How does one best explain having the worst luck all compressed into one day?
Pain.
A shooting pain that courses through the body like none I have felt before, pain that threatens and attempts to consume me.
Alas that was not how my day started.
The day was originally normal enough, I lazily got out of bed, way too tired to start the day, yet looking foward to what was ahead after my brain started working again.
I've got to get the new game that was supposed to be all the rage according to the reviews on keddit.
The game just happened to be the newest Dragon Age game, Dragon Age: Age of Awakening!
The Dragon Age games have always been one of my personal favorite series, despite the lack of graphical remasters, so much so that I got up a bit earlier than normal to avoid the crowds.
Alas, first things first, I need to polish my steel armor for the upcoming Armored Fight League Tournament going on this weekend. Don't know why we cant just take the armor to an auto shiner, but coach says it has to be done manually, something about it not polishing the right way, or discipline or something.
While polishing the armor, and adding a bit of oil to the leather straps, I happen to see my reflection in the armor. My hazel eyes greet me as I stare at myself, my messy brown hair hangs in a poorly attempted combover, since I haven't put on a shirt yet I gaze upon my toned body.
No six pack here, but it is a nice figure if I say so myself, not bulky or lithe, but a good in-between, forged from years of combat and exercise, no nuerostims, or muscle trainers here, not my thing.
Once my set of well-worn steel armor is well polished and maintained, I procede to throw on some of my more casual clothes and head out to get the newest Dragon Age.
Walking through the streets of my boring little home town, my mind begins to wander.
"How often do I get out?" I know my friends tell me to touch grass, but thats just a phrase. Grass hasn't existed since the cold wars of 2167.
I say "Friends" but really its just one friend, Mike, and a lot of aquaintances. Mike has been with me through alot, which is why I consider him my friend. he was there through my first breakup,
(Didn't know AI's could cheat on you, but boy does it hurt when they do) to my current league champion status.
I still remember trying to explain to Mike what armored fighting is.
"So its laser swords?"
"No," I sigh for the umpteenth time, "it's just regular swords, you know, the old Steel ones in the history tablet's?" I replied sending an exasperated look at Mike.
"Come on! You know I don't read those!"
He shrugs at me with a grin, I swear he just enjoys the way my eyes twitch when i get annoyed.
"Yes yes, too busy trying to get past your uni's censorship to finally change your username to-"
"Don't you dare say it!" Mike growls at me, staring daggers into my chest.
I reply deliberately
Mike...
Caulk
I finish with a grin and narrowly avoid a tackle, that leaves Mike on the floor.
Grumbling, Mike stands back up, attempting to change the subject as he stands
"Anyways, so, ok Steel swords." I nod "Is it the same for the armor?"
"Yep" I reply, "truly neolithic, but its fun to have to exert myself instead of having robotic servos propell me, can't believe they tried to do the armored fighting with mechas first, despite how far we've come technologically, that was wayyyy too expensive to repair after every fight."
"Well, you would know better than I, I guess."
The memories put a smile to my face. Mike's always been a good one, glad im meeting up with him before going to the store.
Though, I could have done without the grumbling about getting up so early for a Retro game that probably doesn't even have VRR (Virtual, Realistic, Reality) compatibility.
Alas one day he shall see the true greatness that is Dragon Age.
I let myself maniacally cackle in my own mind so I don't look too crazy to the few people who pass by me.
Finally, making my way to the local run down gaming stall, I wonder why they didnt put the Dragon Age on Amaflon. Probably price I muse.
It's not like Biofare is doing too great anyways, though the fact they're around this long should be hint enough that there are more than a few fans still left around to play their games.
Finally, I see Mike start to approach the stall, only 20 minutes late instead of the usual 30... New record for him. He calmly walks up with a small wave and a "Yo". "Yo?" I question. "Have you been watching more of that 2050 brain rot again? You know that stuff barely translates nowadays!"
"Nah man, just messing with you for getting me up so early." He grins at me
I sigh but grin back, "Alright, lets head over and get the game.
We get the game with little fuss, though Mike complains about the price, but I know to expect it from the Corpos that run the stall.
Finally making it back to my apartment, I plop the box on my bed as Mike makes himself comfy on my gaming chair.As I stand there staring at the box now on the bed, Mike can't help but comment."Cant believe they gave you a box, a box! Haven't seen one of those in ages! Not since the Cat People claimed most of them."
I start to reply that its pretty normal, but seeing that shit-eating grin I know he's messing with me again. "For the last time man, 'Cat People' aren't real, and yeah the box surprised me too."
Seeing me not take the bait he quietly grumbles to himself. While Mike sulks, I take a look at the box.
Boxes were generally traded out for simple download chips that connected directly to an electronic, no need to plug in anything either making them very convenient.
So to see one in good condition is kinda rare, though this one is kinda weird. It's not the normal nano alloy, or a metal of any kind, but seems to be a papery substance with some weird resin like object's along the lines that criss cross along the box.
Hello Dear Reader's!
This is my first Novel some expect some mistakes, but I hope to take this book a long way! Feel free to drop a stone for your Author, and have a great day👋