Government

Brianna is an entrepreneur, Elise is a Housewife. After explaining to them that I am trying to study their abilities, Kira begins to demonstrate hers. She pulls out a carton of ink and with every thought a picture or words appears on the page. This could be useful in taking notes or keeping books. She would make a great secretary. Only battle usage would be to try to get it inside the opponent. Or have it explode, or catch fire.

After her various demonstrations she became tired so we began to eat. And things went on like this for days. I had them use their abilities, or try to, for days so I could take notes and experiment. When manipulating an active type ability, a sort of muscle is formed internally. Your body also develops resistances to the specific material you are wielding, which only makes sense.

You can freely manipulate its form, you are only limited by the strength of the substance, your control, and precision. Active abilities can level up just through usage. All the while I was taking notes, my level was slowly increasing as well. I now should be Level 7.

Not only did my ability to learn, and physique get stronger, but the amount of fire breath I could hold expanded as well. Breath is the term I have begun to use for what the essence of the matter should be called. The units could be felt by the user and manipulated through the body like air.

"Tom have you seen this the government has released a statement."Kira rushed back over from there section. Everyone had already begun to pack up for the night, so her voice was heard by everyone, who soon followed behind.

"These times are very tough indeed but do not fret…" It was just another fluff piece. They speak about unity and surviving this together, but aren't doing anything to help.

About a week ago they began making contact with local built societies that they refer to as outposts. In order to be recognized as an outpost you have to have at least 10,000 citizens, 10 level 15+ fighters, and every citizen and their ability must be documented and turned in.

They are trying to regain control without remedying the trauma. No help efforts have been made and the strongholds are still closed off. We are currently on the road to an outpost right now. The invasiveness of the government gave us worry, but the safety in numbers is appealing.

The outpost has fighters over level 15 and the animals are growing in power daily having to fend them off along with the bugs would be unseemly. Although we haven't fought them ourselves, we have seen hundreds of videos so far.

"We will arrive in the Lower Phoenix outpost tomorrow don't worry." I try to assuage their worries once again and assure them of our decision.

"Wait, no. Keep reading." Kira became adamant that we keep scrolling through the whole message.

"In 21 days every U.S. outpost will call all combat capable and willing citizens to compete in a tournament that will decide who can move into the Strongholds. Under the condition that you are willing to enlist as a Soldier in any US bracnh. All U.S. soldiers shall have a space in a Stronghold. To all reserves and willing retirees there is a spot for you as well. Our country is in a time of war and chaos, it is our responsibility to not let her fall at all cost." The camp was quiet.

"So this is really going to be the type of world we live in isn't it?" John faced a moment of realization and deep contemplation.

"It is, we might as well grab it by the horns. I am going to compete. I may not be built for combat but I have my pets. If I can get in a stronghold I might be able to find my grandma. This might be my chance." This seemed the fastest way to get there.

"I will too."

"Me too"

"I will as well"

Taylor, John, and Charles were all willing.

"Wait, Charles we do not know all that this entails. What if you were to get hurt." Brianna seemed to be worried.

"Then I get hurt, at least we'd be safe." Charles spoke with reason, but he couldn't help but feel the fluttering in his stomach. Not everybody is built to be a fighter. Not to mention in a world where anyone can have the power to take your life.

"Then it's decided Taylor, Charles and I will be entering the competition. What about the rest of you?"