Any dissention was quickly put down as word spread of Tanner and his teams failed venture outside the Bellevue. Surprisingly, it was Tanner himself that started informing the others during the dinner meeting that night. Several of the Founders took the opportunity to explain what they could expect and help shed light on any thoughts that this was anything like the standard games from Earth.

The next day, everyone was separated into groups for training. This not only maximized efficiency of their training but allowed people to talk with and gain ideas from people that would most likely hold the same positions in a team, whether it be a Tank, Healer or so on.

Danny and Channy split the Healers into two groups, ones focused more on the stereotypical healing Class, which Danny would lead and the other group which followed a more non-traditional Healer’s path that Channy would lead. Toby and Hilda split the Tanks into two groups as well, one with shields and one without since Hilda used a great sword instead of the traditional sword and shield combo like Toby did. Ty and Rishi split the ranged damage dealers into magical and non-magical though there was some overlap since the System didn’t always follow the normal conception of what was usually found in Earth based games. Silvia and Ivan, the Russian Fencer from Channy’s team, split the melee DPS into medium and short ranged fighters. That left Alex with whomever was left.

Alex looked over the group of four individuals that didn’t fit into any one group. Samuel was a cop from Chicago that had been on the force for four years. The man carried a shotgun and wore thick steel armor that represented riot gear more than anything else. He didn’t have the helm or any leg armor but his chest plate was impressive. Alex assumed the man could fit as a Tank in any team.

The only other gun wielder was a thin Korean woman by the name of Cho who carried a sniper rifle. Cho seemed the strong, silent type and she refused to speak of her background. This actually led Samuel to start interrogating her and Alex had to split them apart as they became more aggressive towards each other. Alex understood that Samuel was use to questioning people that seemed suspicious but this wasn’t Earth and his police badge held no weight in the System. Besides, people had the right to their own privacy and Cho could have just been a really good gamer that liked playing the sniper.

Jean carried a whip and didn’t hesitate to go into full detail of how he had started working for the circus since he was a child. The short, Frenchman was lively and spun the tail of his family being circus performers and him being born during a performance. Alex was sure that half of everything the man said was complete BS but he could admit that Jean was definitely a showman.

Luis was from El Salvador and was as thin as Cho. The man looked more like an underfed teenager and his meek behavior worried Alex. Luis had no weapons or armor whatsoever. He wore simple buckskin pants and a loose fitting, thickly woven shirt that looked particularly itchy to Alex. Alex didn’t want to intrude on Luis’ privacy but he needed to know Luis’ Class if he was going to figure out how to train him. Luis seemed embarrassed to speak of it but explained that his Class called him a Shaman. After a bit of coaxing, Luis explained that his family history could be traced all the way back to the Mayan Civilization. Alex considered that Luis was actually far more powerful than he appeared.

Alex and the other team leaders posted a schedule for the nine groups to follow and each group had a number of Founders who would help out with training. Alex led them through their attribute training and watched as they each improved their Strength, Vitality, Dexterity, Agility, Wisdom and Intellect. Aside from the six hours of attribute training, they had an hour in the training rooms where Alex and the other Founders helped out with their individual training and then two hours of lecturing. Alex explained the Modifiers, General, Class and Evolution Based, and then he went through a long explanation of the City Zone. Alex would have paid any amount of xp to get this amount of information when first arriving here and he was thrilled to see that his group was quick to ask questions.

“So, other Races are probably out their right now in the City and will try to kill us on sight?” Samuel asked.

“There are several Races and they will most likely try to kill you or capture you. They might even try to befriend you but it’s safe to not trust any of them with your lives.” Alex answered.

“But what if they really are friendly.” Jean asked heatedly. The man did not like the idea of having to kill other people and it was clear that the man would need convincing.

“What is so hard to see?” Cho asked, obviously annoyed at the man’s lack of understanding. “It’s a race to Ascension, whatever that is. Only one Race can win while all the others end up dying. It doesn’t matter who they are or what they are like. You kill them, period.”

“It’s not that simple!” Jean argued. “If we go around killing everyone, then how do we have any right to Ascend?! It’s immoral.”

“Enough!” Alex shouted. “First, Cho has a point. There is only one way to win this and it will cost ever other Race here to die. However, Jean is correct as well, we can’t just go around killing everything without it costing us something.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re religious or not, anyone that chooses to kill like that will end up losing their own humanity. You can call it a Soul or just the very nature of who we are, but killing has a psychological effect on us. Look at some of the soldiers that get sent into wars, only to come back changed and unable to adapt to a normal life again.”

Cho became very quiet and refused to look anyone in the eye as she struggled with something no one else could see. Alex could only assume that the woman had her own demons she was dealing with.

“But you need to consider the ramifications of your actions, Jean.” Alex stated. “Your views on the sanctity of life are commendable but they are also naïve. What happens if you trust one of these other Races and it leads to your death, your team’s death or even humanities extinction. Are the people that are here now or those back on Earth subject to only your opinions?

“I can’t force you in what to believe and what to do. Your own choices are yours but I would hope that you consider that your actions could have lasting effects. If you’re lucky, it will only affect you, but what happens if you led other Races back to the Bellevue? If Human’s get wiped out in this zone, then that’s it, no more are coming here. Do you think it’s worth the risk?”

Jean looked down at his hands, considering what Alex had said. After a few moments, he finally spoke.

“You’re right. I just don’t want to be a cold-blooded murderer. I…I don’t want to ever feel good that we have to kill.”

Alex nodded. “Talk to some of the others that have been here for the past month. You might meet some people that won’t hesitate to defend humanity, but none of them take it lightly. I have killed more men and women than I would ever care to, but I would also do it again.”

“That’s how it should be.” Samuel said. “Every officer I have met worries about pulling their gun on someone and yet they won’t hesitate to do so if needed. It’s the price we pay to protect our friends and family.”

Alex nodded. “Now, tomorrow will only be training since the next attribute increase will take three hours per. That will fill up our day. I suggest after dinner, you each head back to the Library and study up on your individual Class again. The more you understand it, the faster it will evolve.”

The next few days went as planned as Alex led his group through leveling up their attributes and learning their limits and capabilities. The group training simulation gave Alex enough information to properly see their true skills. The training room even offered Alex a room to watch as the team went through a battle simulation.

The four stood in an open field. The sky was clear and bright and the foot long grass swayed back and forth as a strong ocean breeze swept past. Samuel held his shotgun to his shoulder and scanned the field, his black and blue colored steel chest plate giving him plenty of protection if anything ambushed them. On his left, Luis started chanting, his arms raised as the light of the sun seemed to grow brighter around his body. His arms started and legs started to grow, the muscles straining his skin to the limits. His neck and chest grew out, his shirt barely able to contain his new mass and his hand and feet grew sharp nails that looked more animal than human. He transformed into a giant, almost as large as the Tahloh, and he towered a foot taller than he had been before.

Jean flicked his whip out, loosening up his limbs and rolling his neck from side to side. The whip snapped in the air and Jean started throwing kicks and punches as he prepared for battle.

Cho stood still as she scanned the horizon through her scope. The woman was the most professional fighter Alex had ever seen. She never became distracted and never let her guard down. Alex considered that the woman had been in situations like this before, where a mistake could mean death.

A howl sounded and golden lights flashed as the training room brought forth their opponents. Twelve wolves suddenly surrounded them and the group circled and spread out, allowing each of them room to maneuver.

The wolves didn’t attack all together but three wolves rushed in from different angles. Samuel intercepted the first, stepping forward as his shotgun spat out flames and smoke and the wolf took the shot in the leg, causing it to tumble forward at Samuels feet where he ended its life with a shot to the head.

Luis jumped forward and crushed the wolf heading towards Cho. His foot stomping down on the head and ending it quickly. Cho didn’t care for her lack of versatility. She was a terror at long range but in a scenario like this, she was all but useless. Instead of complaining however, she called out the wolves’ movements, acting as a spotter for the team.

A flick of his wrist and Jean had snagged the wolf’s front leg. Twisting his arm with another flick of his wrist and the middle of the whip looped up, catching the wolf’s neck. Then he pulled tightly and the wolf toppled forward, unable to stop its momentum. Jean stomped on the wolf’s neck, ending the fight quickly.

Alex was more than impressed. Danny, Ty and himself had not looked near as skilled as they did. He would have been embarrassed except he was engrossed in their fight. He watched the entire match, not saying a word as he studied their movements. They had shown definite improvement over the past few days and any advice that Alex could give could only help, so he continued watching over them until the fight was done.

As the last wolf died, Alex stepped from the room and headed towards them. Each of them waited and they knew Alex would give them the truth of what he saw. He didn’t sugar coat his words but he always offered suggestions to their improvement.

“It seems like I have nothing left to correct.” Alex said with a grin. “Your situational awareness has vastly improved and Cho, stepping back and helping where you could when you realized the fight would be unfavorable to you was the right move. Jean has finally stopped trying to show off and Luis, you are becoming surer of yourself in your Giant Form. Lastly, Samuel, you pressed forward when you were rushed but remembered to step back once the threat was neutralized. I honestly think you are ready for the City Zone.”

The group cheered and whooped as they congratulated each other. Even Cho gave a rare smile to which Samuel pretended to faint from seeing it. Alex gave them a moment before interrupting.

“Tomorrow we will pair you up with random Tank, Healer and DPS groups. Take this time to get to know everyone better because after this last bit of training, us Founders will be heading out and it will be up to you to keep the Human Race going.”

Alex left them with their thoughts as he went to the team leader meeting. Hosmunt was putting together teams for them to take out and see how they perform. This would be their first real test, fighting alongside people they have not trained with before. There was a real risk but the veteran players would be watching over them and they needed to learn how to adapt and learn each other’s skills.

“Alex!” Hosmunt said, smiling up from the dining room table. “I have your group assignment.”

Hosmunt handed over the list and Alex reviewed it. They had given him Byron as a Tank and Alex was thankful for that. He hadn’t had time to catch up with his old friend and he no longer felt the need to close himself off to others. It would be nice to see how he had improved.

He had also been given Cho as his long-distance damage dealer. Another woman by the name of Sera would act as mid-range melee and a Healer by the name Ekenedilichukwu. Alex stared at the last name, trying to pronounce it.

“Just call him Eken.” Hosmunt laughed. “The man is from Nigeria but studied abroad. Apparently, the nickname stuck as no one could pronounce his name.”

Alex nodded. “Got it. How is the training going? Any trouble makers?”

Hosmunt shook his head. “Nothing that anyone could tell. Some people don’t get along but that’s just how it is.”

“Okay.” Alex said, heading upstairs. He had a beautiful lady waiting for him and he was not about to waste his time when he could be spending it with her.

Alex knocked on Danny’s door and she answered it with a pained smile.

“Hey. Look who dropped by.” She said as she opened the door further.

Alex saw the whole team there and they waved as he stepped in.

“What’s up guys?” Alex asked.

Toby cleared his throat. “I know this is piss poor timing but we are training these new guys non-stop until we leave. We should really figure out how we plan on handling the next zone.”

“Even though we don’t know what the next zone is.” Ty added sarcastically. “Bro, how are we supposed to plan for something when we don’t know what is happening?”

“There are a number of contingencies we can still plan for.” Rishi said. “It makes sense that the next zone will be more difficult but what if the System throws in something like teleporting us away from each other, or maybe they do something even more drastic, like entering in the middle of a warzone.”

“And then there’s environments to consider.” Silvia added. “Ice planets, endless jungles, another city? What are we doing to prepare for that?”

Alex and Danny almost sighed together. They were relevant concerns and a few contingency plans could only improve their hope of survival. With reluctance, Alex and Danny joined the group and they spent most of the night going over scenarios that they could plan for and ignored the ones that were out of their hands. Alex and Danny’s date night would have to be put on hold again.

The next morning, everyone ate together and the team leaders called out the individuals that would be grouped together. One by one, groups led by a Founder left the Bellevue. Those that weren’t on team evaluations were sent to scout the surrounding area. All of the teams would be relatively close but they didn’t want to run into the Monster Stampede or any other Races that were hunting throughout the city.

Alex introduced himself to Eken and Sera and led them out to their assigned door. Byron was quick to move to the front with his two-handed axe in his hands and Cho moved to the back, her sniper rifle held easily as she scanned behind them. Sara carried a halberd almost twice as tall as herself and Eken walked silently, a wand held tight in his hands. Alex had never seen someone equipped with a wand before and wondered why the System would give Eken that instead of a staff.

The Worn Wooden Door Alex was heading towards was only a block away and he didn’t say a word as he prompted them to enter. He didn’t want to distract them so he would act like he wasn’t there unless there was a specific need for him to intervene.

The team entered into an old western saloon, complete with a bar, several tables and chairs and an old piano. Everything looked relatively new which was very surreal for the four new players.

“If anyone doesn’t have any objections, I suggest we clear the room while Cho keeps an eye on the second floor from here.” Byron whispered.

The group nodded and Cho gave a smile to the large Tank as she looked the man up and down. Alex raised his eyebrows as he watched the interplay but didn’t say a word, letting them work it out themselves.

Byron, Eken and Sera moved as a group, heading to clear the bar first. When they were half way across the room, a zombie in…provocative clothing, stood up from behind the bar and started climbing over. Byron stepped forward and with a single chop of his axe, cut the prostitutes head off. The sound of the axe slamming into the bar was loud and suddenly, moaning wales started coming from upstairs. The loud bang from Cho’s sniper rifle let the others know that they had company.

Byron moved to the bottom of the stairs and watched while several zombies filtered out of the rooms upstairs and made their way to the stairs. What Byron didn’t account for was that the zombies didn’t seem to have sturdy movement or balance. When the first of the zombies started down the steps, it turned into an undead avalanche and Byron’s eyes went wide as he was suddenly covered in clawing and biting corpses.

Alex almost stepped in right then but Eken was already casting his heals. He didn’t chant like Danny did. Instead, he said a single word and wisps of white light left the end of the wand and straight to Byron.

Sera stabbed and hacked, making sure not to hit Byron and Cho took out the stragglers. Byron was soon on his feet and he chopped and stomped on the undead. Alex noticed a few bite marks along the man’s neck and hands. He stifled a laugh as he thought Byron looked like a dog’s old chew toy.

Once they collected their loot, each of them leveled up and they smiled as they experienced the euphoric rush of adding in their three attributes. Alex nodded approvingly as they made sure to take turns so someone was always on watch.

Alex was happily surprised to see that he received no orbs. He was worried that his presence might affect the xp they received. The System must have accounted for the fact that he wasn’t there as a combatant. As the team finished up, they moved upstairs and checked each room carefully.

There were only six rooms up top and all but one of them were open and empty. The room at the end had double doors instead of the normal single door and Alex figured it was probably the Boss room.

Byron kicked open the door, his large foot nearly taking the door off its hinges. As they walked in, they saw a somewhat elegant styled room and on the large, four-posted bed was a very naked zombie. The team had no time to gag at the sight of naked rotting flesh as the zombie jumped off the bed and hissed at them.

Alex was surprised how fast the zombie had reacted to them. Zombies were usually slow and stupid but this one moved at least as fast as a normal person.

She rushed the group and Sera quickly pushed her halberd forward, impaling the zombie. She wasn’t prepared to be flung across the room as the zombie pulled her halberd to the side. Byron was quick to attack the zombie, trying to distract it from Sera as she picked herself up from the floor. She looked a little unsteady but she took her time to gain her bearings.

“Step to the right” Cho yelled and Byron did as he was told, clearing a path for Cho to shoot. The zombies head exploded and Cho’s bullet hit the zombie’s temple. Byron gagged and spat as chunks of zombie had gotten into his mouth.

“Ew!” Alex said as he made a face at Byron. “I am never eating with you again.”

Byron was too busy dry heaving to respond and Alex tossed him a canteen to clean out his mouth. When Byron finished using it, he tried giving it back but Alex shook his head.

“Keep it. I know where your mouth has been.”

“Very funny, Ass.” Byron replied.

They received their loot from the Boss and Sera’s face screwed up in disgust.

“Undead Bloomers? That is nasty!”

Alex laughed. “Welcome to the System.”

Alex led the others back to the Bellevue and had them discuss what they did right and wrong. After a solid hour of back and forth, Alex had everyone head back to the dining room for their next group assignments.

The groups were mixed up all through the day and everyone had a good chance to work and meet with the others. By the end of the day, the veteran players left the dining room after dinner and let the new players make their own teams. Alex and the others had their own ideas of who would work best together but it wasn’t their choice to make.

Alex ended up talking with the other leaders about the possible contingencies that his team had come up with and they ended up spending most of the night in the Library, going over it as a group.

No matter what similarities might show, this was nothing like the games they played on Earth. The player’s pooled together their resources and knowledge, working hand in hand to give everyone the best chance at survival. Alex could only hope that everyone brought here could find a way to band together.

There was a distinct possibility that it wouldn’t happen. The Founders had to learn from each other. They spent a month sharing what they knew or what they found. Maybe overtime, the people brought here wouldn’t feel the need to build up that comradery. Hosmunt’s Player’s Guide would give them all the information they needed and they would rely less on each other as time went on. Still, that didn’t mean that Alex would belittle the help that book could give them and he wouldn’t deny them an easier rode even if it meant less cohesion.

What mostly worried him was leaving the City Zone. They had taken out two Races in the span of weeks. The City Zone was probably the most advantageous place for Races to stop one another from Ascending, but that still meant that they had to move forward to gain Ascension.

Alex thought about what Ascension actually meant. What did the Ascended do? Did they become God’s or would they move to another plane of existence just to live another life among stronger and smarter Races?

He was sure everyone had thought about it at some point. Right now, they were fighting to survive. That was easier to understand. Ascension was just a word that had no understandable meaning. Whatever it was, Alex hoped it was worth it.