“From what we can tell there is 1 System User for every 1,000 normal person,” Nadir said. He had what Asher guessed was an Indian accent, but he couldn’t remember if people in India had more than 1 wife. They were in Nassau staying at a shoreside restaurant. “Systemd started appearing about 20 years ago, and no one knows why yet.”
“Have you met a lot?” Asher asked, sipping his daiquiri. In fact they were all sipping mixed drinks. Not much for the taste of alcohol, it was the preferable way for him to get a buzz.
“Yes, all over. I am lucky to be born in money, so I have traveled around the world. I awoke my System 5 years ago. It was a hobby at first, until I noticed how much stats change you. Then I was hooked. I’ve been in dungeons in China, Canada, and Greenland. There is a network of groups all over the world that talk and share pointers.”
“Anyone super strong?”
“Like the Superman you fought?” Asher nodded. “A few. Most people tend to do it as a hobby. There was a magician one, like that Dr. Strange character. A few Jedis of course. Some annoying psychics. And of course the Matrix girl,” he said.
“Matrix girl? Who’s that?”
“Oh just a pest. She can fly, is really strong, and can stop bullets.”
“Oh yeah? I can do that,” he said.
“You can? Can I see?” Nadir asked, surprised.
“If you want,” Asher said with a shrug.
Nadir looked at Tiff who was the only one within earshot and she shrugged too. She was very much enjoying her drink, and was a little tipsy as she stared at the ocean quietly. Zora was off with the other girls looking at the ocean. A white light formed in Nadir’s hand and a handgun with a silencer materialized. He hesitated but when no one stopped him he shot Asher. Asher, quick as he could, caught the bullet as soon as it stopped. Showing the bullet in his hand Nadir looked amazed at it and the gun disappeared.
“How? But my reports said you were a warrior,” Nadir said.
“I’m actually a psychic,” Asher said. “This whole vacation has all been in your mind,” then he laughed aloud at Nadir’s face.
He quickly realized Asher was joking. “Do not joke about that. It could happen. But my earring lets me know if someone tries something like that.”
“Oh that's cool. No, I can stop bullets with this accessory. Up to 8,” he said, lifting up his Bloodless necklace.
“I would pay you 500 Syscos for that,” Nadir said excitedly.
“I paid 500,” Asher said offended.
“750,” Nadir said.
“How about you tell me why you need to stop bullets, and if you can find a merchant I’ll buy it for 500,” Asher said. He could tell the man was frantic to get something like this, and he knew there was a story behind it.
Nadir calmed down a little with that and thought for a time. “My father was killed in front of me,” he admitted. “Shot in the head. My mother was poisoned a month later. All for money. I was lucky, my security team had learned from their mistakes. I wear an earring to protect from psychics, a ring that protects from poison, and I would very much like one that protects from bullets.”
“Sorry to hear that,” Asher said, feeling bad for him. He had only known him a day but he liked Nadir and his wives. “Find me a merchant and I’ll get you one.”
“Advika my sweet,” Nadir said to the girls by the shore. Soon Advika was in front of Ash sharing the merchant screen. “All my wives are System Users, as I’m sure you can see with those glasses. I happened to be lucky to find the most beautiful merchant.”
Advika smiled at him as he bought the Bloodless. Once Nadir gave him the 500 the man happily put it on. “Alright, it’s only fair. You have to shoot me now,” said Nadir.
Asher willed up a gun, but as a waiter came out of the restaurant he began yelling at them in Spanish. Once they were kicked out they sat on their 7 rented red scooters like some menacing gang. “I know a place,” Nadir said.
He led them to a house in the middle of nowhere. Paid a few hundred dollars and then a large arsenal of guns were brought out. “What the hell is this?” Asher asked.
“When you have money, anything is possible,” Nadir admitted. “Sometimes people get bored, so places like this cater to the rich. Who doesn’t want to shoot a bunch of guns into nowhere?” With that they all took turns firing guns into the forest. Asher was finally able to try out his RPGs. Since he only had 4 and no replacement ammo they played rock paper scissors to see who got to fire them off. Many selfies were taken that day.
—-
“Can we get a monkey? Pleeease. I’ll take care of it,” Tiffany asked. There was a small baby monkey in the cage in front of her. Clinging to a stuffed animal, it was very cute.
“Sure, if you want it when it looks like that,” Asher said pointing to a much older and uglier monkey in another cage.
“How much to hold it?” Zora asked. And soon they were haggling with the merchant.
Before they knew it Cozumel was their last stop. They had swam with dolphins, pleasing Zora, and spent most of their time with Nadir and his wives. They had also ziplined, gone to an exotic animal zoo, and rock climbed. Asher and Nadir had made a competition out of the climbing, but it was agreed that it ended in a tie. Of course no one could compete with Tiff’s flying, but that was beside the point.
Now they were in Cozumel. Of course there was a big storm the day of their last stop, but at least it wasn’t hurricane weather. Nadir knew just where to go in bad weather. The Black Market. Or at least Cozumel’s version. He showed the trio once again what they didn’t know about the real world. Everywhere had a market like this. A place where normal tourists don’t tread, and only the wealthy know about.
The market itself was in a warehouse-like building. Booths set up all around sold everything from baby monkeys to spare parts for attack helicopters. Asher was even able to find more RPG ammo. He now had another 20 to play with on a rainy day.
“Come on girls, there’s one more thing to check out,” Nadir said eventually. By that time all 5 girls had their turn with the monkey.
“Along with selling most anything, you can do most anything here,” Nadir yelled over the crowd. “This was my main reason for coming on the cruise.” Opening a sliding door it took them into a different section of the warehouse. A lot less foot traffic there were more stalls lining each side of a long hallway. “Cozumel is one of many cities that are open about their System users. Here you will find most anything you can in the System Store for trade. Potions, elixirs, suits of armor. I was looking to start my own such market and wanted to get the feel for this one.”
Asher marveled at all the items on display. Tables with large red potions, others with necklaces, maps, scrolls, armor, it was all there on display. “Why bother?” Asher asked. “Why not use a Merchant?”
“Some people get discounts from the System Store as skills. Or they have access to items not everyone does. Others want actual cash instead of Syscos. Mainly this is used for people without a System. I’m sure you’ve tried to use a storage ring, correct Zora?” He asked the small girl as she looked around. She nodded, they did try that after saving her from the Russians, but nothing happened.
“This necklace would allow you to,” he said pointing to a stand. At another he added, “These potions would still work on you as well. What would you give for almost an extra life? Most people only have about 20 health points, so it wouldn’t take much.”
Quickly Asher was haggling for the necklace. They said it held 10 cubic feet, but he felt it was worth it. He talked them down to $10,000 and 100 Syscos. He handed it to Tiff when he was done as he bought a few weak potions for another $5,000 each.
Tiffany put the necklace over Zora’s head. Asher handed her a potion. “How do I do it?” She asked as she caressed the necklace. It was white with the symbol of an angel on it.
“Think about putting the potion away,” he said. It took a minute, but soon a white light enveloped it making it disappear. Then when she confirmed it was actually gone she pulled it out. “Thanks guys,” she said, smiling widely. He could tell the System talk made her a little uncomfortable since she was the only one without it. It was the perfect gift to her.
“Anything for you,” he said, giving her a kiss.
The market was long, they looked at a few more stalls, but nothing caught Asher’s fancy. He was happy with his gear, and honestly trusted the System store more. At the end of the long hall was another large sliding door. They stepped in to find a crowd gathered around a ring. Two men were fighting one another. Large muscles, no weapons, all fists and kicks.
“When you get System people together you usually get fighting,” Nadir said as they took spots around the ring. Asher picked Zora up onto his shoulders so she could watch.
“Do they do it for Syscos?” Asher asked.
“Usually just fun, but I’m sure you could place a bet somewhere,” Nadir said. Neither of them had been very open about the Systems they used, it was an unspoken agreement between the men.
Watching the fight he began to grow a little restless. They pummeled one another, but neither backed down. Pounding into one another’s faces they were black and blue by the time they both agreed to give up. “More civil than I would have guessed,” Asher said.
“Have you tried to exhaust yourself with weight training? This is much easier. You heal most wounds within a day with high enough stats. So why not spend an hour fighting someone the same strength as you? Good practice, and wears you out,” he said. Asher had to agree.
Before he knew it someone else was in the ring. He was a large black man with muscles that mirrored his own. Asher put on his glasses.
Human
Level 16
He had spent so many days relaxing he didn’t notice how restless he had become. When the large man asked, “Who would like to fight?” Asher’s hand shot up.
A few laughs escaped some people's lips, but as he unbuttoned his Hawaiian shirt and made it disappear they stopped. Kicking off his sandals he told his girlfriends, “Just for fun.”
When he moved through the crowd to the painted on floor battle ring he began to stretch. The large black man eyed him, then with a smile said, “I am Vicente. I use a Monk System.”
“I am Asher, I use warrior skills,” he said. If the man wanted to offer his System up that was fine, but Asher didn’t like to lie. “Tell me Vicente, have you ever done a System Duel?”
“I don’t believe I have,” he said truthfully.
“Well how about a wager?” Asher said. “Simple spar till the other submits. Loser gives up 50 Syscos.”
“50? That’s too much for me. I can do 20,” Vicente said. Ash wasn’t sure if he was nervous about winning, or he didn’t have the Syscos.
“I can do 20,” Asher said.
| DUEL REQUEST |
| A User has requested a duel with you. |
| Time Limit: N/A |
| Terms |
| Only Fists |
| To Submission |
| Rewards |
| 20 Syscos |
| Accept: |
| Y/N |
Asher smiled. He had tried this with Abby back at the guild. They had tested until they found out it required terms and at least some kind of wager.
“I have never seen this before,” Vicente said, amazed at the invisible screen.
“I’ve only done a couple times myself,” Asher admitted. “Makes it more official.”
With that they both clicked Y.
| The Duel has been Accepted by Both Parties |
| Good Luck |
Asher didn’t wait long before rushing forward. Vicente was ready. His hands blocked Asher’s fists. “You are strong American,” Vicente said. He had an accent, but it wasn’t very thick.
“You too,” Asher said. Then they began to pummel one another. He hit the other man’s rock hard abs, then Asher’s face was punched, followed up by Asher punching the other man in the ear. It was ugly, but Asher enjoyed it. He felt the pain of the hit, but also reinforcement in his own strength as it didn’t hurt as much as he thought it would.
His Brawling and Battle Instincts were in full swing as he dodged under one blow to land his own. He could almost feel the hits coming. Many got through his weak defense, but not enough to warrant concern. Then he felt it in one of the hits, a wave of strength that shot out from the fist in his pec. Ash staggered back with it. Invisible, he was caught off guard by the force.
Now he recalled that the man was a Monk. Typically in fantasy they were able to manipulate Ki much like Abby. Ki was an inner force in people that extended past their bodies. Concerned now he looked to Vicente as they breathed heavily. “Bringing out the true skills huh?” Asher asked.
Vicente only smiled. Asher began to get serious, he didn’t know how to fight against Ki. Moving forward he made sure to dodge all of the blows. One hit was particularly close to his head. He could feel the energy leaving Vicente’s fist. So with a grunt Asher drew his arm back and hit him for all he was worth. Vicente staggered back, but did not fall.
“Good fight,” he said as his eyes rolled up into his head and he passed out.
With a laugh Asher dropped his arms. It was the most fun in a fight he ever had. More of a spar, he knew he would have to find someone to do this with more often. As the 20 Syscos was put into his status screen he walked away. There were no experience points. That seemed to only happen during life/death duels. Tiff and Zora gave him a kiss, but made him wipe off the sweat before anything too fancy.
“What was that about Syscos?” Nadir said.
“Ah, so you don’t know everything,” Asher said as he began to explain duels.
“From what we can tell there is 1 System User for every 1,000 normal person,” Nadir said. He had what Asher guessed was an Indian accent, but he couldn’t remember if people in India had more than 1 wife. They were in Nassau staying at a shoreside restaurant. “Systemd started appearing about 20 years ago, and no one knows why yet.”
“Have you met a lot?” Asher asked, sipping his daiquiri. In fact they were all sipping mixed drinks. Not much for the taste of alcohol, it was the preferable way for him to get a buzz.
“Yes, all over. I am lucky to be born in money, so I have traveled around the world. I awoke my System 5 years ago. It was a hobby at first, until I noticed how much stats change you. Then I was hooked. I’ve been in dungeons in China, Canada, and Greenland. There is a network of groups all over the world that talk and share pointers.”
“Anyone super strong?”
“Like the Superman you fought?” Asher nodded. “A few. Most people tend to do it as a hobby. There was a magician one, like that Dr. Strange character. A few Jedis of course. Some annoying psychics. And of course the Matrix girl,” he said.
“Matrix girl? Who’s that?”
“Oh just a pest. She can fly, is really strong, and can stop bullets.”
“Oh yeah? I can do that,” he said.
“You can? Can I see?” Nadir asked, surprised.
“If you want,” Asher said with a shrug.
Nadir looked at Tiff who was the only one within earshot and she shrugged too. She was very much enjoying her drink, and was a little tipsy as she stared at the ocean quietly. Zora was off with the other girls looking at the ocean. A white light formed in Nadir’s hand and a handgun with a silencer materialized. He hesitated but when no one stopped him he shot Asher. Asher, quick as he could, caught the bullet as soon as it stopped. Showing the bullet in his hand Nadir looked amazed at it and the gun disappeared.
“How? But my reports said you were a warrior,” Nadir said.
“I’m actually a psychic,” Asher said. “This whole vacation has all been in your mind,” then he laughed aloud at Nadir’s face.
He quickly realized Asher was joking. “Do not joke about that. It could happen. But my earring lets me know if someone tries something like that.”
“Oh that's cool. No, I can stop bullets with this accessory. Up to 8,” he said, lifting up his Bloodless necklace.
“I would pay you 500 Syscos for that,” Nadir said excitedly.
“I paid 500,” Asher said offended.
“750,” Nadir said.
“How about you tell me why you need to stop bullets, and if you can find a merchant I’ll buy it for 500,” Asher said. He could tell the man was frantic to get something like this, and he knew there was a story behind it.
Nadir calmed down a little with that and thought for a time. “My father was killed in front of me,” he admitted. “Shot in the head. My mother was poisoned a month later. All for money. I was lucky, my security team had learned from their mistakes. I wear an earring to protect from psychics, a ring that protects from poison, and I would very much like one that protects from bullets.”
“Sorry to hear that,” Asher said, feeling bad for him. He had only known him a day but he liked Nadir and his wives. “Find me a merchant and I’ll get you one.”
“Advika my sweet,” Nadir said to the girls by the shore. Soon Advika was in front of Ash sharing the merchant screen. “All my wives are System Users, as I’m sure you can see with those glasses. I happened to be lucky to find the most beautiful merchant.”
Advika smiled at him as he bought the Bloodless. Once Nadir gave him the 500 the man happily put it on. “Alright, it’s only fair. You have to shoot me now,” said Nadir.
Asher willed up a gun, but as a waiter came out of the restaurant he began yelling at them in Spanish. Once they were kicked out they sat on their 7 rented red scooters like some menacing gang. “I know a place,” Nadir said.
He led them to a house in the middle of nowhere. Paid a few hundred dollars and then a large arsenal of guns were brought out. “What the hell is this?” Asher asked.
“When you have money, anything is possible,” Nadir admitted. “Sometimes people get bored, so places like this cater to the rich. Who doesn’t want to shoot a bunch of guns into nowhere?” With that they all took turns firing guns into the forest. Asher was finally able to try out his RPGs. Since he only had 4 and no replacement ammo they played rock paper scissors to see who got to fire them off. Many selfies were taken that day.
—-
“Can we get a monkey? Pleeease. I’ll take care of it,” Tiffany asked. There was a small baby monkey in the cage in front of her. Clinging to a stuffed animal, it was very cute.
“Sure, if you want it when it looks like that,” Asher said pointing to a much older and uglier monkey in another cage.
“How much to hold it?” Zora asked. And soon they were haggling with the merchant.
Before they knew it Cozumel was their last stop. They had swam with dolphins, pleasing Zora, and spent most of their time with Nadir and his wives. They had also ziplined, gone to an exotic animal zoo, and rock climbed. Asher and Nadir had made a competition out of the climbing, but it was agreed that it ended in a tie. Of course no one could compete with Tiff’s flying, but that was beside the point.
Now they were in Cozumel. Of course there was a big storm the day of their last stop, but at least it wasn’t hurricane weather. Nadir knew just where to go in bad weather. The Black Market. Or at least Cozumel’s version. He showed the trio once again what they didn’t know about the real world. Everywhere had a market like this. A place where normal tourists don’t tread, and only the wealthy know about.
The market itself was in a warehouse-like building. Booths set up all around sold everything from baby monkeys to spare parts for attack helicopters. Asher was even able to find more RPG ammo. He now had another 20 to play with on a rainy day.
“Come on girls, there’s one more thing to check out,” Nadir said eventually. By that time all 5 girls had their turn with the monkey.
“Along with selling most anything, you can do most anything here,” Nadir yelled over the crowd. “This was my main reason for coming on the cruise.” Opening a sliding door it took them into a different section of the warehouse. A lot less foot traffic there were more stalls lining each side of a long hallway. “Cozumel is one of many cities that are open about their System users. Here you will find most anything you can in the System Store for trade. Potions, elixirs, suits of armor. I was looking to start my own such market and wanted to get the feel for this one.”
Asher marveled at all the items on display. Tables with large red potions, others with necklaces, maps, scrolls, armor, it was all there on display. “Why bother?” Asher asked. “Why not use a Merchant?”
“Some people get discounts from the System Store as skills. Or they have access to items not everyone does. Others want actual cash instead of Syscos. Mainly this is used for people without a System. I’m sure you’ve tried to use a storage ring, correct Zora?” He asked the small girl as she looked around. She nodded, they did try that after saving her from the Russians, but nothing happened.
“This necklace would allow you to,” he said pointing to a stand. At another he added, “These potions would still work on you as well. What would you give for almost an extra life? Most people only have about 20 health points, so it wouldn’t take much.”
Quickly Asher was haggling for the necklace. They said it held 10 cubic feet, but he felt it was worth it. He talked them down to $10,000 and 100 Syscos. He handed it to Tiff when he was done as he bought a few weak potions for another $5,000 each.
Tiffany put the necklace over Zora’s head. Asher handed her a potion. “How do I do it?” She asked as she caressed the necklace. It was white with the symbol of an angel on it.
“Think about putting the potion away,” he said. It took a minute, but soon a white light enveloped it making it disappear. Then when she confirmed it was actually gone she pulled it out. “Thanks guys,” she said, smiling widely. He could tell the System talk made her a little uncomfortable since she was the only one without it. It was the perfect gift to her.
“Anything for you,” he said, giving her a kiss.
The market was long, they looked at a few more stalls, but nothing caught Asher’s fancy. He was happy with his gear, and honestly trusted the System store more. At the end of the long hall was another large sliding door. They stepped in to find a crowd gathered around a ring. Two men were fighting one another. Large muscles, no weapons, all fists and kicks.
“When you get System people together you usually get fighting,” Nadir said as they took spots around the ring. Asher picked Zora up onto his shoulders so she could watch.
“Do they do it for Syscos?” Asher asked.
“Usually just fun, but I’m sure you could place a bet somewhere,” Nadir said. Neither of them had been very open about the Systems they used, it was an unspoken agreement between the men.
Watching the fight he began to grow a little restless. They pummeled one another, but neither backed down. Pounding into one another’s faces they were black and blue by the time they both agreed to give up. “More civil than I would have guessed,” Asher said.
“Have you tried to exhaust yourself with weight training? This is much easier. You heal most wounds within a day with high enough stats. So why not spend an hour fighting someone the same strength as you? Good practice, and wears you out,” he said. Asher had to agree.
Before he knew it someone else was in the ring. He was a large black man with muscles that mirrored his own. Asher put on his glasses.
Human
Level 16
He had spent so many days relaxing he didn’t notice how restless he had become. When the large man asked, “Who would like to fight?” Asher’s hand shot up.
A few laughs escaped some people's lips, but as he unbuttoned his Hawaiian shirt and made it disappear they stopped. Kicking off his sandals he told his girlfriends, “Just for fun.”
When he moved through the crowd to the painted on floor battle ring he began to stretch. The large black man eyed him, then with a smile said, “I am Vicente. I use a Monk System.”
“I am Asher, I use warrior skills,” he said. If the man wanted to offer his System up that was fine, but Asher didn’t like to lie. “Tell me Vicente, have you ever done a System Duel?”
“I don’t believe I have,” he said truthfully.
“Well how about a wager?” Asher said. “Simple spar till the other submits. Loser gives up 50 Syscos.”
“50? That’s too much for me. I can do 20,” Vicente said. Ash wasn’t sure if he was nervous about winning, or he didn’t have the Syscos.
“I can do 20,” Asher said.
| DUEL REQUEST |
| A User has requested a duel with you. |
| Time Limit: N/A |
| Terms |
| Only Fists |
| To Submission |
| Rewards |
| 20 Syscos |
| Accept: |
| Y/N |
Asher smiled. He had tried this with Abby back at the guild. They had tested until they found out it required terms and at least some kind of wager.
“I have never seen this before,” Vicente said, amazed at the invisible screen.
“I’ve only done a couple times myself,” Asher admitted. “Makes it more official.”
With that they both clicked Y.
| The Duel has been Accepted by Both Parties |
| Good Luck |
Asher didn’t wait long before rushing forward. Vicente was ready. His hands blocked Asher’s fists. “You are strong American,” Vicente said. He had an accent, but it wasn’t very thick.
“You too,” Asher said. Then they began to pummel one another. He hit the other man’s rock hard abs, then Asher’s face was punched, followed up by Asher punching the other man in the ear. It was ugly, but Asher enjoyed it. He felt the pain of the hit, but also reinforcement in his own strength as it didn’t hurt as much as he thought it would.
His Brawling and Battle Instincts were in full swing as he dodged under one blow to land his own. He could almost feel the hits coming. Many got through his weak defense, but not enough to warrant concern. Then he felt it in one of the hits, a wave of strength that shot out from the fist in his pec. Ash staggered back with it. Invisible, he was caught off guard by the force.
Now he recalled that the man was a Monk. Typically in fantasy they were able to manipulate Ki much like Abby. Ki was an inner force in people that extended past their bodies. Concerned now he looked to Vicente as they breathed heavily. “Bringing out the true skills huh?” Asher asked.
Vicente only smiled. Asher began to get serious, he didn’t know how to fight against Ki. Moving forward he made sure to dodge all of the blows. One hit was particularly close to his head. He could feel the energy leaving Vicente’s fist. So with a grunt Asher drew his arm back and hit him for all he was worth. Vicente staggered back, but did not fall.
“Good fight,” he said as his eyes rolled up into his head and he passed out.
With a laugh Asher dropped his arms. It was the most fun in a fight he ever had. More of a spar, he knew he would have to find someone to do this with more often. As the 20 Syscos was put into his status screen he walked away. There were no experience points. That seemed to only happen during life/death duels. Tiff and Zora gave him a kiss, but made him wipe off the sweat before anything too fancy.
“What was that about Syscos?” Nadir said.
“Ah, so you don’t know everything,” Asher said as he began to explain duels.
