Then, Alan’s consciousness faded…

***

Alan found himself, back at his Home, the blank, white space that was his safe haven within the Game. He stood next to the only other being there, the Administrator; staring, mouth agape, at the screens open before him.

This… this…

Yes?

These death penalties! What the hell? How is this fair? And you didn’t even mention potential memory loss! Did you know this would happen?

Yes, I did. And it was worth it. We have gained far more levels than we lost, and can earn stat points relatively easily through training.

But, the lost abilities—

Can be relearned much more easily once remembered, especially as we know how to unlock them. You will just need to run until you collapse with hypercognition activated.

Do you have any idea how painful that was!? Do you really think that… well, alright, I probably will go through it again, for the abilities, but still. Warn me or something next time, okay?

Very well. I suggest we hurriedly retrieve the package then proceed to the Black Rose Docking Bay. There are 34 minutes remaining, and we are saving ability points for the Quick Learner talent, which costs 500 ability points, thus no need to spend any now. Simply place the points you gained from the Gifted skill into agility, then respawn at the Administrative Center.

Alright... Alan agreed dejectedly.

***

25 minutes later, Alan found himself approaching the Black Rose Docking Bay. He had easily retrieved the mysterious package from the Administrative Center, no questions asked, and had proceeded to sprint all the way. He managed to make it with 10 minutes to spare.

Standing in a corner, Alan saw Kitana, conversing with a giant, grey-skinned bald man in flowing brown robes with a huge war axe on his back. Alan was about to make his way over when someone called out at him.

“So! You managed to make it, and with the package no less. Impressive work, thanks a lot.”

Alan turned, finding a man, maybe in their late twenties or early thirties, with bright blue eyes. He wore a white uniform that Alan, could, perhaps, describe as a lab coat, if scientists allowed their coats to fall into disrepair and become rumpled beyond reason. The man had a certain gleam to his eyes as he scanned over Alan, nodding to himself.