They were a few game mechanics set by the System that every player must be aware of.

First, every player could perform a trade of items as long as there was a mutual agreement between them. In the case of items that the dead players dropped during the game, those items would be treated as ownerless, and the first one to acquire those would gain ownership.

Unfortunately, these items; weapons, clothes, consumables, etc.- were not sellable at in-game shops, which was why the military ended up amassing enough surplus items from past players to equip talented players.

The things which could be traded but were restricted from trading between players were: the Rank rewards items and Survival Points.

[F rank - 300 survival points]

[E rank - 1000 survival points]

[D rank - 3500 survival points]

[C rank - 12,500 survival points]

[B rank - 40,000 survival points]

[A rank - 150,000 survival points]

A rank item could be converted/cashed out into survival points, but the same couldn't be said for survival points. Making Rank Rewards one of the most precious items in the game.

Alan accessed his inventory and reviewed his rewards.

[3x E Rank Reward]

And with a swift move, he accessed his Gamelink and selected the trade option.

[You are selling 1x E Rank Reward for 1000 survival points, confirm?]

"Yes," he affirmed.

[You received 1000 Survival Points]

[Survival Points: 500> 1500]

Next, Alan selected another function of the game: to break apart his Rank Reward.

[You are breaking 1x E rank reward to 3x F rank reward, confirm?]

"Yes"

[F Rank reward x3, E Rank reward ×1]

It was possible to break or combine Rank rewards, but both came with a loss and cost. By breaking them apart, players lose a fraction of their value, and by combining them, they need to pay the difference with their survival points.

Hence breaking his E rank in a way made Alan lose 100 survival points. But it was worth it.

With both required Survival points and Rank reward, Alan opened the [Active Skill] section again and bought the skill he wanted to get the most.

[Meditation - level 1 Mortal Realm]

[Master the secret of the spirit realm]

[F reward +500 survival points]

[Prerequisite: Spirit F]

####

[Meditation - level 2 Earth Realm]

[Master the secret of the spirit realm]

[E reward +1000 survival points]

[Prerequisite: Spirit E]

Without hesitation, Alan bought both scrolls emptying his entire points, and left with two F-rank rewards.

The Meditation scrolls were well-known among the veterans as the prerequisites to open the pathway to magic. The skills Alan needed to win this game.

"I got what I came for, what about you Nims?"

Like Alan, Nims also has a problem with survival points due to his extravagant purchases of a Job Class and Bloodline.

Alan shared his recent trade with Nims and recommended Nims do the same. As Nims evidently got talent with magic with his F+ Spirit Attributes.

Either way, Alan explained everything he knew about skills to Nims and the other three rookies before he excuse himself leaving Nims and the 3 rookies behind.

He got more important stuff to deal with and couldn't linger here anymore, but as he turned toward the exit.

Once again… Laura blocked his way with determination in her eyes.

"Wait, Mister Alan," requested Laura with a hurried tone.

"I know you have no obligation to help us and I know we will most likely be a burden, b-but the truth is I am afraid.. if you know anything that can help me… us… survive.. please tell us," she pleaded.

Alan paused and thought for a moment and said, “Fine, come find me in the Central plaza before the second round starts; I might have an answer for you then."

Worry on her face washed away as a smile bloomed as she said, "Thank you, Alan."

Alan turned around and walked away, contemplating his following plans. However, with every step, the girl's words echoed in his mind bringing back the memories of all the people he failed.

He decided to steer his way towards a certain place along the main street.

A tavern,

He stepped in and made his way directly towards the counter and ordered a drink.

"Dry Vodka Martini, shaken, not stirred."

"Certainly, Sir," said a beautiful NPC bartender.

Alan spent time enjoying the drink slowly, taking a break from the overbearing thoughts, and sipping away the stress with alcohol. He needed a bit of respite to keep his mental state in check.

The drink was great, just like a real one, but the atmosphere of the place was not so much.

The place was filled with a dozen players with expressions he was much too familiar with.

Dread and Despair

One for what they just experienced and another for the coming next round of the game.

Alan downed the remaining Martini in one gulp and left the gloomy place before it might infect him.

With his mind cleared, Alan went back on track toward his next destination.

A low-rise Renaissance-type apartment in the corner of the town. As soon as he entered the building, he was greeted by a stand-in NPC.

"Welcome Player."

"I need a room please" Alan went straight to the point.

"Player Alan D Angello, there are 120 rooms available in this building, you may choose any at your will, it's all free unless you want the special rooms," said the NPC and showcased the locations of all vacant rooms.

"No, the normal one will do for this time."

"Have a nice stay, Mr. Alan."

The NPC gave him an access card that would provide him with access to one room of his choice and Alan took one on the top floor with a great sea view.

It was a standard room for any player to rest or shower; however, Alan's reason for coming here was to use one of the functions available.

He walked toward the bedside table and grabbed a unique-looking phone.

There was a dial tone before a female voice was heard.

[Please state the name and number of the person you wish to talk with]

"Colonel Weeber, the number…."