Thiago stepped forward, grabbing DaLong’s arm as he almost struck Alan, pulling him back. “Yes, this is a game," Thiago said. "But it is also the Game, and currently, your actions don’t just affect your own standing, but our entire group’s. All of our reputations with the United World Government have been lowered, which is problematic. For now though we need to focus on the Tutorial.

"There are bigger forces at play, things beyond the scope of your understanding. We are playing for much greater stakes and you need to take that into account. If you cross the line again, and act against our interests, I will end you. I will ensure that you are hunted, unable to play the Game, by putting a bounty on your head so large nowhere in the galaxy will be safe.”

Aren’t threats punishable? Report him! Alan sent Eve.

Only outside the Game. Threats inside the Game are perfectly permissible. Now, I advise that you try to shift blame, question their interests, accuse Ace of betraying the group, providing the United World Government with the information necessary to identify you. Alan, fueled by rage, readily accepted Eve’s advice, as it also struck a chord of truth in his own mind.

“Wait, act against your interests?" Alan asked. "How am I supposed to not act against your interests when I don’t even know what your interests are? There’s clearly something that you’re hiding from me. The only reason that the United World Government was even able to identify me is because Ace over there sold them information about our group, which, if I’d been informed of, probably would have influenced my actions.”

“Is this true, Ace?” Thiago asked, turning to look at the quiet soldier. Ace shrugged. Thiago narrowed his eyes, then looked back at Alan. “Alright, whatever. We’ll discuss this further after the fight, if you manage to survive. Know that you’re walking on thin ice. Go spend your ability points or whatever, I hope you can use that sniper rifle you got. Then go make yourself useful and scout out this base. Ace can hopefully help us figure out how to capture it.”

Silently fuming, Alan walked over to the Administrator in the corner, ensuring that Eve was able to record the conversation as he spent his ability points. He had 91 points to spend. He bought the Basic skills in Energy Ranged Weapons and Energy Efficiency. As he was about to enter battle, Alan decided to put the rest of the points into agility, perception and endurance.

Alright, Eve, does this look good? Alan asked Eve, his thoughts hovering over the accept button on the screen before him.

Yes, she replied, I believe the situation warrants this necessity.

What do you mean, this necessity?

The majority of these skills are actually trainable, or acquirable. Given the information required, I could probably teach you the Energy Ranged Weapons (Basic) skill in a few days, and the Energy Efficiency (Basic) skill in two weeks. As we do not have the time or the tools required, it seems like you must purchase the skills.