Chapter 1: Convenience
New Quark City
Year 2115
Saturday, September, 13
7:27 P.M.
Kiryu Matsuda.
Age, 36.
Occupation, Night shift manager at 70Elven.
Kiryu wakes up groggy as always. Rubbing his eyes and begging for a few more minutes. Though, his body refuses this request. Dragging himself out of the bed he makes his way across the bedroom to his bathroom. Kiryu lives alone and has been a shut-in for quite a while. He was never popular in school, never athletic, never outgoing, and was bullied and picked on. Kiryu, Is 5ft 10, Has long brown hair he keeps in a messy ponytail, has bags under his eyes and a predominantly fatigued looking face. And, is also very thin for someone his age and height. Despite the fact that he had went to college and got a degree in business. Growing up in New Quark made it hard to get anywhere at a lower Social Status (Social Status is a legitimate ranking in the nation. That measures success on various factors. Including where your born, are friends with, have as a hobby, where you go to school, how you spend money, etc.). Kiryu was born and raised in the slums. And, has a very low social ranking. And, as such... the highest paying job he could manage to get after college was at a convenience store. Working as hard as he could he made it to manager. Which took him years. He hobbles his way into the shower. Turning on the water he gets a burst of cold water. Causing his body to jolt with shock. As the soothing hot water kicks in he lets out a sigh. "I guess its another night" he says to himself. He quickly gets ready as he has 15 minutes to be ready and at work. His job is only a few city blocks from . Throwing on his managers uniform and signature 70Elven apron. He runs to the door grabbing his hat on the way.
8:12 P.M.
"70Elven. A convenience store was first established in 2059 by the Elva(a Nation to the East) born Starlboor Brothers. The twin Starlboor Brother were born In Yggdrasil, Elva. Born to a Family of Truckers in 2031, They were entrusted with their Family business At the age of 18. Their ambition began to grow. Along with their trucking company. In the Year 2071 the company had grown to cover the entire Nation.", "With the growth of the company they had made up their minds to create a hub for their drivers to refuel, get food and drinks, and supplies for the road. Hence, The creation of 70Elven", "In 2095, The company had begun to struggle. Backed into a corner the Brothers had finally came to the conclusion. It was time to sell or go bankrupt.", "Many companies had placed their bid to get their hands into the convenient store and trucking gig. Including: Wicdonnas, King of Patties, Dosnie, and Zamaazon.", " After the bid war started a winner had been quickly declared. Dosnie had swung in and made the highest bid barely out bidding Zamaazon At 1,320,640,000 F.C (Federal Credits)", "Fun Fact: 70Elven First started as a Truck Stop for the eastern side of the Nation. Only had 1 location. And, only had 4 Employees aside from the Brothers.", "Thank You for choosing to work at 70Elven! We hope you strive for success! And, always do you're Elven best!". The Introduction video for the company cuts to black as the Trainee stands up from the cluttered desk while yawning. Kiryu walks in from the front of the store. "Oh, so I see you're finished. Go take a 15 min break. When you get back, I'll show you how to stock the drinks." He says cheerfully and confidently. The Trainee hands his hat to Kiryu. " Uhhh, Yeah... On second thought. I don't think this job is for me. Sorry man." He awkwardly states as he takes his leave. Kiryu's expression went from cheerful to stressed. "Awwww dude. C'mon now. Another one left. We can never keep or matter of fact even get anyone to work nights.", "It's been 7 and a half months since we've had anyone else working except for me...." Sighing as he grabs his hoodie and goes outside for a smoke break. "Tsk, I need to get someone hired fast...The Regional Manager is already tight about all the overtime they have to pay me. If I don't do something soon I might actually lose my job. And, I reaaallly like it here." He mutters to himself as he lights and takes a pull from his cigarette. "I wish this wasn't so hard. I wish I had a way to just fix the problem. I wish I wasn't working so much. I wish I wasn't so complacent. I WISH I WAS STRONGER!!!". He rambles and screams in his head. "But, wishes are for kids." He says to himself as he flicks his cigarette butt at the ashtray on top of the trash can. Walking back into the store he heads down the chip aisle. Noticing the racks were kind of empty. Writing down what he needs from the back. A group of customers walk in. "Welcome to 70Elven!" Kiryu states cheerfully. "Weelcoome too 70eveln" a person mocks him. As he turns to look it was the group for people who used to bully him in school. Adam, Kotetsu, and Jose. Trying to ignore the comment and the past. Kiryu awkwardly walks behind the counter to wait for them to check out. The group was being loud and obnoxious, like they had been out drinking and partying. Throwing stuff around and opening snacks. Kiryu was beginning to get angry. "Do you mind keeping it down and not opening any food or drinks until you've paid for them." He says passive aggressively. Kotetsu begins to move towards him. (Kotetsu was on the football team in school, is freaking jacked, has short blonde dyed hair and tan skin, and had tattoos all down his left arm.) "You... You look reaallly fucking familiar. You guys recognize him?!". Staring him up and down they look confused. Until Jose's face lights up. "THAT'S FUCKING MATSUDA!!! FUCKING DOOR MAT MATSUDA!". Screams Jose as they begin laughing hysterically. "Oh my fucking god. I almost took this fuck seriously! HOW FUCKING STUPID!". Says Kotetsu bursting further into his crazed laughing. "I'M SERIOUS YOU GUYS, STOP MOCKING ME OR GET OUT OF MY STORE!" Kiryu yells out of embarrassment and anger. " Are you serious? What the hell are you gonna do about it Doormat? CRY?! PISS YOURE FUCkING PANTS?! THROW UP ALL OVER YOURSELF?! Stop fucking with us. Or you might get a refresher course on how school was. Only, this time... We might just fucking end it for you." Kiryu had reverted back to good old Doormat. The kids were cruel in the low income areas. They used to beat him up in school and the kids would literally walk all over him. The weak kid, easy target, quiet kid. Doormat Matsuda was the most picked on kid in his generation from New Quark City. His mother was the only one who would fight for him. Mustering up the courage to raise complaints against the kids. Argue with their parents and the school. Pick him up when he was too weak to stand. Comfort him. When all he wanted was to never go to school again after nearly getting beat to death in the bathroom at school. She was there. His mother had passed 2 years before today. They start moving in on Matsuda. Scared for his life he leaps over the counter and books it for the door. As he is barely touching the metal of the door handle. He feels his shirt get tugged. His head jerking forward and fists pummeling him as he falls to the ground. They keep kicking, stomping, and slamming their fists into him. Almost feeling as they were hitting from everywhere. He loses conciseness as he feels a foot stomp his face... "D-darkness... Where am I? What happened? Who am I?", Grunting and groaning quietly He finally wakes up. Aching all over from the brutal beating. He realized his shift was up by 20 mins. It was now 5:50 A.M. He pulled himself off the floor slowly. Trying hard to not cry. Making his way to the back he clocks out and grabs his hoodie.
6:11 A.M. Kiryu's Apartment
Dropping his body down onto the bed. His concern wasn't for shower or food. What our protagonist wants is sleep... "I wish I had the strength to fight back" he whispers as he begins crying and gripping his pillow to push his face into it. "I wish I could stop people like them." Exhaling as he falls asleep
3:46 P.M.
Kiryu wakes up feeling somehow refreshed. Changed almost. For once he isn't begging for more sleep. He turns over on his bed to look at his nightstand. When he notices a strange object he didn't put there. "What... Is that?" He reaches over and grabs it. "Did I have a weird cube like this?!, Cause I don't think this is... mine." Suddenly a shock pulsates through his arm. As a light begins to shine within the Cube. A voice appears from nowhere... "Welcome User! To Kami Cube! Current number of Users: 40! Current Prizm Users: 0! Introduction! Kami Cube is here to grant your deepest desires! Be careful what you wish for! Play to your hearts content! And, always remember! Trust In Kami!"
Matsuda seems confused by this cube. Like, he is dreaming. "Wha-uhh what... Kami Cube... Users?". "Even stranger... How do I not hurt at all?". He rushes into the bathroom to look in the mirror to check himself. And, he was shocked. "WWWWWWWWWWWWWHHHHHAAAAAATTTTTT? H-how am I buff?" His body was fit, in shape, toned, and with no bruising or aching. The body of an athlete. Matsuda was confused beyond belief. "I haven't done anything. I just got jumped. And, now this? Something isn't adding up... WAIT!!!... The Cube thing. "Be Careful What You Wish For"... Did the cube do this?!". Reaching for the cube carefully his thoughts all over the place. "No way. It couldn't have. Its just a cube. He then starts examining the cube. Looking for buttons, a charger port, anything that will let him figure this thing out. As freaked out as he was, its like he couldn't help but be insanely curious about this strange object. He starts tapping it with his index finger to see if it has a touch screen "So, how does thing work, what makes it tick?" He stares at it with confusion for a few. "I don't get it, I don't get it, I have no clue how this works." "I wish I knew how to use this thing." Instantly the top of the cube lit up. Displaying text.
"Kami Cube Instructions
Step 1
Keep a wish in you're mind and hold it strong
Step 2
Verbally state the wish in the proximity of you're cube
Step 3
Enjoy your wish"
"Wow, this seems simple enough" He says lowly to himself. "I wonder if there are limits to this thing" He notices a slider at the bottom of the cube screen. "Is there more?" He flicks across the screen to the right with his finger.
"Kami Cube Rules
Rule 1
When making a wish. You change reality.
But, It comes with a payment.
For every wish granted.
Something from your past is taken.
Disappears. Vanishes from reality.
The bigger and grandiose the wish.
The larger of a sacrifice you owe.
Important moments. Loved ones.
Prized possessions. Anything goes.
Rule 2
You maintain you're memories.
No matter the wish.
You will remember both you're reality.
And, the reality of changes made by yourself and others.
Rule 3
The Cube is almost limitless.
But, It had to have limits of some kind.
The only thing you cant do with the Cube.
Is use it to directly harm other Cube users.
Rule 4
After obtaining 9 other Cubes from other users.
They with merge with you're own and become a Divine Prizm.
Once you obtain a Prizm.
You reserve you're spot to compete for the title of God.
Limitations are fully lifted including Rule 3.
Let You're Dreams Run Rampant.
Create you're Ideal Future.
Become God.
And, the Cube shut off. "Sacrifice?, God?, Prizm?" Flinging himself onto the bed letting out a loud yawn. "This cant be real." He jolts up in a rush. "MY SHIFT!!! I'M LATE!!! Matsuda runs into the living room barely remembering to grab his apron and hat. And, books it out the door. He runs the whole way to his job.
9:30 p.m. 70Elven
Matsuda bursts through the door. Out of breath and sweating like crazy. He looks at the counter and sees 2 people in work attire serving customers. "Did we somehow hire and train someone without me here since yesterday?" He calmly thinks to himself. "Hey! Sorry I'm late. Let me clock in and I'll start helping you guys out." When he says this the employees look confused. "You don't work here. We didn't hire anyone recently. At least not that I know of." Stunned and almost jaw dropped. Matsuda tries to quickly figure out whats going on. "Stop joking. I'm the night shift manager of this store." He states firmly. "So, you guys gotta be the new employees." The guys behind the counter chuckle. "Look buddy. I think you need to leave. The joke is getting old." They respond. Matsuda then tells them he can prove it. He tells them that the proof is simply his office in the back. Has his name on the door. "So, youre name is "David Garreth" Cause you don't look like David. Kiryu runs to the back as the employees are on his tail. That's when he sees it. "David Garreth" One of the employees decided to call the police. And, Matsuda freaked out and ran. He ran all the way home quickly
Kiryu's Apartment
Freaking out heavily. He throws himself onto the couch and starts thinking. "Dreams, Wishes, Sacrifices." "This is the Cube. I made that wish and it took my job from me. I was acting careless and I didn't even know it." Now it was starting to set in. Now, he realized it was no joke. If he made a wish he would really lose things in his life. His memories are still a haze. "WHAT DO I EVEN DO FOR WORK???"
Realizing he still has his apartment and doesn't have his job. He has to have some type of job. Some type of life. He hears his doorknob jiggle. With the sound of a key entering the door and turning. A short girl walks in. She has shoulder length black hair, is about 5,6, amd has a cute cheerful face. "Hey, Honey!" She says very cheerfully. Kiryu can't think of anything to say. He just stares at her almost like he was broken. His thoughts burning to a full cinder. He starts freaking out. "WHO IS THIS?!... WHY DID SHE CALL ME "HONEY", HOW COME SHE HAS A KEY?, WAIT... Is she my...my... g-g-girlfriend!?" Still staring blankly at her. She asks "Kiryu are you okay? Did something happen today?" I got let go from my job. He says very lowly. "Wait, You mean the firm fired their best accountant? I'm so sorry babe." She says in a caring tone. "Wait???!!!, YOU MEAN I WORK AT A LAWFIRM!?" He shouts as he immediately covers his mouth with both hands. "Are you sure you are good today? Yeah, the Kazekama Lawfirm. Duuuhhh..." She retorts. He starts getting so excited. Seeing his work in college had actually paid off. And, all he had to do was wish to know the rules of the Cube. It felt so cheap. But, somehow overwhelmingly good. "I just had a moment babe. I'm sorry." He says as he lightly chuckles and rubs the back of his head. "You don't have to apologize. It happens. Your starting to get old. "Old man"." She pokes in a playfully joking manner. "Sh-SHUT UP!" He shouts embarrassingly as she laughs at him. His face gushing red. "We should start on dinner soon" His girlfriend says to him. As she says that a thought crosses his mind. "What. What is her name?" A burst of pain flares through his head as he grabs the sides of his head. He starts remembering all these different things. How he grew up not being bullied, Moved to a good neighborhood, his mom unfortunately passing, His graduating college, meeting the love of his life, getting his dream job, and making a poor decision to rent a cheap apartment because it "called out to him". He sees her name clearly spelled out in his head. "Rika" He mutters to himself as he sheds a single tear. Everything he ever truly wanted he finally had. And, he made a very closed minded and simple wish. Then, reality struck. "If I can make such a huge change off of something this simple. Imagine how some of the other players are going to effect time and the people around them." He thinks to himself. Him and Rika prep, cook, and enjoy a chicken curry together. And, come bedtime. Kiryu was alas no longer a pure, kind, lowly virgin anymore. No, he was a man! As he is laying in bed. He couldn't sleep. His mind not fixated on what he just did or everything happening with the changes. But, the other 39 owners. "What are they all like? What kind of dreams do they have? Are some of them... bad people? How do we collect cubes? Do we fight? Kill? Die?" Kiryu falls swiftly asleep as his mind winds down.