— ●[Maximilian Sullivan]● —
Level : 4 [—[11%]————————100%]
Archetype : Force [???]
Techniques : —
Skills:
﹂ Supernatural Condition
Metaverse: [Access]
Karma Points: 9354
— ●[Maximilian Sullivan]● —
It's been two weeks… Maximilian stared at the status window before him, a nostalgic feeling bubbling within. Just two weeks ago, he didn't even know how to properly use a weapon, and now, after several close shaves with death and the support of his teammates, he has climbed up from level 1 to level 4.
It was a tedious journey, and Maximilian knew it would only get harder. But his goal never changed, and his determination only grew stronger with each passing day.
Without taking off his armour, he began doing light stretches to ease the tension he felt. It feels like I'm going to battle a monster. He chuckled inwardly.
For the past two weeks, his focus had been on the metaverse. From his teammates description, it was like a whole new world that provided everything one would need to survive in the apocalypse and more.
From weapons and armour, to techniques. Even information was provided at the right pricing. There were arenas and training centers, like a massive military camp. Hearing about it all, Maximilian couldn't help but feel expectant.
He sat down in lotus style, taking deep breaths to calm himself down. Even with his eyes closed, he could still see the status panel. He focused his will on the metaverse [access], the moment he did, it felt like his soul left his body.
There was a sudden change in the atmosphere, Maximilian opened his eyes to find himself standing in a long white corridor. With prior warning from his teammates, Maximilian headed for the door at the end of the corridor.
A thin blue film, reminiscent of the status panel, coated the door frame. It looked like a portal to another world. Maximilian smiled and stepped into it, when he walked out of the other side, he gasped in awe.
Creatures of various races walked about, their origin a mystery. Some were half naked, others wore so much clothing it was a surprise they could even walk. Green skin, towering horns, angel-like wings, and a variety of features presented themselves before Maximilian who was now standing in the streets of a bustling city.
"Wow… so this is the metaverse…" He muttered. He had heard that the city was as large as a planet, with no known end. And everyone gathered for various reasons.
"Hello sir, you look new. Do you need a guide?" Maximilian looked down at the little girl that stood before him. She looked no older than nine, with a chubby face and large, cute eyes. She was dressed in simple clothing.
"A guide?" Maximilian asked. Willow prevented the others from giving him too much information, claiming that exploration was part of the process and he should enjoy it.
"Yes sir. I'm very familiar with Avallone. I can guide you to places you want to visit, or recommend places for you to go depending on your needs." She spoke.
"Avallone?"
"That is the name of this city."
"I thought this was the metaverse."
"Yes it is. But the metaverse isn't one large body, its many parts of various sizes joined together. Like a big man. A very big man."
"How much do you charge?" Maximilian asked. He didn't really think a little girl could effectively guide him through the Metaverse, but since his teammates didn't warn him against something like that, he decided there was no harm in trying.
Moreover, she reminds me of Nico.
"Ten karma an hour." Maximilian mulled it over a bit before agreeing. "Okay."
The little girl beamed. She reached up and grabbed Maximilian's hand, pulling him along as she walked. "Where would you like to go, sir?"
"Uhmm… I need to get a technique."
"No problem, I know just the place." She pulled harder. Maximilian laughed as he followed behind, his eyes dancing about.
It didn't take long for them to arrive in a small alley. "It's here." She beamed. Maximilian hesitated for a bit before following her in.
Knock~ Knock~
She knocked frantically on the old door. Maximilian looked around, the building didn't exactly look dilapidated, but it was very old. And soon, an older looking man opened the door.
"Old man, I got you a customer."
The old man looked from the young girl to Maximilian, then he sighed. "Are you new to the metaverse, young man?" he asked.
Maximilian nodded, sensing that something wasn't right, he asked. "Is there a problem?"
"That depends on you, young man. You see, while it's true I sell techniques, there are other places you can buy them from. The big companies are just a few streets away. Many young people prefer to go there."
"Why did you bring me here?" Maximilian looked at the young girl and asked with a gentle voice. Without losing her smile, she replied,
"Old man sells techniques. They are cheaper and better!"
Maximilian laughed. He looked at the old man with a raised brow. The old man sighed once again, "My techniques are cheaper, that's true."
"Are they better?" Maximilian asked.
"No merchant would say his products aren't better than those of another." the old man chuckled.
"I want to get stronger. I honestly couldn't care less about where I get the technique from. As long as it can help me, and I can afford it." Maximilian replied.
The old man nodded. He pushed the door wide open, revealing a well arranged shop filled with antiques. "Come on in."
He led Maximilian and Noemie around the shop, stopping before a large shelf filled with old books. "What's your archetype?" he asked.
"Force. My friends told me to get–"
"What you need is a meditation technique." The old man interrupted.
"I was told to test my affinity and get a matching technique of my choice." Maximilian furrowed his brows and argued.
"Seems like you aren't the only newcomer. Your world is too."
Huh?
"Force represents the awakening of the soul. To better understand your power, you need to know what has changed within you." The old man ran his frail fingers on the books, searching through them.
"Techniques are fine, but to give yourself a better foundation, begin with meditation." The old man paused, turned around to look at Maximilian, "My techniques are only slightly cheaper in price compared to those big companies, but my wisdom is what I offer as a counterbalance."
Maximilian felt a tug on his hand, he looked down and saw Noemie nodding her head. He sighed,
It's not like I know anything. Moreover, if this is true, it can be beneficial to the team.
"Okay." he nodded.
Puff ~
The old man pulled out a book, it was coated thickly in dust. He dusted it, giving it a once over before handing it over to Maximilian.
He suddenly reached out, grabbing Maximilian by the arm. His group was powerful for someone his age, and he felt around for a hit, touching Maximilian's arms, back, chest, abdomen, legs.
"What are you doing?" Maximilian quickly stepped back but the old man was already done, heading towards another shelf.
"How long have you been training?" He asked as he walked away.
"Two weeks…" Maximilian replied. Noemie pulled him along once again to the other side where the old man was browsing through another set of old books. This time, he picked two books, handing them over to Maximilian.
Maximilian took a quick look at the dusty books, his lips twitching, The art of Sitting Still, The art of Dancing, The art of Surviving…. What the hell are these names?
He took another glance at Noemie, a pang of regret blooming within him. But staring at her innocent eyes, he sighed and reluctantly followed the old man to the counter.
The old man pointed to a small opening on the table, Maximilian placed his hand on it, and soon after, he heard a soft chime.
[Purchase completed]
[7,980 Karma points have been deducted]
That's all I have… he cried internally.
"I know you are reluctant, but these techniques have existed long before you were born. Longer than you can imagine. Your Foundation will be firm, so long as you are diligent." The old man preached. Maximilian nodded his head.
"Since you don't have a physical inventory, you can only rely on the system's own. It will cost 100 karma points each to copy them and upload them to your interface." the old man smiled slyly.
Maximilian's eyes twitched and his grip on Noemie's hand tightened.
This old fox!!