21.1

January 1, 2070, at 1959
Megabuilding H3, Apt #4381

Crystal Moss held her gaze transfixed on the email on her laptop screen. It bore the grim news that her application to the prestigious Arasaka Academy was rejected. She didn't meet their stringent requirements. There would be no subsidized housing, no monthly stipend as she had so ardently planned.

Damn, Crystal thought, her eyes lingering on the harsh words of refusal. I don’t have Eurodollars to cover next month’s rent. I’d have to take drastic measures. The eddies must flow, after all.

She glanced around, running through her options. Braindance sold well, particularly if she could route them through the Mox. Judy, an ally and a visionary in her own right, could help. The challenge lay in the time constraint - high-quality braindance took time to craft, and it was the quality that attracted the lucrative Eurodollars, or eddies for short. Waiting tables, dancing, and selling certain risqué favors required careful planning. Ensuring my safety is not just a precaution. It’s a harsh lesson life has taught me.

Time for some therapeutic companionship, Crystal decided, pushing away from the small desk that occupied a slice of her living space. Initially designed for sixteen tenants, the entire apartment was now solely hers. An imaginary family she had conjured up helped with this. The Moss family, in reality, only consisted of two members currently. It had once been four, but her parents met their untimely end, victims of an unfortunate "accident" in their line of work as Valentino enforcers.

Securing such an expansive apartment on her own would have been a pipe dream, but the Valentinos had a code - they looked after their own. It didn't hurt that she had blossomed from a slightly chubby girl into a woman whose stunning looks alone could have secured her a place in any corporate entity. Switching to a spy’s role had seemed a logical next step, a move that could have repaid all my accumulated favors in one successful mission.

With the rejection from Arasaka Academy, things are bound to take a turn for the worse, Crystal sighed, moving toward the room that housed the only other member of the Moss family. I need an exit strategy. I won’t resort to selling myself to repay debts. Not unless there is no other option.

Sergeant Fluffyfeathers, or as she fondly called her, Sgt. Fluffyfeathers the Second was her companion now—the first Sgt. Fluffyfeathers had met an unfortunate fate, becoming a meal during a bleak period. Crystal never fully recovered from her parent's decision to sacrifice a family member for survival. Even though they had explained to her the chicken might be used as food, it still felt like a pang of terrible guilt when her parents killed it to eat. This past action possibly explains why I don’t miss them as much. They even made me partake in that horrifying feast of betrayal!

"They were monstrous, weren't they, Fluff?" Crystal said, gently lifting the chicken from her cozy cage. While others might have found it strange for a hen to bear a military title, Crystal couldn't care less.

Roosters were universally known to be capricious creatures, after all. Hens were the best.

Holding her therapy chicken close, Crystal settled onto the spacious sofa in the living room to contemplate her situation. A glance at the BD wreath stirred an urge for a distraction, but she resisted. No point in immersing myself in a hedonistic orgy escape just yet.

After I figure out how to tackle this debacle, I can indulge, Crystal thought, as Sgt. Fluffyfeathers expressed her slight irritation before comfortably nesting on Crystal’s lap.

Her brainstorming led her to a solitary viable option: scouting job postings on the Net. The riskier the gig, the larger the payout. "Keep an eye out for me while I dive in, Fluff, ok?" Crystal said, stretching out on the sofa to access the Net lobby. Her feathered sentinel let out an affirmative cluck and repositioned to her stomach just as the real world faded.

With a sense of caution enveloping her, Crystal glanced around, ready to leave the familiar confines of her lobby and step into the expansive universe of the Net. But her forward motion halted as her eyes locked onto a figure, someone occupying a throne with incredible presence. The slice of reality holding the throne was directly aimed at her and provided space for five chairs.

An impossibility sat in one of those five seats.

Crystal's mind whirled, attempting to make sense of the inconceivable scenario playing out before her. Penetrating the network of a Megabuilding was one thing; infiltrating a private lobby required a far superior level of skill, especially considering the Black ICE mainframe daemons guarding such thresholds.

"Take a seat," commanded the ethereal crowned beauty opposite her. Crystal could see the woman's eyes, which were as mesmerizing as the rest of her. Silver robes, runes, silver tools – it was clear there was a color scheme in play.

Never one to play the rebel part, Crystal complied and sat down.

"I am Eve," the woman introduced herself, her voice as smooth as a gliding swan. Four paper talismans cascaded from her silver tresses, evoking envy even from the most skilled hairdressers in Arasaka. As the data decompressed, the papers morphed into four human-like figures, two flanking on either side of Eve. Each of the figures took its own slightly smaller throne.

Greedily, Crystal's gaze drank in the details of the two beautiful men on the right. She etched their features into her memory, an ideal source for her next braindance. When she finally shifted her gaze to the left, her eyes met those of two women: the first, a younger counterpart of the witch herself, and the second, a child. But the age-old wisdom in the child's eyes dismissed any notion of innocence.

"Nobody risks breaching Black ICE for amusement," Crystal stated, her eyes returning to Eve. "You want something, don't you?" Her eyes narrowed in realization, "You prevented me from accessing Arasaka Academy." Rather than panic, Crystal's demeanor eased. "You've invested in me."

Eve confirmed with a cryptic smile, "That is correct. Until now, you were on the path to becoming a corporate pawn. Rise through the ranks, attract a high-ranking official, and maybe even serve some time as a secretary. However, you'd have to report to the Valentinos sooner or later. And that's when the story would inevitably end. Regardless of how you played your cards, Arasaka would unearth your betrayal, and that would be that."

Crystal accepted this truth. Only a more robust, more powerful corporation could shield her from Arasaka's wrath. Unless she possessed the passkey to the Arasaka mainframe or their satellites, no safe harbor would await a traitor. Eve's portrayal was all too accurate.

"I might have had a decade, maybe two," Crystal said, resigned. Her fate, as grim as it sounded, was still better than living on the streets or having her organs harvested for the wealthy. "But you're not here for my sob story."

"You're correct, I'm not," Eve responded. "What do you know about the world beyond the Blackwall?"

A shiver coursed through Crystal as her mind entertained a terrifying possibility. "Rogue AIs. You're rogues, aren't you? Am I already dead? Are you controlling my body like a puppet while my consciousness remains trapped here?"

The child intervened, "No, that's not what's happening. Be calm. Relax." The words were like a soothing lullaby, resonating deeply within Crystal, subduing her rising panic and leaving her in a state of tranquility.

"What is your understanding of the many-worlds interpretation?" Eve inquired with an effortless grace. "Is it the hypothesis suggesting that every decision catalyzes the creation of countless causal branches in an expansive existential tree?" Crystal responded, now comfortably serene. The theory had often sparked curiosity within the scientific community but lacked tangible proof. It was primarily regarded as a mental gymnastics routine, a theoretical construct rather than an objective reality.

"Not entirely," Eve corrected with a subtle wave. Instantaneously, a cube populated with marbles materialized in front of them. The marbles at the periphery were smaller, with their size gradually increasing towards a massive core marble. Interconnecting strings of luminous light intricately interlaced the marbles, creating a labyrinth of celestial connections.

"Consider the central marble my reality," Eve proposed, her finger highlighting the core. Around the center, every marble in contact with it emanated a soothing green light. "Are these the alternative universes connected to your reality?" Crystal inquired, her mind racing to keep pace with the unfolding complexities.

Their collective nod was akin to mentors acknowledging a pupil's correct response. "So, you traversed from another world to mine? But how does that make you Rogue AIs?" A wave of perplexity flooded Crystal, accompanied by the beginnings of a dull throbbing in her temples.

"That's merely an unintended consequence of transitioning between realities," Eve elucidated, a mischievous grin on her lips. Crystal couldn't resist mirroring her smile. This was not a situation fraught with danger but brimming with potentiality. "What's the proposition, then?" A radiant contract materialized out of thin air, hovering before Crystal's chest. She accepted the parchment, her eyes scanning the twinkling silver words. An agreement like this puts any corporate offer to shame. It's packed with sweetness, spice, and all things enticing. As Crystal's eyes skimmed further down the document, her eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"A change in... my race?" Crystal murmured, continuing her reading. As she assimilated the contract's contents, she felt like a veil of bewilderment was being lifted. She began to perceive the mechanisms governing her reality with newfound clarity, instantly comprehending how this AI could alter them.

"Absorption of souls? Altering my race? Possessing powers? Are these things... real?" Crystal's voice wavered as she finally met Eve's silver gaze, searching for truth within the depths of her enchanting eyes.

“Yes,” Eve said firmly. "The truth is simpler. You have a latent pool of magical abilities that have yet to be fully realized. Did you assume your beauty was merely a genetic gift, a blessing from your parents? Or your uncanny ability to discern and fulfill men's desires, thereby gaining their favor? These are not mere coincidences. They are the subtle manifestations of your suppressed magical potential, dormant, yet very much present."

Crystal's gaze hardened as she recalled the assistance she had received from the Valentinos, mostly from young boys and, as she matured, men. Their little favors had gently smoothed out life's rough edges for her, though they didn't precisely reshape her world. That was until they assisted her application to Arasaka Academy. A high-ranking male executive probably approved my application. It might seem mundane unless observed in the broader context of decades.

She knew that attractive women often had an easier time getting their way. However, in her case, these instances occurred slightly more frequently than could be attributed to mere chance. "Are you suggesting that these occurrences are manifestations of my repressed magical abilities?" If her abilities were repressed, it begged the question: How much more could she have accomplished had she been able to harness them fully? I could have lived a life of luxury straight out of a fairy tale!

A surge of frustration washed over Crystal. It felt as if life had cheated her out of her rightful power. Her fingers tightened reflexively around the contract. Drawing a deep, steadying breath, she sought to regain her composure. She recognized that anger clouded judgment and that negotiating under such emotional duress was unwise. She didn't want her anger to become a weakness that could be exploited.

“Ah, anger,” Eve said, her eyes half-closed. “How painful life must have been to be denied your full potential. Forced to live in a Megabuilding like this instead of an opulent Skytower penthouse suite.” Crystal tried to keep calm, but one of her eyes twitched, signaling her irritation.

“Read further. A race change is the most minor thing compared to our offer.” Eve said, glancing at the parchment’s scroll.

Body

• Vampiric Bloodline (Annihilation) • Regenerative Might - The vampire's ability to regenerate intensifies with the progression of their Bloodline Rank.

• Crystalline Bones (Athletics) • Skeleton of the Ages - The vampire's skeletal strength is augmented in correlation with their Bloodline Rank.

• Vampiric Form (Street Brawling) • Flesh Shapeshifting - The vampire's physical strength increases proportionately to their Bloodline Rank.

Coolness

• Icy Vein (Cold-Blooded) • Frostborn - With each rise in Bloodline Rank, the vampire becomes more emotionally detached.

• Nocturnal Stealth (Ninjitsu) • Unseen Menace - The vampire's physical and mystical detectability diminishes as their Bloodline Rank advances.

Intelligence

• Seraphim Insight (Breach) • Lightbearers - The vampire's capacity to process information accelerates with each advancement in Bloodline Rank.

• Demonic Memory (Quickhacking) • Dark Custodians - The vampire's ability to retain memories strengthens with their Bloodline Rank.

Reflexes

• Fluid Grace (Assault) • Artful Execution - Death becomes an art form, with the vampire's claws as the masterful tools. Their proficiency increases with practice and is limited by Bloodline Rank. • Sword Dance (Blades)

• Blade Ballet - Death transforms into art, and blades become the maestro's baton. Skill enhances through practice, maxing out according to Bloodline Rank.

• Hemomancy (Handguns) • Essence Drain - Death takes an artistic turn, and life drainage is the epitome. Improvement comes with practice and tops off based on Bloodline Rank.

Technical Ability

• Blood Rites (Crafting) • Hematological Rituals - The path to unyielding power, escalating through practice and limited by Bloodline Rank.

• Arcane Engineering (Engineering) • Blood Mana Theory - The road to limitless knowledge, progressing with practice and capped by Bloodline Rank.

"These transformations appear comprehensive," Crystal remarked, contemplating the sacrifices to implement them. As the shimmering words morphed subtly before her eyes, she speculated they were subject to the AI's fluctuating power.

"Indeed, a few alterations have been made, but rest assured, the potency remains undiminished," Eve reassured, her smile glacial.

The term 'Bloodline Ranks' caught Crystal's attention; it seemed to permeate every facet of the document. "What exactly are these Bloodline Ranks?" she inquired, noticing its ubiquitous presence. "These are the echelons of power corresponding to your own. Starting from zero, advancing at ten, and after that at every tenth level, you ascend a Bloodline Rank," Eve explained, her answer craftily opaque. “Fledgeling, Commoner, Noble, Ancient, and Sovereign. To head off the next question.”

Thoroughly engrossed, Crystal meticulously scrutinized the contract. Re-reading it ensured her comprehension of the fundamental stipulations. Eventually, she broke the silence, "This proposal intrigues me. However, I'm curious about the endgame - what becomes of me after completing these tasks?"

Eve's grin widened as she replied, "You'll be presented with a choice: join us on our journey or remain in your world."

After a thoughtful pause, Crystal asserted, "I accept." Without hesitation, she followed the instructions in the contract, nicking her thumb on its edge and pressing her bloodied imprint onto the parchment. There had never been a scintilla of doubt about her acquiescence. Such powerful beings would not react kindly to denial. Moreover, Crystal suspected she would never again be presented with a bargain so advantageous, a chance to dictate her destiny on such favorable terms.

Magic sparked and spiraled as the contract disintegrated into luminous fragments. With the ratification of her agreement, the five thrones opposite her blazed brilliantly before their light streamed into Crystal's form.

Once the dazzling spectacle concluded, the surreal lobby shattered, its fragments dissolving like crushed glass, revealing the familiar digital surroundings of her Net hall. However, she barely had time to register this when she was abruptly expelled from the lobby, tossed out as if caught in a storm.

Coming to her senses after her brief foray into the Net, Crystal grappled with a throbbing headache. As she disconnected her cyberdeck, her hand instinctively rose to check her implant, only to halt at the unexpected feel of smooth skin.

Gently, she moved Sgt. Fluffyfeathers, placing the drowsy hen in the warm imprint she had just vacated. She dashed to the bathroom, examining herself. Her blood ran cold at seeing her missing implant replaced with... nothing. Panting, she realized the surreal experience was the barest tip of the five entities' power.

Further scrutiny sent waves of panic through her. Stark white strands had replaced her honey-brown hair. Her eyes, formerly a deep brown, were now a striking silver.

"It's as if I've been given a high-end aesthetic overhaul," Crystal mumbled, continuing her inspection. She now sported sharp fangs, lethal fingernails, and a chiseled abdomen, the stuff of fitness fanatics' dreams. Unexpectedly, by merely focusing on the thought of a weapon, a pure silver dagger materialized in her hand. Although it wasn't suitable against a borg, discouraging unwanted advances would be pretty practical.

Resolutely, Crystal decided, "I'll grapple with this... tomorrow." With a mere thought, she plunged the room into darkness and dispelled the dagger, curling up beside Sgt. Fluffyfeathers.