Upon exiting the building, Leo was momentarily stunned by the amount of bloodshed.

  He hadn't noticed how much fighting had occurred out in the courtyard during the night, being too focused on keeping his own group alive. There were dead antlings everywhere. All surrounding the cavernous hole in the center that had somehow filled itself in, as if to stop any transgressors.

  Some people Leo didn’t really recognise were hauling the bodies into a pile, what for, Leo wasn't certain, but with Professions existing now there may be something to be done with the bodies. Maybe for cooking or crafting.

  Although ant steak didn’t sound like the most tantalising dish..

  Leo tried not to look at the area where the dead allies were laid out. He briefly pictured a familiar face among them, someone he might've saved if he'd just been quicker, stronger. He forced the image away, pushing down the guilt before it could paralyze him.

  Guilt wouldn’t bring these people back. He could only try his best to keep it from happening to anyone else.

  The tutorial store would hopefully contain the means to help that ideality become reality.

  Leo approached his friends, standing together in their own little area, just off from where people started gathering.

  Cecelia was conversing with Hector. The man looked a bit more confident than the last time Leo spoke with him, standing a bit taller. He supposed that, compared to a night of life or death fighting against an army of giant killer ants, talking with a pretty, confident woman about camp goals was a holiday.

  “Glad to see you up and well, Disco,” Bjorn said teasingly, “feeling any better?”

  “Please tell me that name’s not sticking,” Leo groaned. “It sounds like a third-rate club promoter who sells cheap drugs just to fund his dream of headlining a beach rave in Delaware.”

  Bjorn cackled, his wife hitting him on the arm. “Don't tease him too much, honey. He’s been through a hell of a night,” She scolded gently. “Although that was oddly specific, was this something you thought of often?”

  Bjorn continued to laugh as Leo rolled his eyes.

  “So, what do we think is going to be in this “store”?” Ashley said, chiming into the conversation.

  “I'm really hoping there will be some sort of profession guide or tailoring supplies,” Lena replied, almost bouncing in anticipation.

  “Lee…” Amy said softly.

  “I know, I know. ‘Don't get my hopes up too high.’ I'm just praying to whatever god will answer.”

  Leo smiled to himself, the revelation of gods being real and one of them being a storm controlling mythical dragon bewildering him at the mere thought. He'd share that information at a later date perhaps. Best not to drop too much on everyone too fast, lest they think him insane.

  It’s already going to be hard enough to explain why I have these eyes and an egg. Maybe the whole story would be best.

  “Looks like there's about a minute left!” Lena said, putting her hand in Amy's, clutching it tightly.

  The group all stared at the system window, as did everyone else loosely scattered around the courtyard. It was as if time had stopped as they all watched the timer.

  Tutorial store will unlock in 3 seconds

  Leo watched the timer tick down, second by second. Upon hitting zero, the timer screen went black before opening up again on a new, more intricate screen.

  Welcome to the tutorial store!

  The store will be available for the duration of the tutorial. Stock may be updated based on milestones.

  Items may be purchased using Store Credits (SC)

  You may now trade Store Credits to other initiates for items and services

  The trades can be conducted through the System or through a mercantile profession.

  It was a straightforward explanation, but held some key information. Being able to trade between each other would give the people who built armour—if possible—or found nice items out in the city, a way to gain more Store Credits and curry favour.

  The addition of a mercantile profession being an example didn’t surprise him, although it wasn’t something he was interested in. Not that he could learn it.

  Accessing the store, Leo was taken aback by the number of items available. There were food bricks, and water for 10 SC each, which was a fair price.

  It meant those who were struggling to take down high level ants could just fight a few low level ones to keep themselves fed for the whole tutorial. Survive in the outskirts.

  Although looking closer, the supply of them was not unlimited. With them being restricted to ten per person. Whether that was to inspire conflict in order to steal food or to try and promote the chef/cooking profession, Leo was unsure.

  He decided to look at the more interesting items, first being the section that was under the heading: non-profession.

  Torchstone: 25 SC

  Extended Rope: 40 SC

  Essence Crystal (F): 100 SC

  Dimensional Storage Ring (Common): 500 SC

  Basic weapon voucher: 300 SC

  Mystery Equipment Box: 1000 SC (limit: one per initiate, cannot be traded)

  Is that…a loot box? Seriously? Even after the world changes, adding magical powers and superhuman strength… I still can't escape them.

  Loot boxes had always divided gamers. Some saw them as harmless fun; Leo saw them as thinly veiled gambling. Yet he’d still wasted far too much money on them in the past just to make his character prettier. Now, here he was again, facing the temptation.

  Leo looked at his Store Credits

  1174 SC

  Enough to buy everything available so far, including ten days of food. Or a single loot box with a few extras. Leo held his nerve, moving onto the profession tab of the store before making a decision.

  It was also a weak attempt at distraction from his temptation.

  Profession items:

  Adaptive profession starter book (limit: one per initiate): 150 SC

  Basic crafting kit: 150 SC

  Refined material pack (F) (Limit: 3): 150 SC

  Basic alchemy starter kit: 175 SC

  Refined herb pack (F) (Limit: 3): 150 SC

  Harvesting Knife: 100 SC

  Enchanted ink and quill: 150 SC

  Beginners glyph book (blank): 100 SC

  Tailor starter pack: 125 SC

  Enchanted cooking pot: 100 SC

  ...

  There was even more after that, all based on specific professions. Before Leo could even start going over what he saw, his thoughts were deafened by a joyous scream, shortly followed by a red-headed battering ram.

  “It's there! Leo! Did you see?!” Lena exclaimed with the most excitement he'd ever seen from her, tears gently flowing down her cheeks.

  She was clutching on to him while pointing at her system screen. Unaware or not caring that Leo couldn't see what she was pointing to.

  “Told you it would be,” Leo smiled brightly. “Im really happy for you, Lena.”

  He was glad that his hypothesis on crafting turned out to be true, if it hadn’t then it would have been a much darker day.

  “Thank you for giving me back my hope.” She hugged him tightly.

  He just patted her on the head gently, if not a bit awkwardly. It was the best he could think of in the situation. She didn't seem to mind, releasing him shortly after.

  Looking over the profession-al items in the store more carefully, Leo was pleased to see there were a lot of options.

  He hoped his camp had a variety of interests. If not, then they would have to make sure they could find some more people to fill in the potential gaps. Because some of them sounded incredible.

  He was somewhat glad, while also a bit disheartened to not have to worry about all the different potential professions, with the companion bond replacing it entirely.

  While it wasn’t something he tended to do in games, being able to create some kind of mystical armour using the rarest materials or drawing runes of magic in real life sounded downright awesome. It wasn’t just a button press, it was real hard labour that would give such an amazing feeling once completed.

  He exhaled a soft breath. His choice was made, his life was saved. This was the last time he’d feel regret over his somewhat forced decision.

  Now the question was; with all his wealth, what should he buy? He could wait and save his Credits to spend on materials or kits for people and the camp. Or he could buy people storage rings. Or maybe, just maybe…

  Mystery equipment box: 1000 SC (limit: one per initiate)

  Contains one piece of equipment suitable for your class. Rarity can vary from Common to Rare.

  It was literally just a loot box from a game.

  Was he actually trapped inside of a mobile game designed by a god? There was a Dragon God he met already, and multiple universes apparently. It wasn’t entirely impossible that a god of micro-transactions existed… Leo shuddered at the thought.

  Love what you're reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

  I need that box to stop staring at me. Or I'm going to buy it.

  Thankfully Cecelia wrenched him from his thoughts before he could click purchase.

  She climbed on top of a piece of rubble, getting everyone's attention with a loud clap, followed by a whistle.

  “Everyone! Could I have your attention, please!”

  Conversations died down as curious onlookers began listening, gathering into a more tight crowd, surrounding her. The crowd looked a bit anxious, almost unsettled.

  “Some of you may know who I am, but for those who do not, let me introduce myself; My name is Cecelia. I'm a level 14 Warrior, as you can probably Identify.” She paused.

  “I want to start by saying how impressed I am at your ability to work together and survive last night and your tribulations so far. This place has thrown many obstacles at all of us and we still have a long time remaining here. It may have been your first taste of real combat in this brutal new world, and may I applaud you, you all fought heroically.”

  A few people in the crowd seemed to stand a bit more confidently, heads held high, others seemed skeptical about this sudden speech.

  She gently placed a hand on her breastplate, eyes softening.

  “I want to highlight the bravery of those we lost. Their will and sacrifice will not be forgotten. We must keep living on in their stead.”

  Her apparent vulnerability had the full crowd hanging on every word at this point. Leo wondered if she had prepared the speech beforehand or if she was just naturally gifted in leadership and public speaking.

  He definitely didn't think he had it in him to do the same.

  “With the appearance of this Tutorial Store and the addition of a profession system, some of you may be wanting to focus solely on that, fully forgoing combat. While I do not actively discourage this, I want to remind you of what attacked us last night.”

  There were murmurs and shudders amongst the crowd as no doubt images of last night flashed through their minds. Leo could see the flashbacks of fear etched upon some of their faces.

  “Even our strongest barely survived fighting that monster. And there's no guarantee it's the worst we'll face,” she said darkly.

  “You expect us to be able to fight a monster like that?!” someone yelled from the crowd. It was a man in an archer's attire, face stricken.

  “Not alone, no,” Cecelia replied calmly. “I suggest we form optimal groups. In which we venture out and grow stronger in order to better prepare ourselves for the coming threats. As you are all acutely aware, these ants are not the only threat out here.”

  Quiet murmurings and nods of agreement sounded out before someone interrupted.

  “What kind of optimal groups?” a man called out, wearing what looked like the starting mage robes.

  “Our highest level member, and strongest fighter, Leo, will take that question,” Cecelia said, gesturing to Leo.

  Leo stood still, nodding to himself as he listened. Only when he noticed the dead silence did it help him process what she’d just said.

  What the hell, Cece?! Leo screamed internally.

  All eyes were locked on him and Leo did not like being the centre of attention, as ironic as that sounded. It was different when he was fighting or if he was being looked at in a smaller group. He wished his Voltaic Reflex had warned him about this sneak attack.

  “Uh, what?” Leo stammered, glancing around in confusion.

  “I imagine with your experience pre-system you understand proper party formations, do you not? Your information so far regarding this system and its properties have been fairly accurate.”

  “I guess?” he said, unconvincingly.

  “Then please. Enlighten us.” She enunciated the words slowly, smiling tightly through gritted teeth.

  “Alright. Uh, I suppose that the optimal party setup for going out there would be a group of four or five. With there being a Knight, a decent Toughness statted warrior, or a competent Pugilist in the front line.” He started getting into it, the love of RPG’s and fantasy overcoming what nervousness he was feeling..

  “After that would be at least one or two people focused on dealing damage, and finally someone ranged, preferably a healer but a mage could work since we don't have a lot of healers.”

  “Why is that optimal?” someone asked, interrupting his rambling.

  “Tanks absorb damage, damage dealers supplement their lack of damage, and healers keep people alive. It's basic RPG mechanics,” he shrugged, speaking like he was reading from a textbook.

  “Well, it's similar to what I imagined but getting your input was helpful. Thank you Leo.” Cecelia said formally.

  Continuing she said, “Anyone who wishes to fight and grow stronger, to live up to your potential and see what this city holds, come see myself or Bjorn and we will try to form you into proper groups. Any people that have friendships from before or newly formed ones, and wish to form groups with said friends will be taken note of.”

  “Why do you get to be in charge?” a middle aged man asked in a scruffy voice. “Shouldn't we take a vote?”

  The crowd didn't seem to share in the man's sentiment. Leo assumed that the man was perhaps not against her being a leader personally. But in principle. Maybe he just liked to argue.

  “While I'm sure we could waste everyone's time with a vote that may or may not result in the same outcome,” Cecelia sighed, disinterested. “Anyone who wishes to leave or form their own group may do so. I am simply trying to ensure survival. Do you wish to leave?”

  She looked directly at him, waiting for his answer without a change in her expression or tone.

  The man looked as if he wanted to retort further. His mouth opened briefly, his face turned red. But in the end decided to keep his tongue, shaking his head gently in concession.

  “Excellent. Now let us talk of Professions. Professions appear to be an integral part of one's path in this world if we are to believe the system. So I'd advise that everyone think about what they would be interested in doing. For example, Lena here was a very skilled tailor before the system along with her sister Amy. I–”

  Her words cut off suddenly as she looked into space.

  Then she grinned, glancing at Leo with confidence in her eyes, almost as if to declare her victory.

  “It appears I have met the requisites for my own profession already,” she declared brightly.

  Confused expressions all around as people talked among themselves.

  “Oh ho? What’d you get?” Bjorn asked curiously, uncaring about speaking over a crowd.

  “Overseer,” she stated proudly. “It appears to be a leadership type profession.”

  Leo nodded to himself, her revelation making a lot of sense. It also answered the question on if the System recognised talent or skills from before. It was interesting that professions could be something as non-crafty as a leader. It opened up the potential for all sorts of things he hadn’t even considered.

  Overall this spelt good news for Lena becoming a tailor and she seemed to get the same idea, smiling brightly as their eyes met.

  More murmurs and talks through the crowd broke out as people speculated on what it meant for them, or their potential professions. Cecelia looked to be patiently waiting, but Leo guessed she was just browsing her new skills. He didn’t blame her, it’s what he would have done.

  “For my finishing statement,” Cecelia began. Her voice was carrying an extra weight to it that seemed to garner attention.

  “I'll be appointing camp sub-leaders and group leaders in the coming days as I assess people's specialties and abilities.” She hit the bottom of her fist into her palm. “We must solidify our position as we make our way towards the tower. I can’t stress how crucial it is that we work together if we want to see the end of this Tutorial.”

  Leo felt inspired, like a general was giving orders to her loyal followers. The feeling only lasted less than a second for him but he could see her words having a strong effect on the crowd as they hung on every word.

  A new skill maybe?

  As the crowd dispersed, people started to form into little groups, possibly to discuss the group set up he had just suggested. Some stared into space, likely browsing the Tutorial Store.

  Leo was enjoying the chatter his friends were having, it felt very casual. It was a nice break as they discussed their professions.

  “I don't have a clue where to start,” Ashley complained, clearly frustrated. “Maybe I should just buy the starter book thingy, see what that's all about.”

  Leo quickly brought up the item description in question.

  Adaptive profession starter book (limit: one per initiate): 150 SC

  Provides the initiate with detailed guidance on acquiring a chosen profession. Can only be used on one profession and only one may be purchased.

  Does not guarantee that profession of choice will be gained.

  Definitely magical. It would give guidance to those who lacked a teacher, or a ten year old YouTube tutorial, a chance at learning the profession of choice. One just had to make sure it was what they wanted to learn.

  Leo wondered what its limits were. Like, could it help to learn obscure professions or restricted ones—should there be such a thing. He assumed drug dealer was not a known multiversal profession, but who knows.

  Should probably think of more pertinent questions to ask Iskarion if I see him again.

  The manual appeared in Ashley's hands, manifesting from thin air. It looked like an old tome, but untouched by time or nature. It was immaculate yet ancient. Leo could feel the mana coming from the item—clearly enchanted.

  “What are you going to try and get?” Leo asked curiously.

  “I wonder if it has a random option,” she said non-plussed.

  “You can't be serious.”

  She gave him the cheeky smirk she did when she was teasing him, after which Leo let out the breath he had been holding.

  Leo got struck by a sudden brainwave as he considered a potential path for her.

  “Why don't you try something that involves defensive structures? Like making defenses for the camp?”

  “Like build walls? Do I look like Bjorn?” she said, rolling her eyes.

  “Heyy,” Bjorn said, turning his head to their conversation in mock offense.

  “No, I mean a way to make barrier defenses. Like constructs of light to stop people or monsters from getting in.”

  Her eyebrows rose as she seemed to consider it. Her face scrunched up. She did it when she was thinking about something. Leo held back the comment about comparing her to a squirrel, letting her focus.

  “Fuck it, worth a try,” she said suddenly. As if she could no longer be bothered trying to think about it.

  “Worst case, it gives me something I don't like and I learn to cook or something.”

  Leo wasn't sure he agreed with the reckless approach, thinking that she could have considered it a bit longer, but before he could say anything she had already started.

  She closed her eyes, concentrating on the book in her hands as everyone stopped their conversation to watch, pulled away from their own screens or thought processes in order to see how the book worked.

  The book’s cover shimmered, changing from dull brown to a radiant white that pulsed gently in Ashley’s grasp. Silver letters etched themselves across the cover, reading: "Luminarch Starter Guide by Lumion, the Radiant Architect."

  Ashley reacted with awed amazement, exclaiming, "Woah."

  “Does it seem like the kind of thing you'd be interested in?” Leo asked.

  “Definitely. This book… I don't know how to describe it but it just feels right.” Her voice went quiet on the last word, like she didn't want to scare it off.

  “Well, that can only be a good sign. Are you gonna give it a read now?”

  “Maybe in a bit,” she replied, as the book vanished, most likely into her ring.

  “I’m more interested in what happened to you last night.”

  Leo looked at her sheepishly. The others were also looking at him with the same inquisitive looks. Even Lena, as obsessed with tailoring as she was, pulled herself away from her own Starter Guide to listen in.

  “Yeah, come on Disco. Out with it,” Bjorn joked.

  He rolled his eyes at the nickname. “Not here. Let’s head somewhere more private, this isn’t something everyone should hear right now.”