Mathew fell to the ground and had a blunt knife against his throat. “Again.” A voice sounded as he started to stand up.

Mathew shook his head and returned to the fighting pose he was shown. “Right foot back, left forward and pointing. Knife in hand, and look at my opponent, and-” Mathew winced as he felt the rubber knife stab into his chest.

“Pay attention, or you are just going to keep dying.” His instructor instructed.

Mathew was starting to regret his weapon of choice, but when he saw his [Knives] skill rank up, he went back to training with more purpose. It’s only been two days since he started, yet he was somehow enjoying it.

It was a routine he was getting into the groove of. Every morning he would spar with knives until he was too tired to move. Then proceed to lunch. After that, he would head to the firing range and practice shooting his staff, and practicing mentally commanding his wisp.

He had problems doing both at the same time, finding his focus splitting and causing a small headache. So he had to go back and forth on tasks. He didn’t even want to try adding movement while doing them yet as that was just another task to focus on.

Mathew needed to keep training for three more days, and his plans started up. Both Leo and Zack were taken out to start Leveling up. The Commander approved groups leaving so long as one military member of a high enough rank was with the group, and a medic was with them as well.

Wolves were not the only beasts showing up, but were the most common. Bears, hawks, snakes, and any other forest critters were becoming a nuisance. Luckily, nobody has run into an Alpha named creature. At least, those who returned had yet to see one.

Mathew had a feeling the General was going to make the Hearth Crystal public knowledge, as more and more people leveled up. Otherwise he would never have allowed people to leave to do so.

The most fascinating thing was the crafters. Originally meant to lend their skills to help alleviate resource pools, they soon began gaining skills of their own related to their craft. That started causing people to bring animal bodies and other supplies they find or acquire back to them in exchange for currency.

A lot of the people like Zack have started to share their discoveries with the base, and were leading parties of their own to help people learn how typical RPG fighting groups worked.

“The core of every group has three main pillars: A tank, A damage dealer, and a support. Those pillars can be broken up to fit larger groups, which is highly encouraged. Tanks, Controllers, Melee Damage, Ranged Damage, Debuffers, Buffers, and Healers are the next tier of pillars. You don’t need one of every role, but remember your core three. Try to find people who compliment your fighting styles. You can try to have six melee fighters, but against enemies like wolves who are agile and small, you will end up hitting each other. Then if someone gets injured, now you have no healer and die.”

Zack enjoyed his role as teacher. In today’s world, RPG games were known about, so the majority of people picked up the concept quickly enough. Groups started to form and information was spreading across the base and its people.

Mathew had no doubts it was like that across the world. People cling to others for help just to survive. He had his own plans, after realizing how strong his magic was.

Yesterday he was asked to help fend off some wolves that were near one of the gates. Since he could fight at range, and guns didn’t work for most people, unless you were Leo for some weird reason.

To his surprise only a few shots from his staff and wisp could kill a single wolf with no trouble. He was able to get off a shot from each before the wolf even realized it came from him. “I am such a cheat, this is fantastic!”

Mathew started to formulate plans to fight wolves alone, but he wanted to reach Level 10 before that. So far the highest creature seen was a bear at Level 7.

Outside of training, Mathew started to wear his robes more often, as they were the most comfortable article of clothing he owned. It was nothing compared to the silk robes he had at home, but it was better than dirty jeans and t-shirts.

He also didn’t have to wear his bullet proof vest, finding the leather parts of the robes doing their job perfectly. The speed boost was difficult to get used to however.

At first, Mathew found himself running into things before he could stop. So long as he walked, he could control it, but as soon as he was running, he felt as if his body was going too fast. It was too weird for him to reliably use at first. Now he incorporates running into his daily routine.

Another two days went by when both Leo and Zack returned at Level 5. That same day, the General held a giant meeting with everyone from the base.

“Hello everyone, I am Base Commander Major General Payne.”

“So that’s his name! No wonder he is a pain in the ass to find and talk to” Mathew thought to himself.

“It has been nearly two weeks since our lives changed. Many loved ones have died, and brave heroes sacrificed themselves for others. Let us take a moment of silence to think of them.”

“Oh this guy might be good.”

“Now, I am here to bring good news, and not bring up sad memories. Many of you have reached Level 5 and are tasked to go to a Hearth Crystal to obtain your profession. I am here to confirm the rumors that we do have one here at the base. It has been kept secret for study to ensure it is safe. It has the ability to grant you a profession, and the abilities that come with it. It also comes with a Shop.”

“The shop will teleport you to a random shopkeeper somewhere from the universe. Inside you can spend your Universal Currency you have earned for items like weapons, armor, and much more. While I am allowing the public access to the Hearth Crystal, the process will be overseen by our very own Mr. Melton.”

Mr. Melton stood up and waved so everyone could know who he was.

“We have rules in place with this object, and let me warn you right now, if you attempt to claim the Crystal as your own, you will die. Several of our testers have done so accidently. While they don’t know the reason for this, we feel as if people are either too low level, or lack a certain permission in doing so.”

“Clever man. Be a shame if the real reason was leaked out, or used for a selfish purpose.”

“With that said, I have another announcement.”

A box appeared in front of Mathew.

Public Quest

Be the first to reach Level 10

Reward: 4,000 Currency

The crowd started to mumble and more and more people realized what was going on. Mathew was startled by the blue box, he leaned over to Zack. “What the fuck is this?”

“It’s a quest Mathew.”

“I know that! How did Major Payne there fucking let everyone get the same quest?”

He shrugged. “His profession maybe?”

Mathew didn’t take the General as the guy to go out and fight monsters. He was on the older side, easily in his fifties, maybe early sixties. If he went to fight, he would need help.

“I have another theory actually.” Mathew said in thought. “The Commander is the one who controlls the Hearth Crystal, what if he recieved a unique profession or skill or even ability because of it?”

Zack nodded, “Possible. Very very possible.”

Once the crowd started to quiet down Major General Payne started to talk again. “What you all received is a quest I am putting out to you all. Reach Level 10, help us learn more about our new world, and you shall be rewarded! Do your fellow Americans, husbands, wives, chilren, parents, brothers and sisters this favor. Step forward into uncharted territory. Be the next Christopher Columbus. The next Lewis and Clark. The next Neil Armstrong. I have faith in all of you. Be Bold! And above all, never forget who we are. We are Survivors! Americans! We are the next era of humanity!”

The crowd all clapped and started to stand in cheers. Mathew remained seated impressed. “I hate how good he is at this, it’s just obvious it’s all a farce.”

Leo shook his head, but was still clapping. “It got my blood pumping. What say we go see what our professions are now Zack?”

Zack was already starting to walk away. “What did you say Leo? I couldn’t hear you over the fact I am going before you.”

Mathew shook his head. “I need a cup of tea, this is too much for me today.”

Leo stood there grinning his face off as Zac sat on the ground mumbling in complaint. “It’s not fair. I’ve done so much work and my only extra profession is a knowledge based one! Come on!”

Zack was forced to take the basic soldier profession, granting him the [Hammer] weapon skill. He already had both a [Shield] and [Axe] skill, but didn’t say no to the free extra weapon skill.

“There are weapons that have a hammer and axe head on either side. Huge and heavy weapons, but I imagine one day I can get one.”

Leo on the other hand, received an Uncommon profession known as Acolyte. While granting a huge boost to Wisdom and a minor one to Vitality, it granted him the spell [Cleansing].

“I never have to shower again. Add in the fact I have [First Aid] I can clean wounds and lower the chance of infections. Oh Brown is going to be so upset.”

The spell cleansed the entire willing target. It used up a huge chunk of mana according to Leo, but it was worth it. “If Zack is right, higher wisdom means higher regeneration of mana. So I’ll have the ability to keep going over the day more than you can Mathew.”

Both Zack and Leo accessed the shop as well, however having significantly less money than he did. Leo purchased a new basic axe that had a metal handle versus a wooden one, so it should last him longer. Additionally he purchased ammo for his shotgun, which apparently was better than the earthly kind.

“I still don’t understand why your gun works. You even have a skill for it right?” Zack asked.

“Yup, [Shotguns] Novice 4. And I told you, my weapon was approved by the System a while ago.”

“Yes, but why?”

Leo shrugged. “Maybe have some faith and you can find out.”

Having the Acolyte profession basically ensured Gods were real in Leo’s mind, including the one he worshiped before The System came around.

“It’s the proof all the deniers ever needed. The text says this is a profession of those who have faith and worship gods. Why would The System give out something like that if it was false?”

“Ulterior motives?” Mathew suggested.

“Since when did it ever lie?”

“When was the last time we were able to prove half the information it claims is right?” Mathew countered.

“Classic pessimistic Mathew.”

“And here I am still alive and well today. Did Captain Henderson talk to you two?”

They both nodded. “We start tomorrow. Team six star is a go!” Zack cheered.

Mathew blinked and Leo groaned. “I told you, that name makes zero sense. Why even give us a team name?”

“Obviously I’m the main character of my own anime show.” Zack said jokingly. “My theme song has to be heavy metal. You two are in the opening too, I’m sure of it.”

“Zack, you have to stop with the weeb jokes.” Leo said. “It’s weird, and makes me feel uncomfortable that our tank thinks he can’t die if he hums a magical song.”

“Everyone knows if the main character's theme song is playing he can’t die! It’s only when the sad closing music plays when someone is going to die.”

Mathew shook his head and headed toward his dorm room. “I need a cup of tea, see you in the morning Zack.”