Chapter 001: KING OF MISFORTUNE
[VISION]
A strange, beautiful lady wearing a long white gown floating in the air in an infinite white room. The lady snaps her finger then flashes of vision suddenly appears, overlapping each other in every direction. A roaring monster in different forms- among them are orcs, wild beasts, and dragons. On the other side, humans using magics and weapons. The two opposite group fights in all their power and strength. After a moment, there were bleeding and dying on both sides as it slowly settles down. The room becomes bloody, dark and silence.
STRANGE LADY: “Now, are you ready to give your best Cheat Code and play the game!”
[CITY]
2 hours earlier.
Justanother Friday Late Night in a busy city. Moonlight in a clear sky with heavy air suffocating the atmosphere exacerbated by the steaming heat from the
streets and establishments.
[STREET CORNER]
In one corner, lies the small food stall of Nanay Linda. The store caters affordable meals to anyone working late at night. Set up conveniently with a few tables and chair enough for 10 customers.
NANAY LINDA: “Here’s for tonight… I already add an allowance so you can buy yourself an extra snack…”
Nanay Marites talking to Jeon outside her small food stall.
JEON: “I’m really Sorry Nanay Linda, I never meant to— maybe you can just deduct it in my next salary?”
“… Or I can just work for free.”
Jeon smiles while talking to Nanay Marites. Jeon was wearing his black shirt, blue pants, and pair of rubber shoes. A silver pendant cross as only accessory.
NANAY LINDA: “You’re crazy kid you know.”
“I know you just want to help. But I can’t afford losing another regular customer... And don’t worry about the broken dishes…”
JEON: “ahm… I can come back later… I can at least help closing the store.”
NANAY LINDA: “It’s Okay kid, don’t worry about it.”
Jeon received the cash and walks away.
JEON: (It’s getting worst everyday)
Scratching his head while holding his cross pendant.
As he walks away, two teenager customers walk towards the store.
TEENAGE KID #1: “Bro, I have new game cheats. Let’s play after we eat.
TEENAGE KID #2: “No problem, as long as you treat me this time.”
TEENAGE KID #1: “Just leave it to me. If you want, we can play ‘til morning.”
JEON: (It’s still too early. Maybe I’ll just visit Father Bernard in the church before going home) *inhales deep.
Jeon put’s his headsets while walking.
JEON: (What if I’ll just join the military…)
(Nahhh… I don’t think so. I’m sureFather Bernard will not permit -that would be disastrous)
…..
“Tambays” and vendors seen in most corners. Then there is one nearby Computer Shops where gamers go in and out.
TAMBAY #1: “Pare, you should have used your SS to Scorpion Queen, we could have a chance winning”
TAMBAY #2: “That’s not the problem Bro. Their using too many cheats. How can we win with these new many cheats?”
TAMBAY #1: “I think you right Bro. I’m bored playing. Where’s the fun if everyone is cheating, there’ no thrill.”
TAMBAY #3: “I’m quitting this game; you can have my items if like.”
TAMBAY #2: “Nah… I’m also quitting. Hope they release new game with stronger cheat proof next time.
TAMBAY #1: “Game Hackers and Cheaters are getting good these days. I wish they all go to Hell for ruining the game”
Jeon just glance as he passed by the Tambays.
He continuous to walk along the street then saw a flier on the ground. He picks it up. “Immediate Hiring – Part Time Job Food Delivery – FOOD PANDAN ni Mang Kiko” written on the ads.
JEON: (It’s just on the next street… Let’s just try this one before going to Father Bernard.)
(There’s nothing to lose anyway)
…..
The sound of people with in a busy crowded street. Stores selling almost the full stretch of the sidewalk.
MANG ROY’s WIFE: “Hey Hon! We have lots of orders calling. Has any of the delivery boys arrived yet.”
The store has logo on top which says “FOOD PANDAN ni Mang Roy”. Lot of smokes coming from the door kitchen.
MANG ROY: “Wait Hon! I’m just talking with someone”.
Mang Roy standing outside with Joen.
MANG ROY: “Are you who I think you are...?”
The man was holding Jeon’s Student ID: Jeon Neithan T. Lopez, Senior High School, Grade 11.
Jeon just standing and waiting. He scratches his head and bows a little.
JEON: (He recognized me.)
MANG ROY’s WIFE: “Hey Hon! We have one rush order from our top customer! They want it to be delivered fast!”
Mang ROy’s Wife shouts inside the store from the kitchen.
Jeon turns his head and about to walk away.
MANG ROY: “Wait kid! …”
“I heard lots of rumors about you, but I’ll gave you this one chance”
“Don’t blow it kid.”
JEON: “Thank you Sir! I promise I will delivery. Before you know it, I’m back for the next delivery”.
Jeon face shows relief and return a big smile.
MANG ROY: “You better be! …”
…..
[CITY]
As the night getting deeper, the city seems getting busier and busier every hour.
JEON: “Make way!”
Jeon running on the street with excitement in his face.
He wears an open bottom polo uniform with printed logo “FOOD PANDAN” at the. On his right hand is one full pack of food delivery.
JEON: “Excuse me!”
Jeon bumps into a man then pass between the man and his lady.
Man: “Fuck you, you moron!..”
JEON: “I’m so Sorry!
Jeon dashes in font of building. He pushes the door with his left hand and enters quickly.
[INSIDE A CONDO BUILDING]
JEON: “Shit!” *pant! *pant! *pant!
Jeon stops in front of the elevator door. There’s a Signboard that says “Out of Order – Under Repair, Please use the stairs”.
JEON: (Let’s not waste time!)
Jeon immediately shifted direction towards the stairs.
JEON: (Need to deliver this fast.)
Jeon leaps higher and higher in every steps.
His now on the 6th floor and can see the 7th floor above.
JEON: (So far, so good!)
Jeon pushes the door of 7th floor and without wasting time enters the
hallway.
*Meoww!!!” Jeon steps on a black cat’s tail. He skips trying to gain his balance. *BRANG!!! Jeon hits the cleaning tool along the hallway *CRASH! then his whole body falls into it.
He was barely leaning on the wall. His whole weight supports by his left arm. His uniform stained and dripping wet.
JEON: (Is it happening again?...)
He checked the cat. The cat strangely stares at him before jumping to the exit.
JEON: (That was so close…)
The food delivery appears to be unaffected while Jeon still holding it tightly
JEON: (I think we’re still good.)
He gathers himself, clean some stains on his shirt and walks towards the door unit 709.
JEON: “Tao po, FOOD PANDAN Delivery!”
Jeon knocks the door. *tok! tok! tok!
JEON: “Tao po!”
Jeon raised his voice a little and knocks harder. *Tok! Tok! TOK!
JEON: (Hope they are not already sleeping)
He knocks the door for the third time. This time loader than before. *TOK! TOK! TOK!
Still no response.
Desperately, he tries turning the doorknob hoping it opens.
[NIGHT SKY]
Outside, an electrified bright light beams down from the sky towards the ground.
[CONDO BUILDING]
The door opens an inch.
JEON: (What the…!)
A sudden bright light hits Jeon. His vision instantly went blank with his entire body consumed by the light. *vvVLEEP!
After a few seconds, the light slowly fades. *SHOOoov!
JEON: (Where am I?)
[LIGHT ROOM]
Jeonvisions still blurry and tries blinking his eyes to recover. Slowly, he starts seeing the infinite white room, where all walls, ceiling and floor covered with white.
*SHOOOooov! He heard the same teleporting sound. A figure of lady floating in the air appears. At same instant, a timer sets at “10:00” [10 minutes, 00 seconds] blinks at the background.
10:00
The floating lady has a beautiful angelic face, long white hair, fair white skin, perfect figure with her white long white gown. As she moves, the fabric waves
like water flowing in the air.
ASTRA: “Welcome Player 724!”
Astra talking in a robotic voice with no expression.
The timer starts to count down.
09:59
Jeon still feels a little bit dizzy. He tries gather and check himself.
JEON: (… I’m okay!)
JEON: “Shit! the delivery!”
Jeon sees the spoiled food on the floor. He rushes and tries to fix it.
ASTRA: “You can call me Astra, your guide to the game world - MANDRIA.”
Jeon seems not minding the floating lady.
ASTRA: *…blah
Jeon still preoccupied fixing the spoiled food.
JEON: (Mang Roy will surely kill me… )
ASTRA: “Player 724, that concludes the basic game guide. You can now ask me any questions.”
Astra was waiting for Jeon’s response.
JEON: “Oh Dear God! Why this keeps happening to me?”
Jeon speaks with a heavy voice.
ASTRA: (Another weird player I guess.)
“Player 724, Your question is not recognized by the Game System! Please rephrase…”
Astrareplying with a robotic voice with no face expression.
JEON: “Oh God, can you give me at least a sign! -Maybe, a clear big thumbs up from heaven so I would know if I’m doing it right. Because no
matter how I tried, I keep on messing things up?”
Jeon looks up while holding his cross pendant.
ASTRA: (Is he praying to God or something?)
“Player 724, Your question is not recognized by the Game System! Please rephrase…”
Astra replying with her usual robotic voice.
JEON: “I keep telling myself to have faith and just trust the word of Father Bernard- that everything has a good reason. But don’t you think this is a bit too much?”
“Last month, it was a freaking serial killer! A week later, a failed experiment mutant from a lab.”
“What it is this time, an Alien Ghost Lady thing just for this epic failure.”
“What’s next, maybe zombie apocalypse or something?”
ASTRA: (Wait a minute… did he just call me an Alien Ghost Lady thing?)
“Player 724, Your question is not recognized by the Game System! Please rephrase…”
Astra sounds a little bit annoyed.
JEON: “I don’t understand how making me the KING OF MISFORTUNE being part of your gracious plan.”
“I don’t know about Father Bernard, but I think this crazy things that keeps happening to me is not working.”
ASTRA: (What does he mean by King of Misfortune? …was his LUCK really that BAD?)
“Player 724, That’s not a question! Please rephrase…”
The room stays silence for a bit.
Astra just waiting for Jeons next response. Jeon walks from one direction then goes back.
JEON: “Okay- Okay- God, you win! If this is what really in store for me, so be it!.”
“I give up!”
Jeon stretching his hands and arms, warming up to relax. Then he takes a deep breath and calms down.
ASTRA: (What’s with this guy’s drama. He was cursing God moment ago, complaining about misfortunes. Now, he’s surrendering to it.)
JEON: “So what now!?“
“Maybe it’s time for me to wake me up so I can play the partwhere I pretend that nothing happens. That’s the only logical way to explains the Alien Ghost Lady -This strange room, right?”
ASTRA: (Is he suggesting that this is just a dream. Can’t he not feel the difference between reality and a dream?)
“Player 724, Your question is not recognized by the Game System! Please rephrase…”
Jeon walks towards Astra and somehow Astra didn’t expect it.
JEON: “Hey Miss Alien Ghost thing, I think we’re done here. Are you the one who will wake me up?”
“…guest not.”
ASTRA: (He really thinks his dreaming!)
“Player 724, Your question is-!?”
*BLIPP! Suddenly the timer turns from green to red, with 2 minutes left.
02:00
Astra turns his head to check.
ASTRA: “Player 724, you only have 2 minutes left to answer this final question.”
“What CHEAT CODE do you wish in playing the game?”
Astra in her usual robotic voice.
01:55
CHEAT CODE: [No Entry]
STATUS: Waiting player 724 response
Jeon walks away from Astra, lies down flat on the floor, and uses his one hand as pillow then closed his eyes.
JEON: “Hey Miss Alien Ghost thing, just tell me when you’re done with your act. I just want to go home and have a real sleep”
The monitor updates the Cheat Code and Status:
01:40
CHEAT CODE: Hey Miss Alien Ghost thing, just tell me when you’re done with your act. I just want to go home and have a real sleep
STATUS: Calculating Entry…
ASTRA: (His not taking this seriously)
Monitor updates the status to “Not recognized by the Game Master”
01:30
CHEAT CODE: Hey Miss Alien Ghost thing, just tell me when you’re done with your act. I just want to go home and have a real sleep
STATUS: Not recognized by the Game Master
ASTRA: “Player 724, What CHEAT CODE do you wish in playing the game?”
Astra in putting an impression with her loader tone.
JEON: “Hey Alien Ghost Lady, are you done?”
ASTRA: (SHIT! He’s not even listening.)
The monitor updates the Cheat Code entry and status:
01:14
CHEAT CODE: Hey Alien Ghost Lady, are you done
STATUS: Calculating Entry…
Monitor updates the status to “Not recognized by the Game Master”
01:00
CHEAT CODE: Hey Alien Ghost Lady, are you done
STATUS: Not recognized by the Game Master
ASTRA: (This guy is really getting on my nerve!)
“Player 724, What CHEAT CODE do you wish in playing the game?”
There’sa sign of panic in Astra’s voice.
JEON: “By the way Miss. Do you think, Me- - You- - Here- -,is still part of God’s Plan?”
Jeon opens his eyes and stretching his hand towards the ceiling.
00:45
CHEAT CODE: By the way Miss. Do you think Me You Here is still part of God’s Plan
STATUS: Calculating Entry…
Monitor updates:
00:32
CHEAT CODE: By the way Miss. Do you think Me You Here is still part of God’s Plan
STATUS: Not recognized by the Game Master
ASTRA: (This is going nowhere)
JEON: “…or it’s just me making excuses with my pure Bad Luck?”
Monitor updates:
00:26
CHEAT CODE: or it’s just me making excuses with my pure Bad Luck.
STATUS: Calculating Entry…
Astra gets closed to the face of Jeon..
ASTRA: “Listen carefully Player 724. Me, being here is nothing to do with your Misfortune. I understand you had tons of bad luck- And today is not the first. But let’s not make your situation worst!"
Jeon was surprised how Astra now talks to him casually without her robotic voice.
ASTRA: “I think this is the best way to explain…” *Snap!
Astra snaps her finger and time appears to move slow. A flash of visions suddenly surrounds Jeon. Overlapping events appears in every direction. A roaring monster in different forms- among them are orc, wild beast, and dragons. On the other side, humans using magics and weapons. The two opposite group fights in all their power and strength. After a moment, there were bleeding and dying on both sides as it slowly to settle down. The room becomes bloody, dark and silence.
It’s like in a movie highlight. The only difference is Jeon can taste and smells all the spilled blood and sweats- Feels the breath of fears, cries, and agony of players.
[End of Chapter 1]
A roaring monster in different forms- among them are orcs, wild beasts, and dragons. On the other side, humans using magics and weapons. The two opposite group fights in all their power and strength. After a moment, there were bleeding and dying on both sides as it slowly settles down. The room becomes bloody, dark and silence. STRANGE LADY: “Now, are you ready to give your best Cheat Code and play the game!”