After scratching my chin in the wake of the crony’s sudden death, I pulled up a can of pringles from below my desk and popped it open. I munched contentedly.

‘Ah, my babies are so troublesome…’

Then I clicked on Snapper’s exclamation point.

Due to an insight in the midst of battle, Snapper has learned the technique “Elementary Shoulder Throw Lvl 1.”

Like, right in the middle of battle? He had an insight? Into what?

As I frowned at the screen, a tip popped up, informing me that there were 7 “Realms” of strength in the game, each realm divided into 9 mini levels, 1-9. The realms were, in order, Elementary, Profound, Earth, Sky, Heaven, Sovereign, and finally Divine. Either your body or cultivation could improve through these realms, but it didn’t really say whether it was possible to do both.

“So after you get to the 9th, you just go up to the next realm? Seems simple enough. But the naming sense…”

Another tip appeared, telling me that aside from the realms of strength, there was something called a Combat Rating, or “CR” associated with each, which displayed a better approximation of someone’s actual strength. CR took into account both body, cultivation, and techniques.

“This is getting complicated…” I rubbed my forehead and ate another pringle. “But basically, higher is better right?”

Suddenly I remembered that InnerSectDed13 had told me to send him a message after I finished setting everything up. Looking at the clock, I blinked. I had been playing for a half hour already? Then I looked back at the screen. Another exclamation point had appeared above Snapper’s head.

‘Well, I’ll message him after I get this all sorted out…’

Feeling frisky, I clicked on the exclamation point above Young Master Peebles.

Young Master Peebles had initiated a bond with Snapper. That bond is “Mortal Enemies”. Young Master Peebles shall not rest until Snapper breathes his last.

Well, that’s less than ideal. My turtles certainly aren’t getting along with each other well… Maybe it’s due to their personality…?

I clicked on Snapper.

Due to experience in battle, Snapper’s body has reached Elementary Lvl 2!

A small menu popped up. A tip explained it, but it really wasn’t necessary. Things like health and happiness were there, but also importance to the sect. Snapper’s was currently listed as “Low”.

On the side, I clicked a button and brought up the combat statistics. Cultivation: E 1. Body: E 2. Techniques: 1. Shoulder Throw E 1. CR: 4.

Oh my, combat rating 4?

A tip gave me a key shortcut to bring up the combat statistics over all my turtles, and I did that. I scanned around. Basically, everybody’s body cultivation was 1. Dr. Slowand was 2. Derek Shelley was 3. I suppose that made sense, they were the current “leaders” within my small group, even if it has devolved into infighting…

What was most surprising was that Madam Shellton had a body E 4. Certainly a training maniac. I checked for her CR, but there were only question marks. Maybe it only records after a fight?

Madam Shellton’s exclamation spoke about the honor of the red-eyed turtles, and demanded I make an example of Snapper. Dr. Slowand asked whether he could use the dead body for his… research.

Honestly, I briefly considered saying yes to both of them, just to avoid the hassle, but as I watched these little turtles, they began to grow on me. If I could, I wanted to protect them. And defiling a body… it was hard for me to believe that it would be without consequences. Even if I bet there was a chance of a huge payoff..

But I didn’t worry about Dr. Slowand, he was still happy with me for accepting his initial proposal, so he took my rejection now well enough. Madam Shellton would be a bit more delicate…

....Or maybe not. She seems close to Young Master Peebles. Is it possible that she’s a worried aunt or something…? If so, then a more aggressive approach might be more advantageous.

“Hmph, you talked earlier about gambling the lives of our youth to find talented individuals, and now when one appears, you ask for his head? I’m appalled. He is strong, this Snapper, stronger than all save yourself, Madam Shellton. You wish to execute our second strongest warrior? Just because of the death of riffraff?”

After I sent the response, the small turtle that was Madam Shellton folded her arms across her chest, looking distinctly like she was thinking. Before she could respond-

Could she respond…?

-I sent another message. It was time to offer the carrot.

“Additionally… all great geniuses need fertilizer. I have noticed Young Master Peebles, and I believe that he has potential. But he needs… strife, challenge… perhaps a rival. Do you take my meaning, Madam? Snapper is a tool, like any other. Do not let emotion cloud his possible uses.”

Seemingly placated, Madam Shellton turned away and began whispering with Young Master Peebles. The turtles went about their business. Training lightly, gathering wood and herbs. Sighing, I opened up the messaging client and looked for InnerSectDed13.