Chapter 3 Part 3

“Ughhhh. What happen?”

Chris was lying on his back moving looking up at the street lights. After a bump causing him to hit his head he cried out. He jerk his arms to cover his head.

“Owwwww.”

“Finally, you’re awake. Don’t worry we are almost home. Huh, who’s that?”

Blue pointed at something behind Cris. Cris look behind him and saw Monz still knocked out. Seeing him and it came back to Cris. Cris got up and dusted himself off. He let out a depressing sigh as he went over and picked him.

“He’s an uhhh a friend. Well give me a hand.”

“O? You made a friend.”

Blue came over to help Cris out with carrying Monz. They propped up his arms and put it over their shoulders and slowly made their way. Blue had his arrogant smug look which made Cris wanted to punch him.

“Where to? I know a nice place by the docks where we can ditch the body. No one will ever know.”

Cris was unfazed by Blue heartless comment. His mind still set on what happened earlier. That everyone sees him as a joke. A few moments passed and Blue disturb the peaceful silence once more.

“Still brooding about earlier, huh? Well get over it, I am sure an elite like you has had his head split multiple times.”

Cris finally decided to give a halfhearted reply.

“What do you mean?”

“Is this how you deal with failure and your short comings? By getting depressed over a few words. What do you expect to happen when you… I am sorry IF you make it.”

Cris throat got heavy this was hard for him to swallow but part of him did not want to interrupt Blue. He wanted to hear what he was going to say.

“You’re not the only one who wants it. To be noticed. To be recognized. To have a meaning. That is what makes Axis so great, it gives you that second chance. Don’t let your ego, your old self destroy that.”

“You weren’t there, those guys see me as a joke. My rep as a gamer is nothing more than a joke to them.”

“O c’mon, people talking about reps are like whores. Gossip is their sex they will not stop no matter what you tell them.”

“I know I shouldn’t let it get to me. But but… everything I done so far and got here. Should I really give that up?”

Blue stop and reached for something in his pocket, it was a lighter and a pack of smokes. Lighting up a cigarette, he took a long hit as he stared up at the sky with a pensive look on his face. Cris watched and waited for what he was going to say. After a moment he looked at Cris with a serious expression.

“You still don’t get it, so I will just say it. You’re stooopid. Alright listen up, gonna help you out this once.”

Huh?

“Listen up on this path. Each game you play is liking making two bricks. One you take with you the other you cement when you leave. The one you leave is your achievements, rewards and impact. They are paved on the path to the end for others to travel. The one you take is your growth, memories and experience. That is up to you on how you use it.”

Cris stood there staring blankly at Blue but he was not finished.

“The way I see it is you came here for a change and something new. So don’t be a poosie or a lil bitch and expect to be entitled for what you done.”

“That is probably one of the stupidest thing I ever heard. How the hell is that supposed to help me? Who the hell said that?”

“The Art of PvP. Should check out it.”

“Ugh, that junk book, it’s useless. But you are right. I can’t be sad and brag about stuff no one cares about. I need to show everyone how great I am. I just need to standout more and then everyone will see how good I am.”

Blue took another hit and put out his smoke.

“Close enough. But I think an idiot like you gets it. Ah, we are here.”

The trio finally reach Loco restaurant and went inside. The restaurant had some lights on but it was closing time. At first Blue suggested they sneak in but with Monz it would prove to be difficult. Also, if they caught sneaking it would very hard to explain what happened.

Before they could decide on what to do. Loco came out and saw the three of them standing there. She brought her hand to her forehead as she commented.

“Not again.”

It did not take Monz long to recover from his initiation, when he came to he had a panic attack from what happened to him and where he was. Loco looked at Blue and Cris to handle this problem. Blue not wanting to get involved left to Cris. Approaching Monz, Cris explained what happened and why he was here, listening to all of this calm him down a little bit.

Seizing the opportunity Loco being the generous host offered on the house coffee. The group took a seat and now were listening to Cris of the event that’s that led up to this moment. Loco listen carefully while Blue was chuckling at the highlights, Monz just sat there staring at his cup.

“Heh, carebear.”

Loco shot Blue an angry look as she begun to comment on what her employees did behind her back.

“Blue, I do not appreciate you going out like that. Please wait until tomorrow then you will be free to do whatever you like. “

“A bit jealous that I went…Owwwwww”

Before Blue could finish his sentence Blue scream out in pain. Cris gulp as he knew that Loco will not tolerate this kind of behavior in front of a guest. Loco look at Cris and sighed, then she looked at Monz who was quivering as he was being stare down by Loco.

“Monz, is it?”

“Ehhhhh, Ya.”

Monz was already on edge and Blue being disciplined did not help. He could not make eye contact with Loco and just sat there slowly sliding under the table.

“I apologize for my employees dragging you here while you unconscious. Please order anything you want. These guys will cover the bill.”

Loco gave a little bow to show her sincerity that she meant every word. Loco kind gesture loosen Monz up a bit but not by a whole lot.

“Ah its fine, I…I think I get should really get back.”

“I understand, I will not keep you.”

Monz was still frowning as he knew what he expected when he return this his group. Monz took a deep breath filling his lungs with what little courage he had.

“Thank you. Cris for helping me. I know, I can’t fight and I am a no good novice crafter but you took care of me when I was out, thank you.”

“Just a moment.”

The one who spoke up was Loco.

“I don’t know what exactly Cris told you, but you should be so critical on yourself. Crafters are some of the most important figures in Axis.”

“Really!?”

Both Monz and Cris answered in unison.

“Of course, in this city the strong rule over the weak and they are force to accept it. Everyone needs something from weapons to armor. Crafters run some of the largest business empires in Axis controlling the markets. You may be a novice but you have the bare minimum mastery of Terminal and your group sees that as a value in you, that you can help them.”

“I can help?”

Monz eyes widen as he was listening to Loco, he truly believed every word Loco just said.

He is actually buying this. Shouldn’t listen to Loco she is after something. Should I cut in?

“But do not get bullied. This time was in good fun from what I understand to be part of the group. So use this opportunity to gain experience. Try your best and who knows, maybe one day I will be one of your customers. I expect a discount, of course.”

Loco wink at Monz and followed it up with a graceful smile which made Monz turn red like a tomato. Monz being a bit flustered and embarrass did not say anything. Cris let out a sigh he knew there was a catch somewhere and there it was.

“You should get going, your comrades are waiting.”

The group saw Monz off from the restaurant. After saying their goodbyes to Monz. Blue couldn’t help but comment after being unable to contribute to the early conversation.

“So you have a soft spot for weak defenseless boys…”

Before Blue could finish Loco gave him a swift kick to shin causing him to fall on the ground. Ignoring Blue agony Cris ask Loco a question.

“Why did you tell him all that?”

“Because residents like him need to be reminded of their value, know their worth. Unlike you who needs to be taken down a few pegs.”

“Nah, I am the best and I am going to prove it.”

Loco sigh and turn to go back inside.

“Well I am heading home. Tomorrow is the big day so I hope you’re ready.”

Cris grab his head with frustration when he was reminded that he made almost zero progress on preparing for this test.

Crap, I been so busy with this, I forgot about the GLT. I am so screwed.

Today, judgment day has finally arrived. Cris was a tired and nervous wreck from being stress out. He stayed up late to do last minute research and studying but he found nothing. He managed to get some sleep but it did not help he was still very tired. The early morning was the hardest part, he sat there staring at the dark ceiling thinking if there was anything else he could do.

The rest of the morning got easier but did not change his overall mood. He needed to prepare and be ready to leave before eight a.m. He was a bit sluggish but somehow he managed to get everything that would be needed for the test. The restaurant would be closed for the morning and the some of the staff will be accompanying which were the parties in the bet, Blue, Loco and Bruno.

They all departed from the restaurant and went to the tram station. No one said a word it was a quiet and tense atmosphere, their location GM Island where the test will be held. They boarded the tram and from the looks of it, the ride would take about twenty-five minutes. The tram was empty besides their group and no one wanted to be the first to break the silence, using this moment Cris made the most of his train ride to rest a bit.

While resting his body, his mind went over what he found over the past few weeks. The test had something to do with Terminal, the proctor had the power to alter the test and guests had limited use of Terminal. Drawing a blank of what the test could actually be, he accepted what he must do in order to pass. His whole career and his gamer tag would be decided in the next few hours if he could pass the test.

I have no choice. I have to do whatever it takes to pass. Once, I get going I am sure I will be good. Just keep it together.

Before he knew it, they arrived at their destination, the party departed the tram and found themselves among a crowd of people. It seem they were all heading in the same direction which they were heading. A few minutes later, Cris saw it a lone skyscraper towering over everything in its vicinity. It was the location where he will be taking his test to determine his fate in Axis.

Is that, the same tower in Terminal?

Cris looked around at the foot of the tower, it was crowded with families and friends bidding good luck to the people taking part of the test. Lines of people came marching led by people holding flags. The ones leading them were yelling something about the GLT and some rhetoric about their community. Overall, it was quite lively and energetic despite it being early in the morning. Cris turn to look at his group expecting them to say a few words before he departs.

Blue was the first one to pick up on the signal.

“Want a pep talk? Don’t lose, I like my stuff.”

“Not for much longer, I won’t give you words of encouragement. In fact it does not matter to me, if you pass or fail, but personal do lose.”

Loco gave such a graceful smile on the last part. It would give most the wrong impression but Cris knew those were her honest feelings, she really wanted him to lose.

“Personally, I have nothing at stake in this bet, but if you do win we can do some business. If you lose I get to toss you.”

Great one wants me to not lose. Other one who wants me to lose. And the final one doesn’t care. Does anyone want me to pass?

“I am going to pass, and win. Cause this is the only beginning.”

Ignoring what they said, Cris departed from the group and headed towards the tower. Taking his first steps into the world he wanted to be a part of since he first coming to Axis. Looking around he saw he was not the only one who had the pre-test jitters.

That’s right I am going to win. Just going to keep my cool and take one step at a time.

At the foot of the tower there was a small crowd around something. Cris managed to get in and saw it, there was sign with instruction for the test.

Is it starting? GAME TIME.

For all Participating Applicants in the Government Licensing Test (GLT) Please read the following Instructions.

Passing this test will allow anyone to take part in the beta for using Axis Terminal Station. Which results in VISA, Resident and User status in the city of Axis. Please read below.

For those who registered please put on your VRV, look at the board and hit applicant. Once done a screen will ask to enter your applicant code. If valid please follow the instructions afterwards. For those who are walk-ins please put on your VRV, look at the board, hit walk-in and register. If there is room then you will receive an applicant code. Due to massive volume it is on a fist come first serve basis.

Further Instructions will be given by the Proctor. Enjoy your stay in Axis.

Following the first part when Cris signed up for this test almost two weeks ago. He put on his VRV and enter his applicant code, he received a pop up message.

[Thank You for registering. Applicant number K-23. Please follow the green line on the floor to your designated testing area.]

Looking at the ground and there was a bright green line leading into the building. Cris followed it in and multiple pop ups came up verifying him to enter and his applicant status. Once inside it was a regular office building with large glass windows and desk in the middle for the staff, further in the back were some elevators.

The green line was leading to the elevators and go to floor B-3. Cris got on the cramp elevator who had other applicants and a few adults in suits. During the ride he could not help but feel excited and nervous. The thought of the bet slipped his mind and he could actually enjoy this feeling. After a minute and multiple stops he reached his destination.

The floor was a labyrinth of tall gray booths with the applicants trying to navigate through. Still following the green line he reached a cube with the sign “K-23”. Inside was mostly empty except for what look like a dentist chair in the shape of an egg like pod in the middle.

“Guess this is the place?”

Once entering a screen popped up welcoming him to his designated testing area and asking him to have a seat and connect to the testing server.

Cris took a seat and noticed two wires connected and an empty outlet. For a brief moment his mind went blank. He stared aimlessly as he try to figure out if this was part of the test and which to pick.

Which port do I pick? Is this part of the test? If I pick the wrong one do I fail?

Cris heartbeat increased and he started to panic a little bit. The test was starting soon, he did not have the luxury of time. Taking a deep breath, he tried to calm himself, with his mind working now he picked a port.

“Here goes nothing. It’s not like I can fry my brain here. Well… At least don’t think I can.”

A welcome message pop up and the grayed out test server was on the list, it seem he chose correctly. He lay back in the chair and try to find a comfy position. There was a timer in front of him counting down until the test. His heart was racing faster than ever, it was almost time. The test server turned green, he selected the test server, after confirming who he was the wall disappeared and he found himself sitting an in chair with what look a hundred other people facing forward.