Glancing outside, all Alan saw in the direction of the tent was smoke and debris. The constant gunfire returned. Looking upwards, Alan saw two small dots approaching. Whether they were ally or enemy ships, he had no idea.

They are of an unknown force, failing to give any identification. Thus it is likely they are rebel forces, Eve sent, answering his unasked question.

So, you’re just answering what I’m wondering? Wait, don’t answer that. I need to figure out where to go from here… what am I supposed to do? Actually, this is a game, right? Maybe this is actually part of the tutorial.

Question unclear, under whose directive are you supposed to—

Stop. Don’t answer rhetorical questions.

Yes sir.

Okay, if I try to go out there and fight what is the likelihood I’ll survive?

Should you attempt to engage the rebel fighting forces I estimate your survival rate to be 3.2%. Should you find a weapon, I estimate your survival rate to be 1.6%.

What? Why is my survival rate lower with a weapon?

You are more likely to be seen as a threat.

Uh okay… do you know anything about what happens if you die in the Game?

Unclear. Various sources cite loss of items, abilities, experience and currency.

Experience? Wait, what’s my level now?

Three. That does not matter right now, continue hiding.

Standing behind the hangar door, Alan tried to calmly observe his surroundings. Everything was so lifelike Alan had forgotten he was in a game. The world, the other people, his own body, everything felt exactly like it would in real life. He could smell and even taste the smoke that was in the air now. Each gunshot was a loud shock to his mind. With a glance, Alan noticed he’d been gaining experience for his actions, and for Eve’s. That meant if he killed a few rebels, he’d probably get experience too… only he’d probably die trying to do so.

Status screen, Alan thought.

His status popped up, along with a 360° picture of himself. He was shown having 100% HP, 89% stamina, free of disease. There was a tab for skills, but none were listed.

Where are the stats, the points I should be able to distribute now that I’ve leveled? Alan asked Eve. The Game is supposed to have character development like an RPG, right?

Unknown. Most likely this is to be explained in the Tutorial.

Well, what should—

A message popped up in front of Alan:

Once he read the message, another popped up.

A small icon appeared on Alan’s map, a spaceship of some sort, probably the Grasshopper.

Well I guess that answers that question… Lead the way, Alan thought.

A green line appeared on the ground, showing him a path to the ship. Glancing outside, Alan saw a few soldiers in mechanized armor running past. They appeared to be holding laser rifles.