25th Period: Card Battler Vesperia

Afterwards I returned to my dorm room to rest my head for a while, still trying to understand what happened to us today. As I meditated, I discovered something hidden within my consciousness, a place known as Astra—a realm where I could engage in battle with something known as Invocation Cards. This discovery of this new realm led me to find the Invocation Deck, an essential component that would guide me through my training as a Card Battler. 

As my mind reached out towards it something else appeared in its place, a holographic figure before me, identifying herself as Astral, a seasoned Card Battler. 

"Welcome to the tutorial," she started, her voice calm and authoritative, "The Invocation Deck is your key to summoning powerful creatures and enhancing your combat abilities. First, let me show you how to handle the deck." 

I watched intently as Astral displayed her Invocation Deck, into a sleek, metallic card holder, "Insert your deck into the buckle," she instructed. 

Mimicking her actions, I inserted the deck and felt a surge of energy as she continued to explain, "Now, then I shall generate your deck for you by Imprinting your essence into the Invocation Cards then I will need you to draw your first card for me," Astral said. 

I drew my first card which was labeled "Invocation Assembler" and held it aloft. 

"After scanning the card onto your buckle, you can activate its power," Astral explained. 

I scanned the Invocation Assembler card and instantly felt the staff materialize in my hand, its weight and balance perfect for combat. 

"Each card has a unique ability," Astral continued, "and mastering them all is key to becoming a formidable Card Battler." 

Soon after an opponent from Astra appeared, allowing me to test my newfound powers against him. 

"Remember, strategy is as important as strength," Astral advised, utilizing each of the cards in your deck, "Use your cards wisely, and you shall prevail in any battle." 

As the tutorial session concluded, I felt more confident in my abilities as I ready myself for the battle that lay in front of me. My journey as a Card Battler was just beginning, and with the Invocation Deck in hand, I was prepared to confront whatever Astra had in store for me. 

"Prepare for combat newbie and you may call this Card Battler Naturi Hound," he explained as he summoned his Brawler Claws. 

"This shouldn't be too hard," I said to myself as I tried to stay focused on the task ahead of me. 

I charged towards the enemy as I swung the staff at him. Afterwards he raised his claws to strike me down. At that very moment I jumped back as I drew the next card in my deck case. Instinctively placing it in the buckle and summoned the Mimic Shield to defend myself with. 

Upon activating the card it brought forth a robust shield manifesting from a Mimic Chest's strong outer shell. The shield blocked the incoming attack before mimicking the Brawler Claw as it appeared from within the shield reflection as it emerged, striking the Card Battler surprising him. 

"What kind of Card Battler Deck do you have?" he asked as he stood before me confused about what had happened. 

"Honestly I haven't a clue the card before me appears to have characteristics of a Mimic Chest," I replied as I prepared to guard against the next oncoming attack. 

"Let's see what happens if I strike you once again," he said as he attacked me with the Brawler Claw before jumping away. 

"Nothing happened that time. I wonder why that is?" I asked. 

"This is great news, the shield has a small chance of mimicking the last attack that hits it," he said as he prepared to charge at me once again. 

"This isn't good," afterwards I took a few steps back before drawing the next card called Stealth Chest Guard and played it. 

The Stealth Chest Guard contained the Mimic Chest's signature ability to blend into any environment seamlessly, essentially becoming invisible. As I waited out of sight, I blended into the environment around me. 

"Where did that blasted Card Battler go? He was right here just a moment ago wasn't he?" he asked. 

Wait patiently, "and now," I said before launching my attack at the enemy's back dealing minor damage to him before blending into the background once again. 

"This next card appears to be a trap card called Mimic Trap," I mumbled to myself before summoning it. 

Soon after being spotted I placed the Mimic Trap on the ground next to me hoping to fool him into grabbing it. 

"No you don't, I won't allow you to use any of the items on this field that includes the one next to you," he said as he reached for the trap. 

The Mimic Trap draws upon the Mimic Chest's deceptive nature, allowing the Card Battler to set up a single trap, which can appear as a harmless object to the enemy. When it has been triggered, this trap can immobilize or possibly inflict damage upon the unexpected enemy. 

"What is this I am unable to move my body," said the Card Battler as he stood there before unable to react to my next attack. 

"This is the end for you now taste my staff" I said as I swung it wildly at him before the staff began to devour part of his powers. 

"You have done well, my master, now it is time for me to devour what's left of him," said one of my cards as it materialized before me. 

As I stood there I watched as a Mimic Chest appeared before me. 

"Where are my manners master? You may call me. The Chest Mimic I am your faithful Invocation Master. I live only to serve you as long as you keep me well fed, that is I'll serve you faithfully as long as you live," he said. 

Before me the opponents Invocation Master appeared to fight off Mimic Chest. This nature hound seemed like it had become weakened by the battle in a flash. Its essence was consumed by my Invocation Master.