"So," Alan said.

"So," Thiago said. "Do you want something?"

"Yes, I want to know why you wanted me left behind," Alan said.

Thiago shrugged. "We didn't even know if you were still alive, and we had to take the fort quickly. From how the fight turned out I was mistaken to have dismissed you, but there were more pressing concerns."

He's lying, Eve sent.

"You're lying," Alan said.

"Are you calling me a liar?" Thiago stood up, walking over to Alan.

Alan calmly stared back. "Yes."

Thiago hovered over Alan for a second, then smiled. "Good, because I am. Now go about your business." He turned his back to Alan, walking back over to Aphrodite and DaLong.

Alan shook his head, then began to browse all the items, as he now had a little over 16,000 credits, worth an amazing $160,000. He recalled the prices from the Trading Hub, and realized every item in the bunker was overpriced. There weren’t even any items that were direct upgrades to the gear he now had, just side-upgrades, such as weapons more effective against machines, or armor that could take a much larger beating, but lacked an invisibility function.

Alan proceeded to the Administrator to spend the 91 ability points he’d gained. He scrolled through the list of abilities, examining a few new ones that were now available to him, but none stood out. Alan wished he’d saved additional points so he’d be able to purchase the Talented ability, but he’d gone into the battle not expecting to survive, and had placed all of the remaining points into his stats.

So, what do you think, should I upgrade my stats? Alan sent.

I am conflicted.

Hmm… Alan checked his experience logs. Well, based upon the experience I got from previous rounds, and for the completion of a test, I should gain 10 levels at least once this round is done, if I survive or not. How about I spend 43 of the points on stats?

That is acceptable.

Alan proceeded to further increase his agility by 13 points, and, at Eve’s request, increased his intelligence, willpower and strength by 10 points as well. She apparently wanted to test its effect on his actual ability in-game, to better optimize future attribute point allocations. Supposedly stats began experiencing diminishing returns, the point at which they did so varying from player to player.

As the bunker was now rubble, and added little to no fortification, it seemed like they would need to meet the Haxlards in open battle. There wasn’t another shield generator for sale. Thiago wanted to try hit and run tactics, if possible. To prepare for the battle, Alan decided to review everything he’d learned and the fights he’d had so far. With Eve’s help, he was able to watch each encounter from his own perspective. Eve pointed out things he could have or should have done differently. The amount of time the actual fights took up though was surprisingly little, so he also decided to try to think deeper about his interactions in the Game so far.