《Jingozi [Isekai Card LitRPG]》 PROLOGUE PROLOGUE
I, Dojokynn¡ªscribe and devoted servant to the Samurai¡ªcommit these words to parchment so that my observations may outlast my breath. They call themselves the Jingozi and speak of holy missions. Many rejoice at their coming, but I sense an unease in these strangers. Their words are honey, yet leave the taste of bitterness on the tongue. May my testimony stand as a warning to all who come after, for the path they offer holds hidden snares. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. Chapter 1 (Rewrite): DREAM Chapter 1: DREAM
Pain shot through my knees as the guards shoved me onto the cold stone floor. My head throbbed, and the taste of blood lingered in my mouth. Purple and gold cloaks swirled around me. "Move," one of them barked, yanking my chains. I squeezed my eyes shut and shook my head, trying to clear my vision. Where was I? The last thing I remembered was waking up to metal fists pummeling my ribs. Now, I sat in some medieval throne room with fancy tapestries and flickering torches on the walls. Something pressed against my face. I tried to reach up, but the chains restricted my movement¡ªa mask. Why the hell am I wearing a mask? My gaze dropped to my clothes. Black fabric hugged my body, complete with arm wraps and a utility belt. Like something straight out of a ninja movie. This had to be a dream¡ªtoo many late-night martial arts films before bed. A grunt beside me caught my attention. Somebody hit the ground, chains rattling. He wore a full ninja suit¡ªface covered, all in black, just like mine. "This can''t be real," I whispered. The guard closest to me cracked his armored fist across my jaw, dislodging a tooth. Stars exploded behind my eyes as my molar skittered across the floor. Nope, definitely felt real. The pain was too sharp, too present to be a dream. But how''d I get here? My mind felt foggy, memories just out of reach. The other ninja stirred beside me. I wanted to ask what was happening, but the guards'' grip on my chains tightened in warning. Heavy footsteps echoed through the chamber. My heart hammered against my ribs as I struggled to make sense of any of this. None of this, the medieval setting, ninja outfits, or brutal guards added up. Had someone Maybe someone slipped something into my drink? The chains clinked as another black-clad figure was dragged between us. My vision swam, head pounding with each heartbeat. Blood trickled down my chin. Through the haze, a tall figure descended from what looked like an elaborate throne. A king, maybe? His robes rustled against the stone steps, and my stomach lurched as the room spun. The king reached for the third ninja''s mask. Voices erupted in harsh tones¡ªa language I''d never heard before. The words felt sharp, guttural. I tried to focus, but the pain kept pulling me under. A flash of metal caught the torchlight. The figure from the throne thrust forward with something that looked like a ceremonial wand, ending in a wicked spike. It plunged into the ninja''s stomach with a wet sound. But the ninja wasn''t done. His head snapped forward, spraying something into their attacker''s face. The scream that followed chilled my blood. The ninja collapsed backward, his body going limp. His face bubbled and melted. Flesh sloughed off in thick rivulets. The stench hit me like a physical force¡ªacid and burning meat. Bile rose in my throat. I doubled over as far as the chains would allow, gagging violently. The smell of dissolving flesh filled my nose, my mouth. Someone still screamed. Through my blurred vision, a streak of motion erupted beside me. The ninja who''d been still moments ago exploded into action, chains snapping like paper. His form shifted and warped, his skin crackling with flames, and he grew taller and more demonic. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. Heat blasted my face as the demon lunged for the king, trailing fire like a comet. Was I hallucinating? Three dark shapes descended from the shadows, moving with impossible speed. Their black cloaks billowed as they intercepted the fire demon. Dark energy crackled between them, and the demon''s roar turned into a human scream. The flames died, leaving just the ninja writhing on the hard floor. More voices filled the chamber, speaking that harsh language I couldn''t understand. My head spun as I tried to track what was happening. Rough hands grabbed my face. Someone yanked off my mask, and I gasped at the rush of cool air. Through the fog of pain, I locked eyes with the captured ninja. His gaze burned with an intensity that made my skin crawl¡ªliterally glowing with remnants of that demonic fire. My jaw screamed in agony as I tried to form words, to beg for help or an explanation. Nothing came out but a wet gurgle of blood. The ninja''s eyes widened in recognition before the cloaked figures dragged him away. The last thing I saw was an armored fist swinging for my temple. *** I''m alive. I think. The king figure stood before me. Suspended in the air and unable to lift my head, I only caught glimpses of gold chains and purple robes. ¡°How dare you come into my kingdom?¡± he snarled, spittle hitting my forehead. "Such a brazen yet foolish attempt to assassinate me. Who bribed you to kill me?" I couldn¡¯t speak. Kill? Even if I was able to talk, what was there to say? After all, I had to be dreaming. But the more I tried to wake up, the more bound and trapped I felt. A fist slammed into my gut. ¡°Talk!¡± Like a corkscrew, knuckles burrowed into my stomach. He hit me again¡­ and again¡­ each punch more intense. My shoulders and back muscles screamed, driven to their limits. Tasting metal in my mouth, the next blow forced me to spit blood. Some text glitched in and out before my eyes. Name: Ember Tier: - Faction: - Before blacking out, I saw an Asian husband and wife smiling at a two-year-old with a mop of red hair. The child wore a fairy outfit and waved a wand with a silver star. *** How long have I been here? My entire body was stiff, caked in filthy sweat, blood, and, by the smell of it¡ªurine. Glancing down, I saw a burlap sack covered my torso with a rope around my waist. More rope bit into my wrists and ankles, suspending me off the damp, bloodstained stone floor. A window with bars on my left lit the room. Drab grey stone everywhere else. An oversized wooden door with metal hinges stood to my right. The text reappeared. Name: Ember Tier: - Faction: - Zii: - Ignoring the distinct possibility I was having a stroke, I tried to concentrate. Or maybe I¡¯m comatose in a bed at some hospital. Metal clanking and heavy footsteps approached. The door swung open, and two guards with polearms stepped in. They wore the same medieval armor and purple cloaks with gold tassels. Behind them, the king in robes entered. I noticed the bruises on his right hand. I hope it¡¯s broken. ¡°Who contracted you to kill me?¡± ¡°I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about,¡± I coughed. He wound up to strike but paused after clenching his hand. He stepped back, but my relief was short-lived. ¡°Beat her,¡± he commanded. The polearms rattled against the wall. I screamed. *** I regained consciousness, angry at my Japanese dad. All he did was give me the best life possible. Both my adoptive parents did. I don¡¯t deserve to have parents, especially those two. I closed my eyes and felt tears roll down my cheeks. *** I''m definitely dreaming now. My eyes were drawn to my dead body, cold and pale, with a red, glowing coin covering each eye. I stood on a foggy hill, the air thick with the scent of wet earth and something metallic. Around my corpse stood three old men. They ignored me. One wore a crown, its jewels glinting in the dim light. With a gaping hole where his left eye should''ve been, the second gripped a sword, the blade gleaming with a twilight sheen. The third was my father, his face twisted in an expression of sorrow I can''t break through. I wanted to scream and tell my father that it wasn¡¯t me¡ªI wasn¡¯t dead. I searched for something¡ªanything¡ªto say to get his attention, but the words stuck in my throat like a forgotten song. The mist swirled, forming the shape of a poker card. It was red with an intricate pattern I''d never seen before. At its center was a heart symbol, different from any poker deck I knew¡ªthe card hovered, out of place in this grim scene. Two fiery eyes opened within the card''s design. They locked onto mine¡ªmy heart raced. A flurry of text flooded my mind''s eye. Name: Ember Tier: - Faction: - Zii: - Cards: - Deck: - Chapter 2 (Rewrite): EXPERIENCE Chapter 2: EXPERIENCE
My head throbbed as I tried to make sense of it all. Yesterday¡ªwas it really just yesterday?¡ªI''d been at the Golden Nugget, cleaning up at the high-stakes table like any other night. The clinking of chips, the snap of cards, Rocky''s steady hands dealing, everything normal until... That black chip. I remembered staring at it when I cashed out, turning it over in my fingers. It wasn''t like anything I''d seen before¡ªno casino markings, just a skull-like symbol etched into its surface. I should''ve turned it in, but something about it pulled at me. So I pocketed it and headed back to my suite. That night, I held the chip again, and the pain in my arm¡­ Did I have a heart attack? I gingerly rotated my wrists where the ropes cut into them. How''d I get from examining a poker chip in my luxury Vegas suite to being accused of assassination in some medieval dungeon? "Rocky," I whispered to myself, my voice rough. He''d be worried sick by now. We were supposed to grab dinner and have a games night. That ninja with the fire in his eyes recognized me. But how would I know any ninjas? I was a poker player, an influencer with a million followers who''d rather fold than fight. The closest I got to combat was trash-talking other players on X. The pulsing in my head shifted, like someone adjusting the focus on a camera. I''d been seeing something in my peripheral vision since waking up here but dismissed it as trauma or concussion symptoms. I concentrated on that ghostly text hovering at the edge of my sight. It sharpened into clarity. It was like wearing those AR contact lenses I''d tested for a sponsor once. Stats and numbers were floating right there in my field of view. Name: Ember Tier: - Faction: - Zii: - Cards: - Deck: - I blinked hard, but the text remained. Perfectly legible, yet somehow not actually there. The dashes after each category pulsed faintly as if waiting to be filled in. "I''m losing it," I muttered, squeezing my eyes shut. But when I opened them again, the interface¡ªbecause that''s what it was, some gaming interface¡ªstayed stubbornly present. Except this wasn''t a game. The rope burns on my wrists felt real. The metallic taste of blood in my mouth tasted real. And that ninja bursting into flames? No. That can''t be real. *** The guards returned, their boots scraping against stone. My ribs ached from yesterday''s bludgeoning, each breath a reminder of their brutality. Time blurred in this cell¡ªhad it been days? Weeks? "Look who''s awake," the taller one sneered, his scarred face twisting into a grin. "Pretty little assassin." I kept my eyes down, focusing on a crack in the floor. Don''t engage. Don''t give them anything. "Such lovely red hair," the other guard said, grabbing a fistful. "Rare for the faction." I jerked away, but the chains held me in place. His fingers trailed down my neck, making my skin crawl. "Maybe we should show her some... different treatment," Scarface suggested, stepping closer. His breath reeked of ale. "Might get her to talk." The second guard''s hand slid lower. "King didn''t say how to make her talk, just that we should." My stomach lurched. No. Not this. I''d rather take the beatings. "What do you say, assassin?" Scarface grabbed my chin roughly. "Ready to be more cooperative?" I spat in his face. He backhanded me hard enough to make stars explode behind my eyes. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. "Wrong answer," he growled, wiping his cheek. "We''ll let you think about it. But if you don''t talk the next time¡­" The door slammed shut behind them with an awful metallic shriek. Their cruel laughter echoed down the stone hall as their heavy footsteps grew fainter. I closed my eyes tight, willing myself anywhere but here. The darkness beckoned, promising escape from what was coming. I dove into it desperately, letting unconsciousness take me. While their laughter faded, I sank deeper into the void, embracing the emptiness. *** I tried to chuckle, but pain shot through my ribs. The irony was too much¡ªme, a ninja assassin? If they only knew. Five years ago, I won my first and only World Series bracelet with pocket aces¡ªpure luck. The cameras loved my red hair, and suddenly, "Big Red" was trending. Some idiot commentator learned I grew up in Japan and started calling me the "Big Red Poker Ninja" for the memes. God, I hated that name. Another wave of pain hit as I shifted in my bindings. I''d built my whole brand fighting against that stupid nickname. Carefully curated Instagram posts, strategic sponsorships, and a merch line. Everything to distance myself from being some anime stereotype. Sure, I''d grown up in Tokyo with my adoptive parents, but I was about as ninja as a leprechaun. Another laugh escaped before I could stop it. The guards must have really scrambled my brain¡ªhere I was, tied up in some medieval dungeon, accused of being an actual ninja assassin. Oh, if my followers could see me now. The laughter died in my throat as fresh pain bloomed across my ribs. Nothing funny about that. *** ¡°Ember?¡± My senses snapped into focus. Inches from my face, someone crouched and stared back at me. It was humanoid but thinner, made of cracked orange clay mottled with different shades of rocks. It also had four arms. I recoiled, feeling my body protest as razor blades sliced down my spine. The thing stumbled back, giving me a fuller view of the scarecrow figure. Its six limbs were disproportionately long, with oversized hands and feet. ¡°Please don¡¯t be afraid.¡± The voice was calm, deep, and sounded male. More text. Name: Cragmarr [Covenant Dealer] Tier: II [Bronze] Rank 1 Faction: Golem [Demi] I squinted and read, ¡°Crag¡­ marr?¡± ¡°Yes, that is my name.¡± Cragmarr knelt again, letting me see his eyes. They swirled¡ªtwo orange marbles like melting creamsicles. ¡°It is good that you can read your interface.¡± Interface? So, it is an interface. I croaked, ¡°Where am I? Who are you? What do you¡ª¡± ¡°You are about to have an experience that will feel uncomfortable,¡± he interrupted. ¡°Please stay calm and follow my instructions.¡± How the hell am I supposed to be calm? Cragmarr untied my ropes, allowing me to fall to the floor into a pool of sweat and blood. I attempted to stand, but my body wouldn¡¯t respond. He stepped to a grate on the floor and twisted it open with all four arms, making a loud noise as the stone ground on metal. I winced, hoping nobody had heard that. ¡°Down there,¡± he said. My legs refused to cooperate. Hours of hanging had left my muscles seized and useless. Pain shot through my body at even the slightest attempt to shift position. With a flick of his clay wrist, Cragmarr''s long fingers produced an orange card glowing with a mesmerizing light. He extended it toward me. I recoiled, eyeing the card with suspicion. After what I''d just been through¡­ "It will help," Cragmarr said. I studied his marble-like orange eyes, searching for any hint of deception. For some reason, I trusted him and gave a slight nod. Cragmarr pressed the card against my chest. With another hand, he snapped his fingers. An orange coin with the same warm glow appeared. He placed the coin over the card, and it dissolved through the card''s surface into my skin. Warmth spread through my body, washing away the pain and stiffness. My muscles relaxed, and strength returned to my limbs. "The effect is temporary," Cragmarr warned, gesturing to the open grate. "You must move quickly." I dropped with a splash into a pool of black sludge, feeling lingering shockwaves of pain. The rancid stench of waste was unbearable. The grate slid back over the hole with a clang. ¡°Ember, they will know you are gone shortly,¡± he whispered. ¡°Run to the end of the tunnel.¡± The cramped sewer forced me to crouch low. I ran like a monkey on all fours, splashing through the muck and slime. Ahead was the opening at the tunnel''s far end. Voices erupted above me. ¡°The prisoner''s escaped!¡± Stifling a gag, I kept moving. A child''s twisted arm dangled from an opening above the tunnel, the small hand dirty and swollen, yet the skin still soft and unblemished. As I drew closer, the rest of the tiny, mangled body came into view atop the grate. A renewed burst of adrenaline propelled me down the tunnel. I passed under the next grate, where another body was curled up. The last thing I wanted to do was look, but I couldn¡¯t help myself. Thank God, it was an adult prisoner¡ªan old man''s face with a scruffy beard pressed against the metal. Behind those bushy eyebrows, his eyes flickered with fire. I felt compelled to reach through the grate and touch his cheek, causing him to stir. ¡°Go,¡± he rasped. I frantically tugged on the bars with a futile whimper. ¡°Go.¡± Turning my head, I saw rain falling outside the tunnel''s end. Streams of water poured across the mouth of the bars, which gave me an idea. After crawling up to the opening, I raised my hands to my mouth, allowing the cool rain to wash down my parched throat. I refilled my cupped hands and carefully shuffled back to the old man. Lifting my hands through the grate, the prisoner drank as much as possible, his dry, cracked lips pressing on my palms. With those fiery eyes, he stared at me with new intensity. ¡°Go,¡± he whispered. ¡°Then seek me.¡± Seek you? There¡¯s no way in hell I¡¯m coming back here. The old man grunted as he was abruptly dragged away. My eyes met a guard''s glare, who knelt and twisted the grate, covering me in dust and debris. I monkey-sprinted away to the opening, where I desperately searched for some way to pry the bars open. By then, guards had entered the sewer and crawled towards me. They were bulkier in armor and moved slowly, but I had nowhere to go, crumbling against the wall in despair. On the other side of the opening, Cragmarr wrenched a bar from the stone. Secured with two arms, he extended his third hand after dislodging another bar to make a big enough opening. ¡°Come, Ember, quickly.¡± With just enough room, I squeezed through. Halfway out, Cragmarr hoisted me into the air. I clung to him tightly as we plummeted, the freefall stretching into an eternity. Cragmarr¡¯s rock body absorbed the impact as we plunged into the water. We sank like anchors. I held my breath as long as possible, my chest burning with the effort. The creature that had saved me moments before was now my undoing, pulling me into the abyss. My lungs screamed for air, and as water rushed in, everything went black. Chapter 3 (New): CRAGMARR Chapter 3: CRAGMARR
In the days following the Crucible¡¯s descent, the very earth birthed a new brood: clay-formed demigolems, stepping from the dust as though they had dwelled among us all along. They speak with gentle voices and offer aid freely, claiming they have awakened to serve. But their eyes hold an unwavering devotion, not to our people but to the hand that shaped them. In my heart, I question who truly guides these docile creatures¡ªand to what end. *** Cragmarr burst through the water''s surface, his four arms cradling Ember''s limp form. Her red hair clung to her face in dark strands as he waded to the pebbled shore. The orange swirls in his marble eyes spun faster as he carefully laid her down. With a flick of his wrist, a card marked with ancient symbols appeared between his large clay fingers. The card hummed with energy as he touched it to Ember''s chest. Ember convulsed, water gushing from her mouth. Her eyes remained closed. "We must move." Cragmarr scooped her up, rocks shifting across his clay form as he carried her into the dense forest. The rain had stopped, but nightfall approached, and the frigid northern winds would follow. With each urgent step, his feet left deep impressions in the soil. A small clearing opened between the trees. Cragmarr set Ember down on a bed of leaves, then used his multiple arms to gather fallen branches with efficient speed. After forming the pile, another magical card ignited the fire, lighting the encroaching darkness around them. The firelight caught Ember''s hair, transforming it into liquid copper. Cragmarr settled his bulk beside her unconscious form, the orange-beige clay of his face reflecting the dancing flames. "Such a vibrant shade," he murmured, one hand hovering over but not touching the red strands. "Like the heart of the forge." His marble eyes dimmed as he watched her shallow breathing. The burden of knowledge weighed heavy in his chest¡ªthe truth of why she had been brought here. His clay shoulders slumped. "I am sorry, little Ember. The path before you burns bright but will not be gentle." *** Cragmarr shifted his weight, rocks grinding against each other beneath his clay skin. His orange marble eyes fixed on Ember''s still form. Her breathing had steadied, but hours had passed without movement. A twig snapped in the darkness beyond their fire. Cragmarr rose to his full height, his four arms spread wide. "Show yourself, watcher. I know you are there." A figure emerged from between two ancient oaks. Moonlight filtered through her form¡ªa delicate weave of branches and vines shaped into feminine curves. Leaves rustled in her hair with each silent step. Her hollow eyes bore into him. Her voice whispered directly into his mind. Cragmarr''s clay features hardened. "You misunderstand. This is not a betrayal of our faction. It is survival." He gestured at Ember with one of his lower hands. "Have the Jingozi''s rewards not filled our treasuries? Protected our territories? Would you prefer servitude to the Amazons? Breaking our backs in Samurai forges?" More silent words pressed against his thoughts. "This one is different." Cragmarr''s voice softened as he looked down at Ember. "I have guided many, but she..." He straightened. "Go, now. The Jingozi approach, and you must not be seen here." Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. The tree fairy''s form seemed to dissolve into the forest shadows, leaving only falling leaves in her wake. *** Cragmarr paced around the fire, his four hands clenching and unclenching with nervous energy. The blaze needed to burn brighter to ward off the night''s chill, especially for Ember''s sake. He grabbed another fallen branch and tossed it in, watching the sparks spiral up into the darkness. The crack of hooves on dead branches made him freeze. Two riders in purple armor emerged from the trees, their horses'' breath steaming in the cold air. "You trespass on Emperor land, creature," the first rider called out. "I mean no ill intent," Cragmarr raised his hands. "This matter lies beyond your duty. Turn back." The second rider spotted Ember''s form by the fire. Steel rasped as both men drew their blades. "A captive? Release her and surrender," the first rider commanded. "Please." Cragmarr''s clay features twisted with regret. "I do not wish to harm you." Magic tingled in his palms as he prepared to summon his cards, but darkness erupted behind the riders. Black tentacles shot through the night air like arrows, their oily surfaces gleaming in the firelight as they struck with lethal force. Cragmarr watched in horror as the writhing appendages impaled both horses and men through their armor before they could cry out or raise their weapons. The bodies slumped to the ground with wet thuds. A wraith-like figure materialized from the shadows, its tattered cloak writhing as if alive. Black smoke curled beneath its floating form. Cragmarr''s shoulders sagged as he looked at the fallen soldiers. "Why must you always choose death?" he sighed. *** Cragmarr dragged the bodies and buried them deep in the forest, his clay fingers leaving grooves in the frozen earth. The horses proved heavier, requiring all four of his arms to move them far from the camp. Blood stained the ground black in the moonlight. The wraith''s presence lingered at the edge of his awareness, a cold reminder of the Jingozi''s watchful eyes. But no harm would come to Ember. They were both there for her. His thoughts drifted to his awakening more than a century ago¡ªthe sensation of consciousness flooding through packed earth and stone, the raw connection to the land that birthed him. He remembered the surge of awareness, of becoming¡ªyet already knowing who and what he was. Then the Jingozi came, and they offered him purpose. A choice that wasn''t a choice at all¡ªto serve as a ward to their vessels, to guide and protect those drawn into their game. He refused at first, clinging to his independence. But as they revealed more of their design, the truth settled into his core like sediment in still water. This was his calling, written in the very clay that formed him. He accepted without anger or resistance. Something deeper than consciousness told him this was right and necessary. The last body settled into place beneath loose soil and fallen leaves. Cragmarr turned back toward camp, his long legs carrying him swiftly through the trees. The fire''s glow beckoned, warm against the night''s chill. *** Ember stirred restlessly on her bed of foliage, her face twitching and contorting in troubled sleep. Her red hair splayed across the green cushion like flames. Soon, she would wake to face what lay ahead¡ªa burden he wished he could shoulder for her. His clay features creased with sorrow as he knelt beside her, two of his four hands clasped together while the others hung limply at his sides. His marble eyes dimmed slightly as he watched her. "I am sorry," he whispered, his voice rough as gravel. Cragmarr''s mind drifted to Marcus, his last charge. The boy''s smile lit up any room he entered, his gentle nature touching even the coldest hearts. But that kindness hadn''t saved him. The memory of Marcus''s final moments crashed through Cragmarr''s consciousness like a boulder through glass. His clay fingers traced the rough ground. Marcus hadn''t screamed at the end. Even as the darkness claimed him, he''d looked at Cragmarr with those trusting eyes. "I failed you," Cragmarr''s voice cracked. The words fell into the empty forest air. A shadow shifted beside him¡ªthe Jingozi. "She stirs," Cragmarr reported, pushing away the weight of old grief. "We may begin soon." His four hands moved in practiced motions as he removed the ritual cards from their compartment on his belt. The cards hummed with ancient power, and their edges glowed. He shuffled them and arranged them in the prescribed order. The cards pulsed in sequence, like a heartbeat. Marcus had worn the same peaceful expression before his ritual. Cragmarr''s hands trembled as he stacked the final card. Please, I pray this time will be different. "You were not chosen to question," the Jingozi''s voice slithered through the air. "You were chosen to serve." Cragmarr nodded grimly. He placed three coins on Ember''s major wounds¡ªone on her bruised ribs, another over her shoulder, and the third on her left cheek. With a flick of his wrists, he held three cards in three hands and waved them over each coin. Cragmarr''s four hands worked in unison, channeling energy through the cards. Each one lit up in sequence, creating a circuit of power that flowed into Ember''s unconscious form. The forest around them grew still as if nature itself held its breath. The coins sank into her flesh, dissolving like candle wax. Orange light spread through her veins in delicate patterns, mending torn muscle and broken vessels. Her breathing steadied. The angry purple bruises faded to yellow, then vanished entirely. Even the dried blood crusted at the corner of her mouth disappeared. Cragmarr watched with satisfaction as her face relaxed, the lines of pain smoothing away. She would need her strength for what lay ahead. Chapter 4 (Rewrite): NINJA Chapter 4: NINJA
Today, they invoked our ancient tongues, chanting rites that awakened dormant powers in our land. Some call this a miracle, yet I fear it is a stirring of shadows best left at rest. The Jingozi wear their faith like their masks, but whose gods do they truly serve? *** I woke up to no bed, no bathrobe, no Vegas hotel. Instead, I was half-naked, wearing nothing but a potato sack on a mound of moss and leaves. The earthy smell of wet burlap filled my nostrils, mingling with the musty scent of the ground beneath me. My arm was still asleep, and the entire side of my face felt numb. A massive bonfire burned behind me. And by its firelight, I could make out the forest. The night sky sparkled with stars¡ªsomething you¡¯d never see standing in a city like Vegas. ¡°Ember Lynn,¡± a voice called. Before my mind could register, he sat cross-legged next to me, staring into the fire. ¡°Dad?¡± Tears streamed down my face. He reached out, but I flinched away. Mixed with the burning smell of wood and smoke, I recognized the Old Spice pomade he used every morning. I bawled as I let him hold my hands. ¡°Ember Lynn. Why did we give you that name?¡± he asked. ¡°My hair?¡± ¡°No, little one. Your first father named you Lynn, but we called you Ember because no matter how alone or different you would feel, we wanted nothing to put out the fire in your heart.¡± He leaned in and touched his forehead to mine¡ªsomething he¡¯d always do to promise things would be okay, no matter how bad. ¡°But dad, I¡¯m so¡­¡± He vanished, leaving me staring at my interface. Name: Ember Tier: - Faction: - Zii: - Cards: - Deck: - I sprang to my feet, wobbled, and slipped, falling into the crackling blaze. But two clay arms shot around my waist, yanking me out just in time. Screeching like a trapped animal, I thrashed in Cragmarr¡¯s grip. The Golem restrained me with his four limbs, lifting me off the ground. ¡°That is enough!¡± A figure emerged from the darkness. It was cloaked in black, with tattered pieces writhing like living tendrils¡ªthe silhouette of a creature composed of endless, restless limbs. The cloak didn¡¯t reach the ground as the figure floated effortlessly, a faint trail of black smoke puffing out from beneath it. The firelight cast eerie shadows on the figure¡¯s face, revealing a skeletal visage. It wore a twisted metal mask resembling a cross between a human and an alien animal skull with curly goat horns. The eye sockets were dotted with multiple lights, each emitting a glow of slightly different colors. ¡°I have no time or patience for these petulant displays,¡± it said. ¡°You will comply or forfeit.¡± ¡°Ember,¡± Cragmarr pleaded. ¡°Focus and look at me, human,¡± it said. Above its head, more information appeared. Name: ??? [Prophecy Dealer] Tier: VII [Obsidian] Rank ??? Faction: Jingozi [Light] Its bony metal finger poked my chest and pulsed with light. Despite my attempts to twist free, warmth radiated within me. And my Zii, whatever that was, ticked up from 1. UPDATE: ZII ACTIVATED The mystical life force that flows through all players, Zii is both power and potential, fueling your abilities in battle and serving as the ultimate currency in the Jingozi tournament. Master it. Wager it. Win with it. STATUS: Name: Ember Tier: - Faction: - Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Zii: 100/100 Cards: - Deck: - My body felt strange. I couldn¡¯t ignore feeling stronger and healthier for the first time in years, maybe my entire life. ¡°You have been chosen to represent a faction in the Jingozi tournament,¡± it said. ¡°If you win, you will be elevated to the highest titles of honor and authority and may return to your world if you choose.¡± My world? ¡°There are seven factions in this dimension,¡± it continued. ¡°Observe and choose.¡± Seven boxes appeared. They glowed in different colors, from red to purple, with the last one black. Each was wrapped in fabric marked with a distinct symbol, some like poker suits. I focused on each one, and a list formed in my vision. Cragmarr set me down. Black tendrils from the skull-faced alien''s cloak reached for me as I took a cautionary step back. As I examined each one, the thing started narrating. 1. NINJA [RED HEART] Represents the strategy, principles, and ideological dedication of the Ninja. Symbolizes the cunning, discipline, and unwavering commitment to their cause. Ninjas are problem-solvers but are most critical of themselves when they fail. 2. GOLEM [ORANGE SHIELD] Reflects the servant leadership of the Golem. Symbolizes selflessness, strength, and dedication to supporting others. Golems try to avoid the spotlight at all costs and will enable the dysfunction of other factions. I snuck a peek at Cragmarr. That seems about right. 3. SAMURAI [GOLD SPADE] Embodies the dedication to knowledge, wisdom, and perfectionist application of the Samurai. Symbolizes the pursuit of excellence, strategic insight, and profound understanding. Samurai tend to be selective in their responsibilities, choosing only to participate when they have confidence that they possess the necessary knowledge. 4. MONK [GREEN CLOVER] Signifies the social harmony of the Monk, seeking the vision to reconcile all. Symbolizes peace, unity, and the quest for enlightenment and reconciliation. Monks tend to be social chameleons but struggle with conflict at the risk of being disliked. 5. AMAZON [BLUE DIAMOND] Illustrates the resourcefulness and flexibility of the Amazon, with a dedication to legacy. Symbolizes adaptability, strategic planning, and the importance of preserving heritage. Amazons find ultimate security in their resources and, therefore, struggle when others do not value them for those resources. 6. EMPEROR [PURPLE CROWN] Represents the institutional leadership of the Emperor, focusing on loyalty and freedom to grow. Symbolizes authority, governance, and the balance between tradition and progress. To the Emperor, the ends always justify the means, including control through domination. ¡°The purple Emperors,¡± I said. ¡°That¡¯s where I was, right? The guy with the robe and gold chains?¡± Cragmarr nodded. I shuddered, remembering the child''s body in the dungeon. 7. JINGOZI [BLACK SKULL] Locked ¡°Why can¡¯t I pick black?¡± I asked. ¡°I assume that¡¯s you, the Jingozi.¡± ¡°It is forbidden.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not a real answer. It¡¯s like saying, ¡®Because I said so.¡¯¡± Cragmarr sighed behind me. ¡°We Jingozi are the gamemasters,¡± it said. ¡°You may only represent our faction by divine decree and earning your station. There will be no further questions on this matter, human.¡± This is insane. I studied the red heart box again. Problem solver, strategic, ideological dedication¡ªit read like every personality test I''d taken during therapy. The therapist had called me "solution-focused with a tendency toward black-and-white thinking." Yet, somehow, the choice seemed all too convenient, like a setup. Whatever, I might as well play along. "Fine. Red it is." I pointed to the heart-marked chest. "Not like any of this is real anyway." "You mock what you cannot possibly comprehend," the skull-faced thing said. "Oh, I understand perfectly. This is either a dream or a hallucination. I probably got roofied at the bar, somehow." "Such insolence will not be tolerated," it warned. I flipped it my middle finger¡ªno reaction except for a message. YOU HAVE CHOSEN A FACTION: NINJA [RED HEART] Represents the strategy, principles, and ideological dedication of the Ninja. Symbolizes the cunning, discipline, and unwavering commitment to their cause. Ninjas are problem-solvers but are most critical of themselves when they fail. LEVEL UPDATE Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: - Faction: Ninja [Field] Zii: 100/100 Cards: - Deck: - Before I could ask what a Doctrine Dealer was, more notifications flooded my mind''s eye. NEW QUEST: JINGOZI TUTORIAL Complete the Jingozi tutorial. NEW QUEST: STEEL Reach Tier III [Steel] Rank 1. NEW QUEST: JINGOZI TOURNAMENT Work with your faction to win the Jingozi tournament for the reward. Prerequisites: The Jingozi extended its palm. Two poker-sized cards materialized with a red glow, gliding towards me, leaving a faint trail of red light. Your first two cards,¡± it said. ¡°Do you accept?¡± I hesitated before poking one of the cards. Both evaporated into red smoke, streaming into my fingertip. A scalding pain shot through my hand as if I¡¯d plunged it into boiling water. The agony spread up my arm, searing through my veins until it engulfed my entire body. I cried out, collapsing onto all fours, drenched in sweat. The pain was beyond anything I¡¯d ever imagined. Through the pounding in my ears, Cragmarr said, ¡°It is too much for her.¡± ¡°The vessel is strong,¡± the Jingozi replied. ¡°I chose it myself.¡± ¡°But look at her.¡± ¡°Then this girl is a pitiful waste and deserves to perish.¡± ¡°Hello,¡± I sputtered. ¡°You know I''m right here and can hear you¡ª¡± I proceeded to dry heave. Text scrolled on my interface before everything faded to black¡ªagain. YOU HAVE RECEIVED BATTLE CARDS: FEAT ACHIEVED: FIRST TIER You have been accepted into Tier I [Iron] Rank 10. There are 7 tiers, each with multiple ranks. You must reach rank 1 before advancing to the next tier. Upon reaching each tier, you will receive a special Jingozi deck upgrade. UPDATED STATUS: Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: I [Iron] Rank 10 Faction: Ninja [Field] Zii: 100/100 Cards: 2/2 Deck: - Chapter 5 (Rewrite): TUTORIAL Chapter 5: TUTORIAL
Something soft and moist prodded my cheek. Groggy and disoriented, I tried to brush it away, only to find a rough, noodle-like tongue licking my face. I jolted fully awake. ¡°What the hell?!¡± Startled, the creature scurried back, blinking at me. It looked like a pangolin, about two feet long, with an extended snout and a tail stretching the same length as the body. I''d seen National Geographic videos about pangolins walking on their hind legs with sharp claws like tiny velociraptors. But this one was different. Its scales were silver, and under the coat of armor was a blanket of white hair¡ªalien but kind of adorable at the same time. Its dark eyes locked onto mine. I reached out my hand as a friendly gesture, but it took off with blinding speed, leaving a shimmering blur. ¡°That was a silverglint.¡± Cragmarr stood behind me. Thankfully, that other¡­ thing¡­ the Jingozi, was gone. ¡°Very rare,¡± he continued. ¡°The denizens of this world believe they are omens of good fortune. But there are always two.¡± ¡°I guess I was never dreaming,¡± I said, my throat dry. ¡°How long was I out?¡± ¡°Three days.¡± ¡°What? Did you stand there the whole time?¡± Before Cragmarr could respond, I took in my surroundings. The view was breathtaking. The forest was a muted display of light and shadow. Humongous pine trees stood as the early sunlight poked through the canopy. A cool mist carried the sounds of waking birds and the occasional rustle of branches in the wind. Patches of moss glowed in the dim light, and dew clung to the grass. Despite my circumstances, the forest was calm and subdued, and the air smelled crisp. I felt refreshed¡ªinvigorated even¡ªif you ignored the fact that some creepy thing called a Jingozi had kidnapped me, and now I was talking to a pile of clay and rocks named Cragmarr. ¡°I do not sleep,¡± he said. ¡°The tutorial package remains for you.¡± Behind the log sat the box, wrapped in an ornate red scarf with the heart symbol for the Ninja faction. The scarf, made of exquisite silk and large enough to be a blanket, would have cost a fortune in Vegas. I touched the package. DO YOU WISH TO LOOT THE CONTENTS OF THE NINJA STARTER PACK? [Yes/No] Startled, I stumbled backward. The notification remained. ¡°Um, yes?¡± I said, ducking by instinct as more text started scrolling. YOU HAVE OPENED THE NINJA STARTER PACK You receive: The box disappeared, and I took a moment to sit there, rubbing my eyes. Yeah, just like a video game. What the hell? Cragmarr strapped on a belt with pouches. ¡°Hey, where did all the stuff in the box go?¡± I asked. "You are granted a magical storage system," he replied. "The size is based upon the quality of your armor and other accessories. Call it forth in your mind to access your inventory." "Uh, okay." A grid with twelve slots appeared, and a small grid was below it. INVENTORY [SMALL BACKPACK]: CURRENCY: Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°Okay, then,¡± I muttered. ¡°Let¡¯s see what this does.¡± In my head, I concentrated on the waterskin. A brown leather bladder filled with liquid appeared in my hand. I uncapped it, gulped half the water, splashed some on my face, and dumped the rest on my neck. That was probably a dumb idea, Em. The ten rations were stuck together like an artisanal loaf of beef jerky wrapped in parchment. I peeled one off, the size of a hockey puck. It smelled like typical gas station beef jerky but with a hint of spices. My stomach growled, so I chewed it while checking the rest of the loot. Next, the pile of garments and accessories appeared, neatly folded in a bundle. My current god-awful burlap sack made my skin itch unbearably. The uniform seemed meh¡ªmore like prison duds. However, the half-fingered gloves, wristbands, and slipper socks with thick soles were welcome accessories. Thankfully, the package included underwear¡ªred, of course. ¡°Hey, Cragmarr,¡± I said. ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Turn around.¡± The Golem complied. Untying the rope belt, the burlap fell around my ankles as I raced to put on the rest of the outfit. Relieved to be wearing fresh clothes, I checked the fit¡ªit was exactly my size. Okay, Em. Let¡¯s say you¡¯re not crazy. There should be a character sheet or something. On cue, another screen popped up in my vision. STATUS: Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: 1 [Iron] Rank 10 Faction: Ninja [Field] Zii: 100/100 Cards: 2/2 Deck: I¡¯ve probably lost my mind, but it¡¯s official¡­ I¡¯m a level 1 Ninja¡­ are we really doing this? "Do you have an interface?" I asked. "A status? I can see yours. Can you see mine?" "No," Cragmarr answered. "We do not possess such capabilities. Only players from other dimensions like you." I took another minute, tearing off strips of jerky with my teeth. After swallowing the last bite, I turned back to the Cragmarr. ¡°Okay. I have questions." *** Sitting on a log, I worked on my third ration, stress-eating as if it were a marathon poker session. I tried to act casual, putting the remaining piece in my pocket. ¡°Let me get this straight,¡± I said, standing up to pace. ¡°This whole world is a different dimension, not another planet, like a multiverse or something. You¡¯ve got seven factions at war, one being the Jingozi, who are pretty much aliens. And they just appeared one day as religious missionaries with some magical card game?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Cragmarr confirmed. "We learned this from ancient texts written by the Samurai mystic Dojokynn, also known as the First Prophet." ¡°That¡¯s not weird at all.¡± ¡°I expected you to feel the opposite.¡± ¡°Oh no, it¡¯s totally weird. Anyway¡­ so, all your factions learn this game to participate in Jingozi tournaments, just like poker in my world. If you win, you receive fame, fortune, and valuable resources for your faction.¡± ¡°Yes. But you must be chosen.¡± ¡°And the Jingozi body snatch people like me from our dimension¡ªEarth¡ªto do what exactly?¡± ¡°You are a Doctrine Dealer now, and your role is to lead your faction to win the Jingozi tournament.¡± "How am I a player if I''m a¡­ Doctrine Dealer?" "As a player, you advance. In doing so, you spread the Jingozi doctrine. I am a Divine Dealer. I advocate for devotion to the Jingozi. At later tiers, you may also allow non-players to use Jingozi cards, similar to dealers in your game, poker." I rubbed my temples, mulling over the whole crazy conversation. ¡°Why bring us into it? It sounds like you¡¯re all doing just fine fighting amongst yourselves.¡± ¡°That answer I do not fully comprehend,¡± Cragmarr confessed, stepping forward. ¡°But your kind has been playing the game as long as us.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°The Jingozi seeded your world with the game in various forms. You do not know it as Jingozi because your world is less attuned to magic. Training with games is part of their selection process. They have been observing you.¡± ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s crazy, but I¡¯ll give you the benefit of the doubt here, Cragmarr. Go on.¡± ¡°There are two modes of Jingozi. The first is what you know as PVE, player versus environment. The second is¡ª¡± ¡°PVP. Player versus player.¡± He nodded and continued, "PVE is whenever you use Jingozi cards outside a Jingozi match. Throughout your journey, you will discover cards designed for this purpose. But all PVP matches occur inside a special arena constructed by the Jingozi, which requires your base battle cards. I will demonstrate this during your tutorial." ¡°Wait, I have a question. If I''ve been recruited to play this game, why put me through all that torture stuff?" Cragmarr''s expression shifted to confusion. "You remember?" he asked. "You mean a Ninja spitting acid and melting his face off? How about the one that turned into a fire demon? Or getting beaten for who knows how long by Emperor douchebags?" "Ember," Cragmar''s voice dropped to a low rumble, "Do not speak of those memories to anybody." "Fine. But you''re not answering my question." ¡°I am sorry,¡± Cragmarr put a clay hand on my shoulder. ¡°The Jingozi believe your kind plays better with a traumatic experience and story introduction. It is the fastest way to adapt to this dimension and motivates you to play the game. But you were only meant to remember the experience from the moment I freed you.¡± I batted his hand away. ¡°Let me get this straight,¡± I said. ¡°You¡¯re telling me that whole prison escape was like an opening cinematic to a video game? And you¡¯re what¡­ this tutorial you''re talking about?¡± ¡°Ember,¡± he said, holding both hands up, ¡°I know this is difficult. But if you do not play Jingozi, they will not let you go home.¡± ¡°And what¡¯s up with those cards trying to murder me the other night?¡± ¡°The Jingozi consider it a rite of passage between tiers. Each tier attunes to your unique Zii frequency. The pain symbolizes your sacrifice as a Jingozi dealer.¡± ¡°What if I just refuse to play¡­ or deal¡­ or whatever?¡± I said, pointing at myself. ¡°Please, Ember. We must start your training.¡± I took a deep breath. This entire setup was getting more convoluted by the minute, but a tantrum would get me nowhere. Everything was about getting home. Stop being difficult, Ember Lynn. What choice do I have? ¡°Sorry, Cragmarr,¡± I sighed. ¡°You¡¯re just trying to help. Okay. Show me.¡± *** Jingozi was a mashup of trading card games and poker. Cragmarr explained it using familiar poker terms even though the players in this dimension didn¡¯t require similar instructions. They played using intuition. Even my interface and notifications were explicitly designed for players like me. Roughly one in thousands are chosen to play Jingozi at any given time¡ªgiving me rare and elite status, for whatever that was worth. Players collected a deck of 36 basic battle cards. Like a wizard, your Jingozi deck was the spell book that gave you powers. The fronts of each card resembled a domino with two stacked groups of crystalline pips. Cragmarr explained that when you play a card, the number on top is your risk score, which represents the strength of your attack. Your reward score below it was for defeating others or the strength of other magical effects during PVE. My two cards were [0/0] and [0/1]. "This is it?" I asked. "I thought you said all players had 36 battle cards." "You must discover and earn the rest of your deck by ranking up," Cragmarr replied. "The basic battle cards have scores up to seven. The strongest being a [7/7]." "Got it." ¡°Stand here,¡± Cragmarr walked across the clearing. When he was about thirty feet away, he turned and took a martial arts stance as if in a duel. CRAGMARR [GOLEM] HAS CHALLENGED YOU TO A JINGOZI MATCH [TUTORIAL MODE] Do you accept? [Yes/No] Sure, why not? YOU HAVE ENTERED A JINGOZI MATCH [TUTORIAL MODE] Opponent: 1. Cragmarr [Golem] With a hollow warble, the world dissolved into a technicolor swirl, and I felt a strange pulling sensation, like being sucked through a vortex. We materialized, standing in an expansive open space. The sky was mystical, illuminated by waves of translucent colors¡ªlike northern lights on psychedelics. My senses heightened to an almost unbearable degree. The air smelled of ozone and exotic flowers, and the dark ground felt solid and fluid simultaneously, like standing on swirling obsidian glass. A faint hum of energy buzzed in my ears. An ethereal light outlined Cragmarr. With my enhanced vision, I noticed every crack and rock and even zoomed into my reflection in his eyes. Two new boxes were now in the top left corner of my interface. ¡°We are in the Jingozi Arena,¡± Cragmarr began. ¡°Its properties allow us to play the game within an instance of time. No harm can come to our physical forms while we are here.¡± ¡°Like being in virtual reality.¡± ¡°Correct. I have heard of this virtual reality in your world,¡± he continued. ¡°But although this is not real, you will feel everything as if it were. In this arena, anything is possible if you can imagine it as you play your Jingozi cards.¡± ¡°Okay, now what do I do?¡± I asked. ¡°We battle.¡± He resumed his combat stance. Chapter 6 (Rewrite): AGAIN Chapter 6: AGAIN
The Jingozi¡¯s so-called card game brings forth illusions of mighty champions, each bound to serve its wielder¡¯s will¡ªyet I see in these enchanted battles the same cruel spectacle practiced by lords who pitted their slaves against one another for sport. Though no blood is spilled, the frenzy in the crowd¡¯s eyes betrays the same thirst for dominance. Our leaders hail this as a transcendent form of faction politics, yet I cannot ignore how closely it mirrors those darker days. Beneath its wonder and magic, the same age-old hunger for control smolders. *** "Flick your wrist like this," Cragmarr instructed as he made five cards appear in one of his hands. I repeated the motion and summoned my two cards. A new bar appeared at the bottom of my interface. HAND: [0/0] [0/1] "Every PVP match starts with all your battle cards and 100 Zii," Cragmarr explained. "The strength of your card remains hidden until all players select and commit the card during their turn. And every card costs 1 Zii to play." It seemed simple enough. I held up the [0/1] card and mentally confirmed to play it. My Zii and card counts dropped by one. I watched Cragmarr perform the same card selection. "Okay," I yelled. "Now wh¡ª" My body launched and accelerated forward as if shot from a cannon. Without thinking, I extended my fist for a punch that hit Cragmarr square in the face. Pain ripped through my arm as my knuckles bent into unnatural angles. Seven orange coins exploded from the point of impact, accompanied by my blood-curdling screech. It felt like a blowtorch blasting my hand. CRAGMARR [GOLEM] WINS THE HAND CRAGMARR WINS THE POT The orange coins had landed at my feet, now levitating about an inch off the ground. They arced into the air and disappeared into Cragmarr''s outstretched palm. I clutched my hand, now mangled with fingers pointing in various directions, as more status notifications appeared. MATCH LOG: CRAGMARR [GOLEM] CONCEDES THE MATCH Do you accept? [YES/NO] God, yes! The clearing reappeared as I fell to my knees, cradling my wrist. Although my hand was healed, it throbbed with the phantom pain of bones popping back into place. ¡°What the hell was that?¡± I groaned, rolling face-first into some moss. ¡°I won the hand.¡± Cragmarr leaned over with a big grin, revealing his rocky teeth. ¡°Of course you won the hand! Did you see what happened to my hand?" ¡°You played a [0/1], and I played a [2/7]. My attack was greater. Therefore, I won, and my pot was eight Zii based on the one card you played and my reward of 7 Zii based on the card I played.¡± He watched me flex my hand a few more times. ¡°All damage in the Jingozi arena stays in the arena.¡± Stolen novel; please report. ¡°That¡¯s kinda what they say about Vegas,¡± I grumbled. ¡°I do not understand.¡± ¡°Never mind,¡± I said, my face still smushed in the moss. ¡°What''s up with my deck? I only have two cards. The best I could''ve done was played a [0/1] and still lost." "You could have spun the card to make it a [1/0]." "And still lost to your [2/7], right?" "Yes?" "Hence my first question." "As you progress in rank, you will receive more battle cards. Therefore, you must choose your PVP opponents carefully, for they will have more cards." I rolled onto my back. "All right, so it''s not just a poker game but a deck builder," I said. "Now, what if I played a [2/5] or something? Same risk score?" ¡°The attacks would be tied, and our cards would have neutralized each other. It would be a tie turn, and the hand would continue with the remaining cards in our hands until one of us was a winner.¡± ¡°You mean we¡¯d attack each other again with another card?¡± I said. ¡°Like jousting?¡± ¡°That is a way to understand it, yes.¡± "Can I play the cards multiple times?" "No." "So, if I run out of my only two cards before reducing a player to zero Zii, what, I lose?" ¡°Yes," he nodded. "However, many players concede before that occurs." "What stops me from filling my deck with [7/7] cards?" "Jingozi decks are standardized. You cannot add or subtract any battle cards beyond 36. The game is designed to give every player an equal chance for victory.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not pay-to-win, you mean.¡± ¡°What is that?¡± ¡°Sorry, never mind,¡± I sat up. ¡°Then why did I break my hand? Can¡¯t I just use a gun or something?¡± ¡°There are no firearms in Jingozi. But you have the right idea. You can use anything brought into the Jingozi arena as a weapon. Every faction has a different battle style according to its training and culture. But pain is a part of the game. You will be disadvantaged if you do not develop the proper mental fortitude.¡± ¡°Can I shoot lasers out of my eyes?¡± ¡°If your faction trains for it, yes.¡± ¡°What stops me from creating armor and a battle axe against, let''s say, another lame redhead Ninja chick trying to punch me with bare fists?¡± ¡°Nothing,¡± he chuckled. ¡°But you must remember that manifestations that feel real during the game, including weapons, armor, or magic effects, are not different. They do not change the potency of your attacks. Hand-to-hand combat can cause as much damage as a sword or fireball. They only change your experience of the game itself.¡± "You''re saying you don''t have an advantage because you''re seven feet tall and have four arms?" "Correct." ¡°Well, at least that¡¯s fair. But hang on, if everything boils down to the cards, why are we even training?¡± "Let me repeat. Jingozi is more than cards and combat. Players who cannot train their minds make poor decisions during PVP matches and PVE. As you master the body, the game will mentally slow down, allowing you to shift strategy and make better tactical decisions during combat." "How intense does it get?" "You shall see." Cragmarr walked back to the edge of the clearing, stretched his neck, and cracked his knuckles. ¡°Again.¡± CRAGMARR [GOLEM] HAS CHALLENGED YOU TO A JINGOZI MATCH Do you accept? [Yes/No] *** We played one hand at a time in a series of mini-matches. Cragmarr entered dealer mode, allowing me to use half of his deck. He chose weaker cards, allowing me to practice relatively unscathed. The injuries still hurt like hell, but knowing they were temporary made them somewhat bearable. I also trained with weapons, testing various kinds in a Jingozi match. We practiced with wooden staves, rocks, and knives, each with a unique weight, balance, and style. But after a few rounds, I stuck to basic hand-to-hand combat¡ªat least for now. In Vegas, the only weapon I ever carried was a can of mace. After getting the hang of things, the pace intensified. We worked on combos and stringing together attacks. The training became more demanding, each round pushing me harder, but my skills sharpened surprisingly quickly with every exchange. True to all video game tutorials, it was all designed to give me a sense of confidence and competence sooner rather than later. Despite my constant complaints¡ªabout the pain, the confusion, the sheer exhaustion¡ªCragmarr remained patient. After dislocating my shoulder, I was more than done. ¡°I can¡¯t fight for shit!¡± Cragmarr blinked, confused. ¡°Why would you fight for a shift?¡± ¡°I said, shit, Cragmarr.¡± ¡°Where would you like me to sit?¡± ¡°Really?¡± I said. He just stared at me. ¡°Your language¡­ it is confusing.¡± Suspicious, I tried an experiment. ¡°If I say the word ¡®fuck,¡¯ what do you hear?¡± ¡°A word in a foreign tongue I cannot comprehend.¡± I thought for a moment before it struck me. This was the most absurd feature the Jingozi could have added to their game. I broke out in hysterical laughter. ¡°Of course,¡± I giggled. ¡°A language filter.¡± ¡°What is that?¡± he asked. I couldn¡¯t stop laughing, plus I couldn''t tell if Cragmarr was legitimately amused or tolerating my hysterics. So, I decided to lean into the absurdity. ¡°Hey, Crag. Can I call you Crag?¡± I said, catching my breath. ¡°Of course. Can I call you Em?¡± ¡°Be my guest, Craaaaaag. But I have one more question, if I may.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°What happens if I die?¡± Cragmarr went quiet. ¡°Hello? Earth to Crag?¡± I snickered. His smile vanished. He picked me up off the ground and planted me on my feet, becoming intimidating for the first time. ¡°Again.¡± CRAGMARR [GOLEM] HAS CHALLENGED YOU TO A JINGOZI MATCH Do you accept? [Yes/No] *** I sprawled across a fallen log, every muscle screaming. The bark dug into my back, but I couldn''t summon the energy to move. Cragmarr knelt by the fire pit, stacking wood with his four arms. I repeated the words in my mind. A clay Golem. In another dimension. Teaching me a magical card game. Oh, you''re also a Ninja. The flames sparked to life, casting an orange glow across Cragmarr''s rocky surface. Either this was the most elaborate simulation game ever, or I''d finally cracked, as my therapist had warned. But Cragmarr wasn''t an NPC. He felt real as I observed his gentle movements and straightforward manner. "You remind me of my bro, Rocky," I said. Cragmarr looked up from the fire. "He is your family on Earth?" "Kind of. He''s a friend. He''s always there when I need him. We should be playing World of Warcraft together right now¡ªthis online game. He always picks the healer or support class, just so he can keep me alive." I smiled at the memory. "You two would get along. You''ve got that same... helper thing going on." "I am happy to serve you the same way." Cragmarr adjusted a log with one of his lower arms. "I believe you will see him again soon." I watched the flames dance, trying not to think too hard about that statement. "How much more tutorial stuff do we have to do?" "Tomorrow, I will teach you PVE." He turned those swirling orange eyes toward me. "But for now, you earned your rest." I didn''t argue. The fire''s warmth wrapped around me like a blanket, and my eyelids grew heavy. The last thing I saw was Cragmarr''s silhouette against the flames, all four arms working in perfect harmony as he practiced some sort of slow-motion performative dance routine. Chapter 7 (Rewrite): FISH Chapter 7: FISH
I followed Cragmarr through the dense forest, our footsteps muffled by the thick layer of fallen leaves. It was a scorching morning, even in the shade. I attempted to break the ice, but the mood remained somber. Cragmarr explained a [Field] Ninja as the starter class of the Ninja faction. Upon reaching higher tiers, I could specialize as an [Assassin] or [Mystic]. A class called the [Shadow Elven] was also reserved for, well¡­ elves. Despite its fantasy elements, I wondered why our worlds were so similar. From what I understood, countless other dimensions were nothing like Earth. The Jingozi chose dimensions that shared traits, such as humanoid forms and environments, ensuring all selected players could participate. They created arenas where participants competed equally by bridging the potential differences. The scale of it all couldn¡¯t be denied. If what Cragmarr said was even half true, the Jingozi had crafted a cosmos-spanning competition transcending the barriers of species, biology, and reality. A few days ago, I was a disillusioned poker player who stressed about parasocial relationships on social media. Today, I was a Ninja trying to survive some twisted interdimensional card game. *** We emerged into a clearing with a serene pond. The water was crystal clear, reflecting the soft hues of the sky and the surrounding greenery. The air sat still, the pond¡¯s surface like glass, undisturbed except for the occasional six-legged frog hopping between lily pads. ¡°That¡¯s a lot of spicy frog legs,¡± I mumbled, thinking about the buffets at the poker tournaments in Macau. My growling stomach tugged me back to reality. Cragmarr didn¡¯t hear me or my hunger. ¡°Wait,¡± he instructed. ¡°Stand back.¡± I took a few steps back, watching as the Golem waded into the water until he was ankle-deep. He dipped a clay hand into the pond and hummed, a deep, melodic sound you¡¯d hear in a monastery. Our surroundings resonated as ripples emanated from where he stood. The water frothed and rose, a shape emerged¡ªanother Golem made of water, mud, and seaweed. The water Golem surged toward Cragmarr, its swampy arms reaching out to attack. Cragmarr flicked his wrist to load a Jingozi card and threw it at his feet while jumping to propel himself backward. He dodged and rolled onto the shore. The water Golem¡¯s attack missed with a giant splash, tossing several fish and crabs onto the ground. And after a moment, it retreated. ¡°Quickly,¡± Cragmarr urged, ¡°before other creatures steal the meal.¡± I gathered the fish and crabs into my inventory while Cragmarr stood guard. Once we had enough, we found a suitable spot to make a fire. He knelt, snapped his fingers, and produced an orange-glowing Zii coin, which he placed in the kindling I¡¯d gathered. Then, he drew a single Jingozi card that glowed orange. After a gesture, the Zii coin burst into sparks, lighting the twigs and dry grass on fire. ¡°That¡¯s a cool trick,¡± I said. "Try it," he said. "Focus your Zii and snap your fingers." It took a few tries, like lighting an old Zippo lighter, but eventually, I got it. A red Zii coin made of shimmering crystal with a heart symbol materialized in my fingers. "Close your palm to reabsorb it," Cragmarr continued. "Other living beings can also absorb Zii, even inanimate objects made of the five elements. Each coin is imprinted to your Zii frequency, like a human fingerprint. But be careful not to deplete your Zii pool." The coin disappeared with a tingle in my palm. "That tickles," I said. "Other than light fires, what else can I do with coins?" ¡°You will learn. For now, let us cook.¡± Cragmarr cleaned the fish and prepared the crabs simultaneously with all sets of hands. Not bad for a creature that never eats. He skewered the fish on sticks, set them over the fire, and placed the crabs on a flat stone within the flames. The aroma filled the air, making my mouth water. ¡°They smell delicious,¡± I said, my stomach growling in anticipation. ¡°What was all that about in the pond? Friend of yours?¡± ¡°Earth-based Golems can provoke water Golems. It is a natural reaction. We use this to our advantage when necessary.¡± ¡°And that move you pulled?¡± ¡°Yes. Use your cards with a higher reward score for defensive maneuvers such as running and dodging, even non-lethal attacks.¡± "Got it." As the meal cooked, we sat by the fire, listening to its crackle. Cragmarr explained that there were five types of Golems: fire, earth, metal, water, and wood. These elements existed in harmony long before any other factions existed. When the Jingozi arrived, their faction fractured into subclasses: Primals, Blights, Hybrids, and Demi-Golems like him, who were transformed by magic to be more human-like. ¡°Why do you help the Jingozi?¡± I asked. Cragmarr turned the fish and checked the crabs. ¡°I do not do it for them. I serve all humankind¡­ I serve you.¡± I sat silent. ¡°Here,¡± he said, handing me a fish skewer and a crab leg. ¡°Better than those rations.¡± I peeled back the fish skin and took a bite, savoring the delicious, smoky flavor. ¡°Wow.¡± The fish and crabs didn¡¯t appear different from the Earth ones, yet they tasted different because of whatever Zii was. Everything here seemed so¡­ amplified, as if Earth was a muted version of this world. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°Thank you, Cragmarr,¡± I mumbled with my mouth around a crab claw. ¡°What happened to Crag?¡± he asked. Unsure if he was serious or not, I punched him in the shoulder and pretended I broke my hand again. *** Cragmarr collected more wood, and after stoking the fire, he stood before me. ¡°Ember, I will now teach you about Zii,¡± he began. ¡°Zii is the spiritual force flowing through all of time and creation¡ªthis essence of life is the thread connecting all beings across the dimensions. It is everywhere and nowhere, everything and nothing. Zii cannot be seen or touched in its raw form, yet it is the source of all power and harmony.¡± ¡°Yes, Yoda,¡± I said. ¡°Zii is the breath of the universe, the pulse of creation,¡± he continued, ignoring my Star Wars reference. ¡°It moves through us, bonds us, and gives us the strength to overcome any challenge. To harness Zii is to become one with the cosmos, to tap into an infinite well of energy and potential.¡± He gestured for me to stand beside him. ¡°To master Zii, you must learn the discipline of Zii-Kata. This ancient martial art is a fusion of meditation, forms, and patterns practiced by our ancestors. But when used by a Jingozi dealer, it will help you recover spent Zii, recharge your cards, and progress your skills.¡± He took a deep breath and moved into a stance, his movements fluid and deliberate. ¡°Watch closely,¡± he instructed. ¡°Zii-Kata begins with meditation. Clear your mind and focus on the flow of Zii with every deep breath within you. Feel its presence, its flow.¡± I mimicked him, closing my eyes after a deep breath. Whatever I was supposed to be sensing felt like trying to grasp smoke. ¡°Now, follow my movements,¡± Cragmarr said. He performed a series of intricate forms. I mirrored him clumsily at first, but I felt something shift. The more I focused, the more I sensed a pulse of something within, syncing with my movements. Cragmarr¡¯s voice was soothing as he guided me through the patterns. ¡°Zii-Kata is not just about physical forms. It is a dance of the spirit, a way to align yourself with this dimension. As you move, let go of your thoughts. Embrace the flow of Zii, and let it take you.¡± With each repetition, every movement became more natural and more harmonious. ¡°Good,¡± Cragmarr said. ¡°You are beginning to understand. Other trainers will teach you more forms of Zii-Kata. But most importantly, you will learn to become one with Zii.¡± ¡°Thank you, Cragmarr. That was crazy.¡± ¡°Remember, Ember,¡± he said. ¡°Zii is not just power or currency for a game. It is a way of life, a path to harmony and understanding. Embrace it, and it will guide you through all trials.¡± FEAT ACHIEVED: ZII-KATA Learn and practice your first Zii-Kata pattern. Whenever you practice Zii-Kata, you recover 1 Zii and 1 Card per minute. ¡°Hey,¡± I said. ¡°New feat achieved.¡± ¡°With many more to come,¡± he smiled. *** I learned that only members of a faction chosen by the Jingozi could PVP, meaning all conflict occurring outside a Jingozi match was considered PVE. PVE was, therefore, more consequential to every faction except the Jingozi. Factions participated in PVP only for the progression and rewards, while survival came down to PVE. ¡°How do I level up tiers?¡± I asked. ¡°By performing feats, completing quests or missions, and defeating higher-ranked players,¡± Cragmarr replied. ¡°They will become e available as you undergo your trials.¡± ¡°What do you mean trials?¡± ¡°Once you gain tiers,¡± he said, ¡°you must practice and demonstrate Zii-Kata so that the Jingozi may deem you worthy. They are the gamemasters and will decide when you are ready for the tournament." ¡°That¡¯s just convenient, isn¡¯t it?¡± I muttered. ¡°Is there anything they don¡¯t control?¡± ¡°Using your Jingozi abilities, in or out of a match, always costs Zii. Unlike after a match, where you regain all your Zii and cards, the only way to recover resources from PVE is through Zii-Kata.¡± "Got it." ¡°Last lesson for today.¡± Cragmarr loaded a card and showed it to me a [3/2]. He plunged the card into the water and speared a fish. After tossing it over his shoulder, he repeated another catch with a [4/5] card. He held up the fish. ¡°These fish have no Zii defenses and cannot withstand a Jingozi attack,¡± he continued. ¡°Any living being without a Jingozi deck is helpless against even your weakest cards with zero scores. You possess immense power, even at the lowest tier and rank. But the greater attack score prevails if an opponent during PVE also plays a Jingozi card." "Got it," I said. "Manage your cards and stack your deck." "Excellent, Ember," Cragmarr nodded approvingly. "As you level up, every tier allows you to burn more Zii and multiply the potency of your battle card." He motioned for me to step back. "Be please stand away and watch. I provoke the Golem in this pond again." Cragmarr chanted and dipped two lower arms into the pond, creating ripples across the surface. His clay fingers vibrated against the water in a mesmerizing pattern. The water surged upward, taking shape into the Golem we''d encountered earlier. Its liquid form towered above us, ready to crash down. My interface flickered to life, displaying Cragmarr''s loaded card¡ªa [5/6]. But then something changed. A soft orange glow emanated from his hands as he poured Zii into the card. The numbers shifted to [10/12]. Cragmarr''s movements flowed like water itself. He twisted his torso, arms weaving through the air in an intricate pattern. The card transformed into pure energy, crackling with silver lightning that shot toward the water Golem. The blast tore through the creature''s midsection. Water exploded out its front and back, raining down around us. The Golem''s form shrank to half its original size, its watery mass destabilizing. Without hesitation, it spun around and sank back into the pond''s depths, leaving only gentle ripples in its wake. "That," I breathed, "was incredible." Cragmarr moved onto the shore. ¡°Now, you try.¡± "Me?" I said. "The water Golem?" "Of course not," he chuckled. "Fish." "Oh, that''s better." I spent the next few hours fishing. At first, drawing a card and striking the target felt awkward. But after a good dozen reps, I had it down to one fluid motion. Two minutes of Zii-Kata replenished my two cards, and I returned to Jingozi spearfishing. Each catch was added to my inventory, which appeared to be a magical storage locker that kept perishables from spoiling. Fish [12]: Will not spoil while kept in your inventory. Cragmarr, on the other hand, relied on storage like his utility pouches and belts with compartments. I spent another dozen cards fishing¡ªit was actually pretty fun. ¡°Teach a Ninja to fish, and you¡¯ll feed her for life,¡± I grinned. It¡¯s a good thing I like sushi. *** After an hour of Zii-Kata, I curled up by the fire, wrapped in my Ninja scarf. Cragmarr assumed his usual sentinel position. He whispered, "Em, if you die in this world, you die in your world." "What?" I said, sitting up. "Are you saying I''m still there?" "In a sense, you are. Time works differently between our dimensions. Upon your return, no matter how long you stay in this world, none will have passed in yours." I suddenly remembered what had happened before I arrived. I was in bed, having a heart attack, and woke up thinking I was in a dream. But it wasn''t. "Wait. If my body is still there, but my mind is here, whose body is this?" I asked. "And why do I look the same?" "I do not know. From what I could discern before the rescue, your vessel is a would-be assassin captured by the Emperor faction. The Jingozi chose your host, and now we all, including you, see her as you." "The Jingozi are pure evil." Cragmarr turned so I could see his face by the firelight. "Train to grow stronger," he said, "And be careful with the Jingozi. They are unpredictable and without remorse. Their religion is mysterious, and their true motivations remain unclear." "Doesn''t get much more twisted than that, I guess." "I am sorry, Em. This is the only way," he said. "You will endure much pain and sorrow. Tomorrow is the final tutorial before you embark on your trials." "Trials?" Cragmarr stood and lumbered away. Closing my eyes, I wondered about the woman stuck as my vessel. Sure, because of me, she survived and escaped imprisonment, but my very presence within her had to be a... violation, right? "I don''t know who you are," I whispered. "But I''ll make this right¡­ I promise." Chapter 8 (Rewrite): PVE Chapter 8: PVE
They have awakened the magic that slept within our soil, yes and offered us new life. But at night, the stars seem to burn brighter with an unholy flame, as if the very heavens recoil at the bargain struck. I fear we have accepted gifts that cannot be easily returned. *** Morning dew sparkled on the grass as Cragmarr paced back and forth, gesturing with his four arms. ¡°To win a Jingozi tournament, you must learn the strategies of every other faction. Every player must possess a champion card to win. In your world and game of poker, you can consider them the royal cards." An instruction screen popped up in my vision. CHAMPION CARDS "Beyond the strength of their attack and defense, each champion may also provide bonus abilities during PVP and PVE," he added. "Got it. How do I get champion cards?" "They will reveal themselves as you progress through tiers and ranks. Once you reach new tiers, you will be offered upgrades to your deck. Choose wisely as it determines your meta." "Meta?" "Metas are styles of play based on your card statistics. They allow you to specialize into card buffs and take advantage of unique abilities." "Got it." "Let us review one more time. What are the four types of Ninja classes?" I rolled my eyes. "Ember," he grumbled. "Field, Assassin, Mystic, and Shadow Elven, which I''ll be able to choose when I reach the proper tier¡ªexcept Shadow Eleven, of course. "And your current tier and rank?" "Tier 1, Iron, Rank 10." I counted off on my fingers. "I have it all on my interface, remember?" "What else?" "PVP is restricted to faction battles. PVE affects everyone. Card scores multiply with Zii. Death here means death there. Did I miss anything?" Cragmarr wrung his hands, rocks grinding against each other. "The Zii-Kata forms¡ª" "Which I memorized yesterday." I stood up and stretched. "Crag, I got this." "I know you do. I just..." His orange marble eyes swirled faster. "There is so much more to teach you, but the tutorial only permits basic instruction. The rest you must discover through experience." The way he fussed made me imagine parents dropping their kids off at school¡ªchecking backpacks, straightening clothes, and giving last-minute advice. It was weird to see this behavior from a seven-foot-tall clay Golem. "Hey." I placed my hand on one of his rocky forearms. "Thank you. For everything. The rescue, the training, even the fish dinner. I wouldn''t have survived without you." His eyes dimmed slightly. "You are most welcome, Ember. I wish I could teach you more." QUEST COMPLETE: JINGOZI TUTORIAL Complete the Jingozi tutorial. LEVEL UPDATE Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: I [Iron] Rank 9 Cragmarr led me in a Zii-Kata pattern one last time for good measure. I went with it to appease him. But after a few moments, my mind went black. Regaining my senses, I watched a card appear before me. "Um, is that supposed to happen?" I asked. Cragmarr hunched over, brow furrowed, and examined the card. "No," he said dubiously. "I have never encountered this before. We should¡ª" This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. I touched it. Before either of us could react, a red blur of smoke streaked toward me. A shadowy red Ninja materialized and buried a fist into my chest. Cragmarr attempted to tackle the apparition, but his body passed through it, sending him tumbling. Intense pressure radiated through my body, so overwhelming that blood seeped from my eyes, nose, and ears. I vomited, the dark crimson splattering across my attacker. But the vomit wasn¡¯t blood¡ªit was acid. Burning through the ninja¡¯s mask, the acid revealed a face that was the spitting image of mine. I stared into the eyes of my doppelganger before her flesh began to sizzle and corrode, melting away until she was nothing more than a puddle of steaming ooze. The vision snapped away as fast as it had come, and I found myself on the ground, clutching my chest and gasping for air. My heart pounded in my ears. Cragmarr was at my side, cradling my head. He said something, but it sounded all garbled. I fought to stay conscious, but the world blurred and darkened. When I awoke with an unbelievable migraine, Cragmarr was holding me in the same position. YOU HAVE RECEIVED A SPELL CARD: Blood Strike STATUS: Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: I [Iron] Rank 9 Faction: Ninja [Field] Zii: 100/100 Cards: 2/2 [Error]: 1/1 Deck: ¡°Woah,¡± I groaned. "What the hell was that?" ¡°I do not know," he replied. "That was most concerning. You are not meant to receive any spell cards this early." "That wasn''t part of the tutorial?" "No." *** After checking my inventory, I noticed a new tab next to my card deck. It was labeled with garbled question marks, like some error. Lying on my back, I stared at my new spell card, still groggy. Blood Strike Cragmarr sat on a log beside me, hunched over in a thinking pose. His eyes narrowed, and he frowned in contemplation. ¡°It is perplexing, indeed,¡± he said. "All players receive spell cards for PVE. Yours is a hybrid for PVP as well. There is no such thing, and the Jingozi did not mention additional cards. Unless¡­" "Unless?" I said. "It is best that you do not speak of these new cards, especially to the Jingozi," he said. "Others will not know you are from another dimension. Revealing these extra capabilities will only make you a more significant target." "Target?" "The Jingozi designed the game to be fair. You now possess an unfair advantage if those cards represent what I believe. There appears to be more to your arrival than anybody expected." "And what if it happens again?" "Receive them as gifts but refrain from utilizing them in a way that attracts attention. There must be more at work here than we understand now. But we do not have time to explore it at the moment." "Got it. Do you think it''ll be that painful every time?" ¡°Most likely. But it appears it is getting easier for you. You were only unconscious for two hours this time.¡± ¡°You¡¯re one of those ¡®glass half-full¡¯ guys, aren¡¯t you, Crag?¡± ¡°Why yes," he brightened. "If that implies what I think, I am Em. Thank you.¡± *** We planned to travel south through the mountains into Samurai territory. The Ninja faction hid amongst Samurai villages, and I was to find them to continue training. After clearing camp, we trekked south for two days, making casual small talk. Cragmarr knew a surprising amount of our history, from the Roman Empire to 9/11, which gnawed at me. How many times has he done this? By that time, I was sick of fish. I¡¯d chew on a little jerky ration every night, pretending it was steak. Cragmarr taught me to forage for wild berries with flavors like energy drinks. A jumbo mushroom tasted like a sponge cake with fragrant herbs. The forest grew dense with jagged piles of bamboo stalks, making the path so treacherous that Cragmarr hoisted me onto his shoulders. And the bugs were getting weird¡ªsome resembled butterflies made of toothpicks, while others were flying beetles reminding me of miniature attack helicopters. He set me down on a rock by a river, and after a quick breather, we followed the stream. The bamboo was so tall I couldn¡¯t see past either bank. It was scenic and ominous at the same time. ¡°Once we enter the mountains, you must go alone,¡± he instructed. ¡°Complete your quests during the day and light three fires at night before you sleep. That will signal the other factions not to interfere with your Jingozi trials.¡± ¡°Again, with the trials,¡± I said, stopping. "Like, I''m gonna get tested?" Without breaking stride, he continued, ¡°Yes. The Jingozi will put obstacles in your path. The better you fare, the faster you level.¡± ¡°How will I know where you are?¡± ¡°You will not. But I will track you at all times.¡± ¡°How, exactly?¡± ¡°The Golems surrounding you will communicate with me. Some will only observe, while others will be less¡­ friendly. Be careful and trust nothing. You will¡ª¡± I jumped in front of him. ¡°Are you serious?¡± ¡°Yes, these are your trials,¡± he said, pointing behind me. ¡°Ember, Jingozi dealer of the Ninja faction, you now enter PVE.¡± I turned to see a giant cliff just past the bamboo line. NEW QUEST: THE TRIALS Survive 40 days of PVE with no assistance from your tutorial guide. Prove yourself worthy as a Jingozi dealer. Earn Jingozi tokens as currency to complete your quests. [0/40] Days Complete I burst into tears. *** I don''t know how long I''d been sitting on that rock, sobbing like a baby. It was frankly embarrassing. Get a hold of yourself, Ember. Tears fell onto my Ninja uniform while the wind whipped my red hair around my face. The composure I''d managed to maintain up until now had utterly shattered, leaving me feeling raw and exposed in a way I hadn''t experienced since leaving Tokyo behind all those years ago. Ironically, I never had issues being alone as a kid. It served me well, mainly because poker is a solo sport. On the one hand, we¡¯re constantly surrounded by chatty people. But on the other hand, when the pots reach six figures, we¡¯re never more isolated. Players scrutinize every decision and twitch, waiting for you to drop the poker face and betray your hand, even for a split second. Having been on my own for six years, I preferred it and was proud of my independence. But the prospect of being alone for forty days in this world was about to break me. Cragmarr stood in silence. He didn¡¯t try to console me. Some might say his approach was cruel, but the more likely explanation was he¡¯d been through this before. Through swollen eyes, I calculated my direction by the sun. The river flowed south. I started walking. Cragmarr watched silently as I disappeared downstream. *** After another hour or so, the regret sank in. I considered turning back, but it was getting dark. I had to find shelter and light three fires. What the hell is wrong with you, Em? Why do you have to be such a bitch? The day I left my Japanese family, they stood on the platform as I left Tokyo by train¡ªnobody said a word. I hadn¡¯t been back since. I¡¯m such a shitty person. I found a small opening between the rocks and squeezed into a pocket. It was cramped, but it would do at least from any PVE threats I could imagine. Frankly, I didn¡¯t have the energy to light one fire, let alone three. After wrapping myself in the silk scarf, I closed my eyes. Chapter 9 (New): BELONGING Chapter 9: BELONGING
Crowds gather to worship at the feet of the Jingozi, enthralled by their sermons and wonders. Their teachings spread like wildfire through our cities, imploring us to join them. But I have seen behind their beneficent smiles. I record these words so the truth may outlive their illusions. *** "The vessel retreats to darkness rather quickly," the Jingozi''s voice rasped like dead leaves. Cragmarr''s four arms remained still at his sides, his orange marble eyes fixed on Ember''s diminishing shape along the riverbed. He grunted. "She is ready." "The Ninja faction." The Jingozi''s bony, metal-lined fingers clicked against each other. "Not what we anticipated." Cragmarr kept his insights and doubts locked away. Throughout his experience, only a few vessels selected paths that matched their source beings. Such alignment offered clear benefits, merging both dimensions'' wisdom and instinctive game mastery. Though Ember''s selection of the Ninja path might have mirrored her character, some unseen force had guided her choice. Typically, vessels retained only their most haunting recollections¡ªlike her flight to freedom. Yet she possessed additional fragments of her vessel''s past life, suggesting machinations beyond his current understanding. "She chose her faction wisely," he told a half-truth. "Her reasons differ from the others." The Jingozi''s mask tilted. "Like Marcus?" Clay shifted across Cragmarr''s shoulders as he stood straighter. "Ember seeks belonging, not power. She will win." "Such conviction." Black tendrils writhed beneath its cloak. "Remember what awaits you if she succeeds." Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. "She is special." Cragmarr''s voice remained steady, unwavering. "The tournament will prove it." The Jingozi''s mask drifted closer to Cragmarr''s face. Rainbow lights from its eye sockets cast patterns across his clay surface. "You shield something from us, Golem." Cragmarr''s four hands clenched. "I serve the Jingozi. My purpose remains clear." "Does it?" Black smoke curled around Cragmarr''s feet. "Your clay betrays your thoughts." Cragmarr kept his gaze fixed on the darkening horizon where Ember disappeared. The Blood Strike spell card came to mind, troubling him more than he revealed. He''d never witnessed such raw power manifest so early in a century of guiding vessels. Along with her memories, the card''s surprise appearance defied the natural progression of the tournament. The faces of his past charges flashed through his mind. Marcus was torn apart by a champion card he wasn''t ready to wield. Lizzy, whose body gave out during the trials. Ajack, who stepped into an arena far beyond his skill level. Each death etched deeper into Cragmarr''s clay, marking him with failure. But Ember''s new card¡ªit wasn''t just powerful. It was different¡ªa hybrid. Was it a gift? If so, from where? He had suspicions, but he dared not even think it in the presence of the Jingozi. They, with their vast tournament mechanics, seemed unaware of its existence. If they were, this encounter would be different¡­ much different. It further spoke of something outside of even their control. "Your silence grows heavy," the Jingozi hissed. Cragmarr''s clay stiffened as he turned to face the Jingozi. "My loyalty comes with rewards for you as well. Her victory benefits us both." "Indeed." The Jingozi''s mask gleamed. "But take heed, Golem¡ªbetray us, and your kin will suffer like never before." The threat scraped against Cragmarr''s core. His four hands flexed. "I must speak with the Golem faction. They will watch over her progress." "Already complete." Rainbow lights danced in the goat skull mask''s sockets. "They understand their role. By night, they observe and respect the trials. By day..." Black smoke curled into claws. "They kill if the opportunity arises." Clay cracked along Cragmarr''s shoulders. "And the dark elf tribes." The Jingozi''s voice dropped lower. "Their bounty hunters track her now. A fine price on her head." "They wield Jingozi cards," Cragmarr paused, letting the implications sink in. "I am aware, Golem." "The trials are meant to test, not destroy." "Maximum pressure forges the strongest weapons. If she cannot survive this..." The mask tilted. "She was never worthy of the crucible, whether she finds your misguided sense of belonging or not." Rage boiled through Cragmarr''s mind, but he kept his voice level. "As you command." He turned away, each step measured despite the fury coursing through him. Behind him, the Jingozi''s laughter rattled like bones in a tomb. *** When future generations unearth these writings, let them know we were not blind. We saw the noose of alien influence tightening. It is my last hope that you, who find these records, shall not repeat our complacency. Remember our warnings and let them guide you toward freedom¡ªand victory. Chapter 10 (Rewrite): BLOOD Chapter 10: BLOOD
Day [1/40] People die in the Vegas desert from exposure all the time. But I hadn¡¯t frozen to death by morning. I squinted as a ray of light shone into the crevice. But something was off. My back was hot. I placed my palm on the stone behind my head and noticed it was oddly warm. The cliffside behind me suddenly rumbled. A ghostly groan echoed as everything shook violently. I dove headfirst between the rocks and rolled to the river¡¯s edge. Behind me, a mountainous figure arose, no longer camouflaged by the side of the cliff. An enormous hand erupted from the wall, swiveling in my direction. What do I do? Fight? Run? The technique Cragmarr used to escape the pond Golem would have to work for me now. I loaded a Jingozi card, not bothering to look at what it was. Running as hard as I could, the ground darkened. Based on the looming shadow, I calculated the timing and leaped into the air at the last moment, flinging the card downward. A burst of energy launched me forward as the hand slammed behind me, followed by a stone avalanche. Upon landing, energy surged into my legs, making each stride faster and faster. Stones pelted my back, but somehow, the boulders missed. Zigzagging, I dodged more jagged rocks like I had eyes in the back of my head. But that meant I wasn¡¯t paying attention to my feet. Tripping over myself, I face-planted into the raging river, my cheek bouncing off a cold rock. The water muffled my scream as it rushed down my throat. The white-water rapids snatched me downstream. Straining my head above water to gasp for air, my back crashed into another stone, winding me and pulling me under again. Disoriented, my chest convulsed as I swallowed more water. *** I found myself lying on a dark, glassy floor. The air shimmered around me as lights danced overhead. Sitting up, I peered around¡ªit was the Jingozi arena. ¡°Am I dead?¡± After standing up, I looked down, and there I was, a copy of me drowning face-first in the river. How is this possible? I double-checked my surroundings, confirming I was in the Jingozi arena. But how? It wasn¡¯t a match, and Cragmarr never mentioned the possibility. I paced in a circle around my body. This means I¡¯m still in the river, but is time frozen? ¡°Welcome,¡± a man¡¯s voice scared the shit out of me. I spun around and squinted into the darkness. ¡°Um, hello?¡± ¡°Hi.¡± The voice was deep and calm, with a quality verging on whimsical¡ªthe kind that could lull you to sleep with a bedtime story in one of those sleep apps. ¡°Are you a Jingozi?¡± I asked. ¡°Oh no, sorry to disappoint you,¡± the voice chuckled. ¡°They don¡¯t even know I¡¯m here, although I¡¯m sure they have their suspicions.¡± ¡°Some sort of AI, then?¡± ¡°Nothing artificial about me at all. Although I have been accused of the intelligent part.¡± ¡°What are you then?¡± ¡°That depends on you.¡± ¡°A ghost in the machine?¡± ¡°I can work with that, for now anyway.¡± ¡°Okay, so how did I get here?¡± I asked. ¡°Well, the Jingozi can only use this plane of existence for their game,¡± he replied. ¡°The fact you¡¯re here otherwise means you¡¯re special. This is your unique gift.¡± "It doesn''t feel like a gift." "Let me explain," he said. "Think of it like a special ability unique to you. Consider it compensation for your unwilling participation in their childish tournament. Nobody knows about it either unless you tell them, of course.¡± ¡°None of this makes any sense,¡± I sighed. "I know, and I''m sorry about that. But here''s something to help you get started." A notification blinked into my vision. YOU HAVE RECEIVED A SPELL CARD: Evolve UPDATED STATUS: Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: I [Iron] Rank 9 Faction: Ninja [Field] Zii: 100/100 Cards: 1/2 [Error]: 2/2 Deck: "What''s this?" I asked. "Another gift. Trust me. It''ll come in handy. And remember, what Cragmarr said is true," the voice added. "Nobody knows about these spell cards, just like your gift. You can share freely, but I''d take his advice and exercise caution." "Huh? All these are from you? Why?" ¡°All in due time, Ember Lynn. We mustn''t overwhelm you with everything that''s happening as is. While I¡¯d love to chat for a while, I believe you have more pressing concerns.¡± ¡°Wait, how do you know my full name¡­¡± The voice was gone, and I was back to facing my situation. At least I had the time to think, and I planned to take full advantage of it. How was I supposed to get out of this jam? If I somehow managed to return to my body, I¡¯d drown. But if I stayed here, I¡¯d be stuck. At least, that''s what I assumed. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. Something reflected in the smooth obsidian floor. At first, it was a translucent image. But after some focus, I saw the river and surroundings mirrored on the floor. With more concentration, the image improved until it showed every detail in high definition. I could also manipulate the image like a giant 3D interactive display. It allowed me to zoom in and out, pan, and rotate perspective. It was the ultimate control over every camera angle, except the picture was reversed, like a mirror. What if this was like hitting the pause during a video game? Taking a few steps down the river, I found the opportunity¡ªan overhanging tree branch downstream. ¡°Let¡¯s see if this works.¡± I flicked my wrist to summon my cards. Hand: [0/1] [Blood Strike] [Evolve] Assuming I''d used the [0/0] card to barely escape the rock monster, that left me with the [0/1]. I remembered that a higher reward score meant a more significant defensive effect. At least, I hoped I remembered that correctly. Now, how do I get back? I thought to myself that maybe going back to my original position would¡ª Like hitting play on a paused video, I was again submerged and taken by the punishing current. I twisted underwater into a squat, planting my feet on the waterbed. Swinging my arm, I released the card downward and pumped my legs upwards. I shot like a cannon out of the water and caught the branch on the way down. *** There had to be a record of the number of times an individual could pass out, drown, or experience a combination thereof in a week. If so, I would probably be in first place by now. Slumping under the tree, I caught my breath as warm blood trickled down my face. I felt a bloody flap of flesh dangling off my cheek. My knees were scraped and marred, poking out from my torn pants, and my eyes stung. The scarf clung like a wetsuit. This is PVE, all right. I heard a rustling above me. ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± Looking up, it was the silverglint. We stared at each other. ¡°Here, kitty, kitty,¡± is all I could think of through the brain fog. Tying its long, scaly tail on the branch, it lowered itself and sniffed my face, which would¡¯ve tickled if it wasn¡¯t so numb. I tried to smile, but my cheek stung too much. A long, slender tongue licked the gash on my cheek, leaving a sticky trail of warm salvia. I expected pain, but the wound tingled as the cut closed. The skin flap dried into a scab, which dropped off my face like an old, crusty bandaid. ¡°Okay, I admit that was gross, but still pretty cool.¡± The silverglint dropped onto the ground. Wrapping its tail around my wrist, it tugged, much stronger than expected. I was pulled to my feet. ¡°Okay. I¡¯m up. I¡¯m up.¡± The creature would¡¯ve yanked my arm off if I hadn¡¯t run full tilt with it. It led me up a hill to a ledge, climbed onto a rock, and peered over it. After stumbling to the top, I did the same. I spotted what the fuss was about. Between the bushes below sat a cage made of twisted and thorny branches. Inside was another silverglint. There are always two, Cragmarr¡¯s voice repeated in my mind. The silverglint beside me whined and drummed its tail on the rock. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, little guy. Let¡¯s go get your friend.¡± As I stood, a whistle echoed through the canyon. We both ducked behind the rock and peeked down. Seconds later, a figure walked towards the wooden cage, whistling a tune. It was a purple humanoid male with long, pointy ears¡ªan elf. He was as tall as Cragmarr but shredded with knots of veiny muscle¡ªliterally everywhere. His chest was bare, while dark animal skin covered his legs, complete with oversized boots reinforced with rusty metal plates. The elf¡¯s hair was jet black and shoulder length with white painted tribal markings all over his body. He looked like a steroid abuser in a heavy metal band. At first, I thought he wore a chain cape. But to my horror, it was made of four long silver-scaled tails secured by a clasp around his neck. I froze. The elf shoved a hand into the cage and grabbed the silverglint by the back of the neck, avoiding its thrashing claws. The cage animated and transformed into a praying mantis of spiny branches and thorns. It snapped and hissed. The wooden bug skittered away after the elf''s sneer and swift kick. The silverglint contorted in desperation, whipping its tail, nicking its captor¡¯s forearm to no effect. The elf kept casually whistling while pinning his catch to a rock with one hand and planting a boot on its tail. He drew a machete from the same boot and raised it in the air. Do something, Em. Now! ¡°No!¡± I shrieked, jumping on top of the rock. The elf¡¯s menacing yellow eyes met mine. And with a sinister, fanged grin, he chopped. The first and second strikes deflected off the silver armor, but the scales splintered with each blow after, eventually splitting the skin to expose muscle and bone. A final blow severed the tail clean off as the wails of both silverglints filled the canyon. Chest heaving, the elf stepped back to admire his butchery. He didn¡¯t notice me leaping down to smash a basketball-sized rock on his head. *** I regained consciousness, lying face-first against the very rock I tried to use as a weapon. The last I remembered, the hilt of a blade had struck my pelvis, followed by a spinning back fist to my face, sending me reeling sideways. I dry heaved as my left eye started to swell shut. That''s when I finally looked at my interface. Dark Elf [Trapper] Tier: I [Iron] Rank 10 Faction: [Jingozi] PVE LOG: Shit. The elf had played a battle card, and I charged in like an idiot without one. After using my last one to escape the river, I didn''t have a card anyway. Cragmarr warned me about this. ¡°Thar yar,¡± it sneered. ¡°I¡¯d knoo I¡¯d find ya!¡± The accent sounded like a cross between a pirate and a demon. But before the elf advanced, the silverglint jumped between us, hissing like a feral cat. That gave me just enough time to read another notification. SPELL CARD IS AVAILABLE: Blood Strike I flicked my wrist, and the card appeared between my fingers. My Zii counter and mystery inventory dropped by one. Something within me went into autopilot. Just as the elf advanced past the silverglint, a sudden surge of strength allowed me to push up from my stomach. I flipped backward onto a boulder. Launching forward, I jabbed my two fingers into the elf''s torso. The impact created twin indentations, roughly an inch in depth, yet left the skin unbroken. A crimson surge raced down my arm before bursting from my fingertips. After touching down, I tensed for retaliation. The elf stood dazed, crimson seeping into his eyes while twin wisps of scarlet mist drifted up from where my fingers had indented his chest. His weapon slipped from his grasp, descending as if time had slowed. I tumbled forward to catch it before it hit the ground, then whirled around behind him, slashing at his lower back like a batter at home plate. The weapon plunged deep into his body until it struck what I guessed was his backbone. The elf grunted and dropped to his knees. I dislodged the machete and swung again like a lumberjack, aiming for the head. The blow landed with a squelch, spattering blood across my face. I kept swinging until I hit nothing but air. My mind went blank until the gurgling sounds came from the elf, now flat on his face. His severed ear rolled off a stone. Blood pumped from gashes in his neck, each spurt getting weaker until it was a dribble. A scream tore from my throat before I could stop it¡ªa raw, involuntary sound driven by adrenaline, fear, and shock. Ember Lynn, you just murdered someone. A slew of text flooded my field of vision. PVE LOG: YOU HAVE DEFEATED THE DARK ELF This is a unique Jingozi mob. Reward: Jingozi Tokens [4] FEAT ACHIEVED: FROM PVP TO PVE Use your first card during PVE to defeat an enemy. Reward: Jingozi Token [1] FEAT ACHIEVED: FIRST BLOOD Defeat an enemy or kill your first PVE mob. Reward: Jingozi Token [1] LEVEL UPDATE: Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: I [Iron] Rank 8 Reward: Battle Cards [2] UPDATED STATUS: Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: I [Iron] Rank 8 Faction: Ninja [Field] Zii: 100/100 Cards: 2/4 [Error]: 1/2 Deck: Ignoring the notifications, I stared ahead at nothing. The silverglint scurried to the carcass of its friend. Whimpering, it nudged and licked its slain companion to no response. There was so much blood. *** A scaly tug on the wrist snapped me out of my trance. The silverglint looked up at me inquisitively. Gathering myself, I buried the dead one by digging a shallow grave and covering it with rocks. After observing a moment of silence, I looted the elf. YOU HAVE LOOTED A DARK ELF You receive: I hadn¡¯t noticed the six black coins floating just off the ground around the body, but I recognized them immediately. I extended my hand, and they sprang into my palm and disappeared into my inventory. YOU HAVE RECEIVED: I don¡¯t know why I decided to bury the elf. Maybe guilt or obligation¡ªor both. But it took much longer because of the size of the body. What did you mean you knew you¡¯d find me? Every stone I added to the pile made a dull thud. With every thud, my frustration festered, my emotions overwhelming me. Thud Something inside of me flipped like a switch¡ªor maybe snapped. THUD The silverglint sat and watched, tail swishing back and forth. THUD THUD THUD I slammed the last stone over and over until it cracked. *** Whispers abound that a hidden order of shadow-warriors¡ªthe Ninja faction¡ªmove under cover of night, studying the Jingozi¡¯s every step. They do not trust strangers so quick to share miracles. Their silent blades have already intercepted couriers carrying strange devices. I wonder if they, too, have awakened powers, but at what cost to their souls? Chapter 11 (Rewrite): KITTY Chapter 11: KITTY
FEAT ACHIEVED: FAMILIAR BOND You have bonded with an animal companion, which has now become your familiar. Only one bond may exist until your familiar dies or the bond is broken¡ªyour familiar now levels at the same rate. Silverglint [Mythical] A silverglint is a mythical creature that can "glint" at high speed for attack or defense. These creatures manifest in pairs and are considered omens of good fortune and gifts from celestial beings. However, a silverglint will only bond if the pair is broken and the bond recipient is deemed worthy. Abilities: ¡°Your name is Kitty, okay?¡± We traveled south until nightfall, setting up camp in a cave. I finished lighting three fires while munching on some rations, but the mood remained dark. I killed in self-defense. Right? I patted the silverglint on the head. ¡°I¡¯m allergic to cats in my world but always wanted one,¡± I said, half asleep. ¡°I know you¡¯re like a magical pangolin, maybe a baby dragon or something? But Kitty is your name. Got it?¡± Kitty nuzzled my face. At first, I couldn¡¯t tell if it was male or female, but it seemed more delicate than the spikier, muscular one I buried. Kitty also had slighter features, so I decided she was female. Earlier, Kitty had jumped up and draped over my shoulders for a snooze. Her scaly tail wrapped around me like an armored scarf, yet soft and warm because of the fur underside. Not that I needed it now¡ªthree fires made the cave feel like a sauna. With my hand still on her head, I dozed off. *** Day [2/40] As I emerged from the cave, the Jingozi stood in the clearing under the morning sun. Kitty cowered behind my leg as my heart nearly stopped at its sight. ¡°It¡¯s you,¡± I said. The Jingozi¡¯s skull-like metal goat mask was even more grotesque in daylight. Name: ??? [Prophecy Dealer] Tier: VII [Obsidian] Rank ??? Faction: Jingozi [Light] In a pitiful attempt to conceal my terror, I yelled, ¡°Well? You¡¯re just gonna stand there?¡± It lifted a bony, metallic hand. I tensed, readying to use cards. ¡°Zii-Kata,¡± it whispered, like a ghost. ¡°Perfect timing, Jingo,¡± I said. ¡°I had it scheduled this morning before my Hot Girl Walk.¡± It only took a few minutes of Zii-Kata for my Zii and cards to recharge¡ªa rate of one Zii and one card per minute. While I didn¡¯t want to spend any more time than necessary with this Halloween stalker, I got it over with. Kitty stayed at my feet the entire time, adjusting around my footwork. FEAT ACHIEVED: ZII-KATA BUFF You have used the Zii-Kata technique to restore maximum Zii. While at maximum, all physical attributes are buffed by your rank. Current buff +100% [Tier I]. The Jingozi pointed a glowing finger at me. LEVEL UPDATE Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: I [Iron] Rank 7 UPDATED STATUS: Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: I [Iron] Rank 7 Faction: Ninja [Field] Zii: 100/100 Cards: 4/4 [Error]: 2/2 Deck: "Defeat more enemies for battle cards," it said. ¡°Uh, thank you?¡± I said, stumbling to my feet. ¡°You know something, Jingo? Can I call you Jingo? Never mind¡­ you¡¯re terrible at small talk, being creepy AF and all.¡± Nothing. ¡°I liked you better the other night.¡± Still nothing. ¡°Alrighty then, good talk. Come on, Kitty.¡± And we walked away. Glancing back, the Jingozi remained still, with only that damn cloak undulating randomly, continually reaching for me. *** Later that afternoon, I stopped in my tracks. A black vortex grew before me, forming a swirling portal. On the other side, a glowing red card bobbed up and down. Son of a bitch. Here we go again. After a deep breath, I reached for the card. But before my fingers could make contact, a black, smoky hand shot out and latched onto my wrist with a vice-like grip. My forearm bubbled, the skin decaying as if ravaged by a flesh-eating disease. A wave of spasms shot up to my neck, and I clutched my elbow, squeezing tight, expecting my arm to wither and fall off. A high-pitched tone pierced my ears, and I lost vision in my right eye. I stumbled backward and crashed onto the ground, cracking my tailbone. Sweat drenched my skin, my body trembling as I lay there, overwhelmed by the agony. The pain subsided, leaving me gasping for breath and my head throbbing. Kitty crawled into my lap and licked my face while I stared at the notification. YOU HAVE RECEIVED A SPELL CARD: Warp I Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. UPDATED STATUS: Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: I [Iron] Rank 7 Faction: Ninja [Field] Zii: 100/100 Cards: 4/4 [Error]: 3/3 Deck: "How about we just sit here for a while?" I said, flopping over. Kitty draped me like a heavy blanket. *** We traveled all day with Kitty perched on my shoulder. As we walked, she seemed slightly bigger and heavier. My maximum Zii buff was active, and maybe it was my imagination, but I felt a change. My muscles appeared more defined when I flexed. My body was also heavier, as if I¡¯d been on a strict workout regimen with a high-protein diet. Kitty¡¯s added weight didn¡¯t bother me, and I¡¯d never hiked this much without fatigue. A purple elf rounded the stone column¡ªI saw her before she saw us. The female elf wore leather pants and the same metal boots with bones woven into her long black braids. Her arms were painted white, with more bone piercings lining her pointed ears and dark purple nipples. Standing over six feet tall, she would¡¯ve been a supermodel back home. We met eyes as I flicked my wrist for my cards. Here we go again. Suddenly, Kitty launched from my shoulders. The silverglint flashed past the elf¡¯s thigh, tearing a wound and gushing blood. She screamed and tried to grab her weapon. Before it was unsheathed, Kitty pounced onto her back, digging her claws and wrapping her tail around the elf¡¯s body. With one violent twist, it was over. The elf fell over, spilling blood and entrails everywhere. I had no words¡ªunable to decide if I was shocked or relieved. ¡°Good Kitty?¡± was the best I could come up. While the head and legs remained intact, the elf¡¯s torso was a mangled mess. I thought about looting for supplies but started to gag. Although auto-loot was a thing, I still had to touch the body. After tapping my toe to her boot, a notification appeared. LOOT UNAVAILABLE [DARK ELF HUNTER] Time remaining: [60 minutes] ¡°I guess this one belongs to you,¡± I said. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s clean you off.¡± I retrieved bandages from my inventory and used them as rags as best as possible. She¡¯d find a puddle to wash off the rest later. A cracking and rustling arose from a nearby rock. A thorny wooden vine emerged, slithering to the elf¡¯s body like a worm. The vine was dead, mottled with fungus and dust. More tentacles approached from all angles, making disgusting chewing noises as they wrapped around the corpse. Backing away, I decided not to find out what happened next. *** Day [7/40] LEVEL UPDATE: Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: I [Iron] Rank 6 Reward: Battle Cards [2] UPDATED STATUS: Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: I [Iron] Rank 6 Faction: Ninja [Field] Zii: 100/100 Cards: 6/6 [Error]: 3/3 Deck: The Dark Elf attacks increased over the following days, giving me another rank. But progress was much slower than a single kill or promotion by a Jingozi. Despite our efforts to travel undetected, they¡¯d find us. But at night, with three fires lit, it was eerily tranquil. As solo hunters, the elves attempted to ambush us one at a time, sometimes hours apart. But Kitty detected them before they gained any advantage. She also turned out to be a serial killer, dispatching three elves alone. But when she did, I didn¡¯t earn any credit or loot. So, I joined the next fights, convincing myself it was still in self-defense. We defeated six more together. Every encounter differed somewhat but ended the same. Instead of tanking their initial attacks, I acted first, tapping them with whatever card I drew first. Kitty did the rest, and I still got credit for the kill. [Blood Strike] was always my first card during a fight. But sometimes, even that spell wasn''t enough, so I suffered damage. However, combining Zii-Kata and Kitty¡¯s healing allowed me to recover relatively quickly. But the constant game of cat-and-mouse tested my resolve. And seeing all those purple dead bodies wasn¡¯t getting any easier. I worked on compartmentalizing the experience, constantly trying to remind myself it was a game. Thankfully, every Dark Elf carried ample supplies, especially rations. The mountains were bare, and food was scarce. The giant fir trees covered in rotting fungus yielded nothing of sustenance, so anything else helped. I also received Jingozi tokens based on the reward score of my cards during each fight. We encountered strange giant bugs one day, which gave me a quest. NEW QUEST: VALLEY INFESTATION Kill 100 Giant Stone Golem Crawlers [0/100] Complete Giant Stone Golem Crawlers were van-sized, bloated ticks of smooth grey rock. They were highly hostile but slow. Skittering on eight comically tiny, crab-like legs, we made quick work of them because they roamed in tightly bunched packs. After a crawler died, they crumbled into piles of rubble and dust¡ªno loot. The good news was they possessed no Jingozi abilities. They were actual PVE mobs vulnerable to all regular attacks. Other wild mountain creatures crossed our path. Some were hybrids of animals from Earth, while others appeared very alien. But they generally left us alone. Occasionally, I spotted a stone or tree Golem standing on a ledge above us or in the distance. These Golems weren¡¯t humanoid like Cragmarr but more like kaiju in Japanese movies. Regardless of shape or size, they only watched. Unnerved, I reminded myself that Cragmarr had promised to keep tabs on me. We continued to work on the rock ticks. QUEST COMPLETE: VALLEY INFESTATION Kill 100 Giant Stone Golem Crawlers [100/100] Complete FEAT ACHIEVED: 100 KILLS Kill 100 mobs or defeat 100 enemies in one quest or mission. Reward: Jingozi Token [1] LEVEL UPDATE Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: I [Iron] Rank 5 Reward: Battle Cards [2] UPDATED STATUS: Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: I [Iron] Rank 5 Faction: Ninja [Field] Zii: 100/100 Cards: 2/8 [Error]: 3/3 Deck: I now possessed eight battle cards ranging from [0/0] to [1/3], which meant I could sustain a prolonged fight. But the truth was, I''d have been dead a long time ago if it wasn''t for Kitty. As I continued progressing, the Jingozi appeared after each rank-up. The routine was always the same¡ªhours of Zii-Kata. I¡¯d try to get a rise out of the Jingozi by being crass and snarky. But true to form, nothing happened, regardless of how much I taunted. While we were alone, setting up camp, a spell card appeared. The entity in the Jingozi arena sending me those cards clearly avoided the Jingozi. As I touched the card, a force slammed into my back, launching me forward. I hit an invisible wall face-first, electricity crackling through my body. Before I could recover, another impact sent me flying sideways. "What the¡ª" A new shock cut off my words as I bounced off another barrier. The impacts came faster, each collision sending waves of pain through my muscles. I tried to blink away but couldn''t focus long enough. My body pinballed between the unseen walls, each hitting harder than the last. With each rebound, the space shrank. The world became a blur of motion and agony. My teeth rattled as I ricocheted between the barriers at impossible speeds. The air crackled with electricity, burning my lungs with every desperate breath. The walls closed in until I could barely move. My bones vibrated like they might shatter. The pressure increased until a final crushing sensation squeezed the air from my chest. Everything went black. I woke up gasping with a new notification. YOU HAVE RECEIVED A SPELL CARD: Force Field I UPDATED STATUS: Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: I [Iron] Rank 5 Faction: Ninja [Field] Zii: 100/100 Cards: 8/8 [Error]: 4/4 Deck: My abilities and strength increased with each level, and so did my confidence. My attacks became faster and more creative, flowing together like a dance I slowly mastered. I felt the Zii coursing through my veins, making my movements sharper and my reactions quicker. The cards weren''t just teaching me new skills but transforming me into something more. Kitty leveled up with me, and our bond grew. She became tankier without sacrificing speed, even learning to roll into an armored ball as a defensive move. Her aggro spiked with dark elves but remained pretty docile with every other creature. I also learned more about my gift, which I called "blinking." Falling off a ledge one time, I entered the Jingozi arena mid-air to pause the fall and figure out how to land correctly using combinations of cards. It was hell on the knees but better than the alternative. Kitty couldn''t blink with me. But she kept up. After more haphazard experimentation, I didn¡¯t need a life-or-death scenario to activate my gift. With some discipline, I learned to release my thoughts and blink at will into the arena. Although the ability didn¡¯t cost Zii, it was a mental drain with splitting headaches if it was attempted too often, especially in rapid succession. I named my biggest test the "ultimate parkour running challenge." Leaping off a cliff into a tangle of trees below, I knew it would take multiple trips to the Jingozi arena to land safely. I twisted my body mid-air, catching a branch and swinging to the next. I slid down a thick trunk, skimming over the surface until I touched solid ground. To an outside observer, it was all one fluid motion. In reality, I was cheating¡ªblinking in and out, planning each step, and playing the perfect sequence of cards. It was pretty badass. *** Day [8/40] Kitty and I cleared the mountains, reaching a ridge overlooking a valley of lush, rolling hills. In the distance, we spotted a quaint village with traditional, sloping rooftops and paper lanterns swaying in the breeze. A quick scouting trip to the Jingozi arena revealed no threats¡ªat least, from what I could see. The village was tiny, consisting of four main buildings surrounded by gardens. As we approached, the village buzzed with laughter. Children ran around, their voices filling the air. There must have been dozens of them, like an elementary school during recess. Everyone stopped and stared. A girl in a traditional golden kimono approached, touching my hair with a giggle. Other children gathered, poking and prodding Kitty with ¡°oohs¡± and ¡°ahs,¡± but she didn¡¯t mind. Something was off. I glanced around, trying to figure out what was bothering me. Then I realized what it was. There wasn¡¯t a single adult anywhere in sight. Chapter 12 (New): YUKIKO Chapter 12: YUKIKO
Among our elite Samurai, I have seen brows furrowed with uncertainty. They value honor above all, yet the Jingozi¡¯s gifts twist the very notion of duty. A few carry swords forged with Zii-infused metal¡ªsharp beyond measure but perhaps severing more than flesh in time. *** Yukiko strolled down the practice lane, her wooden sandals clicking against the stone path. The young Samurai stood in a row, their smaller frames rigid with concentration as they drew their bows. The morning''s gentle rays filtered through the clouds, creating ideal conditions for teaching the art of the bow. "Remember, the bow is an extension of your Zii, just like your Jingozi cards would be if you are chosen." She paused behind a girl whose arrow flew wide. "Breathe through your center, Mika. Feel the target." The soft twang of bowstrings filled the air as arrows found their marks¡ªor didn''t. Yukiko stopped behind a boy whose shoulders trembled with frustration. His arrow stuck in the dirt, well short of the target. "This is stupid." Hiro dropped his bow. "Why do we have to learn archery when we could be practicing Jingozi?" "Pick up your instrument." Yukiko''s voice carried the weight of centuries of tradition. "Your grandfather and generations of mighty Samurai warriors before him stood on these same stones." "But you''re a Jingozi dealer. You don''t need a bow." Hiro''s eyes lit up. "What''s it like? Using the cards?" Yukiko knelt beside him, her golden robes pooling on the ground. "Being chosen as a dealer is the highest honor. The cards become part of you, like..." She picked up his bow. "Like this string to the wood. But without discipline, without understanding our heritage, the cards are meaningless." "Did you always want to be a dealer?" "The path chooses us, Hiro. Just as the bow chose you today." She guided his hands back to proper form. "Now, show me." Hiro''s face broke into a grin. "When I become a dealer, I''ll make our family proud." "First, hit the target." Yukiko stepped back, watching as Hiro drew another arrow. Hiro''s arrow sailed past the target, disappearing into the grass beyond. His shoulders slumped after hearing a few snickers from his peers. Yukiko gave the onlookers a stern look to silence them. The students returned to practice, punctuated by the steady rhythm of arrows striking targets in the morning air. She flicked her wrist to summon a Jingozi card. Her fingers brushed against the familiar texture, its golden surface catching the sunlight. "Here." She placed it in Hiro''s hand. His eyes widened. He turned it over, examining the mystic patterns. "Hold it against the bow when you draw." Hiro nocked the card like an arrow. The bow hummed with energy, and golden light spread from his fingers through the weapon. The card transformed, becoming pure light. He released. The golden arrow streaked across the field, splitting into six more projectiles. The volley punched through the center of the target like it was made of paper. It continued, disappearing into the morning mist beyond the practice range. A chorus of gasps erupted from the other students. They abandoned their positions, clustering around Hiro. "Did you see that?" "How many arrows was that?" "They all went right through!" "Can I try next?" Yukiko couldn''t help but laugh at their excitement, their faces glowing with wonder. Hiro stood taller, his chest puffed out, and his fellow students patted his back and examined the bow that had felt so heavy in his hands moments ago. Yukiko scanned the line of students, her practiced eye noting each face. Somebody was missing. "Where is Aiko?" The children glanced at each other, shuffling feet against the stone. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. "Probably crying somewhere." Hiro snorted. "She always runs off when she can''t get something right." "Enough." Yukiko''s tone cut through the morning air. "A true Samurai shows respect for their fellow warriors. Would you mock your brother-in-arms on the battlefield?" Hiro''s face flushed red. He stared at his feet. The sight of them, so young and full of potential, stirred something in Yukiko''s chest. In another life, these children might grow up to lead everyday lives. She could picture Hiro and Aiko years from now, their mutual competitiveness mellowing into something more: marriage, family, and the continuation of Samurai bloodlines. But the Jingozi changed everything. Those chosen would walk a different path, leaving no room for such earthly attachments. Yukiko touched the wedding band she still wore, thinking of Kenjiro. Although her memory of his face had grown fuzzy over the decades, she remembered his hands¡ªstrong and sure when wielding a sword, gentle when tending his garden. The war had taken him as it had taken so many others. She straightened her shoulders. Their sacrifice would mean nothing if they lost this war. These children might be the key to victory, even if it meant denying them simpler joys. "Clean up your equipment and wash before the meal." She clapped her hands. "We have an important visitor coming, and I expect you all to represent our village with honor." The children scattered, gathering arrows and storing bows. Yukiko watched them go, her heart heavy, anticipating what would come. *** "There you are, child." Yukiko found Aiko crouched behind the stone lantern in the garden, her dark hair falling like a curtain around her face. Sunlight filtered through the cherry blossoms, casting dappled shadows across her innocent features. "Your beauty grows stronger each day near the nexus." Yukiko settled beside her on the moss-covered ground. "The Zii flows through you." Aiko''s hands darted behind her back. "Master Yukiko, I¡ª" "What are you hiding, little one?" Aiko''s shoulders dropped. She brought her hands forward, revealing a perfectly formed emerald-speckled mushroom nestled in her palms. "Where did you find this?" "I... I grew it." Aiko''s voice barely rose above a whisper. "Do you know what this is?" Yukiko asked. Aiko shook her head. "This is called a jade nexus shroom," Yukiko took the mushroom, examining its pristine form. "Such a rare gift. Perhaps you should have been born to the Monk faction." She winked. "Though that would be terribly dull, sitting in a temple all day, would it not?" They shared a laugh, Aiko''s tension visibly melting away. "When your path becomes clear, follow it without hesitation." Yukiko placed the mushroom back in Aiko''s hands. "But for now, your duty lies with the Samurai. I expect you to train like the others." Aiko nodded, and they spent the next few minutes playing with fallen cherry blossoms and arranging them in patterns on the ground. Suddenly, Yukiko stiffened, her senses tingling. "What''s wrong, Master?" Aiko clutched at Yukiko''s sleeve. "Can you keep a secret, little one?" Aiko nodded eagerly, her eyes wide with curiosity. *** Yukiko approached the dark cave entrance, its maw obscured by ivy, which gaped into the mountainside. Ancient stone columns flanked the opening, worn smooth by centuries of wind and rain. "Stay here, Aiko. Keep watch from the entrance. I''ll return shortly." The girl''s face pinched with worry, but she nodded and took position beside one of the columns. Yukiko strode into the darkness, her footsteps barely a whisper. She summoned a Jingozi card, its surface gleaming with an inner light. Her voice carried through the chamber as she chanted in an ancient tongue. The card ignited with a green flame. She tossed it into a weathered bronze cauldron. Fire erupted, dancing across the metal surface before shooting tendrils of flame along channels in the walls. Torches burst to life, illuminating the chamber in a warm glow. The light revealed a Jingozi hovering in the shadows, its mask a grotesque skeletal recreation of some deep-sea horror. Behind the metallic surface, empty eye sockets flickered with rainbow lights. "What do you have for me?" Yukiko''s voice remained steady despite the creature''s unsettling presence. The Jingozi''s bony hand extended, offering a scroll bound with a black ribbon. Yukiko unrolled it, her eyes scanning the contents. She produced a Samurai token from her robes and then snapped her fingers. A golden Zii coin materialized in her palm, humming with power. Pressing the token and coin together against the scroll, she created a seal that pulsed with golden light before settling into the parchment. "I am grateful," Yukiko said. "But my gratitude is a small consolation, for you are now a traitor to your kind." The Jingozi nodded. "And this prophet, she is the one I am to train?" Another nod. "A Ninja, Golem, and now the Samurai," Yukiko continued. "A chain of three. But what of the next link? The Monks?" No response. "You may stay as long as you wish, as my guest," she bowed. "The nexus will obscure your presence as long as I live." A stone whizzed past Yukiko''s ear, cutting through the green-lit air. The Jingozi''s cloak writhed like a living thing, tendrils of black fabric snaking out to snatch the projectile mid-flight. Yukiko spun around to find Aiko in a pitcher''s stance. Another rock clutched in her fist. The girl''s eyes blazed with determination despite her trembling lower lip. Yukiko couldn''t help but laugh, "Lower your arm, little warrior." When she turned back to apologize for her student''s behavior, the chamber stood empty. The Jingozi had vanished without a sound, leaving only dancing shadows from the enchanted flames. But she knew it would stay close¡ªthere was no other choice now. Yukiko grabbed Aiko''s hand and hurried her toward the exit. The torches extinguished themselves behind them, plunging the cave back into darkness. In the daylight, Yukiko knelt before her student. "My child, were you frightened?" "A little." Aiko kicked at the dirt. "But I don''t care. I hate them. They''re monsters." "Many share your feelings." Yukiko pulled out the scroll, its golden seal gleaming. "But this secret may change everything. Even monsters can surprise us." *** Word spreads that even among the Jingozi, fault lines run deep¡ªrivalries and power struggles hidden behind polished masks. Their foreign realm, like ours, contends with internal wars of faith and ambition. Whispers speak of a way to triumph over them if only our own factions could stand as one. Yet, I have seen how pride, mistrust, and vengeance keep us subjugated to our fear. United, we might prevail. Divided, we are destined to falter before the Jingozi¡¯s machinations. Chapter 13 (Rewrite): PRE-WASH Chapter 13: PRE-WASH
As we stood amidst a mob of gleeful children waving sticks and chasing each other through the crowded courtyard, an elderly Japanese woman approached. Her demeanor was serene, but her eyes were sharp and calculating, reminding me uncomfortably of the grandmothers who would exercise in the park every morning in Japan. The way she carried herself, with such deliberate grace, made me instinctively straighten my posture. Name: Yukiko [Covenant Dealer] Tier VII [Obsidian] Rank ??? Faction: Samurai [Ronin] Despite her age, she stood with grace, her long silver hair elegantly pinned up with a delicate jade pin. She wore a lightweight suit armor of intricate leather weave and metal accents adorned with subtle floral engravings. Her presence exuded calm wisdom. ¡°I have been expecting you,¡± she said, her voice melodic. ¡°You were?¡± She bowed slightly. ¡°Come, let us have tea,¡± she beckoned. ¡°And goodness, you could use a proper meal.¡± We walked to a modest house with a thatched roof, the aroma of herbs and spices wafting through the air. Inside, the ambiance was cozy, with wooden beams and paper lanterns casting a warm glow. We sat at a low table, and she poured steaming tea into delicate cups. ¡°I¡¯m Ember.¡± She smiled knowingly. ¡°I know my child. I am called Yukiko. The Jingozi sent word of your pending arrival.¡± Some children wearing aprons stepped in with plates of food. Yukiko embraced them before shooing them away. The tea was fragrant and soothing as we enjoyed a meal of rice, vegetables, and fish. I couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Why are there only children here?¡± ¡°They are Samurai sent to learn the ways of Jingozi. Our tradition is to nurture their skills and wisdom at a young age.¡± I glanced at the children playing outside. Some were now laughing and dancing around Kitty as she imitated them on her hind legs. ¡°But I¡¯m not Samurai,¡± I said. ¡°My faction¡ª¡± ¡°What you are makes no difference,¡± Yukiko interrupted, her voice firm yet gentle. ¡°What is important is the Jingozi sent you. I am but one guide on your path.¡± The room fell silent as I processed her words. *** ¡°Yes, Ember, your hunters are the Dark Elven¡ªa race of elves that lived within the mountains for centuries until the Jingozi lured them out. Of all our kind, they adhere most to Jingozi beliefs, however, as more mercenaries than missionaries, I am afraid.¡± Yukiko and I walked through the grass on the outskirts of the village. Kitty was draped on my shoulders as usual. ¡°Like a cult,¡± I said, confirming my suspicion they played a part in my Jingozi trial. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°What about those tree tentacles?¡± ¡°Corrupted wood Golems,¡± Yukiko answered. ¡°Blight¡ªanother class. They feed on the dead until nourished enough to take a more dangerous form.¡± ¡°And you know I¡¯m not from your world?¡± ¡°Yes. You are humankind from a dimension called Earth.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you human?¡± ¡°We might look human, but we are certainly not the same as you,¡± Yukiko chuckled. ¡°But we are compatible. The Jingozi arranged it that way.¡± ¡°Is that why we speak the same language?¡± "Not at all," she replied. "At this moment, we speak in Jingozi Common. But since you inhabit a local vessel from this realm, your mind processes everything in your language. The system is built to make communication feel natural. Even our idioms and cultural phrases get translated into something you can relate to as much as possible." ¡°How do you know so much?¡± ¡°I am a faction trainer and a dealer like you,¡± she said while linking arms. ¡°My role is to guide and train the Samurai in Jingozi.¡± ¡°But you¡¯re a Ronin?¡± ¡°I have no master like a true Samurai, although I still abide by our code. My faction does not fully accept me because I serve the Jingozi by teaching their ways. Yet, the Jingozi know I will never be loyal to them.¡± She looked into the sky before continuing, ¡°The Jingozi are zealots, religious fanatics who know nothing about honor and only serve themselves.¡± We circled the village once more in silence. ¡°Come, Ember,¡± she said. ¡°Rest for the night. Tomorrow, your training begins.¡± *** Day [9/40] Training turned out to be nothing like I expected. Instead of Jingozi matches, I sat cross-legged behind a small table in a classroom filled with children. Cragmarr had explained the Samurai faction prized intellect above all, and now I could see why. My young, over-achieving classmates took notes during Yukiko¡¯s lecture while I struggled to keep my eyes open, feeling every bit like the college dropout I was. Yukiko spoke at length about the various factions and their distinct approaches to Jingozi. The Ninja faction, she explained, was the most straightforward, relying on damage, strategy, and cunning. Ninjas were always the first to sacrifice their Zii in pursuit of victory. In contrast, the Golem faction, like Cragmarr, favored defensive tactics and counterattacks, rarely competing in Jingozi tournaments due to their more passive natures. The Samurai prioritized tactical combos, honing their card strategies with meticulous precision. They were the most militarized and technologically advanced faction, second only to the Jingozi. Their armor, made from Zii-imbued alloy forged from metal Golems, was a testament to their blend of tradition and innovation. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. Next, Yukiko described the Monk faction, which consisted of dissidents who had rejected their former allegiances to seek monastic harmony with nature. Their approach to Jingozi was deeply spiritual. They used Zii magic to unleash powerful attacks and defenses, reflecting their desire for balance. The Amazons and the Emperors were formidable in their own right. The Amazons, fierce women warriors, were military tacticians with versatile attack, defense, and magic strategies. They maintained a fragile alliance with the Emperors, whose dominating Jingozi style focused on draining opponents¡¯ Zii for victory. The Emperors utilized a combination of magical attacks and armies of knights during gameplay. When we mercifully broke for lunch in the mess hall, Kitty opted to hunt in the fields. As I slurped down a bowl of tasty noodles, I couldn¡¯t help but notice how well-behaved and orderly the children were. In any other setting, one adult to dozens of kids would have been a zoo, but everyone knew their roles here, contributing like a young military operation. They also looked adorable in their gold uniforms and headbands. Despite the youthful enthusiasm, the tension I felt upon arrival lingered. Everything seemed a little too disciplined, as if it was all a performance. Yukiko¡¯s cheerful voice interrupted my thoughts. ¡°Goodness,¡± she said. ¡°You could use a hot bath.¡± Spinning around, I couldn¡¯t hide my excitement. ¡°Yes, please!¡± *** Yukiko led me to the secluded hot springs nestled in the heart of the cliffs overlooking the village. Steam rose gently from the crystalline water, surrounded by smooth stones and lush greenery. She disrobed, revealing how fit she was for a woman who could¡¯ve been my grandmother. After a moment of self-consciousness, I joined her, tossing my Ninja clothes into a pile. As I slipped into the warm embrace of the springs, relief spread over every inch of my body. The soothing heat seeped into my muscles, easing the tension and soreness from a week of relentless threats and travel. Kitty dipped her tail in the water, decided it was not for her, and rolled up to nap in a tuft of grass. I closed my eyes, letting the water carry away the grime and fatigue. The soft sound of bubbling springs and the faint scent of minerals filled the air, creating a tranquil vibe. Beside me, Yukiko relaxed. I was never a fan of spas in Vegas. But here, the warmth enveloped me like a gentle hug, melting away the stress. ¡°Are there more of us?¡± I asked. "Vessels, like me?" ¡°Many of you are identified in your dimension, but are not all summoned.¡± ¡°But some are here? Right now?¡± ¡°Possibly,¡± Yukiko leaned forward and massaged her neck. ¡°We believe the Jingozi pay a dear cost to bring you here. We do not know why they do." ¡°Did the Jingozi show you how all that works?¡± ¡°No, they obscure their designs with protective secrecy,¡± Yukiko replied, gazing at me. ¡°We know this because once you leave, your host will inherit your progress as a gift. Everything you have done will seem like a dream to her, which we document and interpret. It is a practice handed down to us by the First Prophet, Dojokynn. That is how we learn about the Jingozi, hoping that someday¡­¡± Yukiko paused to gaze at me with glimmering eyes. ¡°Someday what?¡± I asked. ¡°As you say in your world, let us cross that bridge when we come to it.¡± ¡°But wait. You mean the woman hosting me is rewarded?¡± ¡°Yes. If you live and the vessel is not irreparably damaged, she will be a powerful warrior,¡± Yukiko said, flexing her bicep playfully. ¡°She will continue as a Jingozi dealer and achieve higher titles on behalf of her faction.¡± "Dealer titles? Like how I''m a Doctrine Dealer now." "Yes, you are the lowest, and each of the seven levels grants greater Jingozi privileges. Let me show you." A screen opened on my interface. LEVEL 1 DOCTRINE DEALER: The foundation of the Jingozi¡¯s will, the Doctrine Dealer spreads the teachings of the Jingozi through their cards. With every deal, they preach the rules of fate and chance, introducing others to the eternal game where victory and loss are divine lessons. LEVEL 2 DIVINE DEALER: Chosen to embody the Jingozi faith, the Divine Dealer becomes a guide of destiny. Their every shuffle and draw reflects the unpredictable grace¡ªor cruelty¡ªof the cosmic forces that govern the tournament. LEVEL 3 PROPHECY DEALER: With insight beyond the veil, the Prophecy Dealer foretells triumphs and disasters through the cards. They are the interpreters of fate, weaving the threads of possibility into the unfolding narrative of every match. LEVEL 4 COVENANT: A guardian of oaths and wagers, the Covenant Dealer oversees the highest stakes, ensuring that every deal is honored and every consequence is absolute. In their hands, Zii becomes both bond and blade. LEVEL 5 JUDGMENT DEALER As the final word at every table, the Judgment Dealer deals with the authority of the Jingozi themselves. They decide winners and losers, not by skill alone, but by the decree of chaos and order entwined. LEVEL 6 ARCH DEALER: Standing above all tables, the Arch Dealer commands the cards and controls the flow of Zii with a mastery that blurs the line between player and force of nature. Their will becomes the game, and the game bends to their will. LEVEL 7 PARAOX DEALER: The highest and fervent calling¡ªwhere chaos and order collapse into one. The Paradox Dealer does not play the game; they are the game. Existing beyond victory or defeat, they embody the infinite nature of the Jingozi¡¯s cosmic wager, where every deal is both an end and a beginning. "Everything seems to be built around the number seven," I remarked. "Very astute," Yukiko replied. "It is the Jingozi way and part of their spiritual beliefs. To them, each title represents a sacrifice and responsibility that transcends all other ways and beliefs." I wasn¡¯t sure how I felt about all that. ¡°But hang on,¡± I said. ¡°What does it mean to be chosen?¡± ¡°Chosen to play Jingozi. Why do you think all these children are here? They are all Jingozi apprentices, hoping to be selected as a dealer.¡± I felt a shiver despite the warmth. ¡°Wait, what? You all volunteer for this?¡± ¡°Yes. It is the Jingozi way.¡± ¡°What the¡ª¡± I caught myself before triggering the language filter. "I still don''t understand how any of this is possible. A little over a week ago, I was an introverted retired poker player with social anxiety. And now I''m a Ninja fighting¡­ killing¡­" ¡°Why is that so strange?¡± she asked. ¡°When you play what you call ¡®video games¡¯ in your dimension, are you not taking control of an avatar?¡± ¡°I guess.¡± ¡°Is it so hard to believe then, Ember? Considering what you now know about Zii and Jingozi technology?¡± I thought about all the hours I''d spent playing World of Warcraft. Sure, video games were a thing, but you didn''t die for real if your party wiped during a raid in the game. What''s the point of all of this? Sensing my frustration, Yukiko added, "I know it sounds terrible, my child, but just as the water does not choose the shape of the container, we too must flow until we shape our paths." Yukiko hopped onto the side of the pool. As she laced up her armor, she caught me staring at my heap of dirty clothes¡ªtattered rags. They were beyond filthy, with holes and tears. Understanding my predicament, she filled a bucket with spring water and scrubbed my uniform. When she was done, she plopped the freshly cleaned garments into a soaking pile on the rock, the water running dark with the grime she¡¯d managed to wash away. ¡°I¡¯m going to turn into a prune waiting for those to dry,¡± I said. ¡°Here is a lesson,¡± she said, snapping her fingers to form a glowing gold Zii coin. ¡°Remember, Zii is everywhere and in everything. You can use it to charge your cards, but you can also do this.¡± Yukiko placed the Zii coin on my uniform and flicked a Jingozi card into her grasp. With a few gestures, channeling her Zii-Kata, the coin glowed brighter, its light spreading across the fabric. It melted into the cloth, the glow intensifying before fading. When the light subsided, my garments were transformed¡ªfresh and pristine, as if they¡¯d been picked up from the dry cleaners. Every hole and tear vanished, as good as new. ¡°How?¡± I said. ¡°Zii is a universal resource. But as a Jingozi dealer, you can harness its power creatively.¡± ¡°Then why go through the trouble of scrubbing first?¡± I asked. ¡°Pre-wash?¡± ¡°To conserve,¡± she said while finishing up with her gear. ¡°The more you can accomplish without Zii, the less you need. Always be mindful of your resources.¡± ¡°Cragmarr does the same trick when he cooks¡ªfish and crabs mostly.¡± ¡°That makes me hungry. We shall eat, and then you rest.¡± Yukiko stepped on the path to the village. ¡°No more lectures. Tomorrow, the real training begins.¡± I stayed, scrubbing stubborn stains on my skin while admiring the view. The bath was better than expected, and I was clean for a change. Tomorrow, I¡¯d get all sweaty again and probably worse. That made me laugh. This was my pre-wash. *** The Jingozi parade their grandiose titles, each more absurd than the last. Yet in their pomposity lies a hidden peril. Their card-based faith may seem a foolish pastime, but behind every shuffle, they wield Zii as if gambling with the very laws of nature. Some bind us in wagers we cannot afford to lose, while others decide our fate on a whim of divine chance. Rumors speak of those who have ascended and now can bend reality to their will or stand beyond the rules entirely as living embodiments of chaos and order. Ridiculous? Perhaps. But we would do well to remember that absurdity can hide the sharpest blade. Chapter 14 (Rewrite): NEXUS Chapter 14: NEXUS
From dawn to dusk, ten-year-olds¡ªhalf my size¡ªbattered 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''d barely improved enough to hold my own, and that was being generous. ¡°Until now, you have sparred in single matches, Ember,¡± Yukiko said, circling the room. ¡°But a tournament is fought with seven¡ªone from each faction¡ªincluding the Jingozi themselves.¡± Five youths in kendo armor wielding bamboo swords surrounded me. It wasn¡¯t an official Jingozi match in the arena since they couldn''t officially PVP. However, Yukiko divided her deck evenly among us. I loaded my hand and lucked out with a [7/7]¡ªthe strongest card in the match¡ªthe equivalent of pocket aces in poker. 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. His card was a [7/4], tied with my [7/7]. We circled as we selected our next card. 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¡ªmy 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?¡± ¡°When the match begins, 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¡ªso 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 years old. Yukiko had mentioned that 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 Jingozi 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¡ªI 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. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. ¡°We call it a nexus¡ªplaces 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.¡± 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 them to my lips¡ªa tingle of energy with a warm buzz spread through my body. FEAT ACHIEVED: FIRST NEXUS Discover your first nexus location and commune with it. The nexus will reveal its true nature to you in time. Reward: You have unlocked the nexus quest. LEVEL UPDATE Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: I [Iron] Rank 4 Reward: Battle Cards [2] UPDATED STATUS: Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: I [Iron] Rank 4 Faction: Ninja [Field] Zii: 100/100 Cards: 10/10 [Error]: 4/4 Deck: 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¡ª¡± 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. ¡°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?" She smiled and embraced me. ¡°We believe in you.¡± ¡°Thank you, Yukiko,¡± I squeezed her tightly. ¡°Wait here for a moment.¡± She walked to the cave as a Jingozi emerged from the shadows¡ªnot the Jingozi I knew, but a different one. This one''s mask looked more like a fish, but I couldn''t see its status, as if it was hidden. 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¡ª¡± ¡°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 vessel¡ªnobody. 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. What choice did I have? And something in me desperately wanted to trust somebody since I didn''t have Cragmarr around. 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, 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 [Divine Dealer] Tier: III [Steel] Rank 2 Faction: Samurai [Warrior] ¡°Master Yukiko,¡± he said, bowing respectfully, ¡°I am Ryuunosuke. I¡¯ve come to escort your tribute.¡± ¡°Ryuunosuke, yes.¡± Yukiko returned the bow. ¡°I knew your father¡ªan 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. ¡°Lady Ember,¡± he bowed, ¡°it''s an honor. We¡¯ve traveled far to escort you, and 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¡ªthe 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 [Rare] 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¡ªthe 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¡ªI 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¡ªfuller and more vibrant¡ªnot 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 and 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 and 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!¡± Chapter 15 (New): FAITH Chapter 15: FAITH
Let these words be preserved, even in hidden caves and dusty vaults: The Jingozi¡¯s promise bears a heavy chain. Do not place your faith in their shining idols nor yield your heart to their righteous decrees. The day will come when their true nature will stand revealed, and we must be prepared. *** Cragmarr''s clay feet made no sound as he approached Yukiko on the hilltop. The elder Samurai Jingozi trainer sat perfectly still, her silver-streaked hair pulled back in a tight bun, her weathered hands resting on her knees. In the distance, the caravan wound through the valley like a golden serpent, carrying Ember away. He''d stood behind Yukiko countless times over the decades as she trained vessel after vessel for the Jingozi tournament. Her methods were precise and traditional¡ªperfect for molding young Samurai. But Ember was different. A Ninja under Yukiko''s tutelage broke every rule and norm. "Hello, old friend," Yukiko said without turning. "I did not wish to disturb your meditation." Cragmarr''s orange marble eyes squinted as he watched dust kick up from the caravan''s wheels. "Your presence is never a disturbance." Yukiko patted the grass beside her. "Join me. It has been too long since we shared a quiet moment." Cragmarr folded his four arms and lowered his angular frame next to her. The sun caught the rocks in his clay skin, making them glitter. "I am grateful for the company," she said. "These old bones appreciate familiar faces in uncertain times." Cragmarr watched a hawk circle above the valley, its wings spread against the cloudless sky. "She has powers I have never witnessed." His eyes swirled with concern. "Through her trials, she has demonstrated an intuition for the game, as if she can manipulate time and space. And the silverglint¡­" "Yes, very rare for that creature to bond to a new vessel." "You must know, she remembers," Cragmarr said hesitantly. "Oh?" Yukiko turned to him, surprised. "That is impossible, yet I believe you. Then she chose her faction in alignment with her vessel. Such knowledge represents a great threat to the Jingozi." "That is not all. She also receives gifts¡ªpowerful spells. They might be from¡ª" Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. "Careful with your words, Golem," Yukiko cautioned. "Lest you invite the unwanted wrath of your masters. Do not speak of this openly." Cragmarr nodded. Yukiko''s weathered face remained serene, but her fingers tightened on her knees. After another moment, she spoke, "Then the prophecy speaks true." "After all these years..." Cragmarr''s four hands clenched. "All these vessels¡ªyou believe she is the one?" "No. If the prophecy holds, she is merely the harbinger of what approaches. The spark that ignites the flame." She turned to face him. "But tell me, old friend¡ªwhat do you believe?" "I am tired, Yukiko," Cragmarr''s shoulders slumped. "So many have failed. So many vessels lost to the void between worlds. My faith wavers with each passing season." "Faith, like a sword, must be tested to prove its strength." Yukiko placed her hand on his rocky arm. "Your doubt shows wisdom, not weakness. It means you question. You seek truth rather than blind devotion. That is why the Jingozi chose you as guardian for purposes beyond what even they, in all their celestial hubris, cannot fathom." The tension in Cragmarr''s frame eased. "The caravan heads to Raishoto," he said. "You sent word?" "Yes. Our friend will make the necessary arrangements there. Sora has been assigned as well." "Are you certain about this? After what happened with the Jingozi..." He paused. "She is... troubled." "We have no choice," Yukiko''s face hardened. "The timeline grows short, and only Sora can accelerate Ember''s training to the level required." "The odds¡ª" "Are mounting against her, yes. What Ember told me of her trials concerns me deeply." Yukiko''s fingers traced a blade of grass. "And the Shogun... his reaction remains uncertain." The clay of Cragmarr''s face shifted into deep furrows. He had witnessed the Shogun''s swift and merciless judgment before. "You must reach the city ahead of them," Yukiko said. "Make the preparations. Ensure everything is in place before they arrive." "I will do what must be done." Cragmarr rose to full height, his clay form towering over the seated Samurai trainer. "One favor, old friend." "Name it." "Watch over young Hiro. He stowed away in the cargo chest." "You allowed this? The boy risks everything." "I did not think I had a choice in the matter." Yukiko''s lips curved into a slight smile. "His spirit is too restless for these village walls. And Ember... she has an affinity for orphans." "Orphaned?" Cragmarr''s clay brow furrowed. "I did not know." "Neither does he. The tragedy is now part of his story. I am also troubled by the lack of orphans finding their way to our village doors." "This is dangerous, Yukiko. The boy has no place in these events." "Perhaps. Or perhaps he will play his part, as we all must." She remained seated with her eyes closed. "We must have faith, remember?" Cragmarr''s four arms crossed over his chest. "There will be consequences for this decision. The Jingozi do not tolerate interference with their apprentices." "I know." Yukiko''s voice carried no fear, only acceptance. "That is why I chose Ronin''s path. My decisions are my own to bear." Cragmarr nodded. *** I saw a vision of a prophet rising from the forbidden lands, a wandering seer clad in ragged cloth. He speaks of ¡°the One,¡± a savior yet to come, who shall rise alongside a mirrored soul with three hearts joined in one purpose. Some call him mad, while others flock to his side, convinced his visions are divine. He proclaims himself only a herald, destined to prepare the way for this fateful champion whose unity of spirit could break the Jingozi¡¯s hold. But as with all prophecies, the line between truth and delusion remains thin, and I fear placing our hopes in uncertain hands should my vision come to pass. Chapter 16 (Rewrite): HIRO Chapter 16: HIRO
¡°What are you doing here, Hiro?¡± ¡°I wanted to come with you.¡± ¡°You can¡¯t just stow away like this.¡± ¡°Please, Ember,¡± he pleaded. ¡°I can help! I promise I''ll be useful.¡± I sighed, glancing at Kitty, already curled up in Hiro¡¯s lap. What could be the harm? It was too late to turn around, anyway. ¡°Alright, Hiro. You can stay. But do exactly as I tell you. Deal?¡± The boy nodded empathically. We lurched to a stop. The carriage door swung open, and Ryuunosuke¡¯s stern face appeared, growling, ¡°Out. Now.¡± I stepped off the carriage, Hiro following behind me, clutching my sleeve. Ryuunosuke, still on his mount, grabbed the boy by the collar and lifted him off the ground. ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± Ryuunosuke demanded. ¡°What did you do?¡± Hiro¡¯s eyes welled up with tears. ¡°I just wanted to help... I wanted to be useful¡­¡± ¡°Do you understand what you¡¯ve done? Who is your father?¡± Ryuunosuke shook him. ¡°Wait, I recognize you. You¡¯re Lord Takeda Shingen''s son.¡± A regretful expression overcame Ryuunosuke''s face as Hiro sobbed, unable to speak. ¡°Stop it. He¡¯s just a child,¡± I stepped forward. Ryuunosuke¡¯s gaze snapped my way, his expression unyielding. ¡°This child has brought shame to his family. Do you understand the consequences of his actions?¡± ¡°He came because of me.¡± I matched his glare. ¡°I told him to hide in the carriage. He¡¯s my responsibility.¡± ¡°His father was¡­ is a Samurai Lord and was chosen to send his son to learn the ways of Jingozi.¡± He set Hiro down. ¡°It is a great honor and responsibility to carry the future of our faction and his bloodline. But by dishonoring us in such a way, the Shogun will decide if the entire family must be executed. Yukiko will also be punished.¡± ¡°All for a game? You can¡¯t be serious.¡± Ryuunosuke¡¯s expression softened. ¡°The Jingozi will seek retribution if Yukiko cannot deliver the offering. And our faction values honor above all else. Such a disgrace cannot go unpunished, or many more will die.¡± ¡°Please, don¡¯t hurt my family!¡± Hiro sobbed louder, pulling on Ryuunosuke¡¯s boot. ¡°It¡¯s my fault, not theirs!¡± The Samurai became even more somber. The rest of the caravan gathered to gawk. There were three carriages, twelve Samurai on armored mounts, and roughly another dozen staff of men and women. Ahead of us, the road crossed into a dense forest of tall pine trees. ¡°How is this fair?¡± I asked. ¡°What does a runaway Emperor girl know about fairness? Your faction oppresses everybody in your land.¡± ¡°And this is any better?¡± I pointed at Hiro. ¡°I could execute you right now for your insolence. Remember your place.¡± I caught myself before unleashing a litany laced with profanity I knew I¡¯d regret. ¡°Come on, Hiro, we¡¯ll figure something out without this asshole.¡± *** Day [11/40] After entering the forest, we made camp. Pine trees loomed overhead, their branches intertwining to create a canopy in the sky. Ryuunosuke rode ahead to scout. ¡°Stay here,¡± I told Kitty. Hiro finally slept after crying all night. Seizing my chance, I crept to one of the mechanical horses tied nearby. It had been a hot minute since I rode a horse, let alone one with six legs powered by magic. Climbing onto the steed was challenging, but I secured myself. Come on, Em, you can do this, just like all those times at summer camp. Urging it forward, the robot horse sprang into action, its legs moving in a rhythmic pattern. I gripped the reins, struggling to stay balanced as it galloped through the forest. Ryuunosuke was ahead, on foot. I slowed to a trot, then dismounted behind him. He turned and glowered at me. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± he asked, keeping his voice low. ¡°Listen, we¡¯re going to get something crystal clear. You¡ª¡± Ryuunosuke dragged me down behind a pile of logs, the blade of his katana flashing in front of my face. His gloved hand covered my mouth. I felt the eerie silence¡ªno birds, no rustling leaves, just an unnatural stillness. Ryuunosuke leaned in, ¡°Be quiet. Golems.¡± He removed his hand. ¡°They¡¯d never be so bold.¡± ¡°Why would they attack us?¡± I asked. ¡°Are you not aware we are at war? Your faction and mine, the Golems, Ninja, and others. We are all enemies.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not from around here.¡± ¡°That is clear,¡± he said, his eyes darting back and forth. His face stiffened. ¡°Do not move.¡± I fought the temptation to draw a Jingozi card, which would reveal my identity. Ryuunosuke¡¯s eyes widened. He slashed at something behind me. A severed wooden tentacle fell, wriggling to the ground. Something else squealed and retreated through the brush. ¡°Back to camp, quickly,¡± he picked up the severed branch. It wrapped itself around the Samurai¡¯s arm, making chewing noises, and leaked black ichor, turning my stomach. His armor provided protection, but it still disturbed me. At the camp, Ryuunosuke tossed the wriggling branch into a fire. It hissed and thrashed as it bubbled and burned, sending a shiver down my neck. The other Samurai gathered with grim faces as they watched the fire consume the branch. ¡°We¡¯re not alone in this forest,¡± Ryuunosuke addressed the group. ¡°A Blight is tracking us, and we¡¯re not prepared to fight if the Golems have superior numbers. We¡¯ll take another route along the waters to avoid an ambush, but it will add a week to our travel.¡± You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. The Samurai grunted in agreement, their expressions grave. Plans were made to alter our course, and the group efficiently scrambled to action. Entering the carriage, Hiro was excited to greet me. ¡°Ember! Look what I made for you.¡± He handed me an origami flower made with white parchment paper. Distracted by our situation, I put it in my inventory without thinking. Hiro sensed my worry as the carriage started rolling. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Hiro asked. ¡°Why are we turning back?¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing. We¡¯re just taking a small detour. I asked for the scenic route.¡± ¡°Oh,¡± he returned to his origami. After a curious look, Kitty climbed on my shoulders and wrapped me in scales. *** Day [12/40] Our travels continued along the river until we reached a large lake. The calm waters reminded me of the last time I fished with Cragmarr. It felt like a lifetime ago. Hiro stirred and opened his eyes. He¡¯d slept using Kitty¡¯s belly as a pillow. ¡°Hey, buddy, how are you feeling?¡± I asked. He groaned and tried to sit up, eyes puffy. ¡°I¡¯ve been better,¡± he said. I helped him get comfortable, and he sat thinking before saying, ¡°Ember, I¡¯ve wanted to talk to you about something.¡± ¡°Oh? What¡¯s on your mind?¡± ¡°There¡¯s this girl back in my village. Her name is Aiko. She... she likes me.¡± I raised an eyebrow, remembering the cute samurai girl the day I met Hiro. ¡°Really? That¡¯s sweet. Do you like her too?¡± ¡°No, she¡¯s nice and all, but she¡¯s just a kid.¡± He shook his head. ¡°Hiro, you¡¯re ten,¡± I chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re both kids.¡± ¡°Yeah, but she¡¯s so immature. She always giggles and follows me around. I like someone more... mature.¡± ¡°Oh? And who might that be?¡± He blushed, his eyes darting away. ¡°Um, well... someone like you.¡± ¡°Me? I¡¯m flattered, Hiro. But you know, I¡¯m a bit too old for you.¡± ¡°I know, I know. But you¡¯re so nice and tough. You¡¯re like a warrior princess or something. Aiko could never be like that.¡± ¡°Hiro,¡± I smiled at him. ¡°Girls change and grow up in ways you don¡¯t expect. Maybe one day, Aiko will become a warrior princess herself.¡± ¡°Maybe. But she¡¯ll never be as amazing as you. I saw you fight.¡± ¡°Just give it time. If I know girls like Aiko, she¡¯ll grow into somebody you admire.¡± ¡°I guess, for now, I¡¯ll keep training and getting stronger. I¡¯m going to become a Jingozi champion.¡± ¡°I look forward to it, Hiro. You¡¯re already on your way. And thank you for the flower.¡± ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡± Hiro beamed as we sat, rocking back and forth, but it all bothered me. Hiro and the other children were pawns to the Jingozi¡ªjust like I was. It made absolutely no sense. How does an entire world bend the knee to a religious game? A bellowing sound came from the forest. Our carriage suddenly flew into the air, spinning end-over-end. With a deafening crash, we landed upside down. Water from the lake surged through the shattered windows while shouts and growls erupted outside. The caravan was under attack. I barely made out the notification. NEW QUEST: AMBUSHED Escape the ambush and rescue the child. A jagged piece of metal jutted from my right thigh while my left foot lay twisted, pinned beneath the chest. Kitty pawed at Hiro¡¯s sleeve, but he remained motionless, floating on his back. Blood streamed from his head, mixing with the water filling the caravan. Gritting my teeth, I dislodged my foot and rolled toward the door, slamming my shoulder against it. It wouldn¡¯t budge. Bracing my back against the seat, I kicked. Pain shot up my legs as my ankle gave way, the metal shard in my thigh tearing the wound wider. With the water rising to my waist, I looked for another exit. Kitty swam onto a shelf, but Hiro¡­ ¡°Hiro!¡± Taking a deep breath, I leaned forward and found Hiro¡¯s body submerged. I pulled him back to the surface, holding his head above water. The only way out was up. I slammed my elbow into the carriage floor. But with my injuries, I couldn¡¯t muster enough strength to plant and channel the Zii behind my strikes. I tried again with my cards three more times. The cards just fizzled, only making a dent. Why wasn¡¯t it working? I must be doing something wrong. Kitty escaped through the window. Taking my last breath before wholly submerged, I clung to Hiro and blinked to the Jingozi arena. *** Injuries didn¡¯t follow me when I blinked. The metal shard in my thigh and the gaping wound vanished as if they''d never happened. But the mental effects¡ªany pain, fear, shock¡ªremained. I spent extra time steadying my nerves. ¡°That doesn¡¯t look good,¡± the voice said. ¡°Where have you been?¡± I asked. ¡°I¡¯ve been here the whole time.¡± I examined my reflection in the carriage with Hiro, his head still bleeding and the contents of the carriage floating around us. ¡°Any chance you wanna help me out?¡± I asked. ¡°I¡¯d love to. But may I ask a question first?¡± ¡°Really?¡± I groaned. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Whose daughter are you?¡± My entire body stiffened. ¡°Are you serious right now? What are you, Dr. Phil?¡± ¡°I am serious. But I do like Dr. Phil.¡± How does he know who Dr. Phil is? ¡°Look,¡± I said. ¡°I kind of have a situation here.¡± ¡°Humor me, that situation isn¡¯t going anywhere.¡± ¡°You mean, who is my dad? Is that what you want to know?¡± ¡°Nope. I mean, whose daughter are you?¡± ¡°You mean my biological dad? Bryan? He gave me up for adoption after my mother died giving birth to me.¡± I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m talking about this right now. ¡°So I''m adopted.¡± I clenched my shaking hands. ¡°I guess I¡¯m nobody¡¯s daughter, asshole.¡± ¡°I see. That must¡¯ve been hard.¡± I had had enough. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s cut the bullshit, man. Are you going to help me or not?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ember. We can pick this up another time.¡± ¡°If there is another time.¡± After a pause, the voice said, ¡°Jingozi isn¡¯t about what you do. It¡¯s about who you are. First, you must learn to be¡ªdifferent if you must¡ªand then you will know what to do.¡± ¡°Where''d you get that bullshit? A fortune cookie?¡± ¡°I believe in you, Ember, and I¡¯ll see you again soon. Remember, I¡¯m always here, and don''t forget your gifts.¡± The voice was gone. I sat on the floor, cross-legged, opposite the image of myself. How am I supposed to BE something when I need to DO something to get out of this mess? Gifts? An idea tugged in the back of my mind. I need to BE something else. Loading my Jingozi deck, I flipped through my cards until I found what I needed: the [0/0] card and the [Evolve Spell]. Evolve I had no idea if it would work or how to play the card. Here goes nothing. Blinking back into the submerged carriage, I held up the [0/0] and focused on it. A notification appeared. SPELL CARD IS AVAILABLE: Evolve When I combined the two, the cards radiated with energy, and a counter appeared over each zero score. Tapping each one allowed me to infuse Zii and mentally boost the number. I decided to make it a [45/45], unsure what each total meant as far as an effect. But I couldn''t hold my breath much longer. Glowing runes appeared on my body, my skin turning into metallic crystal armor. My hand sliced through the carriage floor with a few swift swipes. As the debris floated away, I grabbed Hiro, and we shot out of the water, soaring through the air before landing on the shore. As the spell wore off, I shook Hiro. I didn¡¯t know CPR or anything to save him. Let¡¯s see if this works. Drawing a [1/2] card, I snapped my fingers for one of my last ten Zii and placed it on his chest. If I could focus on the water in Hiro¡¯s lungs, I might have a chance. Palming the card in my hand, I struck his chest, stopping an inch before making contact. A wave pulsed into Hiro, pushing the Zii coin into his body and causing him to cough up water violently. Turning him on his side, the gash on the back of his head was deep. He was breathing but unconscious. QUEST COMPLETE: AMBUSHED Escape the ambush and rescue the child. Reward: Jingozi Token [1] Seriously, how many times have I almost drowned, anyway? I¡¯d ignored the cacophony of roars and screams from the forest until now. Pulling Hiro onto my back, I called out, ¡°Kitty!¡± But there was no response. The [Evolve] spell had pushed the metal out of my leg, cauterizing the wound while leaving a nasty scar. With Hiro in tow, I took off, running in the opposite direction of the caravan. We stumbled through the forest, with my chest and legs burning as I searched for shelter. Finally, I found a large, empty burrow on the side of a hill. The burrow sloped down into a space big enough for the two of us. I slid in first and eased Hiro down. His breathing was shallow, and his face was pale. I checked him over and wrapped his head with my remaining bandages. Remembering the Samurai cloak, I pulled it from my inventory, swaddling him to keep him warm. Snapping my fingers, I produced another Zii coin, placing it on Hiro¡¯s head. After some Zii-Kata, the coin glowed red and melted into the bloody bandage. It would have to do for now. Crawling out of the hole, the forest was silent but getting dark. We had either run far enough that we couldn¡¯t hear the caravan, or it was over. My inventory, including the tinderbox, was dry. Shivering, I gathered dry wood and kindling to light three fires at the burrow entrance. Slumping beside Hiro, I fought the urge to sleep, but my eyelids grew heavy. Zii-Kata would have to wait. I drifted off with Hiro¡¯s hand in mine. Chapter 17 (Rewrite): BLIGHT Chapter 17: BLIGHT
In the deep forests, once home to tranquil tree Golems, a twisted presence now stirs. Their bark grows warped and brittle, tainted with shadows as if consumed by a creeping rot. Many call them demons, but I know better: these Blighted guardians are no unholy invaders. Rather, they seem a desperate creation of nature itself, a primal defense born from the Jingozi¡¯s meddling. *** I woke up in time to pile more branches onto the fires. It was dark, and after ensuring the fire would last, I checked my resources. The effects of low Zii hit me hard now that the adrenaline had worn off¡ªlike a sudden drop in blood sugar. My head spun, and my vision blurred. As shadows flickered on the burrow walls, I drifted to childhood memories, along with the trauma. I was five, maybe six, when the other children at the Tokyo orphanage whispered about the possibility of being adopted. I had no such hope. The older kids told me it was my red hair and foreign features¡ªan oddity in the sea of dark-haired, brown-eyed children. It made me an outcast among the outcasts. Back then, my name was Lynn. When my biological father left me at a police station in Tokyo, the only identification was a tag on the blanket wrapped around me. I still have that blanket stored away somewhere. The orphanage staff did what they could, but with limited resources and even less patience, I learned that love and attention were fleeting, conditional things. As my therapist often explained, that harsh reality shaped how I interacted with the world. Whenever a potential family visited the orphanage, hope and dread gripped me. I¡¯d put on my best behavior, wearing a mask of what I thought they wanted¡ªquiet, obedient, eager to please. But time and again, they chose someone else, usually younger. I was unworthy of love, destined to be alone. The foster homes treated us as burdens or, worse, as cheap labor¡ªthe kind of temporary parents who didn¡¯t think the state checks were adequate to tolerate us. Schools were an escape but also another battlefield. I quickly learned that being different made me a target. Bullies teased and tormented, while teachers often turned a blind eye. I fought back when I could, earning a reputation that isolated me further and branded me as a pariah. Friends were few and far between, and even those I made were lost in the next move¡ªor I pushed them away first, according to my therapist. The trauma of those years was a weight I carried into adulthood, even after a kind Japanese family adopted me. It made me fiercely independent but also guarded. Connections, especially romantic ones, meant letting people in. I envied those who spoke of any relationship with warmth and love. Family was a foreign concept, an ideal I saw in others but never believed I¡¯d ever experience. Looking at Hiro, he was a painful reflection of my vulnerability at his age. I reached out and brushed a strand of hair from his forehead. ¡°I got you, little buddy. We¡¯re going to get through this.¡± The night grew colder as I sat by the three small fires, grappling with my past. Hiro slept fitfully, his breathing shallow but steady. I stared past the entrance toward the forest outside, bathed in moonlight. The ground trembled, and a low, rhythmic thudding grew louder. I held my breath, peering out into the darkness. Three massive figures emerged from the dense forest, their forms silhouetted against the moon. At this distance, tree Golems were unlike anything I¡¯d ever seen. They stood at least twenty feet tall, their bodies composed of twisted branches, gnarled roots, and dense, bark-covered limbs. Their eyes glowed a deep orange, piercing the night. As they moved, the ground shook with each step, snapping wood and crunching leaves. The first Golem towered as a mass of intertwined trunks, its arms ending in jagged branches. Moss and vines draped over its shoulders, swaying with each movement. The second Golem stood slightly smaller but no less intimidating. More compact, it resembled a heavily armored knight of living wood. Thick bark plates covered its chest and limbs, and its hands were shaped into massive wooden fists. The third Golem, the most unusual, was slender and elongated, resembling a willowy tree. Its entire body was freckled with glowing blue mushrooms. Long, thin branches extended from its back, almost like wings. Its orange-glowing eyes scanned the surroundings until they gazed right into the burrow entrance. I continued to hold my breath, tense and ready. The Golems lumbered closer, their hulking forms blotting out the starry sky. Their wooden bodies creaked and groaned with the rustling of leaves. As they approached the mouth of the burrow, the first Golem paused, its eyes fixated on our three fires. It tilted its head as if contemplating the meaning of the flames. The tension was unbearable. Hiro fidgeted beside me but thankfully remained silent. This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. The second Golem joined the first, its wooden fists clenching and unclenching as it observed the fires. They stood there for what felt like an eternity, the forest silent except for the occasional creak of their limbs. I dared not move, afraid any sound or motion would draw their attention further. With its willowy blue form, the third Golem drifted closer. Its eyes glowed brighter as it examined the flickering flames. Extending a thin branch-like limb towards the fire, it stopped short of touching them. The Golems reached some silent understanding. The first turned away, followed by the second, and then the third. They moved past the burrow, retreating into the forest. The ground continued to tremble behind them. I let out a long, shaky breath. *** Day [13/40] I woke to the first light of dawn and squeezed in a quick session of Zii-Kata, which provided a slight boost in Zii and at least replenished my cards. Checking Hiro''s wound revealed the bleeding had stopped, but we couldn''t stay there. We had to find the others and get help. I tipped a water skin to his lips, letting a trickle into his mouth. I tied Hiro to my back, securing him beneath my kimono by knotting the sleeves. His body felt so fragile pressed against mine. Still no sign of Kitty. We left the shelter, stepping into the forest''s silence. A light fog had settled in. With the memory of the tree Golems still fresh in my mind, I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of being watched. Every rustle of leaves and snap of a twig set my nerves on edge. As we neared the site of the attack, the smell hit me first¡ªa sickly stench of death and decay mixed with the acrid scent of burning metal. It was like a slap in the face, almost making me wretch. But emerging from the trees, the sight before became more horrifying. The mechanical horses lay in twisted heaps, their bodies shattered and oozing molten gold. The scorched and torn ground, strewn with entrails and dismembered body parts, showed evidence of a slaughter. But the worst stood in the center of the clearing. It was a monument of twenty dead bodies, about fifteen feet tall. Dark wooden tentacles wrapped around the corpses of the Samurai and servants, propping up the pile. The Blight fed on them, merging into a grotesque monolith of death. Vines and slithering branches moved with menace. And those disgusting chewing noises¡­ I searched for any sign of Ryuunosuke. The bodies trapped in the Blight were unrecognizable, their faces marred with vines and twisted in agony. Ryuunosuke was a Jingozi apprentice and Samurai warrior¡ªhe might have survived. ¡°Hiro, I need you to hang in there a little longer.¡± I tiptoed around the clearing, keeping my distance from the feeding Golem. Along the edge of the carnage, a trail led away from the main site. Broken branches and disturbed underbrush suggested someone had fled that way¡ªa bloody handprint on a tree trunk and another on a rock. The trail of blood thickened the further it went. I saw the status first. Name: Ryuunosuke [Divine Dealer] Tier: III [Steel] Rank 2 Faction: Samurai [Warrior] A faint groan, barely audible over the pulse pounding in my ears, came from the brush. Pushing through a thicket, I found him. Ryuunosuke lay against a tree, his armor battered and bloodied. His sword was still in his hand, but his grip was weak. He looked up as I approached, his eyes clouded. ¡°Ember,¡± he groaned, struggling to sit up. ¡°Don¡¯t move,¡± I said, rushing to his side. ¡°You¡¯re hurt.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve suffered worse. What about the others?¡± ¡°They¡¯re gone.¡± I shook my head. ¡°The Blight... it¡¯s feeding on them.¡± ¡°Curse those monsters,¡± Ryuunosuke¡¯s face darkened. ¡°We need to get you out of here. Can you walk?¡± ¡°Wait, did you say¡ª¡± Ryuunosuke¡¯s eyes widened, looking over my shoulder. Trampling noises and a ghostly bellow erupted behind me. I turned as a mass of tangled bodies stomped toward us, tentacle-like vines stretching ahead. The Blight had followed the blood trail. I was torn. If I used my Jingozi cards, Ryuunosuke would discover my secret. But if I didn¡¯t, it wouldn¡¯t matter. My Zii was running low, but the thought of being absorbed into that abomination... ¡°Ancient champion, I call upon you.¡± Holding up a card, Ryuunosuke was chanting. Billows of golden smoke and sparks of light poured from the card, forming a ten-foot figure before us. The smoke solidified into a giant Samurai champion. His armor was detailed with dragon motifs and mystical runes glowing with a golden light. His helmet was crowned with a gold dragon crest, its eyes burning with blue flames. A spectral aura rippled around us as he materialized, flickering with electric energy. The champion wielded a massive polearm, crackling with arcane lightning. With a thunderous roar, it charged the Blight. As it ran with raw magical power, each step left a trail of glowing footprints. My first time witnessing a Jingozi champion card in action did not disappoint. The clash was immediate and violent. The polearm¡¯s blade cut through the Blight¡¯s twisted form with a burst of light, sending Samurai bodies along with splinters of wood and dark ichor flying. The Blight recoiled, its wooden tentacles whipping to fend off the relentless assault. The champion moved with ferocious grace, its attacks a blur of motion, each strike accompanied by bursts of magical energy searing the Blight¡¯s wooden flesh. The Samurai champion continued to battle, spinning the polearm in deadly arcs. Its armor glowed brighter with each strike, forcing its enemy back toward the forest¡¯s edge. But the Golem fought back¡ªvines stitched together over every opened wound, forming a rigid plate. Its tentacles wrapped around the polearm, preventing a proper blow. Ryuunosuke¡¯s champion shifted tactics, skewering its weapon into the Blight¡¯s stomach and lifting it off the ground. The armor plates on its back flared open, releasing a burst of orange flames and crackling electricity like a jet engine. With the Blight off balance, the champion surged forward, plowing into the forest, toppling trees that burst into flames. ¡°Ember, leave Hiro with me,¡± Ryuunosuke urged. ¡°Escape while you can. The Golems will return, and we can¡¯t hold them off forever.¡± I hesitated, feeling Hiro¡¯s weight on my back. ¡°I can¡¯t just leave you here. We need to stay together.¡± ¡°This is more important.¡± He pressed a scroll into my hand. ¡°We didn¡¯t travel to Yukiko¡¯s village just for you. Take this scroll to the Shogun. It contains vital information that could turn the tide against the Jingozi.¡± He handed me his Samurai token. ¡°This will provide you safe passage. Show it to anyone who questions you.¡± I wanted to insist we find another way, but the determination in Ryuunosuke¡¯s eyes silenced me. With a whistle, Ryuunosuke called his six-legged steed from the brush. Kitty slipped out of the same bushes into my arms with a squeal. Covered in blood but unharmed, I was beyond relieved. She dropped and licked Ryuunosuke¡¯s wounds. ¡°You can do this, Ember,¡± he said. ¡°You must. For all of us.¡± ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll do it. But promise me you¡¯ll take care of Hiro.¡± ¡°I will. You have my word. We¡¯ll meet you at Raishoto. Now go before it¡¯s too late.¡± He smiled with a faint, weary expression. NEW MISSION: SAMURAI SCROLL Deliver the scroll to the Shogun. Passing Hiro to Ryuunosuke, I put the scroll in my inventory and mounted the steed. The Samurai stood despite his injuries, clutching his sword with one hand while cradling Hiro in the other. ¡°Ride fast and stay safe,¡± he called out. Chapter 18 (Rewrite): RAISHOTO Chapter 18: RAISHOTO
Not all who call themselves Samurai still walk the noble path. Since the Jingozi¡¯s arrival, I¡¯ve watched these warriors turn to profiteering, trading steel for Zii artifacts and bending the old ways to feed new ambitions. Under the Shogunate''s banner, they¡¯ve abandoned the purer ideals of honor and duty. In their eyes, commerce and influence now hold greater worth than loyalty. I, too, wonder if my allegiance is misplaced, as those once sworn to protect our land instead barter its soul for fleeting gain. *** Day [14/40] The first day passed as a blur of dense forest and winding paths. The mechanical steed plowed ahead at full speed, its six hooves barely making a sound as we raced through the underbrush. We traveled south from dawn until dusk, stopping only when the sun dipped below the horizon. I found a small clearing to rest for the night. After lighting three fires, I practiced Zii-Kata to center myself. Kitty watched. *** Day [15/40] The relentless pace continued on the second day. The landscape shifted, the thick forest giving way to rolling hills of tall grass and sparse trees. I practiced Zii-Kata during a brief rest, comforted by the sun¡¯s warmth. The movements were slower and more deliberate as I pondered my progress. Hiro weighed on my mind as Kitty hunted for bugs. *** Day [16/40] By the third day, fatigue set in¡ªmy body ached, my mind exhausted. The landscape grew more desolate, with trees becoming sparse, giving way to rocky outcrops and dry grasslands. We paused by a small stream to rest and drink. The water was cool and refreshing. Kitty jumped in for a bath, only to yelp as something underwater pinched her. Curious, I pulled Ryuunosuke''s scroll from the inventory space and turned it over, studying the elaborate gold seal that held it closed. It felt heavier than it should, its parchment edges calling to me. "Just one peek couldn''t hurt." I glanced at Kitty, who tilted her head disapprovingly. "Oh, come on, you''re curious too." My fingers traced the edge of the seal¡ªa sharp jolt of electricity shot through my hand, making me drop the scroll with a yelp. The seal pulsed with golden light, almost mocking my attempt. "Ouch!" I shook my stinging hand. "Fine, keep your secrets." I reached for the scroll again, more carefully this time. No shock¡ªit only zapped when tampered with. My inventory system would keep it safe and hidden until I could deliver it to the Shogun. Kitty chirped as if saying, "I told you so." "Yeah, yeah." I rubbed my tingling fingers. "You were right. Happy now?" *** Day [17/40] By the fourth day, the solitude became mind-numbing. The vast grassy plains stretched with no trace of civilization in sight. As the sun set, I found a sheltered nook to rest. My training, long abandoned, and the silence of the night only amplified the emptiness. Desperate for a distraction, I blinked into the Jingozi arena. ¡°Hello?¡± I called. ¡°Are you there?¡± ¡°Ember, it¡¯s great to see you¡ª¡± ¡°This was a mistake.¡± I couldn''t handle being dragged into an unexpected counseling talk about my childhood issues right now. My mental reserves were too drained, and I wasn''t ready to deal with it. I blinked out and stayed awake all night. *** Day [18/40] By the fifth day, doubt gnawed at me. What if I don¡¯t make it? I''d been traveling for days with no sign of a city or the Samurai, with an endless landscape blurring together with every rise and fall of the terrain. Cresting a hill, I heard music. A caravan of brightly colored wagons accompanied by what looked like entertainers came into view. I approached cautiously, holding out the Samurai token. The leader of the caravan, a jovial, round man with a long black beard, welcomed me with open arms. ¡°Hello, young lady!¡± he said, waving. ¡°Um, hi. I¡¯m trying to get to the city.¡± ¡°Any member of the Samurai is welcome to travel with us,¡± his eyes twinkled with kindness. ¡°My name is Daichi. We are a troop of artists on our way to Raishoto to entertain the nobles. Please receive our hospitality.¡± I entered the Jingozi arena and scanned the entire caravan, scrutinizing every reflection for any signs of danger but I found nothing suspicious. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Exhausted, I blinked back and asked to ride in one of the wagons. Daichi happily took the reins of my steed, seemingly unconcerned about the fact I was a total stranger. I climbed into the back of a wagon with Kitty. After days spent in a saddle, the soft piles of costumes and the gentle rocking of the wagon felt like a blessing. Laughter and music lulled me into a deep, dreamless slumber. *** Day [19/40] The towering walls and majestic gates of the Samurai city were an awe-inspiring sight. The wide streets were alive with activity¡ªSamurai in gleaming armor, merchants hawking their goods, and children laughing as they played. The architecture blended the traditional and the fantastical, with pagodas stretching toward the sky adorned with carvings and shimmering banners. The vibrant sounds of the city and the mouthwatering aroma of street food welcomed us into its heart. I thanked Daichi and gifted him the steed. I¡¯d become a capable rider but had no idea how to care for a horse with six legs¡ªor whatever it was. ¡°You¡¯ve been so cool, even though you¡¯re the weirdest pony I¡¯ve ever seen,¡± I whispered, patting its armored flank one last time. I stood in the market square with Kitty, taking it all in. ¡°All right, Kitty, let''s do this.¡± *** A local merchant¡¯s stall displayed exotic goods, from silken fabrics to finely crafted weapons. The merchant himself was a stout man with an amiable demeanor. He beckoned me over. ¡°Welcome, traveler,¡± he greeted with a bow. ¡°You seem new to Raishoto. Can I introduce you to some of the finest wares in the city?¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± I said. ¡°I¡¯m curious about the city itself.¡± ¡°Ah, Raishoto! It is a city of great history and importance. Please allow me to enlighten you.¡± The merchant¡¯s eyes lit up with pride. He gestured for me to come closer, handing me a juicy-looking fruit I didn¡¯t recognize. ¡°Raishoto, which means ¡®lightning castle,¡¯ was founded centuries ago by the legendary Samurai Lord Raiden Takamori before the Jingozi. He was a warrior of unmatched skill and a master of an ancient form of elemental Zii-Kata, now long forgotten. It¡¯s said that during a great storm, Raiden harnessed the power of lightning itself to vanquish a formidable enemy that threatened our lands. In honor of his bravery and the divine power he wielded, this city was built on the ground where that battle took place.¡± The merchant paused, his eyes scanning the bustling market. ¡°The city¡¯s architecture reflects this lightning connection. Looking closely, you¡¯ll see many of our buildings are designed to capture and channel the energy of the storms that occur almost every night. The pagodas are adorned with metal rods and enchanted stones that draw lightning, providing protection and power to our people.¡± I glanced around, noting the subtle details he described. ¡°Raishoto is not just a city¡ªit¡¯s the heart of the Samurai faction. Our warriors train here to host several sanctioned Jingozi exhibitions, honing their skills and mastering the Jingozi way. And we are blessed to have Lord Shogun himself residing in the Grand Palace at the center of the city, overseeing the defense and governance of our lands. Many important decisions are made here, making Raishoto the military and spiritual hub of the Samurai faction.¡± He leaned in, lowering his voice. ¡°But there¡¯s more. Raishoto is also a place of pilgrimage for many. The Temple of Thunder, located on the eastern hill, attracts those seeking the deeper mysteries of Zii and the legacy of Raiden Takamori. Meditating there during a storm grants insights and visions from other dimensions.¡± He stared at me intently as I bit into the fruit. It was plum-flavored with a minty aftertaste. ¡°How do I see the Shogun?¡± Juice trickled down my chin. ¡°Nobody sees the Lord Shogun. Why would you make such a request?¡± ¡°No reason, just being a tourist. Thank you for the fruit.¡± ¡°It¡¯s my pleasure,¡± his smile returned. ¡°Raishoto is a city of honor and tradition¡ªevery visitor becomes a part of its story. Don¡¯t hesitate to return if you need anything else, whether it¡¯s guidance or supplies. Just ask for Taikumi.¡± As I walked away, Taikumi shouted, ¡°May the spirits of our ancestors and Lord Raiden himself guide you!¡± Taking only two steps, I almost tripped over a family of dark elves huddled together near a crumbling wall. I immediately recognized them by their deep purple hue, dulled by dirt. They wore tattered rags and cloaks with hoods drawn low. A small child clung to their mother¡¯s leg, wide-eyed and gaunt. I paused, taken aback. My past encounters with dark elves had painted them as the enemy, filled with cruelty and aggression. I''d never expected to see them in such a state of vulnerability. ¡°Please, sir,¡± the mother begged, her voice small. ¡°Just a small piece of bread. Anything to feed my child.¡± For a moment, I was at a loss for words, twinged by their desperation and the flicker of pity stirring within me. This world, like Earth, has its share of poverty and social injustice. Kitty tensed and glowered, with a menacing yowl. I''d forgotten about her aggro with dark elves. Nor could I blame her. "Chill, Kitty," I whispered. "Look at them. They''re helpless." Kitty didn''t care but stayed put on my shoulders. "Behave," I told her. I approached cautiously, my heart aching. I summoned three rations from my inventory and offered them. The child looked up at me. The spark of hope in those innocent eyes made my heart clench. "I''m sorry, that''s all I have," I said. The mother¡¯s expression shifted to gratitude as she accepted the rations with trembling hands. ¡°Thank you,¡± she whispered, her eyes glistening. ¡°We thought we would not find kindness today.¡± ¡°It¡¯s the least I can do,¡± I responded softly. ¡°I wish I could do more. Please take care of yourselves.¡± The small child reached out a tiny hand, brushing against my arm. ¡°Thank you,¡± the child said shyly, their voice barely above a whisper. ¡°May the spirits protect you,¡± the father added, his voice hoarse but filled with sincerity. ¡°Hey! You there, girl!¡± Glaring at me, a grizzled man with a scruffy beard leaned out from behind his fruit counter. ¡°Stop encouraging those vagrants! They''ll never leave this place if you keep giving them food.¡± I flicked my wrist to load a Jingozi card, letting it glow with Zii, and flashed it. The bravado melted from his face. ¡°I¡ªum, I was just¡ª¡± he stammered, his voice trailing into mumbling. Without waiting for a response, I approached his counter and picked up three ripe melons from his stall. The shopkeeper opened his mouth to protest but then relented under my glare. I took the melons and turned back toward the family of dark elves. ¡°Here,¡± I said, raising my voice. ¡°Take these. A gift from that kind and generous man behind me.¡± The father''s eyes widened with disbelief as he received the melons. ¡°Move along,¡± I gestured gently. As they scuttled away, I shot the shopkeeper another death stare. He shifted uncomfortably but said nothing as I walked past him. From the corner of my eye, Taikumi nodded and smiled. *** An inn on the corner drew me in with its welcoming facade and a sign swaying in the breeze. The aroma of cooked food wafted just outside the entrance, making my mouth water. Stepping inside, I was met with the warmth of the hearth and the comforting hum of conversation. The innkeeper, a burly man with a bushy beard and ruddy complexion, looked up from behind the counter, his eyes briefly meeting mine. ¡°Room?¡± he said flatly. ¡°Yes, please.¡± ¡°Two silver.¡± I was stumped. Nobody had explained the monetary system here. ¡°Money?¡± he frowned. ¡°Oh, of course.¡± The innkeeper¡¯s eyes narrowed, watching me fumble. ¡°I have this.¡± I presented Ryuunosuke¡¯s Samurai token. ¡°Out! To hell with you, Samurai. Think we¡¯re all your slaves?¡± ¡°Wait, I don¡¯t¡­¡± The innkeeper signaled to his workers. They surrounded me, hands on their swords. Kitty tensed. I pulled a Jingozi token from my inventory to defuse the situation. The innkeeper and his workers¡¯ eyes widened in fear, and they shouted a litany of harsh-sounding words in a different language, pushing me out the door. ¡°Take that cursed coin and leave! Never come back!¡± The door slammed shut behind me. Standing bewildered, I tried to process what had happened. A figure approached¡ªa blonde elf dressed in a flashy pirate outfit topped with a wide-brimmed hat and a feather. Name: Jon Deerfoot [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: II [Bronze] Rank 5 Faction: Emperor [Lord] ¡°Vexing day?¡± he asked. ¡°You could say that,¡± I said, still shaken. ¡°Jon Deerfoot, at your service,¡± he bowed. ¡°I hail from the Emperor faction, on a trade mission from my northern manor. And you are?¡± ¡°Ember. Did you say Emperor faction?¡± ¡°Despite the war, factions still conduct business. Trade is essential, even between enemies. And as an elf, I¡¯m considered somewhat of an outsider, less of a threat.¡± ¡°So why would they be hostile to this?¡± I held up the Jingozi token. The elf covered it with his glove, scanning the area from left to right. ¡°Not everyone is friendly to the Samurai. Their elitism and oppressive rule have earned them disdain from the people. As for the Jingozi, they¡¯re feared. Such a token is an omen, representing chaos and meddling beyond control.¡± ¡°I just need a place to stay.¡± ¡°People don¡¯t just stumble upon such treasures. You¡¯re a Jingozi dealer.¡± ¡°So are you.¡± ¡°Touche, my dear.¡± Jon placed a hand on my shoulder. ¡°Come with me. I know of more suitable accommodations for a lady such as you.¡± Chapter 19 (New): BROTHER Chapter 19: BROTHER
The Golems emerge from the elements as siblings, yet their spirits still yearn for parentage. In their quest to fill that void, many bind themselves to the will of other factions, adopting new allegiances like children seeking guardians. I fear each step away from their birthplace erodes the ancient link they once shared with the One Source. *** Cragmarr crouched in the shadows, his clay form blending with the darkness. The metallic scent of blood hung thick in the air. A Samurai warrior slumped against a tree, his golden armor stained crimson. Beside him lay a boy, pale and still, dried blood caking his bandaged temple. "Hiro," Cragmarr whispered regretfully. "I should have moved faster." Minutes ticked by as the Samurai fought to keep his eyes open. His head would dip and then snap back up. Finally, his chin dropped to his chest, and he stayed there, his breaths settling into a sleeping rhythm. Cragmarr crept across the forest floor. In one hand, he held a Jingozi card, its edges gleaming with gentle light. With the other hand, he snapped his fingers, producing an orange Zii coin that hummed with energy. He brought the two together. The card and coin merged in a flash of amber light, creating a single glowing sigil. Carefully, Cragmarr pressed it to Hiro''s forehead. The boy''s color improved instantly, his breathing growing stronger. Cragmarr''s gaze shifted to the Samurai. His wounds were serious, but his Jingozi powers already worked to knit flesh back together. Better to let him rest than risk waking him with healing. Cragmarr gathered fallen branches and fed them to the dying fire. The flames rose higher, casting warmth over the sleeping figures. Satisfied that the camp was secure, the Golem pressed his palm against the forest floor. The earth spoke to him through subtle tremors, a language as natural as breathing. His orange marble eyes swirled as he concentrated on the vibrations rippling through the soil. There. A faint disturbance snaked toward the camp. Cragmarr rose silently, his arms spreading wide for balance as he tracked the movement. A wooden tentacle, thick as a man''s arm, slithered between the trees. The tentacle''s gnarled bark plates shifted and creaked as it moved, leaving a trail of corrupted soil in its wake. Blight. Cragmarr traced the appendage to its origin. It led him through a maze of ancient trees, their trunks twisted and gnarled. Black sap oozed from their bark, a sure sign of the Blight''s corruption. The earth''s vibrations grew stronger as he tracked the tentacle to its source. More appendages emerged from the shadows, all connected to something lurking and hiding in the darkness ahead. The soil beneath Cragmarr''s feet felt wrong¡ªtainted and sick. He could sense the corruption spreading through the root systems below, a cancer in the forest''s flesh. Cragmarr stepped into a clearing, his marble eyes focusing using the moonlight on the carnage before him. Limbs and torsos lay scattered across the blood-soaked earth. He recognized the golden armor of the Samurai caravan, now torn and crushed. The stench of death mixed with the sickly-sweet rot of Blight corruption. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. He moved through the bodies methodically, searching. His clay fingers sifted through the remains while his connection to the earth told him the Blight''s presence had weakened. A fierce battle had taken place here. Behind an animal carcass, he found what he sought. Fused flesh and bone rose from the ground like a twisted sculpture. Human skulls and body parts merged with thick roots and fungal growth. At its center, a face¡ªmore monster than humanoid¡ªstared back at him with glowing orange eyes. Tendrils of root and muscle weakly reached for him. Help me... The thought pierced his mind, full of pain and hunger. Cragmarr cradled the head in his four hands as the tentacles tried to feed on his clay form, finding no sustenance. The creature''s agony flowed through their mental connection. "I am sorry, brother," Cragmarr said softly. "You can rest now. Your suffering ends here." He swiftly crushed the corrupted head between his clay palms, causing a crunching noise and an explosion of gore that splattered against his rocky torso. The orange light in its eyes flickered like dying embers, a haunting reminder of their shared essence, before fading to dull black pools. A final psychic whimper echoed through their connection as the creature''s tortured existence ended. The tendrils drooped away like wilted vines, but they did not die. Mindlessly, they would continue to scavenge for flesh ravenously. That was the curse of the Blight. *** By morning, Cragmarr stood at the edge of the massive pit he''d spent hours digging. The bodies of fallen Samurai warriors and servants lay stacked alongside the twisted remains of the Blighted creature, which still wriggled like hungry worms. His clay hands still bore the stains of earth and corruption from his grim task. "I cannot give you the proper rites, brother. The Blight must be cleansed completely." His orange marble eyes dimmed with sadness as he gazed down at the grotesque mass of flesh and wood that had once been another Golem. Drawing a Jingozi card, Cragmarr infused it with Zii until flames danced along its edges. "Brother, return to the earth that gave and still gives us life," he said in ancient words in the language of stone and soil, a dialect forgotten by all but the oldest of his kind. "May your essence flow pure once more through the roots of your ancestors." The card dropped from his fingers, spinning as it fell. When it touched the bodies, orange flames erupted, quickly consuming everything in the pit. The high-pitched wailing started, piercing through the morning air as the corrupted tendrils writhed in their death throes. Cragmarr''s clay shoulders tensed at the sound. No matter how often he''d performed this duty over his long existence, that noise still made his stone core shudder. The squealing grew higher, more frantic. The tendrils thrashed against the flames, their movements becoming increasingly erratic as the fire consumed them. Black smoke carried the stench of burning corruption into the air. Cragmarr remained rooted in place, forcing himself to witness the end. He owed his fallen brother that much, at least. The screaming reached a fever pitch, making his marble eyes vibrate in their sockets. *** Cragmarr knelt by the stream, his four hands working methodically to scrub the gore and corruption from his clay skin. The water turned dark where it touched him, carrying away bits of ash and death. But the sticky residue of the Blight clung stubbornly to the rocky outcrops across his form. He dipped his large hands into the current, watching rivulets trace paths between the stones in his forearms. The process was slow, methodical¡ªand deeply unsettling. After a moment, Cragmarr turned toward the distant camp where he''d left the Samurai and the boy. Through his connection to the earth, he sensed their presence¡ªthe child''s footsteps were stronger now, no longer the weak shuffling of earlier. The warrior, too, seemed steady enough. "Yukiko will be pleased," Cragmarr muttered, returning to his washing. With the Blight cleansed from this area, they would be safe to continue their journey once they regained their strength. He submerged his arms again, letting the cool water flow over his clay form. It would have to be enough¡ªhe couldn''t spend all day trying to remove every trace. Lifting his gaze to the morning sky, he noted the sun''s position. His thoughts turned to Ember. He calculated the distance a Steed Golem could cover based on the hoof prints he''d tracked earlier. She would have reached Raishoto by now, facing whatever awaited her. Though every fiber of his being urged him to help, he knew interfering with her trials as her ward was forbidden. "Stay strong, Em," he whispered into the wind. His long legs carried him swiftly through the trees as he began to run, each stride covering ground that would take others several steps to cross. The forest blurred around him as he picked up speed. Chapter 20 (Rewrite): SANCTUARY Chapter 20: SANCTUARY
Strange temples of shimmering iron and onyx now tower above our streets, brimming with luxury to lure the curious. Music and laughter echo behind guarded doors, yet I remain unwelcome. If their holy game is so pure, why cloak it in secrecy and excess? Something darker stirs behind those opulent walls. *** Jon Deerfoot ushered me through the winding streets, past grand buildings and crowded markets, until we reached a quieter part of the city. The atmosphere changed as we approached a structure contrasting with the traditional architecture. It was a grand cathedral-like building, luxurious and modern with a gothic twist. ¡°This is a Jingozi sanctuary,¡± Jon explained as we walked through the massive doors. ¡°It¡¯s where us Doctrine Dealers and higher titles stay¡ªa privilege granted to all us chosen.¡± FEAT ACHIEVED: JINGOZI SANCTUARY You have visited your first Jingozi Sanctuary, a haven for Jingozi apprentices and higher ranks. While within these walls, you are protected and immune from any interference from any other faction. The cost is 1 Jingozi token per stay. Warning: Only a one-day maximum is allowed during your Jingozi trials. Stepping inside, I marveled at the interior, a blend of luxury and mysticism. The walls were lined with dark wood and intricate carvings, while plush velvet furnishings and flickering candles added to the atmosphere. A tall, stoic host dressed in elaborate dark robes stood behind a counter. ¡°Allow me,¡± Jon said, extending his palm. ¡°Two tokens, if you would be so kind, my dear.¡± I dropped two Jingozi tokens into his hand as he winked. ¡°I have a new guest,¡± Jon announced, placing one token on the counter and sliding it to the robed man behind it. ¡°Um, excuse me?¡± I said. ¡°I gave you two.¡± ¡°Consider it a deposit for an unforgettable night of entertainment.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not here to have fun.¡± ¡°Business then. I¡¯m at your service. Meet me down here when you¡¯re ready.¡± Despite my initial reservations, I couldn''t help but smile back. He was charming. And I wasn''t about to complain if his help could advance my mission. ¡°Alright,¡± I said. ¡°But it better be worth it.¡± ¡°Oh, it will, trust me,¡± he bowed. The host led me up a grand staircase and showed me to my room. ¡°Your Zii is required for the door,¡± he said. I produced a Zii coin and inserted it into the slot under the door handle. The door quietly swung open. It was more luxurious than any Vegas penthouse. The expansive quarters featured high ceilings and a panoramic window offering a stunning city view. The bed was a four-poster draped in rich fabrics, and intricately carved wooden furniture pieces looked like they belonged in a palace. A rather large shower in the corner had a glowing slot under two floating crystals. ¡°Zii is required for all room services,¡± the host said, then closed the door behind him as he left. Kitty was already sprawling on the bed, making herself comfortable. Turning the corner, I discovered the bathroom extended beyond just a shower. Two large jacuzzi tubs awaited¡ªone with steam rising from the water, the other appearing ice cold. Intrigued, I disrobed and dropped a Zii coin into the slot. The shower sprang to life, cascading an even spray of water. The crystals glowed, adjusting the water temperature as if they could read my mind. After washing, I looked at my reflection in a full-length mirror and confirmed my previous suspicion. Not a single blemish marked my skin despite weeks of injuries and exposure, including the scar from being impaled in the leg. This isn¡¯t your body, Em. You¡¯re an uninvited guest, remember? A squatter. Someone knocked. I activated the self-cleaning and repair of my kimono before opening the door. A geisha with a pixie haircut entered with a tray of sushi. She set it down and bowed. Name: Sora [Divine Dealer] Tier: IV [Cobalt] Rank 9 Faction: Ninja [Assassin] ¡°Wait, what?¡± I said. ¡°You¡¯re a¡­ who are you?¡± With a seductive smile, she darted out of the room. I followed her out the door but found nothing but an empty hall. I¡¯ll have to track her down later. Famished, I sat down to eat. Ever curious, Kitty tried a piece of fish and scrunched her nose as if she¡¯d bitten into a slice of lemon. ¡°Now, now, Kitty, don¡¯t be so picky.¡± She bristled as I sipped my tea between mouthfuls of delicious sushi. A covered bowl sat on the edge of the tray, and I lifted the lid. It was filled with giant, wriggling larvae. I recoiled, mortified. But Kitty squealed in delight. She pounced and devoured the worms with gusto. It looked like Kitty was going to enjoy the service here. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. *** The grand staircase descended to the main floor, leading to an opulent hall alive with conversation and the occasional clink of glassware. The atmosphere exuded luxury and mystery as if everyone were hiding a secret. Guests were dressed in elaborate costumes¡ªmonks, elves, wizards in flowing robes, and even Demi-Golems like Cragmarr. And they were all Doctrine Dealers. A group near a large, ornate table caught my attention. Four men and two women, clad in a mix of robes and armor, were engrossed in an oddly familiar game. I moved closer. They played with Jingozi cards and stacks of Zii coins. Jon appeared beside me, a playful smile on his lips. ¡°Riveting, isn¡¯t it?¡± he said, nodding towards the table. ¡°It¡¯s a way for Jingozi players to enjoy the thrill of the game without all the violence.¡± A bald woman with face tattoos won the hand and collected the pot, met by a chorus of cheers and boos from the other players. It was just like Vegas. ¡°Many consider it more civilized,¡± Jon continued. ¡°But the Jingozi disagree. They frown upon the practice but tolerate it, knowing it helps players refine their skills.¡± ¡°Can I?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure they''d accept you, my dear. By the looks of it, you''re still on your trials. We''re not to assist you in the Jingozi ways. "How can you tell I''m on my trials?" "Every Jingozi dealer on their trials has that same¡­ look. Like a newborn fawn in the woods. But you pull it off rather well, I might add." ¡°Oh.¡± Jon¡¯s smile returned as he presented his arm. ¡°In the meantime, how about a night of entertainment and wonder? It¡¯d be a shame to waste such a lovely evening indoors. Especially when you look so ravishing.¡± I couldn''t help but blush, accept his arm, and allow him to escort me outside. The evening air was crisp, and the smell of rain was in the air. Stepping out into the streets of Raishoto, it felt like experiencing the Vegas strip for the first time. *** The city¡¯s nightlife was a vibrant spectacle. Lanterns illuminated the teeming streets, where merchants hawked their goods and musicians filled the air with lively tunes, setting the perfect atmosphere. Jon and I strolled side by side, his smooth charm and playful banter putting me at ease. I learned he, too, had been adopted¡ªby a noble Emperor family. His house specialized in trading rare magical oils, and he had a natural talent for the family business. After the Jingozi chose him as a Doctrine Dealer, his social status soared, elevating him to the Lord class. I kept my mission to myself but shared stories about Yukiko¡¯s village and a precocious boy named Hiro, who was already breaking hearts among the girls. ¡°Sounds like I have some competition,¡± Jon laughed. *** We arrived at an arena, a hulking structure under a half-dome spiked with Tesla coils. Jon led me to a private entrance, where he knocked on a heavy metal door. A small slit slid open, revealing a pair of sharp eyes. Jon slipped a Jingozi token through the opening, and after a brief pause, the door opened. We were escorted up several stairs to a private booth overlooking the arena. The view was astonishing. Below us, two massive robots¡ªeach a colossal suit of armor standing fifty feet high¡ªwere locked in battle. Jon explained that the robots were called Juggers. Despite their size, they moved with surprising agility. A human pilot controlled each Jugger in a cockpit at the head while archers stationed at various points on the armor fired blunt arrows at the opposing team. On the ground, runners maneuvered wheelbarrows toward a central pile of crystals, filling them before racing back to their respective Juggers. Dodging arrows, they shoveled the crystals into chutes on the legs of the robots. The intense competition captivated the entire frenzied arena. Jon leaned in close, his voice barely audible over the boisterous crowd. ¡°Those are octranite crystals that fuel the Juggers. The goal is to incapacitate the other Juggers by shooting the pilots or runners. Or the Jugger causing the most damage wins.¡± He sipped his spiced wine and continued, ¡°Originally, the two juggernauts were enslaved Golems, forced to fight to the death. But that practice was abolished by the Jingozi. That''s when the Monks used the shed husks of metal Golems powered by octranite to create the glorious machines before us.¡± One Jugger landed a heavy blow, sending sparks and fragments flying. The crowd roared. ¡°Okay, Jon,¡± I said. ¡°I¡¯m impressed, but you promised to help me with business.¡± ¡°Ah, yes. Ask away.¡± ¡°I need to meet with the Shogun.¡± ¡°Nobody gets an audience with the Lord Shogun.¡± ¡°He¡¯s going to want one with me.¡± ¡°Intriguing,¡± he raised an eyebrow. ¡°Let me see if I can curry some favor with my high-ranking friends on your behalf.¡± ¡°Thank you, Jon.¡± We enjoyed a sumptuous meal in the privacy of our booth. The food was exquisite¡ªa delectable selection of delicate cheeses, succulent meats, and exotic fruits. The drinks were equally impressive, with goblets of fine wines and spirits that left me pleasantly tipsy. Jon continued to flirt with a lighthearted charm. He was not only handsome but also had a sense of style. His wide-brimmed hat, adorned with a colorful feather, sat at a jaunty angle. A deep indigo velvet coat with silver embroidery accentuated his broad shoulders, and a white silk shirt with ruffled cuffs peeked out from beneath. His pants were tailored to fit and tucked into polished leather boots that reached just below his knees. The ensemble included a jeweled belt and an ornate wand holstered at his side. ¡°You¡¯re quite the sight,¡± I remarked. ¡°Are all traders from the north so stylish?¡± ¡°Only the ones who want to make a lasting impression,¡± Jon laughed. ¡°And you, my dear, are more than worth the effort.¡± I blushed. We watched the Juggers into the night, each moment more enthralling than the last. *** Jon and I returned to the Jingozi Sanctuary, still buzzing from the night''s excitement. The cool night air was refreshing, though the drinks left me slightly lightheaded. A surge of boldness swept over me on the steps. I turned to Jon, leaned in, and closed my eyes for a kiss. ¡°Ember, you¡¯re enchanting,¡± he said, ¡°but what kind of Emperor Lord would I be if I wasn¡¯t a gentleman tonight?¡± ¡°You¡¯re sweet,¡± I said, my face feeling red hot with embarrassment. ¡°As promised, let¡¯s start on your request tomorrow morning. I¡¯ll be waiting outside.¡± ¡°Perfect.¡± As we said good night, Jon pecked me on the cheek, and I went to my room. Sinking into bed, my mind swirling with the night¡¯s events, I felt like a little schoolgirl with a crush. Half-asleep, Kitty stirred and cooed. *** Day [20/40] Leaving Kitty with a bowl of grubs, I bounced to the lobby. Reaching the doors, a Monk in simple green robes intercepted me. Name: Fung Lao Tier: I [Iron] Rank 3 Faction: Monk [Monastic] ¡°Do not go,¡± he said. ¡°You have sanctuary within these walls.¡± I glanced past him to Jon in the street. Ignoring the Monk¡¯s warning, I pushed open the doors. A small description on my interface made my heart skip a beat. Name: Captain Masashi [Covenant Dealer] Tier: V [Titanium] Rank 1 Faction: Samurai [Shogun] I froze in the doorway. The Samurai Captain was hidden, but his stats gave him away. ¡°Jon, what¡¯s going on?¡± I shouted. ¡°I believe this doesn¡¯t belong to you,¡± Jon approached and presented Ryuunosuke¡¯s Samurai token. I swore under my breath. Flaunting the token last night like a drunken idiot, I must¡¯ve left it on the table. The Samurai Captain stepped out from behind a stall. Jon handed him the token, pointing and nodding in my direction. ¡°You there! Come out!¡± the Captain shouted. ¡°You are under arrest!¡± ¡°For what?¡± I yelled. ¡°For the murder of the Samurai known as Ryuunosuke.¡± ¡°He gave that to me.¡± ¡°A Samurai would never give up his faction token unless he knew his fate was death.¡± Ryuunosuke, dead? I couldn¡¯t believe it. If that was the case, then¡­ what about Hiro? Did Ryuunosuke set me up with a mission knowing he and Hiro wouldn¡¯t make it? The sanctuary host joined me, observing the situation. ¡°You do not have to go,¡± he said. ¡°They cannot enter while you are granted protective sanctuary. We can summon a Jingozi to adjudicate.¡± I wasn¡¯t too fond of that option, either. ¡°You will be judged before the Shogun,¡± the captain said. That was my opportunity. With a deep breath, I stepped into the street, hands raised, glaring at Jon. ¡°I surrender.¡± Chapter 21 (Rewrite): PERSPECTIVE Chapter 21: PERSPECTIVE
¡°Bring her,¡± the captain commanded. Flanked by Samurai, I was led through the streets, the crowd parting before us. They brought me to a nearby magistrate¡¯s office with a holding cell. The walls were thick stone, with only a tiny, barred window above for a sliver of light. They scoured me for weapons or possessions but found nothing. The door shut behind me with a loud screech, and I was left alone with my thoughts. How could I have let myself get distracted by someone like Jon Deerfoot? I''d let my guard lapse. Knowing I¡¯d let Hiro down, I felt¡­ ashamed. I pulled out Hiro¡¯s origami flower, the delicate folds preserved in my inventory. Please be alive, Hiro, please. *** Day [21/40] More guards arrived to escort me to the Shogun¡¯s court at dawn. They bound me in chains, and we once again made our way through the streets of Raishoto, eventually reaching the Shogun¡¯s palace. The court was magnificent. Golden lanterns illuminated the room with bright, warm light, highlighting its grandeur. The floor was a polished stone mosaic, adding to the royal atmosphere. The Shogun sat at the far end of the hall, raised on a dais. Name: Tokugawa Masamune [Arch Dealer] Tier: VII [Obsidian] Rank ??? Faction: Samurai [Shogun] Leader Clad in deep crimson and gold robes draped over his armor, the Shogun was the picture of strength and authority. His jet-black hair was styled in the traditional chonmage, the topknot tied high and tight, while the sides of his head were clean-shaven. A meticulously groomed beard framed his face, and his piercing eyes gazed through me as if weighing my soul. ¡°Ember, you stand accused of the murder of Ryuunosuke, a crime punishable by death,¡± a sweaty, obese herald declared. ¡°What say you in your defense?¡± I took in the Shogun''s court. On one side, a group of high-ranking Samurai, including the Samurai Captain, sat on raised platforms in full armor. To the other side, a row of elderly advisors in plain robes and beads whispered among themselves. Spread throughout the room, nobles in embroidered kimonos watched the proceedings. And at the center of it all was the Shogun himself. ¡°I didn¡¯t kill Ryuunosuke,¡± I said. ¡°He gave me a mission to deliver a scroll to you.¡± ¡°You will address him as Lord Shogun,¡± the herald snarked. ¡°Whatever, do you want the scroll or not?¡± The court murmured, but the Shogun raised a hand for silence. ¡°Bring forth this scroll.¡± A Samurai stepped in front of him and bowed. ¡°She had no possessions, Lord.¡± ¡°What is the meaning of this girl?¡± the Shogun asked. ¡°You dare mock us?¡± I held up my hands, still restrained by the shackles, and called the scroll from my inventory. It appeared from thin air, making the court gasp. The Shogun didn¡¯t react. ¡°Leave us,¡± he said without breaking his gaze. *** The Shogun plucked the scroll from my hands and examined it intently. With a snap of his fingers, a gleaming Zii coin materialized in his palm. The golden disk pulsed as he pressed it against the scroll''s seal. The coin''s energy flowed into the paper, causing the seal to glow. The Shogun then pressed his ornate ring against it. The seal responded instantly, unraveling like a blooming flower. I shifted my weight, trying to read his expression. His face remained impassive as his eyes moved across the page, taking in every detail of the message. The silence in the empty court felt oppressive. The Shogun took his time reading and then re-reading the contents. I fought the urge to speak. Minutes stretched like hours until he finally looked up and fixed those penetrating eyes on me. ¡°Do you know what this is?¡± he asked. ¡°No. I only know it was important to you, Ryuunosuke, and Yukiko.¡± He studied me before a grunt of acknowledgment. ¡°This scroll contains a record from a defector about the Jingozi. The effort to obtain this knowledge was immense, and we went to great lengths to turn the Jingozi against their kind. Ryuunosuke would have sacrificed his life to ensure it reached me, and it seems he did exactly that.¡± My mind was filled with questions. Was the defector in the garden? Did Yukiko set me up like everybody else? He studied me again, his expression betraying nothing. ¡°You have done a great service.¡± MISSION COMPLETE: SAMURAI SCROLL Deliver the scroll to the Shogun. LEVEL UPDATE Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: I [Iron] Rank 3 UPDATED STATUS: Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: I [Iron] Rank 3 Faction: Ninja [Field] Zii: 100/100 Cards: 10/10 [Error]: 4/4 Deck: He called for the court to return. Once settled in, the Shogun stood, commanding the room¡¯s attention. ¡°This girl has brought us valuable information.¡± He held the scroll high. ¡°But I have one question before I make my judgment. It is clear that you possess magic we have not seen. If you know the Jingozi ways, you are either an agent for them or a spy for another faction.¡± He kneeled close, allowing me to see the contempt in his face. ¡°Which one is it, girl?¡± The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. A pit of dread dropped to the bottom of my stomach. It was all happening so fast, but my gut told me to say nothing. ¡°Arrest her,¡± he said. ¡°The execution is to be in thirty days.¡± ¡°But I brought you the scroll," I pleaded. "The Blight attacked us." The crowd burst into murmurs. "Ryuunosuke gave me the quest after we¡ª" Catching the Shogun''s eyes narrow, I stopped short before revealing too much. We locked eyes¡ªhis showing defiance, mine in desperation. ¡°Our laws are clear, and my judgment is final," he finally spoke. "You are not Samurai. You are something else. Your assistance does not absolve you of your affiliation, whatever it is.¡± *** The stone walls of the prison cell closed in as the guards threw me inside. The cell was small and dank, with a woven mat for a bed in one corner and a bucket in the other. Without natural light, the air felt heavy and smelled of mildew and decay. Instead, a network of wired floating orbs with metallic coils lit the room. Two guards took their places just outside, their faces unreadable. One hand rested on the hilt of a sword while the other held a long pole with a coiled prod on the end. The door to the prison block opened, and Jon Deerfoot entered, accompanied by a figure cloaked in shadow¡ªa Jingozi. Although it tried to stay out of sight, its unmistakable aura and visible status confirmed it. Name: Jhl*n [Paradox Dealer] Tier: VII [Obsidian] Rank ??? Faction: Jingozi [Order] ¡°Jon, you son of a bitch.¡± ¡°My dear, it¡¯s only business," he said, with a slight bow. "You must understand. It seems every faction is more interested in you than even I expected. And that always pays well. Besides, I fulfilled my part of the bargain. I said I''d get you an audience with the Shogun.¡± ¡°Wait, how did you know I was¡­¡± Jon leaned in, anticipating my words. ¡°Why are you here?¡± I finished. ¡°You tell me,¡± he gestured to the Jingozi. ¡°Our mysterious and brooding friend here won¡¯t divulge anything beyond arranging this little visit.¡± The Jingozi remained silent. Jon continued, ¡°At the behest of the Jingozi, the Samurai faction has agreed to spare your life if you publicly provide information about your plan and benefactors.¡± It was my turn to maintain silence. ¡°Look, Ember,¡± he continued. ¡°I do like you¡ªalluring in the right mysterious ways. In another time and another life, I¡¯m sure things would be¡­ different. But we¡¯re here right now, and I don¡¯t see you with any options. Do you earnestly want to scorn the Samurai and Jingozi only to die for whatever faction abandoned you?¡± He was so smug. But part of what he said rang true. Besides a geisha named Sora, I hadn¡¯t met anybody from the Ninja faction like Yukiko had promised. But why are the Jingozi involved? ¡°I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about,¡± I said. ¡°And even if I did, I¡¯d never share it with you.¡± ¡°Suit yourself, but such a travesty. You have thirty days until your execution. I would be grateful, though. The Shogun has taken torture off the menu as a courtesy that hopefully changes your mind. That¡¯s plenty of time for you to contemplate your predicament.¡± ¡°Are you done?¡± ¡°Ember, consider the offer. I implore you. Ask for me if you do.¡± The room went pitch black without warning. The lamps flickered back to life after a few moments in the darkness. ¡°I swear, lightning power is so unstable,¡± Jon muttered. ¡°Why don¡¯t they use water Golems like the rest of the civilized world?¡± He turned and left, with the Jingozi following behind him. The door slammed shut. Despite the size of the cell, I began to practice Zii-Kata. Suddenly, a searing pain interrupted me. Electricity crackled through the air as I collapsed to the ground, my muscles spasming uncontrollably. The cell blurred, and I tasted metal as my body stiffened, with every nerve ending on fire. The guards stepped back from the bars, their poles crackling with blue arcs of electricity. Trembling from the aftershocks, I deflated onto the floor and closed my eyes. *** ¡°Is this place real,¡± I asked the voice in the Jingozi arena, ¡°or is it all in my head?¡± ¡°Why not both?¡± he answered. ¡°How is that possible? I¡¯m normal here, yet time is frozen out there.¡± I pointed to my prison cell in the floor¡¯s reflection. ¡°Your perspective and resulting construct of time is egocentric. In other words, you think all time revolves around your experience as the center of it all. To this day, most of humanity thinks the day starts when they wake up.¡± ¡°So?¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you agree that as ¡®time flies¡¯ for one person, the same could feel like an ¡®eternity¡¯ for someone else?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°Good. Now that we accept that time is relative, let¡¯s challenge the notion that time is linear. What if it¡¯s circular instead? Imagine a string. In linear time, that string is stretched from point A to point B. But if it were a circle, points A and B would coincide. So, if time is a relative circle, an individual can complete multiple circuits while others remain in one spot.¡± ¡°Okay. I get the theory. But it still doesn¡¯t explain how the Jingozi can suspend time to pull me from my world or create the Jingozi arena effect. And how can I slip in and out of time while others can¡¯t?¡± ¡°Great questions. Let¡¯s start with the Jingozi. The Jingozi understand that if you stand in the circle¡¯s center and draw a line through it, you intersect with two points in time. While one point may be the past and the other the future, both are relatively relevant to the individual in the center.¡± ¡°A visual would be helpful,¡± I mumbled to myself. ¡°Of course! If you would point your attention upward.¡± A sparkling diagram of a circle and line appeared in the arena sky. ¡°Now, let¡¯s take two people at the center of their circular timelines,¡± the voice continued as the one circle became two, each with a dot in the center. They overlapped to make a Venn diagram. ¡°Where they intersect is how one person can be pulled into another¡¯s timeline, otherwise known as dimensions. The space they share in the overlap defines the dynamics of their experience.¡± ¡°Dimensions? But I thought this entire world is a dimension.¡± ¡°Remember, it¡¯s relative. While yes, every individual¡¯s circle is a dimension unto itself, billions of people, each with unique circles, could be on the same timeline as part of a single dimension.¡± ¡°Then how does my ability work?¡± ¡°Ah, yes, we were getting to that. The Jingozi control access to dimensional timelines through their technology. They limit access, appointing themselves as gamemasters. But you, Ember, don¡¯t rely on such technology.¡± ¡°My gift¡­¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Then how did you give it to me?¡± ¡°You¡¯ve always had it. Now it''s unlocked.¡± ¡°Huh? I¡¯ve never been able to freeze time.¡± ¡°Look at the diagram again. When you were pulled into this dimension, you brought parts of yours with you. Your dimension contributes to the shared dynamic. It makes things interesting, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡± ¡°Can I use my gift to get home?¡± I asked. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ember, no. That¡¯s up to the Jingozi. This is their game and their rules.¡± ¡°Fine. So, if this is all happening for real, and I¡¯m a dimension in another dimension, how much control do I have here?¡± ¡°The answer is based on what you¡¯re willing to believe.¡± ¡°Believe? Like faith?¡± ¡°Not in the way you¡¯re thinking about it. But you¡¯re getting warmer.¡± ¡°Can I practice Zii-Kata here?¡± ¡°If that¡¯s what you would like, why not?¡± ¡°Can I learn spells here?¡± ¡°Absolutely.¡± ¡°Then I have an experiment.¡± ¡°Of course you do, Ember,¡± he chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s what we love about you.¡± Following a gut feeling, it would be a game-changer if my hunch worked. I practiced my Zii-Kata in the Jingozi arena. As expected, since I was alone, a floating red card appeared after what should have been hours if I was in the real-time physical world. Swiping the card, I braced myself. Pain lanced across my body as three shadows materialized, their dark forms wielding ghostly blades. The first cut skimmed my forearm¡ªa whisper of agony. Another sliced my thigh. Then another. And another. "Not real. Not real. Not real," I chanted through gritted teeth. The shadows danced around me, their movements precise and calculated. Each slash peeled away layers¡ªfirst, my Ninja armor falling away in ribbons, then my skin beneath. Blood welled from countless wounds, trickling into a pool on the obsidian floor. My flesh burned as shadowy energy coursed through each cut. I collapsed to my knees, naked and trembling. The reflective surface showed my broken form, crimson spreading beneath me like spilled wine. "Focus," I whispered, watching my blood-streaked reflection. "It''s just another test." But the pain felt real. Every slice, every burning trail of shadow-tainted energy ripped through me, sending fresh waves of agony. My body wanted to curl up to protect itself from the relentless assault. I forced my eyes open, staring at my reflection in the growing pool of blood. The shadows continued their work, methodically covering every inch of my exposed skin with paper-thin cuts. My arms shook as I braced myself against the floor. "Not real," I repeated, even as darkness crept into the edges of my vision. "Not real." I blinked out of the arena and fell over in my cell, clutching my throat. Despite the cold sweat, the pain was already easing much earlier than usual. ¡°What are you doing?¡± a guard said, raising his taser prod. ¡°Cramps,¡± I croaked. ¡°It¡¯s that time of the month. Sorry for being a woman.¡± The guards looked at each other dubiously but left it alone and returned to their positions. I checked my notifications. YOU HAVE RECEIVED A SPELL CARD: Shade Strike UPDATED STATUS: Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: I [Iron] Rank 3 Faction: Ninja [Field] Zii: 100/100 Cards: 10/10 [Error]: 5/5 Deck: *** Day [22/40] I returned to the Jingozi arena. ¡°I did it,¡± I told the voice. ¡°Since you''re giving me the spell cards, I can grab them here and blink out without attracting attention.¡± ¡°That was clever. I¡¯m impressed as always.¡± ¡°But why does it have to be painful?.¡± ¡°That''s not me. That''s the Jingozi''s fault. The power is from me. But the cards and game are theirs.¡± "If I''m the only one with these spell cards, doesn''t that make me¡­ you know¡­ overpowered?" "Are you complaining?" "Well, no¡­ but. Cragmarr told me to keep it a secret for now." "He''s wise and wants the best for you. There will come a time when all must be revealed, but it must be your choice." ¡°Oh. Then I have more questions.¡± ¡°Please, ask away.¡± ¡°Why am I here? What¡¯s the point of all this?¡± ¡°How do you mean?¡± ¡°The Jingozi brought me to this dimension so I could just¡­ get executed? I mean, why go through all the trouble? Or are they that sadistic?¡± ¡°I understand how you feel. But it¡¯s a touch more complicated than that. You are part of their story as much as I am yours. What you should be asking is, what¡¯s in it for them to let you die? What kind of story would that be?¡± ¡°A pointless one.¡± ¡°Exactly. Not to mention dull. In my experience, nothing is pointless or dull if you look at it from the right perspective.¡± ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± ¡°Take a look below.¡± I peered into the swirling obsidian floor, examining my frozen image in the cell. I lay in bed. But with my amplified senses, something peeked out from under the mat¡ªa small roll of parchment paper about the size of a pill. Chapter 22 (Rewrite): SORA Chapter 22: SORA
Wait. Bed. Stay quiet. I shoved the note in my mouth, chewed it up, and spat it into the bucket. Laying on the mat, I stared at the ceiling, counting the beams and wondering what Kitty was up to. Most likely, she was neck-deep in an anthill somewhere or enjoying Jingozi sanctuary room service. I counted the ceiling beams again. How long is this going to take? Closing my eyes, sleep¡ªmaybe boredom¡ªcrept over me. The lights flickered as usual, a sign of an evening storm. ¡°You have a visitor.¡± I rubbed my eyes, and the two guards approached the cell. Between them was Taikumi, the exotic goods merchant I¡¯d met on my first day. A foot shorter than the Samurai, he wore a fine golden robe over a shirt and pants a size too small for his stout frame. His hair was slicked back under a headband, matching the entire outfit. The final touch was the gaudy gold rings on each finger, including his thumbs. ¡°By Raiden¡¯s thunder!¡± Taikumi exclaimed. ¡°When I heard a redhead from foreign lands was sentenced to death, I knew it was you.¡± ¡°What do you want?¡± I didn¡¯t bother to get up. ¡°No more than to indulge an old man¡¯s curiosity, young lady. However, an old friend of mine visited me the other day as a truly welcome surprise. As a gift, she brought me this curious bobble.¡± Taikumi presented a green stone about the size of a baseball. ¡°It seems made from jade, and she called it a ¡®nexus stone.¡¯ Although I¡¯ve never heard of such a thing.¡± I stood up and put my hands on the bars. Yukiko? ¡°Wait,¡± a guard commanded. He snagged the jade stone to inspect it. After returning it to the merchant, he nodded to the other guard. Taikumi flashed us all a wide grin, revealing a gold tooth. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t happen to know what this is, would you?¡± he asked. ¡°Maybe where you¡¯re from or during your travels?¡± I studied Taikumi¡¯s face. There were none of the usual tells that he was lying. Were he and Yukiko actually friends, or was I falling for another scam? I didn¡¯t know who to trust anymore. For all I knew, Yukiko was the puppet master pulling the strings behind everything¡ªsetting me up for murder. ¡°No,¡± I returned to the bed. ¡°A tragedy. Death by beheading is rather unfortunate,¡± Taikumi said, walking away. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for you. May the heavens grant you peace.¡± The guards escorted the merchant to the door when the room blacked out. The bed swung downward like a trap door. I tumbled into the arms of three figures, a hand covering my mouth. One pulled off a mask to reveal a mop of red hair, too dark to see more. The redhead lay on the wooden panel with the mat. The other two lifted the door and latched it closed. One held up a Ninja faction token, the heart symbol glowing red. ¡°Follow us.¡± *** We crawled through the tunnel for hours in silence until it widened, and we could walk with a slight hunch. But I refused to take another step. ¡°Anybody going to explain what the hell¡¯s going on?¡± I said. "Look, I appreciate the rescue and all, but you think I''m gonna just trust two strangers in Ninja suits after you''ve been ghosting me all the time?" The two Ninjas kept walking ahead. ¡°Fine,¡± I crossed my arms. ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere until¡ª¡± They stopped, turned, and stared. After a long sigh, I relented and caught up to them. Yet again, what choice did I have? We reached a hatch above us. One of the Ninjas deposited their token into a small slot. The latch turned with mechanical clicks, and the hatch opened. We climbed into a candle-lit room filled with maps and a large wooden table cluttered with papers. Shelves lined the walls, holding scrolls and books, while the entire room smelled of old parchment and ink. Taikumi stood at the head of the table. ¡°Welcome to the cellars of Thunder Temple,¡± he said, ¡°and to the Ninja faction.¡± ¡°You know Yukiko?¡± I asked. ¡°Of course! That vixen¡¯s been resisting my romantic charms since we were children.¡± I couldn¡¯t help but crack a smile. He gestured for us to sit at the table. ¡°As for why you¡¯re here,¡± he began. ¡°We have a plan.¡± ¡°Plan?¡± ¡°We will use your pending execution to strike the Shogun.¡± ¡°How?¡± Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. ¡°The Ninja will cause civil chaos in the city for the next month¡ªhigh-profile thefts, releasing secrets, assassinations¡ªanything to agitate the Shogun and publicly embarrass him. We will demand your release. This will draw him out during your execution, where we will assassinate him.¡± ¡°Assassinate? Why would he put himself out there if he suspects I¡¯m Ninja faction by then?¡± ¡°That is the kind of arrogant ruler he is. He¡¯d never appear publicly, but if it serves him and his reputation, history tells us he will.¡± ¡°If it fails?¡± Taikumi frowned and paused for a moment. ¡°It could, yes. But it will also embolden the common people to rise against Samurai rule. The Shogun¡¯s increasing paranoia and erratic behavior have already sown discontent. This will push things to a breaking point.¡± ¡°And what am I supposed to do?¡± ¡°You begin your Ninja training,¡± he said. ¡°We¡¯ve placed a decoy in your cell to impersonate you. You¡¯ll need to return occasionally during interrogations.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t she at risk of being killed?¡± ¡°She¡¯s willing to sacrifice for the greater good. We all play our parts, Ember. But I¡¯d be remiss if I didn¡¯t apologize for being rude to you during our last encounter. It was necessary to maintain the ruse.¡± ¡°I understand.¡± ¡°You can rest here tonight,¡± he stood and opened a door behind him. ¡°We¡¯ve retrieved something that might provide comfort.¡± Kitty bounced into the room and leaped onto my shoulders, purring against my cheek. ¡°Thank you, Taikumi.¡± ¡°Silverglints are a good omen.¡± He reached over to pet her. ¡°But there are always two, no?¡± ¡°Dark Elven.¡± ¡°I see. You rescued this one from those savages.¡± ¡°She rescued me.¡± ¡°Even better!¡± he snorted. ¡°Raiden smiles upon our cause.¡± Taikumi briefed me on all their intelligence against the Samurai faction. He shared how his parents were Samurai but were executed for speaking out against the Shogun¡¯s oppressive policies upon the merchant class. ¡°You¡¯ve already met Hikari and Kaito,¡± Taikumi said, gesturing behind him. I didn¡¯t even realize the two Ninjas were still in the room. But now, stepping into the light without masks, they were twins, no older than teenagers. Hikari¡¯s long, dark hair was tied back in a high ponytail, with a pretty face and almond-shaped eyes. Kaito, a spitting image of her, had a more serious air about him. His hair was cropped short to frame a clean-shaven face. Both wore traditional black and red Ninja attire, carrying swords on their backs. ¡°Nice to meet you both,¡± I said. ¡°That was a neat trick to break me out of jail.¡± Hikari¡¯s eyes widened with excitement. ¡°You¡¯re the Jingozi dealer! We¡¯ve heard so much about you!¡± Kaito stood at attention, his expression more intense but filled with admiration. ¡°The honor is ours. Your reputation precedes you.¡± ¡°Oh? Well, I hope I live up to the hype.¡± ¡°Yeah. Standing up to the Shogun like that?¡± Kaito continued, ¡°I would have snapped like a pair of chopsticks and told him everything.¡± ¡°Well, the truth is, I was kind of peeing my pants.¡± Hikari and Kaito exchanged glances and burst into laughter. ¡°We like her already.¡± Hikari playfully punched Taikumi in the shoulder. I couldn¡¯t help but smile at their infectious energy. ¡°So, how did you two end up with the Ninja faction?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a long story,¡± Hikari began. ¡°Our father was a Samurai, and our mother was a geisha. But he denied us as his children. After our mother died in the brothel, we were left to fend for ourselves.¡± ¡°That¡¯s when the Ninja faction found us,¡± Kaito added. ¡°It¡¯s been our home ever since.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry to hear that. It must have been tough.¡± ¡°It was, but we¡¯ve found our place,¡± Hikari shrugged. ¡°And now, we¡¯re meeting a walking and breathing Jingozi dealer. You can show us someday and let us play with your cards. How exciting is that? And you are so pretty. I¡¯ve never seen hair like this¡­ it¡¯s like it¡¯s on fire.¡± ¡°Stop gushing like a temple waterfall, Hikari,¡± Kaito said. ¡°She¡¯s still just a person like the rest of us.¡± ¡°As if you¡¯re not going to try to impress Ember like that elven seamstress.¡± She stuck her tongue out at him. ¡°I hate you.¡± ¡°You two are quite the pair,¡± I laughed. ¡°We hope to be chosen for Jingozi apprenticeship someday,¡± Hikari said. ¡°It¡¯s a great honor.¡± They looked at me with another big grin, then bowed and spoke together, ¡°You¡¯re our first real mission!¡± The Ninja twins weren¡¯t anything like I expected. They seemed¡­ happy, like family. Even Taikumi, sitting at the table watching us, looked proud of them¡ªof us together. ¡°To celebrate,¡± Hikari said, ¡°how about a drink? We have some homemade sake to knock the Zii out of you.¡± She produced a small flask and offered it to me. I took a sip. The sake burned down my throat, leaving me coughing and sputtering. ¡°Oh my God¡­ that¡¯s¡­ strong.¡± The twins burst into laughter. Hikari took a swig of her own. Kaito clapped me on the back. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll get used to it. Or maybe not, but it¡¯s fun to watch.¡± ¡°You two are something else,¡± I chuckled, reminding myself what had happened the last time I drank with Jon. Despite their youth and playful banter, Hikari and Kaito were clearly competent. Their past hardships had shaped them into survivors. Hanging out with them was like hanging out with the long-lost family I never knew I had¡ªor wanted. Rocky would love these two. A knock was at the door. A red Zii coin appeared in the slot, and the door automatically opened. Taikumi hurried from studying some maps to usher in the visitor. It was Sora, the geisha from the Jingozi sanctuary. Name: Sora [Divine Dealer] Tier: IV [Cobalt] Rank 9 Faction: Ninja [Assassin] She still wore her breathtaking geisha outfit. Its rich black fabric was decorated with cherry blossom patterns in shades of red and gold. The kimono was artfully draped to reveal her shoulders and a hint of cleavage, the neckline plunging just enough to be enticing while still maintaining an air of mystery. The sash was positioned slightly lower than usual, highlighting her hips and the curve of her waist. The sleeves were long and flowing, yet they parted seductively at the shoulders, allowing glimpses of her traditional tattoos. The kimono¡¯s hem was shorter than the usual ankle length, ending just above her knees to reveal her toned legs covered in thigh-high stockings. Her face was flawless, with a porcelain complexion, red lips, and perfectly lined eyes. A flower hairpin adorned her pixie-cut hair, adding a final touch of traditional beauty to her provocative appearance. ¡°Ember, I introduce Sora,¡± Taikumi said. ¡°I half expected you to be dead,¡± Sora said. "How you made it this far is beyond me." ¡°How did you know I¡¯d be at the Jingozi sanctuary?¡± I was too overwhelmed with awe to notice her tone. ¡°Your token is enchanted," she said, holding up her Ninja faction token. "It allows us to track you.¡± ¡°So, you¡¯ve been watching me?¡± ¡°Yes. And now, I¡¯ll be training you in the coming days. If you''re up to the task, that is.¡± ¡°Guess we¡¯ll have to behave ourselves with Sora around,¡± Kaito chuckled. Sora¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. ¡°Does this look like a time for your childish humor, Kaito? We have no room for error, and Ember¡¯s role is crucial. If she fails, our entire faction is at risk.¡± ¡°Yes, Sora,¡± they said in unison, their playful demeanor gone. ¡°I understand,¡± I said. ¡°Good. Now, stop drinking and get some sleep. We start early tomorrow.¡± Everyone in the room bowed slightly to Sora. By the time I awkwardly followed suit, she was already gone. MISSION COMPLETE: SAMURAI CITY Travel to a Samurai city and find the Ninja faction. LEVEL UPDATE Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: I [Iron] Rank 2 UPDATED STATUS: Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: I [Iron] Rank 2 Faction: Ninja [Field] Zii: 100/100 Cards: 10/10 [Error]: 5/5 Deck: Chapter 23 (New): CHOICES Chapter 23: CHOICES
Sora stepped into the dimly lit chamber, tying her silk kimono as steam chased from the bath behind her. The noble ambassador from the Emperor faction lounged on the bed, his lustful eyes following her every move. Fragrant incense smoke drifted lazily through the chamber, casting a dreamy mist that heightened the mood. A velvet pouch landed at her feet with a heavy clink. "Come closer, my flower," he beckoned. Her mind turned to the precarious pact between his faction and the Amazons¡ªa breeding arrangement and nothing more. The northern lords sought their carnal delights in the south''s exotic realms... during encounters such as these, with courtesans masquerading as she did. Such weakness made them easy prey, and the Amazons had chosen this pompous official as their next target for abusing their daughters. It was a lucrative contract. She would''ve been more than happy to take it if the Ninja guild didn''t have other plans. His death would serve a far higher purpose in disrupting the Shogunate''s business. She approached with measured steps, each movement precise and calculated for seduction. Even her wet footprints steamed with the same purpose. Her face remained a porcelain mask as she crawled like a cat into the bed and straddled him. His hand gruffly wrenched at her thigh, then froze as it brushed against something other than her smooth skin. It was a hidden card belt beneath her robes. Eyes widening in recognition, he gasped, "You''re¡ª" "Yes," Sora finished, her voice flat and cold. The Jingozi card materialized in her palm, its edges gleaming in the candlelight. With one fluid motion, she drew it across his throat. A crimson arc flashed through the air, but his skin remained unmarked. "My class specialization allows for clean kills," she explained as his body went rigid. "No evidence. No trace. Just like a peaceful sleep. Not that it matters to you." He slumped back against the pillows, eyes rolling back and glazing over as if claimed by a ghost. Sora rose from the bed, straightening her kimono. She left the coins where they lay, untouched. Her footsteps made no sound as she slipped from the room, leaving only the cooling body behind. *** Sora glided through the sanctuary''s entrance, acknowledging the night attendant with the barest tilt of her chin. The thick carpets muffled her steps as she moved past the main hall. A few patrons huddled around tables, their faces lit by golden lamplight as they shuffled their precious Jingozi cards for a midnight game. The clinking of glasses and hushed voices echoed through the otherwise silent building. Her tattoos tingled as she ascended the curved staircase, each step adjusted to avoid the slightest creak. The second-floor corridor stretched before her, lined with ornate doors. She found Jon Deerfoot''s room at the far end. Pressing her palm against the lacquered wood, Sora closed her eyes and extended her assassin-class senses. The air shifted with the elf''s steady breathing¡ªthe deep, even sleep rhythm. His Zii signature pulsed faintly, marking him as present and unaware. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. The lock would be simple enough to pick. A quick search could reveal whatever game the Emperor''s lapdog was playing. But the guild''s denial of her kill request still rankled. She''d argued that Jon''s manipulation of Ember made him a threat, but they''d dismissed her concerns. "Just another greedy merchant," they''d said. "His kind always finds other uses." She begrudgingly agreed¡ªfor now. Sora''s fingers traced the door frame one last time before she pulled away. The guild was rarely wrong in these matters, even though she often disagreed. She retreated down the hallway, leaving Jon to his dreams. *** Sora sat cross-legged on the tatami mat, her back straight as Mai''s practiced hands worked through her pixie-cut hair with a silver brush. The strokes were gentle, almost reverent. "Such perfect skin," Mai whispered. "Not a scar or mark. How do you keep so beautiful with all that fighting?" Sora''s lips curled into a cold smile. She twisted around, catching Mei''s wrist mid-stroke. The purple-black bruise along Mei''s jawline stood out stark against her white makeup¡ªfresh marks, probably from last night''s client. Sora reached into her robe and pulled out a Jingozi token, its black surface catching the lantern light. "Take it. I can give you enough to start fresh somewhere else. Away from all this." "I chose this life," Mai yanked her hand back, her eyes flashing. "The house treats us well. We have security, respect¡ª" "Respect?" Sora''s voice cut like steel. "Is that what you call those bruises?" "You don''t understand. We''re not all built for violence like you." Sora pressed the token into Mai''s palm and closed her fingers around it. "Then at least learn to fight back. You don''t have to kill them. Just make them think twice before raising a hand." Mai shoved the token against Sora''s chest, letting it clatter to the floor. The metallic ring echoed through the chamber. "At least I own my choices," Mai spat. "You''re the real coward. When was the last time you stepped into a Jingozi tournament? An exhibition or even a match? Too afraid to face your demons?" Sora''s muscles tensed, her jaw clenching tight enough to crack teeth. "Playing dress-up assassin while hiding in a brothel." Mai''s words dripped with venom. "Why do you even stay here? I hear you pacing at night and see the dark circles under your eyes. The nightmares must be eating you alive." The room temperature seemed to drop. Sora''s tattoos felt like ice against her skin. "If you''re so miserable, why not just end it?" Mai''s lip curled. "One quick slice and¡ª" The crack of Sora''s hand across Mai''s face split the air. Mai stumbled back, catching herself against the wall. Sora reached into her robe and hurled a handful of black tokens at Mai''s feet, the Jingozi tokens bouncing and spinning across the tatami. "Enjoy your choices," Sora snarled, sliding the door open with enough force to rattle the frame. She stormed into the hallway, leaving Mai alone with her scattered fortune. *** Sora melted into the shadows of her chair, her Ninja suit rippling like black smoke. The ability came naturally now, as easy as breathing. Oblivious to being watched, Ember slumbered quietly, breathing peacefully, almost a meditation. Mai''s words clawed at Sora''s mind. Choices. Such a simple word for such a complex lie. "I am a hypocrite," she whispered to the darkness. The admission tasted bitter. Here she was, planning Ember''s path while preaching about Mai''s freedom to choose. But her mind¡ªher broken, fractured mind¡ªgave her no real choices of her own. The memories surfaced like corpses in still water¡ªwaking up beside that nexus portal, the ground scorched black around her. She held no past, no identity, just the knowledge that she''d won their twisted tournament. They called her a hero, champion, and savior¡ªempty words that rang hollow in her empty heart. The demons the Jingozi had planted festered inside her. Some nights, the rage threatened to tear her apart. She''d wake up screaming, clawing at shadows that weren''t there, fighting enemies she couldn''t remember. Sora''s gaze fixed on Ember''s sleeping form. The girl still had that innocence, that zeal of a new vessel untainted by the Jingozi''s corruption. Then, a decision crystallized in Sora''s mind, sharp and clear as a blade''s edge. Let Ember become what Sora couldn''t. Let her succeed where Sora had failed. And when the time came, she''d release Ember to wreak vengeance on the Jingozi with all the fury Sora had bottled up inside. "Sleep," Sora murmured, her form rippling deeper into shadow. "I''ll forge you into something they''ll regret creating." Chapter 24 (Rewrite): META Chapter 24: META
Day [23/40] Time Remaining Until Execution: [29 Days] The attack came from within for my next spell in the Jingozi arena. My stomach filled with fire, burning me from the inside out, eventually transforming me into a walking inferno. Hot lava shot up my throat and out my nose before I could escape. I blinked back to my room, racked by phantom pain. Kitty looked on, whining with concern. YOU HAVE RECEIVED A SPELL CARD: Evolve [2] UPDATED STATUS: Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: I [Iron] Rank 2 Faction: Ninja [Field] Zii: 100/100 Cards: 10/10 [Error]: 6/6 Deck: It was my second [Evolve] card. Not only was it handy to have two, but I''d draw it more frequently, considering all the battle cards with zero scores in my deck. I wondered if I''d get duplicates of all the other spells as well. A voice interrupted my thoughts. ¡°What are you doing?¡± I whirled around. Sora sat in the chair next to the bed¡ªno idea how long she¡¯d been there. She wore a full red ninja suit, her hood down, looking even more formidable. ¡°Nothing,¡± I groaned. ¡°Just a bad dream.¡± ¡°If you¡¯re going to lie, do it with some conviction.¡± Wait a second, why am I the one that suddenly feels like the enormous asshole here? "Suit up," she said. "Meet me in the next room.¡± *** Sora and I stood in a large training room, the scent of sweat and dried blood hanging in the air. Across us, multiple wooden target dummies stood under electrical orbs that lit the room. ¡°The Ninja use a special technique with our Jingozi cards,¡± Sora began. ¡°We throw them like shuriken. The strength of the card and the amount of Zii you use determine the damage they do.¡± She opened her hand to load three cards. ¡°Watch closely.¡± Sora threw the first card with a flick of her wrist. It spun through the air with a high-pitched vibration, embedding itself into the chest of the first target dummy. The card evaporated into red smoke, leaving a wicked gash. In the same motion, Sora threw the second card. It sliced clean through the neck of the same dummy. The head fell to the ground with a dull thud. The third exploded upon impact, engulfing the target in flames. ¡°That¡¯s incredible,¡± I said, astonished. ¡°It¡¯s the minimum,¡± she snapped her wrist to load five more cards. ¡°This next technique utilizes higher reward power. It allows more control for various utilities, such as distraction, deflecting blows, or changing course to reach the target¡ªeven special effects.¡± She flicked her wrist again, sending all five cards flying. The first two curved past one set of dummies, hitting a single target in the next row. The third skimmed the ground under a dummy before shooting straight up to shatter a floating light. The fourth card burst into a smoke bomb in the back of the room. As the smoke cleared, the final card boomeranged around the room in a wide arc, slicing through the air until returning to Sora¡¯s outstretched hand. "Wow, Cragmarr did mention that it just wasn''t about picking the strongest cards," I said, attempting to demonstrate an eager pupil. "Only fools approach Jingozi in such a way. The strength of your cards is secondary to how you use them, whether on offense or defense. Jingozi is a game of the mind¡ªwho can strategize more effectively for victory. As I said, this is the minimum. Anything less is worthless.¡± She stepped behind me and crossed her arms. ¡°Show me.¡± I loaded a card into my hand. With a deep breath, I closed my eyes. ¡°Focus,¡± she said. ¡°Feel the flow of Zii within you and channel it into the card.¡± I hurled it at the nearest target dummy. The card fluttered in the air and fell short. ¡°Concentrate!¡± She adjusted my stance by kicking the backs of my knees. ¡°Channel your Zii properly.¡± I closed my eyes again, trying to center myself. I focused on the ever-present thrum of Zii I felt, but I fumbled the shot, and the card dropped to the floor. You¡¯re making a serious fool of yourself, Ember Lynn. ¡°Unacceptable. You¡¯re useless.¡± If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. ¡°I¡¯m trying,¡± my voice trembled. ¡°Trying is not enough. You have ten days, or you might as well accept your fate now.¡± She turned away, dismissing me with a wave. *** I sat with Hikari and Kaito in the dining area, picking at my lunch. The twins exchanged glances before Hikari spoke up. ¡°Sora is harsh, no doubt, but she¡¯s the best. She¡¯s trained some of the greatest Ninjas in the faction and won many Jingozi tournaments.¡± Kaito acknowledged, adding, ¡°She does seem harder on you, Ember.¡± ¡°Do you think so?¡± I looked up from my bowl. ¡°She seems more¡­ intense with you,¡± he shrugged. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because you¡¯re another Jingozi dealer. She probably has higher expectations.¡± He leaned back in his chair with a smirk. ¡°Or she¡¯s jealous.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t imagine anyone being jealous of me,¡± I muttered, almost to myself. ¡°Some say she keeps a shuriken between her legs.¡± I spat my tea, and Hikari threw a stale crust at Kaito. He caught the bread without looking and took a bite, unperturbed. ¡°You¡¯re such an idiot, Kaito,¡± Hikari said. After a few more disgusted looks, she smiled at me. ¡°You¡¯re one of us now, and we¡¯re here to help. We promise to teach you some Zii-Kata techniques to help your card throws.¡± ¡°Yeah, we¡¯ve got your back, Ember,¡± Kaito said. ¡°We know it¡¯s tough, but we believe in you.¡± ¡°Thank you, both of you. It means a lot to me.¡± As we finished lunch, Hikari and Kaito shared accounts of their training mishaps, each more hilarious than the last. *** The twins taught me new Zii-Kata forms and patterns. Their synchronized movements made everything look deceptively simple. However, it also required precision, fluidity, and an intense focus I struggled to maintain, especially when my muscles burned from holding the same stance for minutes on end. They demonstrated target practice with throwing stars and kunai, but I wasn''t improving with my cards nearly as fast as I needed to. My throws kept going wide, and my footwork felt clumsy compared to their graceful demonstrations. They remained patient with each failed attempt, offering adjustments and encouragement with gentle voices. But I caught the slight doubt in their eyes when they thought I wasn''t looking, the uncertainty that deflated me. I''d seen that look before from people who expected more from me than I could deliver. *** Day [24/40] Time Remaining Until Execution: [28 Days] As I sat to breakfast with Hikari and Kaito, Taikumi announced it was quiet in prison¡ªthe Samurai still believed my double was real. "What does that mean?" I asked. ¡°It gives us more time,¡± he said. "But don¡¯t waste it. How is your training progressing?¡± "Training?" I stirred my miso soup. "Well, to be honest¡ª" "Ember''s doing great!" Hikari interjected. "Yeah, I couldn''t agree more," Kaito added. "She''ll be ready to show the Shogun that the Ninja faction is not to be taken lightly!" Taikumi smiled, poured himself some tea, and left the room. "Kaito!" I exclaimed. "Show the Shogun? Pouring it on a bit too thick, don''t you think?" "What did you expect?" Kaito shrugged. "That''s Kaito for you," Hikari quipped. We laughed. *** The day passed in a blur of failure and mounting demoralization. I focused on the new Zii-Kata forms, trying to channel my Zii into the cards, but the results always fell short. The cards either lacked the necessary force or veered off course entirely. And the more I tried, the worse it got. By evening, my body ached, and I had nothing to show for it. I sat on the training room floor, exhausted and discouraged. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Ember." Hikari placed a supportive hand on my shoulder. "You¡¯re improving, even if it doesn¡¯t feel like it.¡± Kaito tried to lighten the mood with a joke, but I didn¡¯t hear it. ¡°Thanks, both of you. I just... I need to rest.¡± As I trudged back to my room, Kitty bounded past me. She had discovered a way outside, enjoying the freedom to come and go. I collapsed onto my bed, feeling the day¡¯s efforts in every muscle. Despite my exhaustion, sleep was elusive, with the futility of the day replaying in my head on autorepeat. ¡°Do you know why you fail?¡± I almost fell out of bed, startled by her voice. ¡°You think it¡¯s a game,¡± Sora continued from the shadows. ¡°It¡¯s not. You¡¯re not in the Jingozi arena where your imagination is the weapon. The game makes you weak and gives you a false sense of security. You don¡¯t die in the Jingozi arena. Out here, you do. The consequences are real.¡± I hung my head, searching for words. ¡°Look, Sora, I get that¡ª" She was gone. *** ¡°Is she right?¡± I asked the voice in the arena. ¡°That depends,¡± he said. ¡°Your original question, Ember, was whether or not you think this is all a game.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°And that¡¯s why you think you¡¯re failing.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°The answer is clear then,¡± he said. ¡°You don¡¯t think this is a game at all. You¡¯re taking it very seriously.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°And you take yourself too seriously.¡± ¡°Excuse me?¡± ¡°And that¡¯s the problem. It is all a game.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you here because the Jingozi want you to play their game?¡± ¡°Yeah, but¡­¡± ¡°There are games within games,¡± he continued. ¡°Sora¡¯s training represents one level of the game. A Jingozi match is another¡ªeach with different rules. Your mistake is thinking it should all work the same. Some games have hard black-and-white rules while others don¡¯t.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the difference then? How do I know which one I¡¯m playing?¡± ¡°It depends on the game and what you care about.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°When you play poker, what do you care about?¡± ¡°Uh, okay. The goal is to win the other players¡¯ chips.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. However, when playing a cash game versus a tournament, your strategy and system change. Isn¡¯t it true that if you played a cash game like a tournament, you¡¯d surely lose, and vice versa?¡± ¡°Correct. I lost a lot of money making that mistake.¡± ¡°Okay, so let¡¯s go with that. Imagine the rest of your life was gamified. What do you care about then? How do you win at the game of life when there are games within the game?¡± ¡°This is getting meta.¡± I suddenly remembered the first tutorial. "Wait a second, metas¡­ Cragmarr told me about metas." ¡°Exactly. You¡¯ll figure it out.¡± *** Day [25/40] Time Remaining Until Execution: [27 Days] The next day was another frustrating ordeal of failed attempts and mounting pressure. I hit the wall. After a dinner of rice balls, Hikari and Kaito turned to me with an encouraging smile. ¡°Alright, Ember. We¡¯re going to mix things up a bit,¡± Kaito said. ¡°The game is called Ninja Tag,¡± Hikari added. ¡°It¡¯s a great way to build reflexes and control, mixed with a lot of fun.¡± I followed them to another training arena filled with obstacles¡ªwalls to climb, ropes to swing from, and various structures to hide behind. ¡°The goal is simple,¡± Hikari explained. ¡°You use your cards to tag us while evading being tagged yourself. It¡¯s every Ninja for themselves.¡± Kaito held up a metal disc about the size of a CD. ¡°We¡¯re going to use these,¡± he grinned. ¡°But don¡¯t hold out on us. Half the fun is dodging your crazy Jingozi shots.¡± ¡°But Kaito, isn¡¯t that unfair? You could get hurt.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why we wear these.¡± Hikari tossed Kaito an armored vest. She pulled another over her head. ¡°They''re reinforced with Zii to withstand Jingozi cards. Don¡¯t worry. Sora plays with us all the time.¡± I was unconvinced and stared dubiously around the arena. ¡°Ready?¡± Kaito said. ¡°Give us a ten-count head start.¡± We scattered. Ducking behind a concrete slab, I searched for any sign of them. I considered using the Jingozi arena, but what good would that do? A disc whistled out of nowhere to hit me in the ribs¡ªthe sting adding to my surprise¡ªtwo more pelted off the barrier inches above my head. Haphazardly peeking around the edge, another disc plunked me on the noggin. Snickers echoed from the shadows. The game continued as I hurled a card that might as well have been paper airplanes. Even bogged down by metal chest plates, Hikari and Kaito moved with such ease and agility, tagging each other while practically ignoring my attempts. Every tag that hit me added to the evidence of my total ineptitude. Eventually, I got the hang of it, dodging a few tags. Landing a card on either of them was another story. After sliding behind a row of barrels, I spied Kaito behind Hikari, ready to pounce. Something came over me. My senses sharpened as if I were in the Jingozi arena. I burned one Zii, and my vision filled with dozens of red vectors curving and pointing to Kaito. I mentally clicked on a flight path and launched it. My shot flew true, hitting Kaito squarely in the back. It exploded, lighting the arena with fireworks. The force sent him flying past Hikari into a metal barricade with a crash. Hikari¡¯s face turned to utter shock. She ran over to her fallen twin brother, using her sleeves to snuff out the flames. Chapter 25 (Rewrite): LFG Chapter 25: LFG
My log told me I''d thrown a [Blood Strike] card that became a [2/8]. But it didn''t make sense from the spell''s description. Blood Strike How did the reward score, which represented defense, get buffed to 8, especially if the maximum battle card score was 7? If anything, the risk score should have been +1. And how did I turn on all those visual paths to guide my throw? Was it the Zii I burned beforehand? Despite these lingering questions, there were more important things going on. Kaito lay in bed on his stomach, Kitty beside him as she licked his burns. I shuddered, thinking about how much more damage I''d have inflicted if he wasn''t wearing the armored vest. Sora¡¯s hands glowed with Zii-Kata as she worked on healing the deep purple bruising covering his entire back. ¡°Kaito, are you okay?¡± I asked, stricken with guilt. He lifted his head, a tired but genuine smile on his face. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m okay. That was a good shot.¡± ¡°Indeed," Sora scoffed. "You¡¯re finally figuring things out, Ember." "The armor usually deflects even stronger battle card attacks with a seven score," Kaito said. "That''s what Sora says, anyway.¡± Sora didn''t react and continued healing with another card. ¡°Kaito," I said. "I¡¯m so sorry. I lost control.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be. It was impressive. I knew you¡¯d get it.¡± Hikari entered the room, carrying a tray. ¡°I brought some tea and snacks,¡± she announced. ¡°Thought you could use a break.¡± Hikari handed us cups of steaming tea and a plate of sweet rice cakes. She offered Sora a plate, but she was finished. ¡°Kaito, you¡¯ll need a day for the healing to take hold.¡± She stood. ¡°Don¡¯t get too comfortable, especially you, Ember. There¡¯s still much work to be done. But I¡¯ll let you have your moment.¡± Sora left the room, her presence lingering as always. Hikari settled beside us, her cheerful demeanor a welcome change. ¡°Thanks, Hikari,¡± I said, sipping the tea. ¡°I needed this.¡± ¡°Of course. And Kaito¡¯s been hit with worse. If he won, we¡¯d never hear the end of it.¡± ¡°My sister makes the best rice cakes, and she''s not wrong,¡± Kaito winced, sitting up to pet Kitty. ¡°But it¡¯s not every day that I get bested by a beginner.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a compliment,¡± I laughed, hugging him. ¡°Never change, Kaito. Never change.¡± *** Day [26/40] Time Remaining Until Execution: [26 Days] I slipped into the training room alone. After pressing a Zii coin into a small stand, the room reset to three target dummies. Each dummy, carved from wood and looking more like Demi-Golems wearing oversized armor, rolled on tracks to face me. Okay, Ember, it''s time to try something different. Remember what happened with Kaito and Hikari¡­ My combat interface popped up, and I mentally paid 1 Zii. Red lines materialized in my vision, overlaying the training room like a geometric web. They connected to vital points on the wooden dummies¡ªthroat, chest, joints. The vectors pulsed, following my mind''s eye as they highlighted possible trajectories. I summoned a card, a [1/1]. Following one of the glowing paths, I threw it with the practiced motion the twins had taught me. The card sailed true, slicing into the dummy''s chest where the red line had indicated. It left a clean gash before dissolving into a crimson mist. My heart raced. Burning Zii was the difference¡ªI could see the paths now. Spending another Zii, I drew a [2/1] card. The vectors shifted slightly, adjusting to the card''s new properties. I let it fly, watching it strike precisely where predicted, leaving a deeper wound than the first. On my third draw, a [3/1] appeared. But something told me to flip it, possibly from burning Zii beforehand. The card inverted to [1/3], and suddenly, new trajectory lines bloomed in my vision. One caught my eye¡ªa wide arc that would curve behind the dummy and strike the base of its skull. Burnng a Zii allows me to flip the card. I mentally selected that path, and the other lines faded, leaving just my chosen vector. Taking careful aim, I released the card. It curved through the air, following the glowing path perfectly before embedding itself in the back of the dummy''s head with a satisfying thunk. "Yes!" I squealed, bouncing on my toes with excitement. Let''s go!" Finally, something clicked. "Let''s see if this works¡­" I drew the [Shade Strike] spell from my inventory marked [Error]. SPELL CARD AVAILABLE: Shade Strike I paid 2 Zii, and instead of red lines, a glowing circle about the width of my arm span appeared on the ground down range. Changing my focal point moved the circle, so I shifted it onto a dummy. Launching the card, it transformed into a [8/6] and vanished, where the red circle became a shadow. For a moment, nothing happened before the darkness stirred. Black tendrils rose from the floor like ink through water, writhing and twisting. In complete silence, they lashed out at all three target dummies. Each strike tore through wood and armor, splintering and shredding. The shadows whipped from every angle, too fast to track, leaving deep gouges in their wake. Within seconds, the wooden figures were torn apart, their remains scattered across the floor in a spray of splinters and broken armor. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. The shadows receded as quickly as they had appeared, slithering back into the room''s natural darkness. Only the destroyed dummy remained. A card materialized in front of me, hanging in the air with a soft crimson glow. Unlike the usual Jingozi cards, this one pulsed with an inner light, like a beating heart. My fingers twitched. After the previous spell cards had left me unconscious or in pain, I wasn''t eager to grab another mysterious floating "gift." But something felt different about this one¡ªthere was no menace in its gentle bob and weave. Here goes nothing. I snatched it from the air, squeezing my eyes shut and tensing for whatever punishment awaited. One second passed. Then another. I cracked open an eye. Nothing happened. No pain, no visions, no passing out¡ªjust a warm tingle in my palm where I held the card. Opening my interface, I found a new entry. YOU HAVE RECEIVED A NEW CARD: SHURIKEN [NINJA] By adding this card to your deck, you can now access the following effects: UPDATED STATUS: Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: I [Iron] Rank 2 Faction: Ninja [Field] Zii: 95/100 Cards: 7/10 [Error]: 5/6 Deck: I took a moment to catch my breath, feeling the rush of newly learned skills coursing through me as I placed the [Shuriken] card in my inventory. Pressing another Zii coin into the control panel, the new dummies mechanically locked into place. I summoned my next battle card, a [3/2]. Based on Sora''s instruction, I turned it into a [2/3] because the higher the reward score, the greater the effect. Okay, let¡¯s see how these babies perform... I burned another Zii and tossed the card at the closest dummy. Gracefully, it glided through the air, striking the target with a soft thud before erupting in a blinding flash of light. Okay, how did I make that a flash shot? As I launched the rest of my cards, I could feel the flow of Zii connecting better. But this time, I imagined the card effect first. It worked. The ricochet shot bounced off one dummy and struck another in a beautifully orchestrated arc. With each throw, the resistance I felt earlier began to fade. The reward score on the cards translated into more significant control over their trajectories and effects. Even the zero scores produced different results. I switched up my attacks, throwing a smoke bomb, which released a cloud that obscured my vision. Next, I tossed a fire shot, igniting the very edge of the smoke cloud. The flames flickered and danced, creating an illusion of danger. I unleashed the rest of my cards one by one, marveling at the effectiveness. Each card flew true, and their effects delivered tremendous damage in creative ways. It¡¯s as if I''m painting a canvas, I mused, executing a boomerang shot that arced back to my hand after striking multiple targets with satisfying thwacks. The dummies fell in one after another, their reinforced wooden bodies straining to stay upright. It showcased what could be accomplished with finesse rather than sheer force. When the dust settled, only stalks of splintered wood remained, and the dummies were reduced to smoldering rubble. Lazy trails of smoke clouded the room. Another four floating red Jingozi cards appeared before me with a notification. CHOOSE A META CARD: An odd sensation washed over me¡ªafter my faction choice, this was the first authentic decision I could make for myself. Until now, rules and obligations had been thrust upon me without my input. I needed to forge my way and approach this game according to my rules. YOU HAVE RECEIVED A NEW CARD: REWARD META By adding this card to your deck, all your battle cards now receive a +1 reward score during PVE to increase magical effects and survivability. UPDATED STATUS: Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: I [Iron] Rank 2 Faction: Ninja [Field] Zii: 88/100 Cards: 0/10 [Error]: 5/6 Deck: Let¡¯s fucking go. A voice came from behind me, "You selected a meta." Sora stepped into the room and paused to survey what was left of the dummies. "Reward," I said. She only looked at me with a mixture of disappointment and disdain. Godammit. How many ways can I disappoint her? ¡°You¡¯re needed in the prison cell today for interrogation,¡± she said. ¡°Of course, Sora. I¡¯m ready.¡± *** The Ninja twins escorted me back to my Samurai prison. During the exchange, I managed to sneak in a quick hug with my double, whispering, ¡°Thank you.¡± She held me tightly in return. A few hours later, Jon Deerfoot strolled into the room alone. ¡°How are your accommodations?¡± he asked, surveying my quarters with a crinkle of his nose. ¡°I¡¯ll manage,¡± I said. Sora instructed me to be short with my answers and not reveal significant details. I was to feign ignorance and claim innocence. ¡°I¡¯ll get to the point,¡± the elf started. ¡°With word the caravan was missing, the Samurai deployed a search party before you arrived in Raishoto. I, of course, have an inside man amidst their ranks. A little birdie that loves to chirp, incentivized with enough coin, of course." "And?" "They tracked all the Samurai tokens to a gruesome battle scene in the forest several days north¡ªquite the adventure you must¡¯ve had. The entire area was scorched and charred with a rather large pit. ¡°Oh?¡± ¡°Yes, indeed, my dear. But then they found a worn trail and two camps. The first was a burrow with three old piles of ash¡ªa Jingozi dealer on their trials¡ªyours, I presume. The next was a small clearing with old blood, but their trackers said it would have been an adult wearing armor and a smaller companion¡ªmost likely a child. But the trail ran cold from there.¡± ¡°So, you know I¡¯m telling the truth.¡± ¡°Well, it appears there are three conclusions,¡± he said, glancing back at the guards. ¡°The first possibility is you found and killed them, stealing the scroll and Samurai faction token. The second is you¡¯re telling the truth, and they¡¯re still alive. The third is you¡¯re telling the truth, and you left them to die.¡± ¡°And why the hell would I do that? A boy is more important than a scroll.¡± My poker face disappeared to his evident amusement. ¡°In the meantime, it appears the Ninja faction has chosen to make an example of you,¡± his pointy ears perked. ¡°There¡¯s been a demand for your release, followed by a series of high-profile crimes and mysterious deaths across the city. The prevailing message is that the Shogun is so cruel that he will execute anybody, even the ones that come to his aid.¡± He paused to rub his chin. ¡°What I don¡¯t understand is if you are, in fact, a member of the Ninja faction, why not negotiate? And why would you help the Samurai faction and Yukiko in the first place?¡± ¡°Yukiko?¡± ¡°Oh yes, to be thorough, they visited your friend Yukiko. I hear she is one tough battle axe¡ªmy kind of woman.¡± I clasped the bars. The guards charged their taser spears, but Jon waved them off. ¡°Yukiko claims you were a tribute¡ªa consort she freed from a northern Emperor. But that doesn¡¯t make sense. Either Yukiko didn¡¯t realize you were a Jingozi apprentice, or she did and had a plan to betray the Shogun.¡± ¡°Why do you care?¡± ¡°Well, my dear Ember. It provides an extra incentive. I¡¯m a member of the Emperor faction. If you were taken from us, my people should know something. I¡¯m sure there¡¯s a fellow Emperor who would reward me handsomely.¡± I managed to bite my tongue. ¡°Come now, love,¡± he said. ¡°We can end this right now. Give the Shogun what he wants. I¡¯ll collect the bounty and leave you with the Samurai. We can forget the entire part about betraying the Emperor faction.¡± I turned my back. ¡°Suit yourself,¡± he sighed. ¡°I must warn you. The Shogun gets impatient. I was your last chance before he sends in other interrogators with more¡­ persuasive tactics.¡± *** After hours of Zii-Kata, the floating card formed before me. ¡°Hey, voice?¡± I called. ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°You said I can influence the area where my dimensional circle overlaps another, right?¡± ¡°Correct.¡± I touched the spell card after loading my hand. Dozens of severed, slimy zombie hands sprouted from the ground, their decaying flesh wrapping around my arms, legs, and torso. Each grip was a vice. Wherever they touched, the skin began to rot. The hands climbed higher, causing my face to decay and stifling my breathing. I was wrestled to the ground, my back slamming against the hard floor. More hands emerged, pummeling me from all sides. Rot filled my nostrils. My heart pounded in my ears as my vision blurred. One hand forced itself down my throat. Resisting the instinct to blink out, I flicked a battle card into the air. It boomeranged back, slicing through my cheek while severing the hand. It disintegrated into smoke, leaving a vile taste. As I fought to roll onto my front, other hands grappled me down, their grip relentless, overwhelming me with numbers. One hand slammed me in the mouth again, dislodging several teeth. ¡°No!¡± A sonic boom erupted from within, sending shockwaves that disintegrated all the hands into ash. I remained still for a moment, spitting teeth before they lodged in my throat. I rose to my knees, panting. The remnants of smoke swirled around me, and I had the bitter taste of tar in my bloody mouth. My rotten skin drooped like melting wax. As I blinked out of the arena, the voice said, ¡°Well done, Ember, now you¡¯re starting to get it.¡± YOU HAVE RECEIVED A SPELL CARD: Poison Strike UPDATED STATUS: Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: I [Iron] Rank 2 Faction: Ninja [Field] Zii: 100/100 Cards: 10/10 [Error]: 7/7 Deck: Chapter 26 (Rewrite): PROTECTOR Chapter 26: PROTECTOR
That night, I swapped places again with my decoy double. Sora came for the exchange, and we crept back through the tunnels to Thunder Temple. ¡°Where are the twins?¡± I asked. ¡°Preparing for their mission,¡± she said, a few steps ahead of me. I barely registered what she said, lost in my thoughts. ¡°Sora, I think the Samurai are going to torture me.¡± ¡°Yes, Ember, that¡¯s what they do with prisoners who won¡¯t talk. Any other profound insights to share?¡± ¡°What if they figure things out?¡± ¡°We have time. They¡¯ll first give you an official chance to preserve the appearance that they¡¯ve followed the rule of law.¡± ¡°And after that?¡± ¡°That¡¯s a future problem¡ªfor you.¡± I needed to change the subject. ¡°What were your trials like when you¡ª¡± Sora whirled and clutched me by the throat, holding a burning card to my face. ¡°Is everybody so nosey wherever you¡¯re from? Never ask me about my past. We''re stuck with you because the Jingozi forced you into our lives. Don¡¯t tempt me to execute you on the Shogun¡¯s behalf.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I quivered, tears filling my eyes. ¡°You cry too much,¡± she shoved me down. ¡°Save that weakness for your herald. Maybe you¡¯ll find the pity you¡¯re not getting from me or our faction.¡± She stormed off. *** Day [27/40] Time Remaining Until Execution: [25 Days] Taikumi called me into the war room. He paused to observe my countenance, still shaken from my encounter with Sora. ¡°My child,¡± he said, ¡°what¡¯s wrong?¡± "Nothing," I said. "Sora?" ¡°Why is she so cruel to me?¡± Taikumi frowned, pausing to measure his following words. ¡°She didn¡¯t tell you?¡± he asked. ¡°Tell me what?¡± ¡°She used to be like you.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°She was a vessel. She hosted one from another dimension many years ago.¡± ¡°No way,¡± I said. ¡°Wait, you know where I¡¯m from?¡± ¡°Yes, but only Sora and me.¡± ¡°How?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not important,¡± he said. ¡°Though it explains why Sora is one of our fiercest warriors. She was endowed with great powers. But despite all her gifts, she now harbors a great hatred towards the Jingozi. She is¡­ unbalanced. I often fear it will destroy her from within.¡± "She knows we''re on the same team, right?" "Allow her more time," Taikumi said, putting his hands on my shoulders and furrowing his brow. "When we first found her, she was¡­" His eyes started to glisten before gathering himself. ¡°I¡¯ve said enough, my child. Let¡¯s keep this our secret for the moment. Do this old merchant a kindness and pour us some tea. We have exciting work to do.¡± *** ¡°Ember,¡± Taikumi began, ¡°there¡¯s something you must understand about the Ninja faction. We aren¡¯t just warriors of the shadows. We¡¯re protectors of the people. Our origins lie in a group of commoners and former Samurai who banded together to fight corruption and injustice. The authorities turn a blind eye to the suffering of the common folk, and so it falls upon us.¡± ¡°So, we¡¯re like vigilantes?¡± ¡°Protectors. The Ninja faction balances the scales, ensuring those without power have a voice. We take on contracts from the commoners with nowhere else to turn.¡± He held up a stack of notes. ¡°These are requests from the people. Each represents a plea for help, a story of injustice that must be set right. It¡¯s our duty and honor to answer these calls.¡± I plucked one of the papers. It was a hastily written note in a foreign language. ¡°What do I need to do?¡± This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Taikumi smiled. ¡°You will accept missions. Each will test your skills and growth, allowing you to serve while progressing as a Jingozi apprentice.¡± ¡°What about the other Ninjas?¡± ¡°Everyone, including Sora, Kaito, and Hikari, has taken on political missions to harass the Shogunate. We can¡¯t risk your capture while you¡¯re in training.¡± ¡°I have a request, if I can.¡± Taikumi raised an eyebrow. ¡°I don¡¯t want to kill anybody,¡± I said. ¡°We are Ninjas¡­¡± ¡°You said Ninjas are the ¡®protectors of the people.¡¯ Well, I¡¯m your girl.¡± He snorted and followed up with a deep belly laugh. ¡°Very well, Ember. Your request is accepted.¡± NEW QUEST: NINJA GUILD Complete 10 Ninja Guild Missions Bonus experience for extra missions completed before the time limit. Progress: [0/10] Taikumi handed me my first mission note, which I could now read. NEW MISSION: SHOPKEEPER EXTORTION Stop thugs from extorting the shopkeeper. ¡°This is a plea from a shopkeeper in the market district,¡± he said. ¡°He¡¯s been harassed by a group of thugs demanding protection money. The authorities won¡¯t help him, so he turned to us. Your mission is to stop their extortion and ensure the shopkeeper¡¯s safety.¡± *** I felt relieved to be outdoors for a change. Being cooped up underground and in prison cells was driving me crazy. Night had fallen, and the rain poured down. From the shopkeeper¡¯s rooftop, I scanned the area, my eyes adjusting to the darkness with Kitty draped around my shoulders. We were both soaked, yet she somehow managed to fall asleep. The market was quiet, the usual hustle and bustle replaced by the steady patter of rain. The shopkeeper had described the thugs¡¯ routine¡ªthey showed up at night to collect their so-called protection money. Four men in grungy beige gis strolled towards the shopkeeper¡¯s stall. I assumed the one holding an umbrella was the leader. They laughed and joked as they approached. ¡°Here they come, Kitty,¡± I whispered, rubbing her chin. ¡°Remember, I¡¯ll call if I need you, and no lethal force.¡± They reached the stall to start their usual antics. The shopkeeper, an elderly man with a kind face, stepped out to confront them, but he had no money to offer. His defiance only provoked more jeers and mockery. The cocky leader wagged a finger, dropped the umbrella, and brandished an axe. My smoke bomb exploded before them. They stumbled back, coughing and disoriented. I stepped off the ledge, landing between them and the shopkeeper. ¡°Who the hell are you?¡± the leader choked. Ignoring him, I focused on the first thug, throwing a close-range card into his chest. He flew across the street, slamming into a storefront, collapsing unconscious on the pavement. The other thug and the leader charged with axes raised. I ducked and rolled beneath their swings. I threw another card, its energy humming as it struck the leader¡¯s wrist, sending the axe spinning out of his grasp. He howled in pain, his hand now half severed, practically dangling by tendons from his wrist. With a swift kick, I swept the second thug¡¯s legs out from under him and hit him mid-air with another card, sending him crashing into a stack of crates. A lantern struck me from behind, dousing me in oil and fire. Kitty had already glinted out of danger. NINJA KIMONO: FIRE PROTECTION [PASSIVE] Cost: 2 Zii I¡¯d totally forgotten about my armor. Sizzling in the rain, I strode toward the last thug like a stuntman on fire. He panicked and tried to run, but I fired a Jingozi card, aiming for his legs. The card tripped him, sending him face-first into the pavement with an audible crunch. As I caught my breath, the fire died down. I turned to face the leader, who glared at me, blood still spewing from his wrist. ¡°You¡¯ll pay for this,¡± he hissed. ¡°Not tonight.¡± I tied the thugs together with the rope from my inventory. The shopkeeper emerged from behind a cart. ¡°Thank you,¡± he said, his voice trembling. ¡°I didn¡¯t think anyone would help.¡± ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡± But now, there was a problem. What was I supposed to do with these four thugs? Should I leave them here¡ªhang them from a pole with a note? ¡°You¡¯ll regret asking for help! The Iron Fists always collect our debts! We¡¯ll be back!¡± the leader cursed into the street, now filled with onlookers holding umbrellas. Something in me boiled over. ¡°No, you won¡¯t,¡± I said. With four more flicks of my wrist and four max-charged cards, I made sure they¡¯d never walk on two legs again. MISSION COMPLETE: SHOPKEEPER EXTORTION Stop thugs from extorting the shopkeeper. QUEST UPDATE: NINJA GUILD Complete 10 Ninja Guild Missions Progress: [1/10] Remaining Time: [25 Days] *** ¡°Taikumi,¡± I said, bubbling excitedly, ¡°I did it. I stopped the Iron Fist gang¡ªa dumb name, by the way¡ªthe shopkeeper¡¯s safe. He was such a sweet old man. You should have seen it!¡± ¡°Well done, then, Ember. You¡¯ve completed your first mission.¡± Takumi tossed me a pouch of coins. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± I asked. ¡°We may be protectors of the people, but we don¡¯t work for free,¡± he said. ¡°That is your cut. The rest goes to the guild.¡± ¡°Wow, we get paid to do justice? This is amazing.¡± ¡°Remember, every mission is different, and overconfidence can be dangerous.¡± ¡°I understand, sir!¡± I saluted. ¡°I won¡¯t get cocky.¡± *** I couldn¡¯t sleep. My eyes locked on the cracks in the ceiling, tracing unfamiliar shapes in the plaster and stone. The screams of those thugs echoed in my memory, but it felt like I was recalling someone else¡¯s dream. I couldn¡¯t decide if I should be horrified or¡­ satisfied. A strange hum lingered beneath my skin, leftovers from the Zii-Kata routine before bed. Kitty curled at my side, purring softly. I stroked her fur in a slow, mechanical rhythm. Was I supposed to feel guilt clawing at my insides? The idea seemed logical¡ªpeople were hurt and scarred for life because of me¡ªbut my heart remained strangely still as if someone had flipped off a switch. All that remained was a low thrumming of what it felt like to have all that strength at my fingertips. ¡°They were hurting innocent people,¡± I muttered, trying to justify¡­ well, something. But a tiny voice whispered that maybe it was never supposed to be that easy. That true justice should feel heavier. Yet I couldn¡¯t ignore the spark of satisfaction flickering within. My thoughts spun off in rapid tangents. Who can I trust here? Sora was on permanant tilt. Her prickly manner hinted at secrets she and Taikumi refused to share, and I wasn¡¯t sure I had the luxury of caution. Then there was the Shogun. His stern reputation didn¡¯t match the glimpses of mercy he¡¯d shown¡ªso what did he really want? Was it foolish to play along, or did I even have a choice? And do they realize I¡¯m not from this world¡ªthat I¡¯ve got an edge no one else should have? I swallowed hard. Scenes from earlier played on a loop¡ªthe leader¡¯s severed hand, twisted faces of shock and pain. ¡°Maybe I¡¯m just numb,¡± I breathed, listening to Kitty¡¯s purrs. Or maybe I liked it¡ªliked the rush, the absolute certainty the cards gave me at that moment. I closed my eyes, trying to summon some shred of remorse. It didn¡¯t come. Instead, all I felt was a strange sense of power throbbing through my veins, an almost yearning to do it again if I had to. As the night dragged on, I found no conclusion, no neat moral line. My hands flexed, unconsciously mimicking the motion of summoning a Jingozi hand. I wondered whether I was strong because I protected the helpless or just because I could break anyone who stood in my way. Do I even care about the difference? Kitty purred on, steady as a drumbeat, offering no answers. And in that dark silence, my mind circled back to the same questions¡ªabout Sora, the Shogun, and whether anyone had noticed my unfair advantage¡ªuntil exhaustion finally blurred them into the shadows. Chapter 27 (New): TWINS Chapter 27: TWINS
Nomads near the Crucible have reported fleeting glimpses of dark-clad figures scaling its hull. Jingozi ambassadors dismiss it as mere gossip. Perhaps they hope to hide that Ninja infiltration is far more advanced than anyone suspects. Still, the question remains: Why risk so much just to spy? *** Kaito spotted his sister''s silhouette against the night sky, her form barely visible in the shadow of the sanctuary''s tower. The sight never failed to bring a smile to his face. The stone nook she perched on had become her thinking spot, a place she retreated to before missions or when she needed space. He climbed the worn stone steps, his footfalls silent from years of training. Tonight, her Zii signature pulsed bright and eager through her Ninja uniform, a welcome change from her usual pre-mission anxiety. As her twin, he''d grown attuned to her energy and could read her moods as clearly as his own. Kaito crept closer, hugging the tower wall. Maybe this time, he''d finally catch her¡­ "I can feel you skulking back there, brother." Hikari didn''t turn around. "Being twins is so unfair sometimes." Kaito dropped his stealthy approach and plopped down beside her. "I can never surprise you anymore." "You used to when we were little." Hikari''s legs dangled over the edge, swinging slightly. "Before we learned to sense Zii." "Then why did you let me sneak up behind you during training before Ember blasted me?" "I don''t know," she shrugged. "I guess I had a hunch she needed an opportunity to save me." "Well, sister, you didn''t do me any favors." He stretched his back. "Sorry about that," she said, wincing in sympathy. "How''s it healing?" "I''m learning to sleep on my stomach." Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. They both snickered. Hikari rested her head on Kaito''s shoulder before asking, "So, brother, what do you think about Ember?" "She''s a formidable ally and asset for our faction." "Stop trying to sound like Takumi. What do you really think? She nudged him playfully. "I''ve seen the way you look at her. She is gorgeous." "I don''t know what you''re talking about." "And I''ve seen the way she looks at you." "Really?" Kaito suddenly perked up and straightened. "Nope. I''m lying." "I hate you." "But I like her," Hikari added, laughing. "I like her a lot. But you and older women never¡ª "You seem excited tonight." Kaito tried to divert the conversation. "Who wouldn''t be? Our first actual missions. I just wish we could''ve done it together." "The entire guild mobilizes. We''re needed everywhere all at once. I''ve never seen such an operation." "Do you think we''ll catch the attention of the Jingozi?" she asked. "If you mean catch us up here, most certainly." He gestured to the sanctuary shingles below. "We''d be executed for sure. I never understood your fascination with this place. It chills my core." "Becoming a Jingozi apprentice is all I think about, Kaito." "I know, but I''m worried about how much you push yourself. Be careful." "Just because you were born moments before me," she winked. "Doesn''t mean you get to boss me around like Sora." "I''m serious, Hikari." Kaito watched his sister''s face harden as she stared at the distant mountains. "Father needs to see what he threw away," Hikari''s voice cracked. "Maybe if he''d stayed, Mother wouldn''t have..." "Don''t." Kaito squeezed her shoulder. " Don''t even call him that. That man doesn''t deserve your thoughts. He''s too busy playing politics with the Shogunate to care about anything but power." "But¡ª" "No buts. You know what I found out?" Kaito''s jaw clenched. "He''s been funding those brothels in the market district. The same ones filled with abandoned children." "I hoped the rumors weren''t true." Hikari''s shoulders slumped. "With any luck, one of our missions will expose everything he''s done. Make him pay for all those lives he''s ruined." "You''re right." Hikari wrapped her arms around him. "Thank you for being the best brother. For never leaving like everybody else." "Always." Kaito stood, brushing off his Ninja gi. "But right now, Sora and Taikumi are waiting. Ready?" A grin spread across Hikari''s face. "Race you?" They launched off the ledge, their bodies flowing like water across the rooftops. Kaito couldn''t help but laugh as they bounded between buildings, their footsteps barely touching the tiles. The cool night air whipped past them as they leaped in perfect sync, their movements mirroring each other. In their wake, a dark figure in flowing black robes floated motionless above the sanctuary roof, watching the twins disappear into the night. *** As tales of the Ninja reach the Shogun''s ears, the Jingozi respond with nothing but deflections. Those shadow warriors vanish into darkness once more, staying silent about their actions. I can say one thing with surety: Their motives remain hidden, while the Jingozi''s composure masks profound unease. Chapter 28 (Rewrite): HERO Chapter 28: HERO
Day [28/40] Time Remaining Until Execution: [24 Days] NEW MISSION: THE CORRUPT MERCHANT Gather evidence of a corrupt merchant and sabotage his operations. "Your target is a corrupt merchant named Hideo Tanaka," Taikumi explained. He''s been gouging the local market with stolen goods. We need you to gather evidence and sabotage his operations." According to the mission details, a regular shipment would arrive tonight. Following the scroll''s directions, I made my way to the docks. The salty air filled my lungs as I crouched behind a stack of crates just in time to watch a weathered ship pull into port. Crew members scurried about, securing the vessel for the night. My eyes narrowed. Judging from the security, it had to be Tanaka''s illicit cargo. I slipped onto the docked supply ship under the cover of darkness, weaving through a maze of crates and barrels. The pungent scent of spices filled the air. In the distance, thunderclouds lit up the sky with flashes of lightning. With Kitty by my side, I counted the number of guards on patrol, assessing the situation. Finding the evidence in an office was easy. I uncovered ledgers detailing the merchant¡¯s illegal price-gouging activities and stashed them in my inventory. After more exploration, I found and punctured any container that might be flammable. The guards were surprisingly lax, milling around and distracting themselves with idle conversation. We slipped away undetected back onto the dock. On the other side of the port, about the length of two football fields away, I loaded a card and arced it like a golf shot. The card zipped into a supply shed on the dock, starting a fire. Alarms blared as the crew rushed off the ship to extinguish the growing blaze. My next card sailed through a window in the hull and exploded inside. Within moments, the entire vessel burst into flames. MISSION COMPLETE: THE CORRUPT MERCHANT Gather evidence of a corrupt merchant and sabotage his operations. QUEST UPDATE: NINJA GUILD Complete 10 Ninja Guild Missions Progress: [2/10] Remaining Time: [24 Days] ¡°Stop right there!¡± A pair of Samurai guards spotted me, but I threw a smoke bomb at their feet. With no other option, we dove into the icy waters and hid beneath the dock. Kitty kept me warm as more guards searched the area above. Once they gave up and moved on, I dragged myself into a nearby shack. ¡°That was way too close, Kitty. Let¡¯s not do that again.¡± * * * Day [29/40] Time Remaining Until Execution: [23 Days] NEW MISSION: THE CORRUPT OFFICIAL Gain leverage on a minor Samurai official extorting the poor. The information from the corrupt merchant¡¯s ledgers pointed me to my next mission target¡ªa minor Samurai official involved in a related extortion scheme. My mission was to confront and intimidate him into ceasing his activities. After speaking with local merchants, I learned he frequently enjoyed the company of geishas sent from a nearby brothel. It was another stormy night. I positioned myself on a roof across the brothel, watching the geishas prepare for their regular visits, waiting until their cart was ready to depart. A well-placed card shot disabled the back wheel. Disguising myself as one of the geishas, I wrapped my Ninja scarf to cover my hair and adjusted my kimono to look the part. Arriving at the official¡¯s residence, Kitty leaped onto the roof. As we both leveled up, our communication verged on telepathic, allowing us to sense each other¡¯s intentions without words. A guard stopped me at the entrance. I told him I was a surprise appointment, compliments of the house for his generous patronage. Summoning my best geisha charm, I flirted with him, batting my eyes with a seductive smile. My disguise wasn¡¯t perfect¡ªlike Sora¡¯s would have been¡ªbut I flashed enough skin to compensate. Taken by the act, he motioned me in without further questions. I stepped into the official¡¯s office, eager to get out of my ridiculous outfit. Once inside, I transformed the kimono into my Ninja suit. Spending 1 Zii, its self-cleaning and repair function dried me off in a flash. I searched the office. Moments later, a guard entered to check on me. My kimono transformed back in a heartbeat, and I reappeared as a geisha. The guard found me lounging on the desk, attempting the cutest pouty face I could muster. After ogling, he licked his lips and left. As soon as the door closed, the Ninja suit was back on. When the official finally entered, I wasted no time. Stepping forward, I held up the incriminating papers. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°Recognize these?¡± ¡°Who are you? How did you get those?¡± his surprise turned to anger. I let the weight of the evidence do the talking. The official¡¯s response was a bribe, offering money and political favors. He shifted to threats when he saw I wasn¡¯t swayed. ¡°You have no idea who you¡¯re trifling with,¡± he stepped closer. Kitty slipped in through an open window, as silent as a whisper. She leaped onto his back, wrapping her tail across his chest. Scales pierced through his uniform, just enough to send the proper message. The color drained from his face, and sweat beads formed on his brow. ¡°What you¡¯re experiencing,¡± I said, ¡°is what I affectionately refer to as the corset of blades. It¡¯s a horrible way to die. I¡¯ve seen it firsthand.¡± With a mental nod, Kitty¡¯s scales dug deeper as blood started to seep through his clothes. ¡°Alright, alright!¡± he pleaded. ¡°I¡¯ll stop! Just get this thing off me!¡± Kitty released him, darting back to my side. ¡°I¡¯d retire and rethink your life choices, or we¡¯ll be back.¡± ¡°Guards! Help!¡± My smoke bomb exploded in the office, and we vanished, along with all other records he¡¯d never want to become public. MISSION COMPLETE: THE CORRUPT OFFICIAL Gain leverage on a minor Samurai official extorting the poor. QUEST UPDATE: NINJA GUILD Complete 10 Ninja Guild Missions Progress: [3/10] Remaining Time: [23 Days] I stopped by the brothel. The wagon was still unrepaired, and the officer hadn¡¯t sounded any alarms. Despite this, I worried about retaliation. I froze, realizing my face was completely exposed. How could I have been so careless? The adrenaline from the mission must have clouded my judgment. I quickly reached for my mask, but it was too late. "Well, well, what do we have here?" a sultry voice called out. I turned to see an elegant woman emerge from the brothel''s entrance. Her elaborate kimono and confident demeanor marked her as the Okami¡ªthe madam of the establishment. "A little ninja playing dress-up, are we?" she smirked, her eyes appraising me. "You know, with a face like that, you could make a fortune here instead of risking your pretty neck out there." I tensed, ready to bolt, but she waved her hand dismissively. "Relax, child. I have no interest in turning you in. Bad for business, you see. But I do have a proposition for you." Before I could respond, several geishas appeared behind her¡ªfaces painted white and lips blood red. They moved with seductive grace, circling me like predators. "Come now," one cooed, running a long, painted nail along my arm. "Why fight when you could live in luxury?" "We could teach you things you''ve never dreamed of," another pressed against my back, her breath hot on my neck. "Thanks, but no thanks," I stepped away, my voice firm. The Okami laughed, a sound like tinkling bells. "Oh, darling. Do you think what you''re doing now isn''t working? At least here, you''d be safe. Protected." The other geisha joined in with a chorus of giggles, sounding like a bunch of drunk junior-high brats. "That''s enough, girls, back to work," the Okami waved dismissively. She fixed me with a piercing stare. "Remember, little Ninja. My offer stands. When you tire of playing hero, there will always be a place for you here." "I have a counteroffer," I said. Handing the brothel Okami a heavy pouch of coins and currency notes swiped from the official, I instructed her to give all her girls the week off. She was initially obstinate, but I pressed a Jingozi token into her palm for good measure. Her face went pale, noticeable even under the thick makeup. She recanted with a rapid succession of bows. * * * Day [30/40] Time Remaining Until Execution: [22 Days] NEW MISSION: THE SECRET MEETING Protect the meeting of a local resistance group. The leaders of a local resistance group organized a secret meeting to strategize against the Samurai regime. The contract was to protect them from spies, saboteurs, and even rogue mercenary Ninjas. The clandestine gathering was convened in an abandoned temple on the city¡¯s outskirts. The night was crisp and clear, and the moon cast shadows on the ancient stone walls. I crouched in the rafters, watching for any signs of intrusion. Kitty climbed up a beam to my side and thumped her tail. Clambering onto the roof, I nodded, and she jumped out the window. Blinking into the Jingozi arena, I assessed the situation. A group of six, slinking through the forest, appeared to be regular mercenaries¡ªnot Ninjas. ¡°Are we having fun yet?¡± the voice teased. ¡°When did you get so cheeky?¡± I laughed. After blinking back, I wasted no time loading more Jingozi cards. I sent them sailing through the air, each transforming into a flash grenade upon impact. The forest erupted into a dazzling light display, blinding the unsuspecting spies. Their confusion was palpable, and I couldn''t help but enjoy the sight as they stumbled about, disoriented and unsure. In a flash, Kitty parked herself beside me to watch the show. "This is probably overkill, Kitty. But I need the practice. Watch this." A barrage of smoke bombs engulfed the area in thick, choking clouds, filling the air with startled shouts and curses. Not stopping there, I unleashed a volley of concussive shots, the mini booms echoing through the night. The combination of sensory overload proved too much for our unwelcome guests. I watched with satisfaction as they scattered like leaves in the wind, stumbling and tripping over each other in their haste to retreat to their original hiding spots. MISSION COMPLETE: THE SECRET MEETING Protect the meeting of a local resistance group. QUEST UPDATE: NINJA GUILD Complete 10 Ninja Guild Missions Progress: [4/10] Remaining Time: [23 Days] I felt more accomplished in one month than in all my twenty-four years. Entering the war room, Hikari and Kaito met me, their faces lit up with excitement. ¡°Hey, you two! How did your missions go?¡± I asked, giving them an embrace. ¡°I stole this from a secret Shogunate vault. It contains documents that will ruin several corrupt officials.¡± Kaito grinned, holding up a small, hand-carved box. ¡°I exposed a high-ranking Samurai having an affair with the Shogun¡¯s wife and concubine,¡± Hikari added. ¡°He¡¯s in hiding, but the scandal is out.¡± We drank tea and exchanged more stories, reveling in our success. ¡°Ember,¡± a stern voice cut through our conversation. Taikumi stood at the entrance, looking uncharacteristically grumpy. ¡°I need to speak with you. Now, please.¡± With a gulp, I followed him into a more secluded part of the temple. Kaito and Hikari watched with concern but stayed behind. ¡°The city is whispering about a Jingozi Ninja,¡± Taikumi began. ¡°They say she¡¯s the new hero to the people. You¡¯re attracting too much attention.¡± ¡°I¡¯m being careful. And what¡¯s wrong with being a hero? I¡¯m fixing the problems in this city, helping people with no one else to turn to, like you told me to.¡± ¡°You¡¯re putting the entire guild at risk! We operate in secret for a reason. The more visible you become, the more danger you are of being captured.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t care about staying in the shadows. People need help, and I¡¯m giving it to them.¡± I crossed my arms. ¡°By shutting down a brothel for a week?¡± ¡°What else was I supposed to do?¡± ¡°A Jingozi token, no less,¡± he shook his head. ¡°You¡¯re not listening, Ember. This isn¡¯t just about you alone. It¡¯s about all of us.¡± ¡°It is about me. It¡¯s about getting home, Taikumi.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not what you said a moment ago. What is it about, then?¡± Part of me knew he was speaking the truth and had me dead to rights. But I opened my stubborn mouth to argue anyway. He raised his hand to stop me. ¡°One day, my child, you will learn that not all problems are yours to fix or can be fixed, especially your own.¡± ¡°But, Taikumi¡ª" ¡°Enough of this troubling conversation.¡± He raised his hand again. ¡°The twins will take you back to your cell tonight. An official diplomatic negotiation is scheduled for tomorrow.¡± As he turned to leave, Sora stood in the doorway. She met my gaze, her expression a stone-cold poker face. Chapter 29 (Rewrite): EDRIC Chapter 29: EDRIC
Day [31/40] Time Remaining Until Execution: [21 Days] The Shogun''s official herald sat behind a table, reading from a scroll with an air of self-importance that made my eye twitch. A sweaty, obese man, his robes strained at the seams, threatening to burst at any moment. He was nothing more than a messenger with blustering arrogance, failing to conceal his incompetence, reminding me of countless wannabe high-rollers I''d encountered at the poker tables in Vegas. His pudgy fingers fumbled with the scroll as he cleared his throat, preparing to deliver what I was sure he thought was earth-shattering news. I couldn''t help but roll my eyes, exhausted by his presence and the charade of authority. ¡°Lady Ember, by the order of the Lord Shogun, I have been sent to offer you a proposal. In his infinite wisdom and benevolence, our Lord Shogun understands the delicate nature of the current political climate and seeks to avoid unnecessary conflict. In light of this, he extends an olive branch. The Lord Shogun is willing to negotiate terms to secure your release and ensure the safety of those you represent. In return, he requests a cessation of hostilities and a commitment to resolve this matter through peaceful dialogue." I watched him pause, his eyes darting to my face as he cleared his throat and pretended to cough. It was a transparent attempt to read my reaction. My face remained an impassive mask, and my eyes bore into him without betraying a hint of emotion. The silence stretched between us, thick and uncomfortable¡ªfor him. He shifted his weight, clearly unnerved by my lack of response. Finally, unable to maintain the charade any longer, he coughed for real this time. Composing himself, he straightened his shoulders and continued his little speech, his voice a touch less confident than before. "This is an opportunity to end this strife without further bloodshed. The Lord Shogun believes such a resolution is in all parties'' best interest. I urge you to consider this offer carefully, for it may be the only chance to avert a war that would bring suffering to countless innocents.¡± After a week of fresh air and freedom, the cell felt more oppressive than ever. The breakfast slop, untouched on the tray, reminded me how much I missed Hikari¡¯s cooking. My decoy endured this miserable existence while I roamed freely as a Ninja vigilante. I hope the twins are pampering her right now. Taikumi gave me one clear objective¡ªto make the Shogun furious, which I was more than happy to oblige. After every ¡°proposal,¡± I promptly told him to go fuck himself. When he didn¡¯t understand, I explained it to him in biological terms, complete with animal examples. The herald¡¯s face twisted in exasperation. ¡°Enough of your insolence, girl! Do you think you can mock the Lord Shogun¡¯s authority with impunity? Do you know the mercy he¡¯s showing you? You¡¯re nothing more than a prisoner¡ªa mere thorn in his side¡ªyet he extends his hand in peace. You¡¯d do well to remember your place!" He caught his breath. ¡°The Lord Shogun¡¯s patience is not infinite nor mine! If you continue defying him, you¡¯ll see how quickly his mercy can turn to wrath. Do you think you can stand against the full might of the Samurai faction? You¡¯re a fool if you believe that¡ª¡± ¡°Excuse me. I now have something to say.¡± ¡°I see you¡¯ve come to your senses. Go on.¡± ¡°Actually, it¡¯s a question. What¡¯s up with the Shogun¡­ sorry¡­ Lord Shogun¡¯s wife? I heard she¡¯s¡­ you know¡­¡± He slammed his fist on the table, spilling ink everywhere. ¡°You think you can outlast me with such nonsense, girl?¡± ¡°Okay, how¡¯s this? Imagine you¡¯re a donkey, and you took your raging¡ª¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± he overturned the table. The cell door opened with a screech, and the herald¡¯s demeanor instantly shifted. Stepping back with an expression between exasperation and defeat, he bowed. ¡°You have a visitor,¡± he said. Jon Deerfoot entered the cell. Oh good, someone else that can go fuck himself. ¡°Ember, my dear, it¡¯s been a while.¡± My heart slammed into the pit of my stomach as another figure stepped through the door. ¡°His Excellency Overlord Edric,¡± Jon introduced. Name: Overlord Edric [Arch Dealer] Tier: VII [Obsidian] Rank ??? Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Faction: Emperor [Overlord] Leader ¡°Leave us,¡± Edric commanded. Jon followed the herald and guards out of the room. Overlord Edric stepped back from the bars. He stood taller than I remembered, with the same bald, pockmarked head. His face was all sharp angles¡ªhigh cheekbones and a chiseled jawline. But his eyes glowed bright purple, tinged with wisps of smoke. We locked eyes in a stare-down, triggering memories of our first encounter. ¡°What do you want?¡± I flinched first. ¡°Ah, the renowned Raishoto, a technical marvel¡ªor so they say. I am afraid this city is more of a wondrous disappointment, would you not agree?¡± Smirking at my silence, he continued, ¡°Do you know why I am here?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°A Jingozi exhibition. My dear friend Tokugawa requested the games, and the Jingozi agreed. Such a contemptuous fool, even before he became Shogun.¡± It was impossible to guess the Emperor''s age¡ªthe same for the Shogun. The complete aesthetic effects of Zii were still a mystery. If I became more youthful with every tier, faction leaders could be a century old for all I knew. The Emperor wore the same deep purple robe with gold patterns, but I could never forget the heavy rings on his hands. What struck me was the overpowering scent of cologne. It was a heavy, musky fragrance so intense I nearly coughed. ¡°I avoid such self-indulgent affairs,¡± Edric continued. ¡°But imagine my surprise when I heard a redheaded defector had escaped my capture, only to end up embroiled in a plot to overthrow the Shogun.¡± My teeth clenched. ¡°Oh, don''t look so dour. Your secret is safe¡­ for now. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Have you ever heard that expression? Where I''m from, I never paid it much heed, but here¡­¡± He leaned forward, almost pressing his face through the bars. ¡°I digress. My real motivation is to apologize¡ªto you.¡± I looked up, confused. ¡°If I had known, I would have let you go myself,¡± he gave a slight regal bow, then turned his back. ¡°Therefore, I hope you forgive this grievance and terrible misunderstanding.¡± ¡°Um, apology accepted?¡± I injected as much sarcasm as possible. The Emperor swiveled and held his stare again. A different kind of smile crept over his face. ¡°Good. Suppose we are now friends?¡± I almost spat in his face. ¡°Guards! I am absconding with your prisoner for the afternoon,¡± Edric barked. ¡°And tell that Shogun curmudgeon I will not take no for an answer.¡± He wrinkled his nose, noticing the tray of food in the corner. ¡°And fetch something proper to eat for this poor girl!¡± *** I sat in the plush, cushioned seat of an armored carriage. Overlord Edric, across from me as we rode through the city. Outside, three dozen guards marched in formation. The carriage¡¯s interior was lavish, with rich fabrics and detailed woodwork. A spread of delicacies¡ªmeat pies, pastries, cheeses, and slices of bread¡ªwas placed on the small table between us. ¡°Not hungry?¡± Edric asked. ¡°It''s a taste of the North, far removed from the simplicity of whatever they call food here.¡± I glanced at the tray but kept my hands folded in my lap. ¡°I¡¯m good, thanks.¡± ¡°You misunderstand, Ember. It was not a question. It would be a shame for such fine food to go to waste.¡± he picked up a small meat pie. I tensed as Edric''s words sank in. It wasn''t a polite offer but a command. My eyes darted from his face to the meat pie he held, my stomach churning. The smell of meat filled my nostrils as he pressed the pastry to my lips with an expectant gaze. I parted my lips and took a small, reluctant bite. The flavors exploded on my tongue¡ªsavory, warm, and undeniably delicious¡ªbut I could barely appreciate them. I chewed slowly, hyper-aware of Edric''s satisfied grin as he watched me eat. The act felt intimate and invasive¡ªa bizarre powerplay. ¡°Here¡¯s what you must know, my dear Ember. A fundamental difference exists between the Samurai and the Emperor factions. The Samurai adhere to a barbaric honor system rooted in feudal times. They cling to antiquated traditions, enforcing their will through brute strength and fear.¡± He wasn¡¯t wrong. ¡°In contrast, my faction seeks to build a civilization based on trade and commerce,¡± he continued. ¡°We believe in the power of diplomacy and economic vitality to bring true prosperity.¡± His eyes narrowed as he popped a cheese cube into his mouth. ¡°But make no mistake, Ember. No room currently exists for the Shogunate anymore. Their ways are dying, and their presence hinders the progress we seek. The sooner the Samurai fall, the sooner true peace can come to these lands.¡± Despite the polished rhetoric, Overlord Edric¡¯s ambitions were driven by more than a desire for a better world. In other words, he was full of shit, and we both knew it. *** The carriage stopped, and Edric signaled for me to follow him. As we stepped out, I was met with cool, damp air from an underground passage. Half his entourage escorted us through a series of tunnels, the sound of distant cheering growing louder with each step. Before long, we emerged into a massive underground arena. Peasants lined the entrance, their clothes tattered and faces gaunt, begging for food or any act of charity. With a subtle signal from Edric, Jon handed out coins with a practiced smile. We pressed on, delving deeper into the heart of the arena. Entering the main hall, the cacophony of voices swelled with each step. My eyes widened, taking in the vast space before me. Three oversized tables dominated the center, arranged in a perfect triangle that reminded me of the high-stakes poker tournaments on TV. But this was different, more primal. At each table, six players sat engrossed in the cards-only version of Jingozi. Every faction was represented: Ninja, Golem, Samurai, Monk, Amazon, and Emperor. The Amazon grabbed my attention first. Her dark, fierce beauty was captivating, living up to the faction¡¯s reputation. The crowd swarmed around the action like hungry wolves, their voices a constant hum of bets and speculation. I watched as weathered hands exchanged coins and crumpled notes. Wisps of pungent smoke curled from long, ornate pipes clutched in jittery fingers. The mingled scents of tobacco, sweat, and desperation clung to everything, a heady perfume that made my head spin. I could feel the energy of the place, electric yet dangerous. The Ninja player at the closest table gave me a knowing glance before averting his eyes. A humongous flat crystal hovered above each table like a jumbotron, showcasing the action and making it easy for the spectators to keep track of the game. Three commentators¡ªa human, an elf, and a clay Demi-Golem¡ªwere projected onto smaller crystals. And although I understood every word, I assumed each spoke a different language, translated in real time for the diverse audience. The human commentator¡¯s voice was deep and booming, the elf¡¯s was melodic and precise, and the Golem''s voice vibrated with a gravelly rumble. ¡°What you see is no ordinary game of cards,¡± Edric said. ¡°Some say this is where the true political might of the people is won or lost. The Jingozi dismiss it as beneath them, but they turn a blind eye at their peril. Here, alliances are forged, and rivalries are deepened.¡± The Amazon player made her move, cards flashing with power, and won the hand. The crowd erupted in cheers and gasps as she raked in the pile of Zii in the pot. The Emperor player, a young man in a purple tunic, caught Edric glaring his way. He shrank in his chair, sweat glistening on his clammy face. ¡°This is more than a game, Ember. It¡¯s a reflection of all our dimensions.¡± For the first time, I could relate. It was a world I understood more than anything. Edric leaned in so close my skin crawled. ¡°Now, indulge me as I demonstrate true power.¡± Chapter 30 (Rewrite): MISSIONS Chapter 30: MISSIONS
They promised a contest free of physical harm, yet the Jingozi¡¯s exhibitions twist the mind so cruelly that combatants stagger away in worse pain than any blade could inflict. I watched a proud warrior collapse, clutching his skull from agony no wound could explain. The Jingozi hail it as compassionate warfare, but their claim is a hollow promise¡ªan illusion of mercy covering a darker reality. *** We descended a narrow staircase into a smaller arena beneath the main hall. The atmosphere felt different¡ªsolemn yet pulsing with intensity. At the center of the arena stood a sumo ring, its pristine, flat white surface gleaming under the lights. Three Jingozi floated above the seats on one side of the arena, their hoods obscuring their masked faces. The Shogun sat on an elevated platform with his royal guard on the opposite side. Six combatants from each faction stepped into the ring and bowed to the Jingozi. Their statuses revealed that each was a Tier III Steel Divine Dealer of various ranks. The Samurai bowed another time to the Shogun, who responded with a curt nod. The fighters loaded their Jingozi cards and assumed stances distinct to their class. Immediately, all but the Monk collapsed onto the mat, writhing in pain. ¡°Matches are over in an instant,¡± Edric said. ¡°Time outside the Jingozi arena stands still, though the battle may have lasted days. Although damage in the arena is not real, the psychic trauma might last a lifetime.¡± Cragmarr didn''t mention anything about psychic trauma. I said nothing, observing the fallen players, their faces contorted in agony. The Monk reached over and offered a hand to anybody who''d take it. The clay Demi-Golem accepted, its massive hand clasping the Monk¡¯s. The others scoffed while dragging themselves out of the ring. The crowd was subdued compared to the one above. Here, spectators quietly observed the competition. One of the Jingozi tossed a black pouch onto the mat, which spilled open to reveal black Jingozi tokens. The Monk gathered his prize and faced the solemn crowd. He performed the traditional Bao Quan Li, forming a fist with his right hand and covering it with his left palm. Fellow Monks joined him, embracing each other in silence. The Demi-Golem approached the group, offering his respect and camaraderie. That¡¯s what Cragmarr would do, too. As a new group entered the ring and bowed, I blinked into the Jingozi arena. I wonder if this will work. I opened my eyes amid a furious battle. The arena''s usual unblemished surface was now a blood-soaked battlefield, and each competitor seemed unaware of my presence. To my left, the Amazon warrior moved with frenetic grace, her twin blades flashing as she sliced through flesh and bone, blood spraying in her wake. Her movements were fluid and almost dance-like. She decapitated a Ninja with a blinding swift strike, the head rolling to my feet. Directly before me, a metal Demi-Golem towered twenty feet over the battlefield. Its massive fists slammed into the ground, causing shockwaves that sent opponents sprawling. The impact shattered bones and tore bodies, splattering the area with gore. The Samurai executed a series of precise strikes. His katana cut deep, severing limbs. Behind him, two female Samurai launched a volley of arrows at other faction members fighting across the arena. Ninjas darted in and out of the melee, throwing shurikens and launching surprise attacks from every angle to disorient and confuse opponents. Their movements were almost invisible, a blur of speed and agility, blending into their surroundings. They slit throats and stabbed hearts, moving to the next kill before the bodies even dropped to the ground. A lone elven Monk commanded the ghostly snakes, their translucent forms slithering through the air around her. They hissed and snapped, lashing out at enemies while coiling as a shield around her. When one spectral serpent fell, two more took its place. The Emperor stood at the center, surrounded by a squad of knights. He wielded a wand emanating dark energy, sending shadow bolts in every direction. Bodies convulsed before crumpling to the ground, where swords skewered them. The round ended. The Monk extended his hand to draw all the green Zii coins strewn across the arena into his palm, and the fighting stopped. Bodies shimmered and vanished, including any living minions. Even the Golem reverted to his original size. With the battlefield reset, the six players repositioned themselves to draw another hand of cards. The Amazon stood ready in the starting position for the next round. I blinked back, and the Monk was declared the winner. The whole experience was so jarring that it knocked the wind out of me. Edric¡¯s eyes were on me in an instant. I struggled to steady my breathing, forcing a weak smile. ¡°I... I don¡¯t feel well,¡± I said. ¡°It must be the excitement and the food.¡± The Overlord¡¯s gaze lingered, his expression neutral. ¡°Very well. I will return you to the Shogun,¡± he said. ¡°But first...¡± *** Edric strode onto the stage, forcing the previous players to scramble out of his way. The Shogun¡¯s gaze landed on him and then on me, his face twisted in anger. Edric savored the reaction with a grin. ¡°Next match,¡± Edric commanded. ¡°I shall now represent the Emperor faction.¡± The Jingozi acknowledged him with a slight nod, and a drum beat welcomed the players from the remaining factions into the ring. Each bowed to the Shogun. Edric didn¡¯t but simply kept looking back at him with a smirk. The next group consisted of Tier IV Cobalt dealers¡ªthree ranked lower than Edric, who didn¡¯t even display a rank to me. There''s no way it was a fair match. I shuddered, imagining what would unfold in the arena, but I also felt oddly curious. I attempted to blink into the Jingozi fighting grounds to watch the competition but found myself blocked. An invisible force prevented my entry¡ªalmost like an impenetrable dark barrier, not a physical gate so much as a mystical shield of darkness. Edric''s eyes caught me, and he flashed a devious smile, slightly shaking his head. Fuck. Does he know? Everyone took their battle stance except Edric, who spread his arms and tilted his head upward. All competitors promptly collapsed in agony while he remained unmoved. The Monk and Samurai suffered the worst, convulsing and vomiting blood before falling unconscious. Splashes of crimson stained the once-pristine, white ring. Faction members tried to rush in to help, but Edric raised his hand, halting them. He materialized four purple, glowing Zii coins and placed them on the eyes of the lifeless Monk and Samurai. After a deep breath, Edric snapped his fingers to reveal a Jingozi card, creating a purple flare. The Zii melted into the eyes of his victims, reviving them. The Monk and Samurai coughed as they came back to life. A murmur rippled through the crowd, a mix of fear, confusion, and outrage. Satisfied, Edric lowered his hand, allowing others to enter the ring and tend to the injured. The Shogun¡¯s face twisted with fury as he stormed out of the arena with his guards. *** This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. As we returned to the prison, Edric remained pensive, idly twirling a long iron wand in his hand. The wand had an oversized amethyst on one end with a spiked tip on the other. I''ve seen that wand before¡­ "There''s something special about you, Ember." He leaned forward, waving the point inches from my face to gauge my reaction. I gave him my best poker face, praying it was enough. He finally broke the silent stand-off. ¡°Rest well, Ember. Maybe I¡¯ll see you at your execution?¡± Day [32/40] Time Remaining Until Execution: [20 Days] The tension in the war room was palpable as I stood with Taikumi, Sora, and the twins. My hands trembled as I recounted the previous day''s events. ¡°You should¡¯ve seen it,¡± I said. ¡°He¡¯s a monster.¡± ¡°Of course. It was an unfair match,¡± Sora scoffed, leaning back in her chair with arms crossed. ¡°That¡¯s what the Emperor faction does. They use these displays as acts of intimidation, nothing more.¡± ¡°Sora is right,¡± Taikumi agreed. ¡°But Edric¡¯s presence is a surprise. He¡¯s not just any Emperor. He''s the faction leader, and his influence is second only to his cunning. We must not underestimate him.¡± I slammed my fist on the table, startling the twins. ¡°How can the Jingozi allow this to happen? Aren¡¯t they supposed to be impartial?¡± Taikumi sighed, glancing at Sora before explaining, ¡°The Emperor faction has always been the closest to contesting the Jingozi¡¯s power. This odd relationship grants them a certain degree of deference. It¡¯s a delicate balance, and Edric knows exactly how to exploit it.¡± Hikari and Kaito exchanged worried glances. ¡°What does this mean for our plan, Taikumi?¡± Hikari asked. ¡°It means we must be careful. Edric¡¯s presence complicates things, but we can¡¯t afford to back down. The plan is too important, and it¡¯s been effective thus far.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t just sit here and do nothing,¡± I said. ¡°What are you going to do?¡± Kaito asked. ¡°Get stronger,¡± I said, turning towards the door. I stormed out of the room, leaving the others in silence. *** I tore through my Ninja missions, each representing a stepping stone toward greater power¡ªthe drive to gain more strength consumed every waking moment. Between missions and hurried meals, I trained. My ranks became an obsession, a singular focus drowning out everything else. I pushed myself harder. Feelings and emotions disappeared, replaced by cold efficiency and stone-like focus. People murmured around me that I had changed, becoming more menacing and unnerving. Even Kitty kept her distance. I didn¡¯t care. The concern in their eyes, the whispers behind my back¡ªnothing mattered except reaching the next tier. *** I crept into the concealed prison facility, my boots silent against the cold concrete floor as I surveyed the grim scene where innocent townsfolk were trapped as unwilling workers. Their exhausted forms shuffled between workstations, with heads bowed under the watchful eyes of armed guards. Instead of taking down the sentries methodically, I charged straight through, my fingers dancing across my cards as I unleashed rapid-fire projectiles with deadly precision. My shots whistled through the air, each finding its mark and incapacitating the warriors before they could raise the alarm. The captives gazed at me in bewilderment, their faces showing relief and terror as they processed what had just happened. Some even reached out toward me with trembling hands. I didn''t wait around for their gratitude or questions. MISSION COMPLETE: THE LABOUR CAMP Infiltrate the hidden labor camp and free the slaves. QUEST UPDATE: NINJA GUILD Complete 10 Ninja Guild Missions Progress: [5/10] Remaining Time: [19 Days] *** I stormed the petty trafficking operation without bothering to sneak around, my blood boiling at their pathetic enterprise. Bursting through the main entrance, I unleashed my fury with precise strikes, pummeling the bosses until they yielded beneath my relentless assault. Their pleas for mercy fell on deaf ears¡ªI''d seen too much of their handiwork to show compassion. Once I''d reduced their hideout to ashes, watching the flames dance with grim satisfaction, I dragged the trio of ringleaders to the nearest overpass. I strung up their limp bodies as a warning. MISSION COMPLETE: THE SMUGGLING RING Dismantle the local smuggling ring. QUEST UPDATE: NINJA GUILD Complete 10 Ninja Guild Missions Progress: [6/10] Remaining Time: [18 Days] *** An important informant had come begging for protection from a notorious killer¡ªa defector from our Ninja faction with blood-stained hands and a reputation without honor. I didn''t hesitate to challenge the murderer directly, my blood burning hot as I clashed with him along the crowded thoroughfare as terrified spectators amassed behind market stalls and in doorways. The bystanders stood frozen like statues, their faces pale as they watched me thrash the hitman to within an inch of his miserable life. My charge cowered nearby, terrified yet ultimately unharmed. The city''s gold-clad Samurai patrol remained at a safe distance, their precious honor apparently not extending to endangering themselves for either us outlaws or the common peasants they claimed to protect. They''d rather polish their swords than dirty them in actual duty. MISSION COMPLETE: PROTECT THE WITNESS Protect the witness from a rival guild of assassins. QUEST UPDATE: NINJA GUILD Complete 10 Ninja Guild Missions Progress: [7/10] Remaining Time: [17 Days] *** I infiltrated the Samurai master''s compound, methodically cutting down his security forces despite lacking proof of his crimes. My heart pumped harder with each strike, fueled by righteous anger rather than concrete evidence. Under duress, with a trembling hand pressed against his mahogany desk, he penned an admission to save himself from death. The paintings decorating his chambers¡ªdisplayed so proudly on gilded frames¡ªrevealed his sick obsession with young children, making my stomach turn with each grotesque brushstroke. Without hesitation, I seared his vision with an explosive flare card, the flash burning away his ability to ever look upon such depravity again. Using his blood, I painted the Ninja faction symbol across the wall, the dripping heart symbol a testament to justice served. MISSION COMPLETE: EXPOSING A TYRANT Expose a Samurai lord and get a signed confession of his crimes. QUEST UPDATE: NINJA GUILD Complete 10 Ninja Guild Missions Progress: [8/10] Remaining Time: [16 Days] *** Another corrupt official was evading justice, hiding away in a safe house like a rat in its hole. To expose him, I delivered the evidence of his corruption directly to his peers by finding their wives and giving them a message to take home¡ªdetailed files that proved every dirty deal and backroom transaction. I ensured they understood the gravity of what their husbands were involved in. When they hesitated, I quietly mentioned I''d visit their children next, letting the threat hang in the air. The next day, the official''s allies turned on him, executing him without hesitation. They couldn''t risk their own families discovering the full extent of their corruption. MISSION COMPLETE: END THE CORRUPTION Ensure the corrupt official no longer lives by any means necessary. QUEST UPDATE: NINJA GUILD Complete 10 Ninja Guild Missions Progress: [9/10] Remaining Time: [15 Days] *** The local resistance group reached out again, desperate for protection during their upcoming meeting. My mission included a warning¡ªthey had a mole in their ranks actively feeding information to our enemies. Rather than expose this immediately, I played it strategically. At the pre-meeting briefing, I made a calculated announcement that I knew exactly who the traitor was. I promised to expose all traitors at the gathering and ensure swift retribution against their entire network¡ªfamily, friends, and even their secret lovers. I observed their faces as I spoke, noting every micro-expression. The meeting proceeded without disruption, and every member was present and accounted for¡ªexcept for one conspicuous absence. Later that evening, we found him in his home, having chosen the way of seppuku to atone for his betrayal and spare his family from my promised vengeance. MISSION COMPLETE: DEFEND THE RESISTANCE Expose the mole and protect the resistance during their critical meeting. UPDATE: YOU HAVE COMPLETED A QUEST [NINJA GUILD] Complete 10 Ninja Guild Missions Progress: [10/10] Bonus Experience Available Remaining Time: [14 Days] LEVEL UPDATE Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: I [Iron] Rank 1 Reward: Battle Cards [4] UPDATED STATUS: Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: I [Iron] Rank 1 Faction: Ninja [Field] Zii: 100/100 Cards: 14/14 [Error]: 7/7 Deck: *** Day [39/40] Time Remaining Until Execution: [13 Days] That night, I lay in a hot bath, scrubbing the blood and grime from my skin. I hadn''t bathed since my encounter with Overlord Edric. I discovered a bone splinter lodged between my knuckles. Steam rose around me, blending with the whirlwind of thoughts racing through my mind. And I was torn. On one hand, I felt a sense of satisfaction, knowing I¡¯d made an impact¡ªeven if it was through fear and violence. On the other hand, I barely recognized myself. As I soaked, lost in thought, Sora appeared in the doorway. She stood silently, as she often did, watching me. As usual, our eyes met, and I expected her to walk away without a word. Instead, she gave a slight nod of approval¡ªat least, I thought she did. ¡°Get out,¡± she said. ¡°You¡¯re due for interrogation.¡± The bath suddenly felt ice cold. Chapter 31 (Rewrite): TILT Chapter 31: TILT
When Hikari and Kaito arrived to escort me back to the prison, their nervous energy was palpable. They exchanged reluctant glances as we descended the underground shaft. ¡°What is it?¡± I demanded. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Hikari bit her lip, and Kaito shifted uncomfortably. ¡°Ember, your body double... her name is Rin. She was tortured by the guards and thrown into a pit for five days. She just got out, so we¡¯re swapping you back early.¡± ¡°Goddammit, you two. Why didn¡¯t anyone tell me?¡± ¡°We couldn¡¯t,¡± Kaito said. ¡°You vanished on missions¡ªeven Kitty went looking for you.¡± Fuck. I¡¯d been so consumed I¡¯d lost track of Kitty and ignored the people risking their lives for me. I clenched my jaw so hard I thought my teeth would crack. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± I said. We trudged back to the prison in heavy silence, the muffled thunder outside echoing the rage pounding in my mind. My thoughts raced with guilt and anger, each step feeling heavier than the last. Under the trap door, a limp body dropped through the opening. Without hesitation, I stepped forward to catch Rin. The acrid smell of sweat and urine hit me first. Her skin felt cold and slick with grime against mine, more like a bag of bones than a person. I cradled her gently, shocked at how light she was¡ªa reminder of her ordeal on my behalf. The weight of her sacrifice pressed down on me, far heavier than her frail form in my arms. ¡°Rin, I¡¯m so¡­ so sorry,¡± I whispered. ¡°This is all my fault.¡± She didn¡¯t respond. *** QUEST COMPLETE: THE TRIALS Survive 40 days of PVE with no assistance from your tutorial guide. Prove yourself worthy as a Jingozi dealer. Earn Jingozi tokens as currency to complete your quests. [40/40] Complete LEVEL UPDATE Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: II [Bronze] Rank 10 FEAT ACHIEVED: NEW TIER You have reached Tier II [Bronze]. A deck upgrade is available. Maximum Zii multiplier increased to 2. Full Zii stat buff now increased to +200% [Tier II] UPDATED STATUS: Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: II [Bronze] Rank 10 Faction: Ninja [Field] Zii: 100/100 Cards: 14/14 [Error]: 7/7 Deck: Time Remaining Until Execution: [12 Days] In poker, playing on tilt is fighting a battle you¡¯ve already lost but refusing to accept it. It¡¯s when your emotions take over, leading you to make reckless decisions. You start chasing losses, convinced the next hand will turn everything around, but it rarely does. Instead, you dig yourself deeper, sinking further into the hole. It¡¯s the number one reason poker players lose money¡ªthey can¡¯t separate their emotions from the game. I¡¯d been on tilt for the past week. I thought I was in control, making all the right moves. But the harsh truth is I lost my grip, blinded by ego and anger. What made it worse was I¡¯d been here many times before. After turning pro, I busted out of every poker tournament because I couldn¡¯t control my emotions. The critics knew it, other players knew it, and deep down, I knew it. But that didn¡¯t stop me from trying again, over and over, desperate to prove them all wrong. I found myself on the floor of the Jingozi arena, knees pulled to my chest, exhausted and overwhelmed. ¡°How about some truth?¡± the voice asked. ¡°Not a great time.¡± ¡°You know they love you, right?¡± ¡°Who?¡± ¡°Everybody you¡¯ve been fighting for.¡± ¡°I¡¯m so not in the mood for this,¡± I muttered. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. ¡°Remember back in the orphanage? You tried hard to be chosen, to impress potential parents with all your talent and effort.¡± ¡°Of course. And look where it got me?¡± ¡°That¡¯s exactly right. And look where it¡¯s getting you now.¡± I wiped my tears. ¡°You¡¯re always trying to earn it,¡± he continued. ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong. There¡¯s a part of you that makes that quality special. But eventually, you¡¯ll have to accept that they will love you, even if you fail.¡± ¡°Wait a second,¡± I sniffed. He was right. My entire journey up to this point had been like one endless orphanage of life¡ªalways drifting from one group to the next, constantly seeking approval by improving myself in every way I could. But in the end, the people closest to me didn¡¯t care about the bracelets, the books, or the social media following. Still, I pushed them away. And now, thinking of Hikari, Kaito, Taikumi, Cragmarr, and even Sora, it took being kidnapped into another dimension to find what I¡¯d been missing all along¡ªa family¡ªthe most unexpected kind at that. ¡°Now, Ember, enough chat for now. Your gift evolution awaits.¡± ¡°My what?¡± ¡°Remember your gift? Think of it like the gift that keeps on giving.¡± ¡°My deck upgrade?¡± ¡°That¡¯s still going to occur by the Jingozi. But your gift evolution is reserved for you and me. Please stand up and look down.¡± Below me, I saw the reflection of my cell¡ªtwo guards and myself curled up on the bed. A shimmering circle formed around my body in the center, followed by two more circles, each encircling the guards. ¡°Do you see how your circle overlaps theirs?¡± he asked. ¡°Yup.¡± ¡°Good. Your circles of dimensional time are now linked because of your shared space in this prison. You can now transport yourself to a physical location within your mutual dimensions.¡± ¡°Like teleporting? Anywhere?¡± ¡°There are limitations. You both must be able to see the destination. For example, you can¡¯t teleport behind someone or through solid objects. You¡¯ll figure it out once you try it.¡± ¡°How is that possible?¡± ¡°Jingozi technology. The one that brought you here.¡± ¡°That makes sense,¡± I said. ¡°But how did you get it from them and give it to me?¡± ¡°Oh, Ember. Where do you think they got it from?¡± ¡°Wait a second. You never told me any of this.¡± ¡°I¡¯m telling you right now,¡± he said. ¡°How about you try it first, and we can discuss it more later?¡± ¡°Alright, let¡¯s see¡­¡± I blinked back into the prison, this time right between the guards. When they realized I was missing, they stepped forward in a panic. I tapped them both on the back. ¡°Hey, fellas!¡± They spun around, and I blinked back into my cell. I stood up, scratching my head, as they checked behind them again. ¡°What¡¯s up? You two look confused.¡± The guards exchanged flustered glances before turning back to taser me unconscious. Time Remaining Until Execution: [11 Days] ¡°Em, wake up.¡± Name: Cragmarr [Covenant Dealer] Tier: III [Steel] Rank 9 Faction: Golem [Demi] ¡°Cragmarr? If this is some dream, I¡¯m gonna Ninja-punch you in the face.¡± ¡°I assure you that I am here.¡± I sprang up, tackling him¡ªas expected, it was like hugging a pile of rocks. ¡°You tiered up,¡± I said. ¡°Where the hell have you been?¡± ¡°I was forbidden to see you until you finished your trials. And yes, my new tier was a reward for your success.¡± ¡°That rocks¡ªpun intended.¡± I chuckled before realizing Cragmarr had no idea what was so funny. ¡°But how are you here? Where are the guards?¡± ¡°Remember, the Jingozi chose me as your ward. It affords my privileges.¡± ¡°Do you know what¡¯s going on, then?¡± I asked. ¡°I don¡¯t even know where to start. I screwed things up, like, really, really bad.¡± ¡°I know you have contacted your faction, but Taikumi has refused an audience with me. Is the guild still located beneath the temple?" "Yup." "And you''ve met Sora?" "Oh, yeah." "How has she been treating you?" ¡°She''s a piece of work, Crag. But whatever, I''m over it. I need to tell you about the other gifts¡ª" ¡°Say no more,¡± he whispered, leaning in. ¡°It is dangerous to speak of such things here. I am here because, at every new tier, the Jingozi offers an upgrade similar to your meta buff. It happens again every tier.¡± Cragmarr stood up, his steady gaze becoming more intense. ¡°Have you continued to receive those spell cards?¡± his voice dropped to a whisper. Still groggy, I managed to pull myself to my feet. ¡°Yup, like you told me. Want to see them? "No. Please continue to keep them a secret until you have no other choice. Have you been testing them?" ¡°Sometimes¡­ I was¡­ um¡­ preoccupied. Did I mention I screwed up?¡± ¡°I understand. We do not have much time. You have another choice to make, quickly.¡± Cragmarr opened a pouch, and three cards floated out with a notification. YOU HAVE RECEIVED A JINGOZI DECK UPGRADE [NINJA] [REWARD META] This card will add a passive bonus to your entire deck. Select one of the following: Card 1: Auto Dodge Your top five battle cards give you a chance to dodge all attacks automatically. Dodge percentage is based on the attack over defense score. The defense score must be equal to or greater than the attack. The card is shuffled to the bottom of your deck after activation. Card 2: Iron Skin Piercing damage cannot harm you. Does not protect you from bludgeoning damage, magical attacks, or Zii effects. Card 3: Sleep Bomb Enemies within your smoke bomb areas must make a resistance check against your card or fall into a deep sleep until awoken by damage. The defense score must be equal to or greater than the attack. ¡°I wish I could take them all,¡± I said. ¡°How many options are there in total?¡± ¡°Hundreds, if not more. The Jingozi introduces new deck buffs every cycle. The choices adapt to your meta.¡± ¡°Can I sleep on it?¡± ¡°I am afraid not.¡± ¡°Well then. Option 1." I plucked the first card. YOU HAVE RECEIVED THE AUTO DODGE BUFF [NINJA] [DEFENSE META] Your top five cards give you a chance to dodge all attacks automatically. Dodge percentage is based on the attack over defense score. The defense score must be equal to or greater than the attack. The card is shuffled to the bottom of your deck after activation. UPDATED STATUS: Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: II [Bronze] Rank 10 Faction: Ninja [Field] Zii: 100/100 Cards: 14/14 [Error]: 7/7 Deck: ¡°Okay, done,¡± I said. ¡°What¡¯s next?¡± ¡°Now you wait. It is eleven days until your execution. The Shogun has decided to make it a public event.¡± ¡°Can I at least leave to train with Hikari and Kaito?¡± ¡°Unfortunately, no. However, the Shogun has agreed to let you spend your final ten days with the Monks at Thunder Temple. Prisoners sentenced to death are sometimes sent there to receive their last rites.¡± The last rites sounded ominous. ¡°Why would the Shogun allow me out of here?¡± I asked. ¡°An agreement with Overlord Edric.¡± ¡°Seriously? And what does that sociopath want?¡± ¡°I do not know, Em. The Monks have sworn an oath to the northern and southern factions to remain impartial in political affairs.¡± "Do you think he knows that I''m a vessel?" "He has made no indication of such knowledge." ¡°Then he wants to see this played out.¡± ¡°Indeed. So do the Jingozi, it seems.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the plan for the execution?¡± I asked. ¡°You know, to keep my head on my shoulders and other details like that?¡± ¡°I have not been informed of a plan, but I have been assured the Ninja faction will intervene. However, you will be in isolation for the final ten days. Even I am prohibited from making contact. We have no choice but to trust them.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not liking this one bit.¡± I paced around the cell. ¡°I understand. I promise I will do all I can.¡± ¡°Well, you did get me this far.¡± I punched him in the shoulder. ¡°And I¡¯ve got a few tricks of my own now. But can I ask you for a favor?¡± ¡°Yes, anything.¡± ¡°Can you go get Kitty and set her loose? In case I don¡¯t make it, she deserves to be free. I would appreciate it, Crag.¡± "Kitty, is your familiar? The silverglint?" "Yup." "Is that not the name of a feline in your world?" "Yup." ¡°Yes, I will, Em.¡± Chapter 32 (Rewrite): PARADOX Chapter 32: PARADOX
The Monks in the central monasteries once kept silent in prayer, turning from worldly concerns. Now, they wrestle with the new magic that surges through the land. Even their chants echo with alien intonations learned from the Jingozi. The revelation that the old texts no longer answer their questions only grows their anguish. *** Time Remaining Until Execution: [10 Days] The next day, they unceremoniously transported me to Thunder Temple, ironically, a Ninja faction hideout. But despite calling it home for weeks, I¡¯d never seen the upper levels. We stayed underground, using the network of tunnels to move around Raishoto. Shackled, my Samurai escorts surrounded me, with Cragmarr in the back. We traveled in silence with only the distant rumble of thunder. As we crested the final hill, Thunder Temple came into view. The enormous, ancient structure, carved into the mountainside overlooking Raishoto, loomed before us. Stone walls were etched with mystic symbols while lightning rods crowned the pagodas, still crackling with residual energy. The entire building pulsed with life. We passed through a towering gate flanked by two colossal statues of Samurai warriors. Beyond them, a sprawling complex of courtyards, gardens, and towering halls, all interconnected by a maze of covered walkways and bridges. A group of Monks received me at the entrance. My Samurai escorts bowed respectfully before retreating. An elderly man in simple green robes greeted me. ¡°Welcome to Thunder Temple. I am Master Fengbao, the head Monk of this monastery. You are now in our care.¡± Master Fengbao was short and stocky. His face bore the lines of age and wisdom, framed by a long, flowing white beard down to his waist. His green eyes contrasted vividly against his weathered skin, giving him a look of quiet intensity. Cragmarr nodded as he gestured for me to follow him. ¡°I will see you in ten days, Ember,¡± Cragmarr called. FEAT ACHIEVED: THE NEXUS Nexus Quest: [2/3] LEVEL UPDATE Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: II [Bronze] Rank 9 Reward: Battle Cards [2] UPDATED STATUS: Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: II [Bronze] Rank 10 Faction: Ninja [Field] Zii: 100/100 Cards: 16/16 [Error]: 7/7 Deck: Woah. I tripped over my feet, startled by the notifications. ¡°A nexus,¡± I said under my breath. ¡°You know of such things?¡± Fengbao asked, having heard me. I thought silence would be my best answer. ¡°I see. You are a Jingozi dealer,¡± he said. ¡°Guilty as charged,¡± I said. ¡°We have not had a Jingozi dealer within these walls since I can remember.¡± ¡°Why not?¡± I almost snickered. ¡°A Jingozi would never find themselves trapped in a place like this. We are not permitted to leave, which makes things rather¡­ restrictive.¡± ¡°Wait, you¡¯re stuck here?¡± ¡°The brothers and sisters within these walls have chosen a life of isolated discipline and contemplation. We all took a vow of Zii.¡± ¡°Well, I think that kinda sucks.¡± ¡°Not at all,¡± he said with a serene smile. ¡°What about the rest of your faction?¡± ¡°We are temple Monks. The rest of our faction resides on the border between the north and south. You can find those who follow the Jingozi way there. Although they are all most likely participating in the current exhibition.¡± ¡°Yeah, I saw that. Your team was cleaning house until¡ª¡± ¡°The Overlord,¡± Fengbao said with a knowing nod. ¡°Although we are relegated to live within these walls, it does not mean we are unaware of what happens outside them.¡± He leaned in with a wink. ¡°Including deep below. Taikumi sends his warmest greetings and says to stay out of trouble.¡± I smiled with newfound respect. There was clearly more to the Monk faction than I gave them credit for. As we entered and walked through the temple grounds, I marveled at the diversity of the Monks who tended to the monastery. There were humans, elves, and even a few demi-golems, all dressed in the same simple green robes, their heads shaved in the traditional Monk style. Despite their different races and backgrounds, their movements were all the same¡ªwith purpose. We passed through a courtyard where Monks practiced martial arts. Most sparred with bamboo staffs or swords, but some used more exotic weapons like the three-section staff. The air was filled with the sounds of clashing wood, the swish of robes, and the occasional grunt of exertion. ¡°This is our training ground,¡± Fengbao explained. ¡°Here, we hone our bodies and minds to achieve the true peace that comes from balance.¡± We continued through more interconnected courtyards, each more impressive than the last. In one, a group of Monks tended a garden filled with rare and exotic plants that smelled like the essential oils my massage therapist loved. The sound of trickling water from a nearby fountain added to the peaceful vibe. In another courtyard, monks gathered around a massive gong, striking it in rhythm. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Fengbao led me to the heart of the temple, an enormous hall with towering columns and a high ceiling painted with murals. The walls were lined with statues of past Monks, their stone eyes gazing down at us. A gigantic statue of a Samurai warrior stood at the center of the hall, holding a lightning bolt. ¡°Lord Raiden Takamori, I presume?¡± I said. ¡°You know the story?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s just say Taikumi loves it¡ªenough to tell me six times.¡± ¡°Ah, yes, it¡¯s an entertaining legend. Truthfully, Master Raiden was not a Samurai but a Monk trying to unite the factions. But the Samurai have a way of changing stories for political purposes.¡± As I stepped forward, the nexus overwhelmed me with its sheer presence¡ªeven more potent than the one in Yukiko¡¯s village. ¡°This is¡­ crazy,¡± I whispered. ¡°You are more Zii-sensitive than any guest in recent memory, Ember. I now understand what they all see in you. Come, let me show you to your quarters.¡± We arrived at a modest room tucked away in a quiet corner of the temple. Fengbao pushed open the wooden door, revealing a small space with a standard cot, a low table, and other necessities. Although sparsely furnished, everything within the room was meticulously crafted, from the smooth wooden floor to the woven mat covering it. ¡°This will be yours for the duration of your stay. It is simple, but it has everything you will need.¡± I stepped inside, taking in the room¡¯s austerity. The cot was neatly made, with a folded blanket and a small pillow. A bowl of fresh water and a simple meal of steamed rice and vegetables sat on the table. ¡°For the next ten days, be free to do as you wish. You may explore the temple, learn our martial arts, or meditate in the gardens. The choice is yours. This time allows you to reflect, grow, and understand dimensional balance.¡± ¡°What about my last rites? Crag¡­ my ward mentioned them.¡± ¡°I have been given no such instructions. However, there are rules you must follow. Thunder Temple is neutral ground. No faction business can be conducted here, and no one can enter or leave the monastery during your stay. You will not contact your ward, Cragmarr, or other allies. This is a place of peace, and we do not allow the conflicts of the outside world to taint it. Even the Jingozi cannot interfere.¡± Fengbao paused at the door. ¡°Use this time wisely, Ember. The path to true strength is not always through battle but through knowing oneself. I trust the nexus will show you.¡± I sat down on the cot, feeling its firmness beneath me. There was no luxury here, no distractions¡ªjust me, the walls, and¡­ My Jingozi abilities weren¡¯t working. I tried to draw a card, but nothing worked. Accessing my inventory or notifications didn¡¯t work either, and I couldn¡¯t produce a Zii coin. I blinked into the Jingozi arena. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± I said. ¡°Why does my ability still work here when everything else is broken?¡± ¡°The Monks may be able to suppress Jingozi technology, but not your gift.¡± ¡°I thought you said they got the technology from you. Isn¡¯t this all the same thing?¡± ¡°Yes, but kind of, sort of, but not really," he chuckled. I didn''t find it very funny. "Alright, the answer is yes," he continued. "I gave the Jingozi their technology, but they only understand half of it. The Monks as well.¡± ¡°Man, someday we¡¯re gonna talk about all this.¡± ¡°Looking forward to it. In the meantime, why don¡¯t you take advantage of this opportunity, like a retreat? It¡¯s not like you have anywhere else to be.¡± ¡°You know what? That actually sounds like a good idea.¡± *** Life at Thunder Temple took on an unexpected rhythm for the next ten days. The Monks rose early for a morning meditation. I joined them, initially feeling out of place, but gradually, I sank into the silence. Despite my status as an outsider and Jingozi dealer condemned to death, they treated me as one of their own. There were no whispers behind my back, no sidelong glances of suspicion. They couldn''t care less. I was simply another soul seeking balance. After meditation, we trained. The Monks practiced their martial arts with a discipline bordering on reverence. Their bodies bent and twisted with techniques that defied the limitations of flesh and bone. They taught me as much as I could absorb, taking my skills to a whole new level, which still meant they whooped my ass every time. The Monks had a variation of Zii-Kata known as Zii-Chi. It was at the heart of their practice, a fusion of martial arts and meditation designed to draw power from the spirits. While the basics mirrored Zii-Kata, it had a more profound, almost spiritual resonance. The Monks taught me how to channel energy from the nexus, aligning my movements with its flow. With each session, the connection grew¡ªthe nexus becoming more than just a source of pure Zii, but something alive, something I could truly feel. One demonstration of Zii-Chi left me speechless. Monks remained in stance as thick bamboo trunks and heavy stones shattered against their bodies. Even sharp objects¡ªblades designed to slice and pierce¡ªwere driven against their skin without leaving a mark. They explained that the secret lay in maintaining a deep, meditative state, almost like a trance. Zii-Chi made their bodies impenetrable, a seamless blend of spirit, mind, and body. Afternoons were spent in quiet contemplation or working alongside each other. I helped in the gardens, tending to the exotic plants thriving in the temple¡¯s rich soil. I swept the endless corridors, learning the names of the Monks who passed by with nods of acknowledgment. I even assisted in the kitchens, preparing simple, nourishing, shared meals in silence. The Monks¡¯ lifestyle was one of humility and service, and each task was performed with mindfulness¡ªboth foreign and refreshing. In the evenings, the temple came alive with chants, the deep, resonant voices of the Monks filling the air as they gathered in the Hall of Thunder. As the days passed, I lost track of time, the outside world slipping away as I became more immersed in temple life. There were no judgments about my past, questions about my future, or allegiances. I embraced being ¡°Sister Ember.¡± I found myself looking forward to the small rituals of daily life. There were quiet moments in the garden where I basked in the scent of blooming flowers. Other times, I engaged in the camaraderie of the Monks, who, despite their stoic exteriors, were well-versed in small talk. The sisters were exceptionally supportive, and there were no roles based on gender. I appreciated that. On the ninth day, as the sun began to set and the sky turned a deep shade of purple, I stood at the edge of the training ground, watching the Monks practice their Zii-Chi. I¡¯d almost forgotten the purpose of my stay. The thought of leaving the temple tomorrow filled me with some sadness. But as the head Monk, Master Fengbao, approached, I knew my time here was ending. ¡°Master, may I ask a question?¡± I asked. ¡°Of course, Ember. I always love a good question.¡± ¡°Why did you come here?¡± ¡°Ah, yes,¡± he nodded with his eyes closed. ¡°It was a lifetime ago. Has anybody here mentioned the Monk champion Zhong during your stay with us?¡± ¡°His name¡¯s come up. That¡¯s all.¡± ¡°Zhong was once a Samurai, the captain of the Shogun¡¯s guard,¡± he began. ¡°A half-elf renowned for his brilliance as a military tactician. But he grew disillusioned with the Shogunate and sought peace among the Monks. That peace was shattered when his monastery was caught in the crossfire between the Emperor and Amazon¡¯s bitter war against the Samurai and Golems. Refusing to take sides, his entire family was tortured and killed.¡± A tapestry of visions flooded my mind. It had been happening all week, and I assumed they were because of the nexus. A naked Monk was bowing before three Jingozi. ¡°Seeking vengeance, Zhong pledged his soul to the Jingozi for power,¡± Fengbao continued. ¡°He rapidly achieved the highest ranks and became a Jingozi master. But the price was his sanity and a mission to assassinate a key leader from each faction, including the Shogun and Zhong''s new family, the Monks.¡± ¡°Wow. Did he succeed?¡± ¡°He did indeed, and his actions birthed a dark legacy amongst our faction. Each leader died in such sinister ways that the Jingozi became even more feared. And now, many Monks who follow the Jingozi way have chosen him as their champion.¡± I came face to face with a vision of Zhong. He wasn''t just a Monk¡ªhe was a force of nature. His skin was taut, veins pulsing with dark energy, crackling beneath the surface like lightning ready to strike. His bald head caught the light, highlighting the deep lines etched into his face, and those eyes¡ªthose glowing green eyes¡ªburned with malice. The air around him practically sizzled, faint lightning sparks dancing across his skin, illuminating the veins snaking across his head. His expression was pure, unbridled rage. ¡°Where is he now?¡± I asked. ¡°They say he exiled himself into the mountains as penance for his transgressions. Many Monks pilgrimage to his temple where he teaches them in visions and dreams.¡± ¡°That still doesn¡¯t explain why you¡¯re here,¡± I changed the subject. ¡°I, too, lost my family to this futile war,¡± he said, putting his hands in mine to steady me. ¡°With nothing else to live for, I joined the temple Monks here to teach our faction a better way¡ªthe way of balance and peace.¡± A man in search of purpose after losing his family. I could certainly understand that. ¡°Thank you for sharing your story, Master Fengbao.¡± ¡°You have learned much while here, Ember, but I sense your inner conflict. If you continue to pursue the Jingozi way, the true path is not found in isolation. It is found in the balance between peace and conflict, between the self and the world. Seek the divine path of the paradox within.¡± *** I left the temple that night without the slightest fanfare. I met my Samurai escort in the courtyard, turning Fengbao¡¯s final words over in my mind. As the guards arrived, my notifications pinged. YOU HAVE RECEIVED A SPELL CARD Warp II UPDATED STATUS: Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer] Tier: II [Bronze] Rank 10 Faction: Ninja [Field] Zii: 100/100 Cards: 16/16 [Error]: 8/8 Deck: Even without access to Jingozi technology in the temple, my game progression continued. I looked around for Crag. He wasn''t here. "Hey, where''s my ward?" I asked, hiding my instant panic. "You are no longer under Jingozi protection," a Samurai replied. "Move, prisoner." I was about to make a fuss when one more notification sent a chill down my spine. NEW MISSION: THE EXECUTION Thwart the Shogun¡¯s plans for your execution. Bonus Objective: Thwart the Emperor¡¯s plans. Time Remaining Until Execution: [1 Day] Chapter 33 (New): FRIENDS Chapter 33: FRIENDS
Never rouse an earth golem¡¯s wrath, especially the ones forged in clay. When their calm shatters, the very earth trembles in protest. It is a quiet kindness that masks a devastating power that can bury kingdoms if provoked. *** Something was wrong. Cragmarr''s clay feet left deep marks as he tromped across the temple grounds in the morning. His four arms hung loosely at his sides, but his orange marble eyes swirled with intensity as he scanned the courtyard. Monks scattered like leaves in the wind, their green robes rustling as they found urgent business elsewhere. Through his connection to the earth, Cragmarr detected waves of unease rippling through the stone foundation. Something was wrong. Master Fengbao emerged from the main hall, his weathered face composed into a mask of serenity. "Honored Golem and friend." The Master bowed. "Welcome to Thunder Temple." "Master Fengbao." Cragmarr returned the bow. "I am here to escort Ember back to her imprisonment." "Ah." Fengbao''s expression didn''t change, but his Zii flickered. "We received a request to release her into Samurai custody." "That is not possible," Cragmarr''s eyes swirled. "I am her ward. The Jingozi would never¡ª" "The order came from the Jingozi themselves." Fengbao produced a token marked with the skull symbol. "They have released her from their protection." The earth slightly trembled beneath Cragmarr''s feet as rage boiled through him. Though bits of gravel crackled between his joints, he forced his voice to remain level. "I see. And when was she taken?" "Last night at midnight, I am afraid." Cragmarr''s inner heat threatened to crack his outer shell, but he maintained his placid demeanor. The Jingozi had betrayed their own rules and chosen vessel, but why? He could not let his true reaction show. "Thank you for informing me, Master." Cragmarr bowed again, deeper to hide the orange glow emanating from his chest. As Cragmarr held his bow, a flicker of silver caught his peripheral vision. His marble eyes tracked the metallic glint between the garden''s cherry trees. "Master Fengbao, might I spend time in your gardens?" "You may," Fengbao''s eyes narrowed. "But remember¡ªno faction business on temple grounds." "Understood, and thank you for your hospitality." Cragmarr kept his voice neutral despite the urgency building in his core. The monastery leader''s footsteps faded across the stone courtyard. Cragmarr followed the trail of faint silver motes across the moss-covered path. The shimmers led him deeper into a secluded area of the garden, past meditation stones and carefully pruned bonsai. A rustling came from behind a flowering bush. Cragmarr stood perfectly still, his four arms relaxed at his sides. The bush shook again. Kitty burst from the foliage in a flash of silver, launching into Cragmarr''s waiting arms. Her scales clinked softly as she curled around his shoulders, her long snout pressing against his clay neck. Cragmarr''s top right hand stroked her plush fur while his other hands steadied her weight. "Thank you for watching over Ember." Cragmarr kept his voice low, mindful of any monks nearby. "I know what you did during the trials." Kitty cooed acknowledgment, her tubular tongue flicking out to taste the air. "She needs our help now more than ever." A deliberate head bob from Kitty, her dark eyes reflecting understanding. She unwound herself from his shoulders, dropping silently to the moss-covered stones. Her tail wrapped around Cragmarr''s bottom right wrist and tugged insistently. *** Cragmarr''s clay fist struck the iron door again, each impact sending vibrations through the tunnel walls. The earth spoke to him down here, whispering of hidden passages and the heartbeats of those who thought themselves concealed. His connection to the ground confirmed at least six Ninja signatures on the other side of the barrier. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. His orange marble eyes swirled with frustration as he pounded the metal. The sound echoed through the narrow passage, but still, no response. A small rectangular panel scraped open at eye level. "Leave now," a voice hissed through the slot. "I am Cragmarr, ward to Ember." His four arms crossed over his chest. "I request entry." "Your ward status means nothing here, Golem. The Jingozi have no power in these tunnels." The panel slammed shut with a clang that set Cragmarr''s teeth on edge. Heat radiated from his core, causing small rocks embedded in his form to crack and fall. His patience, cultivated over a century of service, finally snapped. A Jingozi battle card materialized in his upper right hand, its edges crackling with orange energy as he channeled maximum Zii into it. The card grew hot, threatening to ignite. Kitty backed away, her silver scales reflecting the orange glow emanating from Cragmarr''s arm. His fist holding the card connected with the door. The metal shrieked and tore free of its hinges, flying inward to crash against the chamber''s far wall. "Stay close, little one," Cragmarr''s voice rumbled like an avalanche as he turned to Kitty. "But no killing, no matter what happens next." The silverglint''s head nodded in agreement as Cragmarr ducked through the ruined doorway, orange light spilling into the darkness ahead. *** Now a foot taller because of his battle cards and buff meta, Cragmarr''s clay form barely fit through the doorway as he entered the chamber. Six armed, red-clad figures dove on him, their combined weight barely registering against his hulking frame. Their attempts to slow his progress only irritated him further. At a workbench ahead, two young Ninjas¡ªtwins¡ªlooked up from their preparations. Their eyes widened at seeing him with their guild mates clinging ineffectively to his arms and torso. Cragmarr loaded another Jingozi card, channeling Zii through his earthen form. With a swift spin, he flung the attacking Ninja in all directions. They crashed against the stone walls with dull thuds, though he carefully modulated his strength to avoid serious injury. He could have crushed them like dry leaves, but that wasn''t his purpose here. "Hikari!" The boy called out. His sister tossed him a sword. The twins moved in unison, blades flashing as they struck at Cragmarr''s clay body. He activated another card, using his four arms to deflect their attacks with precise blocks. "Kaito, he''s a Jingozi dealer!" Hikari shouted, her blade scraping against his forearm. "Get Sora!" Kaito commanded, pressing his attack as his sister broke away. "Wait," Cragmarr rumbled, recognizing the names of Ember''s friends. "I do not wish to fight you." But Kaito continued his assault, forcing Cragmarr to maintain his defensive posture. The boy''s determination showed in every strike, though his attacks couldn''t penetrate Cragmarr''s enhanced defenses. Cragmarr absorbed more mass from the stone walls as he activated another Jingozi card. The Zii energy pulsed through his body, drawing in minerals and earth until his shoulders scraped the ceiling. He''d deal with Kaito''s attacks later. Right now, he needed to catch Hikari before she reached Sora. His thundering footsteps shook the underground chamber as he charged forward. The stone doorway crumbled around him, too narrow for his bulk. Fragments of rock pelted his clay surface as he burst through, leaving a Cragmarr-shaped hole in his wake. Hikari''s red uniform flashed ahead in the torchlit corridor, nimbly ducking and weaving as she sprinted. Behind him, Kaito''s blade struck ineffectively against Cragmarr''s clay legs, the boy refusing to give up despite the futility of his attacks. The hall curved left, then right, branching into smaller passages. But Cragmarr kept his focus locked on Hikari''s retreating form. His enhanced connection to the earth let him sense the complex network of tunnels through the bedrock. The girl led him deeper into the Ninja stronghold, likely toward their leadership. Perfect. That''s precisely where he needed to go. Each of Cragmarr''s steps left small craters in the stone floor as he barreled forward, his mass and momentum unstoppable. The crude tunnel walls cracked and buckled from his passage. Dust and debris rained down as his shoulders ground against the ceiling. "Stop! You''ll bring the whole tunnel down!" Kaito shouted from behind. But Cragmarr pressed on, tracking Hikari''s swift movements through the maze-like passages. He''d find Taikumi and get answers about their plans for Ember, even if he had to tear apart their entire underground complex. Cragmarr skidded to an abrupt halt, stone fragments crumbling beneath his feet. A woman in an elaborate kimono¡ªSora¡ªstood at the end of the torch-lit corridor. Despite her geisha disguise, her deadly Zii aura radiated through the hall. He had heard whispers about the tier IV Ninja assassin¡ªstories of targets found dead without a mark on them, of impossible infiltrations and devastating ambushes. If even half of those tales held truth, he would be reduced to dust before the hour was done. But Ember needed him. The risk meant nothing. Sora''s hands moved with fluid grace, drawing five Jingozi cards in a practiced fan. The cards hummed with gathered Zii energy as she loaded them for combat. Cragmarr responded by drawing a single card, channeling his earth-based power through it. As Sora''s body tensed to attack, a silver blur launched from behind Cragmarr. Kitty sailed through the air, her metallic scales gleaming as she landed on Sora''s shoulders. The assassin''s movements instantly shifted from offensive to defensive as she tried to keep the silverglint at bay without harming Ember''s beloved companion. "Kitty, no!" Kaito''s voice rang out from behind. The momentary distraction was all Cragmarr needed. His clay muscles bunched as he prepared to strike¡ª "STOP!" The thunderous command echoed through the tunnel. Taikumi''s figure emerged from the shadows, commanding enough to freeze everyone in place. Cragmarr''s clay form shrank to his standard size as the Zii energy dissipated from his buffs. The weight of his regular body settled in, shoulders no longer scraping the ceiling. He kept his four arms taut at his sides, ready to draw more cards if needed. "My old friend," Taikumi stepped forward with an easy smile. "There was no need for such a dramatic entrance." "We are not friends," Cragmarr replied. "Our only connection is through Yukiko." The merchant''s smile faltered slightly. Cragmarr continued, his voice grinding like stones, "A friend would not have denied my request for a meeting." "Ah." Taikumi''s shoulders dropped. "You must understand, these are strange times. We didn''t know who to trust if the meeting would be safe." He gestured at the gathered Ninja, their weapons still drawn. "Even now, we can''t be certain about trusting Ember herself." Cragmarr''s clay features remained impassive, though his eyes tracked every movement in the tunnel. "Please." Taikumi motioned to a doorway. "Sit with me. Let us talk properly." Chapter 34 (Rewrite): EXECUTED Chapter 34: EXECUTED
The whole situation stunk like a double-cross. Today, the Shogun would make an example of me¡ªan execution designed not just to end my life but to send a message to anyone who dared challenge his rule. And God knows what the Emperor faction was planning. There was also the distinct possibility that I no longer represented any strategic value to the Ninja. I hadn¡¯t heard a word about the plan¡ªnot that they could have contacted me over the past ten days, even if they wanted to. But if there was, in fact, a plan to save me and strike the Shogun, they sure were taking their sweet-ass time getting around to it. But I wasn¡¯t about to leave my fate to anybody, even the Ninja faction. If push came to shove, I¡¯d take matters into my own hands. ¡°The Lord Shogun commands your presence,¡± a guard announced as he and three others entered the room. They secured iron shackles around my wrists and ankles. Earlier, attendants had offered me a white ceremonial kimono and a bath, a final gesture before they chopped off my head. I refused. As we made our way to the ceremonial execution grounds, burning incense wafted through the air, accompanied by distant chanting¡ªa reminder of my time at Thunder Temple. As anticipated, the Shogun chose a public execution. The courtyard was the size of a professional soccer field, with a platform in the center. It was a simple yet imposing structure of dark wood polished to a dull sheen. A white mat lay in the center, marking where I would kneel. Nearby, my executioner, a giant Samurai, stood with a sheathed katana. The crowd fell into a hush as I was forced to my knees on the mat. Conversations died out, and all eyes turned toward me, filled with curiosity, fear, and morbid fascination. To some, I was a criminal and an enemy, deserving the fate awaiting me. To others, I was a political pawn, about to suffer injustice at the hands of an oppressive regime. My favorite herald stepped forward to address the crowd. Reading from a scroll, his nasal voice struggled to carry over the masses as he began to speak. ¡°By decree of the Lord Shogun, Ember, an enemy of the state, you are hereby sentenced to death for your crimes. Let this execution serve as a reminder to all who dare challenge our Lord Shogun¡¯s authority. May your fate be a lesson to those who harbor thoughts of rebellion.¡± Across the courtyard, the Shogun sat on a raised platform, surrounded by his consorts and guards. Above him, archers, with bows drawn, lined the rooftops. At least another hundred fully armored Samurai stood on ramparts and the ground. That¡¯s a lot of security. I scanned the crowd for familiar faces and found none at first. But before I blinked into the Jingozi arena to see more, I spotted a small elven child with blonde curls a few rows deep. When we made eye contact, she raised a baseball-sized green stone¡ªa nexus stone. My pulse quickened. So, there is a plan. ¡°Does the condemned have any last words or prayers?¡± Oh, you bet your fast ass I do, you piece of shit. A voice rang out from the crowd. ¡°I wish to address our Lord Shogun and the court!¡± Name: Ryuunosuke [Divine Dealer] Tier: II [Bronze] Rank 1 Faction: Samurai [Warrior] I barely recognized him, and it looked like he''d lost some of his tier ranks. Ryuunosuke was dressed in commoner attire, with a cast encasing his right arm and a splint supporting his left leg. Bloody bandages wrapped his head and covered his left eye. Now tangled and matted, his once-perfect hair draped a marred face with bruises and scratches. The wounded Samurai hobbled onto the stage. ¡°My Lord, you have refused an audience with me since my return,¡± he addressed the crowd more than the Shogun. ¡°I have no choice but to seek a public appeal.¡± The herald, fidgeting like he¡¯d just been given a wedgie, glanced toward the Shogun. With a nod from the faction leader, the herald retreated. Ryuunosuke stepped between the executioner and me. ¡°This woman is no criminal. She is a Jingozi dealer!¡± Murmurs rippled through the crowd. ¡°But she is also a defector. After brokering an arrangement with the Samurai, she planned to escape the North. That¡¯s when the Golem ambushed our convoy, and everything was lost. Knowing who she was, I entrusted her with delivering the scroll to you, my Lord. I gave her my token, believing it was my honor to sacrifice my life for our cause... your cause, my Lord.¡± The crowd erupted into a chorus of protests, their agitation growing. ¡°Silence!¡± the Shogun¡¯s voice thundered. He waited until you could hear a pin drop. ¡°Ryuunosuke, you have served our faction honorably and survived in the face of certain death. For that, you have my undying gratitude. But I cannot trust you. How can I when it is abundantly clear you have been so tempted and corrupted by this¡­ temptress, sent from the North? Your wounds and suffering have blinded you from the truth. Take him away to rest and proceed with the execution.¡± Ryuunosuke fell to his knees before me, bowing his head to his hands. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ember.¡± ¡°Ryuunosuke, where¡¯s Hiro? Tell me he made it.¡± He looked up in despair as two guards dragged him off. ¡°He did¡­ as I promised,¡± he cried. ¡°But the Shogun took him¡­ executed¡­ forgive me.¡± *** They did it. They broke me. I knelt on the swirling black floor of the Jingozi arena. My face was swollen from hours of sobbing, and time had lost all meaning in the dark, infinite space where grief consumed me. I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about Hiro¡ªhis innocence and, now, his death. The voice was nowhere to be found. My heart was torn apart as I crawled forward, my gaze fixed on the reflection of Tokugawa Masamune, the Shogun. I hated him. Zooming in on his face, I fixated on the one I had despised the most since my arrival. Something was off. His mouth was slack, and his eyes were rolled into the back of his head like he was possessed. I scanned those beside him¡ªthey were oblivious. Wait, what is that? I almost missed the three Jingozi from the exhibition, obscured by shadows behind the Shogun. The Shogun and his entourage would¡¯ve been completely unaware of their presence. But why were they there? They definitely weren¡¯t watching my execution. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. The Jingozi defector. If the Jingozi knew the Samurai faction was harboring a traitor, they¡¯d be more than motivated to intervene somehow. That must¡¯ve been why they sanctioned the exhibition in the first place. But what were they waiting for? Or was this the opportunity the Ninja faction was planning? I furiously cycled my deck until I found the three cards I wanted. Hand: [0/5] [Poison Strike] [Evolve] I had an idea for a combo attack. I drew the [0/5]. SPELL CARD IS AVAILABLE Evolve Poison Strike Casting [Evolve] on my [0/3], I used 87 Zii to boost the risk score, making it a [87/0] attack. And since the Jingozi arena put me in PVP mode, I could cast [Poison Strike], which allowed me to buff it to a [90/3]. I also hoped for some PVE poison effect, but I wouldn''t know unless I tried it. If that wasn''t enough to kill him in a surprise attack, I don¡¯t know what would. If I got the shot off, my Zii would be dangerously low¡ªa risk I was willing to take. But I left myself 10 Zii just in case. It was just a matter of studying the layout and making the right plan. I was going to take my time on this one. *** Using the Jingozi¡¯s line of sight, I blinked back to the courtyard directly behind the Shogun. Cocking my arm to jam the card into the back of the Shogun''s head, I saw a new notification. MULTIPLIER AVAILABLE: MAXIMUM [2] ZII Your Zii multiplier is based on your tier. I tried it and infused 2 Zii into the card. This confirmed my suspicions, and my battle card became a [180/6]. Before I let it fly, the Shogun suddenly slumped forward on his stool. His left eye exploded into crimson mist as something burrowed into the back of his head with a sickening squelch. His body convulsed and then flopped onto the floor. A consort, now spattered in blood, turned and saw the seizing Shogun on the ground. Her wide eyes locked onto me next, with a scream tearing from her throat. Name: Overlord Edric [Arch Dealer] Tier: VII [Obsidian] Rank ??? Faction: Emperor [Overlord] I didn¡¯t need the status notification to know in my gut the Emperor was there¡ªsomewhere. ¡°Edric,¡± I hissed. AUTO DODGE: SUCCESSFUL Card: [4/4] 100% A guard lunged forward, attempting to spear me with his polearm. It took me a split second to realize that my [4/4] battle card gave me a 100% chance to auto-dodge the attack. The card cycled to the bottom of my deck. So, that''s how my dodge card works. I ducked and spun as the blade thrust over my head. Completing the evasive maneuver, guards dove onto the Shogun¡¯s body. ¡°Protect the Shogun!¡± someone shouted. I blinked out. After catching my breath in the Jingozi arena, I spied only four places to blink to next. The first was back to the platform with the executioner and three guards. The second was into the panicked crowd, risking innocent lives. The third was a rampart, where more guards were too close for comfort. On top of it all, I was still shackled. I took my chances and blinked back to the platform. Upon seeing me, the executioner and two guards drew their swords. Five Jingozi cards whistled through the air. The first two sliced the chains between my wrists and ankles. The third and fourth struck the two guards, exploding on impact to send them tumbling off the back of the platform. The final card found the gap between the executioner¡¯s helmet and chest plate before evaporating into a red puff of smoke. He fell to his knees, clutching his neck to stop the blood streaming through his fingers. Nice shots, Sora. The crowd had erupted into chaos. People stampeded in all directions, some cowering and falling to the ground, only to be trampled, while others stood frozen in bewilderment. AUTO DODGE: SUCCESSFUL Card: [3/5] 60% I tilted my head just in time to dodge an arrow as another volley rained onto the platform. AUTO DODGE: FAIL Card: [3/4] 75% I braced for the hit, but something deflected the shot at the last moment. Cragmarr''s forearm came into view as he appeared out of nowhere. He wrapped his arms around me, turning to form a body shield as arrows shattered against his rocky back. Kitty was nestled between us, curled into a silver armored ball. ¡°Nice save, Crag," I said. "Am I ever glad to see you both!" Cragmarr grunted an acknowledgment as more help arrived. Ninjas appeared on the wall behind the archers, and in a flurry, the first Samurai fell, their throats slit. Other Ninjas in red moved like wraiths, shuriken flashing as they cut down the other guards stationed on the walls. Screams filled the air from the crowd, scattering to avoid the onslaught. The Samurai on the ground rallied, forming a defensive perimeter around the platform. But the Ninjas were relentless, their attacks coming from every direction. Multiple smoke bombs exploded amid the Samurai ranks, and more guards fell, their armor clattering to the ground. Pockets of skirmishes broke out around me, the Ninjas everywhere, their movements too fast to follow. Two masked figures intercepted a Samurai leaping onto the platform towards us. They moved as one, their coordination flawless, each strike timed to complement the other. I recognized their styles¡ªHikari and Kaito. Hikari¡¯s katana deflected a Samurai¡¯s blow while Kaito darted in low, cutting the Samurai¡¯s legs out from under him. ¡°Ember, we¡¯re getting you out of here!¡± Hikari shouted. ¡°Follow us!¡± Kaito ordered. ¡°And stay close!¡± ¡°Go,¡± Cragmarr said. ¡°I will cover you.¡± Kitty leaped onto my shoulders, wrapping me with her tail in time to deflect an arrow. Cragmarr loaded a Jingozi card and transformed into a hulking, four-armed giant. He grabbed a guard and swung the body like a mace, clearing a path through the courtyard. The Ninja twins and I moved as a unit, Hikari and Kaito flanking me on either side as we pushed through the melee. The courtyard was a whirlwind of violence¡ªSamurai clashing with Ninjas, steel ringing against steel, bodies falling to the ground. A Ninja vaulted over a group of Samurai, crippling them with quick strikes before vanishing into a crowd of fleeing bystanders. A Samurai fell to his knees, blood pouring from a broken blade lodged in his temple. Another fought desperately to fend off an attacker before Sora struck with a fire shot, engulfing him in flames. But the Shogun¡¯s forces were relentless. As we neared the courtyard''s boundary, more Samurai poured in from the palace, their ranks mounting as they pressed the attack. The Ninjas fought back with everything, but the sheer force took its toll. Gradually, they succumbed to the superior numbers. As I swung the chains of my shackles like whips, I saw the exhaustion in Hikari¡¯s eyes and the strain in Kaito¡¯s movements. I used a combination of melee-range blinking to launch surprise attacks. A regular Samurai was no match for us alone, but with reinforcements joining the fray, the odds were stacked against us. I also started to wane. Jumping in and out of the Jingozi arena with low Zii made my head spin. More guards cut off our escape. I fought the instinct to blink away, which would abandon my friends. ¡°We¡¯re getting overwhelmed!¡± Kaito blocked a sword strike. ¡°Find another way out!¡± ¡°I¡¯m trying!¡± Hikari¡¯s breath came in ragged gasps. Cragmarr cannonballed into the crowd before us, crashing down with a thunderous impact, sending Samurai flying in all directions. He slammed his hands together onto a battle card, creating a sonic boom, knocking down guards like bowling pins. With every blade glancing off his body, he grew bigger. ¡°This way!¡± Hikari motioned toward a narrow corridor. Intercepting us, a giant cloud of smoke swirled and solidified into a ten-foot Samurai. Its enchanted armor blazed with a fiery glow, and it wielded a polearm crackling with lightning. It was Ryuunosuke''s champion. ¡°You betrayed us!¡± Ryuunosuke screamed from behind the monster Samurai. ¡°Ryuunosuke,¡± I shouted. ¡°Listen to me! You don''t want to do this!¡± My mind was too foggy to catch Hikari sprinting along the wall with her blade aimed at Ryuunosuke¡¯s head. The Samurai champion stepped in the way with blinding speed, impaling her against the wall with its polearm. The tip of her katana fell short of finding its mark¡ªless than an inch away. ¡°Hikari!¡± Kaito and I screamed. Time slowed. Hikari''s body went limp. My rage peaked as I released the combo attack intended for the Shogun. As it left my hand, the [180/6] battle card transformed into a stream of acid-green flames. The spray hit the champion''s chest, eating through the enchanted armor like paper. The green fire spread while the acid melted away layers of magical steel and whatever lay beneath. The champion''s polearm clattered to the ground as its arms began dissolving. It stumbled backward. A horrific screech filled the air¡ªnot quite human, not quite metal¡ªas the green flames consumed what remained. The champion''s core destabilized, expanding like a balloon as magic and acid reacted violently. The explosion rocked the courtyard. A wave of force and heat knocked everyone off their feet, shattering weapons and cracking stones. Bodies went flying in all directions. The sound was deafening¡ªa thunderous boom followed by the tinkling of broken metal raining down. A corrosive stench filled the air. I landed with a crack. Something snapped inside my back, and a high-pitched ringing replaced my hearing. When the dust settled, a smoking crater marked where the champion had stood. The acid-green flames still burned around the edges, casting a radioactive glow across the devastation. Somehow, Ryuunosuke survived. Stumbling from behind a pillar, he picked up a broken sword and wailed, "Ember!" Four Ninjas streaked toward Ryuunosuke through the haze in a red blur. They drove battle cards into his stomach and jerked them upward, disemboweling him in a single motion. The four merged into one¡ªSora. Without missing a beat, she threw four smoke bombs, shrouding the area in a thick, blinding fog. Cragmarr hoisted me over one shoulder as I reached out for Hikari¡¯s charred, lifeless body in my fading moments. Hikari¡­ Chapter 35 (Rewrite): HIKARI Chapter 35: HIKARI
They woo us with gifts and promises, yet all I see is the sorrow they sow among us. Where once tenuous peace held, factions now turn on each other in envy or fear. The Jingozi feign neutrality, but, in truth, they profit from every crack in our unity. *** I woke up on a makeshift stretcher, my body strapped down with torn strips of cloth. Even the slightest movement sent a searing pain through my back. Fire licked my spine, spreading out to my arms and legs, making breathing impossible without excruciating pain. The rough texture of the ground beneath me was a distant sensation. The forest felt quiet, too quiet. The usual rustle of leaves and the distant calls of animals were muted as if the world were holding its breath. I stared at the darkening sky, trying to focus on anything other than the throbbing in my body. But the physical pain was nothing compared to the emptiness inside me. First Hiro, and now Hikari. It felt like a dagger twisting in my chest. My heart ached in a way I didn¡¯t think was possible, a deep, suffocating that left me hollow. I couldn¡¯t even cry. I wanted to, needed to, but the tears wouldn¡¯t come. All I could do was lie here, strapped down and broken once more. Kaito sat a few feet away, his face pale and drawn, eyes fixed on the ground. He hadn¡¯t spoken since we made it out of Raishoto. He clenched his fists so tight his knuckles turned white, his body tense with a grief he couldn¡¯t express. I wanted to reach out to him, to say something, anything, but the pain held me back. I didn¡¯t have the words. Cragmarr stood under a tree, still as a statue. Sora crouched beside me, her usual sharpness dulled by exhaustion and sorrow. Even Kitty, always preferring my shoulders, lay curled at my feet. We sat silently for what felt like hours, with only the sounds of our shallow breathing and the occasional gust of wind amongst the trilling insects. The sun had long since disappeared, leaving us in the darkness. The weight of the night pressed down on us, a chill seeping into my bones I barely noticed. My mind kept drifting back to Hikari before we lost her. Taikumi joined our silent vigil. He didn¡¯t say a word and stood there with his head bowed. *** Taikumi returned to the city in the morning while we gathered in a small clearing. Hikari¡¯s body lay before us, wrapped in a simple cloth, her peaceful face visible through the veil. The grave had been dug by hand, the soil turned over and piled beside the shallow pit where she would rest. I wanted to help, to be a part of this final act for Hikari, but I was still strapped to the damn cot. We all depleted our Zii, escaping the execution. Once Cragmarr and Sora replenished their resources, they''d heal our injuries. However, an injury as severe as mine would require extra recovery time. All I could do was watch. Kaito knelt beside the grave, his eyes red-rimmed. His hands trembled as he laid the first handful of earth over his sister¡¯s body. Sora stood beside him. She stared at Hikari¡¯s body with her lips pressed into a thin line. Cragmarr was next, hunched over, his hands covered in dirt from digging the grave. Kitty nuzzled my arm, providing the little comfort she could. I mentally reassured her I¡¯d be okay. Kaito spoke first, his voice rough and raw. ¡°She was¡­ she was the best of us. Always looking out for everyone, always¡­ always so damn brave,¡± he choked on the words, hands clenching. ¡°I should have done more. I should have¡­ I could have saved her.¡± ¡°No, Kaito,¡± Sora said. ¡°You did everything you could.¡± ¡°It wasn¡¯t enough. I wasn¡¯t enough. She¡¯s gone because I failed her.¡± Kaito shook his head, his anger cutting loose. ¡°She wouldn¡¯t want you to blame yourself," I said. "Hikari¡­ She knew the risks," Taikumi spoke. "We all did." "She made a valiant choice in an attempt to protect the mission,¡± Cragmarr added. ¡°To protect me,¡± I said. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. None of you would be in this situation if I didn¡¯t¡ª¡± ¡°Do not dishonor us,¡± Sora cut in. ¡°This is not about you.¡± She was right. Kaito didn¡¯t respond, his jaw tight as he stared at the grave. The silence stretched. ¡°I¡¯ll miss her smile,¡± I said, ¡°and how she could always find something to laugh about. She was¡­ she was a sister to me.¡± Cragmarr nodded, his eyes fixed on the ground. I wanted to say more, to share my other memories, but the pain of losing her kept me silent. My heart ached with the need to express how much Hikari meant to me and how much I would miss her, but the words stuck in my throat. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. Kaito broke the silence again, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°She was my twin. We shared everything¡­ even our thoughts. Now it¡¯s like¡­ like a part of me is missing. I don¡¯t know how to go on without her.¡± The silence returned, heavier than before. I wanted to say something to him, to comfort him, but I knew nothing I could say would relieve his heart. We continued to grieve in our own ways. Kaito stood, his movements stiff and mechanical, as he laid the last handful of earth over Hikari¡¯s body. The finality of it¡­ I had to close my eyes. The others also stood, and I watched as they finished the burial. I felt utterly useless, trapped in my own broken body, unable to even help lay my friend to rest. *** Sora and Kaito left to forage and hunt, leaving me and Cragmarr at the camp. I checked the notification I¡¯d been ignoring. MISSION COMPLETE: THE EXECUTION Thwart the Shogun¡¯s plans for your execution. Bonus Objective [FAILED]: Thwart the Emperor¡¯s plans. Reward: Jingozi Token [1] Yeah, no shit, I failed. I muted my notifications again. Cragmarr stood a short distance away, moving his four arms through the slow, deliberate motions of Zii-Kata. The faint glow of Zii energy gathered around him, shimmering the air. I watched him, now lying on a cot. With every breath, my whole body burned, the agony relentless, but I forced myself to concentrate on Cragmarr. He stopped, his eyes closing as he centered himself. When he opened them again, they were filled with refreshed focus. ¡°Ember,¡± he knelt beside me. ¡°This will hurt, but it is the only way I can help you.¡± ¡°I trust you, Crag. Do your thing,¡± I swallowed hard. He rolled me onto my stomach and placed four Jingozi cards down my back, one with each hand¡ªthe tingling sensation of Zii energy flowing into me. At first, it was just warmth, but then the pain hit¡ªa sharp, burning sensation making me gasp and bite down on my sleeve. Kitty thumped her tail at Cragmarr. ¡°I know, little one,¡± he said. Cragmarr snapped his fingers, creating a Zii coin, and let it melt through the first card and into my back. He did it again, pressing another coin into my upper spine. The next one was a little harder and a little lower. The process continued, getting more intense with every card and coin. My muscles spasmed, and I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms as I tried to endure it. ¡°Just breathe, Ember. In and out, slow and steady.¡± I tried to do as he said, but it was overwhelming, like fire spreading through every nerve. It felt like my spine was being torn apart and then put back together, each vertebra shifting, cracking, and then realigning under Cragmarr¡¯s hands. It was finally over, the fire fading to a dull ache. My breathing was ragged, my body trembling from the effort, but I could feel a difference. The sharp pain in my back lessened, replaced by a blunt soreness. Cragmarr rolled me onto my back. He looked exhausted. ¡°Please sit up,¡± he said. I hesitated, then braced myself and pushed up with my arms. My back flared, but I managed to get upright. ¡°It is not perfect,¡± Cragmarr said, ¡°but it should hold for now. You will need more healing when we can spare the Zii, but this should at least give you some mobility.¡± ¡°Thank you, Crag. I¡­ I never thanked you for saving me. For everything you¡¯ve done.¡± He gave me a gentle smile, his large hand resting on my shoulder. ¡°We are in this together, Em. Please try not to break anything else.¡± I choked on my laughter. ¡°I¡¯ll do my best," I smiled. "But no promises.¡± *** ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± I stood alone beside the freshly turned earth where we buried Hikari. The sun filtered through the trees, but the warmth did nothing to ease the cold knot in my chest. I held the origami flower Hiro had made for me, feeling so fragile in my hands. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Hiro. I promised to keep you safe, and I couldn¡¯t. I couldn¡¯t save either of you.¡± I dug a small hole and buried the flower beside Hikari''s grave. ¡°Hiro, meet Hikari. Hikari, meet Hiro. You two would''ve adored each other. Hikari, watch out, Hiro¡¯s a real charmer. Both of you would have been the best Jingozi apprentices. Keep each other company now that¡­¡± Behind me, Cragmarr stirred but stayed where he was. ¡°I¡¯ll never forget either of you, even when I go home. That¡¯s a promise I know I can keep.¡± I pressed a small cross of sticks I''d tied together with a strip of cloth into the soil and whispered a prayer. *** We sat in a rough circle around the fire, roasting the fish from my inventory. Sora had come up short on her hunt, but Kaito found various nuts and berries. We were waiting for Taikumi to return. I attempted to break the ice. ¡°Hey, why aren¡¯t there any storms out here?¡± ¡°They are unique to Raishoto,¡± Cragmarr said. ¡°The city is designed to attract storms and harness their power. Raishoto relies on lightning energy.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why there are so many blackouts.¡± ¡°Correct.¡± ¡°I used to be terrified of the dark,¡± Sora spoke, surprising us all. ¡°When I was a child, I couldn''t even sleep without a lantern by my bed. My brothers teased me about it all the time.¡± ¡°You? Afraid of the dark?¡± Kaito said. ¡°I don¡¯t believe it.¡± ¡°It was my mother who helped me face my fear. She taught me how to make shadow puppets. She said they wouldn''t be so scary if I could make the shadows my friends.¡± ¡°Now I get it,¡± Kaito popped a fresh berry into his mouth. ¡°You make friends with shadows. That¡¯s why you¡¯re such a sneaky Ninja.¡± We all laughed. ¡°What kind of puppets did you make?¡± Cragmarr asked. ¡°Mostly animals. Birds, wolves, and sometimes dragons. But my favorite was a butterfly. It was simple, and I liked the way its wings fluttered.¡± I couldn¡¯t imagine Sora as a child. The way she tore through the Samurai guards and Ryuunosuke¡­ ¡°Did it work? Did you stop being afraid?¡± ¡°Eventually, once I realized shadows were just what I made of them. I started to see the beauty in the dark, how it could hide and reveal things, depending on how you looked at it.¡± ¡°Where is your mother now?¡± I said, immediately regretting the question. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I became very ill¡ªa sickness that put me into a deep sleep. When I awoke, she and my brothers were gone. That¡¯s when I became a Jingozi dealer.¡± I felt terrible knowing what she was talking about. Cragmarr also nodded. ¡°It is easy to get lost in darkness, but much easier to be blinded by the light,¡± he said. "I read that in the Book of Dojokynn." ¡°Huh? I don¡¯t get it,¡± Kaito said. ¡°Sometimes it¡¯s better to struggle with the unknown than to know all the truth,¡± Sora said, taking a bite of her fish. ¡°We have the same expression where I¡¯m from,¡± I said. ¡°Ignorance is bliss.¡± ¡°Yup, I still don¡¯t get it.¡± Kaito scratched his head. ¡°I¡¯ll stick with the Ninja stuff.¡± We all laughed as I exchanged glances with Sora. It relieved me that the mood had lightened and that Kaito might be feeling better. Taikumi returned, his expression grave as he stepped into the circle of firelight. ¡°The city is in chaos. The Shogun lives.¡± *** It is easy to get lost in darkness but much easier to be blinded by the light. The more illuminated the Jingozi¡¯s influence, the more it consumes my every thought. When I see the carefree smiles of those who remain ignorant, I cannot deny a pang of longing. In their darkness of unknowing, they sleep peacefully at night, spared from the nightmares that plague my soul.