With the floor as the only thing left, it reached indefinitely in every direction beneath a perfectly blue sky. New pine walls shot up from the floor creating a wide open area in a large rectangular room. The roof grew from the walls meeting at its peak. Cherrywood rafters joined together with panel lighting faceted to their bottoms and filling the room with clean white light. The floor faded in color from silver to grey and its make up transitioned from solid stone to foam matting.

At the head of the room was a long wooden desk that could fit ten people sitting shoulder to shoulder. It looked like the typical dojo.

Over a dozen players were already there, appearing with the room. A number of them stood around the edges, leaning against the wall and eyeing their competition. Some had already decided to take a seat of the matt before the desk and were starting to stretch.

There were only a few athletes in the group making the majority gamers. I didn't know if that was a good or bad thing.

May of those stretching were wearing athletic gear instead of leather or bronze. This wasn't athletic clothing from the modern world, but long cotton baggy pants and similar shirts. Many of the shirts were sleeveless. At least, two thirds of us still wore armor of some kind.

I walked off to the side, but made my way to the front of the room and found an open place on the wall.

Most everyone here seemed to be in good spirits considering what we had just been through. I doubted any of them had gotten through the goblin's attack on our city unharmed. Although, I wouldn't call it a friendly environment, there was no athlete/gamer hostility and the competitive vibe seemed like a healthy one.

Then I noticed an Asian guy sitting Indian style wearing a black kamishimo, or the traditional samurai outfit. It looked great, but had to cost a lot of money for all that fabric. He had a long sword in a leather sheath sitting across his lap. It wasn't his outfit that caught my attention though.

He sat there perfectly still with a scowl on his face. It was as if he had filled the room with eggshells and any wrong move could be seen as a challenge. It wasn't as easy to tell how he was built in his outfit, but I had no doubt he was an athlete.

A blond guy sat in front of him with the exact opposite countenance. He was also an athlete. The light stubble on his chin put him around my age. Nodding at everyone he made eye contact with, he seemed ecstatic to be there. Instead of a kamishimo, he wore baggy blue pants and a sleeveless white V-neck.

Perhaps, I could get some information while I waited. I opened my inventory and removed my gear.

With my armor off, I changed out my under trousers for a fresh pair of dark-green baggy ones and a light-green tank top with the guild Prodos logo. There was an open treasure chest with five shafts of light shooting out from its contents. These formed a semi-circle above it. Our guild name was written underneath it.

As I sat next to the friendly guy he immediately greeted me.

“Hi. I’m Mel.” He said, nodding cheerfully.

We talked for a bit, but mostly just agreed that we were anxious for everything to get started. The fact that this was a tryout was a surprise to him as well.

More and more people started to join us as we got closer to 9:00 am. When it was about time to get started at least one hundred people were now in the crowded room.

“Please be seated.” I heard a rough, kind voice from the front of the room before I saw anyone.

All those standing found a place on the floor, which seem to accommodate the number well enough. It would have been too small for us to train in the room together though.

Achilles appeared sitting on the edge of the table with his arms crossed. He was big like all the Combat Masters, but even Cornelius looked normal in comparison. How the table held up his weight I didn't know. If I had to guess he was about six foot eight. His arms had bulging veins, but he wasn't as sickly thin as a bodybuilder. Most people's torsos weren't as thick as his forearms let alone his legs. His hands and feet only seemed slightly larger than mere mortals, so his form tapered to make him look natural, buy massive. He was dressed oddly compared to what I had expected, with a long sleeve, seamless white shirt, and black athletic pants with white lace-less cross trainers. He had a strong jaw with a thin brown goatee which faded behind his gaze as it passed over us.

“You are here today because you are looking for someone to train you. I am here to see if you would be a good fit for my program. There are many others that will train you that have little to no requirements. Remember this, because few of you will continue training with me after today.”

A number of murmurs were echoed throughout the training hall.

Well, he doesn't waste time. I mentally prepared myself the best I could for whatever these tryout might end up being.

“My methods have been developed over decades from my own experience and borrowed from the best trainers in the world. Not only will I teach you to fight, but I will teach you to win.”

An encouraged clamor sounded from the players.

“There are many other trainers that could prepare you for a career in the MCAA much quicker than I will if that is your goal. For those of you interested in military or special forces, there are programs out there that are very efficient in getting you physically ready for what will be expected of you. If you just want to get in shape or learn to fight, you are also in the wrong place. Even if you are desperate to get stronger to help survive here in Freedom, this is not the best class for you.

I only know how to teach one thing. How to completely dedicate your entire self, day in and day out, to becoming physically and mentally the best you can be. How to show up on days that you are not at 100% and still absolutely dominate anyone that dares to step in the arena with you. My process can take decades of work and absolute dedication. Most importantly, it never ends. Training and progression never ends. To be the absolute best, your goal is to find a way to do more than any human being has ever done before you. To train harder and smarter, pushing what scientist and AI tells you is possible. There is a danger that you may push too hard and threaten your health or even your life. But push you must. I will put the single greatest tool a person can have within your reach. True self control.”

When Achilles paused there was no clamor in response. The pressure of anticipation we had all been feeling had been torn away from us and all that was left was awe. He wasn’t exactly a great speaker, but his level of conviction as he spoke captivated us.

“First, here are my rules:

No cursing

No dueling outside of your prescribed training

No sexual activity while in basic training

No dishonesty

Participate in every exercise to the best of your ability”

I was left wondering why the rules were generally moral in nature. There were no traditional requirements like call me master or sensei, bow when greeting, etc.

“Ah $#!%” Teased a player tearing the moment apart.

Without hesitation Achilles replied. “You can go now.”

The player immediately phased out and disappeared from the room.

There were a few fearful whispers that followed, but no more outbursts.

“As I said before, self-control. Now. If you agree to these basic rules, then we can proceed with the interview. If not, then feel free to leave. You can port out through your game menus.”

Only one person did as he instructed. I suspected he was a friend of the person who had been booted.

“Good.” He continued. “First question. Are people good in nature?”

There was no specific format for answering his question offered, so a chaotic chorus of answers followed. As you might suspect most of us, if not all including me, answered yes.

“Everyone who answered yes to the question can leave.”

My mouth dropped open. Was he serious? I had even been expecting something odd to happen but this left me baffled.

Some people stirred where they sat and moved to open their menu, but then one brave player near the front asked. “Wait. You only train people that think people are evil?”

There was a hint of anger in the way he asked the question.

“I train people who are internally honest. Here, I’ll give you another shot. Do you believe you are good in nature?”

“Yes.” He insisted.

“Then you won’t be able to finish the training even if I was to allow you to continue.”

“But, I want to learn!” The player replied, forgoing any effort to hide his frustration.

“Why do you want to learn?”

“I want to be the best I can.”

“Why?” He patiently asked.

The player opened his mouth to answer, but slowly closed it when he found he didn't know the answer. After a few moments, he replied. “I want to be the best so that I will be loved by others.”

“Honesty. Very good. Is that morally good or evil?”

“It’s not evil.” He blurt out.

“Is it selfless and for the good of others?”

“I.” The tension in his neck built. “No it’s not.”

“It’s selfish.”

Shaking his head, he objected. “But if I get famous I could give the money to charity. Or use my fame to spread the word about good causes.”

“Is that what really motivates you?”

Even though I couldn't see the man's face, I could tell he had just turned bright red. With a sigh, he flicked open his menu and left without another word.

Looking around I saw a number of people left. Still the majority of people were still here.

“Pride is often a person’s greatest weakness. That is why I said he wouldn’t be able to complete my training even if I allowed him to continue. As the last guy demonstrated he was more concerned with defending how he saw himself than training. If you honestly want to be here to be loved by others, than that is fine, but be honest about what it is. Selfish.” Achilles said, letting silence linger after.

“Now. Someone else who believes that they are good in nature, explain to me why.”

As he asked I was considering my own motivation. Before, I would have had the same answer as the guy who left. But after facing the creature that had shattered my back and caused me the worst pain in my life, I had found that my selfish motivation wasn't enough to keep me fighting. Protecting my friends had been what really drove me further.

I was relieved that we hadn’t all been forced to leave.

Honestly, only recently had I even considered such things and didn’t mind sitting through a lecture or two. Besides, the philosophy of the greatest fighter of modern history should have some worth, even if I didn’t end up agreeing with him. There had to be aspects of his thought process that would help me.

Another player raised his hand and said. “I try to do what is right.”

“Okay. Why do you try to do what is right then?”

“Because I feel guilty if I don’t. I have a conscience.” He said genuinely.

As if knowing the answer before it was given, Achilles immediately followed with a rebuttal. “So basically you try to do what is right to keep yourself from feeling bad? Isn’t that selfish?”

The player hadn’t been expecting that response. He shook his head back and forth. “You’re just as selfish and self-centered as anyone here! If following your conscience isn't right, then what is?”

“Following your conscience is right, but your motivation for acting, not just doing the right thing, is what makes something truly good. Just as a person can take someone’s life out of anger, they can also do it to protect the people they love. It is your motivation that makes it right or wrong.”

“It’s impossible to control your motivations!” Someone called out from the back. “I knew it would be a waste of time to come here after reading the reviews. I'm out!”

Another dozen players joined him in leaving. A little over half remained.

I really didn't see why people were getting so upset. He hadn't even gotten to the point yet.

“You are right, though. I am just as selfish as anyone here.” Achilles said, wrinkling up his brow with empathy. “That brings up the next question. Are people entirely evil?”

There was no answer. Everyone was afraid to face the inevitable scrutiny. The faces of those I could still see had a variety of emotions. Some players were angry at what had been said and were on the brink of leaving. Others were contemplative.

Looking to Mel who had been almost giddy to be here before, he was now downcast, staring at his hands in his lap.

I could possibly accept that people were naturally selfish, there were too many positive things people did to accept they were strait up evil. We were capable of helping others and even sacrificing ourselves for good causes and other people.

Before I realized what I was doing, I spoke up. “No.”

Then I was faced with the next logical question.

“Why?”

Why had I just answered? Knowing I was most likely going to be rebuked, I gritted my teeth and answered. “We can choose to do what is right even if we desire to do something else.”

To my surprise his answer was, “Good. I don't expect you to be perfect, just to know that you are not.

We are at a good number to start the next stage of the process. This next part is up to you. I didn't tell you that there are other trainers who might be better for you just to whittle down your numbers. Seriously consider what you want out of training and only return if you are looking to dedicate your life to this. You can go a long way without the dedication necessary for my class.

If you do decide to return, I will require you to write a few paragraphs and message me your answer to a question you will receive via your Metaverse Access Hub. If you decide to continue, send me the answer before you show up tomorrow. If I have not received it the Training Hall will now allow you to port in. Any questions?”

One hand shot up from a player who still seemed to be fuming in frustration. “Why did you choose such questions for the interview?”

Sharp lines showed around his eyes and at the edges of his mouth as Achilles grinned for the first time. “For two reasons. I demand that you are internally honest. In order to reach your full potential you must be honest about the world around you but most important about yourself. If you believe something false, then it can affect the decisions you make, and how you react. Secondly, I am not going to teach someone to fight if they are morally inept. With the training I offer comes the ability to hurt people. I too have a conscience. Understand?”

The player who asked the question nodded that he did.

“Okay.” Achilles clapped. “Some of you I will see tomorrow. For the rest of you, take care.”

With a nod, he vanished before our eyes.

Mel was still looking down at his lap, while others mocked the very idea of returning. Others just left, or started up conversations to get other people’s opinions.

After getting hurt and having to figure out what I believed was worth fighting for I think I understood why Achilles took this approach. How many times had he been hurt or face incredible odds? In the last week I had been force to consider things because of hardship. He had likely faced those same questions, the same fears, and was still fighting, maybe decades later. I needed to know what he knew.

I heard someone behind me declare. “Who is next on the list?”

Personally, I wasn't sure what I would do.

***

I found myself with a lot of free time. Even though that had been many training sessions starting as early as 6:00 am, few of them had finished by the time Achilles had let us out. I had expected to be there at least an hour, but it had been no more than ten minutes.

As I headed inside the nearest tavern, I pulled up my system menu and searched for Achilles question. I took a seat in a booth along the back. It was little more than a wooden bench against the wall.

The rest of the tavern was filled with square tables set at a diagonal like a giant checker board. It wasn't as well designed as many of the other taverns, but it was larger with room for more people. This time of the morning after the breakfast rush it was almost empty.

I ordered some hot tea and biscuits so it didn't look like I was loitering. Not that I thought they would kick me out, but I didn’t want to be rude.

Finding Achilles' message, I pulled it up. It read as follows.

What is your greatest moral weakness?

I was going to contact my group and see if they had immediate plans, but first I would answer this question in the case I decided to return tomorrow.

It wasn’t long before I realized I didn’t have an answer. Destiny had always kept me focused. I had learned a lot about my bad habits and natural tendencies through her instruction, but we never talked the morality of an issue. The focus was always pragmatic. What was my goal, and what did I have to do to achieve it. That was all. It allowed me to depend on her in some areas while putting all my effort into what most needed my attention.

What were my moral weaknesses? How people saw me? Girls?

Achilles had spoken about motives, not just actions as what determined what was right. What were my motives, then?

I had to admit what brought me to sign up for Codename: Freedom had been that desire to be the best gamer I could be. No, that wasn't true. I wanted to be the best gamer in history. I didn't want to have any peers, but to rise above everyone that came before me. My friend Chewme was as much a rival as a friend. We were so different, both physically and in personality, but our goal was the same. A large part of me wanted to surpass him, leaving him at a level where he could never compete with me again. I knew it was the same for him. If he reached that level I was sure I would be jealous, but I would also honor him. I knew he would do the same for me.

There was more to it than that, because recently my motivations had been challenged. What motivated me now? My old observations weren't exactly gone. Instead, they had been fractured at the foundation, unable to stand alone. After my injury, I found pain was a much greater enemy than being mediocre. Fighting so that no one would have to suffer made a lot more sense. Was that morally wrong?

It seemed right, but then again, was I really being selfless? It had taken my own suffering to turn my attention to the suffering of others.

I didn't have a conclusive answer, but the messaging app's AI had been observing my thoughts and listed them in paragraph form.

I hadn't exactly answered the question though. What was my greatest moral weakness? Prideful ambition might be the closest thing I could come up with. If so, before getting hurt I would have been more apt to get what I wanted without considering others, but now, I don't think I could be very callus.

It was lunch time before I knew it. After a little editing I sent my answer along to Achilles, still unsure I would show up.

Well, that should be sufficient. It was honest, and the best I could come up with.

I left without getting lunch. I was sure Kline would probably be around some kind of food if he wasn't busy. I just had to find him.

---

Updated 1/05/2018