I ran my hands through my perfectly styled slicked back black hair with a deep sigh. I then loosened the black tie on my white dress shirt and sat down on a granite bench.
Another "This position has already been filled." I anguished at my existence. I felt tears forming at the edge of my eyes that I would not let fall. It's 2065 and they still won't make it illegal for employers to post job positions to scrape and sell applicants data. I anxiously took my device out of my pocket and double checked my account. 14 credits? I don't even have the funds to take the Hyperline to my next interview. I let a sob catch in my throat and forced it back down. Even if I got a job today, I wouldn't be able to make rent let alone renew all my banking certification which I have to pay out of pocket for which expires in less than a month.
I forced myself to pay attention to the feelings I physically felt to pull myself out of my incoming anxiety attack. What do you feel that you are toning out? I felt the cold granite bench slowly sucking the warmth from my exposed skin, the sun slowly warming my hollow shell. I glanced up and finally noticed the crowds of people murmuring and the sounds of kids laughing while shopping with their parents. I slowly let myself return to the moment of being on a bench in a crowded downtown New Las Vegas shopping center. The shopping center was on one of the highest levels of New Las Vegas and was surrounded by a tinted glass dome which moderated the worst of the summer heat into a pleasant temperature. I looked at the crowd of hundreds of people walking past me and into store fronts with the weariness of an outcast as holographic advertisements from the nearby businesses hawked anything from clothing to food.
Alright today couldn't get much worse but if I'm able to bum a few credits I could take the Hyperline to my next interview. Just before I could stand and try to find someone feeling charitable enough to help a lost cause, the lighting of the entire shopping center shuddered and went completely dark. Surprised people started rapidly panicking which only got worse when the emergency lighting kicked on a few seconds later with an ominous warning projected over every glass window, the road, and the audio system.
MYCOROID STARFALL DETECTED! PROCEED TO SHELTER 3. TIME REMAINING 00:45
Arrows pointed towards the nearest designated shelter, but I stayed rooted in place as crowds of people stampeded towards it with reckless abandon. I quickly referenced a map of the downtown shopping area that I used to get to my last interview and decided I would make a dash to shelter 2 which was further away but would have less of a crowd due to it being mostly for the employees of the downtown area. I then stood with purpose and sprinted down the road the opposite way of shelter 3. I found the streets much less compacted than the sidewalk which was filled with the panicking crowd that was sticking to their habit of not being in the street.
I rounded the intersection of the road I was on and tore off down the next street towards shelter 2. Two more blocks! As I was halfway down the next street numerous Mycoroid spore pods burst through the glass dome with a thunderous roar. I gazed up at the alien pods that I saw numerous times on TV in horror as a larger pod slammed into the street perpendicular to me that was in the path to shelter 3. The larger pod caused a shockwave to blast and echo off the walls of the businesses and made my ears ring so loud that it drowned out the sounds of people screaming around me. If I went to that shelter, that would have landed on me! I was still looking at the larger pod when I ran directly into a hovercar that was parked in the middle of the street and fell.
"MM- fu-." I let escape my lips before slowly getting to my feet. I took stock of the area that I was in and watched several smaller pods impact the buildings around me and could already hear rapid thumps of gunfire from the direction of shelter 1. I then made it a few more steps before a smaller pod screamed through the roof of a barber shop right next to me. Dust and debris blew out of the windows of the store followed by people stumbling out caked in drywall and supercrete. Shortly following the people out of the store came the first Mycoroid units I had ever seen with my own eyes. Humanoid forms covered in spores and fungal growths exited the barber shop and started slaughtering anyone they could get their hands on. Fuck fuck fuck!
I then ducked behind the vehicle next to me and removed my small utility knife from my pants and unfolded the blade. I quietly slinked from vehicle to vehicle, slowly sneaking past the Mycoroid units to get closer to the shelter as they dragged their victims dead and alive back to their spore pod. I felt my anxiety welling up deep inside of me and forced it back down. I ignored the cries for help as best as I could until I made it to the end of the street.
I saw a family of four with a father facing off alone against three Mycoroid humanoid forms while shielding his wife and two children behind him. He was screaming for help while taking hit after hit from the Mycoroid units that were trying to get to his family. His clothes were in tatters and his family was cowering behind him crying and unable to move. I don't know what inspired me to act but I felt myself shoving off my cover without thinking as I sprinted towards the family to help. I caught the first Mycoroid completely off guard as I slammed my utility knife into its neck and spine area until it suddenly slumped to the ground.
The father noticed my intervention then pinned another one of the Mycoroids to the ground with a tackle as I stood face to face with the last abomination who sized me up. It fainted towards me as I let an uncontrolled swipe loose only to miss. The Mycoroid I was dueling with then roared and charged into me and proceeded to slam me into the wall of the store behind me. I felt all the air leave my lungs, but I flailed the knife I was still holding into whatever I could gain purchase on. Most of my strikes hit the creature’s body but a lucky stab hit its upper arm, and its grip loosened slightly. I then used my off hand to dig into the clavicle of the Mycoroid and stabbed my knife into its neck at an upward angle causing it to slump to the ground. I then turned towards the father to watch the Mycoroid he was on top of literally rip him apart and throw him aside like it was nothing. I suppressed the urge to vomit and dove on the Mycoroid that was still on the ground and started stabbing wildly.
The family was still cowering in shock while I engaged with the last Mycoroid. "Run! Go to shelter one or you are going to fucking die!" That seemed to snap them out of their daze, and I heard their footsteps rapidly recede from the area. I tried my best to block out the cries of the children begging for their father to get up as the mother dragged them away. The Mycoroid I was on top of roared in pain and bucked me off it. I was launched a few feet in the air when it stood, caught me, and threw me through the window of the nearest shop in one fluid motion. I crashed through the glass window of the diner and hit the floor with a thud that took what little remaining energy I had out of me.
I warily lifted my head and looked for the pocketknife I had but it was lost when I was thrown. I had barely gotten to my knees when the Mycoroid jumped through the window and roared at me. My frustration finally boiled over and I let out an animalistic roar back at the monster in defiance who started walking towards me. I tried to force myself to my feet, but I had a large piece of window glass embedded in my right thigh. I then gritted my teeth and pulled the glass shard out of my thigh, ignoring the squirt of my own blood following its removal, and brandished it towards the Mycoroid rapidly approaching me. As it was about to reach me, I haphazardly lunged from my kneeling position and plunged the glass into its face when it extended its arms in my direction. The Mycoroid reflexively swiped at me which sent me sprawling backwards towards the counter, but it withered in pain as the glass shard I stabbed it with sank into its eye socket.
The abomination lashed out at everything around it in pain and I dragged myself over the counter of the diner in pain leaving a trail of blood from my hands and thigh. I sank to the floor behind the counter and came face to face with an old revolver under the register. I greedily grabbed it and with a shaking hand before I pressed the cylinder release. The cylinder popped open, and I was relieved to find it loaded. I then closed the cylinder and peered over the counter to find that the Mycoroid had recovered and was once again stalking towards me. I used the counter to support my failing body as I stood. I then inhaled deeply and let out five shots in rapid succession which dropped the Mycoroid to the ground with a dull thud.
I need to move, more will come to investigate I thought hazily. I then stumbled to the back of the diner and limped into the kitchen. I spotted the walk-in freezer and entered it and locked the latch on the door before collapsing to the ground. I relished the feeling of my hot skin cooling on the cold slip resistant tiles for just a moment before a sudden bout of clarity gripped my mind with fervor. I took the revolver I had and placed it into my mouth with shaking hands. I won't let these bastards get me. I inhaled deeply and slid up to a sitting position with the revolver in my mouth. Suddenly, flashes of red light sparked across my vision and a soothing feminine voice filled my head.
If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
The Celestials have chosen you to become an Agent to fight the intergalactic Mycoroid threat to defend mankind. Do you accept? "I... I don't know?" Is all that came out of my mouth as a raspy whisper as I slowly took the revolver out of my mouth. "I never considered myself to be a Celestial candidate." The internal feminine voice in my head paused for a moment before speaking again. You should accept. At your current rate of blood loss, you will die in several minutes without receiving aid. Please read and accept these terms. A vast list of rules and stipulations filled my vision, and I did what I always did with terms of service. I slid to the bottom of it without reading any of it. "I accept the terms."
Pop ups immediately began to fly across my vision.
Welcome to the system Agent! You have been awarded 300 points!
Model 1 defeated +10 Points!
Model 1 defeated +10 Points!
Model 1 defeated +10 Points!
Three Humans Saved +15 Points!
Feat completed! Signet awarded!
Feat completed! Signet awarded!
Total Points: 345 Points | Total Signets: 2
Thank you for agreeing to become an Agent. Please allow me to purchase some basic first aid items on your behalf. I found myself too weak to protest and only grunted in approval.
Basic Clotting Foam -10 Points.
Blood Circulator -10 Points.
Basic Pain Inhibitor -15 Points.
Total Points: 310 | Total Signets: 2
A small black box appeared from thin air and landed on my lap. Open the box and remove the foam. I numbly followed the instructions and opened the box and removed a small cylindrical can. Press the opening of the can into your lacerations and press down on the nozzle. Start with your thigh injury. I pressed the nozzle into my wound and pressed down on the nozzle. I felt a sensation as if my insides were being filled with air before the wound completely closed with a white membrane covering the old laceration. I then used the remainder of the can to spray to treat the cuts in my hands which also smoothed over with the white membrane. You are doing wonderfully! Next grab the blood circulator. It looks like a small injector, simply press it into your thigh and press the red button at the back of it. I grabbed the small injector and followed the voices instructions and administered the blood circulator. Next take the basic pain inhibitor out of the box and use it like an inhaler. Try to inhale at least two sprays before holding it. I then fumbled with the inhaler before pressing it against my lips and activating it twice. I coughed lightly as I exhaled the medicine but felt a wave of pleasant relief wash over me.
Now that my immediate concerns were taken care of, I decided to ask some questions. "Who are you?" I am your interactive AI Jason! I am your personalized Artificial Utility and Response Assistant, one is given to each Agent upon being chosen as a Celestial candidate. I mulled over what my AI said before I whispered "I'm going to call you Aura to simplify things. Also how did you know my name?" The Celestials watch candidates for extended periods of time before choosing one as an Agent. It made sense that they would watch their candidates, but I felt a wave of shame wash over me as the literal sky gods that appeared to save humanity watched over me struggle to even find a job.
Did something I say upset you, Jason? Startled me out of my train of thought. "It's fine. I just don't know how to proceed Aura." Aura proceeded to gush. We have quite a few points to spend and several Signets thanks to you completing two feats! What would you like to buy? "I don't know." I mulled over my options. I was smaller framed and underweight and would make a poor frontline fighter. I finally came to a conclusion. "Stealth. I think I will die if I go heads up with any bigger group of Mycoroid's" There was a pregnant pause before Aura responded. I agree somewhat with your assessment. What kind of stealth options would you like? "What do I have to choose between?" I have billions of options for equipment from millions of collections of items for any combat scenario or fighting style you can imagine. I just need you to nudge me in the right direction. I sighed deeply knowing I was way over my head. "What are signets?" Aura then replied quickly. Signets are gained by impressive feats and are used to unlock unique collections and upgrade current collections you already have access to. For example, the medical supplies I purchased for you came from the free Basic First Aid Collection, if you were to spend a signet on that collection you could get tier two basic first aid items.
I ran my hands through my hair and knocked several items off the table. "No melee weapons, no weapons that are too short range like shotguns or flame-based weapons." I then outlined what I wanted. "I need a stealth combat suit to help me with the physical demands of fighting the Mycoroid. Preferably an enclosed suit that can hold ammo and have first aid items stored on it. Make it look scary?" Aura stayed silent so I continued. "For weapons I would like submachine guns, designated marksman rifles, traps, explosives, and a blend of defensive emplacements." Aura then let out an excited ping. I would recommend the Khalit Infiltrator Collection. It is an exclusive collection that requires 100 points and a signet to unlock but has everything you listed. Is it acceptable to purchase it? "Do it. Also spend my last signet to upgrade it." Completed.
Khalit Infiltrator Collection Purchased -100 Points | -1 Signet
Total Points: 210 | Total Signets: 1
Khalit Infiltrator Collection Upgraded -0 Points | -1 Signet
Total Points: 210 | Total Signets: 0
Would you like me to decide on what to purchase for you based on the terms you outlined? "Yes please. Thank you, Aura." You are very welcome, Jason.
Khalit Infiltrator Medic Armor Purchased -50 Points
Khalit Enforcer Helmet Purchased -25 Points
Khalit Shadowstrike Purchased -75 Points
50 Round 10mm Auto (Subsonic JHP) Magazine X4 -20 points
Basic Clotting Foam -10 Points.
Blood Circulator -10 Points.
Basic Pain Inhibitor -15 Points.
Total Points: 5 | Total Signets: 0
Neatly stacked cases appeared around me in the walk-in freezer. "Damn I'm flat broke I hope this works out well." This loadout was meant to be balanced for survivability, firepower, and stealth given our current point restrictions.
I opened the black case with the armor symbol imprinted on it first. I removed a stark black armor set that felt light to pick up but had some metal bits in odd places. Place the armor flat on the ground. I did as I was instructed, and the armor set unfurled itself and worked itself into a standing position. The back of the armor then opened towards me expectantly. This is the Khalit Infiltrator Medic Armor. It has built-in servos and motors to assist with heavy loads and fine muscle movement. This armor set also has storage for medical supplies which can be automatically administered when needed. Simply undress and step into it.
"Can you look away?" I cannot physically look anywhere. Aura replied with a perky tone. "Then how do you see?" Through your eyes. "Great..." We can establish boundaries later, but as of right now I am monitoring the surveillance systems of many nearby stores. You have a mixture of Model 1's and Model 3's heading your way. "Shit." I hurriedly kicked off my dress shoes and removed my dress shirt and stepped into the armor. The backing quickly closed around me and encased me from my feet to my neck like a glove. I looked at the stark black armor in the window of the walk-in freezer. It had a sizable plate to protect my vitals and pads on all my joints. Focus, the helmet next. I opened the next black box with the helmet icon on it and was greeted by a black tactical helmet, ear protection, and a skeleton skull mask that covered the faceplate of the helmet. "What's with the skull?" You said make it look scary. Aura replied gleefully. I quickly pulled the helmet over my head, and it fit perfectly as I clasped the chin strap on. This is the Khalit Enforcer Helmet. It has a heads-up display that will interface with your vitals, my mapping, and your weapon. You can move around parts of the heads up display later by just thinking of the changes. The heads-up display roared to life and quickly minimized. Next take the first aid and place it in the pouch on your left hip. I then opened the first aid box and found rings where the first aid items were supposed to be attached into, and they clicked into place.
I then reached down and opened the last two boxes which were marked with a firearm and ammunition symbol. What greeted me in the gun box was a sleek and stark black submachine gun that looked incredibly ferocious. This is the Khalit Shadowstrike, a tier two submachine gun from your Khalit Infiltrator Collection. It is integrally suppressed, has a 50 round magazine capacity, and a 900-rpm rate of fire. I picked up the Shadowstrike and instantly an ammo count was displayed on my HUD with a reticule appearing where the gun was pointed. I then reached down for the ammunition Aura purchased. 50 round magazines of subsonic Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) 10mm auto ammunition. These rounds won't break the sound barrier and will expand upon hitting a target. Not good for armored opponents but great for soft targets. I picked up the magazine and slid it into place in the slot of the top of my submachine gun. The charging handle was illuminated in red, so I pulled it back and my ammo count showed 50/50 on my HUD. I then took the remaining magazines and put them in the only open slots on my armor and they snapped in perfectly.
Would you like to see your pending notifications for quests that I had silenced while you were gearing up? "Yes, I need some direction here. Wait, I have quests I can complete?"
Save Downtown New Las Vegas
Hold off the Mycoroid invasion until help arrives.
Difficulty: Impossible
Point Reward: ?????
Reward dependent on how many humans are saved.
"Well. It looks like we have a section of the city to save Aura. You ready?"
