Chapter 25: LFG
<hr>
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
<ul>
<li>
PVP: Pay 1 Zii to attack plus +1.
</li>
<li>
PVE: Pay 1 Zii for a random attack plus +1.
</li>
</ul>
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.
<ul>
<li>
Zii: 99/100
</li>
<li>
Cards: 10/10
</li>
<li>
[Error]: 6/6
</li>
</ul>
Red lines materialized in my vision, overlaying the training room like a geometric web. They connected to vital points on the wooden dummies—throat, 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—I 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—a 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.
<ul>
<li>
Zii: 97/100
</li>
<li>
Cards: 7/10
</li>
<li>
[Error]: 6/6
</li>
</ul>
"Let''s see if this works…"
I drew the [Shade Strike] spell from my inventory marked [Error].
SPELL CARD AVAILABLE:
Shade Strike
<ul>
<li>
PVP: Pay 2 Zii for a random attack plus +2.
</li>
</ul>
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.
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The shadows receded as quickly as they had appeared, slithering back into the room''s natural darkness. Only the destroyed dummy remained.
<ul>
<li>
Zii: 95/100
</li>
<li>
Cards: 7/10
</li>
<li>
[Error]: 5/6
</li>
</ul>
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—there 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—just 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:
<ul>
<li>
Curve Shot
</li>
<li>
Ricochet Shot
</li>
<li>
Boomerang Shot
</li>
<li>
Flutter Shot
</li>
<li>
Delayed Shot
</li>
<li>
Stun Shot
</li>
<li>
Concussive Shot
</li>
<li>
Smoke Bomb
</li>
<li>
Flare Shot
</li>
<li>
Flash Shot
</li>
<li>
Piercing Shot
</li>
<li>
Explosive Shot
</li>
<li>
Fire Shot
</li>
</ul>
UPDATED STATUS:
Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer]
Tier: I [Iron] Rank 2
Faction: Ninja [Field]
Zii: 95/100
Cards: 7/10
[Error]: 5/6
Deck:
<ul>
<li>
Shuriken [Ninja]
</li>
</ul>
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?
<ul>
<li>
Zii: 94/100
</li>
<li>
Cards: 6/10
</li>
<li>
[Error]: 5/6
</li>
</ul>
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.
<ul>
<li>
Zii: 88/100
</li>
<li>
Cards: 0/10
</li>
<li>
[Error]: 5/6
</li>
</ul>
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:
<ul>
<li>
Risk - Increases the damage potency of your attacks.
</li>
<li>
Reward - Increases magic effects and survivability.
</li>
<li>
Buff - Increases individual ability and group bonuses.
</li>
<li>
Special - Allows combined nexus and card effects.
</li>
</ul>
An odd sensation washed over me—after 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:
<ul>
<li>
Shuriken [Ninja]
</li>
<li>
Reward Meta
</li>
</ul>
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—quite 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—a Jingozi dealer on their trials—yours, 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—most 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—my kind of woman.”
I clasped the bars. The guards charged their taser spears, but Jon waved them off.
“Yukiko claims you were a tribute—a 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
<ul>
<li>
PVP: Pay 1 Zii to plus +1 attack/risk or defend/reward (maximum +3).
</li>
<li>
PVE: Pay 3 Zii for a random attack plus +3.
</li>
</ul>
UPDATED STATUS:
Name: Ember [Doctrine Dealer]
Tier: I [Iron] Rank 2
Faction: Ninja [Field]
Zii: 100/100
Cards: 10/10
[Error]: 7/7
Deck:
<ul>
<li>
Shuriken [Ninja]
</li>
<li>
Reward Meta
</li>
</ul>