“No,” Xun Guan sighed. “No problem at all. I’ll find someone willing to train a non-Human, but that’s just weird. I’ll never understand some players. You’d think that, if she was going to play a non-Human, she’d at least stand up for non-Human causes.”

“I disagree with the Imperium just as much as she should,” Lucas reminded Xun Guan, “but it’s only a game. We’re just here to make something worth experiencing.”

If it wasn’t for the fact Lucas was trying to become the next evil boss of the region, no amount of pre-built racial dynamics would make him treat another person the way the Human Imperium NPCs treated non-Humans. That said, Lucas still had a few doubts if this scummy behavior his villain plan required would be worth it.

Moreover, even with his broken leveling mechanic in mind, he wasn’t sure how effective he would be as a replacement for Kegan, who was supposed to be a “big, bad boss” that players strived to beat. A few Mages could come in, the damage-heavy type of Mages, and blast him away before he got a chance to do much more than fire off a single spell. Unless they weren’t working well together as a team, Lucas thought. “Are there any Mage classes that can leverage a higher Charisma?” Lucas asked, despite the fact he knew most people never took Charisma, so there probably wasn’t one.

“Umm . . . No, not usually. Most of the Mage trainers are built around the player-designed spells, none of which require Charisma . . . but . . .” Xun Guan paused for a second, looking pensive. “I think I know what you’re looking for. Just give me a bit of time to go fetch him and the other trainer you wanted.”

“Right, and try to bring a Dark Knight trainer too. The pun-happy Human wants to be one,” Lucas added, remembering at the last minute that there was still a third member of the party.

Xun Guan nodded. She seemed to understand the nature of his plan and was apparently as eager as he was to get things started because she turned and left as soon as she was finished speaking.

“Thanks,” Lucas replied to her retreating figure. The room was empty once more since the guards had left with Xun Guan, and Lucas found himself feeling as empty as the space around him.

“Fine,” he said aloud, even though he was the only one in the room. “Shoulda done this a while ago.” He sighed, opening up his menu and logging out.

He was interrupted by a message:

Warning: Your replacement simulation boss has not yet been created, are you sure you would like to log out and leave your dungeon undefended?

Simulation boss? What the heck is it talking about? Lucas was curious, but he didn’t let the new concern delay him. He brushed aside the warning and completed the logout process, returning to the real world.