I stared at the spot where Gil had been standing just moments ago. Gone. Vanished. Not a word, not a farewell—just poof.

  I clutched the booster packs in my hand, still trying to process what had just happened. The guy had practically thrown free cards at me, told me the next opponents would be easier, and then pulled a full-on disappearing act.

  That wasn't normal.

  Spade, my Lykopup, let out a small huff, tilting his head as if asking, What just happened?

  "Yeah, buddy. I'd love to know that too," I muttered.

  The new challengers were already settling in at the tables, chatting among themselves. The tournament attendant waved me forward, clearly waiting for me to pick an opponent.

  I wasn't about to pass up a chance to get more wins under my belt, but something about Gil bugged me.

  I shuffled through the Zeldritzon Genesis booster packs in my hand, my mind still racing from the battle. I had just barely won against Gil. The guy was good. Scary good.

  I glanced around the 'Ten Singles Deck Challenge' room. The seven new challengers eyed me, waiting to get started. Meanwhile, the attendant tapped his tablet impatiently, clearly expecting me to step up.

  I walked toward the group, barely registering the attendant stating something about getting the brackets ready. But my thoughts kept circling back to Gil.

  Why had he been so casual about the match? It wasn't like he had thrown the game—he fought hard. And yet, he had handed me prizes like they meant nothing. Even stranger, he had disappeared right after, like he had someplace more important to be.

  I pulled out my phone and checked the ZTCG rankings. Maybe Gil was some kind of seasoned player? But… that didn't make sense either. The Zeldritch Trading Card Game had only been out for a few weeks. Everyone was still figuring things out.

  I glanced down at my interface, scrolling through my match history. "Opponent: Gil" was all it said. No last name. No player rank. No profile details. Weird.

  Before I could think about it further, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

  "You joining your next match, or are you just gonna stand there looking suspicious?"

  I turned to see the tournament attendant, a middle-aged guy with a tired expression. He gestured toward the open battle tables.

  "Right, yeah," I said, shaking off the thoughts. "Just… processing."

  He gave me a knowing look. "First time facing him?"

  I blinked. "Him?"

  The attendant smirked. "Gil."

  Okay. Now I was paying attention.

  "You know him?" I asked, crossing my arms.

  "Kid's a natural," he said, leaning against the table. "You wouldn't know it by looking at him, but he's one of the top Zeldritch Experts in the league. You know, the people who handle actual Zeldritch in regional tournaments, test newcomers, and occasionally wipe the floor with cocky veterans?"

  I tried not to let my jaw drop. "Wait—Gil is an Expert?"

  "Oh yeah," the attendant said, nodding. "And he's not just any Expert. He's one of the youngest to ever do it."

  I barely heard the rest of what he said because my brain was still stuck on the first part.

  Gil. A Zeldritch Expert.

  I had just battled a Zeldritch Expert and somehow won.

  "…Huh," I muttered. "And he just… plays random matches with new players?"

  "Not usually," the attendant said, shrugging. "But I've seen him do it a few times. He's got this weird habit of picking out players who interest him."

  Interest him? A shiver ran down my spine. That match had been way too deliberate. Gil had been testing me. And if he was an Expert, that meant he hadn't been playing at full power.

  I ran a hand through my hair. "Well, great. So I just beat an Expert and now I've got no idea why he set me up for these matches."

  The attendant huffed. "Sounds about right."

  I glanced at my interface again, at the blank space where Gil's profile details should've been.

  This didn't make sense. A Zeldritch Expert, playing anonymously? No ranking, no title? That wasn't normal.

  Then, something else clicked in my brain. I pulled up my match log and scrolled back before our battle.

  There—right before the match started.

  Gil's name hadn't even been in the system until the moment he tapped his screen to confirm the battle.

  "…What the…?"

  No. That was impossible. You couldn't just appear in the database like that. Every player had an ID, a record. Even casual players had an entry somewhere.

  But Gil? It was like he'd written himself in.

  I frowned, wondering, Who the heck was this kid?

  The attendant cleared his throat, bringing me back to the present. "You still with us? You ready to pick an opponent?"

  "Yeah, sure," I replied absently, still grappling with what I had just learned. My thoughts raced as I scanned the room. Each player looked so innocuous, but what if one of them was hiding a remarkable talent too? What if they were all like Gil, lurking beneath a veil of mediocrity?

  As I made my way to the nearest table, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in one of the shiny panels lining the walls—my eyes looked wide, almost frantic. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. I couldn't let this distract me. I had to focus on the next match.

  The player sitting across from me was a girl with chestnut hair highlighted like it was ready for the runway. She looked about my age, sporting a messy bun that seemed to have a mind of its own, and glasses that were determined to make a daring escape down her nose as she squinted at her cards. Meanwhile, she was scribbling furiously on a notepad, clearly off in her own whimsical universe. I flicked my gaze back to the attendant, who nodded at me with an encouraging grin, as if to say, "You got this!"

  "Sarah," she introduced herself, snapping me out of my observations. "Rank #19554. And you must be... Jake Garm, Rank #199888." She glanced at her smartwatch, then back at me with a shy smile. "Looks like you just started ZTCG."

  "Yeah, just started. Been trying to get a handle on the game."

  "Well, don't worry," Sarah said, adjusting her glasses. "Everyone was a beginner once. Just focus on your strategy, and don't let the rank get you down. It's all about the experience."

  I appreciated her upbeat attitude. "Thanks. I'll do my best."

  "Hey, if I could just get one more minute…" I began, dangling my newly received booster packs, intent on opening them.

  Sarah glanced at Lykopup with a twinkle in her lens. "If you allow me to give your bud some pets, I'll grant you that minute."

  I chuckled, nodding. "Deal."

  As she leaned down, Spade wagged his tail in excitement, seemingly happy to receive some attention. I carefully placed the booster packs on the table, allowing Sarah to scratch behind Spade's ears. The little Lykopup let out a joyful yip, leaning into her touch.

  "Man, he's adorable," Sarah remarked. Her smile widened as she kept her concentration on Spade. "You picked a solid partner!"

  "Thanks! I really like his vibe." I couldn't help but beam back at her compliment. "Let's see what we can get from these..."

  I tore open the three packs.

  First pack:

  [1] Support. [2] An Evolution (Common). [3] Rare. [4] Rare! [5] Common.

  Second pack:

  [1] An Evolution (Dominant) (Rare)! [2] Support. [3] Uncommon. [4] A Tatic Card? [5] Elite!

  Third pack:

  [1] Common. [2] Tactic. [3] An Evolution (Uncommon)! [4] An Evolution (Uncommon)! [5] Support.

  [Card 1.]

  Support | S-HP Snack! [02]

  [ Card Info ]

  Effect: Restore [30] S-HP to 1 of your Zeldritch.

  [ Additional Info ]

  - You may play any number of Support cards during your turn.

  [ Miscellaneous Info ]

  - Market Sell Price: 5 Crystals

  - Edition: Genesis [S02 | S11]

  - Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.

  - Release Date: October 5th, 20XX

  [Card 2.]

  Tusopropl [235]

  [ Card Info ]

  - Attribute: [Aqua]

  - S-HP: [280 Units]

  - APEX-Power: [260 Units]

  - Grade: [Common]

  - Weakness: [Voltage] [Plant]

  - Evolution Stage: [Emergent]

  "Evolved from Tusobl"

  APEX TRAIT: [Ink Veil]

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  Effect: When Tusopropl is targeted by an attack, flip a coin. If heads, the attack deals [-20] APEX Damage. If tails, Tusopropl may reduce the cost of its next attack by 10 APEX Units.

  1. [Ink Gush]

  - APEX Damage: [50]

  - Cost: [20 APEX Units]

  - Attributes: [Aqua]

  - Description: Tusopropl fires a dense cloud of ink to obscure the battlefield, weakening resolve.

  - Effect: Deals Aqua-attribute damage. If the foe is [Stunned], this attack deals [+30] APEX damage.

  2. [Razorblack Current]

  - APEX Damage: [80]

  - Cost: [40 APEX Units]

  - Attributes: [Aqua]

  - Description: Tusopropl infuses its ink with razor-sharp currents to slice through its foe.

  - Effect: Deals Aqua-attribute damage. Inflicts [Lacerate] on the foe's Active Zeldritch. If the foe's Active Zeldritch has 50% or less APEX-Power, this attack deals [+20] APEX damage.

  Retreat Cost: [10 APEX]

  Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]

  EVOLUTION COST: [100 Units] → (Tusokrypt)

  [ Additional Info ]

  - Zeldritch: NO. 235

  - Size: Medium-Large

  - Type: Mollusk

  - Sobriquet: "Ink-Blade Tusoteuthis Zeldritch"

  [ Miscellaneous Info ]

  - Market Sell Price: 30 Crystals

  - Edition: Genesis [235 | 268]

  - Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.

  - Release Date: October 5th, 20XX

  [Card 3.]

  Pulzolt [195]

  [ Card Info ]

  - Attribute: [Voltage]

  - S-HP: [150 Units]

  - APEX-Power: [180 Units]

  - Grade: [Rare]

  - Weakness: [Terra]

  - Evolution Stage: [Basic] [Fledgling]

  1. [Spark Pellets]

  - APEX Damage: [10]

  - Cost: [10 APEX Units]

  - Attributes: [Voltage]

  - Description: Pulzolt launches electric pellets at the foe.

  - Effect: Deals Voltage-attribute damage. Additionally, you may choose to inflict an extra [10] damage for every [20] remaining APEX-Power. Depletes [20] APEX-Power for every [10] extra damage dealt.

  2. [Impulse Bolt]

  - APEX Damage: [50]

  - Cost: [40 APEX Units]

  - Attributes: [Voltage]

  - Description: Pulzolt blitz the foe with volatile, thrumming electricity.

  - Effect: Deals Voltage-attribute damage. Replenish [10] APEX-Power, and during the Zeldritch's next turn reduces the APEX cost of Impulse Bolt by [10].

  Retreat Cost: [10 APEX]

  Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]

  EVOLUTION COST: [50 Units] → (Boltspritz)

  [ Additional Info ]

  - Zeldritch: NO. 195

  - Size: Medium-Small

  - Type: Bipedal | Beast

  - Sobriquet: "Electric Pulse Zeldritch"

  [ Miscellaneous Info ]

  - Market Sell Price: 20 Crystals

  - Edition: Genesis [195 | 268]

  - Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.

  - Release Date: October 5th, 20XX

  [Card 5.]

  Vandaquil [209]

  [ Card Info ]

  - Attribute: [Beast]

  - S-HP: [200 Units]

  - APEX-Power: [170 Units]

  - Grade: [Rare]

  - Weakness: [Chaos]

  - Evolution Stage: [Basic] [Fledgling]

  1. [Quil Jab]

  - APEX Damage: [40]

  - Cost: [20 APEX Units]

  - Attributes: [Beast]

  - Description: Vandaquil strikes the foe with a thorn.

  - Effect: Deals Beast-attribute damage. Inflicts [Lacerate] on the Defending Zeldritch.

  2. [Thorn Barrage]

  - APEX Damage: [60]

  - Cost: [40 APEX Units]

  - Attributes: [Beast]

  - Description: Vandaquil unleashes it thorns on its back as a volley of spikes.

  - Effect: Deals Beast-attribute damage. Inflicts [Lacerate] on the Defending Zeldritch. Flip a coin, if heads, inflicts [10] damage to each of your foe's Zeldritch on the Bench. If tails, the attack inflicts [10] damage to each of your foe's Zeldritch on the Bench and to 1 random Zeldritch on your Bench.

  Retreat Cost: [20 APEX]

  Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]

  EVOLUTION COST: [50 Units] → (Vandaskorn)

  [ Additional Info ]

  - Zeldritch: NO. 209

  - Size: Large

  - Type: Quadruped | Beast

  - Sobriquet: "Thornback Bear Zeldritch"

  [ Miscellaneous Info ]

  - Market Sell Price: 20 Crystals

  - Edition: Genesis [209 | 268]

  - Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.

  - Release Date: October 5th, 20XX

  [Card 1.][of Pack 2.]

  Ossemite [018]

  (Evolved | Dominant)

  [ Card Info ]

  - Attribute: [Ore]

  - S-HP: [730 Units]

  - APEX-Power: [580 Units]

  - Grade: [Rare]

  - Weaknesses: [Plant] [Aqua]

  - Evolution Stage: [Dominant]

  "Evolved from Oreseod"

  1. Crystal Eruption

  - APEX Damage: [80]

  - Cost: [80 APEX Units]

  - Attributes: [Ore]

  - Description: Ossemite unleashes a barrage of high-velocity crystal shards.

  - Effect: Deals Ore-attribute damage to a single foe. Additionally, reduces their next defense by [20] APEX-Damage and damage taken from [Ore] skills by [20] APEX-Damage for two turns. Does not stack.

  2. Catapult Cascade

  - APEX Damage: [80]

  - Cost: [80 APEX Units]

  - Attributes: [Ore]

  - Description: With explosive force, Ossemite discharges a cascade of shimmering crystals toward its foes.

  - Effect: Deals Ore-attribute damage to a primary target and, if available, a secondary target. If used immediately following Reinforced Crystal Curl, damage increases by an additional [50] APEX-Damage.

  3. Reinforced Crystal Curl

  - APEX Damage: [0]

  - Cost: [80 APEX Units]

  - Attributes: [Ore]

  - Description: Ossemite coils into a reinforced, crystalline shell.

  - Effect: Activates a protective shield that reduces the damage of the next incoming attack by [80 APEX-Damage] units. Additionally, boosts its APEX-Power regeneration by [20 Units] for the following turn.

  Retreat Cost: [40 APEX]

  Attribute Weakness: [+40 Damage]

  EVOLUTION COST: [300 Units] → (CresOssemite)

  [ Additional Info ]

  - Zeldritch: NO. 018

  - Size: Large

  - Sobriquet: "Massive Odd Crystal Mouse"

  [ Miscellaneous Info ]

  - Market Sell Price: 200 Crystals

  - Edition: Genesis [018 | 268]

  - Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.

  - Release Date: October 5th, 20XX

  [Card 2.][of Pack 2.]

  Support | Particle Flux [04]

  [ Card Info ]

  Effect: Transfer [10] APEX-Power units from 1 of your Zeldritch to another.

  [ Additional Info ]

  - The source Zeldritch must have at least [10] APEX-Power available.

  - You may play any number of Support cards during your turn.

  [ Miscellaneous Info ]

  - Market Sell Price: 10 Crystals

  - Edition: Genesis [S04 | S11]

  - Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.

  - Release Date: October 5th, 20XX

  [Card 3.][of Pack 2.]

  Mezmeic [021]

  [ Card Info ]

  - Attribute: [Xensect]

  - S-HP: [90 Units]

  - APEX-Power: [130 Units]

  - Grade: [Uncommon]

  - Weakness: [Fire] [Wind]

  - Evolution Stage: [Basic] [Genesis]

  1. Healing Capelet

  - APEX Effect: [Healing]

  - Cost: [20 APEX Units]

  - Attributes: [Xensect]

  - Description: Mezmeic presses its leaf capelet upon itself or an ally, channeling restorative energies.

  - Effect: Restores [30 S-HP] to the chosen target. If used on itself, Mezmeic also recovers an extra [10] APEX Units and [S-HP].

  2. Mesmerize Toss

  - APEX Damage: [30]

  - Cost: [30 APEX Units]

  - Attributes: [Xensect]

  - Description: Mezmeic hurls its leaf capelet toward its foe, catching them off guard.

  - Effect: Deals Xensect-attribute damage. Inflicts [Stun] on the foe—reducing their next attack's APEX-Damage by [10].

  Retreat Cost: [10 APEX]

  Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]

  EVOLUTION COST: [30 Units] → (Faerysalis)

  [ Additional Info ]

  - Zeldritch: NO. 021

  - Size: Miniature

  - Sobriquet: "Mesmerize Caterpillar Zeldritch"

  [ Miscellaneous Info ]

  - Market Sell Price: 3 Crystals

  - Edition: Genesis [021 | 268]

  - Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.

  - Release Date: October 5th, 20XX

  [Card 4.][of Pack 2.]

  Tactic | Evolution Gambit [T-04]

  [ Card Info ]

  Effect: You may skip your attack phase this turn to reduce the Evolution Cost of a Zeldritch in your hand by 100 APEX Units.

  [ Additional Info ]

  - You can only play one Tactic Card per turn.

  [ Miscellaneous Info ]

  - Market Sell Price: 25 Crystals

  - Edition: Genesis [T-04 | T09]

  - Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.

  - Release Date: October 5th, 20XX

  [Card 5.][of Pack 2.]

  Zomzun [239]

  [ Card Info ]

  - Attribute: [Relic] [Terra]

  - S-HP: [250 Units]

  - APEX-Power: [220 Units]

  - Grade: [Elite]

  - Weakness: [Spatial] [Aqua]

  - Evolution Stage: [Basic] [Fledgling]

  1. Glyph Cross

  - APEX Damage: [20]

  - Cost: [20 APEX Units]

  - Attributes: [Relic]

  - Description: Zomzun strikes with its bandages.

  - Effect: Deals Relic-attribute damage.

  2. Tomb Whack

  - APEX Damage: [50]

  - Cost: [20 APEX Units]

  - Attributes: [Relic] [Terra]

  - Description: Zomzun manifests a tomb to strike its foe.

  - Effect: Deals Relic and Terra-attribute damage.

  Retreat Cost: [20 APEX]

  Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]

  EVOLUTION COST: [50 Units] → (Zomban)

  [ Additional Info ]

  - Zeldritch: NO. 239

  - Size: Medium-Small

  - Type: Bipedal

  - Sobriquet: "Undead Zeldritch"

  [ Miscellaneous Info ]

  - Market Sell Price: 40 Crystals

  - Edition: Genesis [239 | 268]

  - Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.

  - Release Date: October 5th, 20XX

  [Card 1.][of Pack 3.]

  Shazathei [145]

  [ Card Info ]

  - Attribute: [Phantom] [Grim]

  - S-HP: [100 Units]

  - APEX-Power: [110 Units]

  - Grade: [Common]

  - Weakness: [Celestial]

  - Evolution Stage: [Basic] [Fledgling]

  1. Shadow Slide

  - APEX Damage: [0]

  - Cost: [10 APEX Units]

  - Attributes: [Phantom]

  - Description: Shazathei oozes its form into the shadows.

  - Effect: Flip a coin. If heads, during your foe's next turn, prevent all damage from—and effects of—attacks done to this Zeldritch. Alternatively, pay an extra [20] APEX Units to bypass the coin flip and guarantee the effect.

  2. Shadow Strike

  - APEX Damage: [40]

  - Cost: [20 APEX Units]

  - Attributes: [Phantom] [Grim]

  - Description: Shazathei launches itself from its foe's shadow to strike.

  - Effect: Deals Phantom and Grim-attribute damage. Additionally, if used immediately following Shadow Slide, deals an additional [20] APEX Damage. Flip a coin. If heads, during your foe's next turn, prevent all damage from—and effects of—attacks done to this Zeldritch.

  Retreat Cost: [10 APEX]

  Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]

  EVOLUTION COST: [50 Units] → (Shazasleek)

  [ Additional Info ]

  - Zeldritch: NO. 145

  - Size: Medium-Small

  - Sobriquet: "Living Shadow Rogue Zeldritch"

  [ Miscellaneous Info ]

  - Market Sell Price: 5 Crystals

  - Edition: Genesis [145 | 268]

  - Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.

  - Release Date: October 5th, 20XX

  [Card 2.][of Pack 3.]

  Tactic | Apex Counter [T-01]

  [ Card Info ]

  Effect: Play before your opponent declares an attack. Reduce the attack's APEX-Damage by 50 Units, then recover 20 APEX-Power Units for your active Zeldritch.

  [ Additional Info ]

  - You can only play one Tactic Card per turn.

  [ Miscellaneous Info ]

  - Market Sell Price: 20 Crystals

  - Edition: Genesis [T01 | T09]

  - Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.

  - Release Date: October 5th, 20XX

  [Card 3.][of Pack 3.]

  Leotyrex [255]

  (Evolved | Emergent)

  [ Card Info ]

  - Attribute: [Deino] [Spatial]

  - S-HP: [330 Units]

  - APEX-Power: [350 Units]

  - Grade: [Uncommon]

  - Weakness: [Deino] [Relic]

  - Evolution Stage: [Emergent]

  "Evolved from Liorex"

  APEX TRAIT: [Portal Roar]

  Effect: Once during your turn, you may activate Portal Roar. Flip a coin:

  - If Heads: Choose one of the following effects:

  1. Retreat Leotyrex to the Bench and immediately recover 20 APEX-Power.

  2. Force your opponent to retreat their Active Zeldritch (costing them 20 APEX) and draw a card.

  1. Deino Fang

  - APEX Damage: [60]

  - Cost: [30 APEX Units]

  - Attributes: [Deino]

  - Description: Leotyrex sinks its enlarged fangs into the foe with a fearsome maul.

  - Effect: Deals Deino-attribute damage. If this attack knocks out an opposing Zeldritch, recover 10 S-HP.

  2. Dimensional Jolt

  - APEX Damage: [100]

  - Cost: [50 APEX Units]

  - Attributes: [Spatial]

  - Description: A crack in reality pulses from Leotyrex's maw.

  - Effect: Deals Spatial-attribute damage. Once during your turn, draw a card.

  Retreat Cost: [20 APEX]

  Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]

  EVOLUTION COST: [100 Units] → (Archliorex)

  [ Additional Info ]

  - Zeldritch: NO. 255

  - Size: Large

  - Sobriquet: "Portal Roar T-Rex Zeldritch"

  [ Miscellaneous Info ]

  - Market Sell Price: 160 Crystals

  - Edition: Genesis [255 | 268]

  - Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.

  - Release Date: October 5th, 20XX

  [Card 4.][of Pack 3.]

  Faerysalis [022]

  (Evolved | Fledgling)

  [ Card Info ]

  - Attribute: [Xensect] [Cryptic]

  - S-HP: [160 Units]

  - APEX-Power: [160 Units]

  - Grade: [Uncommon]

  - Weakness: [Fire] [Wind]

  - Evolution Stage: [Fledgling]

  "Evolved from Mezmeic"

  1. Cocoon Rejuvenate

  - APEX Effect: [Healing]

  - Cost: [20 APEX Units]

  - Attributes: [Xensect]

  - Description: Faerysalis envelops itself or an ally in a protective silk cocoon, mending wounds over time.

  - Effect: Restores [30 S-HP] to the chosen target. When used on itself, it recovers an extra [20] APEX Units and [10 S-HP] each turn for the next two turns.

  2. Mesmeric Flare

  - APEX Damage: [40]

  - Cost: [30 APEX Units]

  - Attributes: [Xensect] [Cryptic]

  - Description: launches a dazzling burst of energy that bewilders its foe.

  - Effect: Deals Xensect-attribute damage. Inflicts [Stun] on the foe—reducing their next attack's APEX-Damage by [20].

  Retreat Cost: [10 APEX]

  Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]

  EVOLUTION COST: [50 Units] → (Maebelle)

  [ Additional Info ]

  - Zeldritch: NO. 022

  - Size: Small-Medium

  - Sobriquet: "Fairy Chrysalis Zeldritch"

  [ Miscellaneous Info ]

  - Market Sell Price: 5 Crystals

  - Edition: Genesis [022 | 268]

  - Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.

  - Release Date: October 5th, 20XX

  [Card 5.][of Pack 3.]

  Support | APEX Power-Up! [01]

  [ Card Info ]

  Effect: Replenish [20] APEX-Power Units to 1 of your Zeldritch. This card cannot be played if the Zeldritch is at full APEX-Power.

  [ Additional Info ]

  - You may play any number of Support cards during your turn.

  [ Miscellaneous Info ]

  - Market Sell Price: 5 Crystals

  - Edition: Genesis [S01 | S11]

  - Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.

  - Release Date: October 5th, 20XX