Calamity Bridges... Outer Realms... Hosts... Bridging Cards. Didn’t games usually come with tutorials and explanations for key terms? That was how most games worked, anyway. But instead, the notification just slammed him with so many new words at once that Sami’s head throbbed, throwing him into even deeper confusion.
"...?!"
His heart began to beat wildly. He was afraid because, of course, he didn’t know what to expect. One thing was sure, though. The word Calamity didn’t sound friendly at all!
While he tried to piece things together, he guessed that the reason the notification had appeared in the sky for everyone, rather than personally for each individual, was that it was an emergency that wasn’t mandatory for every single person to partake in.
This was probably one of those situations where the strong had to go fight to defend the District. Something like that.
The good thing, though, was that the Calamity Bridges were appearing in just three sectors. The bad thing... the really bad thing, however, was that one of those sectors they were appearing in was his sector.
After the day of the apocalypse, Sami could see on the map that he was given, that not only was his city given the name District 7, but it had also been divided into sectors. His sector was Sector 10. And Sector 10 was one of the sectors the notification was warning against.
’This is crazy. Why is my sector one of the sectors under an invasion? Eh?’
He frowned and looked down from the sky to the growing chaotic streets.
’Well, it isn’t all bad. I remember that partaking in these Emergency Quests is one of the ways to earn EP,’ he thought with furrowed brows.
Just then, Momoka turned to the men and asked, "S-should... should we also go join the Emergency Quest?"
It seemed she had arrived at the exact same deduction Sami had.
’Based on what we’ve seen so far, EP has become an extremely important currency. Plus, I’m really curious about what happens once I reach a thousand EP. Joining the quest doesn’t seem like a bad idea.’ Sami didn’t answer immediately, though he had already made up his mind.
Besides, depending on where these so-called Calamity Bridges were forming exactly, he might not even have a choice.
Kenji groaned and winced as he finally gave a reply. "Of course! Although I don’t feel so good." He gritted his teeth, scratching his hair. "Tsk. Curse my drinking habits."
He turned to Sami, who for some reason was looking much better despite drinking the most. His gaze then returned to his sister. Stepping closer, he tapped her shoulder. "We’re joining the quest. However, the moment things get too dangerous, you are leaving."
Momoka frowned slightly and pouted. "You don’t need to worry so much about me, you know? Have you forgotten that I’m a high card player?" She crossed her arms, puffing out her chest slightly. "If anything, I’m the one who should be watching out for you. You have got a mid-numbered card."
Kenji scowled. "Even so. And hey, it’s not about the card. It’s about the Player!"
Meanwhile, Sami smiled a bit and arched a brow. ’She’s a high card player? As expected. I’m proud of you, Momoka!’
He was curious about their cards. Of course, he could just ask plainly, and they would tell him honestly, no doubt. But one thing about this group of friends was that they each knew how to respect each other’s boundaries, personal secrets, and trump cards.
Unless the situation totally called for it, or unless someone just felt like sharing, asking stuff like that outright felt impolite.
Just then, Kenji shot him a look and flashed a grin. "You ready, brochacho?"
Sami smiled.
"I’ll take that as a yes." Kenji ran a hand through the white side of his hair, which fell over his face. Then he gestured with his head. "Come on, then."
As the oldest of the trio, he took the lead with the other two following close behind. Still, if one were to pay attention to him, they’d see that he was walking in a line so straight it almost looked suspicious, clearly doing everything in his power not to throw up right then and there.
"I bet he’ll throw up before we even step foot outside." Momoka leaned over and whispered into Sami’s ear, causing him to suppress a laugh.
Indeed, just as she predicted, Kenji suddenly halted at the front door.
He stood like a statue for three seconds before turning and bolting to the bathroom, shouting over his shoulder, "Wait for me!"
Blergh!!!
Leaning over the toilet bowl, Kenji poured out his guts.
***
The streets of Sector 10 had grown chaotic. While the majority remained in the safety of their Shelters, a lot of Players had come out, roaming the streets and armed with all sorts of weapons.
No one knew exactly where the Bridge was, or what to expect, so they all just armed themselves.
Above in the sky, the countdown continued to tick away.
[Time left until the invasion: 00:01:12]
At this point, the trio could be seen on the streets among the other armed Players. While Kenji was slinging a long spear over his shoulders, resting his arms lazily over the shaft, Sami held his loaded crossbow.
Momoka, on the other hand, didn’t have any weapon and just kept both hands tucked into the pockets of her hoodie.
’Ah... let’s see. What cards should I play today?’ Sami smiled imperceptibly as he pondered what cards he should play. After a bit of thought, he finally muttered under his breath, "I am a wielder of a 5 of Hearts."
The moment the words left his lips, the rustle of shuffling cards sounded in his ears, followed by the voice of a jester.
[The Joker joins the Game!]
[The Joker (Wildcard) becomes 5 of Hearts (Cleric)]
Suddenly, Sami began to feel holy energy course through his body. His demeanor changed, his mind sharpened and grew calmer, and his spirit felt elevated.
’Damn... I feel good. No, no... I feel great.’
Sami couldn’t properly describe how he felt. The feeling was mild, but it was definitely potent. A small part of it suddenly made him feel like he stood above everyone else, meant to look down at the crowd. However, an even greater part of him felt an unwavering conviction to protect his allies.
[You have unlocked the Traits of the Cleric: Holy and Discipline.]
[You have unlocked the Skill: Healing Field.]
[You have unlocked the Skill: Sacred Ground.]
[You have unlocked the Skill: Holy Inspiration.]
’Interesting...’ Sami’s smile widened.
Just then, however, one of the men in the crowd suddenly yelled, drawing his attention.