After a night of questionable choices, the SI takes on the form of an Endbringer. An Endbringer who runs a shop. A shop that sells items that may or may not change the very definition on an S-Class Threat.
Apocalyptic Marketing (Worm CYOA 1 Endbringer SI) + (Mysterious Shopkeeper CYOA)
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Prologue - Thrice the Price of Freedom
After a night of questionable choices, the SI takes on the form of an Endbringer. An Endbringer who runs a shop. A shop that sells items that may or may not change the very definition on an S-Class Threat.
Disclaimer: Worm is owned by Wildbow. This fanfiction is a creative outlet and is completely non-profit.
Notes: For any of you that have read my previous works, I would like to say thank you. I would also like to apologize for not finishing the stories I wrote as depression and anxiety set in heavily. I am going through talks with my therapist and things are brightening up so I decided to rewrite an old fanfic of mine.
Do note that this prologue uses A LOT of material from the original but there are differences. The true rewrite begins after this chapter though. As always please feel free to point out any grammatical errors!
You can find the original version of this fic here: Benevolence and Profiteering (Worm CYOA 1 Endbringer SI) + (Mysterious Shopkeeper CYOA)
Confusion often means a lack of understanding. It is a state of uncertainty from which one can only guess. On the other hand, confusion can also describe a state of bewilderment. Something perplexing and unclear in the sanctity of one's own mind. Other definitions of the word confusion include an event in which panic has set in or a jumbled mess. As for my own personal confusion, well that is due to a strange dream I had.
It was a dream, like no other, a fantasy in which I became an Endbringer in the world Wildbow had created. The details were hazy, though I remember ancient halls, the necronomicon, and dummy thicc thighs. Needless to say, I spent the whole day racking my brain in an attempt to remember what had transpired. Perhaps it would make for a good story. Alas, not only was I unsuccessful, but I was also left with the desire to write. It was a want to create a story that was both similar and unique. It was a hunger, a gnawing feeling in the back of my mind that would stick in moments of reverie.
Thus, as I watched the sunset over the warm horizon, I steeled myself for what I was about to do. Writing stories was a commitment. A tale could be simple or complicated, and yet with either definition, it would have meaning and substance. As a writer of fiction, I would not want my story to be meaningless, thus I would have to finish what I was going to start. It was a trivial issue in the span of things, but it was my issue. I sought no acclaim, nor did I wish for monetary substance. Instead, I wished to share a retelling of Wildbow's webnovel, Worm.
"Sigh…" I say this with a longing look on my Eurasian features as I turn away from the windowsill. My view taking in the table that held my desktop computer. It was a modest setup created a year before the pandemic had arrived, one that I had built and paid for. The specs were something that I did not care to think about as I approached the aforementioned table.
Taking a seat on the leather office chair, my hands began to type and click away. First, I opened Chrome and googled for the classical choice, Worm CYOA 1, then I selected the Spacebattles forum page that listed all Worm Choose-Your-Own-Adventures ever created. After scrolling down, I clicked the prompt box that said, 'spoiler: version 1'. Immediately the familiar and nostalgic list greeted my view as I readied a piece of paper and a pencil to list down my choices.
To start things off, I began with the nature of my Entry. I chose to become an Endbringer, a being of immense power and durability who would systematically attack cities around the globe. They were symbols of terror and destruction, and yet I wanted to be different. Not an Endbringer, not a Friendbringer, but something else entirely.
Eager as I was to break the mold, it left me wondering, How was I going to accomplish such a feat?
As much as I wanted to take in some companions, I thought against it. Mostly due to the fact that I had very specific plans in mind. Thus, I got to work.
I wrote each choice down, making sure to keep track of each point I spent as I did so. I skipped the powers section in its entirety because most if not all of the options have already been used extensively. None of the listed abilities interested me, even though every single one of them would allow me to win any encounter I was faced with. They were powers for others, but not for me.
My gaze then arrived upon the Perks and Complications section of the CYOA. It listed down a multitude of options ranging from thinker protection to Endbringer shapeshifting. A lot of them were tempting, especially the ones that allowed me to keep control of how my social interactions panned out. However, I then began to think against taking them.
Invictus was amazing for one's psyche, but it also removed something I saw as a strength. I would never bat an eyelash in the face of tragedy, I would never break. That level of emotional control would leave me a shell of my former self. Standing tall and resolute, yes, but it all sounded so...detached.
Inspiration felt more like a Master power to me, something like Invictus. However, instead of my will being indomitable, those around me would gain something akin to Invictus. My words, actions, and general self would be so amazing, that everyone would fight with the resolution of a war god. In a sense, it sounded like brainwashing, but with more glamor added to it.
First Impressions was a fine perk for me. It allowed my first meeting with everyone to be pleasant and/or respectful. Factions would be willing to help me out, and it would be trivial to ask for help. At least for the first time. First Impressions was temporary, with only the first meeting going well. This means that my actions would decide whether or not those around me were friends or foes.
Cloak and Dagger was tempting, but the ability to plan perfect assassination and infiltration with no percentage of failure seemed ludicrous. It was truly tempting, however, I thought against it. There were better options for what I had in mind, and I did not want to instantly become a diabolical genius.
Man Power was similar to inspiration, but instead of empowering those you inspired, it was instead a mass recruitment ability. It gave someone the ability to always have backup regardless of what happened. Needless to say, it was not for me.
After much deliberation, I decided with 5 perks, each one adding something without being too much. It was a perfect little list and yet I had reached the end of the Choose-Your-Own-Adventure without any powers.
Staring down at the beige notebook in front of me I began to realize that I still had 6 points left to spend. An irritated look makes its way to my features as I lift my right hand to press the eraser of my pencil into my cheek, forming a contemplative pose.
It was an amusing quandary that I had gotten myself into. What was an Endbringer without any powers if not a glorified punching bag? So, an idea hatched within me, an idea that I had tried before and failed miserably due to a lack of inspiration and experience.
I would use a different CYOA as my 'power set', but this time I would not take a penalty for veering off the intended course. Why? Because creativity should not be punished. Also, nowhere in the post did it state that I was not allowed to use a second CYOA. Besides, what's the worst that could happen?
Anyways, I began to type, and soon enough I made my way to r/MakeYourChoice, my most frequented subreddit besides r/nosleep. It was a comforting sight to see the familiar postings of CYOA's and a pinned thread leading to the mega-thread.
I began scrolling down seeing, things like a map for the JRPG Traitor CYOA, Holoscape, and even Artifacts of Arcanum(Final). A holographic Endbringer sounded trippy, but it didn't work for what I had intended. An Endbringer using magical artifacts sounded quite epic, but again, not for me. I came across a few honorable mentions such as the Delusion of Worlds and The Summoner CYOA, both intriguing and yet personally uninspiring. Not all CYOAs are for everyone after all.
Then I began searching for things like music, food, eldritch, etc. All of which had some amazing entries however...nothing that truly sang to me. It was then that I was broken away from my tab-opening fugue by an email notification detailing that my online shopping order was being delivered.
I smiled at the notification, packages were always nice, especially ones specifically for me. Then, my eyes widened as I began to nurse an idea. I returned my hands to my keyboard and began to type the word shop in the search tab of Reddit. Then I narrowed down my results to only show entries from the makeyourchoice Reddit.
A pleased smile was what my lips formed as a mischievous look beset my eyes. What if I was not an Endbringer that played as much of an active role as the others? What if my Endbringer ability was a shop that sold items and powers that could level the buyer with an S-Class threat? For the right price of course...
I then began to peruse the many options. So many wonderful choices, so many possibilities. From the Magic Item Shop CYOA to the Interdimensional Alchemy Shop. From the Witch's Cake Shop to the Alien Shop - Sale! So many wonderful choices and yet the one that truly sang to me was the CYOA entitled: A Mysterious Shopkeeper.
I quickly began jotting down the details I wanted. First I chose the size of my store, which in turn gave me points and complications based on the size. Then I chose my theme, something fun like Mystical sounded neat. Then I chose the Exterior Perks, they would benefit the outside of my store and how it would interact with the world.
Whilst perusing the choices my eyes landed on the Supplier Contacts option. It would cut down the time needed to restock my special items in half and it would allow me to choose another theme! I could also select multiple times! I had a bit of an internal debate after that. Each Exterior Perk sounded amazing, and yet I could only choose as many as my perk points allowed me. On the other hand, having multiple themes sounded so fun! I could combine so many aspects and create something truly grand. In the end, I chose Supplier Contacts twice, allowing me to add two additional themes to my shop.
After selecting the rest of the Exterior Perks, I then scrolled down to check on the Interior Perks. Effects and constants that would affect the inner areas of my shop and anything contained within. Selecting the perks for the interior went by much faster than having to choose for the exterior. I already had a good idea of what I wanted. Though I did select an extra set of rules because having three was a tad bit limiting.
Soon after selecting the Interior perks, I was then tasked with choosing the inventory of my store. Each inventory category would adhere to the different themes I had going for me, which made the three themes I chose seem all the more ludicrous. Most items would be ordinary, however, mixed in with said items were special pieces with 'mysterious' effects. Picking between the many choices took me the longest time as I had to internally debate with myself along the way. All the choices were good, however, I could only choose as many as my points would let me.
The first option was Furniture. Couches, chairs, tables, drawers, cabinets, lamps, etc. You name it, the perk had it. However, the sheer amount is not what intrigued me. Rather, it was the effects each item had. Basic items could have mattresses that kept pillows cool or even tables that transported dishes to the sink with the press of a button. Rare items included luxury and high-class furniture, effects can include hover chairs and dressers that clean, mend, and alter your clothes. Finally, the capstone items were rare and powerful items, such as a pantry cabinet that could replicate endless amounts of fresh food. There was also the possibility of a bed that transported people to and from the dream realm.
The options following Furniture had a similar array for possible inventory. All of it would depend on the one using the CYOA. Though possibilities included but were not limited to basic items such as color-changing doilies to energy drinks with no negative side effects, rare items such as a build-your-own-flying-carpet kit and instruments that tutored those who tried to play them, finally there were capstones such as a cereal box that contained a ticket that could grant any wish or a fancy grandfather clock that could mess with time.
The internal debate that ensued was extensive because there were so many categories to choose from. Should I pick vehicles? Perhaps the garden? Maybe I could go with medicine? It was all very tedious as I wanted them all, but there were not enough points to accommodate all of my choices.
At the end of my mental tête-à-tête, I emerged victorious with my inventory chosen. All that was left for me was to select the Knick-Knacks and the Complications of my shop.
Knicks-Knacks were inventory categories that did not quite fit in for a whole area. Instead of having mysterious items generated on the spot, you could choose from a selection of mysterious goods that would be mixed in with the regular knick-knacks. As such I chose a couple of custom candy options, three drinks, one magazine, one novelty item, and gift cards. This would give me a veritable stock of consumable items with useful effects. Many of them were already amusing from the get-go, and some of them sounded fantastic when used properly.
Last but not least came the complications, and I enjoyed none of them. They all sounded tedious and/or boring, at least on a personal level. So I thought to bend the rules some more. Taking the points I had set aside in Worm CYOA 1 and using them to negate the complications I had gained from the Mysterious Shopkeeper CYOA.
I would prefer to gain my problems rather than have a preset dilemma to force my story into needless details about sales quotas and rat infestations.
After jotting down the final details, I let out a breath of satisfaction as I stood up to go smoke. I had my own vices, and I had no excuse for what I was about to do. However, the quarantine-induced cabin fever had gotten to me, and I needed more outlets aside from college, exercise, and video games.
I opened my balcony door and took the pack of smokes from my pockets. I then lit the cigarette with a click lighter and took a drag, the mentholated smoke leaving a minty burn in my throat as I did so. After exhaling the smoke, I noticed that the clouds lingered, probably due to the lack of wind and the cold weather. I paid the sight no mind and instead looked on into the distance as I continued to finish my little smoke break.
I imagined what it would be like to finally post something again. It took a lot of courage to lay one's work bare before a judging crowd, however, I moved past those thoughts earlier in the day.
It took longer than I would like to admit for me to notice that the smoke was not going anywhere. Instead, I was piling up into a swirling cloud just below my waist. I nearly singed my lips, not realizing that I was still dragging the cigarette in my mouth whilst staring at the smoke. The burning heat made me stumble a bit, the smoke now rising into a slow vortex that had enveloped my surroundings.
"W-What the-?!" I say this with panic in my eyes as it becomes too hard to see. The air was difficult to breathe, my eyes stung with tears from the menthol smoke. Gasping for air, I began to lose consciousness as I fell backward.
I was not sure what happened next but I was certain that my back didn't crash into the wall. All I could feel was the sensation of falling as the darkness took me.
[Earth Bet - Somewhere in Between]
I opened my eyes...no, that...was not right. It was more like an awareness, rather than a human view. I 'saw' towering bookshelves filled to the brim in a maze-like library, a veritable encyclopedia's worth of animals in sizable habitats, an expanse of weapons ranging from swords to matter disintegrators.. It was similar to a bird's eye view, except I could understand every minute detail and goings-on happening in this place. No that's not right, it's my place…
I had a primal connection to this place. It was as if this place, or rather my place, was a part of my soul now. Every inch, nook, and cranny was accounted for. The layout in its entirety was laid bare before my awareness.
I could count every item in stock instantly. I could tell which objects have otherworldly properties to them. I could describe each product with an encyclopedic level of knowledge. I could even describe the three nude women standing still in the middle of all of this. Wait...what?
The undressed ladies looked so much like vampiric goddesses. Tall, pale gray skin, sharp ears, and gleaming eyes. They each had wavy dark hair styled similarly to one another, the only difference being the purple moon, yellow sun, and pink stars floating behind the heads of each respective triplet. All three had curious looks on their beautifully regal features. They seemed familiar, almost like the tall vampire woman that broke the internet not too long ago. Still, their exquisite beauty was not what further caught my attention.
To balance such alluring faces, the bodies of goddesses had been brought forth. Their figures were the epitome of the words balanced, bodacious, buxom, and thicc. Perfect hourglass figures straight out of some Japanese businessman's perverted fantasy. Their real sets of honkers defied gravity as each pair seemed to follow a special law known as jiggle physics. I believe the term is called Gainaxing. A law of physics generally attributed to Anime, in which breasts move independent of gravity and jiggle absurdly with even the smallest motion.
Anyways, Their snatched waists were packing some serious badonkadonk. So much junk in the trunk that the claps of their ass cheeks might even awaken the dormant Endbringers. Do not even get me started on their thighs! They were so thicc that they could save the lives of thousands. They could crush a thousand watermelons and emerge unscathed!
"Pfft~!" I had to cover my mouth as I giggled in amusement. She just looked so hilariously delightful, even though I was not interested in women.
They moved to do the same and that made me pause. Their posture, facial expression, and voice mimicked my own. It was odd and too precise to be a coincidence.
A sort of sinking feeling took over my core as dread filled my face. Wait, I had a core now?
"Oh no…" I say this in three voices that sounded enchanting and worried. It did not sound like my own voice. Still, I had more pressing issues to attend to, like the alien core, or rather cores, inside of me.
They were my cores, the centers of my being. The things that allowed me to take form. It was my soul, given shape. To say that I was confused would be an understatement of my current duress. One thing came to mind as I racked my brain(core) for any semblance of a clue. I was in my bedroom before this all happened. I remember writing down details for a CYOA...
I almost did not want to believe it! That damn Choose-Your-Own-Adventure did this to me! I was an Endbringer now, and not a combat-oriented one at that! How was I supposed to survive what was coming?! I tried to calm down but to no avail as all these new sensations distracted me. I needed to focus.
I took a deep breath even though I had no need for oxygen anymore. Then, I focused my vision and awareness solely on myself, or rather selves, lifting my hands away from my face as I did so. What I saw shocked me. My hands and fingers were perfectly balanced, albeit shaking due to my current situation. Supple gray skin covered my hands and arms. If the pigmentation of my limbs was any indicator, then my three bodies were now an alluring shade of pale vampiric grey.
I motioned my hands to palm my face. The features feel nothing like my own. I slid my hands downwards only for them to bump into my chest. I gulped as I dared look down, the final nail being hammered on my proverbial coffin as I saw the same three pairs of double bubble whoppers I had been ogling, bouncing about from the stimulus of my palms.
"Fuck yes!" I say this with my new voices as my bodies jump for joy. I wanted to cry and as I thought more on it, the more my core gave in to the changes I desired. Soon enough, tears trailed down my three faces and my eyes watered up.
"FREEDOM!" I'd always wanted to leave the nest you see, and this was my chance. If this wasn't some elaborate and highly detailed hallucination, then my dreams had come true!
Home…never truly felt like home. As much as I would miss my family and friends, I knew deep down that I was meant to spread my wings. Who knew that time would come by turning into a set of hot vampire triplets?
Still…if this wasn't a dream, then I truly have been sent to the world of Earth Bet. A new Endbringer comes to life in the strangest way possible.
Given my current state of undress I decide to test my powers a little bit. Unbound Form would allow me to transform freely and knowing Endbringer biology, I decided on something clever.
Focusing deep into my cores, I feel a sense of physical heft as I search within. I then slowly began to shift the outermost layers of my three bodies, transforming them into articles of clothing.
Three dresses that looked like fashionable and sexy gothic Victorian garments manifested slowly. The purple dress went to my body with purple eyes and floating moons, the yellow dress went to my body with yellow eyes and floating suns, and the pink dress went to my body with the pink eyes and floating stars.
The triple ensemble made me, or rather us, look like a set of lusty vampiric Victorian ladies. To top it all off, I added lacey stockings, high dress heels, and natural makeup.
I also used this special time to give my bodies some functionality such as the five senses. I removed the weaknesses of each sense such as light sensitivity, pain, and the like. Once that had finished I modified my mega dobonhonkeros to contain pocket dimensions that only I could access. It would be hilarious in the long run. All the booby trap possibilities came to mind! Death by motorboat would be a hell of a way to go. Finally, I gave my three bodies singing voices on the level of a siren queen. It was nowhere near as good as my new sister, the Simurgh, but it was a start.
Once the change was done, I opened my eyes to see that I was in the center crossroad of my shop. I had no idea how long it took to finish the metamorphosis, but something in the back of my mind, or rather cores, told me that I should probably open up shop soon. However, this place was in serious disarray, it looked like a mess of hallways, corridors, and too many products. As a newly dubbed business owner, this unorganized mess was unacceptable, so I had to do something about it.
Focusing on my core again, I used the Distorted Space perk that I had taken from the Mysterious Shopkeeper CYOA. The floor changed to cobblestone, brick walls of different colors rose from the ground, windows vitrified into reality, decorations formed in tasteful places, and floating lanterns began to take to the air.
It was a fast-paced construction that looked more like one of those construction montage videos you saw on youtube. Floorboards and tiles were set in an instant, stairs and ramps were laid down with incredible haste, and the product displays formed to fit the theme of each building. It was a glorious motion that shook the very core of my store as I concentrated more and more.
Colors painted each building to give a unique feel, chimneys rose to complement the hearth fires, and space bent to my will as the in-betweens of each alleyway would lead to the other side.
Each building then gained a title and signage: Fantastic Furniture, Humble Home Goods, Baffling Books, Fresh Food, Grand Games & Entertainment, Captivating Clothing, Worthy Weapons, Marvelous Music & Shows, Clever Crafts, Prized Pets & Animal Care, Greathearted Garden, and Marvelous Medicine.
Every type of inventory area now had its own unique name and build, and as for the knick-knacks, well, they each had sizable stands scattered about. Creative Candy, Delightful Drinks, Meaningful Magazines, and Nostalgic Novelty items were the names of each of the stands. Each one spaced between the buildings to create a life-like market street.
Then I liquified the area surrounding the market, creating a portside feel as the area mimicked an ocean. Waves and currents swirling on my whim. It was easy and instantaneous. Everything happened so fast, and since I had refused to check the time, I had no way of knowing how long this all took...
Still, this sandbox-esque remaking of reality excited me. I breathed in the satisfaction as the mass distortions and shifts slowed down, it all came to an end.
I then opened my eyes to take in the view even though my extended awareness already showed me what I wanted to see. My store now resembled a gothic Victorian street with shops and stands on either side. Uneven heights, chimneys on some, different paints, significant signs, multiple materials, and a multitude of decorations were what I would use to describe the buildings.
The street, the shops, and the surrounding water were now lit up by floating lanterns, held aloft by alien devices. The roof mimicked a stormy night sky with complete rain, however, it was designed so that the rain and water would never touch and outright avoid the customers.
A soft gothic orchestra filled the place with a dark and mysterious feel. False birds and illusory cats also flitted about the street as fins and fish occasionally broke the surface of the water.
'The place is starting to feel alive!' I thought this to myself as I let mist fill the streets slightly, giving my store a more Victorian feel.
To finish everything off, I focused once more. Space and reality distorted as a hilltop castle emerged from the oceanic depths, it was my homage to Castle Dimitrescu from Resident Evil Village. It would be unreachable for those that did not have my permission. The interior replicated the original castle, however, it lacked undead corpses and rococo paintings.
As I acquired the Luxury Living perk from the Mysterious Shopkeeper CYOA, the gourmet food and luxury furniture were automatically included. Basic food and lifestyle items restocked infinitely within the castle, and quality would compare to the queen-worthy quality a noble like Lady Dimitrescu would have partaken of.
With all of that said and done, my store still felt incomplete. Something was missing…
Then it hit me, I still had two things to do before opening. The first task was to set the rules of my shop. Taking the Shop Rules perk from the Mysterious Shopkeeper CYOA allowed me to create a set of three simple rules that the customers were compelled to obey. They had to be simple and not something ridiculous like 'Become the store owner's slave'. So I once again focused and extended my will to the very fabric that held this place together. I was the extension of my cores and yet I felt that this place also contained another core. Not a spare, but a fourth of me. This place was a part of me, or rather us three, as we were to it. I remembered taking the Additional Cores perk...
"So that's where it went." We three say this to ourselves as we move on from our surprised reverie to dictate the rules that would govern this dimension.
"No Stealing of any kind," My lunar purple body says this with a calm voice, my eyes closed in concentration as I felt the thrum of power in my words.
"No violence of any kind." My sunny yellow body spoke with a mysterious thrum to my voice as it now began to echo slightly.
"No haggling of any kind." My starry pink body proclaimed this with a louder voice, the thrum and echo gaining.
"No lying of any kind." My bodies were speaking in unison now, declaring this with an even louder voice, the thrum and echo gaining even more than before.
"No usage of powers and technology without permission." I am unsure as to how my three bodies were calmly shouting at the top of their nonexistent lungs, but my words resounded like thunder nonetheless.
"You break it, you buy it." I speak in three voices as the last rule writes itself into the very fabric of reality within the store.
My four cores then focused on the final touch as my three bodies spoke once more. My voices were calm, with no thrum of power and no echo. Serenity gracing the features of each of my bodies, as I continued with what I had to say. I was simply stating a fact after all.
"The Midnight Zone is now open for business."
[Earth Bet - Three Unknown Locations]
Beneath the earth, a hulking titan made of obsidian and cooled magma rumbled in curiosity.
Below the depths, a monstrous serpent decked in green scales swam in excitement.
Beyond the sky, a tall angel beset with manifold wings floated in anticipation, a smirk forming on her lips.
I hope you spotted all the little references and nods that I added to the story.
To those of you that are new to my brand of story telling, welcome! I would like to sincerely thank you for taking the time to read my story, I hope you all enjoyed the Prologue!
Finally, please feel free to ask me any questions. Also, if there are any grammatical errors, please point them out!
Disclaimer: Worm is owned by Wildbow. This fanfiction is a creative outlet and is completely non-profit.
Notes: For any of you that have read my previous works, I would like to say thank you. I would also like to apologize for not finishing the stories I wrote as depression and anxiety set in heavily. I am going through talks with my therapist and things are brightening up so I decided to rewrite an old fanfic of mine.
Do note that this prologue uses A LOT of material from the original but there are differences. The true rewrite begins after this chapter though. As always please feel free to point out any grammatical errors!
You can find the original version of this fic here: Benevolence and Profiteering (Worm CYOA 1 Endbringer SI) + (Mysterious Shopkeeper CYOA)
Confusion often means a lack of understanding. It is a state of uncertainty from which one can only guess. On the other hand, confusion can also describe a state of bewilderment. Something perplexing and unclear in the sanctity of one's own mind. Other definitions of the word confusion include an event in which panic has set in or a jumbled mess. As for my own personal confusion, well that is due to a strange dream I had.
It was a dream, like no other, a fantasy in which I became an Endbringer in the world Wildbow had created. The details were hazy, though I remember ancient halls, the necronomicon, and dummy thicc thighs. Needless to say, I spent the whole day racking my brain in an attempt to remember what had transpired. Perhaps it would make for a good story. Alas, not only was I unsuccessful, but I was also left with the desire to write. It was a want to create a story that was both similar and unique. It was a hunger, a gnawing feeling in the back of my mind that would stick in moments of reverie.
Thus, as I watched the sunset over the warm horizon, I steeled myself for what I was about to do. Writing stories was a commitment. A tale could be simple or complicated, and yet with either definition, it would have meaning and substance. As a writer of fiction, I would not want my story to be meaningless, thus I would have to finish what I was going to start. It was a trivial issue in the span of things, but it was my issue. I sought no acclaim, nor did I wish for monetary substance. Instead, I wished to share a retelling of Wildbow's webnovel, Worm.
"Sigh…" I say this with a longing look on my Eurasian features as I turn away from the windowsill. My view taking in the table that held my desktop computer. It was a modest setup created a year before the pandemic had arrived, one that I had built and paid for. The specs were something that I did not care to think about as I approached the aforementioned table.
Taking a seat on the leather office chair, my hands began to type and click away. First, I opened Chrome and googled for the classical choice, Worm CYOA 1, then I selected the Spacebattles forum page that listed all Worm Choose-Your-Own-Adventures ever created. After scrolling down, I clicked the prompt box that said, 'spoiler: version 1'. Immediately the familiar and nostalgic list greeted my view as I readied a piece of paper and a pencil to list down my choices.
To start things off, I began with the nature of my Entry. I chose to become an Endbringer, a being of immense power and durability who would systematically attack cities around the globe. They were symbols of terror and destruction, and yet I wanted to be different. Not an Endbringer, not a Friendbringer, but something else entirely.
Eager as I was to break the mold, it left me wondering, How was I going to accomplish such a feat?
As much as I wanted to take in some companions, I thought against it. Mostly due to the fact that I had very specific plans in mind. Thus, I got to work.
I wrote each choice down, making sure to keep track of each point I spent as I did so. I skipped the powers section in its entirety because most if not all of the options have already been used extensively. None of the listed abilities interested me, even though every single one of them would allow me to win any encounter I was faced with. They were powers for others, but not for me.
My gaze then arrived upon the Perks and Complications section of the CYOA. It listed down a multitude of options ranging from thinker protection to Endbringer shapeshifting. A lot of them were tempting, especially the ones that allowed me to keep control of how my social interactions panned out. However, I then began to think against taking them.
Invictus was amazing for one's psyche, but it also removed something I saw as a strength. I would never bat an eyelash in the face of tragedy, I would never break. That level of emotional control would leave me a shell of my former self. Standing tall and resolute, yes, but it all sounded so...detached.
Inspiration felt more like a Master power to me, something like Invictus. However, instead of my will being indomitable, those around me would gain something akin to Invictus. My words, actions, and general self would be so amazing, that everyone would fight with the resolution of a war god. In a sense, it sounded like brainwashing, but with more glamor added to it.
First Impressions was a fine perk for me. It allowed my first meeting with everyone to be pleasant and/or respectful. Factions would be willing to help me out, and it would be trivial to ask for help. At least for the first time. First Impressions was temporary, with only the first meeting going well. This means that my actions would decide whether or not those around me were friends or foes.
Cloak and Dagger was tempting, but the ability to plan perfect assassination and infiltration with no percentage of failure seemed ludicrous. It was truly tempting, however, I thought against it. There were better options for what I had in mind, and I did not want to instantly become a diabolical genius.
Man Power was similar to inspiration, but instead of empowering those you inspired, it was instead a mass recruitment ability. It gave someone the ability to always have backup regardless of what happened. Needless to say, it was not for me.
After much deliberation, I decided with 5 perks, each one adding something without being too much. It was a perfect little list and yet I had reached the end of the Choose-Your-Own-Adventure without any powers.
Staring down at the beige notebook in front of me I began to realize that I still had 6 points left to spend. An irritated look makes its way to my features as I lift my right hand to press the eraser of my pencil into my cheek, forming a contemplative pose.
It was an amusing quandary that I had gotten myself into. What was an Endbringer without any powers if not a glorified punching bag? So, an idea hatched within me, an idea that I had tried before and failed miserably due to a lack of inspiration and experience.
I would use a different CYOA as my 'power set', but this time I would not take a penalty for veering off the intended course. Why? Because creativity should not be punished. Also, nowhere in the post did it state that I was not allowed to use a second CYOA. Besides, what's the worst that could happen?
Anyways, I began to type, and soon enough I made my way to r/MakeYourChoice, my most frequented subreddit besides r/nosleep. It was a comforting sight to see the familiar postings of CYOA's and a pinned thread leading to the mega-thread.
I began scrolling down seeing, things like a map for the JRPG Traitor CYOA, Holoscape, and even Artifacts of Arcanum(Final). A holographic Endbringer sounded trippy, but it didn't work for what I had intended. An Endbringer using magical artifacts sounded quite epic, but again, not for me. I came across a few honorable mentions such as the Delusion of Worlds and The Summoner CYOA, both intriguing and yet personally uninspiring. Not all CYOAs are for everyone after all.
Then I began searching for things like music, food, eldritch, etc. All of which had some amazing entries however...nothing that truly sang to me. It was then that I was broken away from my tab-opening fugue by an email notification detailing that my online shopping order was being delivered.
I smiled at the notification, packages were always nice, especially ones specifically for me. Then, my eyes widened as I began to nurse an idea. I returned my hands to my keyboard and began to type the word shop in the search tab of Reddit. Then I narrowed down my results to only show entries from the makeyourchoice Reddit.
A pleased smile was what my lips formed as a mischievous look beset my eyes. What if I was not an Endbringer that played as much of an active role as the others? What if my Endbringer ability was a shop that sold items and powers that could level the buyer with an S-Class threat? For the right price of course...
I then began to peruse the many options. So many wonderful choices, so many possibilities. From the Magic Item Shop CYOA to the Interdimensional Alchemy Shop. From the Witch's Cake Shop to the Alien Shop - Sale! So many wonderful choices and yet the one that truly sang to me was the CYOA entitled: A Mysterious Shopkeeper.
I quickly began jotting down the details I wanted. First I chose the size of my store, which in turn gave me points and complications based on the size. Then I chose my theme, something fun like Mystical sounded neat. Then I chose the Exterior Perks, they would benefit the outside of my store and how it would interact with the world.
Whilst perusing the choices my eyes landed on the Supplier Contacts option. It would cut down the time needed to restock my special items in half and it would allow me to choose another theme! I could also select multiple times! I had a bit of an internal debate after that. Each Exterior Perk sounded amazing, and yet I could only choose as many as my perk points allowed me. On the other hand, having multiple themes sounded so fun! I could combine so many aspects and create something truly grand. In the end, I chose Supplier Contacts twice, allowing me to add two additional themes to my shop.
After selecting the rest of the Exterior Perks, I then scrolled down to check on the Interior Perks. Effects and constants that would affect the inner areas of my shop and anything contained within. Selecting the perks for the interior went by much faster than having to choose for the exterior. I already had a good idea of what I wanted. Though I did select an extra set of rules because having three was a tad bit limiting.
Soon after selecting the Interior perks, I was then tasked with choosing the inventory of my store. Each inventory category would adhere to the different themes I had going for me, which made the three themes I chose seem all the more ludicrous. Most items would be ordinary, however, mixed in with said items were special pieces with 'mysterious' effects. Picking between the many choices took me the longest time as I had to internally debate with myself along the way. All the choices were good, however, I could only choose as many as my points would let me.
The first option was Furniture. Couches, chairs, tables, drawers, cabinets, lamps, etc. You name it, the perk had it. However, the sheer amount is not what intrigued me. Rather, it was the effects each item had. Basic items could have mattresses that kept pillows cool or even tables that transported dishes to the sink with the press of a button. Rare items included luxury and high-class furniture, effects can include hover chairs and dressers that clean, mend, and alter your clothes. Finally, the capstone items were rare and powerful items, such as a pantry cabinet that could replicate endless amounts of fresh food. There was also the possibility of a bed that transported people to and from the dream realm.
The options following Furniture had a similar array for possible inventory. All of it would depend on the one using the CYOA. Though possibilities included but were not limited to basic items such as color-changing doilies to energy drinks with no negative side effects, rare items such as a build-your-own-flying-carpet kit and instruments that tutored those who tried to play them, finally there were capstones such as a cereal box that contained a ticket that could grant any wish or a fancy grandfather clock that could mess with time.
The internal debate that ensued was extensive because there were so many categories to choose from. Should I pick vehicles? Perhaps the garden? Maybe I could go with medicine? It was all very tedious as I wanted them all, but there were not enough points to accommodate all of my choices.
At the end of my mental tête-à-tête, I emerged victorious with my inventory chosen. All that was left for me was to select the Knick-Knacks and the Complications of my shop.
Knicks-Knacks were inventory categories that did not quite fit in for a whole area. Instead of having mysterious items generated on the spot, you could choose from a selection of mysterious goods that would be mixed in with the regular knick-knacks. As such I chose a couple of custom candy options, three drinks, one magazine, one novelty item, and gift cards. This would give me a veritable stock of consumable items with useful effects. Many of them were already amusing from the get-go, and some of them sounded fantastic when used properly.
Last but not least came the complications, and I enjoyed none of them. They all sounded tedious and/or boring, at least on a personal level. So I thought to bend the rules some more. Taking the points I had set aside in Worm CYOA 1 and using them to negate the complications I had gained from the Mysterious Shopkeeper CYOA.
I would prefer to gain my problems rather than have a preset dilemma to force my story into needless details about sales quotas and rat infestations.
After jotting down the final details, I let out a breath of satisfaction as I stood up to go smoke. I had my own vices, and I had no excuse for what I was about to do. However, the quarantine-induced cabin fever had gotten to me, and I needed more outlets aside from college, exercise, and video games.
I opened my balcony door and took the pack of smokes from my pockets. I then lit the cigarette with a click lighter and took a drag, the mentholated smoke leaving a minty burn in my throat as I did so. After exhaling the smoke, I noticed that the clouds lingered, probably due to the lack of wind and the cold weather. I paid the sight no mind and instead looked on into the distance as I continued to finish my little smoke break.
I imagined what it would be like to finally post something again. It took a lot of courage to lay one's work bare before a judging crowd, however, I moved past those thoughts earlier in the day.
It took longer than I would like to admit for me to notice that the smoke was not going anywhere. Instead, I was piling up into a swirling cloud just below my waist. I nearly singed my lips, not realizing that I was still dragging the cigarette in my mouth whilst staring at the smoke. The burning heat made me stumble a bit, the smoke now rising into a slow vortex that had enveloped my surroundings.
"W-What the-?!" I say this with panic in my eyes as it becomes too hard to see. The air was difficult to breathe, my eyes stung with tears from the menthol smoke. Gasping for air, I began to lose consciousness as I fell backward.
I was not sure what happened next but I was certain that my back didn't crash into the wall. All I could feel was the sensation of falling as the darkness took me.
[Earth Bet - Somewhere in Between]
I opened my eyes...no, that...was not right. It was more like an awareness, rather than a human view. I 'saw' towering bookshelves filled to the brim in a maze-like library, a veritable encyclopedia's worth of animals in sizable habitats, an expanse of weapons ranging from swords to matter disintegrators.. It was similar to a bird's eye view, except I could understand every minute detail and goings-on happening in this place. No that's not right, it's my place…
I had a primal connection to this place. It was as if this place, or rather my place, was a part of my soul now. Every inch, nook, and cranny was accounted for. The layout in its entirety was laid bare before my awareness.
I could count every item in stock instantly. I could tell which objects have otherworldly properties to them. I could describe each product with an encyclopedic level of knowledge. I could even describe the three nude women standing still in the middle of all of this. Wait...what?
The undressed ladies looked so much like vampiric goddesses. Tall, pale gray skin, sharp ears, and gleaming eyes. They each had wavy dark hair styled similarly to one another, the only difference being the purple moon, yellow sun, and pink stars floating behind the heads of each respective triplet. All three had curious looks on their beautifully regal features. They seemed familiar, almost like the tall vampire woman that broke the internet not too long ago. Still, their exquisite beauty was not what further caught my attention.
To balance such alluring faces, the bodies of goddesses had been brought forth. Their figures were the epitome of the words balanced, bodacious, buxom, and thicc. Perfect hourglass figures straight out of some Japanese businessman's perverted fantasy. Their real sets of honkers defied gravity as each pair seemed to follow a special law known as jiggle physics. I believe the term is called Gainaxing. A law of physics generally attributed to Anime, in which breasts move independent of gravity and jiggle absurdly with even the smallest motion.
Anyways, Their snatched waists were packing some serious badonkadonk. So much junk in the trunk that the claps of their ass cheeks might even awaken the dormant Endbringers. Do not even get me started on their thighs! They were so thicc that they could save the lives of thousands. They could crush a thousand watermelons and emerge unscathed!
"Pfft~!" I had to cover my mouth as I giggled in amusement. She just looked so hilariously delightful, even though I was not interested in women.
They moved to do the same and that made me pause. Their posture, facial expression, and voice mimicked my own. It was odd and too precise to be a coincidence.
A sort of sinking feeling took over my core as dread filled my face. Wait, I had a core now?
"Oh no…" I say this in three voices that sounded enchanting and worried. It did not sound like my own voice. Still, I had more pressing issues to attend to, like the alien core, or rather cores, inside of me.
They were my cores, the centers of my being. The things that allowed me to take form. It was my soul, given shape. To say that I was confused would be an understatement of my current duress. One thing came to mind as I racked my brain(core) for any semblance of a clue. I was in my bedroom before this all happened. I remember writing down details for a CYOA...
I almost did not want to believe it! That damn Choose-Your-Own-Adventure did this to me! I was an Endbringer now, and not a combat-oriented one at that! How was I supposed to survive what was coming?! I tried to calm down but to no avail as all these new sensations distracted me. I needed to focus.
I took a deep breath even though I had no need for oxygen anymore. Then, I focused my vision and awareness solely on myself, or rather selves, lifting my hands away from my face as I did so. What I saw shocked me. My hands and fingers were perfectly balanced, albeit shaking due to my current situation. Supple gray skin covered my hands and arms. If the pigmentation of my limbs was any indicator, then my three bodies were now an alluring shade of pale vampiric grey.
I motioned my hands to palm my face. The features feel nothing like my own. I slid my hands downwards only for them to bump into my chest. I gulped as I dared look down, the final nail being hammered on my proverbial coffin as I saw the same three pairs of double bubble whoppers I had been ogling, bouncing about from the stimulus of my palms.
"Fuck yes!" I say this with my new voices as my bodies jump for joy. I wanted to cry and as I thought more on it, the more my core gave in to the changes I desired. Soon enough, tears trailed down my three faces and my eyes watered up.
"FREEDOM!" I'd always wanted to leave the nest you see, and this was my chance. If this wasn't some elaborate and highly detailed hallucination, then my dreams had come true!
Home…never truly felt like home. As much as I would miss my family and friends, I knew deep down that I was meant to spread my wings. Who knew that time would come by turning into a set of hot vampire triplets?
Still…if this wasn't a dream, then I truly have been sent to the world of Earth Bet. A new Endbringer comes to life in the strangest way possible.
Given my current state of undress I decide to test my powers a little bit. Unbound Form would allow me to transform freely and knowing Endbringer biology, I decided on something clever.
Focusing deep into my cores, I feel a sense of physical heft as I search within. I then slowly began to shift the outermost layers of my three bodies, transforming them into articles of clothing.
Three dresses that looked like fashionable and sexy gothic Victorian garments manifested slowly. The purple dress went to my body with purple eyes and floating moons, the yellow dress went to my body with yellow eyes and floating suns, and the pink dress went to my body with the pink eyes and floating stars.
The triple ensemble made me, or rather us, look like a set of lusty vampiric Victorian ladies. To top it all off, I added lacey stockings, high dress heels, and natural makeup.
I also used this special time to give my bodies some functionality such as the five senses. I removed the weaknesses of each sense such as light sensitivity, pain, and the like. Once that had finished I modified my mega dobonhonkeros to contain pocket dimensions that only I could access. It would be hilarious in the long run. All the booby trap possibilities came to mind! Death by motorboat would be a hell of a way to go. Finally, I gave my three bodies singing voices on the level of a siren queen. It was nowhere near as good as my new sister, the Simurgh, but it was a start.
Once the change was done, I opened my eyes to see that I was in the center crossroad of my shop. I had no idea how long it took to finish the metamorphosis, but something in the back of my mind, or rather cores, told me that I should probably open up shop soon. However, this place was in serious disarray, it looked like a mess of hallways, corridors, and too many products. As a newly dubbed business owner, this unorganized mess was unacceptable, so I had to do something about it.
Focusing on my core again, I used the Distorted Space perk that I had taken from the Mysterious Shopkeeper CYOA. The floor changed to cobblestone, brick walls of different colors rose from the ground, windows vitrified into reality, decorations formed in tasteful places, and floating lanterns began to take to the air.
It was a fast-paced construction that looked more like one of those construction montage videos you saw on youtube. Floorboards and tiles were set in an instant, stairs and ramps were laid down with incredible haste, and the product displays formed to fit the theme of each building. It was a glorious motion that shook the very core of my store as I concentrated more and more.
Colors painted each building to give a unique feel, chimneys rose to complement the hearth fires, and space bent to my will as the in-betweens of each alleyway would lead to the other side.
Each building then gained a title and signage: Fantastic Furniture, Humble Home Goods, Baffling Books, Fresh Food, Grand Games & Entertainment, Captivating Clothing, Worthy Weapons, Marvelous Music & Shows, Clever Crafts, Prized Pets & Animal Care, Greathearted Garden, and Marvelous Medicine.
Every type of inventory area now had its own unique name and build, and as for the knick-knacks, well, they each had sizable stands scattered about. Creative Candy, Delightful Drinks, Meaningful Magazines, and Nostalgic Novelty items were the names of each of the stands. Each one spaced between the buildings to create a life-like market street.
Then I liquified the area surrounding the market, creating a portside feel as the area mimicked an ocean. Waves and currents swirling on my whim. It was easy and instantaneous. Everything happened so fast, and since I had refused to check the time, I had no way of knowing how long this all took...
Still, this sandbox-esque remaking of reality excited me. I breathed in the satisfaction as the mass distortions and shifts slowed down, it all came to an end.
I then opened my eyes to take in the view even though my extended awareness already showed me what I wanted to see. My store now resembled a gothic Victorian street with shops and stands on either side. Uneven heights, chimneys on some, different paints, significant signs, multiple materials, and a multitude of decorations were what I would use to describe the buildings.
The street, the shops, and the surrounding water were now lit up by floating lanterns, held aloft by alien devices. The roof mimicked a stormy night sky with complete rain, however, it was designed so that the rain and water would never touch and outright avoid the customers.
A soft gothic orchestra filled the place with a dark and mysterious feel. False birds and illusory cats also flitted about the street as fins and fish occasionally broke the surface of the water.
'The place is starting to feel alive!' I thought this to myself as I let mist fill the streets slightly, giving my store a more Victorian feel.
To finish everything off, I focused once more. Space and reality distorted as a hilltop castle emerged from the oceanic depths, it was my homage to Castle Dimitrescu from Resident Evil Village. It would be unreachable for those that did not have my permission. The interior replicated the original castle, however, it lacked undead corpses and rococo paintings.
As I acquired the Luxury Living perk from the Mysterious Shopkeeper CYOA, the gourmet food and luxury furniture were automatically included. Basic food and lifestyle items restocked infinitely within the castle, and quality would compare to the queen-worthy quality a noble like Lady Dimitrescu would have partaken of.
With all of that said and done, my store still felt incomplete. Something was missing…
Then it hit me, I still had two things to do before opening. The first task was to set the rules of my shop. Taking the Shop Rules perk from the Mysterious Shopkeeper CYOA allowed me to create a set of three simple rules that the customers were compelled to obey. They had to be simple and not something ridiculous like 'Become the store owner's slave'. So I once again focused and extended my will to the very fabric that held this place together. I was the extension of my cores and yet I felt that this place also contained another core. Not a spare, but a fourth of me. This place was a part of me, or rather us three, as we were to it. I remembered taking the Additional Cores perk...
"So that's where it went." We three say this to ourselves as we move on from our surprised reverie to dictate the rules that would govern this dimension.
"No Stealing of any kind," My lunar purple body says this with a calm voice, my eyes closed in concentration as I felt the thrum of power in my words.
"No violence of any kind." My sunny yellow body spoke with a mysterious thrum to my voice as it now began to echo slightly.
"No haggling of any kind." My starry pink body proclaimed this with a louder voice, the thrum and echo gaining.
"No lying of any kind." My bodies were speaking in unison now, declaring this with an even louder voice, the thrum and echo gaining even more than before.
"No usage of powers and technology without permission." I am unsure as to how my three bodies were calmly shouting at the top of their nonexistent lungs, but my words resounded like thunder nonetheless.
"You break it, you buy it." I speak in three voices as the last rule writes itself into the very fabric of reality within the store.
My four cores then focused on the final touch as my three bodies spoke once more. My voices were calm, with no thrum of power and no echo. Serenity gracing the features of each of my bodies, as I continued with what I had to say. I was simply stating a fact after all.
"The Midnight Zone is now open for business."
[Earth Bet - Three Unknown Locations]
Beneath the earth, a hulking titan made of obsidian and cooled magma rumbled in curiosity.
Below the depths, a monstrous serpent decked in green scales swam in excitement.
Beyond the sky, a tall angel beset with manifold wings floated in anticipation, a smirk forming on her lips.
I hope you spotted all the little references and nods that I added to the story.
To those of you that are new to my brand of story telling, welcome! I would like to sincerely thank you for taking the time to read my story, I hope you all enjoyed the Prologue!
Finally, please feel free to ask me any questions. Also, if there are any grammatical errors, please point them out!
First CYOA: Worm CYOA 1
Entry: Endbringer
Difficulty: Worldbreaker (+12 Points)
Powers: N/A
Companions: The Renegades(-1 Points, -1 Point Endbringer Penatly)
Perks: Blank, Shattered Limiter, First Impressions, Additional Cores, Unbound Form (-5 Points)
(-5 Points to remove Myterious Shopkeeper CYOA Complications)
Second CYOA: Mysterious Shopkeeper CYOA
Size: Large Market (+6 Exterior Perks, +1 Theme, +6 Interior Perks, +12 Inventory Area, +8 Knick Knacks, Complications Negated)
Theme: Eldritch, Mystical, Technical, Whimsical (-4 Theme)
Exterior Perks: Multiple Storefronts, Shifting Switch, Random Advertisements, Supplier Contacts x3 (+3 Theme)
Interior Perks: Assistants, Multiple Storefronts, Ever-Present Awareness, Shop Rules x2, Workshop
Inventory Areas: Furniture, Home Goods, Books, Food, Games & Entertainment, Clothing, Weapons, Music & Shows, Crafts, Pets & Animal Care, Garden, Medicine
Knick-Knacks: Candy x2(Comfort Mallows, Custom: Power Beans), Drinks x3 (Booster Cola, Rejuvi, Neutral-Aqua), Magazines (Trends of Tomorrow), Novelty Items(Local Crafts), Gift Cards
Entry: Endbringer
Difficulty: Worldbreaker (+12 Points)
Powers: N/A
Companions: The Renegades(-1 Points, -1 Point Endbringer Penatly)
Perks: Blank, Shattered Limiter, First Impressions, Additional Cores, Unbound Form (-5 Points)
(-5 Points to remove Myterious Shopkeeper CYOA Complications)
Second CYOA: Mysterious Shopkeeper CYOA
Size: Large Market (+6 Exterior Perks, +1 Theme, +6 Interior Perks, +12 Inventory Area, +8 Knick Knacks, Complications Negated)
Theme: Eldritch, Mystical, Technical, Whimsical (-4 Theme)
Exterior Perks: Multiple Storefronts, Shifting Switch, Random Advertisements, Supplier Contacts x3 (+3 Theme)
Interior Perks: Assistants, Multiple Storefronts, Ever-Present Awareness, Shop Rules x2, Workshop
Inventory Areas: Furniture, Home Goods, Books, Food, Games & Entertainment, Clothing, Weapons, Music & Shows, Crafts, Pets & Animal Care, Garden, Medicine
Knick-Knacks: Candy x2(Comfort Mallows, Custom: Power Beans), Drinks x3 (Booster Cola, Rejuvi, Neutral-Aqua), Magazines (Trends of Tomorrow), Novelty Items(Local Crafts), Gift Cards