March 3, 2028. The third day the Apocalypse Online was launched. The average of the players level was Level 5, with most of the pro players already reaching Level 8.
Obtaining a quest from an NPC was the most difficult part for the average player since most of the NPC were not much different than real humans. Unlike other VMMORPG, whose NPC would just give away quests whenever they were questioned, the NPC in Apocalypse Online was quite picky.
For instance, an NPC wouldn't give a quest to a man or ugly woman, but if it was a pretty woman with a voluptuous body, no hesitation, they would easily give it away to them.
Although every NPC in Apocalypse Online could give away quest and reward exp, there would be some who would exploit players, such as signing a contract that actually enslaved them.
If a player was gullible and ignorant, they wouldn't survive in the game.
That was why Aethernova released a statement in their official page, warning those first time players to understand the game they were playing.
After all, in Apocalypse Online, you only have one character—if that one died, you'll restart, but if that one was imprisoned for life, you couldn't restart.
Aethernova even released a guide for beginners.
Max, on the other hand, had just woken up from his eight hours of sleep. It was currently 7am, so he decided to log on to the game without taking a shower or eating breakfast.
Before he slept, he took a bath just for this moment.
Once he logged in, he spent the next ten hours improving his proficiency in mana control until he finally succeeded once he reached level 10.
[You level up.
You're finally Level 10. To advance further, you must complete a class advancement.
Gaining exp at this moment, unless you acquire a Tier 1 class, will be voided.]
[Your mana control proficiency level increased.
Mana Control (Intermediate): You have developed smooth mana circulation pathways, stabilized internal mana pressure, and controlled mana compression. At this level, your mana cost during casting is reduced, you have faster spell preparation, lower chance of spell instability, and improved mana recovery rate.]
Max was visibly excited.
Under the confused gazes of the other players who were disrupted from their cultivation after they perceived Max's movements, the latter hurriedly left the mana sensitivity chamber to search for Archmage Arlen.
When he was told that Archmage Arlen was in his residence, he didn't hesitate to run towards it.
The mage trainees who gave him the information were dumbfounded. They glanced at each other in a long silence.
One of them asked, "Should we stop him first? I mean, he should know that Archmage Arlen's residence is full of traps, right?
Runes that even some of our instructors wouldn't dare to invade?"
The other replied, "Y-Yeah, he should know."
They simultaneously glanced at the direction where Max ran into and couldn't help but be worried about how Max would fare if he dared to intrude Archmage Arlen's residence without him knowing.
…
Max, on the other hand, was now heading to Archmage Arlen's residence chamber.
When he left the hall and saw the residence in the middle of lush fields, he was about to take a step forward when his hair suddenly stood on end.
His heart thumped. He hastily swept his gaze and noticed there were runes far from him being placed.
He frowned. They were far, though. So, why do I feel like I'm in danger one step ahead?
As he pondered, it suddenly dawned on him. So that trap is also a trap?
As he swept his gaze around the residence chamber, despite seeing only a handful of runic traps, he began to realize that the surroundings around the Archmage's residence chamber were filled with runic traps.
He closed his eyes, returned his foot to its previous position, and sighed in relief.
He thought. It might be better to log out now. I only have two hours left anyway.
Max decided to log out as the Archmage Arlen was stunned after amusing himself of how Max could enter through his residence when runic traps were lying around.
He was quite disappointed but suddenly forgot about it.
…
As soon as Max logged out, he felt strange there was no headache assaulting him.
Since he logged out too early, the gaming pod only needed three hours of rest.
Max utilized this time to exercise.
In fact, two days of exercise finally paid off.
He felt stronger than before and his stamina could last longer, albeit muscle aches seemed to love clinging on him.
Max spent most of his time meditating, and when there was only five minutes left, he decided to entertain himself by scrolling in social media.
As expected, Apocalypse Online became the talk. There were some statements also being released by politicians around the world about their sentiments to the game.
Most of them were pessimistic while some were optimistic.
Max couldn't help but roll his eyes when he read that a politician in the Philippines was proposing to tax the Cross-Reality Marketplace System.
The Aethernova Industries had already produced an official website, which was linked to player accounts.
He mumbled. "This money-grabbing corrupt politician.
Every single thing they see as an opportunity to steal can't escape their eyes."
As much as Max was exasperated, he didn't have a choice. It was only through the Cross-Reality Market Place System, or RMT (Real Money Trading) System, that he earned money to stabilize his financial status.
He closed his phone in frustration as he shook his head to clear his mind and decided to invest his focus on the game.
As soon as he logged in, he was still in the same position. Thankfully, there was a mage trainee who was walking in his direction.
He asked, "Is Archmage Arlen still in his residence?"
The mage trainee was quite surprised by Max's sudden presence. He glanced at his name badge and his disposition softened.
He replied in a polite tone, "He's in the Instruction Hall, currently teaching."
Max nodded. "Thanks!"
Without hesitation, he proceeded to Archmage Arlen for his first class advancement.