Jimmy yanked his hood tighter, his eyes flicking to the map glowing faintly in his vision. A single dot crawled across the endless white expanse. No landmarks. No shelter. Just the storm swallowing everything in sight.
He glanced back. Garrick pressed forward, his bulk cutting through the wind like a plow. Lyra followed close. Even Elise, usually quick with a sarcastic remark, looked drained. The hours since they’d left Vaughn’s cabin felt like days.
Jimmy gritted his teeth and focused on the map again. If the Settlement wasn’t close, they were in trouble. The wind howled louder, driving snow into his face like shards of glass. There was no time for doubt. Move or die—that simple.
Jimmy stumbled as the snow thinned, boots crunching on firmer ground. He froze when the faint outline of a gate appeared through the haze—a wall of timber and iron, half-buried but standing strong against the storm. Relief flickered in his chest, but it didn’t last.
There was movement in front of the gate. A crowd.
Garrick came up beside him, shielding his face from the wind. “That it?”
“Has to be,” Jimmy replied, his voice flat. He squinted, focusing on the figures near the gate. Travelers, by the look of it—at least a dozen of them. Some huddled together for warmth, others stood tense, hands hovering near weapons. A guy near the back clutched his ribs, blood staining his coat.
“What the hell’s going on?” Garrick muttered.
Jimmy didn’t answer. His eyes locked on the two men standing in front of the gate. One of them leaned casually on a massive mace, his armor a mismatched collection of salvaged plates. The other twirled a battered shield like a toy, his smug grin visible even through the storm.
“Trouble,” Jimmy said, pulling his hood back. He motioned for the others to stay put and stepped forward.
The storm wasn’t enough to drown out the booming voice of the man with the mace.
“Thousand essence to get in!” he roared, his grin widening as he surveyed the uneasy crowd. “No essence, no entry. Pretty simple, yeah?”
The words hit like a slap. Jimmy stopped a few paces away, taking in the scene. The travelers shuffled nervously.
A wiry man in patchwork armor stepped forward, his voice shaky but loud enough to carry. “This isn’t right! Settlements aren’t supposed to charge!”
He didn’t get far.
The mace slammed into the ground with a crack, sending snow and dirt flying. Mace Guy leaned forward, his grin twisting nastier. “That sound like a question to you?” he sneered. “Pay up or take your chances out there. Ain’t my problem.”
Jimmy’s jaw tightened. He glanced back at the Thorn family. Lyra was staring, her brows drawn together in fury. Garrick put a hand on her shoulder, but she shook it off, stepping forward before anyone could stop her.
“What if someone doesn’t have enough essence?” she asked.
Shield Guy turned his attention to her, spinning his shield one last time before resting it against his leg. His grin turned predatory.
“Oh, don’t worry, sweetheart,” he drawled. “We’ve got… other ways you can pay.”
The air went still.
Lyra froze, her fists clenching at her sides. The crowd fell silent, their fear growing into something heavier.
Jimmy stepped forward, cutting the tension like a knife. He moved slowly, boots crunching on the snow, his katana still sheathed on his back.
Shield Guy turned toward him, one brow cocked. “And who the hell are you?”
Jimmy didn’t answer.
Instead, he slapped him.
The sound rang out like a gunshot. Shield Guy’s feet left the ground as he flew backward, his shield skidding across the snow. He hit the ground hard, groaning but too dazed to move.
Jimmy didn’t spare Shield Guy another glance. His eyes locked onto Mace Guy. The faint smile disappeared as his voice cut through the biting wind.
“I’m not in the mood for this,” Jimmy said. “Get lost, or I’ll kill you where you stand.”
The words hit like a hammer. Mace Guy’s cocky grin faltered, replaced by a flicker of uncertainty. He tightened his grip on the mace, his jaw working as if he was chewing on his options.
For a moment, it looked like he might take the swing. But then he saw it—the dead certainty in Jimmy’s eyes. No bluff. No hesitation. Just the promise of what would happen next.
Mace Guy stepped back, muttering curses under his breath as he moved to drag Shield Guy to his feet.
“This isn’t over,” he snarled, his voice a mix of anger and wounded pride.
Jimmy didn’t watch them leave. He turned to the gate, the tension draining from his shoulders as he placed a hand on the wood. With a groan, the massive doors creaked open, spilling warm, golden light onto the snow.
“Get inside,” he called to the crowd. “Get warm.”
For a moment, no one moved. Then, like a dam breaking, the travelers surged forward, murmuring quiet thanks as they passed through the gates. Jimmy stood to the side, watching each one disappear into the light.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.
Jimmy let the tension drain from his shoulders as he scanned the Settlement. It wasn’t large—just a cluster of squat wooden buildings around a central plaza—but it was alive. Lanterns cast a soft glow over the snow-dusted ground, and faint trails of smoke curled from chimneys, promising heat and food.
“This is it?” Lyra asked, pulling her coat tighter around her. Her voice was quiet, unsure.
“It’s enough,” Jimmy replied, nodding toward the largest building at the center of the plaza. Wide doors stood open, spilling laughter, clinking dishes, and the faint hum of System energy into the square.
He motioned for the Thorn family to follow, stepping into the flow of travelers heading toward the main structure. The smell of cooked meat and warm bread hit them before they even crossed the threshold.
Inside, the tavern was packed. Long tables stretched across the open floor, crowded with travelers hunched over steaming bowls or glowing mugs. The air buzzed with conversation and the occasional burst of laughter. Above the bar, a glowing System interface hovered, its text shifting and scrolling faintly in the warm light.
Jimmy’s eyes flicked up, drawn to the two lists displayed prominently for everyone to see.
<h2>Core Ranking:</h2>
<ol>
<li><mark>Magnus</mark> <mark>Ivanov</mark> - Heaven Tier, Grade 2, Tier 3</li>
<li>Jimmy Holloway - Earth Tier, Grade 1, Tier 9</li>
<li><mark>Takashi</mark> <mark>Renjiro</mark> - Earth Tier, Grade 1, Tier 8</li>
<li>Diego Alvarez - Earth Tier, Grade 1, Tier 8</li>
<li><mark>Asha</mark> Patel - Earth Tier, Grade 1, Tier 7</li>
<li>Pierre Laurent - Earth Tier, Grade 1, Tier 7</li>
<li><mark>Abdullah</mark> <mark>Al-Farouqi</mark> - Earth Tier, Grade 1, Tier 6</li>
<li><mark>Mei</mark> Ling <mark>Zhang</mark> - Earth Tier, Grade 1, Tier 6</li>
<li>Marcus <mark>Kincaid</mark> - Earth Tier, Grade 1, Tier 5</li>
<li>Lucas “Frost” Velasquez - Earth Tier, Grade 1, Tier 5</li>
</ol>
<h2>Levels Rankings</h2>
<ol>
<li><mark>Magnus</mark> <mark>Ivanov</mark> - Level 34</li>
<li>Diego Alvarez - Level 31</li>
<li><mark>Takashi</mark> <mark>Renjiro</mark> - Level 30</li>
<li><mark>Asha</mark> Patel - Level 28</li>
<li><mark>Mei</mark> Ling <mark>Zhang</mark> - Level 26</li>
<li>Pierre Laurent - Level 25</li>
<li><mark>Abdullah</mark> <mark>Al-Farouqi</mark> - Level 24</li>
<li>Marcus <mark>Kincaid</mark> - Level 23</li>
<li>Jimmy Holloway - Level 23</li>
<li>Lucas “Frost” Velasquez - Level 21</li>
</ol>
“Second?” Lyra muttered, her gaze locking onto Jimmy’s name.
He shrugged, brushing past her toward an empty table near the back. “Doesn’t mean much.”
The Thorn family followed, their footsteps hesitant as they sat down. As soon as they did, a faint hum filled the air, and glowing menus materialized in front of them.
Tavern Menu
<ul>
<li>Essence Stew – Restores 25 Life – 20 Essence</li>
<li>Minor Energy Recovery Drink – Restores 15 Energy – 10 Essence</li>
<li>Room Rental (24 Hours) – Provides Rest Bonus – 50 Essence</li>
</ul>
Lyra scrolled through the glowing menu, her brow furrowed. “There’s more than just stew and drinks,” she said, flicking her finger across the projection. The menu shifted, revealing a list of snacks, full-course meals, and even a “special” option that was grayed out. “Why does the soup cost the same as grilled steak?”
“Because the System doesn’t care about your taste buds,” Jimmy replied, already tapping his selection. A steaming bowl of stew and a glowing drink shimmered into existence in front of him. He grabbed the spoon without hesitation, letting the warmth chase the cold from his fingers.
Garrick grunted as he browsed the options. “At least it’s hot. Better than freezing to death.” He tapped the menu, and a thick slice of meat with a hunk of bread materialized in front of him. He didn’t waste time digging in.
Lyra tapped her choice and watched as a plate of bread and soup appeared on the table. She grabbed a chunk of bread and bit into it thoughtfully. “Huh. Could be worse.”
Elise stared at her menu for a long moment before sighing and selecting the simplest option—a bowl of porridge. It shimmered into place, but she didn’t touch it immediately.
Jimmy leaned back, his eyes drifting around the room. The tavern was packed, its atmosphere warm and alive. Every corner seemed to have a story: a group of travelers arguing over a tattered map, a lone warrior sharpening a blade with quiet precision, and the screens mounted high above the bar, broadcasting scenes of brutal combat.
The screens caught Lyra’s attention too. She leaned forward, squinting at the text. “What’s that?”
Jimmy frowned. “No idea.”
The nearest screen flickered, displaying a muscular fighter locked in battle with a towering, horned beast. Text scrolled across the bottom:
NEW CHALLENGER: Lucas “Frost” Velasquez – Attempting Level 3
The feed shifted to show a lithe man with twin daggers squaring off against a swarm of insect-like creatures. The crowd in the tavern cheered or jeered as the fight unfolded.
“Think you could take it?” Lyra asked, a teasing edge to her voice.
Jimmy snorted. “Not my idea of fun.”
“Fun isn’t the point,” Garrick said, his voice heavy. He nodded toward the rankings. “Those names? They’re playing a different game.”
Jimmy didn’t argue. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, finishing the last of his drink. The warmth helped, but it wasn’t enough to melt the tension coiled in his chest.
“Stay here,” he said, standing. “I’m going to take a look around.”
Lyra raised an eyebrow. “Going to sign up for the Arena?”
“No,” Jimmy replied “Just getting the lay of the land.”
Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked toward the exit. The hum of the tavern faded behind him as he stepped back into the plaza, his breath fogging in the cold air.
The Settlement stretched out before him, small but full of potential.
Jimmy turned toward the Meditation Hub, its sign glowing faintly in the icy air. The building was simple but radiated an odd energy—quiet and unassuming, yet somehow heavier than anything else in the Settlement. As he stepped closer, the sounds of the plaza faded, replaced by a low, thrumming hum that seemed to resonate in his chest.
The door slid open silently, revealing a dimly lit interior. Soft light emanated from crystalline panels embedded in the walls, casting everything in a pale blue glow. The room was spacious, lined with cushions and low tables. Players sat cross-legged, their bodies still as statues, faint auras of light flickering around them. Above each, a glowing System interface displayed symbols and numbers Jimmy didn’t recognize.
“Welcome, Initiate,” a calm, disembodied voice greeted him. It wasn’t human, but it wasn’t quite robotic either. “This is the Meditation Hub, a sanctuary for those seeking to discover their <mark>Dao</mark> and deepen their mastery.”
“<mark>Dao</mark>?” Jimmy muttered, glancing at the other players. Some looked serene, others visibly strained, sweat beading on their brows as they sat in silence. “What does that even mean?”
The voice responded instantly. “<mark>Dao</mark> refers to one’s alignment with fundamental principles of existence. Flame <mark>Dao</mark>, Shadow <mark>Dao</mark>, Life <mark>Dao</mark>—each represents a path that reflects the user’s essence and potential. Mastery enhances abilities, unlocks unique traits, and strengthens one’s connection to the System.”
Jimmy blinked. “Right. Sure. That clears everything up.” He scratched the back of his neck. “How do I figure out what my… <mark>Dao</mark> is?”
“Begin by meditating,” the voice instructed. “Focus on your core. Essence will reveal your alignment in time.”
Jimmy sighed and glanced around. The whole thing felt ridiculous—like the System had shoved a yoga class into a death game. Still, he wasn’t about to turn away without trying. He found an empty cushion in the corner and dropped onto it, folding his legs awkwardly.
“Alright,” he muttered, closing his eyes. “Let’s see what happens.”