An Octoling's Tale

Chapter 9

Meggy and Desti were walking through Inkopolis Square when Meggy went into one of the shops.

"I thought we were going to the training yard?" Desti asked.

"We will," Meggy replied, "but there's something I need to do first."

Desti followed Meggy into the store as a horseshoe crab walked out from behind the desk.

"MEGGY SPLETZER!" The crab said out loud, causing some of the inklings in the store to look at them. "You still dating that retard?"

"It's nice to see you too Sheldon," Meggy said.

"So, what brings you to my store?" Sheldon asked.

"I received a text saying that the upgrade is ready," Meggy replied as she handed Sheldon a small device.

Sheldon takes the device and looks at it. "Ah yes. I'll have it ready for you in a minute." He handed back the device and went to the back room. He then came back out with a case and set it on the counter. Meggy opened the case and pulled out a Splattershot. "So, how does it feel?"

"It's lightweight, which I like," Meggy replied. "It'll definitely allow for some improved speed and agility. How much?"

"That'll be 157 Inkdollars," Sheldon answered. Meggy paid for the Splattershot as Sheldon notices Desti standing behind her. "So, who's the octoling?"

"Huh? Oh, this is Desti," Meggy answered as she grabbed the case off of the counter.

"Why don't you come a little closer so I can see you better," Sheldon said. Desti stepped a little closer to the crab as he adjusted his glasses. "I don't usually see your kind here often. Welcome to Ammo Knights, where you can get all of your splating needs. We have primary weapons like the Splattershot and the Splat Roller, bombs like Splat Bombs and Curling Bomb, along with other secondary weapons like the Splash Wall and the Sprinkler."

"Wow," Desti said in amazement. "Do you think it's possible to convert a weapon from using live rounds to one that shoots ink instead?"

"Well, it depends," Sheldon replied.

"Depends on what?"

"Depends on the weapon and your level."

"Level?" Desti asked.

"Your level in splat events. I cannot sell you weapons unless you are a level two or higher," Sheldon replied. "Let me see your Level Tracker."

"My what?"

"Your Level Tracker," Sheldon answered. "The device you use to enter Splat Events. Here, I can set you up with one." Sheldon walked behind his desk and started to type something into the computer. "All I need is your first and last name as well as your age."

"Oh, it's Desti Octari. I'm currently 19."

Sheldon looks at Desti. "You know, you're supposed to get these when you're 14 right? Alright, so here you are." Sheldon handed Desti a Level Tracker. "Use this to sign up for Splat Events. The more you win, the quicker you'll level-up."

"Thank you." Desti looked at the device. On it was a screen that had her name, age, level, and an experience bar on it.

"See, now we both have one." Meggy showed Desti hers. It showed that she was also 19 and was at level 6. "Come on, let's get to the training yard."

The two left the store and made their way to the training yard where three other inklings were waiting for them, two males and one female. One of the male inklings had red tentacles and wore a red shirt with blue overalls along with a hat with the letter "M" on it and brown boots. The other male had green tentacles and wore a similar outfit, only his shirt and hat were green with a "L" on it. The female had bright blue tentacles and wore a blue jay hoodie and brown pants along with white and blue socks and brown flip-flop scandals.

"We were starting to get worried you wouldn't show up," the female inkling said.