Fang Xiang

This is both a work of science fiction and an exploration of the meaning of life, love, literature and art. Brainpower is no longer the main ingredient for being human in this far distant future world.  Spirituality, physical balance, and diligence all come together as integrity for Chen Mu, the Card Apprentice.  The cards which Chen Mu masters in his own scrappy way, distill all the powers of the cosmos –  human and nonhuman –  into something that is not a book, not technology, and neither art nor magic, but is these and more.  Learn about these strange cards, which can embody everything you might imagine for the future of technology, but also a future beyond technology which promotes the best, and sometimes the worst, from mankind’s past.

The Card Apprentice

A girl off to the side who was good at reading tone and body language hastily said, "If you require a high-level card, we can have one custom made for you. Our affiliated card masters are all mid-grade and above, so you can rest assured about anything they make."

A look of disappointment flashed across the young lady's eyes, though she still presented a professional enough appearance. "You can, though you must pay ten percent of the price in commission. But, if you were to become a card master affiliated with this shop, you would only have to pay a six percent commission."

Chen Mu nodded that he understood, bade his farewell to the card salesgirl, and then left with Wei-ah. He'd only wanted to check out the situation since he didn't have any suitable cards on hand for sale.

They had returned to Heaven's Wings by midday.

What Will it Be?