Crankshaft Rafflesian: We're Past the Tutorial Thank God!

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https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CuWqQzf6jearr5FMjEqFE89y335b7I_4YJyPXn_hRmo/edit?usp=sharing

The original short chapter for ya'll wanting more context. Or not, things will try to fill in major details regardless.



You are Lex. You're old enough to drink but still are afraid of the harder stuff. You invested in a stay at home job managing inventory for a experimental online bookstore service, and the mailman won't let you depression nap in peace. You quietly pray that he'll let you enjoy your Sunday but he keeps knocking on the door. Wait.



It's Sunday. Why is he delivering mail on a Sunday? Oh my god it keeps on going. After slamming for 20 minutes you should have figured he wouldn't cave. It probably isn't even the mailman actually. Shoot. You only get to swear once a day so you're saving it for a moment that matters. Learning to clean up your language to look proper used to be hard but people value when you say fuck more.



Getting out of bed was a bit of a loud fumble.
You lumber toward the door after putting on a jacket to downplay that you're still in your PJs. The knocking's died down, they probably heard you trip.



As you turn the knob open and pull the door just a tiny creek a arm slams through holding a letter right to your face. Looks like a govern hired construct. You practiced all of your life for this.

???: Alexandra Rambo, I have a crucial little message for you today.
Lex: You do? 
???: Yep. I'm here by the request of a Dorthy Coil to be her partner in a formal ranked duel. She was challenged by a Mr. Wallace J. G. who is quite aware of your condition and has agreed to majority cover material and medical fees should they come up. 

Dotty would never just pick a fight like that so it's gotta be big. Part of you feels a bit warm and fuzzy that she picked you over someone much more well-versed. Maybe. You should check.

Lex: Just curious but... was I her first choice?
???: Only one she asked for. Now I wanted to give you more time to prep by popping in at 2PM but you sure took your sweet time so now instead of a hour you got less than half.
Lex: Yeah.. that's on me there. It's not too far, right?
???: It's in the area, I'll cover transportation even though it's not my job but just this once because you seem like a good person from what your friend's said.
Now you really do feel fuzzy.



The envelop has a fancy little old time feeling wax seal, probably from some kind of nobleman type. There's a little figurine of a "paletero" tapped to the front. Weird but it makes a statement.

???: You're actually qualified to try a new supplement believe it or not! With your arm mostly recovered but not quite, we got a little something to give you back your strength for this duel, it's a high end mod.
Lex: Wait, really?I don't really need it-
???: Yes you do.  Now I know I'm supposed to be a neutral party in this and all but in the state you're in combined with your middling ranking as a duelist? You're at pretty high risk of getting seriously hurt.
Lex: Is it a quick install?
???: Yep, especially for folks of a more organic nature like yours. We can talk more on the way there about it but for now I need to know if you'll fight or not.
Lex: Yeah! I mean, of course right?
???: Heh, of course. Now I'd say change into something a little more dignified but I don't think you got the time so just put on some nice shoes and grab a big stick.