Leveled: Cartridge 1

By King Tarantino

Warning: This may seem like an anime themed story at first. You would be wise not to assume. With that said, this story deals with real problems and controversial situations. Reader discretion advised.

Three separate stories are projected for Player Two within, all revolving around a teenaged boy, segregation, and magic.

In the future, the world of magic and science collide. The survival of humankind depends on the Gifted, humans with special abilities, and their fight against the demonic Fallen.

It’s a world that sheltered seventeen-year-old Yume has been dying to join. He gets more than he bargains for, though, when his powers come with a catch: he has to survive a dangerous game filled with monsters. But Yume has a big role to play in the real world, too. He just doesn’t know it yet.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jul 26, 2022
• ISBN: 9781638814047

Book preview

Title Page

Copyright © 2022 King Tarantino

All rights reserved

First Edition

NEWMAN SPRINGS PUBLISHING

320 Broad Street

Red Bank, NJ 07701

First originally published by Newman Springs Publishing 2022

ISBN 978-1-63881-403-0 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-63881-404-7 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

4005 Day 1 current Day Yume 5’5" 135 pounds, no mana.

After 17 years of isolation on an island’s military base. Yume’s gift, a black digital sports watch finally decided to activate. Giving Yume the ability Leveled, allowing himself to level up like in his video game, Plant Land. This is represented by a black 23-inch non-see-through hologram screen. Yume also received his guide, a smiley face creature two times bigger than the boy’s head and with strange-looking eyes named ALZADKAQUIZOR189, Al for short. Al whose only job is to relieve stress with jokes, then vaguely explaining the stat system, and how Yume uses the watch with his mind. Unfortunately, Yume’s home on the base was attacked suddenly by a humanoid Fallen by the name of Guy Zen. A masked armored villain terrorized and nearly killed the boy with his overwhelming MANA alone. Though luck seemed to be on Yume’s side. Yume escaping death’s hands vanishes just as the tip of Guy Zen’s massive sword began to pierce his chest. Yume leaving his father Richard Rothmen, and Guy Zen behind, confused. Though this allowed Yume to complete his special mission, Hand of Fate. A strange white boxed message which was to survive till level one started. Allowing Yume to earn a special perk, Luck. Let’s see how this plays out for the boy from here on.

Projecting cartridge two images now… Loading

Contents

1. Finally, Outside of

2. Yume Vs the Insects

3. No Longer a Virgin, to death

4. Yume Vs. The Hell Hounds

5. The Minute Man

6. The Origin Story

7. First Is the Worst

8. Yume Goes to The Mainland

9. My Bittersweet School Life

10. Yume Meets The Other Outcast

11. The Mana-less Gifted

12. Yume’s First VRR Match

13. Don’t Mess With The Elites

14. Back with Purpose

15. Yume Vs The Swarm

16. Drugs Are Bad

17. Yume Vs The Gelkin

18. She Loves Him, But Loves Me Not

19. Yume Vs The Gelkin Part Two

20. The Person In The Mirror

21. Yume Vs The Residents

22. Archer Vs. Jake

23. Not So Black and White

24. The New Shadow Master

25. Yume’s Day Out, Finally

26. Yume VS The Thugs

27. Family Problems

28. Yume Vs The Summons

29. Love Is In The Air

30. The Slides Are Weakening

31. Love Lost

32. Ericks First Taste

33. Rim, God Of Time

34. Yume Vs. The Scourge Collective

35. The Taste of Truth

36. Yume vs Victor

37. The Bonus Stage

38. Yume Vs The Dark Knights

39. The Story Within

40. The Game Changer

41. Ten Hut, Yumes new Armor

42. Who’s the Boss

43. Father’s Changing

44. Secret Secrets

45. Unforgivable Deeds

46. That Eureka Moment

1. Finally, Outside of

Nooooooo!

Yume with eyes clinched closed, began to feel a strange wind of warmth, causing him to gradually calm down.

With Guy Zen on his mind now, Yume opened his eyes in a panicked worry, quickly looking around. Am I outside? But how? His heart began to slow from chest-pounding to a manageable rapid thump. While noticing this place now, Yume looked to the sky, which was a light red, without a single cloud in sight. Small patches of red fog could be seen at ground level. They sporadically flowed through the city street, making it hard to see in the distance at times. This average looking city, one you would see in your current time period, with its cratered black asphalt roads, were all in ruins around him. It was filled with charred upside-down cars everywhere along the sides. These cars looked strange to the boy. Reality hit him.

Yes! I’m finally off that stupid island. He continued to take a deep breath of the not-so-fresh air. Cough! Cough! This place smelled. It was stomach turning to him at first, though at that moment it was more than just a wretched smell. Without walls, this was pure blissful freedom. Finally!

This place is really warm. This all seems so out of place from what I imagined a city to be like.

Yume knew this from a book he once glanced at.

After all these years, he was finally off the island, and outside.

Well, sort of. Being this is a game, and all.

Despite this hellish looking place, this was still freedom to him.

Hmpt!

Whoa-Ho! The wind! I feel the wind! This is so amazing! He jumped in excitement.

Uh oh. My wounds. He hastily felt around his ribs and chest. But the pain and the wounds were all gone.

It had never occurred to him he had been moving and talking, as if it never happened all this time.

What’s going on here?

He unzipped the front of his jump suit taking a better look at his body.

How could this be? I know for a fact my ribs were broken after that kick I received earlier.

Do-daa, do, daaa!

Trophy and luck perk?

I have no clue to what this all means, but Father always said luck was a good thing to hope for. Yume felt proud of this achievement. He then looked on to his surroundings. This is not what I expected the city to look like. Though I guess this is the game’s version of one. A really good one, too. The graphics are way too real. It’s almost scary. This is just what I’ve always wanted. I just wish there were more people here.

Oh well, being here is better than being on that island. Even if this place is empty… worn down… and smells… like rotting eggs… wait, are those geysers?

Stisssssss!

Yup!

Nothing can ruin my first day of freedom from that dome prison.

Crunch!

Yume stepped on what seemed to be an old skull. It broke off from its short skeletal neck.

This hat, it’s faint but it’s certainly glowing a light orange. It must be useful, I guess. I mean that’s how it normally worked in Plant Land. Remembering from his game that items would give off a glow when they were important, Yume picked up the hat. He noticed in the hat’s center was a white circle, with a black smudge over a single letter.

I’m having a hard time making out this letter. It’s all covered in this oily stuff. No matter how much he brushed at it with his sleeve, the stain would not come off.

It’s really on there good. Oh well.

Remembering his inventory, since he thought it was so cool that he had one, he thought, store hat in my inventory now.

The hat disappeared from his hands within an orange glow.

Whoa! It worked, and so easily too!

Open inventory.

Suddenly, his inventory screen appeared before him, showing the hat represented by an animated picture of the item itself.

{Hat of a Fallen hero collectible. 100 mana points needed to use…}

Equip hat.

{Action cannot be used now, mana is too low…}

Sigh!

I wonder what use this hat would have going into the future.

This hat shows no special qualities besides being disgustingly dirty.

Stage 1 has begun. Wait what… where are all the monsters? Don’t I need a weapon? I mean, how am I supposed to fight enemies? I hope the monsters aren’t too scary. Everything looks way too real here. I never imagined virtual reality to be like this. Now I have more questions.

Al, I need you!

Suddenly, Al appeared from the watch cheerfully swaying side to side.

What’s up buddy?! Oh, I see you finally made it to the game. Sorry I’m late. And I take it you’re probably wondering about a weapon, is that right?

Yeah I do, and Al, where are all the people? This place seems too empty to be a city.

Well, at least the ones I read about.

Oh them, they’re all dead, bud! You’re the first living human to step foot here in a long, long time! Like an astronaut, per se! Al spun cheerfully, swaying side to side.

(Fun fact: Though a total coincidence, Al and the Character Hal from the ’80s sci-fi hit series, Quantum Leap, have a lot in common. Rule one: Emily, you may not speak of anything you learn on this cartridge, game rules.)

First special letter E. Now find them all to complete the secret message.

Astronaut! Okay this can’t be real, the world I know is filled with people. And we don’t have these so-called astronauts Al speaks of. Phew! For a moment there, I was starting to get scared. But this must be part of the game’s background story, that’s all. Man, I can’t believe how much effort they put into this. It’s just as I imagined it to be. He pondered further, with a grin now. A real adventure. Yume had no clue this place was one hundred percent real.

Sure they did, Al. Yume gave Al a patronizing wink. The stage had begun already. So where are all the enemies, Al?

Glad you asked, bud! Here on Stage 1, you must defeat a low-level demon named Class, as well as four of its summoned hell hounds. They have marked the city as their own territory. So, you will not be seeing much action out here. I mean unless you’re ready to fight the hounds now. But I would not recommend that at your current level. No matter how fun it would be to watch! Al flipped, spinning cheerfully.

Sigh!

Just tell me how I beat this Class, Al.

Simple, you level up, buddy!

Sigh! You said this already. Thanks for nothing. It’s like pulling teeth and nails, trying to get a straight answer from Al.

Some guide you are…

Well Al, I can’t fight with my bare hands. I need a weapon, and what about armor?

This is what you normally need in games.

About that, buddy! All armor must be found or made by you, game rules. Al flipped, spinning cheerfully.

But the good news is, you do get a weapon! And you have a few choices, from either a sword, dagger, or claw gauntlet, which can always be swapped with another weapon class later on. That’s if you happen to change your mind, that is! So, which will it be, buddy!

Al swayed side to side.

The claws sound cool, but every game I’ve played, the hero wielded a sword. Either way, Al said I can change later, so I’ll go with that.

I’ll take the sword, Al.

Excellent choice, bud. Now that that’s out of the way! One sword coming right up, pal! Oh, and before I forget! All items in the game can be used in the real world, though not the other way around! Meaning you cannot use any items from the real world here! Bummer, I know, but no worries, since there are a lot of cool things here to find and use!

Al’s eyes glowed green while summoning a sword for the boy.

Poof!

Then from a puff of white smoke, the sword materialized before Yume.

Whoa, cool, a sword! But how is it hovering? And boy, do the holograms here look real, Al. Wait, since I’m in here, does that mean I’m a hologram as well.

This is so confusing.

Oh, that’s no hologram, bud! This sword is one hundred percent real.

Yume totally missed what Al said.

It’s pulsating a red glow down its center.

Whooom-whoom!

Strange. It’s as if it’s calling for me to grab it now.

It’s so cool looking. I’ve never seen a sword like this before.

What’s all that weird writing on it?

Whooom-whoom!

Whoa really, now this is so awesome! Father would never let me own a real sword.

And with my inventory, I can hide it from him. This is way too awesome, my own sword? And look, it’s sharp too. I could really do some damage with this thing. You know what, I will become a hero like Jake someday. This is my dream adventure. A smile then crept upon his face to this thought.

I finally found a purpose in life, a goal.

He never had one living on base.

Go ahead buddy, grab it. It’s yours!

Al says it’s ok, but why do I still feel so guilty?

Even though Father was nowhere around, it felt to him he was breaking the rules. Though for some odd reason, Yume sort of enjoyed this feeling. His eyes began to glitter with a look to say, do you really mean it?

I take back everything I said about this watch, it’s not a curse after all. It’s giving me this incredible opportunity. He-he! I’m really about to embark on a real-life adventure. Another thought, this is really happening. A real sword, I always saw the guards with them. But I never actually held one. He reached out for the sword’s black tightly-woven leather strap hilt.

This was Yume’s first weapon of any sort. It was exciting to him.

Suddenly, as it settled in the boy’s grip, the sword revealed its true weight.

Hmpt! Whoa! It’s heavier than it looks.

Yume grabbed the sword with two hands now.

It’s a bit heavy, but I guess I could get used to it.

Go ahead, try it out, bud!

The smile Yume tried to hold back became a cheesy grin on his face.

Ok, well, let’s give it a go.

Swoosh!

Whoosh!

Swoosh!

It’s not too hard to swing. But I wonder if I’m using it properly.

Look at that buddy! You’re already getting the hang of it!

He-he! Thanks Al, you know my father would never let me hold one of these. I would always see the guards with them and imagine having my own, and now I do. Yume grinned.

Whelp! You don’t need your parents’ permission here! Now isn’t that lucky, bud-ski? So go wild, have fun, it’s yours now! Oh, and remember pal, weapons are upgradeable with monster parts and other items found in the game! Also, here’s a tip, monsters can sense fear. I’m just saying, since having them on your tail makes it hard to hide. Oh, and one more thing! They’re super sensitive to noises as well!

Ok, I got it Al, don’t show fear. Anyway, I wonder where the hounds are now? Yume nodded, signaling he understood.

Wait! Sensitive to noise! I’ve been yelling and jumping around this whole time Al! He began to lower his voice.

You definitely have been, bud! I can’t believe it! But hey, I can’t die, so, oh well! Besides, this is loads of fun for me! So, let’s keep celebrating, ok, pal!?

Al ended in a cheerful flipping sequence.

The boy was unable to be mad at this comment.

Grrr!

He clearly heard over the eerie dead silence of this city’s background.

Ahhhh! Oh science, something’s behind me now. That growl sounded so deep. It must be huge. No, wait, it’s fake, but then why am I so scared now I can’t move?

Yume stiffed up in fear and trepidation, as his legs began to tremble causing his knees to chatter.

Ah, party crasher!

Al flipped cheerfully.

Yume, in a jittery shake, turned to face it.

Everything in Yume’s life had been censored, till now.

"It’s a nightmare.

Wha-what in good creation are those things, Al!? No, I can’t do this. Those things are way too scary. Are you serious? Why would you make an enemy this frightening?"

Oh, those are the hell hounds, bud, and they always seem to know how to ruin the fun.

Plants were all Yume knew. Though right now, there were no plants attacking.

These massive monsters stood about six feet tall, on all fours. These things had purple short-haired fur bodies, and muscular backs and legs. Though the head was odd, seemingly made of an extra-large cow skull with horns that arched inwards from its sides. The cow skull itself was attached to a massive fleshy lower jaw, held together with thick black metal stitching. Around its neck was a maim of twigs. They had metallic-looking teeth and torso-sized paws baring lethal black claws.

Yume watched as their beady red eyes glared at him with a deep intimidating glow. A ghoulish black smoke poured from their mouths with each breath they took.

His real adventure became too real for his liking now.

The sword’s one hundred percent real, bud!

Wait, Al said this sword was one hundred percent real. Could these monsters be as well?

A golden warmth trickled down his leg. This warm golden shame was least of his worries now.

Whoa would you look at that pal, he-he! We match!

Yume felt a definite threat of impending doom, as his body called out for him to run.

I don’t know, but I don’t want to chance it. Forget this, I can’t fight those things. They look like they could rip me apart limb from limb. Yume looked to his trembling hands, then to his symbol of hope. With certainty, he knew he was not going to test this VRR theory.

(Fun Hint: Emily, in the castle! Start there. There are rules I must follow, so I cannot be direct. I say this because things from here on might get a little crazy. Remember, there is a purpose and meaning hidden within. I don’t know, just give him a hug later or something. But whatever you do, don’t mention anything you learn. It will lead to a horrible outcome for you.)

*Next secret letter is B.*

The two hell hounds crept towards Yume’s direction with lowered heads.

Yume looked to his sword one last time, then to the hellhounds. Unequip sword! It would slow him down.

The sword stored in his inventory with this command.

Now!

Ahhh! Pant-pant!

Yeah right, nope, umm-mm!

Ahhhh!

He screamed, while already running away so fast he left behind a dust cloud silhouette of himself.

Pant-pant!

Forget that, Al! I’ll die for sure if I fight those things! I just feel it in my gut! Nope! Nope! Never! Pant-pant!

"There’s no way I can fight those things, Al! Look at me! Pant! I’m a little guy." Heave-heave!

And even if these things are fake, they still scare the living daylights out of me. Besides, even in VRR, you feel pain before you die. But what if it’s not VRR? Shoot, they’re fast.

Yume ran straight down this road with all his might.

Remember, young grasshopper, stay calm. These puppies sense fear! So, try to relax and be zen. Al imitated an old guru.

What in science is wrong with you, Al! Pant-Pant! "Do you see those things chasing me!? Pant! Heave!

They’re far from puppies!"

I have to stop yelling. I’m wasting energy.

Heave! Heave!

Yume ignored Al.

Be calm, he says!

Rumble!

Good creations, Al is irritating. This is all so irritating. Uhhh!

This chase was the most terrifying thing in itself.

Ka-tick! Ka-tap! RUMBLE! Ka-tick! Ka-tap!! RUMBLE! The hounds steadily caught up to Yume from behind.

All I can do is run.

Stiiiiiiiiiiis!

Whoa!!

That was close!

Phew! These geysers are everywhere, I have to be careful.

Roar!!

That sounded like it slowed one down.

Heave-heave! Heave-heave!

Yume quickly looked back in hopes this was true. He desperately wanted to stop.

Heave! Heave!

They’re gaining on me! Oh please let me find safety soon, my lungs can’t take it any longer.

Shoot, all the buildings are boarded up around here. Where should I run to?

Heave! Heave!

Yume was losing stamina as he continued to run for dear life down this unattended asphalt road.

Heave! Heave!

Whoa!

Stiiiiiiiiiii

Yume did not dare look back, avoiding another geyser.

There, up ahead, I think that’s an open entrance.

About ten yards away was a tall building which sat on the capital T crossroad, with its bright red sign above its door reading Bank of Vestal City. It was seemingly un-boarded at first glance to him. So, even if he felt like he would pass out at any moment, Yume did not give in to his body’s cries to stop. Instead, he persevered forward.

Heave! Heave!

Just then, a hound just a few feet away leaned its mouth in.

Chomp!

Nearly decapitating the boy, it tripped to a crashing slide into an old vehicle.

Thud!

Crash!

Suddenly, the other hound stopped, opening its mouth.

Thrawl!

It shot a ball of hell flames towards Yume.

Heave! Heave!

Please let this be an entrance, please let this be an entrance.

Yume could see the building’s black glass, three section revolving door clearly.

Thrawl!

Oh, noooo!!

Things seemed grim, with the blast racing from behind, its light red flame effect nearly upon him.

Oh science, they shoot fire, please let me make it.

Ka-boom!

The flames hit the ground a few feet behind Yume.

Ahhhh!

Thud!

Ouff!

He was flung into a section of the revolving door entrance.

Heave-heave!

I have to hurry! They’re still coming.

Oh no, I’m trapped from the entrance. Maybe these glass walls can move.

The hounds were nearly there now.

Yume urgently stood, racing for the glass dividing wall in front of him, slowly pushing the glass door towards the main entrance with all his might.

Hmpt!

It barely moves, Hmpt! What’s wrong with this stupid door?

This was due to the mechanics being off.

"Come on! Humph! Just, a little more!"

Heave!

It was too late now.

Crash!

Tinkle!

The two hell hounds collided, throwing the outer glass section of the door behind.

Whoaaaaa! Ouff! Skirt!

The door swung forcefully around, allowing Yume to fall into the buildings white and gold marble floor in a sliding stop.

Tinkle!

Followed by the shattering of glass behind.

Uuuurn!!

The hounds’ bodies were wedged together, now entangled, with their prey so close.

Urrrrrn!

They continued to bend the gold metal frame out, pushing forward as they vigorously tried to eat this small boy.

Roar!!

Chomp-Chomp! Chomp-Chomp!

Grrrr!

Chomp-Chomp! Chomp-Chomp!

Whoa! Too close! Too close!

Yume pushed back, crawling from harm’s way.

Grrr! Chomp! Roar!

The hounds had no cooperation as they fiercely snapped at one another for more room.

Pant-pant! I have to get out of here.

Yume got to his feet, hastily running in the opposite direction.

Pant-Pant!

Just then, a hound opened its mouth.

Fuu-ish!

Oh no! What now! These things just don’t quit! Pant-pant! He looked around with seconds to think.

Running straight, he passed the U-shaped front desk on his left, continuing to run towards some doors on the wall of this side, looking to its picture of stairs above.

That looks like stairs, maybe I can hide in there.

Blaze!

It grew brighter by the second.

Thwroll! The hound sent the scorching wave of destruction from its mouth for Yume.

Heave-heave!

Please let me make it in time! Yume’s shadow grew big, then small, as he neared the brown metal door.

Made it!

Yume quickly turned, forcing the door open.

Hmpt!

Thrawl!

The scorching red ball passed by!

Ka-pow!

It exploded down the lobby hall.

Ouff! Heave! Heave! Pant! Pant!

Yume rolled on the floor of this beige stair hallway, coming to a stop.

Oh no, my sleeve’s on fire!

He frantically shook his arm, extinguishing the flame.

Thank the stars, I’m still alive. Yume gathered himself into a standing position. Pant-pant!

He quickly ran back to the door, feeling he was well hidden. Yume only stuck his head out halfway.

Grrr! Chomp! Chomp!

The hounds were in each other’s way, prohibiting them from proceeding.

They’re not even worried about me now.

The hounds were beginning to cooperate now, each pulling themselves from out of the wreckage which used to be the revolving door.

Yume, confused, looked down for but a second. Why? Why did they just stop? When with a little more effort, they could have easily forced their way into the building?

He looked their direction once more.

They were looking directly at him with their heart-stopping glare.

They see me? But it’s like they knew I was here the whole time. Oh yeah, Al said they can sense fear.

Shoot, this is crazy, who wouldn’t be scared in a time like this?

Grrrr!

Yelp! The hounds made noises as if communicating.

Yume made his way back into the stair hall, closing the door behind him.

Slam!

Once inside the stair hall, Yume held back his tears, walking up a flight of stairs till he reached the first flight’s turning platform. Here, Yume slowly broke into tears.

Sob!

This is so unfair. Why couldn’t my gift just be normal? Who could play a scary game like this anyway? This isn’t fun! I’m not having fun at all. I hate this horrid place. And I’ve never hated anything in my life. This was a new emotion to the boy.

Yume sat in a corner, rocking back and forth in tears.

He did not want to move forward any longer.

The game had become too much for him already.

Al, I need you!

Though Yume felt he knew the answer to his next question already.

Al appeared from the watch in a glittery spectacle, cheerfully swaying side to side.

What’s up, buddy. Oh, I see you escaped the hounds…Good job! You must be tired.

Yeah, I am rather tired Al… no, wait! That is not the point here! You see these tears in my eyes? Well, they’re real, Al! I can’t fight those things out there! Al, seriously, look at me! I’m a scrawny little guy with a sword. One, might I add, I can barely use. Those things out there are what I believe nightmares are made of!

Pant! Al, is this really a game? Please tell me the truth. Overly excited, Yume caught his breath.

Sure is, pal! The greatest game ever!

Al flipped cheerfully.

I don’t believe that, Al! That horror back there! That, that thing was no game. Those things really wanted to eat me, Al! And that thing back there it, it breathed on me! It really breathed on me! I felt everything, Al! I don’t know, maybe this is how VRR works, yeah tell me that line, Al! Tell me I’m imagining this, tell me it’s all just some special effects… really good special effects. Please, Al! Tell me something good, I’m stressed, you hear me! Stressed! Now do your job, darn it!

Pant-pant! Shoot, I’m so worked up I said a curse word.

Al cheerfully spun, swaying side to side.

You sure do seem stressed pal, should I tell you a joke now?! You have to try to relax, or you won’t be able to hide from them.

Pant! Pant!

I’m as relaxed as I’m going to get, Al. And no! I definitely do not want to hear a joke! Ever! Ever, do you hear me!? Now tell me, you annoying thing!

Pant! Pant!

Yume calmed himself.

Al spun cheerfully.

Well, jeez, okay pal! You don’t have to be so uptight about it! I can take a hint…

Good… glad you understand, you intolerable thing. Now tell me, Al.

So, just to be sure, that’s a no on a joke, right?

Sigh!

Why do I even bother? Yume shook his head.

Al, I want to know for sure. So, read my lips. Are, the, hounds, real?

Sure are, pal! Everything’s real here, why?

Al flipped into a cheerful spin.

Yume realized he was literally seconds away from an actual death back there, with all the pain that came with it.

Yume became sick to his stomach, as a sort of dread hit him all at once.

What! This is too much, Al. Really, how can I fight a real monster? I have no magic, I have no strength, I can’t fight. I mean, I’m completely powerless against those things, Al.

This is what you have always hoped for, right? A real adventure! The watch just manifested your wishes, that’s all… why, are you not having fun yet?

Yet? I’d never have fun here, this place is a nightmare.

Yume highly questioned Al’s sense of fun, as well as Al’s sanity altogether.

No, I am not having fun, Al! I didn’t mean these things literally! I wanted a real adventure like in my video games, where you start off with a little bit of strength at least, or even a virtual room! Anything but this, Al! I never wanted this!

Or did I?

What was I thinking? I’m no hero, and this is no game! I have to get out of this place. But I have to survive until I get this stupid save crystal.

There was only one way he could achieve this goal.

But on the other hand, can I really go through with killing a living thing?

I should keep an eye on the hounds. I might have to go back out there soon to find one. An idea he dreaded dearly.

Still, he’d had enough now. Building the courage to get up, Yume headed up a few flights of stairs to get a better view of the outside surroundings.

That’s it, Al! I’m done! I’m absolutely terrified now! And I do not want to leave this building.

But you just started, bud! And besides, you can’t leave, remember, not without completing the daily objective, that is, even if you wanted to! Another thing, you ever thought that maybe you’re just not doing it right! Al cheerfully spun, swaying side to side.

I don’t think Al has a sense of pain. He hasn’t shown any care for my safety, But he’s right about one thing. I have to grab that save crystal first if I want to leave. So, that means I have to get serious.

2. Yume Vs the Insects

Ok then, I’ll just get this stupid save crystal first, then figure all this out when I get home. But that means I have to kill a living thing. Oh! This is too hard of a task! This worried him since this was not in his nature to do. But this was a must if he were to get home. The more he thought about home, the more anxiety he began to feel as he was reminded of Guy Zen standing there in his room, just waiting to kill him.

Sigh! I just can’t win. I guess I’m kind of flickered either way. Wait, I hope Father is alright. No, I mustn’t worry about that now. Though I hope he had a chance to escape. Anyway, I have to figure out how I’m going to get out of here first. Besides, Father is a clever man, so I’m sure he’s fine.

Flickered was slang for screwed. Yume learned this from Mike when he was explaining to the boy what would happen to him if his father found the device he lent Yume.

Yume eventually reached the sixth floor.

Pant! Pant!

Yume walked to the stairs center, then looked up its gap opening to the stairs escalating upwards.

Jeez! There is a lot of stairs. This seems like a high enough floor.

Yume looked over to the door, making his leave.

Now on the main floor, Yume looked to the stale light-blue stained carpet in search of the foul smell his nose was receiving. Then he looked up to the many cubicles ahead. Behind them, as its background, was a wall made of glass. That allowed the ominous red glow to seep through the gaps of its many long white vertically bar blinds. It wasn’t necessarily dark here, but this made the place feel other-worldly.

Yume looked to the right end, where he viewed the mid-sized grey top desks, spread sporadically in piles.

It looked like someone once tried to barricade this side. He turned left to look to the office doors on the left side wall. The hounds could not have possibly gone too far.

Continuing toward the office doors, he arrived. He grabbed the door’s silver bar handle and began to push down.

Tap, Tap, Tap!

It was scurrying across the carpet, coming from the cubicles behind.

Huh, what was that!? Yum, startled, quickly turned, looking back down this ominous hall. Hello, is anyone there?

Wait, Al said there were no people here. So what made that sound, did something fall?

It was dead silent now.

Maybe I’m just being jumpy. Yume entered the first office door.

Inside, he headed straight past its single grey top desk in the center of this room, making it to the window wall behind. He observed the vertical white plastic blinds. Hmmm! Maybe if I pull at that cord, they would open. He pulled on one side of this tiny ball cord chain. Yume cracked the blinds open, looking on down from the window, viewing the outside. There they are across the street, lurking. I knew they would be waiting for me. They didn’t seem like they had given up by the way they looked at me. Yume viewed the hell hounds in an alleyway not too far away from the building. Remembering their horrid red eyes, Yume shivered.

Man, they’re patient. They’re seriously still waiting for me to go outside.

Well, they’ll be waiting forever because I’m not going out there anytime soon. Not until I come up with a plan.

Yume noticed one looking his direction. Oh no, I think it’s looking up here.

Because he was wearing all white, Yume cautiously backed away from the window.

I seriously need to come up with a plan fast. Just how am I supposed to find this save crystal, anyway? Wait, I remember seeing the word map earlier in the list of options. Maybe that can come in handy.

Crackling! Cli-cli!

Huh, what’s that strange clattering noise? Clamp! Clamp!

I’m not sure, but is something in here with me now? How can this be true? Al said there was only the hounds and a demon on this stage.

That Al is so unreliable. I don’t know how to trust him.

Crackling! Cli-cli!

(Fun info: It’s not only forbidden but taboo for the Gifted to commit murder against one another. Though if they should do so, it’s said their gift would corrupt them. What happens next has not been recorded or documented yet. Next rule: Emily, you cannot share your time crystals with Yume, though he can give you one or more of his lives acquired. Sorry Emily, it wants to speak to you.)

(A new mysterious sinister voice plays now. You’re a pretty smart human, but it takes a genius to solve these clues, and even if you so happen to succeed…I’m still in control here, always, so good luck, bitch! Ending signal… continuing.)

*Next Secret Letter T*

"Oh man, I don’t think I’m alone in this building. That’s strange, it just stopped.

But wait, it can’t be the hounds. So could it be that demon thing Al mentioned earlier? Actually, now that I think of it, what is a demon anyway?

After the hell hounds, nothing could be put across the game’s plethora of monsters in his mind.

What could it be? Well either way, Al said there were only the hounds and that demon on this level. I never asked, but what is a demon anyway? Are they scarier? Maybe I don’t want to find out.

Yume slowly made his way towards the door.

Bud ump, bud ump!

His heart began to speed up.

Bu-bump-Bu-bump.

Gulp!

Yume tried to build up more confidence.

Opening the door slowly, he quietly poked his head out the door.

The hall was glowing red as the reflecting skies cascaded its walls.

Yume looked to his left first, nothing, then to his right.

Its body was thin, and weirdly shaped, like some foreign brown-and-black beetle. It was the only species of bug he could connect these abnormally large things to. This mucus-covered monster bug looked to be the size of a dog and had a thin hollo-tan, and short haired legs ending in hook-like feet.

It foamed a yellow-green glowing mucus from its large mandibles.

Sizz-Sizz! It hit the floor, thick, deadly glob corroding the area in a fizzle.

Yuck! No, no, I had enough, I can’t take this crap no more!"

Shoot I cursed again. Just what is that… that thing! It’s utterly disgusting and super creepy looking, I mean look at all those legs. Ehhh!

He shivered, terrified with his first encounter.

What in science is it? Sigh! No, that’s definitely a monster. Al didn’t mention anything about these nasty looking things. Tsk! I can’t stand Al. He always leaves out important details. Like seriously you have to be so clear to get anything out of it. Why couldn’t that other person, I think Al said her name was Emily or something, yeah why couldn’t Al have been her annoying guide? I would have been better off. Sigh!

Yume nodded earnestly. But seriously, this sucks! It’s one hideous monster after another. Yume held the door, trying to slowly duck back into the room unnoticed.

Oh no!

He tripped over the metal door strip on the floor below.

This can’t be happing.

Yume fell to the floor, witnessing the door as it swung open.

Ouff!

Wham!

It hit the wall in a bang.

Yume cringed in disappointment.

"Nooooooo!"

The large Roach turned, looking to the door with great interest now.

Cli-click-click!

The creature made its way through the hall, its shadow projecting in an even bigger form, adding to the fright Yume felt.

Tap, Tap, Tap!

Yume watched as the large bug’s shadow neared the door first.

Crud-crud-crud-crud! It knows I’m here. Shoot, what am I going to do now?

The large bug at the door now paused as it and Yume locked eyes.

Its black eyes looked blank, though not empty.

Gulp!

Screeeeeeee!

The Roach bellowed a screeching noise with a deep undertone.

Ahhhh! Go away!!

Yume covered his ears.

It’s so loud! Make it stop already!

He kicked the door closed with his foot.

Slam!

He crawled to the door, placing his back against it.

Pant-Gulp! Pant-Pant!

Thud!

Thud!

The large insect banged on the other side vigorously.

Pant-pant! Al! Help-I-need-you-now!

Swoosh!

What’s up, bud?

Click-it!

Yume quickly pressed in the lock of the door.

Pant-pant! Gulp!

Thud-thud-thud!

The massive bug continued to bang on the door with its hooked claw-like feet!

Though the rapid noise was startling, Yume became more settled after seeing the door holding up.

What in good creation was that thing, Al!? I thought you said it was just the hell hounds and that demon here!

No, actually what I said was… the hounds claimed the outside as their own territory, and that you had to beat them to complete the level as well as Class! Jeez, you should be happy I told you that, bud! What game would be complete without other enemies anyway, huh? He ended with a flip into a spin.

Tsk! Yume was irritated, but this made sense.

Fine, Al, but tell me what this gross looking thing on the other side of the door is called?

Sorry pal, you have to kill an enemy to get the information. After, it will show in your data base showing each monster you’ve collected! I can say though, that these small guys here are maybe the weakest enemy on Training Level One!

Thud-thud!

Training for what? No, never mind That doesn’t matter now.

Tsk! So, that means I actually have to kill this thing!

It’s not like I can fight a hell hound.

But, Al, I can’t do that. Kill a living thing!?

Sure you can, pal! It’s easy!

Thud-thud!

Sigh. Easy he says.

No, Al it isn’t, I mean this would be different if it was a hologram like you. But… but they’re real things, Al! The boy just could not bring himself to do it.

Suddenly, it went quiet on the other side.

Strange. Did it stop?

Well, suits you, pal! I don’t know how you’ll ever get out of here! Especially with that weak-minded attitude of yours. To each his own!

Yume was conflicted to the point he did not want to talk to Al right now.

Sizzle!

It was coming from the center of the door.

Curious, Yume placed his ear against the door.

It sounds almost like seltzer water fizzling on the other side of the door.

But this was not a bubbly beverage he heard, in fact it was a form of acid melting fast through the wooden exterior.

It quickly made its way through to the other side greeting Yume, nearly touching his ear.

Bubble!

Yume quickly backed away from the door.

Huh! Whoa! What is that stuff?

Within this neon green mucky colored fluid, a small hole began to widen in the doors center.

Pant-Pant-Pant! They can even spit that nasty stuff. Jeez it even melted through wood like metal. Is that even possible?

Yume backed away from danger, bumping into a desk.

Huh!

I should use this to barricade the door.

He quickly stood, pulling at the desk’s bottom corner. No luck, it’s screwed to the floor. The small hole became a gap. The corrosion on the door suddenly stopped.

Shoot, it’s about to come in, I’ve got to hide!

Yume ran behind the desk for cover, as cowards do.

Pant! Pant!

There has to be a back exit, or something? Jeez, the hounds might have known about these weird things already.

They probably thought I’d come running back out soon. The crazy thing is, they might be right.

But not without a fight it seems. Then another thought, Equips sword.

Yume looked to his hovering sword. Gulp! He built up the nerve, and grabbed it.

It is so quiet on the other side of the desk now.

Yume snarled with this bitter feeling, tired of just waiting to die. He gripped his sword even tighter.

Ok, it is all or nothing. He jumped up from behind the desk excitedly, seeing nothing. What’s going on here? It was eerily quiet.

Confused, Yume slowly made his way toward the hole.

Bu-bump-Bu-bump!

He began to crawl, finally arriving at this door. Yume trembled as he slowly went to peek through the hole.

I have to be careful not to touch the edges.

Hey pal, you called right?

Yume fell back, sitting up on the floor.

Freak. Al, what are you doing? You can’t just pop up like that. Especially in times like these.

But I’m trying to help, bud. Besides, only you can hear or see me… remember? You seem stressed! Is there anything I can do to cheer you up, like a…

Don’t even say it, Al.

Or what?

What did you say? The nerve you have!

Al swayed there silent, with its never changing smile.

Schreeeeeee!

Shoot. I have to ignore Al, it’s becoming a distraction now.

It sounds like its leaving.

Yume placed all his focus on this problem ahead.

Maybe I should check.

He positioned himself to look out the hole. Yume kept his head at the front of the large hole. With his sweaty hand, he gripped his sword tightly. Here we go.

He looked out the hole fully now, first to the right, nothing. Then to the left, still… nothing.

What’s going on here. Would this thing just up and leave?

Screeeeee!

Surprising the boy, the massive creature swiftly swung its mesothoracic from above.

Swoosh!

Yikes!

Yume avoided its attack in fright, falling back from the door to the floor.

Screeee-Screeee!

Tink-tink-tink!

Yume began to run back behind the desk again. As he looked back one last time, he noticed the creature having a hard time getting through. Its shell was preventing it from squeezing through the door.

Tink-tink-tink!

What am I doing, this is my chance! He ran toward the roach, coming but a few feet away. Yume lifted his sword, thrusting it down with both hands.

Kink! Flick! Thud!

His sword slid across its slick shell on to the carpet.

Are you kidding me? That did nothing. Its shell is way too hard to break through. It’s like trying to cut into metal, how am I supposed to even hurt this thing?

Meanwhile, the roach struggled to bite the boy’s face.

Snap! Snap!

Yume stabbed down, aiming for its head this time.

Ka-Toosh!

Shreeeeeeee!

Eureka! Yume could tell it felt that last attack since the roach had stopped its attempts.

Yet now it opened its mandibles, cocking its head back.

Spit!

Whoa! Hmpt!

Yume fell to the floor as the brown ball of glowing neon green mucus passed his face.

With no agility, Yume was able to dodge the Roach’s attack anyway.

It was a lucky mistake that saved his life, though the goo slightly grazed his forearm just enough to cause his jumper to dissolve at an alarming rate.

Sizzle!

Ahh!

Yume quickly ripped the material from the corrosion point on his arm. That was way too close for comfort!

He was forced to keep running as the roach continued its raging assault!

Spit!

Stizzz!

It spit its acid everywhere in globs.

Spit!

Stizzz!

It quickly dissolved the floor and desk’s surface as they were hit.

This stuff is dangerous. I can’t allow myself to be hit directly. Continuing to run around the room in panicked fright, Yume played a game of life-or-death dodgeball. Ahhhh!

Heave-Heave! He was sweating and out of stamina now, running off pure adrenaline.

Tink-tink-tink!

Suddenly, the creature stopped spitting its death juice. Pushing its insect legs against the door, it tried to free itself from the hole again. Tink-tink-tink!

Pant! Pant! Heave!

Man, it finally stopped. Oh, wait it stopped! I should do something now.

Yume realized an opportunity to attack.

Ahhhhh!

He lifted his sword, running toward the creature again.

Screeeeee!

Yume swung down!

Ka-Toosh!

Splat! Little mucky splatters made their way to his