December 20, 2008. Early Morning.
The first thing I realized as I drifted out of the pleasant darkness of sleep was warmth—an unusual, enveloping warmth nearby. The second was a subtle, barely perceptible fragrance, a blend of light vanilla and something faintly floral—perhaps cherry blossoms? Something clean, delicate, and surprisingly alluring. I unconsciously breathed in deeper, and a faint smile appeared on my lips.
And then I opened my eyes and remembered.
Sleeping next to me, facing me, with her head on my shoulder and her arm draped across my chest, was 2B in her "human" form. Her silver hair was scattered across the pillow; a single strand had fallen onto my cheek, tickling pleasantly. Her black blindfold was still in place, but in sleep, her face seemed remarkably peaceful, almost vulnerable. Her steady, rhythmic breath brushed against my neck.
"Analysis"—her explanation from yesterday floated back into my mind. After another dinner together, filled with my attempts to explain the concept of sarcasm and her methodical questions about the chemical composition of cheese, she had suddenly declared:
"Commander John, to optimize the adaptation process to the bio-synthetic shell and analyze human sleep patterns, protocol recommends joint presence in a phase of reduced activity. Data on tactile interaction, body temperature, and biorhythms during sleep may be critical for further calibration."
Protocol. Right, of course. I had only smirked then but didn't argue. Who was I to deny a lovely (albeit deadly android from the future) girl's request to... collect data? Especially when that data involved her warm presence beside me all night. My inner Coulson might have analyzed the risks and potential complications, and Toretto might have given an approving grunt about "family staying together," but the ordinary John Smith trapped in this mad world was simply glad not to sleep alone. Especially when the company was this.
Carefully, trying not to wake her, I lifted my head slightly, admiring her profile in the faint pre-dawn light. Ten days. Only ten days had passed since her summoning, but it felt like an eternity. She was still an enigma, a bundle of contradictions between her programming and her awakening personality, between the cold logic of an android and the confusion of a being encountering real feelings for the first time. But she was changing. The ice was melting. She remained in human form more often, read books, asked questions, even tried to... care, even if she framed it as protocol. And now, here she was, sleeping beside me, trustingly pressed against me. The responsibility for her, for her future in this world, felt almost physical. But with it came... warmth. Real human warmth that I, a transmigrated orphan, had missed so much.
I cautiously hugged her back, pulling her a little closer, breathing in that strange yet now almost familiar scent of her hair.
Apparently, my movement disturbed her "phase of reduced activity." She gave a barely noticeable start, and her breathing hitched for a moment. Then, she would have snapped her eyes open if not for the blindfold, freezing as she realized the situation. I felt her body tense up, and the skin under my hand became noticeably hotter. A blush? Definitely.
"S-status..." she muttered, her voice strained and sounding nothing like her usual level tone. "Analysis... analysis complete. Data collected. Efficiency... confirmed. Immediate... processing required."
And before I could say a word, she slipped out of my embrace with incredible agility and almost ran out of the room, leaving behind only a faint scent and a feeling of emptiness. From the hallway, her voice reached me, having regained its almost protocol-like steadiness:
"Commander John, according to the analysis of human rituals, the morning meal is an important element of social interaction. I am proceeding with preparation. Mastering culinary skills is part of... optimizing my support functions. For... for you."
I laughed, leaning back against the pillows. "Optimizing support functions." Sure. Sweet, embarrassed 2B, trying to hide her feelings behind the armor of protocols. It was... charming. And very encouraging. She was adapting. She was learning to live.
In the kitchen.
2B leaned her back against the cold surface of the refrigerator, trying to steady the trembling in her hands and the frantic beating of... something inside. Her reactor? No, this shell functioned differently. Her heart? She didn't have a heart. But something there, in her chest, was pounding as if it wanted to break out.
Waking up in his arms—that wasn't in the protocol. To be precise, the act of sleeping together was logically justified for data collection. But the reaction... her reaction was completely illogical. The heat engulfing her body. The glitch in her voice modulator. The need to... run. To hide. From what? From his gaze? From his warmth? From her own sensations?
"Inefficient. Anomaly. Requires suppression," the internal system insisted, based on old YoRHa directives. But another part of her consciousness—the one that awakened after her "rescue" by John, the one that thirstily drank in the new sensations of this world—whispered otherwise.
The warmth of his body. The calm breathing nearby. The feeling of... safety? Belonging? It was so... new. So unlike the cold void of nonexistence or the sterile functionality of the Bunker. Here, next to him, she felt... something like... life?
Ten days. She had observed him. Studied him. His habits. His strange humor. His sudden bouts of pensiveness. His kindness toward his friends. His determination hidden behind a light bravado. He was... human. With all his contradictions, weaknesses, and strength. And he was her Commander. Her... John. The one who called her from the darkness. The one who gave her a chance.
The desire to serve him, to protect him, was embedded in her basic loyalty program. But now it was gaining a new meaning. It wasn't just executing a directive. It was... her own desire. She wanted to be useful. Wanted to... see his smile? Wanted him to be... okay.
"I must learn to cook," she decided, pushing off the refrigerator. "Humans value good food. It will increase my utility. It will... make him pleased?"
The thought of his pleasure caused a new wave of warmth inside. Strange. But pleasant. She took eggs and bacon out of the fridge, determined to master this "human ritual" of preparing breakfast. For the sake of... support optimization, of course. Only for that.
Meanwhile, I performed my morning routine in the bathroom, reflecting on the surrealism of my life. A month ago, I was a simple transmigrator trying to survive school and avoid trouble. Now, I had a combat android from the future in the next room, the skills of a super-agent and a street racer in my head, and a Stark vehicle in my virtual inventory. Not a bad upgrade.
Returning to the living room-kitchen combo, I saw 2B at the stove. She moved with the same fluid efficiency as she did in combat, but now her target was fried eggs. On the table already sat a plate of perfectly fried bacon and a cup of steaming coffee.
"Smells... edible," I smiled, sitting at the table. "Progress is evident."
"The preparation process has been studied through available databases and visual observations of your actions, Commander John," she replied without turning around, but I caught a note of pride in her voice. "Probability of compliance with food safety standards: 98.7%. Probability of compliance with your taste preferences... requires empirical testing."
She placed a plate of sunny-side-up eggs in front of me. It looked perfect. I took a bite.
"Hmm. Not bad. Not bad at all, 2B!" I praised sincerely. "A bit salty, but for a first time—excellent! Thank you."
"Salinity parameters will be adjusted in the next iteration," she nodded business-like and sat opposite me with... a cup of hot water? Apparently, coffee was still too "inefficient" for her.
I turned on the old TV to provide some background noise. The morning news. A report on the preparation for a launch...
"...the team of Reed Richards, Susan Storm, her brother Johnny Storm, and pilot Ben Grimm are preparing for a historic space flight to study anomalous cosmic rays. The experiment, funded by Victor von Doom's corporation, promises to be a breakthrough in our understanding of the universe, but many experts express concern regarding the ship's radiation shielding..."
Fantastic Four, I noted mentally. Another team of heroes on the way. And Victor von Doom is somewhere nearby. The fun is just beginning. I took a sip of coffee. You certainly won't get bored in this world. I need to be ready for anything.
After breakfast, having cleared the dishes (2B tried to help, but I gently stopped her—let her rest for now), I leaned back on the sofa. Time for... gambling. I summoned the System interface.
Page 2/3
CARD DRAW
Select Draw Type: [ General ] [ Marvel ]
Available Gacha Points (OG): 40
Monthly Exchange ($1000 = 10 OG): Available in 11 days
Draw Options:
[ Summon x1 ]
Cost: 1 OG / 1 Free: [ Available (1) ]
[ Summon x10 ]
Cost: 10 OG
Increased Chance!
Forty Gacha Points. Four x10 pulls with an increased chance in the Marvel pool. The Goblin has already appeared, Connors is experimenting, the Fantastic Four are about to get their powers...
Well, System, don't let me down. Time to test my luck, I thought and mentally pressed the "Summon x10" button.
The interface flared. Familiar symbols—a spider, the Stark logo, S.H.I.E.L.D., Thor's hammer, Wolverine's claws—spun in a frantic whirlwind of light and energy. The sound of a spinning drum mingled with heroic musical fragments and clicks, as if fate itself were shuffling the cards. The vortex slowed, forming ten cards that flew out and hovered before me in the air, face down. 30 OG left.
Let's go!
CARD RECEIVED
Name: Unrefined Vibranium Sample (Small)
Type: Item (Material/Value)
Rarity: Common
Origin: Marvel Universe (Wakanda/Savage Land)
Description: A small (about 50 grams) piece of raw vibranium containing impurities of other metals. It does not possess pronounced anti-metal or sound-absorbing properties in its pure form but can be processed by specialists or used as a source of a unique isotope for scientific research. It holds significant value on the black market or for organizations familiar with its properties.
Note: "The rarest and strongest metal on Earth. The foundation of our prosperity and our protection." - T'Challa
Vibranium! Even if unrefined, it's vibranium! My thoughts raced. Sell it? Possible via a disguise, but to whom? I could... to Stark, of course, though he's still in captivity. Keep it? I need a specialist for processing. Into the inventory for now. A valuable asset, but requires caution.
CARD RECEIVED
Name: Faulty Repulsor Unit (Mark II)
Type: Item (Technology/Component/Value)
Rarity: Common
Origin: Marvel Universe (Stark Industries)
Description: One of the early prototypes of the repulsor flight stabilizer from the Iron Man Mark II armor. The device is faulty (the control board is burned out) but contains key components and a palladium micro-reactor (nearly depleted). It is of immense value to scientists, reverse-engineers, or collectors of Stark technology. Repair is possible with the appropriate knowledge and spare parts.
Note: "Sometimes you have to take everything apart down to the last screw to understand how it works. Or how it broke." - Tony Stark
A repulsor! Even if broken. My inner engineer and Toretto-mechanic rubbed their hands together in satisfaction. Repair? With my knowledge—possible. Study it? Absolutely! Sell it? Maybe, but I need to extract all its secrets first. A great catch!
CARD RECEIVED
Name: Emil Blonsky Blood Sample (Pre-Transformation)
Type: Item (Biomaterial/Value)
Rarity: Common
Origin: Marvel Universe (Super Soldier Project / S.H.I.E.L.D. Database?)
Description: A sealed blood sample from Emil Blonsky, taken before his voluntary participation in General Ross's experiments and subsequent transformation into Abomination. Contains traces of an early version of the Super Soldier Serum. Of interest to geneticists, military researchers, or organizations involved in bio-weapons. High value on the biomaterials black market.
Note: "I'm a soldier. I do what I'm told. But I want more." - Emil Blonsky
Blonsky's blood... before he became Abomination. Super Soldier Serum... this is dangerous. Study it myself? No, too risky without an Oscorp-level lab. Sell it? To whom? Better wait for the right moment.
CARD RECEIVED
Name: Howard the Duck's Field Journal (Fragment)
Type: Item (Information/Value?)
Rarity: Common
Origin: Marvel Universe (Various Worlds / Duckworld?)
Description: Several torn-out pages from Howard the Duck's field journal. Contains sarcastic observations about human culture (mostly about food and television), sketches of strange alien creatures, and complaints about the lack of good cigars. May contain hidden hints about multiversal travel or contacts with unusual individuals (like the Collector). Value for historians or ufologists is questionable, but for collectors of oddities—it might be of interest.
Note: "Trapped in a world I never made! And where you can't even get a decent cigar!" - Howard the Duck
Howard the Duck? I smirked. Well, System, you never cease to surprise. Sell it? Doubt anyone would appreciate it. Keep it as a curiosity? Why not.
CARD RECEIVED
Name: Terrigen Crystals (Unstable)
Type: Item (Material/Value/DANGEROUS)
Rarity: Common
Origin: Marvel Universe (Attilan / Kree)
Description: A small pouch with several Terrigen Crystals. The crystals are unstable and may spontaneously release Terrigen Mist upon changes in atmospheric pressure or temperature. The mist triggers mutation in beings with Inhuman genes, often with unpredictable and dangerous consequences. For ordinary humans, the mist is toxic. Represents immense value and danger. Requires extremely careful handling and storage in a sealed container.
Note: "Terrigenesis is a gift. Or a curse. It depends on what's hidden inside you." - Gorgon
Terrigen Crystals?! A chill ran down my spine. This is no joke. Inhumans... Mist... Dangerous. Very dangerous. Store it? Only in perfect isolation. Use it? No way! Sell it? To whom? Definitely not the wrong people! This needs to either be safely destroyed or hidden so that no one ever finds it. Into the inventory with a mental note: "EXTREME DANGER."
CARD RECEIVED
Name: Radar Sense (Basic Level)
Type: Ability (Passive, Sensory)
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Marvel Universe (Daredevil / Matt Murdock)
Description: Grants the user a basic version of Daredevil's Radar Sense. Allows perceiving the surrounding space within a radius of ~15-20 meters as a 3D mental map based on the reflection of ambient sounds, changes in air pressure, and other sensory data. Sharpens hearing, smell, and touch. Allows "seeing" in the dark, through walls (if they aren't soundproof), and detecting lies by heartbeat. Requires adaptation and training for effective use. May cause sensory overload in noisy environments. Does not compensate for vision loss (if present).
Note: "The city is a symphony. You just have to learn how to listen to it." - Matt Murdock
Daredevil's Sense! Wow! An incredibly useful ability for reconnaissance, fighting in the dark, or just spatial orientation. It'll require training, but the potential is huge! It compensates for my lack of superhuman sensors. Ability activated. The world around me momentarily filled with echoes, strange vibrations, and smells—I had to use my will to "dampen" the new sensations so as not to go mad.
CARD RECEIVED
Name: Instinctive Aim (Ranged Weapons)
Type: Ability (Passive, Active, Combat)
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Marvel Universe (Hawkeye / Clint Barton)
Description: Grants the user superhuman accuracy when using any ranged or throwing weapon (bow, pistol, rifle, throwing knives, etc.). Allows instinctively accounting for trajectory, wind, and target movement, achieving near-perfect accuracy even in difficult conditions. Does not improve reaction speed or mastery of the weapon itself (requires a base), but guarantees that if the user can aim, they will hit. Can be consciously activated for particularly difficult shots.
Note: "We're fighting robots and I have a bow and arrow." - Clint Barton
Hawkeye's Accuracy! My smile grew even wider. Combined with Coulson's weapons skills—this is a lethal mix. Now my shooting range practice will take on a new meaning. Excellent! A ranged combat ability.
CARD RECEIVED
Name: "Black Widow's Bite" (Pair of Bracers)
Type: Item (Weapon/Gadget)
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Marvel Universe (S.H.I.E.L.D. / Natasha Romanoff)
Description: A pair of high-tech bracers, standard equipment for Black Widow. They generate a powerful electric discharge (up to 30,000 volts, adjustable power) to neutralize opponents upon contact. They can also fire small electroshock darts at a short distance (up to 5 meters) or release a thin but strong cable with a grappling hook (up to 15 meters). Equipped with a miniature power source; requires periodic recharging.
Note: "I have my own set of... persuasive arguments." - Natasha Romanoff
"Widow's Bite"! A non-lethal melee weapon and a useful gadget for movement or grappling. Just what an agent who prefers neutralization over killing needs. I mentally sent the bracers to my inventory.
CARD RECEIVED
Name: Gacha System Update Fragment (1/10)
Type: Item (System Component)
Rarity: Special
Origin: Gacha System
Description: One of ten fragments required to launch the Gacha System update protocol. Collecting all ten fragments will unlock new features, capabilities, or improvements to the System interface. The fragment is intangible and automatically integrates into the user's System core upon receipt. It cannot be transferred or lost.
Note: "Progress does not stand still. Even for Systems." - Unknown Administrator?
System Update Fragment?! My eyes widened. This was something completely new. Not an item from Marvel or another universe, but something related to the System itself! Special rarity... So these cards exist! And they improve the System itself! A player's excitement mingled with the anticipation of new possibilities. Collecting ten... that won't be easy given the rarity. But that—is the goal! The card dissolved, integrating somewhere into my internal interface. I felt the system "refresh" slightly, but there were no visible changes yet.
CARD RECEIVED
Name: Ability Upgrade Card (To Epic Level)
Type: Item (System Modifier, Consumable)
Rarity: Special
Origin: Gacha System
Description: A one-time-use card that allows upgrading one Ability (not a Character Template) chosen by the user by one rarity level, but no higher than Epic. For example, a Rare ability can be improved to Epic, a Common to Rare. Not applicable to abilities of Epic rarity or higher. Ability selection and card activation are performed via the System interface.
Note: "Even a good tool can be sharpened."
Upgrade Card! Another system card! And what a card! Improving an ability to Epic level... my thoughts scrambled. What to upgrade? "Photostatic Veil"? Make it more stable, less demanding of concentration? Or "Radar Sense"? Expand the radius, increase detail? Or "Instinctive Aim"?
"Okay, short break," I muttered to myself, getting up from the sofa. "Need to freshen up."
I headed to the bathroom and splashed icy water on my face. I looked at my reflection in the mirror. Still the same John Smith, but not quite. Over the last month and a half, the world had turned upside down. The System, abilities, an android from the future in my bedroom... sometimes my head spun from it all. The cold water brought me back to my senses a bit, washing away the remnants of the adrenaline from the successful Gacha pull.
Returning to the living room, I saw 2B. She was sitting in an armchair, her legs tucked under her (a surprisingly human pose for her), and was completely absorbed in reading. In her hands was one of the comics I had given her last night, trying to explain the concept of superheroes in this world. Judging by the cover, it was Batman: Year One. A classic. Her blindfold was still, but from the slight tilt of her head and total lack of reaction to my appearance, it was clear—she had gone headfirst into the grim world of Gotham. I wondered what parallels she found between Bruce Wayne and... herself? Or me? Or was it just an "analysis of narrative structures"? Complex processes were clearly happening in her head. I smiled. Let her read.
I flopped back onto the sofa. The pause was over. 30 OG left. Two rounds of ten. And I decided to start with... the General pool. Marvel had pleased me, but who knows what treasures or useful skills might be hidden in the boundless chaos of all possible universes? Maybe something completely unexpected but equally valuable would drop?
Alright, System, let's see what you've prepared in your big mix. Surprise me!—I mentally switched the tab to "General" and pressed the button "[ Summon x10 ] (Cost: 10 OG)."
The animation changed drastically. Instead of the clear Marvel symbols, a mad kaleidoscope spun on the virtual screen. Film frames swapped with game art, covers of DC comics flashed by, manga pages, fantasy runes, starship blueprints, cyberpunk corporate logos... The vortex was bright, chaotic, accompanied by a jumble of sounds—from explosions to synth melodies and someone's grandiose speeches. Finally, the chaos subsided, and ten cards with the neutral System symbol—the letter 'G' on the back—lined up before me. 20 OG left on the account.
Well, come on, first card... I thought with hidden hope.
CARD RECEIVED
Name: Victorian Era Silver Spoon
Type: Item (Value/Antique)
Rarity: Common
Origin: Earth (England, ~1880s)
Description: A sterling silver (925 hallmark) dessert spoon with a characteristic floral pattern on the handle. Contains a maker's mark (a little-known one). Good condition, requires light cleaning. Represents some value for silverware collectors or can be sold by metal weight. Approximate sales value: ~$50-80.
Note: "Tea at five is sacred, even if there's a zombie apocalypse outside." - Unknown surviving gentleman
Hmm. A spoon. Common. Well, okay, fifty bucks is still money. Expected for the first card from the general pool. A slight disappointment, but nothing more. Into the inventory.
CARD RECEIVED
Name: Neodymium Magnet Set (Various Shapes)
Type: Item (Material/Tool/Value)
Rarity: Common
Origin: Earth (Modern production)
Description: A small plastic box containing about 20 neodymium magnets (N52) of various shapes and sizes (discs, cubes, rectangles). They possess a strong magnetic field. Can be used in various projects, repairs, or sold as a set (~$30-40).
Note: "Careful, fingers! These things bite." - Anyone who has played with neodymium magnets
Magnets. Useful for the household, of course. Maybe useful for Peter's gadgets? But also... mundane. And cheap. My patience began to fray slightly. Into the inventory.
CARD RECEIVED
Name: Basic Piano Skills
Type: Ability (Skill, Art)
Rarity: Common
Origin: Earth (General human culture)
Description: Grants the user basic knowledge of music notation and the basics of piano/keyboard technique. Allows learning and performing simple melodies ("Chopsticks," "Für Elise" at a minimum), and picking out simple chords by ear. Does not make the user a virtuoso but provides a foundation for further development.
Note: "Music is a universal language. Even if you only play 'The Grasshopper'."
Piano skills?! I almost groaned aloud. Seriously, System? I vitally need combat skills or technology right now, and you're offering me piano tinkling? Am I supposed to play a lullaby for the Goblin?! This is nonsense!
Irritation began to simmer. The ability activated on its own, and I felt a strange urge to find keys and try playing a scale. I suppressed it with difficulty.
CARD RECEIVED
Name: "USSR Space" Postage Stamp Collection
Type: Item (Value/Collectible)
Rarity: Common
Origin: Earth (USSR, 1960s-1980s)
Description: A small album with a selection of Soviet postage stamps on the theme of space exploration (Gagarin, Leonov, "Soyuz-Apollo," etc.). The stamps are cancelled; condition is fair. Represents moderate interest for philatelists. Approximate value of the entire collection: ~$100-150.
Note: "And on Mars, apple trees will bloom!" - The Soviet dream
Stamps. About space. Soviet. What irony, given the news about Richards. I grit my teeth. Another useless (for my purposes) trinket. It can be sold, but it's a drop in the ocean. Is the System mocking me? Into the inventory.
CARD RECEIVED
Name: Basic Programming Skills (Python/C++)
Type: Ability (Skill, Technical)
Rarity: Common
Origin: Earth (Modern technology)
Description: Grants the user basic knowledge of syntax, data structures, and algorithms for the Python and C++ programming languages. Allows writing simple scripts, understanding the basics of object-oriented programming, and solving simple coding problems. Does not make the user a hacker or an AAA game developer but provides a foundation for IT study.
Note: "Hello, World!"
Programming?! I barely held back an oath. I have a technical university degree from my past life! I know these basics! This... this is like giving Toretto an oil change manual! Useless! Absolutely useless! I felt my cheeks begin to burn with anger. Activated. I felt nothing new.
CARD RECEIVED
Name: "Vault-Tec" Radioactive Alarm Clock (Souvenir)
Type: Item (Souvenir/Value?)
Rarity: Common
Origin: "Fallout" Universe (Pre-war era)
Description: A plastic alarm clock in a retro-futuristic style with the "Vault-Tec" logo. The hands and numbers are covered in radium paint, glowing faintly in the dark (radiation levels are negligible). The mechanism does not work. Represents value for collectors of Fallout memorabilia or atompunk fans. Approximate value: ~$40-60.
Note: "Vault-Tec: We'll make a better future... underground!"
I let out a muffled groan. Another game souvenir! And radioactive again! What is this?! I clenched my fists, feeling everything inside boiling. This didn't seem like a coincidence anymore. This felt like a mockery. Into the inventory.
CARD RECEIVED
Name: Template: Kyon (Ordinary High School Student)
Type: Character Template (Assimilation/Summon)
Rarity: Common
Origin: "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya" Universe
Description: Provides access to the template of Kyon, the archetypal Japanese high school student.
Upon Assimilation: Integrates skills: increased tolerance to the absurd and supernatural events, ability for sarcastic internal monologues, basic academic knowledge (average student level), high endurance regarding interaction with strange individuals, perhaps basic coffee-making skills. Does not provide combat skills or superpowers.
Upon Summoning: Materializes Kyon in the real world. Possesses his own personality (cynical, easily irritated but decent at heart), absolutely loyal to the Summoner (though may complain constantly). Completely ordinary human abilities. Will require adaptation and probably a lot of coffee.
Note: "The fate of the universe depends on how I throw the ball now! It's cheaply valued... this fate and this universe."
KYON?! My brain hung for a second. The Kyon? From Haruhi? The standard ordinary high schooler, cynic, and universal-scale commentator?! And... a common template?! Are you serious?! I roared mentally. I got the template of the MOST ORDINARY GUY IN ALL OF ANIME?! What use is his ability to tolerate the antics of an unstable goddess or sarcastically comment on nonsense?! I have to fight the Goblin, maybe an army of robots or aliens, and the System suggests I assimilate cynicism and coffee brewing?! My anger reached a new peak. This isn't just trolling; this is some kind of sophisticated mockery! I sent the useless template to the inventory with disgust. TRASH!
CARD RECEIVED
Name: Basic Calligraphy (Japanese/Chinese)
Type: Ability (Skill, Art)
Rarity: Common
Origin: Earth (East Asian culture)
Description: Grants the user basic knowledge and skills in calligraphy. Allows correctly holding the brush, controlling pressure, and drawing basic kanji or kana with acceptable aesthetics. Requires practice to achieve mastery. Calms the nerves (sometimes).
Note: "The way of the brush is the way of the spirit."
CALLIGRAPHY?! I stopped dead, looking at the virtual card with undisguised hatred. First piano, then programming, now—calligraphy! Is this a set for a "Crafty Hands" club?! Where are the combat abilities?! Where is the technology?! Where is anything USEFUL?! I kicked the air. Activated. I felt like picking up a brush and meditatively drawing the character for "wrath."
CARD RECEIVED
Name: Sci-Fi Novel "Starship Troopers" (1970s Edition)
Type: Item (Book/Value?)
Rarity: Common
Origin: Earth (USA)
Description: A paperback copy of Robert Heinlein's novel Starship Troopers, 1970s edition. Condition is satisfactory (frayed edges, yellowed pages). Represents interest for fans of classic SF. Small antiquarian value (~$10-20).
Note: "Do you want to live forever?!"
I just groaned, covering my face with my hands. A book. Old. Cheap. That's it. I give up. Into the inventory.
CARD RECEIVED
Name: "Normandy Ship Jump Drive" Keychain (Souvenir)
Type: Item (Souvenir/Merchandise)
Rarity: Common
Origin: "Mass Effect" Universe (Earth, Systems Alliance production)
Description: A plastic keychain in the shape of a miniature model of a "Frigate" class ship jump drive (Normandy SR-1/SR-2). Official Systems Alliance merchandise. Does not of