It wasn’t long before we said goodnight and I attempted to lie down to sleep.

  The events of the day decided a different course of action as the image of the dead flashed through my mind. The invisible threats. The thoughts of the new gate that was releasing monsters every second.

  Well so much for sleep.

  I stared at the roof and beckoned the Mana to swirl through me, directing it back into my eyes.

  A heavy pressure built up behind my eyes but not as painful as the first time.

  I watched the Mana swirl around the room, drifting in lazily from the window. Seeping up through the floor before lifting out of the ceiling.

  I continued to watch the swirling mana until the pressure became pain and I felt something well up in my eyes. I quickly let go of the mana and it receded back into my chest. The brilliant swirling mana faded to become imprints in the darkness.

  A blue screen appeared notifying me of the proficiency increase. I continued doing this until I passed out from mana exhaustion.

  I woke with a start to my alarm ringing after what felt like just closing my eyes.

  At least no nightmares this time.

  I pushed myself from the bed, still groggy from the mana exhaustion. My feet dragged as I pushed myself through my morning routine.

  Shower, changed, made the bed then sat at the table with Kira for breakfast. Coffee and eggs. The air was warm as Michelle and Jeff talked about the garden. Jeff had gotten the plots ready for planting and they were planning crop rotation.

  A memory surged to the forefront of my mind as their discussion faded to the background. The image of first attending the gate, the unnaturally sweet scent of life filling the air. The glowing plants surging with mana.

  I pulled a mana stone from my inventory and examined it, watching the mana swirl in different patterns.

  “What are you doing?” Kira asked as she caught sight of me examining the stone.

  “Do you remember what the forest looked like around the gate?” I asked as I met her gaze across the table.

  “Mhmm, it was pulsing and smelled rich and earthy.”

  “I was wondering if there is a way for us to use the mana stones to enhance the crops somehow.” I looked back at the stone in my hand then looked at Jeff who had stopped talking to Michelle to watch our conversation.

  I tossed the stone in his direction and he caught it easily, staring open mouthed at the crystal now in his hand.

  “What am I supposed to do with this?” Jeff asked breathlessly, not taking his eyes off the swirling mana.

  “I’m not sure, try burying it or crushing it next to the seeds. Try different things and see what works” I shrugged.

  “Sure, I will go try it now. The seeds are already planted so I will try different things” Jeff said excitedly as he bounded out the patio door to the garden.

  I continued eating my breakfast, my mind trying to determine where the dungeon could be and the best approach.

  Maybe we should park the vehicles at the edge of town. Approach on foot in a tight formation. I will use the mana sight as we approach periodically checking for invis-

  “HOLY SHIT” a shout from the backyard broke through my planning and I was instantly on my feet, opening the patio door and into the backyard in a flash, swords at the ready.

  Jeff was standing in front of a couple of cucumber vines that were pulsing and growing in front of my eyes but Jeff was staring off to the side at something only he could see.

  Did… He didn’t… He couldn't…

  “Dad… Did you become a player?” Kira asked the question I was thinking.

  “Is that what this blue thing is?” Jeff asked but didn’t look up.

  “What does it say?” I asked.

  What does this mean?

  “You have interacted directly with mana and used it in a new way. Congratulations on becoming a player” Jeff’s voice was low, awestruck as he read the screen.

  My mind exploded with the possibilities. What did this mean for humanity.

  I looked at Michelle who was staring at Jeff, her lips were pursed. I unconsciously summoned another mana stone before my brain completed the train of thought.

  “Michelle,” her head turned in my direction and I tossed the mana stone in her direction. She caught it staring wide eyed at the stone in the same fashion as Jeff had.

  “You need to unlock the system to get stronger as well. Go plant the mana stone in the next garden box, Kira can you explain the menu to your dad?” I quickly instructed and they moved to obey.

  Kira moved to her father while Michelle moved hesitantly to the next garden box.

  She stood in front of the garden box rolling the mana stone in her hand. I thought about saying something as she just stood there, staring at the box but thought better of it.

  After a moment she nodded to herself, reached into the soil and created a small pocket for the stone.

  After covering the spot she stepped back and the ground began to glow. Sprouts began to grow, the leaves sprouting and glowing with the enhanced life.

  Michelle looked around her, “is something supposed to happen?” she looked behind her as if the notification window was hiding from her.

  “It worked for me instantly.” Jeff said quizzically as he looked up at Michelle.

  “Hmmm maybe there is another factor we aren’t taking into account.” I scratched the stubble on my chin as I pondered the different possibilities.

  “Either way, at least we have a possible way to enhance our own food supply.” Kira said as she joined me.

  She had left Jeff holding a odd looking sack. It looked like a small burlap sack with a draw string at the end.

  A blue label floated over it:

  Favored Farmer’s Trusty Seed Pouch.

  “Bit of a mouthful.” I mumbled to myself.

  “What was that?” Jeff asked looking up again from the space he was staring at in front of him.

  “What does it do?” I asked indicating the pouch.

  “Ummm, apparently if I put a crop in it and inject it with mana it will spit out seeds until the mana runs dry.” He stared at the pouch “I was kind of hoping for a weapon though.”

  Kira and I just stared at him. Our mouths hanging open until Jeff looked at us “What?”

  “Do you not understand how important your ability is?” I asked in disbelief.

  “You alone can solve the food crisis.” Kira added.

  Jeff began to turn red as Michelle walked up to give him a kiss on the cheek, “way to go sweetie.”

  Jeff turned even redder as his cheeks heated.

  “You are coming with us to the detachment. Chief has to know about this. Make sure you are ready in ten,” I turned to Michelle and tossed her another mana stone. “Keep trying different things and see what it does, or if it unlocks the system for you.”

  “Sure. Oh, are you guys going to be home for lunch? I am making a stew if you are interested?” Michelle smiled warmly.

  “I wish, but I doubt we will clear the gate quickly, if we even find it” I said.

  “Okay, I will put some aside for you two. Be safe please, I’d prefer you didn’t go but that’s unlikely.” Michelle’s smile shifted into a look of concern as she returned to the kitchen.

  We quickly finished our breakfast as Michelle started stirring the stew on the stove, staring at the mana stone in her hand.

  I returned to my room to grab my go bag, then waited in the doorway for Kira and Jeff to finish getting ready.

  Something acrid and sharp suddenly hit my nose like a sucker punch. The smoke detectors began blaring from the kitchen and I raced in to see Michelle staring at the mana stone as her stew burned.

  “MICHELLE!” I shouted as I pushed her gently out of the way to rip the pot off the burner. The stone fell from her fingers as I tried to get between her and the burning pot.

  The stone hit the edge of the pot with a Clink, before falling into the stew. The burning smell was immediately replaced by a stomach rumbling rich aromatic smell that made my mouth water.

  Earthy herb smells hit me, basil, oregano, thyme mixed with the sharp spice blend of chili flakes and pepper. It swirled together with the rich smell of Beef, carrots, celery, ginger, garlic and some type of topper sauce.

  Michelle was no longer staring at the stew but was staring off into open space.

  Kira and Jeff came skidding into the kitchen as the smoke detectors finally stopped screaming.

  “What happen-“ she cut off as the smell hit her. She stared at the pot then at her mom, who was now holding a Chef’s knife with a blue label floating above it.

  Chef’s Confectionery Cutlery Knife

  These names are getting ridiculous. The knife was a Damascus steel perfection, with a pristine polished dark wood handle.

  “Looks like we are all going to see the Chief. You guys finished getting ready yet?” I asked Kira and Jeff who were still staring at Michelle open mouthed.

  “Uhhhhh, yeah we are good” Kira said without looking away.

  I looked down at the stew, it was a deep red with floating chunks of meat and herbs floating along the top. My mouth began to water as the aroma hit me again.

  Before I could stop myself I grabbed a spoon and scooped a mouthful. The liquid exploded my taste buds in an array of flavors. It was a perfect balance of sweet, spicy and savory.

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  I closed my eyes as an involuntary moan escaped my lips, “God that’s good.”

  When I opened my eyes again a blue screen hovered in front of me:

  New Buffs Acquired. Mana Recovery Increased. Stamina Recovery Increased.

  “Holy shit.” I said as I read the screens.

  “What? Did I make it too spicy? “ Michelle asked suddenly worried.

  “No the stew is perfect. So good they gave me buffs apparently.”

  “The stew gave you a buff?” Kira asked as she came over and took the spoon from me before dipping it in and trying some.

  She closed her eyes as her body shivered. “You were right, that is so good.” She read the screens before her, “Wow, two buffs.”

  I opened my menu and saw the new buff icon with the same description as the notifications. Only next to them was a two hour timer, slowly counting down.

  I grabbed a few thermos’s and began spooning in the stew.

  “What are you doing?” Michelle asked.

  “We need these buffs for the dungeon raid. Sorry Michelle, but I have a feeling you will be making a lot more food soon,” I beamed at her, the endless possibilities flooding my mind.

  “You seem excited?” Kira said as we walked out the front door to the police vehicle.

  “Are you kidding me. Your parents just changed everything.” Kira smiled at my enthusiasm.

  We spoke during the drive to the detachment about the different applications.

  Jeff and Michelle just listened from the backseat, every so often giving each other a sideways glance at certain suggestions.

  We rolled into the parking lot at seven forty five. The red fire engine already parked on the street outside the gate.

  Chief Dobson stood at the head of a large group of people. I recognized Theo, Jon, Shanira, Gideon, Flynn and Logan all speaking together with the rest of engine four firefighters.

  I pulled into a parking space and opened the door for Jeff as Kira did the same for Michelle.

  Shanira broke away from the group and walked to meet me.

  “Ryker couldn’t make it. He is currently distracting the Chief” a crease formed between her brows as she continued “and Ivan was afraid to break the rules.”

  “I am just happy some of you were able to make it” I smiled as Jon, Gideon and Flynn joined us and we exchanged greetings.

  Chief Dobson, Theo and his team of firefighters joined us shortly after.

  “Chief,” Kira stepped forward. “These are my parents, Jeff and Michelle.”

  Chief stepped closer and shook their hands, “lovely to meet you.” Chief smiled warmly.

  “Likewise. We have heard great things about you.” Jeff said.

  “They awoken this morning as players?” Kira said with such a normal tone that no one immediately reacted.

  Then the words finally sunk in.

  “What?” Chief asked.

  “Did they get attacked by monsters?” Shanira chimed in.

  “What weapon did they get?” Gideon asked.

  “Slowdown,” Chief said to dull the rapid fire questions. “Tell us what happened Kira.”

  Kira relayed the events of the morning to everyone present, when she was finished a stunned silence hung in the air.

  A tumbleweed bounced through the parking lot in the early morning breeze, the only sound was of the bristles scraping across the asphalt.

  “So they awakened… support classes?” Chief asked in disbelief.

  “Not exactly. Though it seems by the time they reach Lvl 10 to select a class it will likely be support classes,” I smiled at Jeff and Michelle who were standing awkwardly in the middle of the group.

  Everyone began asking them questions at the same time.

  “What equipment did you get?”

  “What skills are you able to use?”

  “What level are you?”

  Chief stepped forward again, “okay, okay, okay that’s enough. Jeff, Michelle, please join me in my office. We have a lot to discuss.” Chief turned to me, “Are you going to try and locate the gate today and raid it?”

  Chief's face was furrowed deeply with concern as he waited for my response.

  “We have too. The longer we wait the more invisible creatures enter our world. They could be in the city and we would have no idea.” Chief nodded at my words.

  “Take the Bearcat but please be careful” he placed a hand on my shoulder.

  “Always.” I forced a smile.

  It was time to get my revenge.

  Chief walked away with Jeff and Michelle and I turned back to the group.

  “Okay so are all of the firefighters here players?” I asked Theo. There were deep bags under Theo’s eyes and his eyes were still bloodshot.

  Probably from crying with Mikey’s family.

  A familiar pang stabbed my heart but I pushed it down.

  “No, only four have awakened. The other six have not.” Theo pointed to the two groups already divided.

  “Then those six can’t come. The dungeon is too dangerous.” I ordered.

  Theo was about to speak but one of the six stepped forward.

  “We know the dangers Elias. We are willing to risk it to awaken. We have people we want to protect from these monsters as well. We saw what they did to Oakehaven. That will not be Valen.” The man said it with such conviction that I could only nod.

  “Okay. Jamie?” I looked around and spotted him talking to Gideon and Flynn. “JAMIE!” I called louder.

  His head snapped un my direction and he moved through the crowd.

  “Yeah boss?” Jamie asked when he reached me.

  “Can you suit the six firefighters with guns, ammo and ballistic vests?”

  “Sure. You six follow me.” Jamie lead them towards the armory.

  “Okay while we wait collect rations, supplies and check over gear.” Everyone began doing as instructed.

  I looked around once more and saw the survivors tent still bustling with activity even this early in the morning. I spotted Jace leaning against the detachment wall watching the survivors tent.

  He kicked off the wall as I approached. “Hey Jace, you get settled alright last night?”

  Jace grunted in response before speaking “Are we going to the dungeon now?” His eyes sparked at the idea. For vengeance or something else, I couldn’t tell.

  “We are getting ready to head that way, but are planning to make a stop to learn some of our new players abilities. Including you.” I added expecting the private man to reject the idea but instead he nodded his head.

  “That makes sense. I am ready to go when you are.” Jace moved beside me, ready to follow.

  I returned to the group, “Okay let’s load up and head out. Bucket heads pair off into patrol vehicles.”

  Theo and Jace joined Kira in the Bearcat as I entered the driver’s seat.

  “Let’s head out.” I keyed up the mic and the convoy began it’s trek out of town.

  Within a few minutes we were pulling through the giant gate out of the city. The world was cast into darkness as the steel gate pulled up, revealing the blazing sun, empty road and rolling green trees.

  Two Players waved as we passed through the gate. This is where the construction had begun a few days ago. The steel gates and walls erected first by the thousands of workers crawling over the massive structure like ants.

  We continued further down the road until the turn off for the gravel pit. We pulled in , shut off the engines and gathered together in the wide open space.

  “Okay, let’s gather the new players up front. You as well Jace.” I called to the group.

  Jace reluctantly joined the four awakened firefighters at the front of the group.

  “Okay Jace, can you tell us your abilities?” Jace’s eyes narrowed as he glared at me. Everyone was looking at him expectantly.

  “Well I have a bastard sword,” he summoned his sword and swung it around before making it disappear. “I am damn good at tracking and haven’t unlocked anything yet.”

  Jace walked over to the group as a large firefighter stepped forward. “My name is Gregory and I have an axe. No abilities yet.” He summoned his axe. It was a large single bladed axe.

  “My brother!” Logan shouted as he summoned his own axe and hefted it to his shoulder.

  “Ehhhhhh.” Gregory called as he joined Logan. They beamed at each other.

  “Oh no, there is two of them.” Kira said in horror to a chorus of laughter through the group.

  Theo stepped up next. “Hello my name is Theo and I have a staff. I have no idea how to use it.” Theo summoned his staff which stood taller than Theo. The rough wood was woven with vines as they snaked their way up to the top of the staff, wrapping around a blue gem that glowed faintly. A white label hovered over it:

  Wistful Weeping Water Staff

  What is with the sudden alliteration?

  Kira stepped forward. “I can help with figuring it out. Can you feel a faint pull in the center of your diaphragm?” Theo nodded.

  “Something feels weird there that I can’t quite explain.” Theo said.

  “Exactly. So what I have gathered is that’s where mana is stored and used. You imagine drawing it out and into your staff, let your instincts take over. The mana will flow into a natural pattern. As you get better at it, you can begin shaping it into whatever you imagine. Though certain things will be more natural than other. For instance, I took to healing immediately and a mana shield was relatively easy to imagine. However when I tried to create an attack spell, that was extremely difficult. It took me a long time to visualise the mana becoming an attack but eventually I learned the skill mana bolt.” Kira finished and looked at Theo expectantly.

  There was a quiet in the pit as everyone just stared at her. Kira looked around blushing, “What?”

  I had no idea she was researching it so much.

  “We are just impressed by how much you are learning about your abilities. That’s amazing!” I said proudly which just deepened the red in Kira’s cheeks.

  “Thanks,” she said her cheeks aflame with embarrassment. “Anyways, ready to give it a try Theo?”

  She returned to business and stared expectantly to Theo.

  “Errrrr sure,” Theo closed his eyes.

  “Wait!” I said suddenly causing his eyes to shoot open.

  “Maybe face the empty pit, I don’t want any friendly fire.” The image of the arrow materializing in Shanira’s bow while facing the other players flashed through my mind.

  Theo turned towards the empty gravel pit and closed his eyes. He held is staff away from his body and after a minute, the stone at the top began to glow.

  The glow became brighter and brighter, turning from a light blue into a deep dark blue. Water droplets began to form in front of the staff growing until they were the size of a fist.

  Suddenly they shot forward and struck a dirt pile, causing the dirt to erupt outwards in a tiny explosion.

  Theo opened his eyes, sweat pouring down his face – a huge ear to ear grin plastered across his face as he turned back to the group.

  “My turn,” the red haired firefighter jumped forward excitedly, summoning a staff as tall as Theo’s. The staff was a deep red wood, with red pulsing lines swirling up the hole staff like flames liking up a piece of wood. There was no gem on this staff, just a long pole with the intricate designs. A white label hover over it:

  Feral Funneling Flame Staff

  Something is definitely going on with these names…

  She threw her hand forward instinctively, flames began to lick up her fingers jumping off to form a ball in front of her hand. Sweat beaded her forehead as she thrust her hand forward and the ball flew toward the same pile of dirt. Exploding into smaller flames on impact.

  She fell to her knees gripping her staff.

  “SAGE!” Theo shouted as we both rushed forward to help. Sage had her eyes closed as sweat dripped off her chin, thick strands of red hair stuck to her face in different places. Still a huge smile spread across her face.

  “That… was… AMAZING,” she said breathlessly.

  I began to chuckle at her excitement. “Do you need help?” I offered her my hand.

  She knocked my hand away. “Fuck off, I’m no damsel in distress.”

  She stood up brushing the hair off her face, still beaming. “That was so cool!”

  She walked back to the group of firefighters to a volley of cheers.

  Hmmm fire magic. Interesting.

  I turned to the final firefighter who looked at me and shrugged. “Name’s Victor, and this is my weapon.” A long spear like weapon appeared in his hand. It was about six feet long that tapered to a spear point. Just before the spear point was a wicked curved hook. A white label appeared above it:

  Bashful Bastard’s Billhorn

  Seriously…

  The seed inside of me pulsed… or chuckled… WHAT THE FUCK.

  I tried not to show the panic on my face as my thoughts spiraled.

  Did it really chuckle. Did it respond to my thoughts. Was I imagining it. If it did respond, what could it mean.

  “ELIAS!” Kira’s shout sliced through my thoughts, grounding me back in reality. I looked around as every face was staring at me with either concern or worry.

  “Sorry, got lost in my thoughts about team composition.” I forced a smile to try and seal the lie. I could tell Kira wasn’t buying it but everyone else returned to chatting to each other excitedly about the new players and new tactics.

  Jace stood off to the side, giving me a look like he also did not buy the story.

  Kira’s hand squeezed my arm and I found my gazed locked onto her vibrant green eyes. Worry swirled in them as her face pinched with the same emotion.

  “What’s wrong.” Her voice was low so we weren’t overheard.

  “Later,” she gave me a look. “I promise. I will tell you later.”

  Kira relaxed a little at that, she knew I always kept my promises.

  I gave everyone a few more minutes to let the excitement pass as I collected myself. Pushing the fears around the Seed of Divinity out of my mind for a later time.

  “Okay,” I called everyone back to me. “Let us continue to Oakehaven and find this gate shall we? Has anyone else unlocked the mana sight?”

  Jon raised his hand, while Shanira half raised hers.

  I looked at her curiously, giving her the chance to explain.

  “I unlocked something called Predator’s Gaze,” she said quietly. “ It enhances my vision to see things further away up close. Right now I can see things at one hundred meters as if they were right in front of me.”

  “That is really fucking cool!” I said smiling at Shanira.

  “That’s what I said.” Gideon called from his spot next to Flynn.

  Shanira’s cheeks flushed red. “Shit up, idiots.”

  I turned to Jon still smiling. “You managed to unlock Mana sight?”

  “yeah and it hurt like hell too.” Jon grumbled.

  “Excellent, we will take turns using it to save mana. Make sure to cancel the skill before the pressure gets too much or you will bleed from the eyes again.” The memory from last night of running to the bathroom as blood trickled down my cheeks flashed to the forefront of my mind.

  “Okay, thanks for the advice.” Jon said.

  “What is this about mana sight?” Jace asked, moving to the frint of the group. Some of the firefighters stopped conversing to listen in on the conversation.

  “It is a skill that we unlocked by pushing mana into the rods and cones of our eyes. By doing so we unlocked a skill to see mana floating through the sir. However it initially caused us to bleed from the eyes.” I said as a few of the firefighters looked at me in alarm.

  “Hmmm, did you just visualize the path, then willed the mana into specific parts?” Jace asked as he pondered the process.

  “Exactly like that.” I was impressed how quickly he surmised how to do it.

  Jace closed his eyes, I suddenly had a thought and activated Mana Sight.

  Mana Sight Proficiency Increased

  I closed the window and watched as mana drifted through the air, floating up from the ground, being drawn into people’s body as they breathed. It was disorienting with the large group of people all together but I focused on Jace.

  I watched as mana entered his body but was unable to see the mana being used internally.

  I was about to cancel the skill when Jace opened his eyes. His eyes shone with electric blue mana that covered both eyes. His stoney face cracked, a look of bewilderment on his face as he watched the same mana I saw.

  I canceled my skill as the pressure began to build behind my eyes. Jace however, continued looking around. He suddenly gasped as blood trickled down his face from his eyes.

  Kira was there in a heartbeat, staff in hand as she applied her healing magic.

  Jace shook his head as if to cast the pain away. “That was intense.” He said after a moment.

  “It get’s easier as you use it. Like your body becomes accustomed to the mana use. Very similar to working out.” I said as I clapped him on the shoulder.

  “Okay, now that we know everyone’s abilities, let’s go raid a dungeon.” We returned to our vehicles and began the drive to Oakehaven.