Eventually, the flow of entities stopped, giving us time to collect ourselves and rest. However, even if the flow stopped, more kept coming in stuttering waves and nobody seemed keen to escape just yet. Every kill gave us coins and our current position made killing them trivial. Which meant a constant thin stream of starlight flowed out, constantly refreshing us slightly, spurring us on as we fought.

  With every additional wave, the entities’ variety also improved. Shielders, normal types still existed, and the occasional larger multi-limbed creatures were common enough. Then came…

  “INCOMING!” Everyone ducked under the nearest cover. A literal barricade now existed at the end of the bridge where all the ranged ability users were holed up.

  I saw the incoming attacks, thousands of white quills. None were exactly lethal, so I focused instead on taking out the ranged types. A couple of quills punched into my side and shoulder, but otherwise, the damage was minimal. In exchange I had killed a number of their kind. Reducing the number of follow up attacks. A fair trade.

  Ranged types that shot quills. Mantis types that moved with surprising speed and could slice off limbs with ease. Hulking brute types that were slow, but strong and sturdy. Short and small varieties that skittered and tried to stab whatever they could with lance like limbs. Then there was…

  I ducked. Acid spattered against the bulwark; stone hissed as it dissolved. I quickly raised back up, loaded in an explosive round and killed the acid spitter. Half-frozen acid slush washed over the nearby entities, melting the skin and flesh off their bones as they let out horrific screams.

  At my feet were ejected casings. Many of them had begun to melt without me supplying them with power. Alongside those were makeshift clips filled with regular bullets, and inside my jacket pockets were specialty bullets for the occasional troublesome customer.

  Even as the variety of monsters improved, as did their lethality, we were not far behind. Over time, more people grew better used to their skills. A large variety of abilities shot out or ripped through the monsters.

  Shadows came to life, unleashing a dizzying series of cuts and slashes that reduced monsters to merely chunks of meat. A blood ability user that rushed the frontlines, equipped from head to toe with ruby armor made up of our enemy’s blood. A blade in hand that hissed and sizzled, cutting and burning anything in its path. Whatever wounds they took were quickly healed by taking in all that blood. Allowing them to even reconstitute lost limbs when a mantis snuck up on them and cut away an arm or leg.

  Earth type users went out with rock armor or focused on building fortifications with Terra, occasionally launching blocks of earth to deter or beat back larger entities. Diva let out bursts of shouts and screams that tore flying type entities out of the sky. Bursts and gouts of fire incinerated or burned.

  Healers, or those that could heal rushed to the front to pull back the injured or healed anyone that received a stray wound…

  A hand ripped out the quills. A soft white light rippled out from extended hands.

  “Hey, whatever you’re doing, mind not doing it? Its making healing you very difficult.”

  With an exhale, I let the ice recede.

  “Thanks…” They muttered and I could feel my wounds knitting shut. “Now, quit getting hurt, would ya?” She bit out before leaving. My wounds hadn’t fully recovered, but it was serviceable.

  Limbs could be re-attached, and I found that even mortal wounds seemed less dire for us. It was like we weren’t even human anymore.

  I took stock of everything as the minutes went by. As waves came and went. Bodies were cleared out and dumped into the river below the bridge. The moon was beginning to set, showcasing just how long we had been at this. Surely, they’d stop come morning?

  The tired were cycled out as more people showed up and reinforced the line, likely realizing what an opportunity this was. At some point, familiar faces joined the line. Amanda arrived and with it, thick vegetation, brambles, and vines ripped out. Delaying or killing the entities, showing that she had indeed recovered. Serenity continued to unleash beams of water, scything through limbs or occasionally using her water to pull people back and heal them.

  Diana… Diana shot me a dirty look when she first arrived. Afterwards she rushed to the front. Wind howled around her being, and with every swing she made blades of wind leave large wounds on the entities’ bodies.

  I saw fire, water, earth, lightning, wind, nature, blood, energy, sound, metal, and of course, ice type abilities. I didn’t think that was everything, but everyone wielded their abilities in different ways.

  We kept killing, but every so often, the world would shake. It started small. Barely noticeable, and over the hours it had evolved, grown more insistent until even the buildings on the other end of the bridge shuddered.

  Not one of us wanted to stop. Not when the gains were so good. In spite of the growing variety and lethality of the entities, we truly weren’t in any real danger…

  Or… so we thought.

  Another wave was dealt with. This wave, having been the largest one yet. Bodies were spread everywhere. The bridge covered in water and burning fires. Limbs splayed about.

  Everyone was nearing their limits. Excessive use of abilities and all this activity had us getting hungry and thirsty. Even then, nobody wanted to be the first to leave.

  Then, another quake rippled through the city. The bridge we were on quaked and shuddered. Concrete cracked. The river below went crazy and spilled onto the rapidly deteriorating bridge. Buildings quaked. Glass broke. A few of the larger residential buildings shifted into the ground, becoming tilted.

  The quake lasted longer than the others had. Everyone hit the ground to avoid falling or being thrown off the bridge.

  Once the quake stopped, we prepped for another wave, a wave that never came.

  In the distance, we could just barely see the remnants of the city hall, and nothing was coming up. Some of us dared think that perhaps, just perhaps, we had killed them all.

  The moon had fully set as well, the morning sun had begun to rise. Perhaps, this truly was the end?

  Then, the world quaked again, only… it felt different. Out of the ruins of the city hall, a spire shot out. Like a massive tree that stretched into the sky. It expanded and grew. Layer after layer adding on, growing until the city hall was no more, and it continued to grow, until it dominated the central district.

  It towered into the sky, as if it were trying to reach the sky. A spire of white. We all stared with a mix of horror and astonishment. The same question on all our lips.

  “What is that!?” someone yelled out.

  As if to answer, the tree pulsed. It expanded out with a crack. The singular pulse sent out a wave of force. First, every intact window exploded, then the buildings were pushed back. Toppled like dominoes with the tree at the center. With most of us already on the ground or kneeling, we once again braced. Glass came like shooting bullets. Carried by the incoming shockwave.

  Grunts of pain and strangled screams ripped out. The smarter ones threw themselves under bodies or behind chunks of rock.

  Even the river was pushed back, lapping against the opposite end of the river, nearly upending its contents.

  When the shockwave passed, a terrible wind blew. Still, we looked up, I looked up. The tree had cracked open. Revealing a pumping heart at the center. Long branches shot out into the sky. The entire white tree was cracked open, and ruby blood flowed out of the cracks like countless streams.

  With another pulse, the tree came to life seemingly. Along the branches, ruby flowers blossomed into existence. It was beautiful. The flowers glowed in the morning sun. The coming breeze carried with it a strong sweet scent. On my tongue, the taste of iron… blood.

  I blinked.

  I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the tree. Weapons were discarded. Eyes gazed longingly at the tree. The deep thrum of its heart reverberated through our beings. Calling to us. Whispering to us.

  My foot moved forward.

  “Oh my… How troublesome.” A voice cut through the fog, followed by the ringing of bells. I stood, mid-step, my eyes wide. My heart hammered against the ice keeping it calm, threatening to break free. Slowly, I looked over. Standing at the back, was an unfamiliar figure. A woman wearing long ceremonial robes fit for a shrine maiden. In her hand was a fan. Behind her was a procession of figures wearing masks, while holding lanterns.

  She looked at the tree, then each of us in turn.

  “Then again, I suppose I should have anticipated this. You are rabbits.” She said, a small smirk played on her lips. Still, nobody spoke. The sheer energy rolling off her was enough to frighten us like a deer in headlights.

  With a clack. That oppressing force faded. Her open fan, shut.

  “Now, I suppose it’s time we get heading home little rabbits. Don’t you think?” She spoke in a motherly tone.

  “Shouldn’t we kill that thing?” Someone asked.

  “And who the hell are you!?” Another voice cut in.

  “Kill that? Unfortunately, I alone cannot do so. That.” She points at the still growing tree. “Is a platinum rank monster. Well, pseudo-platinum as it is.”

  She takes a moment to let that sink in and continue.

  “As for who I am, well, I’m like you in some ways. Someone that was chosen. Now, I don’t suppose that’s it? Surely you have another question for me?”

  Her answer was more of a non-answer, but it was enough. Nobody was going to try and force her to do anything. Not that we could. Still…

  “What is it?” I heard a voice; my voice speak out.

  “Mm…” She mused and looked over to me with a smile on her lips. “It should have been a sacred blood tree, a very rare specimen. Only, it looks like it is being parasitized with that hideous heart. Such trees are venerated by those with undead lineage. As for why, well, there are plenty of reasons. Now, shouldn’t we be going?”

  This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

  As she spoke, the heart inside the tree thumped, sending out another shockwave that ripped up the surrounding concrete, sending it right for us in a storm of shrapnel. With a casual wave of her hand, a barrier manifested before us and took both the shockwave and all the debris as well. All without taking a single glance at the tree.

  She diverted back; her eyes flicked to the tree as if to ask, if we really wanted to face it. Nobody argued. We all gathered our items and began to walk. I walked closer, or at least tried to, so that I could ask more questions.

  “Are they going to just leave it?”

  “Probably, at least for now. Once we leave, this realm will be put into stasis again. It’ll probably be your city’s promotion test… Ah, forget I said that.”

  “Said what?” I replied back, even if I had no idea what that meant. She flashed me a smile.

  “Anyway, this world really isn’t an issue. The contamination can be contained. If they weren’t sure, they’d have had this world purged. In such a case, they’d have sent… well, a lot more than just little old me.” She continued.

  Nobody else spoke up. Even when we had countless questions in mind. Still, some people asked questions, some more personal, some not. Most of them she deflected with simple non-answers. The few she answered properly were eagerly listened too.

  She walked us down the road, out of the suburbs, and further out past the fields. Around then, the world around us grew unusually empty. A desert of nothing surrounded us, save for the single highway. I glanced back towards the rising sun and when I looked forward, I saw a familiar sight.

  A lonely bus stop in the middle of nowhere. She stood by the sign, and we walked up to her. Some people sat on the bench. Others leaned on the structure. Near every last one of us was exhausted and tired.

  “I would suggest, when you get back to the city that you get some good food and visit your local hospital for a checkup. Just in case.” She advised us, just as a bus appeared on the horizon. It was familiar, and once it stopped with a hiss and clack. Once the door swung open and the conditioned air slapped me in the face, I figured out way.

  “Ma’am.” The driver said, clearly remembering me. He tilted his cap.

  “Ah, hello.” I greeted back awkwardly. We piled in, each person greeted the man, thanking him for something or other. I was no different.

  “Thanks again for the water bottle and the advice.”

  “It’s no problem, just doing my job. How’s life treating you?”

  “Good. It’s treating me well.”

  “I’m glad. Now, just take a seat back there and we’ll get you back home in a jiffy.”

  I nodded and took his advice. The bus was fairly large. Out of the little over a hundred participants, it looked like just under forty had made it. I didn’t have to squeeze in next to someone if I didn’t want to.

  Serenity and Amanda were next to each other, talking. Diana was still glaring at me, as if daring me to sit beside her. Groups were gathered together, and the solos were laying back with their feet kicked up.

  I went near the back and sat beside Diva. I nodded to her, and she nodded back. As we settled in, the shrine maiden stepped inside. She spoke to the driver before slipping a gold coin into the box. She then turned to face us.

  “This is where we part ways. It was a pleasure meeting you all and if you ever find yourself in the Headquarters, just ask for me by name. Which is, Kiyo.”

  She then bowed; a few sparse thanks followed her out as she disembarked. The door shut. The bus began to move. All at once, the adrenaline. The ice covering me from head to toe. It all just melted away… and my eyes shut. Sending me right to sleep.

  In the darkness of my sleep, my eyes opened. I was floating, surrounded by countless stars and nebulae. Just being here, filled me with a sense of wonder. Made me realize how small I truly was and…

  “Welcome, welcome, welcome!!!” A voice cut through it all. “Welcome to my emporium!”

  It was, Sheep. The sheep entity. The one that had started the event. They, were dressed the same as always, with a cane in their hooves, somehow. I was sitting before a massive casino, called, The Celestial Fleece.

  Just one look and I knew… I really didn’t want to deal with this…

  “Surely, you want to get your rewards, no? Simply step right on and in and make your choice!”

  They said with a bow, even taking their top hat off for extra pizazz. It didn’t help. The interior looked very much like a casino. At the forefront were large machines with buckets near their exhaust. On their front was ‘Coin Exchange’.

  At the side, was a small shop, which was open for business. While I was looking around, I noted that I wasn’t alone. The others from the event were here, all of them gawking at our surroundings. All the while, Sheep began to speak.

  “My coins, unlike the others, are a bit special. They both exist and don’t. They don’t really serve a purpose, well, most of the time, which you’ll find out soon enough.” Sheep stepped up to explain. “My coins may be exchanged for other types of coins, but only on a limited basis! After certain events, the store will have special discounts as well, so do keep an eye out for those too! Baa~! Baa~! Baa~!”

  They finished with their signature laugh.

  “I guess.” I looked around. “Could I use the gambling machines?”

  “You could, if you feel lucky, ah, but newcomers don’t get access to them, I’m afraid!” I looked up at the strange sheep. Somehow, I could imagine them waggling their brows, brows they did not have. Also, they were right. I could see beyond to the casino further ahead, but the path was barred by a starry wall.

  “Regardless, I’m not feeling very lucky right now.” I say, brushing it off.

  “Probably for the best, gambling is more for veterans. Currently, you are in the kiddie area, Baa~! Baa~! Baa~!” They laughed at their own… joke? Was it a joke?

  “Of course, since this is your first event, you have access to the first time, exclusive special super spectacular beginner shop! Its limited edition, one of a kind, once in a lifetime opportunity! The prices here are low, low, LOW! So, I suggest you spend as much as you can!” They sounded like one of those infomercial ads.

  “I assume you’ll be following me around for that?” I ask again, noting how they seemed to be hovering around me of all things. A few people were standing nearby, but the majority seemed to want to distance themselves from the odd animal, not that I blame them.

  “Of course! I have to guide all of you through your first shopping experience, later I can just leave it to the other shop owners.”

  “And how is the… beginner shop different?”

  “Prices are significantly lower. The stock is actually more limited as well.”

  “Does everyone have the same stock?” I asked out of curiosity.

  The sheep just hummed.

  “Fine then, where is the shop.”

  “Right over here!”

  It looked like one of those souvenir shops. It sat to the left of the entrance. Large glass windows that let me look out to the rest of the casino, and shelves full of items. I walked around, but my eyes were on the window. Even here, the view into the main floor of the casino was blurry. Like a veil was drawn over it, preventing me from seeing further ahead.

  I was led over to the counter, where a small banner was setup, announcing special deals. I noted how many of the items were similar to the high-ticket items from behind the main counter, only, cheaper, a lot cheaper.

  As my eyes wandered, they caught onto a set of stairs in the corner that were cordoned off with velvet rope. Someone was standing beside it, much like a security guard. I thought to ask, but… I already had too much on my mind as it is.

  Either way, my eyes drifted back to the windows looking out into the main floor of the casino, I could see figures inside. Plus, Sheep mentioned something about those it chose. Did that mean each of the… animals? Mascots? Did that mean each of them could choose people? What exactly were their criteria. And didn’t Sheep mention other animals?

  I tried to recall, but… all the madness of the past... two days? Made it difficult.

  “Anything catch your eye?”

  “No, not really… You wouldn’t happen to have a suggestion?” I asked, my eyes fell on a vial of glowing red liquid. Above it, was a sign stating it was a Regeneration. Whatever that meant.

  “You don’t want that; I can tell you that much. Ice magic doesn’t go well with regeneration type traits.”

  “Is that so…” I muttered, mentally noting that down.

  “It is, but Ice pairs well with magic on the lower spectrum, Dark magic, Shadow Magic can work too, Blood is a bit iffy, since its more neutral aligned with water type magics. Death types work well too…”

  They continued to rattle on. I listened, but… there was a lot to take in. And honestly, I was done.

  “So, these abilities I have. They’re magic?” I pinpointed the single, largest issue.

  “Why, of course! What else could they be!? I mean, did you think it was something else, that’s preposterous, Baa~! Baa~! Baa~!”

  I sent them a glare, but they just redoubled their laughter.

  “There was a time when we called those we chose, ‘Magical Girls’ It fit the motif and all, but the issue was the age range, and the occasional male making it through. Some people complained, though, not that we care, but some people refer to you as ‘Chosen’ or something equally lame.”

  I felt a tingle go down my spine at those words.

  “Is that a problem exactly?”

  “No, not really. Makes the game that much more interesting at least. After all, what is life without a few mistakes and some freedom of expression?”

  That… was not comforting to hear. “Can’t people change their gender with gold coins anyway?”

  “Oh, they can and that’s always an option. Part of the reason we don’t enforce the usage of the term Magical Girls. Magical Guardians could work, but well, the less involved we are and all… even if ‘Chosen’ lacks a certain panache.”

  Sheep continued to grumble about people not understanding the magic of Magical Girls or something, and I took the chance to look over my options. My eyes fell on a certain item, a basic primer on the occult.

  “You wouldn’t happen to be run a loan service, do you?”

  “Nope!”

  Unfortunate… I was just shy of being able to get it. That was including the bonus I was given to reach the top five, though… I wasn’t sure if I had seen the other type five, not even in the boss. Nobody had used weapons during the retreat or shown off whatever the so-called uniform was. Still…

  “Is Occult knowledge important?”

  “Occult knowledge is valuable. Exceptionally valuable. It allows you to interface with the larger system, figure out how the world works. Even figure out how, for example, your guns and uniform work to an extent. With enough occult knowledge, you can create your own weapons and armor. The occult is akin to the study of science! Just, for magic!” They sounded oddly enthused with that explanation, but whatever…

  “That does sound rather impressive, though, isn’t it just a basic primer?”

  “It is, but you don’t seem to understand, it’s a basic primer on ALL things occult. You’ll need to buy it eventually if you plan to build up.”

  “And what are those ampoules?” I point to the small containers on the shelves of odd liquids.

  “Body enhancements. They can make you stronger, faster, and whatever else. Even bolster your magic.”

  “Are they worth buying?”

  “At your level, not at all! Even if these are on sale, I’d only buy it if you think you’re sorely lacking in a certain category! Baa~! Baa~! Baa~!”

  Sounded useful, but… I should buy other stuff. Physically, I don’t think I was falling behind. Though, the jump in cost from the physical ampoules to the magic one was huge.

  “And what of coins? There’s a coin exchange at the front, and I notice one is here too. What do Bronze coins do, and silver?” I ask.

  “Physical goods. Make a wish, and material goods will spawn, that’s what Bronze is for, oh and for cash, if you’re boring. As for Silver, you can exchange them to improve your talents and skills to a point, that, and make magic items.”

  “How much, and how many? And talent? What does that even mean?” Sheep shrugs… or makes the motion for it. It looked weird, seeing a bipedal sheep making such human motions. Plus… they had hooves, how were they gripping that cane of theirs? How did they take off their top hat!?

  Ignoring my mental breakdown, Sheep, answered my questions…

  “The bronze coins are hard valued at ten-thousand dollars. They are the basic currency for the magical world, so… yeah. They’re rather boring to be honest, but you can exchange up to that amount in material goods at cost. As for talents, well, what do I know! You should ask Inu if you ever see him, or better yet, get a Silver coin and see for yourself, Baa~! Baa~! Baa~!” They said with some obvious disdain. Maybe there was a bit of rivalry between the mascots? Could that be used?

  Though, Ten thousand was quite a bit for a single coin. And at cost? What did that mean? Rather, how was that calculated? And the non-answer on talents was… a bit expected to be fair. Though, I’m more surprised that Sheep is even answering my questions…

  With a shake of my head, I refocus.

  “How about this, An Introduction to Alchemy.” It was in my price range, though, it would take everything I have.

  “Oh, Alchemy is the process of making magical items and materials. Mostly useless on its own though. Think, chemistry, or natural science.”

  Whelp, there goes that… I continued looking through the books available. None of them quite catching my eye though, one did.

  “Necromancy?” I asked, pointing at it.

  “Oh! Necromancy is fun! A good all-rounder, gets into a bit of everything, and better yet, it pairs well with your magic!”

  “I’ll buy it.” Might as well… I’ve seen enough media to know it might be worth something at least.

  “Just pick it up, and the coins will deduct themselves.”

  I did just that and… it felt strange. Starry light flooded out of me, into the book.

  After losing about half my points, I was finally able to reach forward and take the book in hand. It was hefty. A quick flip through it showed the book was dense and filled with words and illustrations. The book also came with a nice carrying case.

  “Now, what else!”

  In the end, I avoided everything else. I bought a pair of silver coins, and the rest were bronze coins. With what spare points I had left, I went ahead and exchanged it for cold, hard, cash. Since, apparently, there was a small atm looking thing near the entrance.

  “Baa~! Baa~! Baa~! I hope you enjoyed your shopping trip! Next time, maybe you can see the rest of the casino! Toodles~!”

  Toodles? Who the hell-

  Before I could finish that thought, I was shunted out of the space. I found myself back on the bus. Book and case in hand. A pouch jangling with coins, and cash in my pocket.

  The bus screeched to a stop.

  “Central Station disembarking!” The driver’s voice crackled over the intercom.