It had now been a year into the tribal stage when an announcement echoed to all candidates and their races.
■IT HAS BEEN A YEAR SINCE THE GAME BEGAN. THE WAVE WILL NOW COMMENCE■
■THE WAVE WILL START IN THREE DAYS■
■THE CANDIDATES AND THEIR RACES MUST FIGHT AND SURVIVE OR THEY WILL LOSE■
"Woah, what the hell, system? What's the Wave!?"- Jack
[]The Wave is a test from the game, occurring every 10 years with the main wave happening during the 10th or 100th year wave, to see if the candidates and their races can survive and adapt[]
[]Monsters, creatures, and animals from this world will attack all candidate races, seeking to destroy them[]
"So wait, my race is going to be attacked in three days by a horde of… everything?"- Jack
[]Yes, host, but only for three days. Most herbivores, pets, insects, and cattle will at most be slightly more aggravated. As long as the Jackrixis survive, you will be fine and will earn the chance to choose a new skill more than worth the challenge[]
"Really? I can get a skill from surviving the Wave?"- Jack
[]Yes, host. For every 10 Waves you survive, you will gain a skill[]
"Oh, come on, that's 100 years! I know it goes by quickly, but still. So I'll have to wait until the 101st year of the tribal stage to get another one?"- Jack
[]Yes, host. This is to weed out the weak and avoid granting too many skills at once[]
"But is the skill I get for me or for my race? I know mine help them too, but you know what I mean."- Jack
[]It changes, host. This one will be for your race. The next will be for you, and so on[]
"So, three days to tell my race to get ready to kick some ass, right?"- Jack
[]Indeed, host[]
"Okay, let's get to it,"- Jack.
He checked on his race first, then called the gods to his space so they could strategize.
Once they gathered and sat on the couch, talk turned to the message they had all received. They discussed how to best aid the Rixis and what dangers might come.
"I think we should make them stand together as one it will help them survive overall."- Nyx
"That's not possible. They have their own groups and cultures, along with grudges and rivalries."- Minerva
"She's right. This is the price of civilization — not all benefits. Some will refuse to work together, even if we tell them to."- Themis
"It's wrong to try forcing them. We are gods of the Jackrixis, not rulers of their world. We must trust them to handle this trial."- Renka
"We can only give them warning and the best information we have then hope for the best."- Jack
[Really host[]
"Okay, bad timing for a joke, sure, but it fit,"- Jack
"Anyway, let's warn them to prepare for a large fight lasting three days, and to work together to weather the storm."-Jack
The gods dispersed, passing the warning to their followers and ordering them to spread the word of the Wave. News travelled fast. Some demanded answers, while others welcomed the challenge as a chance to prove themselves.
Tribes began stockpiling food, crafting crude weapons, and making anything that might give them an edge. Not all prepared honestly. Some saw this as a chance to sabotage rivals stealing supplies, killing nearby prey, and more to weaken them before the Wave.
Jack sighed at the inevitability of division true unity was impossible unless they became mindless drones something he considered far worse. Still, the Rixis prepared in their own ways.
The Mountain Slammers reinforced walls and armour. The Crimson Guard hunted aggressively to boost morale and honour their gods. The Sand Striders performed rituals and set traps across the desert. The Blooded Hydras tightened their bonds. The Wild Wings trained with their companions and mapped jungle routes. The Harvesters brewed new poisons for the coming fight.
Jack could only hope that their numbers, skills, and varied biomes would see them through.
"System, how many will attack my race? A few hundred, or as many as we have?"-Jack
[]The numbers are random but will not exceed or drop below 300 of your race's current population[]
"Okay, so at best, around 700–800 to deal with. At worst, 1,300 or so enemies."-Jack
"Will they be spread out, or hit us all at once?"- Jack
[]Because you are in the tribal stage, they will target tribes directly. Others will face roaming waves in their biomes[]
[]As long as even three members of your race survive, you remain in the game — though many may die or be left grievously wounded[]
"So, in a way, being in the tribal stage helps. Even the lone Rixis loyal to me but not in a tribe could keep me in the game. If they survive, I can rebuild."- Jack
[]Correct, host, but I recommend not relying solely on that plan[]
"I know, system. I'll prepare as best I can and just hope for the best."- Jack