So basically I just broke the government’s monopoly? Alan asked.

Yes, Eve sent.

Alan groaned inwardly. If it's so important, how did the government let us take over the Control Point?

You are undergoing the survival test, and aren’t expected to last, Eve sent. An estimated 1% of players survive each round. And, once the test is complete it will be trivial for the United World Government to regain the Capture Point, which must be held for a day for it to actually count.

Alright… Alan replied.

Ace walked over to Alan after pulling himself out of the hole. He looked perfectly fine, messaging someone with a small black box.

“I have connections with the government," Ace said, "and if you paid reparations for the stolen rifle and returned control of Fort Point I’m sure they’d reset your reputation. They do support the growth of new players.”

Accept his offer.

“Um, sure. How much do you think they’d want?”

Ace messaged someone, then replied, “Including a tax for the… method of acquirement, they say 10,000 credits should do it.”

“Um, alright,” Alan agreed as Ace sent another message.

Shortly after, a message appeared before Alan:

Alan accepted the transaction.

Huh, so you can make transactions from wherever? Alan asked Eve.

You may transfer credits when you are in the vicinity of an Administrator, Eve sent, highlighting an Administrator in the corner of the underground room. As you are undergoing the Tutorial who exactly you may trade with is limited.

Alan thanked Ace for getting his reputation sorted out, then began walking back to the bunker.

***

Ace gazed off the edge of the battlements, watching the waves as they gently lapped against the coast. They were calming, another after-battle ritual required by his newfound powers. Maybe he should learn to meditate. He held the communicator to his ear.

"Why did you have me save him?" Ace asked.

"He could help Operation Phoenix," a digitized voice replied.

"Well, if this is the caliber of defense our Control Points have, I can see why the operation exists," Ace said.

"We're spread thin enough as it is. A single laser cannon costs as much as a set of power armor, and we have tens of thousands of points to defend spread throughout the world. Enough questions, I have further orders."

"Yes sir," Ace said.

"Continue with the plan, but watch him. I want reports on his actions."

"Yes sir."

"Dismissed," the voice said, and the communicator cut off.

"Yes sir," Ace whispered looking out at the ocean. This world was amazing, and there were so many things he wanted to do. But orders were orders. He stood up, and walked back to Daisy. Ready to continue the mission. Always.

Chapter 7

Alan examined the remains of the bunker. The top portion had been destroyed, and the stairs were covered in rubble, yet it was still possible for him to make his way underground, where Alan found Thiago, sitting next to Aphrodite and DaLong on the row of cots.