Callum and Alexa headed for the Power Trade Centre, which wasn't far from their mansion. Since Alexa could drive, there was no need to ask anyone for assistance.
Their first stop was to meet the Skill Trading Expert Magnus had already contacted. After the quick introduction, they moved straight to the PTC.
The Power Trade Centre was a renowned trading company in the metropolitan heart of Optal Mesa Refuge. Many hailed it as the prime destination for purchasing Skill Packs, Weapons, Items, and trading Loot retrieved from the Grounds.
The structure loomed above them—a lofty skyscraper with nearly twenty-five floors, an unmistakable symbol of prestige and might.
"It's the best in Optal Mesa," Alexa told Callum as they approached, "but there are other Skill Trading Centres that are twice as good. They're just not located in our Refuge."
"How many Refuges are in Glory Expanse?" Callum asked, curiosity piqued.
"Thirteen Refuges. Optal Mesa isn't even in the top five, ranking-wise. But we're doing alright," Alexa answered confidently.
"Damn. For a city this big and advanced not to be in the top five, the higher ones must be something else," Callum nodded thoughtfully.
"And powerful too. When you've got the strongest guilds, the richest men, and the fiercest young talents... well, the top is yours by default," Alexa said with a knowing smirk.
"True that," Callum replied.
They parked in the underground lot and proceeded into the building alongside the man Magnus had assigned to them—Sir Alister.
"Sir Alister, you'll let me go with my choice, right? I've already got something in mind," Alexa asked with a hint of mischief.
"So long as it's not a mistake. You're both free to choose, but I'll be reviewing them before we make payment," Alister said with a polite smile.
Alexa nodded, satisfied with his response.
They were soon guided to the Skill Pack department—located on the tenth floor.
"Welcome to the Power Trade Centre's Skill Pack Room. How may we help you today?" a young woman in a white suit asked from behind the reception desk, her voice clear and courteous.
"We need two A-Rank Offensive Skill Packs. They'll choose individually, but I'll review them before payment," Alister said.
"No problem at all, sir. Please follow me," the lady said, gesturing warmly.
Skills in Glory Expanse came in various types—Offensive, Defensive, Dual-purpose, and Buff. Each category was vital to survival. But Magnus had already instructed them: a strong offensive Skill Pack was all they needed to start.
That's why he was ready to spend big.
"Here are the Offensive Skill Pack shelves. Feel free to inspect all packs until you're ready to decide," the attendant informed them.
Callum and Alexa were greeted by rows upon rows of crystal-enclosed skill packs, each labeled and distinct in shape and color.
Without hesitation, Alexa began scanning the shelves, her eyes darting from one box to another.
"Paramount Splash? What the hell is this?" she chuckled, dropping the first crystal she picked up.
She continued bouncing between packs, evaluating each with rapid disapproval.
Callum, by contrast, was calm and methodical, carefully reading the details of every skill he picked.
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[Skill Name]: Ice Rage.
[Skill Rank]: A Rank.
[Effects]:
-Conjure a sharp rod or spear of ice to pierce a target.
-Deals 50% Life Damage to monsters below A-Rank.
-Instantly freezes and kills monsters below C-Rank.
[Mana Cost]: 5 Mana per strike
--------------
"Nah, not my style," Callum muttered, placing it back.
Though they were advised to take their time, Callum didn't see a reason to overthink—after all, these were all A-Rank skills.
After eight minutes, he finally found his choice.
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[Skill Name]: Crimson Severance.
[Skill Rank]: A Rank.
[Description]: Channel raw energy into a weapon (or bare hands), igniting it with destructive crimson force. The user's next attack releases an arc of crimson energy that cleaves through enemies, bypassing most armor.
[Effects]:
-Defense Piercing: Ignores 30% of enemy defenses.
-Damage: 70% Life Damage to monsters below A-Rank; 100% to those below C-Rank.
-Lingering Severance: Deals 10% of initial damage per second for 5 seconds.
[Mana Cost]: 10 Mana per strike
--------------
"Cool. I'll go with this," Callum said aloud.
The Defense Piercing was especially attractive—he remembered fighting a Monkey Warrior in the simulator, a beast whose defenses were tough to crack. This would help.
He hadn't yet explored his Talents, but once he stepped into the First Ground, that would change.
Soon, Alexa made her pick as well.
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[Skill Name]: Blitz Step
[Skill Rank]: A Rank
[Description]: A buff skill that enhances offensive agility and speed.
[Effects]:
-Increases agility by 30% for 5 seconds.
-Boosts movement and attack speed during the duration.
-If the user evades an attack during the effect, it boosts to 40%.
--------------
"That's a buff skill, Alexa. You should go for a pure offensive one," Alister frowned after reviewing it.
"Then why is it even shelved with the Offensive Skill Packs? Besides, this is the one I want," Alexa retorted.
"Well... it was categorized here due to its aggressive synergy with physical attacks," the attendant explained before Alexa cut in again.
"It's perfect. With my twin daggers, I can end any monster in five seconds if my agility is boosted by 30%. Right, Callum?"
"Uhh… Yeah. Honestly, it does sound solid," Callum nodded hesitantly.
Alister paused, then agreed, seeing the logic in her build. Callum's choice was straightforward and lethal and he approved it without a second glance.
After paying $40,000 for each pack, the lady handed them their crystals.
"Can't wait to test this," Alexa grinned, fire in her eyes.
Callum, however, had only one thought:
He couldn't wait to face a real monster.
To feel the thrill...
*******
The next morning...
Magnus personally drove them to the First Ground gate at the headquarters.
A crowd of youngsters had already gathered, buzzing with anticipation.
The gate was a massive circular portal shimmering with silver-white light. It pulsed with a quiet hum—unreal, eerie... yet beautiful.
Callum exhaled deeply for the third time in a row.
As they stepped out of the car, Magnus led them toward a group wearing the Greyskull Guild badge.
Three men in suits stood with two other men who looked prepared to enter. Beside them were two teenagers—one male and one female.
The boy had short black hair and fair skin, a massive chain wrapped around his neck like a weapon. The girl, who was very much younger, held a longsword like Callum's, her eyes downcast.
The boy looked relaxed, confident. However, the girl was rather quiet and withdrawn.
"Vice Captain Magnus, we've been waiting," one of the suited men said, shaking his hand.
"Had to get my kids ready," Magnus said, patting Callum and Alexa. "I adopted a partner for her—for now, at least."
'Partner?' Callum raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, I see. I adopted that boy over there, and Mrs. Grandy took in the quiet girl. She couldn't make it to accompany her here, so she had to join us," the man said.
"Perfect. Let's send them in already. They might be running out of time," Magnus said.
"They should form a party of four. That'd be ideal," the man offered.
Magnus thought about it for a moment and agreed, giving a nod of approval.
"I brought two escorts, but since they're four already, we won't need them..." The man spoke.
The two older survivors from the last First Ground expedition had to step back since they wouldn't be needed anymore.
Magnus turned to the young four... Callum, Alexa, Jon, and Lira.
"Remember, this isn't the simulator. The monsters in there are real, and they will try to kill you," Magnus said gravely. "Stick to group raids, go for Territorial Bosses. You don't need to go deep for the Ground Boss. Trust me, even ten of you can't cut off its finger."
"Gather loot. Survive. Return before the gate closes. At least you should begin your journey back a day before the closing. You have five days."
"And no matter what happens... don't die."
With that final warning, the four stepped into the shimmering white gate and were soon out of sight.
A moment later, they appeared in a barren, sun-bleached wasteland... Just like the one they encountered in the simulator.
"I knew it!" Alexa muttered.
And in a moment, a loud voice sounded.
-----------
[Welcome to the First Ground, Apprentices!]
[Prepare for every fight, every attack, every ambush.]
[And I'd advise you not to go solo at any cause.]
[Entry No: 56,000]
[Entry Deaths: 0]
[Entry Remaining: 56,000]
[Kindly check your stats before proceeding further.]