the crumbled pieces of Excalibur and a few random upgrades I’ve picked up. I’m a fan of classic shotguns, but I need to come into the future. I break down a few of my least favorites and open up the catalog of models I’m able to build. I like the base of the IWI-Tavor-TS12, and with a mod it can hold up to 30 rounds. There’s also the DP-12-2 which has a two barrels and with some modifications I could have it fire four shots at once. How about best of both worlds? I put the DP-12 barrel onto the IWI-Tavor. Excellent, probably couldn’t do that in real life, but it’s a game. 30 rounds, 4 per shot, but adjustable to fire just one. Yeah, this is almost the perfect shotgun. I choose a red color for the gun and I’m proud of my work. But I’ve still got Excalibur. I can use the material for Excalibur on the gun. It’d increase the weight but bring over each of the status effects, I can live that. With the addition of Excalibur, the gun is given silver etchings of Celtic designs along the barrel with a gold dragon emblazoned on the handle. I call it Excalibur II, my greatest creation yet.

Staring out the window, and I can’t help but remember how beautiful the city is. Here, downtown, there’s so many buildings bigger than a city block shooting up the sky reaching for the heavens. Each with their own design, some better than others, but they all work together for one cohesive skyline. You can’t see the stars from the city and need window shutters so the light doesn’t come shine in at night, but the neon images projected on the sky keep you company. Right now, a purple fish swims through the sky leaving ripples before it leaps into the air and comes down with a splash promoting fish water. A synthetic water so healthy fish swim in it. Kay really worked hard on shady companies and their advertisements.

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A call from Kai pops up; I absent mindedly answer, “go to sleep Dre, we’ve got a long day ahead of us.”

“How do you know I’m not sleep?”

“Because you’re a self destructive psychopath who wouldn’t know a sleep schedule if it was stapled to his head.”

“Then why are you up?”

“Because I went to sleep on the floor as soon as I got in, and now I’m taking a bubble bath.”

“You decided to take a bubble bath and think of me, I’m flattered.”

“Don’t be, I was feeling like Rev. Run and wanted to say something philosophic. Thought you would be the test.”

“Thank you, but please spare me the fake blackberry mentality,” I laugh.

“Alright, well I’m on my way over to watch some of the new movies people have made while we were in the badlands.”

“I didn’t invite you over.”

“Yeah, but you’ll let me in when I show up and knock.”

“No, I won’t.”

“Yes, you will because you’re just going to sit there and be all, woe is me. Also, you really want to see those movies.” I can imagine Kai smiling when I don’t answer. “Say it.”

“Say what?”

“Say, Kai come over. You’re my best friend and I need someone funny to distract me from being sad long enough to fall asleep.”

“If I wanted funny, I would have called Daamin.”

“But you didn’t call him.”

“I didn’t call you either.”

“You don’t have to call me, we’re best friends. We got matching bracelets. I know you better than you know yourself. You probably haven’t even changed clothes. Just stared out that big ass window, maybe at some microwavable food and crafted some consumables.”

“Ha, I crafted a gun not consumables.”

“Oh snap, you’re evolving. Now say it.”

“Kai, I’ll allow you to come over. You’re my best friend and I want to be distracted from being sad long enough to fall asleep.”

“You left out the funny part.”

“You’re not funny.”

“I’m on my way.”