Chapter 10. PRE-WASH


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    As we stood amidst a mob of gleeful children waving sparklers and chasing each other through the crowded street, an elderly Japanese woman approached. Her demeanor was serene, but her eyes were sharp and calculating, reminding me uncomfortably of the grandmothers who would exercise in the park every morning in Japan. The way she carried herself, with such deliberate grace, made me instinctively straighten my posture.


    Name: Yukiko [Covenant Dealer]


    Tier VII [Obsidian] Rank ???


    Faction: Samurai [Ronin]


    Despite her age, she stood with grace, her long silver hair elegantly pinned up with a delicate jade pin. She wore lightweight armor of intricate leather weave and metal accents adorned with subtle floral engravings. Her presence exuded calm wisdom.


    “I’ve been expecting you,” she said, her voice melodic.


    “You were?”


    She bowed slightly.


    “Come, let us have tea,” she beckoned. “And goodness, you could use a proper meal.”


    We walked to a modest house with a thatched roof, the aroma of herbs and spices wafting through the air. Inside, the ambiance was cozy, with wooden beams and paper lanterns casting a warm glow. We sat at a low table, and she poured steaming tea into delicate cups.


    “I’m Ember.”


    She smiled knowingly.


    “I know my child. I am called Yukiko. The Jingozi sent word of your pending arrival.”


    Some children wearing aprons stepped in with plates of food. Yukiko embraced them before shooing them away. The tea was fragrant and soothing as we enjoyed a meal of rice, vegetables, and fish.


    I couldn’t help but ask, “Why are there only children here?”


    “They are Samurai sent to learn the ways of Jingozi. Our tradition is to nurture their skills and wisdom at a young age.”


    I glanced at the children playing outside. Some were now laughing and dancing around Kitty as she imitated them on her hind legs.


    “But I’m not Samurai,” I said. “My faction—”


    “What you are makes no difference,” Yukiko interrupted, her voice firm yet gentle. “What is important is the Jingozi sent you. I am but one guide on your path.”


    The room fell silent as I processed her words.


    * * *


    “Yes, Ember, your hunters are the Dark Elven—a race of elves that lived within the mountains for centuries until the Jingozi lured them out. Of all our kind, they adhere most to Jingozi beliefs.”


    Yukiko and I walked through the grass on the outskirts of the village. Kitty was draped on my shoulders as usual.


    “Like a cult,” I said, confirming my suspicion they played a part in my Jingozi trial.


    “Yes.”


    “What about those tree tentacles?”


    “Corrupted wood Golem,” Yukiko answered. “A Blight—another class. They feed on the dead until nourished enough to take a more dangerous form.”


    “And you know I’m not from your world?”


    “Yes. You are humankind from a dimension called Earth.”


    “Aren’t you human?”


    “We might look human, but we are certainly not the same as you,” Yukiko chuckled. “But we are compatible. The Jingozi arranged it that way.”


    “Is that why we speak the same language?”


    "Not at all," she replied. "At this moment, we are actually speaking in Jingozi Common. But since you inhabit a local vessel from this realm, your mind processes everything in your language. The system is built to make communication feel natural. Even our idioms and cultural phrases get translated into something you can relate to as much as possible."


    “How do you know so much?”


    “I am a faction trainer, and a dealer like you,” she said while linking arms. “My role is to guide and train the Samurai in Jingozi.”


    “But you’re a Ronin?”


    “I have no master like a true Samurai. My faction does not fully accept me because I serve the Jingozi by teaching their ways. Yet, the Jingozi know I will never be loyal to them.” She looked into the sky before continuing, “The Jingozi are zealots, religious fanatics who know nothing about honor and only serve themselves.”


    We circled the village once more in silence.


    “Come, Ember,” she said. “Rest for the night. Tomorrow, your training begins.”


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    * * *


    Day [9/40]


    Training turned out to be nothing like I expected.


    Instead of Jingozi matches, I sat cross-legged behind a small table in a classroom filled with children. Cragmarr had explained the Samurai faction prized intellect above all, and now I could see why. My young, over-achieving classmates took notes during Yukiko’s lecture while I struggled to keep my eyes open, feeling every bit like the college dropout I was.


    Yukiko spoke at length about the various factions and their distinct approaches to Jingozi. The Ninja faction, she explained, was the most straightforward, relying on damage, strategy, and cunning. Ninjas were always the first to sacrifice their Zii in pursuit of victory. In contrast, the Golem faction, like Cragmarr, favored defensive tactics and counterattacks, rarely competing in Jingozi tournaments due to their more passive natures.


    The Samurai prioritized tactical combos, honing their card strategies with meticulous precision. Of all the factions, they were the most militarized and technologically advanced, second only to the Jingozi. Their armor, made from Zii-imbued alloy forged from metal Golems, was a testament to their blend of tradition and innovation.


    Next, Yukiko described the Monk faction, which consisted of dissidents who had rejected their former allegiances to seek monastic harmony with nature. Their approach to Jingozi was deeply spiritual. They used Zii magic to unleash powerful attacks and defenses reflecting their desire for balance.


    The northern factions, the Amazons and the Emperors, were formidable in their own right. The Amazons, fierce women warriors, were military tacticians with versatile attack, defense, and magic strategies. They maintained a fragile alliance with the Emperors, whose dominating Jingozi style focused on draining opponents’ Zii for victory. The Emperors utilized a combination of magical attacks and armies of knights during gameplay.


    When we mercifully broke for lunch in the mess hall, Kitty opted to hunt in the fields. As I slurped down a bowl of tasty noodles, I couldn’t help but notice how well-behaved and orderly the children were. In any other setting, one adult to dozens of kids would have been a zoo, but everyone knew their roles here, contributing like a young military operation. They also looked adorable in their gold uniforms and headbands.


    Despite the youthful enthusiasm, the tension I felt upon arrival lingered. Everything seemed a little too disciplined as if it was all a performance.


    Yukiko’s cheerful voice interrupted my thoughts.


    “Goodness,” she said. “You could use a bath.”


    Spinning around, I didn’t hide my excitement.


    “Yes, please!”


    * * *


    Yukiko led me to the secluded hot springs nestled in the heart of the cliffs overlooking the village. Steam rose gently from the crystalline water, surrounded by smooth stones and lush greenery. She disrobed, revealing how fit she was for a woman that could’ve been my grandmother. After a moment of self-consciousness, I joined her, tossing my Ninja clothes into a pile.


    As I slipped into the warm embrace of the springs, relief spread over every inch of my body. The soothing heat seeped into my muscles, easing the tension and soreness from a week of relentless threats and travel. Kitty dipped her tail in the water, decided it was not for her, and rolled up to nap in a tuft of grass.


    I closed my eyes, letting the water carry away the grime and fatigue. The soft sound of bubbling springs and the faint scent of minerals filled the air, creating a tranquil vibe. Beside me, Yukiko relaxed. I was never a fan of spas in Vegas. But here, the warmth enveloped me like a gentle hug, melting away the stress.


    “Are there more of us?” I asked. "Vessels, like me?"


    “Many of you are identified in your dimension but are not all summoned.”


    “But some are here? Right now?”


    “Possibly,” Yukiko leaned forward and massaged her neck. “We believe the Jingozi pay a dear cost to bring you here. We do not know why they do."


    “Did the Jingozi show you how all that works?”


    “No, they obscure their designs with protective secrecy,” Yukiko replied, gazing at me. “We know this because once you leave, your host will inherit your progress as a gift. Everything you have done will seem like a dream to her, which we document and interpret. That is how we learn about the Jingozi, hoping that someday…”


    Yukiko paused to gaze at me with glimmering eyes.


    “Someday what?” I asked.


    “As you say in your world, let us cross that bridge when we come to it.”


    “But wait. You mean the woman hosting me is rewarded?”


    “Yes. If you live and the vessel is not irreparably damaged, she will be a powerful warrior,” Yukiko said, flexing her bicep playfully. “She will continue as a Jingozi dealer and achieve higher titles on behalf of her faction.”


    "Dealer titles?"


    "Yes, you are the lowest, and each level grants greater Jingozi privileges. Let me show you."


    My interface lit up with text.


    JINGOZI DEALER TITLES


    You must achieve multiple feats and claim the title from an existing player to receive a new title.


    Level 1: Doctrine Dealer


    Level 2: Divine Dealer


    Level 3: Prophecy Dealer


    Level 4: Covenant Dealer


    Level 5: Judgment Dealer


    Level 6: Arch Dealer


    Level 7: Paradox Dealer


    "Everything seems to be built around the number seven," I remarked.


    "Very astute," Yukiko replied. "It is the Jingozi way and part of their spiritual beliefs. To them, each title represents a commitment and responsibility that transcends all other ways and beliefs."


    I wasn’t sure how I felt about all that.


    “But hang on,” I said. “What does it mean to be chosen?”


    “Chosen to play Jingozi. Why do you think all these children are here? They are all Jingozi apprentices.”


    I felt a shiver despite the warmth.


    “Wait, what? You all volunteer for this?”


    “Yes. It is the Jingozi way.”


    “What the actual—” I caught myself before triggering the language filter. "I still don''t understand how any of this is possible. A little over a week ago, I was an introverted retired poker player with social anxiety. And now I''m a Ninja fighting… killing…"


    “Why is that so strange?” she asked. “When you play what you call ‘video games’ in your dimension, are you not taking control of an avatar?”


    “I guess.”


    “Is it so hard to believe then, Ember? Considering what you now know about Zii and Jingozi technology?”


    I thought about all the hours playing World of Warcraft.


    Yukiko hopped onto the side of the pool. As she laced up her armor, she caught me staring at my heap of dirty clothes—tattered rags. They were beyond filthy, with holes and tears.


    Understanding my predicament, she filled a bucket with spring water and scrubbed my uniform. When she was done, she plopped the freshly cleaned garments into a soaking pile on the rock, the water running dark with the grime she’d managed to wash away.


    “I’m going to turn into a prune waiting for those to dry,” I said.


    “Here is a lesson,” she said, snapping her fingers to form a glowing gold Zii coin. “Remember, Zii is everywhere and in everything. You can use it to charge your cards, but you can also do this.”


    Yukiko placed the Zii coin on top of my uniform. With a few hand gestures, channeling her Zii-Kata, the coin glowed brighter, its light spreading across the fabric. It melted into the cloth, the glow intensifying before fading. When the light subsided, my garments were transformed—fresh and pristine, as if they’d been picked up from the dry cleaners. Every hole and tear vanished, as good as new.


    “How?” I said.


    “Zii is a universal resource. But as a Jingozi dealer, you can harness its power in many ways if creative.”


    “Then why go through the trouble of scrubbing first?” I asked. “Pre-wash?”


    “To conserve,” she said while finishing up with her gear. “The more you can do without Zii, the less you need. Always be mindful of your resources.”


    “Cragmarr does the same trick when he cooks—fish and crabs mostly.”


    “That makes me hungry. We shall eat, and then you rest,” Yukiko stepped on the path to the village. “No more lectures. Tomorrow, the real training begins.”


    I stayed, scrubbing stubborn stains on my skin while admiring the view. The bath was better than expected, and I was clean for a change. Tomorrow, I’d get all sweaty again and probably worse.


    That made me laugh.


    This was my pre-wash.