Like most of the items in the trading hub, the knife didn’t have a level requirement, which Alan thought was a bit odd for a game. Most items simply had recommended skills to use them effectively.

According to my item database, only rare and powerful items rank B and above have requirements to wield. Many of those requirements are skill or attribute requirements rather than level requirements. Items are also much more important when determining one’s strength, at least compared to most games. A well geared level one player would be capable of fighting on par with a poorly geared, equally skilled level 1000 player.

Huh, interesting. I guess that makes credits much more important, and again explains their real life value, especially if all these different factions need to fund in-game armies.

Having selected the item he wanted, Alan exited the shop, invisible. He briefly considered trying to rob the place, but the shopkeeper probably had underworld connections or something along those lines. Alan also had no idea what level of security these shops had. As soon as Alan stepped outside the store, a message popped up, letting him know the Revenant Power Armor and Modified Laser Knife were now bound to him.

What exactly does that mean? Alan asked.

An unbound item rank E or above will always drop upon death, while any item rank A or above will also always drop upon death, even if it’s bound. Any bound item rank B or below will not drop upon death. Items are usually bound to a player after purchase or significant use. Items may have modifiers that affect these properties. A bound item may not be traded away or sold, and it costs credits to get an item unbound. If items are left unattended by their owner for a period of time, they also become unbound.

Interesting… what rank is the Revenant Power Armor by the way?

I am uncertain, as the item was not in the item database provided. I would guess it was rank C or B.

Alright, Alan answered, happy the Game recognized that the armor was his. He was making progress, though he still needed a main weapon. The laser knife would only get him so far.

Alan made his way outside of the trading hub, keeping a vigilant eye out for any suspicious activity, even though Eve would probably notify him before he detected anything. The rebels were up to something here; he didn’t know what.

As San Francisco is a major supply port, they are most likely attempting to sabotage the military base and supplies, Eve sent.

Huh, interesting. What do you suggest we do?

… Too many variables. There are a few clear choices, yet they would result in vastly different consequences.

Oh? What are the choices?

Firstly, we could immediately alert the military, no doubt earning us favor. Unfortunately, they may not believe the threat to be credible, and as an outsider our rewards may not be as great or we may even be detained for questioning. Additionally, the Dark Merchant would most likely revoke our black market status and put a bounty on our head. We are also uncertain what faction he is tied to.