Kerta.

9:30 am, 13 th Zelyr 1091.

The superiority of Full-Body drives laid in their ability to extend the duration of its users in the virtual world. Full-Body users were advised to take breaks after every three days of use, but there were multiple cases around the world of people who preferred uninterrupted stay in the virtual world for as long as several weeks. Chief among these people were the rich, older population, who relieved their younger days in the virtual world while awaiting the inevitable grim reapers scythe.

Genaco was well aware of users like these, and so to prevent mental strain from over-use, a sleep mechanic was designed into all Full-Body virtual drives. This mechanic allowed users to sleep in the virtual world, thereby releasing the mental stress.

Suzuki, or rather, Kashi in this case, planned on taking full advantage of this mechanic. Due to his excellent physical fitness, and the fact that only his brain was being taxed, he really only needed to take a short in-game nap, barely lasting two to three hours. This translated to roughly three hours in the real world throughout three in-game days,

A day had passed since Kashi began training in the second training gallery. During that time, he took a short nap to revitalize his focus. The power nap served his purpose as only a short while after he woke up, he finally hit the bullseye for the tenth time in a row. The system notified him of his improvements with a short window prompt.

Strength Increased by 1 (+1 STR)

Dexterity Increased by 1(+1 DXT)

Vitality Increased by 1 (+1 VIT)

Stamina Increased by 2 (+2 STA)

Perception Increased by 1 (+1 PCT)

Kashi inspected the stat increases with a slight frown. This archery gallery training method aided in boosting almost all the physical stats, except for agility. He really needed to find a way to increase that.

Kashi was working toward something called the ‘Golden Body,’ a hidden trait Razznik accidentally uncovered in the previous game. It was one of the few traits the future Demon King acquired that turned him into the Overpowered (OP) character the gaming community feared. The trait could only be gained by making all the physical attribute stat points hit 50 (without distributing a single stat point) before the user reached level 10. It had the effect of adding one extra stat each time a character leveled. So, instead of 5 points, someone with the ‘Golden Body’ status gained 6 points.

The only caveat was that it took Razznik over two in-game months to acquire that status. Kashi did not want to waste that much time, and he did not need to. Razznik spent ninety-percent of those two months learning the basics and tricks before finally uncovering the method.

People said great men stood on the shoulders of the giants that came before. In Kashi’s case, he was about to stand on a giant large enough to cover the sun with his hands.

Bow in hand, Kashi walked over to the door marked Comprehensive Test . The daeben entered the room and was met with a circular platform around which stood multiple bullseye targets on mannequins.

Kashi’s brow rose with intrigue as he walked over to a raised tablet in front of the platform. A system prompt explained the platform’s use and method of activation.

Training Platform (Archery)

This platform is a relic of the gods. It is used to test and improve the skills of trainee archers. However, it requires plenty of mana to power up, and as a result, a fee needs to be paid for each use.

Warning: Not advisable for weak individuals. Save your money!

Cost: 50 Syros per use

Kashi’s brows furrowed as he calculated the cost against his current funds. He currently owned 760 Syros. Assuming he used the Training Platform once a day, that would sum up to only fourteen days. Even though Kashi did not think he would need two months like Razznik did, two weeks was far too short a timeframe to complete the Golden Body.

Once his money ran out, Kashi would have no money to buy enough food to support him for the remainder of the training period. Fortunately, the daeben had already taken this into account. In fact, in his original plan, there was no windfall from something as lucky as looting an empty armory. Although to be fair, there also wasn’t any massive money sink like the platform to contend with.

However, as far as Kashi was concerned, these two factors canceled each other out. As long as his original plan’s lead followed through, there would be no cause for concern.

But first, Kashi had to ensure the platform’s training was actually worth the exorbitant cost. The daeben placed two silver coins on the tablet and watched as thin mana films coated the platform. Undaunted by the mana, Kashi stepped onto the platform. Another system prompt explained the rules of the platform.

Training Platform (Archery)

You chose to use the Training Platform. You are either brave or very naïve. For your sake, it better be the former.

The Training Platform is designed to teach and train future master archers and solidify their basics. The goal of this exercise is to successfully strike the targets moving around the platform within ten minutes.

Upon elimination of all targets, the platform’s level of difficulty will increase. There are ten difficulty levels. At the highest difficulty, the platform will remain indefinitely until its user requests to stop.

Warning: Some of the tests are dangerous, and loss of life is a distinct possibility. Do Not Attempt Until Sufficiently Prepared!

Are you sure you wish to Proceed? YES/NO

Kashi looked at the bow in his hand. “Yes!”

The prompt disappeared, and bright light rose from the platform to momentarily blind his vision. Kashi regained his sight a couple of seconds later and noticed that the light had vanished as abruptly as it came. More importantly, the targets had begun to spin around the platform at a moderate speed the daeben likened to that of a group of running children.

It was a speed that could be considered impossible for beginners, but very easy for experienced archers. Kashi nocked his bow, and for a moment, wondered if the test could really be this easy? He was about to let loose, but his spine suddenly chilled. Kashi unceremonious jumped to the side, eyes wide as he watched an arrow zip past his previous location and stab into the opposite wall.

Kashi looked around and soon spotted the culprits. Multiple puppets stood behind the bullseye targets holding crossbows in their hands. The puppets systematically armed, then fired the crossbow bolts at the stunned daeben.

This much, Kashi was confident he could handle. The daeben dodged the bolts and retaliated by taking down the bullseye targets. The daeben’s saving grace laid in the reality that the crossbow firing rate was quite low. As a result, he was able to shoot down all the targets in the space between reloads.

Kashi somehow completed the entirety of level one in less than two minutes; 1 minute and 23 seconds to be precise. A system prompt notified him of an increase to his agility stat.

Agility Increased by 1 (+1 AGI)

Kashi’s eyes flashed with excitement. It seemed this method was effective in training his Agility. He immediately accepted the game’s prompt to change to advance one level further. Kashi’s gaze hardened as he studied the second level. The number of bullseyes targets on the second level doubled that of the first level. Furthermore, the targets rapidly ‘collapsed’ then rose up.

Kashi instantly recognized what the game wanted. The targets had to be shot down at near superhuman speed, and he could not afford to only target one at a time, or the clock would run out before he finished. The daeben knew the skills required to complete this mission, but he had not acquired them yet.

Kashi did not get discouraged by the roadblock. Instead, he spent the next ten minutes dodging the platform’s arrows which had increased in number and speed. The daeben also attempted to strike down as many targets as he could while evading the bolts, but as expected he ultimately failed to shoot down all the targets in the allotted time. Even worse, he had accumulated some minor injuries from the arrows.

Fortunately, the injuries were only minor and thus did not require a healer or first aid. As long as he waited a couple of minutes, the wound would heal on its own. Kashi would have liked to give it another go if only to spend more time on level one, but according to his current budget, he had already used up his ‘quota’ for the day. Kashi really needed to find a source of income soon.

Training Platform (Archery)

Congratulations! You hold the record for fastest clear time on Level 1. Do you want to leave your name?

YES NO

Kashi looked at the prompt and instantly answered, “Yes.” According to ninety-percent of the novels Suzuki had read, the wisest thing to do was hide your name until you were ‘strong enough’ to protect yourself. While Kashi did not fault the protagonists in these tales for their mentalities, he did not agree with them.

While he would never be the type to actively seek out fame, Kashi held to the principle of owning up to his achievements. If there was someone who was jealous or hated Kashi for something he did, they were more than welcome to challenge him in battle.

The one thing Kashi certainly did not fear was a good fight.

The platform stored Kashi’s name as he walked out of the Comprehensive Test room. The daeben returned the bow to its rack on the wall, then walked out of the training hall into the lobby. As usual, the place was deserted. Even more so than usual as the only person in the room was the tall wisben, who briefly looked up from the book he was reading as Kashi walked into the room.

Kashi ushered a greeting to the wisben which was perfunctorily returned. The daeben did not take the reaction to heart as he knew had not earned the acknowledgment of this proud wisben.

Kashi walked out of the building, and after asking around for a bit, made his way to a corner of the town, his journey ending at a rundown blacksmith’s shop. Kashi entered the shop and glanced at the weapons that hung on the wall.

“Good Craftsmanship,” Kashi praised as he examined the weapons. This was not lip-service. The maces, pikes, spears, and swords on display were all ‘fine’ weapons. Although not as spectacular as those sold at blacksmith shops located near the heart of the city, these weapons were reliable and would get the job done for any regular adventurer.

“You’ve got a good eye for a daeben,” A gruff voice grunted as an old nordic man stepped out of a backdoor to the counter. “What’s someone like you doing in my shop?”

“Apologies,” Kashi apologized with a calm expression. “I am Kashi of the daeben. I wish to take up an apprenticeship to learn the art of forging.”

The blacksmith stroked his thin white goatee as he glared at the daeben. “Why have you come here? The city center has plenty blacksmiths much better than I am. Also, I am not qualified to pass on the Blacksmith Class. You should leave.” The blacksmith turned to return to his workshop.

“You misunderstand my intentions,” Kashi called out, stopping the man in his tracks. “I do not seek the blacksmith class itself, but the lessons in forging. I wish to learn from the ground up without any shortcuts.”

The blacksmith turned and studied the daeben with renewed interest. “I have met a few of your kind in the workshops. You Summoned are not interested in learning the entire forging process. What is your angle?”

“There is no angle,” Kashi swore. “I have been fascinated with forging since I was a child. My desire to turn this dream of mine into a reality is the reason I sought you out.” Kashi took out five silver coins from his pocket and placed them on the counter. “I am willing to pay for the apprenticeship.”

The blacksmith’s gaze traveled from the coins on the counter to the daeben. A deep glint appeared in his eyes as he said, “You claim to love smithing. Then I can assume you’ve at the very least, read up on some of the theory behind it?”

Kashi revealed a loose smile. “Indeed. Your assumption is correct. I have indeed studied on the subject.”

“In that case, you would not mind answering one or two questions?”

Kashi shook his head. “Please, ask.”

“I’ll start with something easy. How do we get iron ingots?”

Kashi nodded. “Ingots are obtained by smelting iron o—”

“That’s enough,” the blacksmith interrupted. “Kid, what did you say your name was again?”

“Kashi, sir.”

“Kashi is it?” The blacksmith muttered. “You can call me Mace.” He gestured to the daeben as he walked to the back door. “Come with me. Let’s test what you can do.”

Kashi followed the blacksmith through the door and down a flight of stairs to an underground forge. A blast furnace at the eastern wall of the room drew the daeben’s admiration.

“Sit down there,” Mace said as he pointed to a pair of stools placed at opposite sides of an anvil. While Kashi took his seat, the blacksmith used a pair of tongs to pluck out out a piping hot metal sheet from the furnace. “Here, take this.”

Mace handed the tongs to Kashi who placed the sheet on the counter. He already knew what the next instruction would be.

“Try to beat that into a sword,” Mace instructed as he gave the daeben a hammer. “Don’t worry about your strength. I picked one of the weaker metals for you to use.”

This is far beyond the scope of a beginner . Kashi inwardly cursed at the shameless man. He should have rejected the daeben’s request instead of setting up this elaborate, round-about method.

Okay. Since you want to do it this way. Kashi instantaneously decided to go all out. The daeben swung the hammer. BAM! The loud clash of metal against metal was soon followed by another as the daeben once again struck down. Kashi’s brows furrowed in concentration as he recalled all the lessons Razznik had once learned.

That’s right. Just like Kashi was currently doing, Razznik too once sat opposite a blacksmith who taught him everything there was to know about being a blacksmith. The places to strike; the speed required; the angles at which to bend the hammer to achieve specific effects.

Kashi recalled and absorbed all the lessons, and after over thirty minutes of relentless pounding, the sheet began to take the desired shape. With a meager strength of 11, even after the training, the daeben was not qualified to deform the sturdy metal. However, thousands of strikes later, his unbending will began to reap results, as slowly, but surely, the sheet’s shape began to change.

Off to the side, Mace’s eyes nearly exploded out of their sockets. This was not on the level of talent anymore. This child was undoubtedly a blacksmith prodigy. However, some places needed refinement. For example, the rebound from the strikes were not mitigated in any way by the daeben, and his arm was forced to bear the recoil. It seemed when the daeben learned blacksmithing in the past, he was far too strong and hence did not learn the techniques for mitigating recoil.

Furthermore, the child relied too much on raw strength. He did not have too many techniques for dealing with tough metal, which was why it had taken this long.

However, Mace could see the daeben’s glaring potential through all the flaws. If he was guided just a little better, who knew how far he would go? Although Mace had seen everything he needed to judge the daeben, he did not stop Kashi’s work. Another important trait for a blacksmith was perseverance and patience. He wanted to see how long the daeben would last.

1 hour… 2 hours… 3 hours… 4 hours.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

BANG!

Mace’s eyes were the size of saucers as the daeben struck the sheet for the thousandth time.

Kashi placed the metal in a water trough, and white steam soon consumed their vision. Moments later, the steam cleared and Kashi placed the finished blade on the anvil. He looked at Mace. “Is that enough?”

Mace laughed and patted the daeben’s back. “Brilliant! Brilliant! Return here tomorrow, and we will begin your training.”

“Thank you, master,” Kashi said and officially displayed his deference with a bow.

“Good. Good,” Mace complimented with a laugh. “When will you arrive tomorrow?”

“10 a.m,” Kashi replied. “I’m also learning Leatherworking and Weaving, so I will not be able to come every day. Is that alright?”

Mace scratched his chin in thought. “Normally, I would advise you should not bite off more than you can chew, but if your skills in both fields are as good as what you just displayed, then I have nothing to fear. Rather than learning, you are training your body to get to the level it can carry out the motions embedded in its muscle memory. Do not worry. You have the status of my special apprentice. Come anytime, and I’ll pay you for your services.”

Kashi thanked his master, then exited the store. He took the chance to inspect the new skill and stat he had gained after finishing the blade.

New P assive Skill: Blacksmith (Beginner Lv. 1)

Blacksmith: A blacksmith bends the metal and crystals of the world to craft weapons of mass slaughter. In the name of Aygor god of smithing, do not sully the name of the sacred Blacksmiths!

Lv. 1: Congratulations, total noob. You can now craft an iron ingot. Be grateful.

New Stat: You Learned Crafts

A gift in comprehending and practice in Creating.

Improves when you see, hear, smell, taste, or touch exquisitely crafted items, or when you craft items from wood, metal or cloth.

Crafts adds an intimidating quality to all products.

Kashi ignored the snarky undertone in the message prompt. The AI responsible for managing Genaco’s games was notorious for trolling Summoned in the system prompts. He paid special attention to the rank of his blacksmith skill.

‘Core skills’ like archery, blacksmithing, or sword mastery amongst others, were those skills which could double as classes. These skills had five ranks. In order they were: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert, Master, and finally Grandmaster. Each of these ranks was subdivided into Level 0 – 9. After level 9 of each level, the skill would jump to the next rank. This applied to all except the Grandmaster Rank.

For a craftsman to upgrade to Grandmaster rank from Master level 9, a Summoned would have to produce an original work that the gods approved. This was much harder than it sounded. So difficult in fact that in the previous game, there were only a handful of Grandmasters in the entire world.

On the other hand, for a warrior skill to be upgraded to Grandmaster rank from Master level 9, they had to complete a challenge set up by the gods. Grandmaster warriors were also very rare, and nigh impossible to find.

Kashi shook his head. That was too far in the future to even begin considering now. More importantly, he noticed that he had gained +2 Strength, +2 Dexterity, +2 Perception, and +2 Vitality. This was perfect.

Kashi proceeded to search the city for lesser-known armorer, leatherworker and weaver (tailor) shops. He eventually found these shops and encountered similar experiences to the blacksmith shop. The tutorials and tests dragged on until late evening, and Kashi did not return to the Archery center until around 8pm that night.

Kashi entered the building, and at this point, he was already used to the loneliness. He had even found out why it was so deserted during his earlier. Turned out this was not the main archery training center. The training center for archers was located outside the town in an open range field. Although this place had a decent training center, the patrons were not qualified to hand out the archer class. As a result, there was no point for any of the Summoned to go there.

Kashi, on the other hand, had no problem with this. If anything, he enjoyed the solitude of the training facility. The daeben glanced at the two occupants at the table. This time, the tall wisben was reading a book while a brown-furred kafu (fox-man) dozed off on the chair next to him.

“You’re back,” the wisben off-handedly remarked as Kashi walked into the building.

“Busy day,” Kashi replied and walked into the training hall. Neither of the two was the conversation type, and they both returned to their tasks immediately after acknowledging each other’s presence.

Kashi picked up a heavy longbow from the wall and resumed practice. His increased Dexterity and Strength significantly improved his hand speed and accuracy as he challenged the third gallery.

The third gallery was much more difficult than the first two combined. It featured two sets of three targets lined up adjacent to each other. For the first set, Kashi had to hit the three bullseyes at the same time.

Contrary to the first, the targets in the second were lined up behind each other. When hit, the targets collapsed to the ground, but then rose back up less than a second later. Kashi was required to accurately hit all three bullseyes in rapid succession before they could rise and block those in front.

Kashi managed to complete the first set when he returned from his lessons the next day. He completed the test by simultaneously shooting three arrows from his bow. It took quite a while to get his accuracy high enough to constantly hit the targets accurately, but it was worth it in the end. He even learned a new skill.

New Activ e Skill: M ulti-Shot (Lv.1)

Multi-Shot: Fires a volley of arrows at multiple targets

The maximum number of arrows that can be fired at once increases with bow mastery.

Current Bow Mastery Beginner Level 2

Maximum Arrow Number: 4

Deals additional 4% ATK

5% Chance to Knockback Enemies

Consumes 30 Ki

The practice sessions helped increase Kashi’s bow mastery from 1 to 2, and as a result, the number of arrows he could fire increased to four. Kashi was sure the maximum number of arrows would increase by the time the practice session was over.

Before getting started on the next set, Kashi briefly logged out for about 2 in-game hours. Just enough time for Suzuki rush a 15-minute bodyweight exercise routine, use the toilet and take a shower.

The log-out system in L.N.E was strange in that it did not remove the user’s body from the world after logging out. Rather, it was like the Summoned’s soul left the body, leaving it behind as they logged off. Because of this mechanic, inns and hotel businesses in the city were booming as players sought out safe places to log-out.

Kashi had no desire to splash his limited funds on an inn room, so he logged out in the training hall. The training hall’s deserted nature and the seemingly strong Residents that were always in the lobby allayed any fears he might have had.

Kashi soon returned to the continent of Destia after Suzuki was done and quickly started the next set. The second set proved to be much more difficult than the first. Between his crafting lessons, his daily naps and once-every-three-days two-hour log out, he ended up needing four days to complete it.

Kashi completed the set when his dexterity got high enough for him to quickly fire an arrow, then grab, nock, and fire the next before the bowstring had begun to relax from the first draw. The game once again rewarded the daeben for his efforts when he finally had it down to a science.

New Active Skill: You learned Rapid Fire (Lv. 1)

Rapid Fire: Shoot off multiple arrows in quick succession. Increase in Level reduces the time between shots.

Reduces attack power (-10% ATK)

Each Arrow has 5% Chance to Knockback Enemies

Consumes 10 Ki Per Arrow

Bow Mastery (Beginner (Lv.2  Lv. 3))

Increases Attack with Bow by 25% (+25% ATK)

Increases Attack Speed With Bow By 5

Reduces Reload Time by 5

Kashi took what he had learned and challenged the Comprehensive Test. It took two days, but he finally completed the second level. On the third level, some targets were hidden behind ‘civilian’ marionettes, while the targets from the first and second level also showed up. The daeben was beginning to see why it was called Comprehensive. It accumulatively tested all the skills an archer was expected to learn. In this test, Kashi had to find a way to hit the third-level targets hiding behind ‘civilian’ puppets while dodging the ever-increasing bolts.

Kashi promptly left the Comprehensive test after failing and returned to the gallery. The fourth gallery boasted a single target moving around behind a translucent fence. This gallery seemed to get the better of Kashi. No matter how hard Kashi concentrated, he could see no set pattern, and all his efforts to shoot the target failed.

Kashi’s lessons and the Comprehensive test were the only things that managed to keep him sane during this period. He wasted over five days on the challenge, but while most people would have given up, Kashi doggedly fired on, determined not to lose.

The daeben’s persistence impressed the tall wisben who came into the practice hall and introduced himself as Serti. On the fourth day in the gallery, Serti walked into the stall next to his with a magnificent longbow. Kashi watched out of the corner of his eyes as the elf lined up his target which was also moving randomly.

With a look of grim concentration, Serti released his arrow. To Kashi's amazement, a blue light enveloped the arrow as it whizzed through the air. What happened next left Kashi staring wide-eyed. The arrow changed its course mid-air and chased the target till it hit it.

Kashi felt utterly ashamed of himself. That a gamer like him would forget the basic [Homing Arrow] was unforgivable. However, in his favor, Razznik never used that skill, so Kashi had forgotten all about it. Exhaustion from the different practices he was involved in might have also played a part.

Now that Kashi knew what to do, he tried firing off a few rounds, shouting 'homing arrow' in his mind- nothing happened. Confused, he tried again and shouted out loud this time; still nothing. The daeben kept on trying. He changed stances and positions, but it was to no avail.

Serti chose this moment to come up beside Kashi. "Think of the bow as a part of you. Envision your arrow dancing through the open air, its sole target whatever you desire. Do not force the arrow... Be your arrow."

Kashi took in a deep breath then slowly let it out. He calmly nocked an arrow and drew it to its full length. His erratic breathing slowed to a crawl, as the world around faded away into darkness, leaving him, his arrow, and the dancing target.

"Fly." Kashi did not see it, but black ki surged from his fingertips and enveloped the arrow. The arrow flew over the fence, then zipped toward its target, its zig-zag motion making it seem like it was dancing to the same beat as the target. The arrow struck the target and Kashi finally let out a sigh of relief.

Fighting Spirit level up!

Strength Increased by 1 (+1 STR)

Agility Increased by 1 (+1 AGI)

Dexterity Increased by (+1 DEX)

Vitality Increased by 1 (+1 VIT)

New Active Skill: You learned Homing Arrow

New Active Skill: You learned Keen Eyes

New Active Skill: You learned Keen Sense

New Active Skill: You learned Homing Arrow (Lv. 1)

Homing Arrow: An arrow that will chase your target to the ends of the earth. Higher levels will reduce the percentage of attack power penalized.

Reduces Attack Power by (-30% ATK)

Consumes 80 Ki

New Active Skill: You learned Keen Eyes (Lv. 1)

Keen Eyes: If the target is too far, all you have to do is look closer.

Ability to zoom in on an extended distance

Effective Distance: 50m

Consumes 20 Ki

New Active Skill: You learned Keen Sense (Lv. 1)

Keen Sense: Like a predator on its prey, your concentration blocks out all distractions leaving only your target in your sights.

Increases attack power by 30% (+30%ATK)

Restrictions: Must be stationary to use

“YES!” Kashi involuntary roared with joy as the numerous prompts popped up to inform him of his success. The past two weeks of eating stale bread, uncomfortable naps, constant low-level crafting and the stress of the Comprehensive Test had really gotten to him in more ways than one.

Kashi gathered his wits and moved on to the final gallery which turned out to be a combination of the first four. Rather than teaching new skills, it tested his ability to make snap judgments on which skill to use and when. Kashi easily completed this part in a day. When he fired the last shot that hit the final target for the tenth time in a row, Kashi released a cheerful roar as his Bow Mastery increased to four.

However, even though he was excited, Kashi knew his work was far from done. Through his multiple side jobs, most of Kashi’s stats were on point to hit the level 50 mark. The only one which had fallen slightly behind was his Agility stat. But that was because he had not had the time to focus on the Comprehensive Test.

Kashi’s apprenticeship at the different crafts shops had begun to experience the beginning of its windfall. He had reached beginner level 4 in all of these crafts, and his insanely high strength and dexterity meant he could already begin helping to crank out real craftworks like swords, armors, leather armor, and cheap hempen garments. As an apprentice, and because he was using the shop’s materials, Kashi was only allowed 10% of the profit.

However, even with that, Kashi still roughly made about 200 Syros a day, enough to go for just over 3 hours on the Comprehensive Test. Without the archery training to take up time, Kashi doubled the time he spent in the craft shops. As a result, his profit doubled to over 400 Syros a day.

Kashi’s new routine became, wake up at 3 am, spend three hours in the Comprehensive test, then got to the apprentice shops at 6 am. He would then return around 9pm at night when the last shop closed, and spend another three hours in the Comprehensive Test. Finally, he slept from 12 am to 3 am. Rinse and Repeat. The only break in the schedule was on his log out days. On those days, he sacrificed two hours from the crafts.

Kashi’s tiresome, hard work finally paid off, as seven in-game days later, he finally beat the ninth level of the Comprehensive Test. Not only that, but he also took first place on every level. The daeben could not express his emotions as the system notification he had worked so hard for appeared before him.

New Passive Trait: Golden Body!

Congratulations, you sadistic young man! Through boring hard work, you have managed to increase Vitality, Stamina, Strength, Agility, Dexterity, and Agility to 50 before hitting Level 10.

You have therefore obtained the trait: Golden Body!

Golden Body: An extra stat point is randomly assigned to one of the physical attributes after every turn.

Kashi exited the Comprehensive Test chamber and weakly plopped on the ground, with a lazy smile on his face. His sweat-soaked clothes stuck to his back but he did not care. Nothing could ever mar the joy of completing a seemingly impossible task.

Kashi took out an expensive cream puff bread from his inventory. He had bought it at some days ago in preparation of today. The daeben nibbled on it slowly, the sweet, creamy flavor a reward for his hard work and a welcome reprieve from the constant 'sand bread' he had become accustomed to.

Kashi’s physical stats were all capped at 50. There was no way to increase them any further through manual labor until he crossed level 10. And even then, the amount of work needed to raise one stat by a single level was much more difficult than these three week’s efforts. For all intents and purposes, it was finally time to really start the game.

"You completed your basic training," a familiar voice called out, interrupting the daeben’s thoughts.

Kashi looked up and saw Serti looking down at him with pride. The wisben held out a hand to the exhausted daeben.

"It was no small task. Many-a-time I feared I would give up," Kashi exasperatedly remarked as Serti helped him to his feet.

"But you did not. You've got the stuff of legends," Serti praised, with an exaggerated grin that would make anyone think he was the one who just completed the impossible task.

"It was only thanks to your generous guidance," Kashi admitted with a polite bow. He then recalled something important. "You mentioned this being Basic Practice?"

"Yes. There are several basic practice halls tailored to different professions. As of now, you are the sole Summoned to have completed one. Advanced practice halls are scattered across the continent, but I am forbidden to speak of their location. One such as you should find them easily." Serti's smile was like a pride beam. Way too bright.

Kashi noted the information. "I would love to celebrate with you, but I fear I must find a change of clothes and a shower. My appearance is unsightly."

"No worries,” Serti cheered. “I came to look for you precisely for that very reason. I humbly request you join the Hunter's Brotherhood. We are no guild mind you; just a gathering of people who love to explore the world and face its challenges. Your kind calls us clans."

Guilds and clans were one of the major social gatherings in RPG's. The two functioned in largely similar ways, but the only real difference being their membership laws. Guilds are more than social gatherings. They often had an underlying purpose (usually world dominations) and functioned like a company. Members of a guild are therefore often restricted to only that guild. Also, due to the competitive nature of guilds, someone who switched from one guild to another was often considered a traitor.

Clans, on the other hand, were the gaming equivalent of school clubs and societies. They were gatherings of loosely monitored, like-minded individuals who hung out every now and then. A member could be part of as many clans as they liked. Clans were usually not competitive, and often had broad ideals which members could attempt to emulate however they saw fit.

Kashi hesitated. "I-"

"Of course, you will not go unrewarded,” Serti interrupted before Kashi could finish his thought. “The Hunter Brotherhood boasts a few establishments in some major cities and minor towns that offer free bed and bath to our members. We also sell equipment and armor at reduced rates, share information and provide support when members need it. You would be the first amongst the Summoned to join our ranks."

Kashi's poker face betrayed nothing. In his head, however, he was rapidly calculating the potential benefits "I do not believe this one is worthy of such honor."

"It would be our honor," Serti insisted. "We need strong and willful adventurers like you on our side."

"I have not picked my class yet,” Kashi emphasized. “Is it alright for me to join still?"

"We are not the Archers' Union so being an archer is not a requirement. You simply need to love your chosen class and possess the skills to use to better the world."

Kashi finally nodded. "Then I shall accept this offer."

New Clan: You Joined Hunters' Brotherhood

Hunters' Brotherhood: A secret group that loves action and adventure, devoted solely to honing their skills in combat. Small and tightly knit, this elite group only recruit members with great promise. Rumors claim they can stand toe to toe with major guilds regarding overall strength.

Rank: Recruit

You Received Recruit's Set

You Received Hunter's Badge

You Received Map

+10 Fame

Kashi examined the prompts with a gratified smile. The recruit's set contained a set of starter gear and weapon that he chose to try on later. The map was an invaluable tool that would have been expensive elsewhere, though he bet only the areas surrounding Kerta were mapped. Last but certainly not least was Fame: This was an attribute that had various perks, including reduced prices shops and Residents talking about the player in public places.

Serti led Kashi out of the practice hall and through a secret door. On the other side was a long hallway with several doors. He unlocked one of them, gave Kashi the key and bid him adieu.

The door opened to a well-furnished guest room with a comfortable bed, table, and bath. Kashi was too tired to bath, so he dove on the bed and muttered, "Log out." The daeben’s consciousness slowly drifted away in the white stream that pulled him back to reality.

Suzuki opened his eyes as the helmet retracted and winced as a result of a pounding migraine. The young man swore to never do anything similar to that intense no-rest marathon ever again.

Ah, the joys of gaming...