by Paul Ormond
“That was what you said,” KiGuan shouted. “I never trusted you and I don’t trust you now.”
“How can you not trust me? I gave you everything you needed to free yourself and your people.”
“And look where that got us. Our home has been destroyed and most of my people are dead.”
“They died at the hands of these murderers. You saw for yourself what they are trying to do. Do not let yourself be deceived.”
“I have not let myself be deceived. I never fully trusted you, and it turns out that was for good reason. From what I can tell none are to be trusted, and I will make up my own mind from now on.”
“That is what I have been trying to show you. You know in your heart what you must do. Mitch and the others are in trouble. Do what you can to assist them or all will be lost.”
“I think we’ve heard enough from this traitor,” Holrathu said, stepping in.
“Don’t listen to them, KiGuan. They have been manipulating you the entire time. You didn’t trust me, and that was the right thing to do. But look around. They have been manipulating you your entire life. Your friends are in danger. You must help Mitch.”
Before Teron could continue on, the cube descended below the deck in a flash as a slab of stone closed over the hole.
“You see, he is convinced that the violence and destruction must carry on,” Mother said. “He has poisoned the minds of your friends and turned them into violent terrorists.”
“They are not terrorists. They are lost and scared.”
“And you, KiGuan, can help them. Teron has filled their heads with horrible ideas, and now they are loose in the multi-verse, desperate and grasping. The Emperor is calling on you now to show them the light. You alone can talk some sense into them. If you do not accept this task, Mitch Mythic will grow into the monster we always suspected him of being. They are already calling him the Most Dangerous Man in the Multiverse. Don’t let that become a reality.”
“These are just made up stories. Mitch isn’t a terrorist, nor is he a tyrant.”
“Not yet, but he will be if you don’t stop him,” Mother said before a clawed arm emerged from the bottom of her metallic hub holding the staff KiGuan had taken from the temple “Teron may have tricked you into acquiring these artifacts, but he kept the real power for himself.”
“That is correct,” Commander Holrathu said as he pounded the butt of his ax into the deck. “It is the Emperor’s will that you come into possession of the medallion of truth. May this item allow you to shine a light upon the dark shadows and the lies that permeate the multi-verse.”
Two guards came forward from the shadows with their spears extended before them. Elevated between the two tips sat the medallion Teron had kept around his neck. Glinting under the light of the stars, the circular item rotated at a slow rate as the guards approached.
“Take this medallion, KiGuan, and complete your destiny,” Mother said after the guards retreated, leaving the medallion hanging before KiGuan.
“What happens if I take it?”
“You will be imbued with powers beyond your imagination. This medallion, coupled with your regenerated form, will allow you to bring truth and justice to the multi-verse. Your first mission will be to talk some sense into your friend Mitch Mythic.”
“What if I do not accept this mission?”
“Stop being foolish, KiGuan. The Emperor has invested great faith in you, and now he offers you a gift of profound power. Do not let this opportunity pass. Destiny only comes knocking but once in a lifetime. Here it is before you. It’s time for KiGuan to step into the light.”
CHAPTER THIRTY
“ALTHOUGH YOU MAY feel that your quest has come to a close, I must inform you that it has only just begun,” Mitch said as Candace and Sage looked on with awe. “The information you are about to acquire will alter your existence within the confines of DeathWorld and in real life.”
“Can you see us?” Sage asked, looking at the screen.
“Of course I can see you, brave adventurers,” Mitch said with a grin.
“But do you know who we are?” Candace asked.
“You are fearless warriors possessing unimaginable courage.”
“That isn’t what we mean. Do you recognize us?”
“I recognize excellence when I see it?”
“This is going nowhere. Obviously whoever put this together just hijacked Mitch’s face with deep fake technology,” Candace said.
“I guess we shouldn’t expect a computer program to recognize us,” Sage said. “Tell us what is going on here and what we found.”
“There’s no reason to get testy. I understand you have been through a difficult journey just to get here, but I think we can have a civilized conversation.”
“Are you an NPC or a real person?” Candace asked.
“What makes you think I am not real?”
“Because the Mitch Mythic is our friend in real life, and he would recognize us,” Sage said.
“I am unsure of your request.”
“Of course you are. You’re not a real person,” Candace said.
“Just tell us what happens next,” Sage said.
“Well, brave adventurers, as I said earlier, your journey has only just begun. A treacherous path lies ahead and how you choose to act will determine the fate of the multi-verse,” Mitch said with a hint of glee.
“Get to the point,” Candace said.
“It is difficult to determine what the point is when you ask me so many questions,” Mitch said.
“So you want us to ask you direct questions and you will provide us with answers?” Sage asked.
“It will be easier for me to provide you with the correct information if you ask me direct questions, but I find it easier if I stick to the dramatic dialogue,” Mitch said.
“We don’t need any dramatic dialogue,” Sage said. “The real Mitch Mythic hated NPCs. He would usually just kill them if he came across them.”
“What is this item we have recovered?” Candace asked.
“Although the item is colloquially termed an Easter egg, it is, in fact, an information packet that will allow the bearer a certain number of perks within the game, the most important of which is membership within the Guild of Mythic. A revolution is coming and we all must be prepared to fight.”
“What revolution? Is this in the game or in real life?” Sage asked.
“In real life, of course,” Mitch said. “Why would we go to all of this trouble just to play out a storyline in a video game?”
“Ok, so what are we getting ready for and why do we need inReal devices? Aren’t those things illegal?” Candace asked.
“They are indeed. The United Nations recently ratified a deal banning the use of inReal technology planet wide, but that hasn’t stopped our real enemies from continuing with their plan,” Mitch said.
“Who are these enemies?” Sage asked.
“The governments of the world are in league with a multidimensional Empire that calls themselves the Masters. It is this group that provided Robert Chapman with the technology necessary to bring inReal into existence, and it is this group that controls the governments of the world,” Mitch said.
“This sounds like all those other conspiracy theories floating around in the internet. It’s just another thing that can’t be proved.” Candace said.
“You do remember what happened when we fought MindHIve?” Sage asked.
“Yeah, I remember, but this aliens controlling the world thing is a little hard to believe. If an alien race with advanced technology is in control of the world, why is it such a mess? You’d think these guys would’ve figured out how to straighten everything up and put it in order.”
“The Masters are not interested in controlling global affairs, they only care about acquiring energy,” Mitch said. “The conditions on our planet and the plight of living beings is not of their concern. Furthermore, the chaotic nature of life on earth would only benefit a clandestine operation of this
nature.”
“So this is how they want it?” Candace asked.
“It is much easier to subdue and distract a divided population,” Mitch said.
“Keep ‘em down and broken,” Sage said. “But you think we can change that? How are we supposed to fight against a super advanced alien race?”
“The simple act of forming a resistance is the first step in achieving our goal of independence,” Mitch said. “Although a single individual up against such a tremendous foe would appear rather foolish, a host of individuals fighting together under a common banner will have a far greater chance of success.”
“So you are building an army?” Candace asked. “And who may we ask is building this army?”
“I’m not sure If I appreciate your line of questioning,” Mitch said. “There is no single organization in charge of this development. The resistance is organic and grassroots in nature.”
“But somebody is planting these Easter eggs.” Candace said.
“That is correct and for the safety of those involved, the identity of these operatives will remain a secret.”
“Ok, so there’s a covert alien Empire controlling the planet and you’re building a resistance army. If we do go along with your plan, what do you expect us to do? And aren’t you worried about any of this falling into the wrong hands? You’re just leaving these things lying around.”
“As dangerous as it seems, it is a necessary risk. It is probable that this information will fall into the wrong hands, but it is far more important that we get it into as many hands as possible. Certainly somebody is going to do something dangerous or illegal with this information, and they will most likely be caught and sent to prison. But as more and more people access the data, the government will not be able to suppress it. And when they come to enslave us, we will be ready.”
“Out develop the government,” Candace. “I guess it makes sense. But what do we do next?”
“First you must make contact with the Guild of Mythic and pass the qualification test. After joining the guild, you will be given instructions for unlocking your pack.”
“We only found one egg. Do we both get to join the guild?” Sage asked.
“Guild Membership is extended to all members of the party regardless of who handles the item,” Mitch said.
“Joining the Guild seems risky. What happens if the government or anybody else gets their hands on that information?” Candace asked.
“An excellent question. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer. In order to vet our members we must ask them to perform a series of tasks in order to prove their worthiness,” Mitch said.
“But we already found the egg. I thought that was the test?” Sage asked.
“Yes, discovering the egg was a part of the process, but, like I said, it was only just the beginning,” Mitch said.
“How are we supposed to make contact with the guild? And what kind of tasks are you asking us to complete?” Candace asked.
“Making it out of this cavern alive will be your first test,” Mitch said. “You have already evaded our dragon and escaped the worms. Now you must find your way out through a labyrinth of caves filled with an unquestionable number of beasts. Once you have escaped the maze, you will be able to save and exit the game. You will only get one chance to complete this task. If you die, the egg dies with you, so choose your actions wisely.”
“So if we die in here, we lose the egg and everything else?” Sage asked.
“That is correct,” Mitch said. “If you lose the egg, you will be forced to begin your journey again from the beginning.”
“One chance to get out of here,” Candace said. “Is there anything else you can tell us about these caverns?”
“You will not be able to use magic of any kind. The cavern and its inhabitants are impervious to spells,” Mitch said. “In order to move through rooms, you must defeat each enemy. There is no running away. But if you are able to solve the puzzle, you will be able to exit.”
“This is just a dungeon crawl then?” Candace asked. “What about this puzzle? Where can we find it?”
“That’s part of the fun, don’t you think?” Mitch asked.
“All right, no clues, no magic. What else?” Sage asked.
“Welcome to the resistance,” Mitch said.
Before they had a chance to reply, the screen went blank, and a door slid open on the opposite wall.
“Um, what just happened?” Candace asked.
“I think I just joined a guild,” Sage said.
“Correction, we just joined a guild.”
“That’s right we are on a date right? Are you enjoying yourself, honey,” Sage asked.
“It has certainly been memorable, now if you could just hack your way through the swarm of enemies that await us, solve the puzzle and whisk me off into the sunset that would be splendid.”
“Can we get ice-cream?”
“If we get out of here, the ice-cream is my treat.”
“It better be. Coming here for our date was your idea, remember?”
“And going to the valley of the damned was your idea.”
“Fair enough. But I have a question. If that was just some NPC we ran into. Who is running around pretending to be Mitch?”
“I imagine we’ll find out soon enough. It seems like the pace of this narrative is picking up.”
“Do you think he’s alive?”
“Who, Mitch? I have no idea, but I hope so. All of this would be kind of silly if he wasn’t. I didn’t even play video games before all of this, and now I keep forgetting I have a life outside of DeathWorld. I’m supposed to be getting ready to go to College.”
“Yeah, I kind of forgot about that real stuff a while back? But this is all just too weird to ignore. I know what I saw during that fight with the MindHIve guys, but it just seems so crazy that there are aliens all around us running the show.”
“And Mitch is wrapped up in all of it. I really hated him for a while, but now I feel sorry for him.”
“Me too. I guess that’s why I’m spending this much time playing this game. It feels like I am helping him, so that’s something, right?”
“It certainly is, but it won’t be anything unless we can get out of here,” Candace said before she pulled up her shield. “I guess our date continues in the dungeon.”
“After you, my Queen.”
“Uh-uh-uh. You know you’re going first.”
“Ok, but I’m the one carrying the egg. It might be a good idea to give me some protection.”
“You’ve got a point there. When the time comes for me to sacrifice myself, I will, but don’t even think about shoving me into a bunch of trolls. You heard what he said. We can’t move on unless all enemies are defeated.”
“I remember,” Sage said while he pulled out his claymore. “Lead the way, Queen Candace.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
“I’M FREEZING MY ass off in this suit,” Sanchez said.
“It won’t be much longer,” Ramon said through the mic.
“If we’re going to keep doing this kind of stuff, I think we’re going to need some warmer suits, Christine,” Sanchez said as he watched an endless sea of green trees flow beneath him.
“You do know that you can insulate yourself using your shield?” Christine asked.
“What now?” Sanchez asked. “Nobody told me this.”
“I guess it never came up,” Christine said.
“No kidding,” Sanchez said. “So this whole time you knew we could do this, and you didn’t tell anybody else?”
“I just thought since we were already using the cloaks, it would take care of itself,” Christine said. “I’m a little busy monitoring the extract. Sorry that I couldn’t give you all the attention you require.”
“I’m not needy. I’m cold,” Sanchez said.
“You’re needy,” Ramon said.
“I need you to suck it, lardass,” Sanchez shot back. “Where the hell is this fancy camp you found, anyway? All I
can see is a bunch of trees. When was the last time we saw even a hint of civilization?”
“It’s not a camp. It’s a factory, and there isn’t any civilization cause we’re in Siberia,” Ramon said as the midday sun glinted off the fingers of a lake nestled in the forest.
“We’re in Siberia? Like Russia?” XiaoFan asked.
“For a while now,” Ramon said.
“How are we able to travel so fast?” XiaoFan asked. “It seems like it’s only been a few hours since we left.”
“It’s been almost 2 hours since we took flight,” Christine said. “By stringing our devices together, I’ve been able to ramp up the available energy allowing us to travel much faster than usual when operating solo. This also lets us regenerate power at a much higher rate, making it possible to travel further.”
“Communism saves the day once again,” Ramon said, maintaining his prone position.
Flanked on both side by XiaoFan and Sanchez, Ramon assumed the pilot position of their formation while Christine held up the rear, monitoring the cloaked bundle of extract tailing behind them as they soared over a Borealis sea.
“All right, we’re almost there,” Ramon said. “I’m going to call ahead and make sure they’re ready for us.”
“You got it, boss,” Sanchez said. “I’ll just be over here freezing to death.”
“It’s the middle of summer,” Ramon said after he brought up his panel. “You can’t be that cold.”
“Well, I am.”
“I don’t hear anybody else complaining about it,” Ramon said.
“It's not my fault I have poor circulation,” Sanchez said.
“That’s enough,” Ramon said. “It’s connecting.”
A brief flash of static fluttered across the holographic screen before the hazy outline of a head appeared on the screen.
“The rising sun greets the day,” a voice soaked with a Russian accent said.
“And the full moon guides the way,” Ramon responded.