Campaign (Blades VR Book 2)

by Terry Schott

  The apprentice’s eyes seemed to brighten as he smiled. “It went very well.”

  He took a bite and spoke as he chewed. “Get some new spells?”

  “One.”

  “Oh.”

  “Darts.”

  Sebastian’s eyes widened. “Niiice.”

  Ezref’s grin widened as he wiggled his fingers. “An instant cast spell with a single word verbal component and no material requirement. Quicker than snapping my fingers, I can now make little darts of light shoot from my fingertips. Not deadly, but perfect for stinging other crafters.”

  “Which will interrupt their concentration and make them lose their spell.” Sebastian nodded. “It’s a great addition to your arsenal. A single dart to begin with, right?”

  “It turns out I’ll be able to cast three.”

  “What?” Sebastian frowned and then laughed. “You’ve gained three levels? Congratulations, young man. I didn’t think we got that much experience from the Chessboard. Aleron said he only heard you ding once.”

  Ezref laughed. “I never understood why they called levelling ‘dinging’ until Aleron explained that Scouts actually hear a dinging sound when they are near someone who levels.”

  Sebastian took another bite of his sandwich and chewed, shaking his head. It was easy for him to forget that Ezref was an NPC. And a young apprentice without access to the lore that players would have. “You must have gained enough experience to level long ago, but your master never bothered to get you to a Scout.”

  “I think so too, but that’s fine.” Ezref tapped his head. “The levels wouldn’t have done much for me there, but they will help us now. I get a new spell, plus more room in my brain to load and hold others.”

  “How many?”

  “Five.”

  “That really is excellent.”

  “Way better than the two I could hold yesterday.”

  Sebastian sighed. “I envy you.”

  “Start crafting again and you won’t have to envy me. You’ll be able to level and learn new things on your own.”

  Sebastian shrugged.

  “You didn’t even make an attempt at the Chessboard.”

  “No need. Everything went smoothly without me.”

  “Which would have been a perfect time to give it a try. No pressure, better chances of success.”

  “I don’t know.”

  “We were safe. If you’d tried and failed, there was no harm done.”

  Sebastian sighed.

  “I don’t understand your reluctance.”

  “Here’s hoping you never do.”

  Ezref frowned as Sebastian took the last bite of food, chewed, and then swallowed. “I had it.” He brushed the crumbs from his palms. “The power that I’d wanted for so long. I beckoned and it appeared on command. Stronger and more powerful than I’d dreamed it could. And then, as fast as I had the power”—he snapped his fingers—“it was gone.”

  “It’s still there. You can find your way back. Regain your abilities.”

  Sebastian hung his head. “I don’t know. That makes sense, but maybe not. We’re talking about magic, after all. The very word means unexplainable.”

  “It does?”

  “Sure.”

  Ezref smiled and shook his head. “I know a fair bit about the craft, and I’ve never heard that before.”

  “Oh.”

  “Trust me, Sebastian. Let it come, and it will.”

  “Maybe.”

  “So you’ll begin to try?”

  “Yeah. Okay.”

  Ezref smiled. “Good.”

  12

  Isaac pulled the wireless keyboard toward him and stared at the monitor filled with Blades VR code. He repositioned the cursor and leaned back.

  “That’s the player ID line?” Kara asked from beside him.

  He nodded. “It’s filled with a placeholder at the moment. Give me a real player’s number.”

  “Who do you want to check in on?”

  Isaac looked sideways at her. “There’s only one player I want to locate.”

  “We’re still searching.”

  “A fact that does not please me.” He sniffed and looked back at the screen.

  “We’ll find him.”

  He made a growling noise.

  Kara shook her head and looked at the list in front of her. “How ’bout Xander?”

  Isaac closed his eyes and rubbed his temple.

  “You said we could.”

  “Fine.” He opened his eyes and placed both hands on the keyboard, like a piano player getting ready to perform. “Give me his number.”

  Kara smiled and read the twelve-digit number slowly.

  Isaac completed the entry and tapped the Enter key. “Now we exit out of the program and restart it from the main menu.”

  “That sounds clunky.”

  “It is, but when you consider that it’s seven programs with other functions which have all been bound together and tricked into creating the effect we want to produce, I’d say it’s not so bad.”

  “I guess, when you put it that way.”

  Isaac smiled. “Don’t worry, if this does as promised, then our people will make it easier to use. I’ll purchase the seven companies, rework the programming, and incorporate it into the game as an add-on. Then I’ll sell subscriptions to the new service.”

  Kara’s expression mirrored his. “I can think of half a dozen income streams from this, and that’s only off the top of my head.”

  The program closed and the black screen with green and orange text faded to black.

  Seconds passed. The screen remained blank. Kara began to tap her fingers on the desk.

  “Give it a few more.” Isaac tilted his head and smiled. “I knew you were about to ask.”

  She laughed, and the screen brightened a second later. “Oh, wow.” Isaac said nothing, but out of the corner of her eye she saw him nod.

  They were watching a first-person view of someone walking through a medieval town. The video was crisp and clear, like the display of a high-resolution video camera without any filters.

  “Can we get sound?”

  “Ask and ye shall receive.” Isaac hit a key and sounds began to float from the various speakers hidden throughout the room.

  “Oh, wow.”

  “You already said that.”

  “It looks and sounds as if we’re in the middle of the village ourselves.”

  Isaac smiled. The avatar’s perspective flowed smoothly as the person continued moving, sounds rising and fading as they would in a real market setting. A hammer striking metal to their right became louder and then dimmed behind them. There was a shout as a vendor called from their left, offering to sell an item for “low and incredible prices.” The camera view turned, and Kara laughed as the vendor filled their screen: a middle-aged woman with brown hair tied back, the age lines and wrinkles around her eyes vivid and clear.

  “Isaac?” Kara turned to see his reaction.

  His eyes were glued to the monitor, unblinking. “It’s okay to say wow again.”

  She placed her hand on his shoulder. “This is incredible.”

  “Imagine it with a bigger screen.”

  Kara snorted. “Forty inches is fine for the size of this room. But yeah, in a movie theatre, with surround-sound...”

  “Now you’re talking.”

  “Especially for big events.”

  “Things will definitely occur inside this game that could draw large crowds of spectators, thanks to this new feature.”

  They watched quietly for the next few minutes.

  “Are we seeing this all through Xander’s eyes?”

  “I think so,” Isaac said. “If that was his ID.”

  “I think it was, but at this point I don’t care. It doesn’t matter to me who we’re watching, just how spectacular it is to witness.”

  “It will matter.” Isaac leaned over and looked at her sheet, his finger starting at the bottom and moving up the page until it stopped besid
e Xander’s name. “Parents will want to view their own kids. Friends will subscribe to see each other inside the game. Millions with zero desire to play Blades VR will pay to watch others do so, if we are able to guarantee that they can watch who they want.”

  “Yeah,” she nodded, eyes moving to take in every little detail of the scene. “Wow.”

  Isaac chuckled.

  “We are looking into another world.”

  “One hundred percent digital. A fake reality.”

  “But it looks so real.”

  “Which is good.”

  “It’s mind-boggling and breathtaking all at the same time. We hoped that it would be, or that it would at least seem real to those inside as they were playing it.” She pointed at the screen. “But look at it. It’s...”

  “Wow?”

  She laughed and then reached over and touched his arm, her expression softening as she gently squeezed. “I’m so proud of you. Thrilled for you.”

  The skin of his arm tingled where she touched him. He pursed his lips and smiled. “Thanks, Kare. That means a lot.”

  13

  The front door opened and a woman with long blonde hair and smooth skin stood before them. She smiled at Xander and then looked toward Mercy, pausing to raise one eyebrow before glancing back to Xander. She placed her right hand over her heart and bowed at the waist. “Welcome, young Death Stryker. It is rare for me to be visited by one of your order.” Her eyes shifted to Mercy. “And it is an honour to meet you, lady.”

  Mercy pursed her lips and scowled, but did not correct the Scout for using the term. “Thank you. Of course I would have preferred to visit the Scout who resides near our chapter house, but time does not permit us to do so.”

  “I understand and can accommodate you as well as any other Scout.” She raised one eyebrow. “At least, for the young one. If you have levelled and need my services I will require more time to prepare and would ask you to return tomorrow.”

  “I do not visit for myself.”

  “Very well.” The Scout stepped to one side. “My name is Grenda. Please. Enter and be welcome.”

  They followed her into the small house. The main room was empty except for a round table with four chairs. Three of the chairs were gathered on one side of the table, while the fourth sat alone on the other side. Grenda moved to stand behind it. “Be seated. May I offer refreshment? I have tea and coffee.”

  “Coffee.” Both visitors spoke as one.

  Grenda smiled. “I will make some.” She disappeared through a doorway while the two sat. Minutes later, she returned with a tray holding three steaming mugs of black liquid, a dish of sugar cubes and a tiny pitcher of cream. She set the tray on the table.

  Xander reached for a cup and blew across the surface, then took a sip and nodded. “Mmm. It tastes just like—.” He pursed his lips.

  “Like coffee?” Grenda asked.

  “Yes.” He took another sip.

  “You are a new Traveller.”

  Mercy’s eyebrows furrowed and she gave Xander a look as she drank.

  “He said nothing wrong.” Grenda reached for a sugar cube. “I would have discovered it soon enough. It’s not as if he blurted it out when I met you at the door.”

  Mercy sighed. “I suppose there is no harm in admitting he is a Traveller.”

  “That’s true.” She dropped the sugar cube into her cup and stirred it with a spoon. “I am glad to meet another. This new batch of Travellers is very different from the originals.”

  “You’re one of the first group?” Xander asked.

  Grenda shook her head. “I was born with the Scout talent, but the majority of my brother and sister Scouts are originals.”

  “I wonder if we come from the same place?”

  “That’s an interesting question.” Grenda raised her cup. “I have spent time with some of the newcomers.” She smiled. “Many are levelling quicker than normal. They all seem to think that it’s impossible for the original Travellers to come from the same land as them.”

  Xander frowned. “It has to be. Impossible, I mean. Two hundred years ago my land didn’t have—.” He paused.

  There was the hint of a smile on Grenda’s lips. “Computers?”

  Xander’s eyes widened. “That’s right.”

  “A curious mystery.” Mercy spoke in a flat tone. “Which makes no sense. It is known that Travellers come from across the ocean. Your spirits make the journey and inhabit the bodies of our people. If it’s possible today, then why not two hundred years ago?” She shook her head. “Magic has been magic since the first day of creation. I don’t see a mystery.”

  “Of course, you’re right.” Grenda laughed. “And regardless of the how, we are all here.”

  Xander took another sip of coffee.

  Grenda set her cup on the table. “How many times have you visited a Scout, Xander?”

  “This is his first time,” Mercy answered.

  “Of course.” Grenda cleared her throat and nodded, turning to face the senior Death Stryker. “You will speak for your charge. Tell me about his experiences so far.”

  “He has completed the initiate quest.”

  “It’s still the ruse of collecting corpse rats?”

  Mercy nodded.

  Grenda sniffed. “That doesn’t amount to much. There’s barely any XP there since they only manage to get one or two before they drop.”

  “Xander did better than most.”

  “Is that so? How many did he manage to collect?”

  “The full requirement.”

  “A dozen?” Grenda turned to regard Xander, brows furrowed. “I’ve never heard of anyone completing that quest. There might be some bonus for such an accomplishment.”

  “It would seem that there was.” Mercy tapped her eye and pointed at Xander.

  “Yes. I noticed the Death’s Kiss. An exceptional gift for one so young to possess. That is very likely the reward for his feat.”

  Xander’s laugh was harsh and sharp. “My eye was slowly pulled from its socket. Twice. Once while I was awake and the second time inside a fever dream. Half my head is constantly freezing all the way into the bones of my skull and cheek.” He pursed his lips and shook his head. “How can that be considered a reward?”

  “You will learn to deal with the discomfort.” Mercy said.

  Xander laughed again.

  “Death’s Kiss does imbue considerable gifts, Xander.” Grenda said. “They will reveal themselves over time. Trust me. You are lucky to have it.”

  “He has already cast bone storm.” Mercy smiled as the woman’s eyes grew wide. “I should also mention that the boy is a Shard.”

  Grenda was raising her mug to take another drink. At the mention of Xander being a shard, she froze, paused, and set the cup down. “Well.” She placed both palms flat on the table surface, looked at them for a moment, and then nodded as she met Mercy’s eyes. “This helps me to understand why you are his sponsor.”

  “You know who Mercy is?” Xander frowned and looked at each of the women in turn. “Anyone want to tell me what the big deal is?”

  Grenda watched him for a moment. “You have been granted incredible power for one so young. Plus, you are a Traveller...” Her head shook from side to side. “The odds are overwhelming that you will not survive very long, Xander.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “She’s saying,” Mercy smiled. “that you are a piece of dry straw which has been dropped into a river of lava. I am tasked with steering you along that flow and keeping you from burning up until you reach the soothing waters of a far distant lake.”

  Xander laughed. “That’s a bad analogy. Dry straw would never stand a chance.”

  Grenda shook her head. “The analogy is very good, actually.”

  Xander’s skin felt suddenly clammy, his mouth dry. Grenda noted his reaction and reached out to pat his hand. “Don’t worry, Xander. I can honestly say that with Mercy as your sponsor, you have a very good chance of making it to that lake
.”

  14

  “Mind if I join you?” Xander asked.

  Sebastian indicated the chair across from him with an extended hand. “Be my guest.”

  Xander sat and placed both hands flat against the table.

  “You don’t look happy.” Sebastian raised his mug. “What’s on your mind?”

  “We’re safe here, right?”

  Sebastian glanced left and right. “I don’t see any danger at the moment.”

  “No, I mean in this reality.”

  “Ahh.”

  “You’re one hundred percent sure that dying here is not a permanent thing for us? We wake up in our bodies back home when we are killed?”

  Sebastian took a sip of ale. “That’s what they say is supposed to happen.”

  “I know that’s what they say. But you know for sure.”

  The older man frowned. “What makes you think I know anything of the sort?”

  Xander spread his hands to indicate the room. “Because this is your creation. You made it all.”

  Sebastian’s eyes narrowed.

  “I know who you are.”

  Sebastian took another drink before speaking. “Did Fen tell you?”

  “Huh?” Xander shook his head. “No. I just figured it out. You look different, but your mannerisms and way of talking are the same as back home. Before I was offered the free beta test, I watched a bunch of video interviews you’d done over the past couple years.”

  “Free beta test?”

  “Yeah. Isaac waived the fee for me.”

  “Two million dollars?” Sebastian laughed. “That doesn’t sound like Isaac.”

  Xander shrugged.

  “To answer your question, kid, it’s fine that you know who I am. I’m not trying to hide it. I’m just a bit surprised to be recognized, is all.”

  “I’m glad to hear that you weren’t hiding, ’cause if you were, you suck at it. I mean, you didn’t even bother changing your name.”

  “I like my name.”

  “Still, I doubt there are many avatars named Sebastian in here.” He paused. “They’re looking for you. Isaac and the others.”

  “I know.” Sebastian waved a hand. “But finding me won’t help them.”

  “Help them with what?”

  “Doesn’t matter. Why are you worried about dying?”