It started one cold and stormy night while I was staying late at the office. I received a call from my old Universe History Professor about a proposition he wanted to make with me regarding a set of figures he acquired. He claimed that he had purchased a large set of Mythical Figures from a traveling merchant. The next morning I agreed to meet up with him in Central City Park to discuss the business proposition with him.Â
Before arriving, I invited a few close colleagues of mine that I felt could be trusted to assist us with this important mission.Â
"Greetings my old friend. I hope you don't mind, but I asked a few colleagues of mine to accompany me for today's meeting. I hope that's alright?" I asked.Â
"It's not a problem. We would like you and your colleagues to join us in our fight against the Game Masters. My colleagues and I would be more than happy to act as your sponsors but only if you and your friends are willing to join our team the Auroran Raiders. Your leader will be my trusted assistant Isabella Castile," explained Professor Kingsley.Â
"I'm astounded that you and your colleagues managed to acquire such a prized collection of Mythical Figures. Rest assured, we are fully prepared to assist you in this daring endeavor. Indeed, it's known to us that countless Academians have fallen in the struggle against the Game Masters, who were created by the Omega Children. It's speculated that they crafted the Game Masters to tether the Gamers to their individual dimensions, where they stage their spectacles for the amusement of the Omega Children," I confirmed.Â
"Ha, you're not off the mark, young one! If we're ever to liberate our people from their grasp, we must take this gamble. It's our only available path at this present moment," Professor Kingsley proudly declared as he extended his hand out towards me.Â
"Agreed, we have a pact," I announced as we all congregated around Isabella who distributed the Mythical Figures among the five members.Â
They informed us of a cryptic World Board Game happening in the heart of downtown in one of the many underground caverns. Upon the conclusion of our meeting, I returned home carrying one of the two Mythical Figures I received and decided to examine the figure closer.Â
The first figure I held in my hand was called Student Athena of the Rosewood House while I focused on the game piece, an ethereal glow suffused the room within my peripheral vision. White cards, each etched with intricate symbols and ancient script surrounded her, orbiting as though drawn by her gravitational pull. I watched in awe as the cards flickered and danced, their movements revealing glimpses of formidable power and profound wisdom. The luminescent spectacle was akin to the goddess herself descending, ready to guide us in our daunting journey against the Game Masters.Â
Each white card surrounding Student Athena of the Rosewood House represented a facet of her abilities. First starting with her natural talents one of them is known as "Mithrean language Mastery". This proficiency enables the user to effortlessly communicate in their natural tongue. The next talent card is called "Boundless Lifespan." This supernaturally lengthened lifespan bestows upon them an unparalleled cache of knowledge and experiences, distinguishing them in the grand spectacle of the cosmos. The third talent card is called "Herculean Physique." They are characterized by their superior muscular structure, this species stands out with exceptional bone strength, towering over most other species with an imposing presence.Â
The following talent card is called "Cognitive Fortitude". An intimidating physical form is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Mithreans. It boasts the minds making them as solid as their physique, honed to precision with unyielding focus and discipline, making them an adversary to reckon with, both in body and spirit. The last talent card is called "Distinctive Exterior". Mithrean skin is a rough canvas painted in hues of Blue Gray, and is as unique as their persona. Their hair, reminiscent of thin, fine wire, adds another layer to their otherworldly appearance, marking them as a marvel among other species.Â
The first skill card, inscribed with a radiant sun called "Solar Aura," symbolized Athena's solar aura, a power that could rejuvenate her allies and scorch her enemies. The second card bore the image of a swirling vortex which is called "Aura Flow Manipulation", denoting her ability to manipulate the flow of aura, disrupting her adversaries' energy and bending it to her will. Another card displayed a gleaming shield which was named "Gleaming Aura Shield," a testament to Athena's protective aura barrier, an almost impenetrable force field that could safeguard her and her allies from damage. The final card, etched with an open eye was given the name "Aura Vision", signifying Athena's Aura Vision, which enabled her to perceive hidden energy signatures, see through disguises, and anticipate her enemies' movement. These powers, each unique yet harmonious, made Athena a formidable ally in our struggle against the Game Masters.Â
The second figure I held was called Student Rosalina of the Petaluma House in my hand and focused on the game piece. Much like her counterpart Athena, she became surrounded by a series of white cards. The first card, bearing the engraving of a towering tree which was named "Plant Growth," signified her ability to command the flora around her, controlling their growth and movement at will. This allowed her to construct formidable barriers of plant life, or create strategic pathways through otherwise impassable terrain.Â
The second card depicted a blooming flower called "Plant Photosynthesis +," an indicator of Rosalina's power of rejuvenation. Through the power imbued in plants, she could mend wounds and restore vitality, making her an invaluable asset during prolonged battles.Â
The third card was marked as a summon; its name was "Death Ivy", symbolizing her offensive capabilities. This Deadly Ivy Plant once it gets a tight grip around its prey it causes minor poisoning on them before squeezing the life out of them. These formidable creatures, with their poisonous constricting vines, added a level of danger to her otherwise serene connection with nature.Â
The final card, adorned with an image of a seed given the name "Monster Seedling Growth", represented Rosalina's most unique ability. The Monster Seedling Growth allows you to cultivate and accelerate the growth of your Seedling Monsters. Starting from mere seeds to full-grown monstrosities in mere moments.Â
The Garcinia Institute Card System, integral to our struggle, features cards of varying rarities, each representing different power levels and abilities. The most commonly encountered are the Common Cards. These cards, often signified by a gray border, are the foundation of any player's arsenal, representing basic talents, and supernatural abilities.Â
The next tier, Rare Cards, denoted by a silver border, offer advanced abilities or enhanced versions of common powers. They are less frequently encountered and substantially increase a player's combat potential.Â
Above these are the Epic Cards, marked with a golden border. These cards represent powerful abilities that can turn the tide in battle, and they are hard to come by. They are often the rewards of significant victories or discoveries.Â
The pinnacle of the Garcinia Institute Card System, however, are the legendary Omega Cards. Cloaked in a holographic border, these cards signify the mightiest of powers, often tied to cosmic entities or potent artifacts. These cards are much more difficult to find compared to other cards, their powers game-changing, making them highly sought after in our struggle against the Game Masters.Â
The Card System Device (CSD) is an essential tool for any player involved in our struggle. The Extract Card feature, initializing the extraction process and serving as a conduit for the seamless transition of raw energy into a card. This device is an invaluable asset to players, allowing us to distill the raw essence of are enemies or allies. Allowing us to extract their supernatural abilities, items, and more if they are compatible with the current figure you are using. The CSD is a marvel of arcane technology, able to tune in to the specific energy signature of the target and guide it into the card construct without losing the potency of the power.Â
The necessity for close proximity during card extraction is due to a few key factors. Firstly, the process is an intimate one – it requires a clear, strong connection with the target, which is more achievable when you're in the immediate vicinity. Secondly, being close reduces the risk of energy dissipation or interference from external sources, ensuring a more pure and potent card. Finally, proximity allows better control of the extraction process, reducing the risk of energy backlash or failed extraction. The Extract Card feature, thus, is a delicate art of balance requiring caution, precision, and proximity.Â
But to activate the CSD and commence the extraction process, one needs Value Points (VPs). VPs are the metaphysical currency of this game world, garnered through victorious skirmishes, successful explorations, and mastery of different challenges. These points represent your character's growth, experiences, and achievements. They are essential in the card extraction process. Without VPs, the Card System Device remains dormant; a noble steed without a rider or a sword without a wielder. It is the Value Points that infuse the extraction process with purpose and direction, setting the wheels of power in motion and enabling the creation of a card that encapsulates the essence of the target. Therefore, always ensure you are well-stocked with VPs, as they are the key to unlocking the limitless potential of the Card System.Â
After viewing the cards that surrounded her I gained a sense of excitement and waited to hear back from the professor and my new comrades in arms as the days went by.