I stumbled back like I'd been hit by a spectral orb.
That was worth five whole battle winnings—and let's be honest, I wasn't exactly the top tamer in town. Crystal Credits weren't hard to come by, but they didn't just fall from the sky either. Refereeing battles, completing guild tasks, or selling rare Zeldritch materials usually kept my balance afloat, but not enough to splurge on a card game. Most tamers earned them through expedition contracts or arena matches, but with my luck?
Not happening anytime soon.
"Luke! Luke!"
Spade, my Lykopup—a phantom wolf-pup with spectral fur and glowing blue eyes—tugged at my pants, barking softly. His translucent tail flicked like he could sense my inner turmoil. Zeldritch like him were real creatures, monsters that had been part of our world forever. Tamers like me bonded with them, trained them, and battled with them. It was just... life.
"I know, buddy," I whispered. "Just… a little shocked. I've never seen a pack go for that much." The school buzz made sense now—everyone wanted in. I wanted in. But with prices like this? Yeah, I get it.
First release hype. Zeldritzon: The Card Game had only been out for a few weeks, and already it had taken over schools, parks, and even battle arenas. A game based on real Zeldritch? No surprise people were hooked. The shopkeeper had even cleared out space for a dueling corner, where a group of kids sat hunched over their newly minted decks, eyes locked in concentration.
"Luke… Luke…"
I crouched down and scratched the tuft of fur between Spade's ears. "We'll get out of here soon, promise."
Spade whined softly, pressing his cold nose into my hand. I rubbed behind his ears, trying to soothe him—and myself. My wallet practically screamed in agony just thinking about the cost.
How much did I have again? I reached into my bag and pulled out the leather-bound folio I carried everywhere. The Guilds of Khimaira, Section 4.3, Rule 52: Tamers must carry a folio at all times to record contracts, quests, and battle winnings. And I did. I decorated the cover with sketches of Zeldritch and my favorite monsters—a few phantom wolves like Spade, and my second Zeldritch, a fire-breathing Juvphoenix (the evolution of my Phoenichick.) My fingers trembled as I flipped open the folio.
A small card slipped loose and fluttered to the floor.
My ZelCard.
It landed face up, shimmering like moonlight on water. The display sparkled, showing my current balance and name:
Jake Garm.
[900] Crystal Credits.
I froze.
Spade let out a soft huff, nosing my arm like come on, you know what this means.
I snatched up the card, clutching it to my chest. My hands shook.
"We can do this," I whispered. "We can actually do this."
No more waiting. No more watching from the sidelines while everyone else built decks and battled. I could afford to buy in. I was one of the lucky few who could afford to play!
I held the ZelCard tight in my sweating hand, snapping the folio shut before slinging my bag over my shoulder. I wobbled toward a pack, only to second guess myself. Maybe Duel Den would be having a sale soon. I couldn't wait that long, though. I wanted to go home and start drafting my deck right away!
I grabbed a booster pack from the glass case and hurried to the register. I might not have been able to afford an entire set, but I could still try my luck. Besides, it was only [499] Crystals! One pack wouldn't be enough to put me in debt, and who knew? Maybe I'd get a rare or limited edition card.
I tapped my ZelCard against the reader and beamed when it lit up green.
[900] Crystal Credits → [401] Crystal Credits.
"Thank you!" I chirped as the shopkeeper handed me my pack. "Have a great day."
"You too!" she said with a warm smile. She gave Spade a wave, who wagged his tail in return.
??. .????. .????. .??
I stepped out onto the street, the foil pack burning in my hands. The air smelled of fresh bread and brewing coffee from the bakery across the road, but all I could focus on was the five cards inside. My heart pounded as I tore through the wrapper, fingers fumbling. It was time for me to have a little bit of luck for once.
Five cards.
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Common. Common. Common. Common … losing hope.
Well, that looked unfortunate.
Two Osseod [016]—a crystal mouse Zeldritch. A Heinieboo [165], some kind of ghost. A Yunix [105], an ice sprite. Not bad, but nothing game-changing.
[Card 1 and 2.]
Osseod [016]
[ Card Info ]
- Attribute: [Ore]
- S-HP: [110 Units]
- APEX-Power: [100 Units]
- Grade: [Common]
- Weaknesses: [Plant] [Aqua]
- Evolution Stage: [Basic] [Fledgling]
{Skills}
1. [Crystal Spit]
- APEX Damage: [20]
- Cost: [20 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Ore]
- Description: Osseod ejects a razor-sharp crystal shard from its mouth.
- Effect: Deals Ore-attribute damage to a single foe.
2. [Carapace Catapult]
- APEX Damage: [30]
- Cost: [30 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Ore]
- Description: With a burst of energy, Osseod launches a volley of crystals from its hardened carapace.
- Effect: Deals Ore-attribute damage to a primary target and, if available, a secondary target. If used immediately following Crystal Curl, the damage increases by an additional [20] APEX-Damage.
3. [Crystal Curl]
- APEX Damage: [0]
- Cost: [20 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Ore]
- Description: Osseod tucks into a compact, armored ball.
- Effect: Activates a protective shield that reduces the damage of the next incoming attack by [20] APEX-Damage. Additionally, boosts its APEX-Power regeneration by [5] Units for the following turn.
Retreat Cost: [20 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [50 Units] → (Oreseod)
[ Additional Info ]
- Zeldritch: NO. 016
- Size: Small
- Sobriquet: "Odd Crystal Mouse"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Sell Price: 5 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [016 | 268]
[Card 3.]
Heinieboo [165]
[ Card Info ]
- Attribute: [Phantom]
- S-HP: [100 Units]
- APEX-Power: [130 Units]
- Grade: [Common]
- Weakness: [Celestial] [Phantom]
- Evolution Stage: [Basic] [Fledgling]
{Skills}
1. [Spectral Jab]
- APEX Damage: [40]
- Cost: [20 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Phantom]
- Description: Heinieboo thrusts an arm of ghastly energy.
- Effect: Deals Phantom-attribute damage.
2. [Spook Shrill]
- APEX Damage: [20]
- Cost: [20 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Phantom]
- Description: Heinieboo alarms the foe with an eerie cry.
- Effect: Deals Phantom-attribute damage. Inflicts [Petrified]. Alternatively, you may choose to have the foe switch their Active Zeldritch to the Bench.
Retreat Cost: [20 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [50 Units] → (Heinimp)
[ Additional Info ]
- Zeldritch: NO. 165
- Size: Medium
- Sobriquet: "Heinous Ghost Zeldritch"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Sell Price: 5 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [165 | 268]
[Card 4.]
Yunix [105]
[ Card Info ]
- Attribute: [Glacial] [Cryptic]
- S-HP: [100 Units]
- APEX-Power: [120 Units]
- Grade: [Common]
- Weakness: [Metal]
- Evolution Stage: [Basic] [Fledgling]
APEX TRAIT: [Snowflake Cleanse]
Effect: Cleanse all status ailments on the chosen target. Restores [20 S-HP] to the chosen target.
{Skills}
1. [Snow Shower]
- APEX Damage: [30]
- Cost: [30 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Glacial]
- Description: Yunix flaps its wings to brew up a snow storm.
- Effect: Deals Glacial-attribute damage. Inflicts [Frost] on your foe's Active Zeldritch.
Retreat Cost: [10 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [50 Units] → (Yukinix)
[ Additional Info ]
- Zeldritch: NO. 105
- Size: Miniature
- Sobriquet: "Snow Sprite Zeldritch"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Sell Price: 5 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [105 | 268]
I flipped through them quickly again. I froze on the spot.
[Card 5.] The Uncommon.
Liorex [204]
A [Deino] [Spatial]-attribute Zeldritch. I grinned at the creature before me, mind still churning to the sight.
[Card 5.]
Liorex [254]
[ Card Info ]
- Attribute: [Deino] [Spatial]
- S-HP: [140 Units]
- APEX-Power: [180 Units]
- Grade: [Uncommon]
- Weakness: [Deino] [Relic]
- Evolution Stage: [Basic] [Fledgling]
APEX TRAIT: [Portal Roar]
Effect: Once during your turn, you may retreat Liorex from the Active Spot. Alternatively, once during your turn, flip a coin, if heads, you may retreat the Active Zeldritch to the Bench and switch it with another Zeldritch from the Bench Spot.
{Skills}
1. [Deino Fang]
- APEX Damage: [40]
- Cost: [20 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Deino]
- Description: Liorex chomps down on its foe.
- Effect: Deals Deino-attribute damage.
2. [Portal Blast]
- APEX Damage: [50]
- Cost: [30 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Spatial]
- Description: Liorex releases a space-shattering roar.
- Effect: Deals Spatial-attribute damage. Once during your turn, draw a card.
Retreat Cost: [20 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [50 Units] → (Leotyrex)
[ Additional Info ]
- Zeldritch: NO. 254
- Size: Small
- Sobriquet: "Tyrannosaurus Kitten Zeldritch"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Sell Price: 50 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [254 | 268]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
I stared at the glossy illustration in awe. The Zeldritch was small and plump, its eyes wide and glimmering. It looked like a chubby tyrannosaurus rex with a tiny mane lining the ridge of its back and little paws with claws. The card's APEX TRAIT text was surrounded by a purple border, a sign that this creature was strong. The best part? The illustration sparkled. Holographic foil!
Spade whined, nudging at my leg as if asking "Is it good?"
"Oh, it's good," I whispered, turning the card in my hands. "It's really, really good."
"Jake?" a girl's voice called out.
I looked up to find Amber, my neighbor from down the street, staring at me, a grin tugging at her lips. "You're into ZTCG, too?"
"Yeah," I replied. "Just got my first booster." I flashed her the pack. "I already pulled a Liorex!"
Amber let out a squeal. She practically bounced in place, the wicker basket hanging off her elbow threatening to topple. "I just picked up my cards yesterday," she said breathlessly, "but I haven't had a chance to open them. How about we have a match at the park?"
I nodded, excited, before I froze. "Oh, wait, but isn't your sister coming back home soon? Maybe you should save it for her?"
She waved dismissively. "Psh. She'll be fine. I can beat you easily! Worried?"
I bristled. "Hey, I'm actually pretty good at this game," though pretty good could have been an exaggeration. Not like she would have known. "I had some practice from the online version, you know."
"Then let's see what you got, Jakey," she said. "Meet you at the park?"
Spade yipped, tail swishing side to side. He nudged me forward, eager to get going.
I nodded, trailing after Amber as she darted ahead of me. Spade barked happily, tongue lolling as he trotted beside me.
"Let's show her what we got!"