I am conflicted.
Hmm… Alan checked his experience logs. Well, based upon the experience I got from previous rounds, and for the completion of a test, I should gain 10 levels at least once this round is done, if I survive or not. How about I spend 43 of the points on stats?
That is acceptable.
Alan proceeded to further increase his agility by 13 points, and, at Eve’s request, increased his intelligence, willpower and strength by 10 points as well. She apparently wanted to test its effect on his actual ability in-game, to better optimize future attribute point allocations. Supposedly stats began experiencing diminishing returns, the point at which they did so varying from player to player.
As the bunker was now rubble, and added little to no fortification, it seemed like they would need to meet the Haxlards in open battle. There wasn’t another shield generator for sale. Thiago wanted to try hit and run tactics, if possible. To prepare for the battle, Alan decided to review everything he’d learned and the fights he’d had so far. With Eve’s help, he was able to watch each encounter from his own perspective. Eve pointed out things he could have or should have done differently. The amount of time the actual fights took up though was surprisingly little, so he also decided to try to think deeper about his interactions in the Game so far.
Was it a coincidence that Alan had ended up joining this group? The only reason that had happened was because Alan had met Kitana, who was in the same building he was. It occurred to Alan that he had never asked Kitana how she knew Icewolf. He decided to look for her.
Alan found Kitana outside, kneeling on the ground carefully sharpening her sword with a small whetstone. Alan watched as she sharpened the katana with smooth, even strokes.
She finished, gracefully laying out the tools before packing everything up with care. She looked up at Alan.
“Uh, hi, your ability with that sword is definitely quite impressive,” Alan said, hoping Kitana hadn’t actually killed anyone in real life, but too scared to ask if she had. “By the way, how do you know Icewolf?”
“Icewolf?" Kitana tilted her head slightly. "Oh, right, your sponsor. I met him the day we started the Tutorial. My sponsor, one of my previous sword instructors, was in one of the other capsules, unable to logout at the time. At least, that’s what Icewolf told me.”
“Oh, okay.” Alan felt a bit disappointed; maybe there wasn’t some conspiracy. “Well, want to pair up for this battle? I’d feel better if I had someone covering my back at melee range, and I can handle anything that’s farther away.”
“Very well.”
Alan went back into the bunker, lying down on a cot.
Hey, Eve, why doesn't everyone have an AI? Like why doesn't the government hand out personalized AIs for all its trainees or something like that?
Having a personalized AI you are able to interface with in the Game severely limits your ability to develop psionic talents and requires a specialized capsule. Additionally, based upon my analysis of current data, I am operating at a much more advanced, proficient level than most other AIs. I am unsure of why that is the case.
Okay, so the ability of Eve seemed to surpass anything anyone else had, but what was that the result of? The specialized gaming capsule? Icewolf had said there was a captain that had wanted to sell the capsule on this particular planet, but why? Who benefited from having a capsule capable of increasing the abilities of an AI on earth? Wait… Alan checked his status window.
Eve, according to the data you acquired, why are the Administrators considered a faction? As the Administrators of the Game, shouldn’t they be completely neutral?
Negative, the Administrators act similarly to a typical NPC faction in an RPG game, with a capital city, government and even guild associated with them. Not only are they the only known AI controlled faction, they are also the largest, most powerful faction. Their main objectives seem to be to simply administrate the Game, maintain balance, and enforce rules. The vast majority of space is actually considered to be unlawful, chaotic territory, while the major cities and planets are civilized, primarily based upon their Administrator presence. The information I downloaded includes little about them, though. Perhaps we should speak with the Administrator here?
Um, all right.
Alan walked over to the Administrator in the bunker. At first glance, it looked like the sort of android you’d expect in sci-fi. The Administrator had a humanoid design built with translucent, silver metal plates covering its circuitry, like a living suit of armor with wiring inside. Now that he thought about it though, Alan had yet to see the Administrator move a single part of its body other than its head.
Alan opened his mouth to begin talking with it, then, glancing at the people around him, wondered, You can hear me, right? Did you hear my earlier thoughts?
Correct, a rigid, mechanical voice responded in his head. Whereas Eve and the Administrator back at his Home base sounded female and almost humanoid, this Administrator sounded much more robotic, transferring the reply with even less inflection. I can hear you quite distinctly, traveler. I only listen to thoughts you deliberately project at me, thus I do not know any of what you thought before this projection.
Well, can you tell me what the Administrators’ main objectives are? What is your purpose, exactly?
The Administrators’ main objective is to preserve balance. My purpose here is to help facilitate the Tutorial, answering any questions that may arise.
And who created the Game, exactly?
The Predecessors and Lords of Life. You are not qualified for additional information.
How do I become qualified?
That information is classified.
Um, all right. Why do you need a capital city and guild? Can’t you enforce the rules by banning people or using various mod powers you have?
The Administrator shook its head.
All beings within the Game must follow the rules set forth when it was first created, including Administrators. We may only take administrative action once various criteria have been met, and move about using in-game transportation systems. Before in-game criminals are punished they must be caught and brought to an Administrative Center, commonly found in any major settlement. Of course, if the actions of an agent result in real life harm or permanent damage is done to the Game, that agent is immediately ejected from the Game and additional powers may be granted to us.
Ok… So, does that mean you can move about and be killed?
I may move about, but will remain here until the Survival Test is completed. If you wish, you may attempt to damage me. None of your attacks will have an effect.
Alan noted that the Administrator sidestepped the question about whether or not it could actually be destroyed, but decided not to push the issue.
Interesting. I’ve also noticed you sound different to me than the Administrator who was at my Home, is it because you’re different entities or ranks?
Checking database… requirements met. Yes, the Administrators have various ranks, for instance I am an Assistant while Home Administrators are typically Junior Executives. Each rank has a base program, but Administrators are as capable of evolution as anyone else. The base program is simply a modified version of the program you used to create your own AI, Eve.
Huh, are you talking with Eve right now, too? Alan was wondering a bit about why Eve was being so quiet.