Lana climbed out of the tree and called her friends to the table.
"Okay, we have a few things to talk about. You three," pointing to the boys, "need to be playing that game. We need to see how much it costs. Also, we need to schedule training with Kattie and Almin for me. I would like to suggest Kattie and I do training together while the three of you use the game. What do you guys think? Any other suggestions on that?"
Almin commented, "I think it sounds fair since the three of use can use the game and you won't get as much from it."
There were nods around the table.
"There is another thing I have been thinking about. That is the purchase of food items, which is highlighted even more now. If we are spending money on a game to get stronger, it may be best for you to not purchase meat. We can make this decision once we find out how much the game costs but we need to think about it. There is the issue that all three of you need ability books yet may end up spending all your money on the game. I would like to propose that points or not, when we do our portal outings, we focus on getting crystals to buy the books you guys need. We can look for used books, of course. They are rare and go quickly when posted but we need to do the best we can. If you can learn new skills with your ability through the game, all the better. You will have the best luck with that Dobin with your ability being so common."
Alto chimed in, "You are the highest level. Is it really fair to you if we get the goods from portal events when you will be pulling more weight?"
"Is the team going to get stronger if I'm the only one who benefits?" They all looked thoughtful. "We are stronger as a team than as individuals which means we should grow together as well. So far, we have been getting along very well. I know it's only been a week but I have high hopes for us. We grow together through experience and books when we can get them. Sound good?"
They all agreed.
"Alright. With lunch over, if you want, you can go to the store and stop by and check the price of that game. Also see if there is a schedule. Can you book a time each day to ensure you can always get in? Please find out and we can go over at some point and put money on your accounts."
Everyone smiled and left Lana to her own thoughts and lab. After looking around the lab, Lana decided her best bet was to simply study rather than jump neck-deep into doing science. Maybe then she could figure out where she went wrong. Also, she needed to fully understand how to conduct scientific studies so they could be published and she would be taken seriously. At the same time, would getting herself known be beneficial? She had yet to decided that. She also had the problem of Pucket plaguing her in the back of her mind. She knew he was a first-year like herself. He did not attend the elemental class or Dobin would have seen him. Where was he and did he aim to come after her again? She decided to send a text message to Logan.
Can you look in the directory for Pucket? That is the only name I have for him.
After a few moments, Logan replied.
No Pucket found. Any description?
None… I don't know if he changed anything yet.
She sat down and tried to decide her next course of action. Learning more about fighting just became even more important. She didn't want to go bankrupt in a game, though. She would need to spar with an actual person. This meant there may be broken bones. She picked up the book she borrowed from the library, set her notebook right next to it and began studying.
She didn't even realize where the time had gone when she heard people approaching her. She rubbed her eyes and flexed her fingers.
Kattie spoke first. "We decided to all try Power Fighter. It was pretty interesting. The guys all got accounts. It costs 10 credits an hour, minimum of one hour. You can reserve slots. The ones closer to the end of meal time are the least available. Meal time is almost always available."
"We can load credits to their account?"
Kattie nodded.
"Why does it feel like you were gone for so long?" Lana asked.
Kattie looked a bit bashful, "I paid for two hours each and we still needed to go to the store." She handed over the groceries. "We decided since my family gives me money as well as what I get from the school, I will buy the food from the store so the others can use their money to pay for the game. It is way too important to not invest in their combat ability."
It was Lana's turn to nod. She looked in the bags, "you guys bought several days' worth of stuff!"
"We thought while things were settling down and the guards are out in full force, we should really focus on increasing our skills and abilities so we decided only one trip to the store a week. We will keep it on Saturday just because we went today. We only need meat a few days a week anyway."
"I learned a new skill in the game today as well. I'm wondering if I can learn that way instead of you getting me the next book and risking yourself and others that way," Dobin said.
Lana nodded, "we can also sell those two books and put it toward the fund for higher ability books. Regardless, we will need to buy everything over 4 unless I can procure something. I'm also thinking of asking if I can open my market stall early. That will bring in more as well. I'd like to bring four level-4 people with me on this portal outing. Do you guys think it's possible between the class and the game?"
Some looked confident while others were not so sure but it was a goal. "Also, especially for Kattie, I don't want anyone to go anywhere alone even with these guards out. The bullies may get emboldened after recognizing patterns. Remember, they are not stopping bullies, just first-and second-year altercations." She saw nodding heads all around. "I think for this weekend, I'll stay in my room and study. There are things I must know before I continue on anything." She cooked dinner then they all went back to their rooms.
On Sunday, the whole team followed her lead and stayed at the dorms. For meals they went to the girls' rooms then resumed their studies. On Monday, they went to class as normal and after dinner they all went over to the VR center. She put 70 credits down for each Dobin and Alto, set to charge her card every week so she would not need to return.
At the beginning of the third week of school, Lana was feeling confident she could remember the image of the plant to heal bones as well as what the chemical inside was that facilitated healing. She had another day of working with Dr. Hayley and even worked longer than her allotted class time to help gain more experience. She and the others were getting quite tired of staying around the building anyway. Their time on Power Fighter was helping them alot and they had all grown stronger. It wasn't a growth that was measurable but they could tell something had gotten better within them all. They now all thought level 4 in 3 months would be a very difficult task to complete. Kattie and Lana sparred while the boys were in the game.
After they ate lunch, Almin suggested they all take a walk in the park. It was a Sunday so there was no class. They started walking along a path that went along the wall then ventured into a more dense area of the park. Lana was having trouble concentrating because it felt like the trees were yelling at her and her ears hurt. She leaned on the nearest one for support while her friends showed concern and looked around for the threat but could see none. Suddenly she heard evil laughter in the trees. "Is that Pucket?"