My plan was straightforward, if not batshit crazy: Attack the Amazons and buy time for the Monk’s reinforcements to arrive.
“If we are seen, we place ourselves and Radiant Temple in grave danger,” Cragmarr said.
“You mean if I’m seen," I said. "You’re not going to fight.”
“I do not understand.”
“My gift allows me to stay in stealth. I’ll approach it like a standard Ninja mission.”
"Using the ability you call blinking. It is how you scout areas from the Jingozi arena."
"Yeah. I tried to tell you earlier, but you thought it was best not to say anything, so I didn't."
"That was prudent, and I still hold that opinion," he said. “Yet, why take this risk?”
“Because I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired, Crag—including constantly running and hiding. This isn’t a rash decision. I thought it through.”
“I see,” he nodded.
“First off, I absolutely refuse to let Li Wei die in vain. Second, if the Amazons get a hold of the nexus, what stops them or the Emperor faction from invading Raishoto?”
“The Monks would never agree to help them. Only they can open the portal.”
“You sure about that? Why would they attack, then?”
He nodded.
“I can’t afford to take that chance, Crag. It’s not just about the Samurai. The Shogun can go to hell for all I care. That city is home to my faction—Kaito, Taikumi, and I can’t believe I’m saying it, but even Sora.”
Cragmarr nodded thoughtfully.
“What? You think I’m crazy, right?”
“No. How can I help?”
NEW MISSION: THE AMAZON SIEGE
Disrupt and delay the Amazon siege enough for Monk reinforcements to arrive.
***
Cragmarr and I stepped out into the cool morning mist. I had half-expected a Jingozi waiting for me, lurking in the shadows like a stalker.
“Kitty was with me the last time I spent a night in a cave,” I said. “I wish she was here.”
“I understand,” Cragmarr said.
We trekked back to where we left the Amazons and Li Wei. Seeing the Monk’s lifeless body again bothered me more than I expected. He’d been so full of life and hope yesterday, excited to escape the war and go home. But now, he was dead—another casualty to add to the list of those who tried to help me and paid the price.
Kneeling beside the Amazons, their armor sparkled a brighter blue. Covered in morning dew, the sapphire stones caught the sun. I looted the bodies for anything useful.
YOU HAVE LOOTED THE AMAZON ARCHER
You receive:
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Bow
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Arrow [17]
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Oil vial [4]
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Sapphire spell stone
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Amazonian dagger
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Healing herbs [5]
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Ration [7]
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Metal flask
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Flint set
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Amazon faction token
The other Amazons had similar possessions. I stored everything but the bows and arrows. They also carried a wide selection of coins and jewelry, including bracelets, rings, and necklaces.
INVENTORY [NINJA KIMONO]:
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Machete [1]
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Small knife [1]
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Amazonian dagger [3]
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Flint set [3]
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Small rope [11 feet]
-
Oil vial [11]
-
Medicinal herbs [15]
-
Rations [18]
-
Fish [4]
-
Waterskin [1]
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Metal flask [3]
-
Ninja scarf [1]
-
Sapphire spell stone [3]
-
Li Wei’s pack
CURRENCY:
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
-
Jingozi token [31]
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Ninja faction token [1]
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Amazon faction token [3]
-
Sapphire [17]
-
Amazonian jewelry [11]
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Gold coin [321]
-
Silver coin [709]
-
Copper coin [1,543]
We gathered stones from around the canyon and fashioned a makeshift altar. Considering the circumstances, Cragmarr thought a fire burial would be the best send-off. He poured a vial of oil over the altar, soaking the rocks and Li Wei's robes. After a moment of silence, he sparked a flame with a flint.
The altar caught fire, the crackling sound filling the canyon as smoke rose into the sky. I watched the flames dance, the heat pressing against my skin, and whispered a silent farewell to Li Wei.
“What would you like to do with the Amazons?” Cragmarr asked.
“Leave them,” I said. “If anybody finds these bodies, they won’t know who did it. If we can’t bury them, burning them would be even more suspicious.”
Cragmarr nodded.
“I don’t get why they didn’t just take the tunnel straight into the temple,” I said.
“There are many caves in this area. It would be easy to lose one's way.”
“So, they laid a trap and waited for someone trying to escape.”
“Yes.”
“Pretty sneaky. I’ll give them that.”
We stayed only long enough to ensure the fire burned strong, then climbed out of the canyon. In the distance, a thin, faint, but unmistakable plume of smoke rose into the sky. It came from the direction of Radiant Temple.
***
The top of a ridge overlooking the forest provided a clear view of the temple in the distance. Though smaller than the one at Raishoto, its walls were much taller, standing out against the backdrop of the trees. A thick column of black smoke curled into the sky.
I pointed to the tallest fir tree in the middle of the action.
“Hey, Cragmarr, see that super big tree? Keep your sight there.”
“As you wish.”
Following Cragmarr’s line of sight, I blinked into the tree, catching the sounds of commands and battle cries below. After securing myself, I blinked into the Jingozi arena.
The Amazons had laid siege to the temple with a force in the hundreds, every woman standing tall and fierce, forming a sea of blue. The front line was filled with archers, their bows drawn and arrows nocked. They were positioned in loose lines, their aim fixed on the temple’s walls.
Behind the archers stood massive catapults, crudely constructed from the trees in the surrounding forest. The wooden beams looked hastily assembled, with branches and trunks lashed together by thick ropes. The catapults were loaded with stones and oil vials.
Further back, makeshift watchtowers stood over the catapults. Atop these precarious structures, the leaders of the Amazon forces, identifiable by their elaborate emerald-studded armor, commanded the troops. Below them, dozens of additional warriors with spears formed a dense, shifting mass. Far behind the front lines was a sprawling camp of tents arranged in semicircles. The camp was practically deserted, with only a few figures moving among the tents—non-combatants. Every available warrior was committed to the siege.
From what I observed, the temple walls held steady. Monks waited behind cover for any attempt to scale or breach the perimeter before mounting a defense, but it was only a matter of time.
Let’s see how far this gift goes.
I walked for hours, exploring the area, searching for anything to aid our cause. The Jingozi arena wasn’t an arena at all—it stretched for miles, mirroring the physical world, allowing me to wander as far as I wanted. When I checked the canyon, Amazon archers were spread out in pockets along the cliffs, with lines of sight on every cave opening.
Something caught my eye—reinforcements? A squad of Monks was making its way up the canyon, about a dozen strong.
These Monks weren’t like the temple Monks I was used to. They were bald as usual, wearing the standard green robes, but appeared to be different—more modern, perhaps. They carried gear and tools, looking more like mechanics than Monks. Marching alongside them were hulking robots—Juggers.
Satisfied with what I’d seen, I planned to return to my body, only to realize it was out of sight. I’d ventured too far. The Jingozi arena was an endless plane of shimmering Northern Lights and a shiny black floor, with no discernable landmarks to guide me back.
“Shit.”
***
I wandered across the Jingozi arena, trying to retrace my steps, but it was impossible. Frustrated, I sat on the cold, shiny floor, trying not to panic.
“Hi, Ember,” the voice said. “Where are you going?”
“Holy shit, man,” I jumped. “Don’t scare me like that.”
“Sorry, I noticed you looked a little distraught.”
“Yeah, I’m lost.”
“How about some help?”
“Please.”
“Look up,” he said. “Do you see the North Star?”
I hadn’t noticed it until now, but one star shined far more prominently than the rest.
“Next time, follow it,” he said.
“Wait. What do you mean next time?”
I was transported to where I started, the North Star shining directly above me.
“I thought I’d save you some time,” the voice said.
“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome, Ember.”
“Hey, um… voice?”
“Yes?”
“I know I’ve been… distant.”
“I appreciate you saying that, and I appreciate you, as always.”
***
“You were barely gone a moment,” Cragmarr said.
“Yeah, this gift comes pretty handy. I promise I’ll explain how it works better later.”
“I am looking forward to it.”
“Ready for phase two?”
“Yes.”
“It looks like they’re waiting each other out,” I began. “Their entire camp is pretty much empty. They’re either overconfident or totally disorganized, but it’s a war of attrition.
“The Amazons are from the islands and unfamiliar with land warfare.”
“Oh, good to know, and that makes it even better. If we burn their camps and supplies, they’ll have no choice but to pack it up and go home, right?”
“That does seem feasible, yes. But how do you intend to—”
“With these,” I produced the oil vials from my inventory. “I bet you they have loads of this stuff at camp.”
Cragmarr nodded.
“I saw the reinforcements,” I continued. “They look like Monks, but they’re different—they have Juggers.”
“Heretic Monks and metal golems. I will explain how it works later.”
“Touché, Crag. Looking forward to it.”
***
We crawled up a hill for a full view of the camp. I counted hundreds of tents, all bunched together in random formations. In the center, a massive canopy flapped in the wind, covering piles of crates.
“How’d they even get all that here?” I asked.
“Transport boats, most likely. The Amazons are masters of the sea, and a river is nearby.”
“Li Wei did mention a river, didn’t he?”
“Em," Cragmarr passed me a Jingozi card. "Take this."
I examined it along with the notification.
YOU HAVE RECEIVED A BUFF CARD: SUMMON
-
PVE: Summon three copies of yourself. Power and duration are based on your battle card and Zii multiplier.
-
This is a unique treasure card and may only be used once.
"Woah, this is crazy cool," I said.
"I have been saving it for the right moment," Cragmarr said. "My buff meta allows me to find and deal such treasure cards to allies."
“You've been holding out on me, Crag. Why didn’t you tell me about this earlier?”
“You did not ask.”
I rolled my eyes.
“Okay, Crag. Same deal.” I pulled on my Ninja mask. “Keep your eyes on the camp, especially that supply tent.”
After waiting for his usual nod, I blinked into the camp next to the supply tent. The coast was clear, at least for now. I pulled the 11 oil vials from my inventory and drew a [1/5] battle card. With my reward meta buff, it was a [1/6] card, and after burning the 2 Zii multiplier, it became [2/12].
I activated Cragmarr's spell.
SPELL CARD IS AVAILABLE
Summon
-
PVE: Summon three copies of yourself. Power and duration are based on your battle card and Zii multiplier.
-
This is a unique treasure card and may only be used once.
-
Zii: [98/100]
-
Cards [17/18]
-
[Error]: 8/8
Three Ninja clones stepped out from my body and turned to face me. A circular timer appeared on my interface, which I assumed was based on my battle card's reward score.
“Grab some oil and splash the tents," I instructed. "But do not kill anybody.”
They sprang into action.
Yup. Crazy cool.
The tent held wooden bins stacked three rows high. A young Amazon, no older than a teenager, loaded a cart with oil from one of the piles. I gestured for her to run. She bolted, joining the other panicked Amazons now fleeing the camp.
I grabbed more vials and hurled them around the tent. Made of a clay-like material, they shattered on impact, splashing oil everywhere. Responding to my call, a clone joined in, and we soaked the tent within minutes. As I tossed the three Amazon faction tokens from my inventory onto the ground, all three clones entered the tent and merged with me.
All right, time for phase three.
I closed my eyes, ready to blink back to Cragmarr's position, when a blast of energy hit my back, knocking the wind from my lungs. The world shifted and twisted, transporting me instantly into the Jingozi arena.
YOU HAVE BEEN CHALLENGED TO A JINGOZI DUEL
Challenger: Princess Krya [Amazon]