2.3 - Four Chords

Timeline Zeta

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2012.12.25

07:14:47 Central European Time

“Those were my skills!” said Selena, “What the hell is the deal with you?”

“My Maya skill is sort of a wildcard,” said Red, “'4 Chords'. It can copy any skill to my skill pool, and later emulate it, if the following requirements are met:

To Copy:

1. Must have observed the skill being used by the original owner.

2. Must have understood most of the requirements and effects of the skill.

3. Must have explained the mechanisms of the skill to its owner.

Restrictions:

1. Can only ever use two 'active' skills from my skill pool at a time, except for '4 Chords' itself.

2. Can only switch out one 'active' skill once every minute.

3. The Energy cost of any skill is equal to one and a half times the original.”

“What about you?” asked Red.

“You already know how 'Iron Butterfly' and 'Iron Maiden' work.” said Selena, “And as you guessed, my main skill is Space related, so defense is a last resort.”

Red helped Natascha get back up on her feet again. “I assume yours is a mixed Body and Energy skill that conjures flames to enhance the damage from your physical attacks. It looks like it can also be ejected and used to create a flame vortex.”

“'Rhapsody of Fire', as you saw,” said Natascha while slowly getting up, “When the hell did you send up that butterfly?” she asked.

“I had it prepared before the battle began and hid it on Selena's back.” said Red, “I sent it up in the air the moment you closed in on me and then conjured a second one on my body the moment I grabbed you. You know the rest.”

“That is cheating, and you know it!” insisted Natascha.

“'Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win,' Sun Tzu said that, and I think he knows a little more about fighting than you do,” quoted Red.

“So what now?” asked Natascha, “The ambient sound is nice, but are we going to stay here all day?”

“Let's explore a bit,” said Selena, “The tower was gorgeous, the flowers are beautiful too. Though I must say, this whole experience feels more like a lucid dream than a video game. Even the skills seem kind of out there, how are they even balancing this thing?”

“It is designed as a team game,” said Red, “so there are no skills that serve no purpose. Depending on your teammates skills, your own skills may be more or less overpowered. I think the team size is five once we leave the tutorial area.”

“Between both of you, we already have some nice offensive and mobility skills.” said Red, “Mine is a wildcard of sorts, though the switching time limit and Energy cost mean it is not feasible to replace any of your jobs. I'd prefer to add some more firepower, utility and defense. Winter break lasts for two weeks and the 'Unreal Tournament' starts in one.”

Selena sighed, “and here I thought we could just relax and enjoy the scenery.”

“We can still do that,” said Red, “let's look for some party members along the way. Oh, and just one more thing…”

“What is it?” asked Natascha.

“We still haven't formed a guild yet. It makes organizing parties easier for the members,” said Red.

“Any suggestions for a name and a tag?” he asked.

“Well, it should be memorable... How about... 'A Choir for the Ages'?” suggested Selena.

“Oh I like that one! As for the tag... Let's go with... ROCK,” said Natascha.

“That's fine with me,” said Selena.

“Okay, here we go,” said Red.

Two translucent screens abruptly appeared in their field of view.

On their digital displays, a single sentence was written:

“You have been invited to join the choir 'A Choir for the Ages [ ROCK ]'”

Below it, hanging in the midst of the air, two options appeared, "Accept" and "Decline".