After a brief introduction, Akara's expression turned solemn.
"Since you had the strength to reach this place, you have earned the right to take up your mantle. After the five heroes defeated the Prime Evils, the remaining four spent years traversing the realms to form the Human Alliance. Their goal was the 'Guardian Plan.'"
"This is not a natural world," Akara explained. "The Guardian World is a projected reflection of Sanctuary itself. It serves as our final shield. For any outsider to invade Sanctuary, they must first utterly conquer this reflection. Here, the strength of humanity is bolstered, while all external forces are suppressed."
She gestured toward the massive clock tower. "Observe the Astrolabe."
Leo looked up at the "clock." Nearly half of its intricate scales were glowing with an ominous light.
"There are five such Astrolabes. Their scales track the degree of demonic infiltration in the surrounding regions. The higher the infiltration, the weaker the world's suppression of Hell becomes. If the scales reach 100%, the Guardian World will fail, and the Legions of Hell will descend upon Sanctuary at their full, terrifying power."
"The Alliance has found one way to push back: strike down the projections of our enemies. The stronger the demon you slay, the more the infiltration recedes. Now, the Blood Moor outside our gates teems with danger. You must clear it, but beware—these monsters are far more lethal than anything you have faced."
"But you are not without aid. It is time for you to experience the blessing of this world. Let the Awakening begin."
Leo watched as the recruits were enveloped in shimmering, prismatic auroras. Seven distinct pillars of energy manifested before him, waiting for a choice. One pillar—a brilliant, steady silver—resonated deeply with the "Bear-Old-Man's" cultivation techniques he had practiced for years. Without hesitation, he reached for the silver light.
A surge of warmth flooded his body, washing away the fatigue of years of training. Ten minutes later, the silver glow receded, and Leo felt a sudden, profound sense of liberation, as if invisible shackles had been shattered.
[Ding! Class Change detected. Mini-map function activated. Open with intent.]
Leo mentally toggled the command. A familiar translucent map appeared in his vision. Except for the spot where he stood, the rest of the world was shrouded in the "Fog of War." Perfect, he thought. I'll never get lost again.
"I know you are confused," Akara's voice echoed. "But you have all completed your Class Change. Focus your mind on the need for 'Help,' and your status will reveal itself. The rest... you must discover on your own."
As the crowd began to murmur in excitement, Akara released a soft huff of breath infused with spiritual power. It rippled through Leo's mind like a calming breeze.
"Now, follow Kashya to the barracks to register and collect your supplies. The Sisterhood has assigned Rogues to guide you. Learn your new powers first; only then should you venture out."
Leo followed the crowd to the barracks—which were essentially a cluster of massive tents. When his turn came, a Rogue held out a small stone. He pressed his silver badge against it.
On the front, a white emblem of a crossed sword and shield appeared. On the back, elegant script formed: Leo, Warrior of White. The stone even projected a 3D image of him, perfectly captured.
"Lord Leo, I am Sika," a chirpy voice said. A young girl, about sixteen, stood before him. She was athletic, with milk-pale skin and auburn hair tied into a high ponytail. "I will be your guide around the Rogue Encampment."
"Hello, Sika. Please, just 'Leo.' No titles," he said, stashing his gold into his newly expanded inventory. "Can you take me to the center of camp first?"
As they walked, Leo fiddled with his badge. "What does 'Warrior of White' mean?"
"The badge shows a Class Member's potential and rank," Sika explained. "Potential goes from White, Blue, Yellow, Green, to Unique. Your rank is based on level. Every ten levels is a new tier: Warrior, then Hero, then Paragon. I don't know what comes after Level 30—I'm only a Level 20 Hero-tier myself."
Leo nearly tripped. A 'mere' Rogue is Level 20? He looked at his "White" badge and felt a pang of worry until Sika added, "Don't worry, potential isn't fully measured until Level 30."
They reached the central plaza. The clock tower was even more imposing up close. Near a massive, smoldering bonfire stood two figures: a Rogue and a young girl.
The girl wore a leather skullcap over golden curls and a suit of hard leather armor. On her chest was a badge featuring crossed claws—the mark of an Assassin. She looked nervous, her eyes darting away whenever anyone looked at her.
Leo approached. The girl flinched, stepping back. The Rogue accompanying her, sensing a "masked weirdo" approaching, immediately drew her longbow.
Leo quickly held up his badge. "I mean no harm! Are you Majesty? It's me... it's Leo."
The girl's eyes lit up with a brilliant, soulful light. She launched herself at him, nearly knocking him over. "Brother! I missed you so much! Promise you'll never leave me again!"
Leo felt a wave of awkwardness. Two lifetimes of being single hadn't prepared him for this level of emotional intensity.
Majesty eventually pulled back, rubbing her face. Leo noticed a shadow in her eyes. "Are you okay, Majesty?" He knew there was no medicine for the trauma of losing their parents except time.
"I'm fine, Brother," she said with a forced smile. "Just... a little dizzy from the teleportation."
Leo nodded, not calling out the weak excuse. "From now on, whether we're fighting our way into Hell or storming the Heavens, I'm taking you with me. For now, let's finish the tour with Sika and Debbie."
They eventually reached Leo's assigned tent. He stared at the number: 222. Well, that's a number for a fool, he grumbled internally.
"This is yours, Leo! A private tent!" Sika said, sounding envious. "I already brought your supplies over. Sister Kyoko at the warehouse gave me an earful for it, though."
Leo checked the supplies: tinder, a waterskin, and four Light Healing Potions—Akara's "small gift."
"Sika, how long has the Encampment been here?" Leo asked.
"Please do not ask that," the other Rogue, Debbie, said coldly. "That information is restricted."
Sika gave a fox-like grin. "We can't talk about it, Leo. But you could ask Lady Akara. She can see into hearts, but she's very kind."
Leo didn't push. He moved his tent next to Majesty's. Her tent number was 666. 222 and 666... together they make 888. Lucky us.
By the end of the day, Leo's mini-map was well-defined. The camp was split into six sectors:
* Northwest (Trade): The tavern and Gheed's wagon.
* Northeast (The Forge): Charsi and the smiths.
* Southeast (The Monastery): The Sisters and Akara's magical workshop.
* East (Barracks): Kashya's domain and the main gate.
* Southwest (Class Quarters): The portal and the sea of tents.
* Center: The Astrolabe, the Warehouse, and Deckard Cain's spot.
Leo set up his tent on the edge of the Class Quarters, near the Monastery side. It was quieter and carried an air of mystery that kept others away.
As he worked, Majesty sat nearby, watching him. "Brother," she whispered, "that girl Sika... I feel like there's something strange about her."