Project Xero: Reblood: A LitRPG and Gamelit Adventure

by J. Cee

  The older man turned around. He had an unremarkable face and a slim wiry frame. Curious eyes peered back at Ceph. The eyes widened in recognition.

  “I know you!” the man said.

  Ceph instantly drew back, getting ready to flee if necessary. Images of the Word and all kinds of doom flickered through his head. His hand crept to his sword. Would Zeudah punish him if he defended himself?

  “I’ve seen you fight in the night matches. You’re really good!” the man said.

  Ceph’s fingers tiptoed away from his sword’s hilt. He had been about to make a big mistake. “Uh, hi?”

  “I’m Gerry,” he said, offering his hand to shake.

  Ceph accepted the handshake. “I’m Ceph.”

  Gerry smiled. “You’re with the cute girl, right?”

  “Cute? But she always wears a mask?” Ceph needed to change the conversation back to safer territory. “Actually, I wanted to ask about your match with Redd.”

  Gerry stopped smiling. “I guess you saw that, huh? I’m not that good, but I thought I’d have a little fun here.”

  “I was really mad at what he did to you.”

  “Can you believe it? I should have forfeited earlier. It took me forever to get those two rings. I had this cool one that let me heal. I tried that challenge fifty times to get it. Took me a year. It’s going to be a pain finding another one.”

  Fifty times? Ceph had gotten past his own healing ring challenge on the first attempt. It wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t a year’s endeavor, either. Aeri’s words about how most Everborn didn’t even have any equipment were starting to make sense.

  Ceph nodded in sympathy. “Someone took my healing ring too. It’s unfair, isn’t it?”

  Gerry shook his head in commiseration. “So what was it that you wanted to ask?”

  “I know this is kind of a big favor, but Aeri and I signed up for the doubles tournament. Redd’s there too, and he might be the toughest one in our tier. We’re trying to learn as much as we can about him beforehand.”

  “Speak no more,” Gerry said, holding up a hand. “You want to know what my attributes are, right?”

  Ceph didn’t try to hide his surprise. “Yes. How did you know?”

  “Another fighter asked me the same thing a few minutes ago. A rather good-looking woman, exotic too, like your girl.”

  Another woman, but not Aeri? Gerry obviously hadn’t met her before. A name crept up his throat unbidden. “Jexaka,” he whispered.

  “You know her? Lucky you. Her skin was the prettiest blue I’ve ever seen. Nice black hair too.” Gerry scratched his chin. “Come to think of it, she was kind of the opposite of your girlfriend.”

  Ceph didn’t like the sound of that for multiple reasons, but foremost because that meant Jexaka was definitely involved in the tournament. He had to warn Aeri. Maybe Lisha, too.

  “Did she mention if she was in the solo or doubles tournament?”

  “I’m pretty sure she’s in the doubles tournament with her boyfriend.”

  “Boyfriend?”

  “Not as good-looking as you,” Gerry chuckled. “Some kind of brute. Don’t know how he managed to snag that beauty.”

  “So… about your attributes?”

  “Right, I’d be happy to tell you.” Gerry leaned closer. “You be sure to kick Redd’s sorry butt.”

  Ceph grinned. “That’s the idea.”

  * * *

  Ceph found Aeri at another doubles match. The crowd around her was too thick, so Ceph waited until the fight was over. He waved at Aeri to catch her attention, and then walked with her to a quiet spot. Ceph told Aeri what he had learned from Gerry. Gerry wasn’t too perceptive, so he didn’t have much to offer besides his own profile. Still, it was one more piece of information, and Ceph was grateful to the Everborn.

  Aeri wasn’t happy hearing about Jexaka. “How did we miss her on the tournament lists?” she asked.

  “Maybe she used a fake name?” Ceph replied.

  “Then why would Gerry know her name?”

  Ceph could tell Aeri was combing through her near-perfect memory.

  “Ka,” Aeri said. “Ka and Aman. That has to be her.” She pursed her lips while thinking. “We can’t scout them. Their matches always overlap with ours. Isn’t that convenient.”

  “Do you think she’s a greater threat than Redd?” Ceph asked. “What’d you think of him?”

  “His equipment is impressive, even if we don’t know all of its details. His fighting is crude, though. Maybe he’s holding back his strength like we are, but somehow I doubt it. Showing off that flashy skill? Arrogant and sloppy.”

  “Or plain dumb.” Even Ceph knew that using skills when unnecessary was dangerous. “What was that skill?”

  “Sunder. It’s like a charged Soulstrike, but for weapons.” Aeri scanned her surroundings. Ever since the random attacks by the Pit walls, she had been extra cautious, even paranoid. “Back to your original question. I’m more worried about Jexaka than Redd. Redd is mostly a known quantity. He’s likely a fool with rich friends. Jexaka, on the other hand, remains a mystery.”

  Which round would we face Jexaka, or whatever she’s calling herself?”

  “Round three.”

  “Two more matches. Ugh, this is taking forever.”

  While Ceph wasn’t looking forward to putting his life at risk, he hated waiting with a threat hanging over his head. There was nothing to do at the moment. Well, he could run, but he’d have to deal with the Word. For now, he was safer in the tournament, and with Aeri as his mentor. That might change, but even so, he had to admit he was growing fond of Aeri. Could he be cruel enough to abandon Aeri to her fate? Ceph didn’t want to answer that question. Either response would be troubling, for entirely different reasons.

  In another hour, Ceph and Aeri were once again in a fighting pit. Their opponents this time were a pair of young brothers. The two boys looked about ten and twelve years old, but everyone knew that appearances or ages didn’t mean much when it came to the Everborn. Come to think of it, why were some Everborn young and older? Ceph made a mental note to ask Aeri about it later.

  Fortunately for the Onceborn, the children did in fact fight like inexperienced youth. Their opponents were both rank eighty, but the match wasn’t much more difficult than their round one victory. The young boys mechanically used Soulstrikes and shields with no regard for tactics or coordination.

  A simple strategy was enough to defeat them. Ceph and Aeri moved in close to attack and moved away to defend. They relied on amplifying and reducing damage using distance to gain a competitive edge. It was an old strategy that Ceph had used in his first Everborn fights.

  It wasn’t anything fancy, but their solid fundamentals was enough to earn a victory when the brothers forfeited the match. Between the two brothers, they only had one sword, which they gave to the victors. Ceph was really growing tired of all the swords they were winning.

  After the match was over, the two brothers came up to them. The older brother, a jubilant-looking boy with messy blond hair, grinned from ear to ear.

  “You guys are awesome!” the boy proclaimed.

  “I’m not a guy,” Aeri replied coolly.

  “Knock it off, Aeri.” Ceph nudged her. He turned to the boy. “Thanks. That’s impressive making it to round two at your age.”

  The boy gave Ceph a strange look and laughed. “You’re funny. Hope you win.”

  “That’s the plan,” Ceph said. He tussled the boy’s hair and smiled.

  The boys waved and left.

  Aeri gave Ceph a strange look as well.

  “What?” he asked.

  “Aren’t you scared of the Everborn?”

  “But they’re just kids!”

  “No, they’re not. They could kill an entire village of ordinary people without breaking a sweat. They’re Everborn. Don’t forget.”

  Ceph rubbed his head. “This is confusing. They seem like people. Except when they’re trying to kill you.”


  “They’re monsters. All of them.”

  “What?” Ceph hated Everborns, too, at least when they didn’t appear as nice kids. Aeri’s vehemence surprised him, but he didn’t blame her. He had experienced firsthand what they could do.

  “They don’t belong in our world,” Aeri said. “Nevermind.”

  “So what determines an Everborn’s age?” Ceph scratched his head. “Or how old they look?”

  “They choose their appearances.”

  “Really? But I’ve seen some old and ugly Everborn. Why would anyone choose to look like that?”

  Aeri’s voice was sharp. “We don’t know. Don’t ever presume to understand how the Everborn think.”

  Ceph flinched at her tone. “Got it. I got it.”

  Aeri’s expression softened. “You have a soft spot for young kids?”

  “I envy them. Their simplicity. Their ignorance. They can dream big because they don’t know better.” Ceph sighed. “Me? I just want to make it to the next day.”

  “Dream big? I like that. Does beating the Tetramorph count? I’m only a month old, too.”

  Ceph raised an eyebrow. “That doesn’t count. You’re… older. You know, womanly and stuff. Plus, you’ve been corrupted with your fancy knowledge.”

  “Womanly?” Aeri batted her eyelashes at him.

  Ceph ran away.

  Once Aeri had managed to catch up to Ceph, they headed to Zeudah’s tent for a final day of training before the upcoming third round fight. On the way, they stopped by the tournament postings. Ceph confirmed what they already knew. Their next fight would be with Jexaka’s alias.

  When they reached Zeudah’s tent and stepped inside, they found Lisha and Zeudah arguing.

  “She’s dangerous!” Lisha’s face was flushed red. “You trust too much.”

  Zeudah sat on the ground, as usual, before the irate woman. He looked up at the newcomers.

  Lisha turned around. “Ask them. They know, too.”

  Zeudah gave them a questioning stare. Ceph held up his hands to protest his innocence. Aeri and Lisha exchanged a look, although Ceph had no idea what had passed between them.

  “We’re fighting Jexaka tomorrow. She signed up for the doubles tournament with the name Ka,” Aeri said.

  “Tomorrow?” Lisha turned to Zeudah. “See!”

  “What’s going on?” Aeri asked.

  Lisha pointed a finger at Zeudah. “He won’t listen. That’s what’s going on.” She huffed in exasperation before addressing Aeri. “We posted extra guards around the settlement walls to keep an eye out for the Word or other trouble. Apparently, that hussy, your Jexaka, has been setting up romantic dates for tomorrow with at least three of the guards.”

  “The fault lies with the guards, not her,” Zeudah said. “I’ll speak to them.”

  Lisa threw her hands up in exasperation.

  “Three dates and a tournament match? Sounds busy,” Ceph said.

  “That reminds me.” Zeudah nodded at Ceph and Aeri. “Don’t forget. No forfeits tomorrow.”

  Aeri’s eyes narrowed. “Of course.”

  “Feel free to train here if you like.” Zeudah indicated the tent’s interior with a stretch of his hand.

  “We have specific training plans elsewhere. Thanks for the offer, though,” Aeri said. Ceph looked at her in surprise.

  Aeri gave a curt bow and turned to leave, indicating that Ceph should follow her. A bewildered Ceph hurried to keep up. After they had taken five steps from the tent, Aeri motioned for Ceph to stop.

  “Hold on,” Aeri said.

  Ceph had no idea what was going on. He crossed his arms, waiting for Aeri’s explanation.

  “Aeri!” Lisha ran out of the tent after them. Aeri gave Ceph a knowing glance. Ceph shook his head.

  “Lisha,” Aeri said.

  The Everborn woman’s face was flushed with anger. “Do you know what’s going on?”

  “No, but I don’t think it’s safe to talk in there,” Aeri replied. “Anything we say could reach Jexaka’s ears.”

  Lisha squeezed her fists in frustration. “My master won’t listen. This isn’t like him.”

  “Stay close to your master tomorrow,” Aeri said. “He may be in danger.”

  “Danger?” Ceph asked. “He’s the Pit Champion. Didn’t you see what he could do?”

  “He would never lose in a fair fight,” Lisha said. “But not all fights are fair.”

  Ceph was perplexed. Would a great Pit Champion be swayed by… a woman? It didn’t seem right, not that he had much experience with women himself.

  “Stay close,” Aeri repeated.

  Lisha nodded, meeting Aeri’s eyes. “I will. Be careful tomorrow.” She left.

  Ceph and Aeri spent the rest of the day and night discussing team tactics in private. Something fishy was going on with Zeudah, and Ceph was glad that they hadn’t trained in front of him. After running through mock scenarios, practicing mental calculations, and memorizing maneuvers, Ceph was exhausted.

  While their Onceborn bodies didn’t need any rest, the same wasn’t true for his mind. Ceph asked for a break, and Aeri agreed it was a good idea. They spent the last hours before the match underneath one of the few trees near the center of the settlement.

  Ceph sat in silence, his back resting against the tree trunk as the stars above faded in the dawn’s new light. Had it been less than a month since he had found Aeri in the dragon’s belly? Since he had seen the first man stand up to an Everborn and die? So much had happened since that day. What had been the name of the man who had sent him to safety?

  Ceph ground his teeth. Why couldn’t he remember the name of the man who had saved his life? Then, it came to him. Nikola. First, it was Nikola. Then, the other crew members who had joined him.

  How had ordinary men like that stood against the Everborn? Even Ceph with his Onceborn power had a deep-rooted wariness, if not outright fear, of the Everborn. Yet these men had leapt forward to protect their own. He had gained the same skills of the Everborn. He had trained with Aeri. But he still didn’t have what they had. Ceph wasn’t sure if he wanted to be like them. They were dead, after all.

  Ceph glanced at Aeri, who sat with her back to the tree on his right. She returned his gaze and smiled. Did her eyes look sad? Could she read his thoughts?

  “The quiet times. They’re the hardest, aren’t they?”

  “Yeah.” Ceph looked away.

  “I wonder, too. Wonder whether I’ll be good enough. Wonder why I care about being good enough. Wonder what will happen tomorrow.”

  “You have your visions. Doesn’t that make things easier, knowing a bit of what’s going to happen? I hate the uncertainty, the suspense. It’s terrifying.”

  Aeri laughed with a hint of bitterness. “Easier? No, trust me. It makes things worse.”

  The Onceborn sat in silence again, watching the rising sun, but this time Ceph knew he wasn’t the only one with doubts. Somehow, that was comforting.

  Soon, the sun was high enough that they had to shade their eyes. Aeri stood up.

  “It’s time to meet Jexaka.”

  Chapter 20

  Ceph and Aeri dropped off their extra third sword in Zeudah’s tent before heading to the fighting pits. They weren’t sure where else to leave it, and even if it was lost or stolen, it wasn’t that valuable.

  They arrived early at their designated fighting pit. Aeri scanned the crowd, hoping to catch sight of Jexaka. She had only seen her hidden in a cloak, but they had a fairly detailed description from Gerry and Lisha. Their mysterious opponent, though, was nowhere in sight.

  The match official, a man dressed in a formal green uniform, also waited. It grew later and later. The official opened his mouth to address the impatient onlookers, but a sudden hush spread throughout the crowd.

  A lone figure ran naked through the pit.

  “Where is she?” the man cried. “Where is she?”

  Ceph tried not to stare at the wailing figure. “Isn’t that Redd?”


  A pair of Everborn jumped into the pit and seized the naked man. The crowd jeered and shouted insults as the guards dragged him away. Ceph wasn’t surprised at the crowd’s hostility towards the unpopular Redd.

  Aeri had a troubled expression on her face. “I don’t like this.”

  “Do you think Jexaka did something?” Ceph asked.

  “I don’t know. Maybe.”

  “Should we delay the match?”

  Aeri shook her head. “Looks like it’s too late for that.”

  The crowd had gone silent again. All eyes watched two figures leap into the fighting pit opposite Ceph and Aeri.

  A hulking brute with thick limbs and body covered in coarse brown hide glowered at them. The brute was a head taller than Ceph, and his ugly face bore a misshapen nose and yellow eyes that were too wide apart. The brute carried a giant warhammer with a broad end for smashing and a sharp spike for stabbing. He held the hammer’s shaft in his right hand, while resting the head in his left. He wore nothing but pants made from animal furs and a metal bracelet on his right wrist.

  Ceph ripped his eyes away from the brute and looked at the other opponent. Next to the brute was a young woman about the same age as Aeri with long black hair tied in a top knot. Was this Jexaka? She had a sword strapped to her hips and a pair of silver gloves that contrasted sharply with her deep blue skin. Light blue sigils covered her entire body, similar to the ones on Ceph’s Corpus forearm. What was that? Intelligent black eyes peered back at him. She shifted her attention to Aeri and smiled.

  “Hello, sister,” the woman said in a quiet voice that only the combatants could hear.

  “Jexaka,” Aeri hissed.

  Jexaka bowed in acknowledgement.

  “Sister?” Ceph studied Jexaka’s face and then Aeri’s. Their faces were kind of similar, he supposed.

  “My sisters are all dead,” Aeri said in a flat tone.

  Jexaka took a step closer. “Not all follow your path,” she said. “There are other ways to be born again.”

  A few boisterous onlookers made catcalls and other rude comments at the conversing woman. The fighters ignored them.

  “What is she?” Ceph whispered.

  “Don’t let her talk more,” Aeri said to Ceph. “Kill her quickly.”