Brett and his guildmates purchased an inn that's been long abandoned in the corner of the city, forgotten. The entire neighborhood was- for the most part. It would seem abandoned to those who had not spent an afternoon there.

  ...Squatters and bandits could be seen running about. Mostly ignored by the cities law enforcement. They received some looks, but were mostly left alone.

  A player who was trapped on the first day would be confused about how they made so much progress so quickly. How could they possibly already have made enough money to buy property in a city?

  The thing is... Their group had reviewer copies of the game. Which allowed them to play an entire week before the official release.

  And even those who didn't have a review copy- were playing almost a week before they were trapped. Leveling fast, running around doing quests like clearing out a cave of goblins, or killing giant sewer rats. Then they started recruiting people who were trapped.

  The moment it all happened, Brett was numb. He fell back into his natural position as guild leader and used the skills he's gotten over years of keeping his band of chuckle-fucks together. His co-captain Miku helped. They sent out members to search for players and bring them back here. This would be their base of operations while they try to figure out what happened. And look after each other while they figure out how the respawn system had changed.

  None of the players who died in the dungeon have returned, and the way they died made it hard to believe they could come back. But surely the game hadn't executed them. Could it even do a thing like that? Kill them in the real world?

  He doubted it, they were probably stuck in between respawns. Which was horrific, but better than actually dying. The though made him want to throw up.

  He sipped his water. Thirst and hunger were things now, another change. Among countless other things. His hair grew, he had a five o'clock shadow and he needed to shave. He sat in the main section of the inn, a tavern like area. Many of his guildmates were here. Discussing. Consoling each other. It was somber in the guilds base that day.

  After the fuck-up at the dungeon Brett went straight to the king and in a panic told him everything about their situation. All of it. This world being a game, them being trapped. Of course they didn't believe him, but at least the acknowledge the humanitarian crisis and agreed to help find other players. To look after them, and in return- his group would use their abilities to aid the kingdom.

  It was all... So surreal. He was a man between worlds, fulfilling his role, but also having to take it seriously for once. This wasn't a game any longer- he was a bonified guild leader! If he messed up- people could get hurt. They looked to him for answers. He had to find them.

  The sense of duty he felt before- to look after a bunch of gamers- now he looked at the same group and saw desperate faces.

  "You doin' alright Brett?" James asked him, he was behind the bar cleaning a wooden flagon. There were a hundred of the things that were abandoned and needed to be cleaned.

  "Yeah..." he looked into the flagon and saw his somewhat familiar face looking back at him. He did look like himself, mostly. "It's just, we need to restructure things a bit."

  James placed another flagon on the shelf and took another one- clearing away the webs that held it; "You're telling me. Half these kids have never done a days work in their lives... It's a wake up call honestly. It's weird having to clean things, without a drone flying about doing it for you..."

  It was true. As Brett looked around, he saw displeased faces of his guildmates who were on their hands and knees wiping down the wood. Others who had some knowledge of carpentry were cutting out dry-rot and replacing beams of wood.

  He sighed; "We need real structure here. Organization. You've been doing a good job of running this place, but we need people who aren't afraid to fight."

  And there was the problem. After seeing half their guild turned to red paste- people were apprehensive about doing something like that again.

  He would have to be one of them at least. To make an example. He had no combat experience either- but he had levels.

  "So what are you going to do? Start doing quests?" James asked, "Yeah... It's scary as shit. But we won't do anything we won't absolutely crush... Let people know I'm looking to put a team together. Everyone contributes. But those who join my team only have to worry about one thing- becoming stronger."

  James nodded. "Sounds good cap'n. I'd join myself but I think I'm needed here.", -that was true. It was odd to see such a gentle yet massive person delicately cleaning and asking about people.

  James was one of the main calming influences in the guild- a real home maker. He'd be best used at the inn... Maybe they could even turn it into an actual inn- and why stop there? They could get other businesses in time.

  But Brett could think about that later. For now there was only one thing he knew how to do. And that was organizing his fighters for missions. He knew the lore of this world. He studied hours. His gaming guilds always attracted the most famous gaming journalists so he even had insider information about the games mechanics.

  No ones finished this game before- if it could be 'finished'. But he had an idea, what the themes and lore suggested they wanted players to do. It had something to do with this worlds gods. To ascend to the highest levels and shift the balance of power among them and force the world to change in their favor.

  There were gods for criminals, or even monsters. And if he wanted to escape this world- perhaps they'd have to appeal to a god that wanted them out.

  It was a reach- but it was somewhere to start at least- mission one; talk to a god.

  Miku stomped down the stairs in his heavy armor. Of course, they call him he, but he's playing as a woman. Like many of his degenerate guildmates. He loved his guild- but sometimes they frustrated him that way.

  "Why are you in your armor Miku?" Brett asked. Miku gave him a look of 'duh'; "I'm going to the adventurers guild to see what needs to be done. Something easy, safe. Level up until the dangerous stuff is safer, then do that. Until this game is easy mode. Then make us a bunch of money so that any people we find can kick back until help comes." he said it quickly and matter-of-factly.

  Brett blinked a few times. "That was exactly my plan.", Miku laughed; "That's why you're the captain! You coming along?", Brett nodded and stood up- then turned to James. "Let others know we're putting together a team for combat quests. Not that I think many will sign up..."

  James shook his head; "I wouldn't be so sure, we got some crazy ones!" Brett laughed at that as he left the inn.

  Miku and he walked through the city streets. They'd collect a number of 'safe' jobs, pick up some supplies, and see how many of his guildmates were crazy enough to risk their lives in a virtual world.

  ---

  Theo and Violet were herded towards the guilds main base by Carlton. He had been teaching them about magic- his specialty. Even though he was dressed in blue jeans and a white t-shirt, he was a powerful mage. Which interested Theo greatly.

  The idea of blasting people from far away with some over-powered spell intrigued him.

  But it turned out, casting spells was hard. There was a reason most NPCs were just fighters or crafters. The magic system was complex and utilize aspects of calculus and these things to control spells. It used math. Bleh. That essentially crushed Theos dreams of becoming a powerful [Mage].

  Violet was about as lost as he was. Academia was even more rare in her world than his. And knowing such advanced maths obviously escaped most people.

  The asian man dressed in plain clothing stopped outside the main building in the center of the 'village'.

  "Remember, there are some items that could make it possible Theo. Just keep an eye out- just because you're not a mage, doesn't mean you can't use magic. Keep your head up buddy." he patted him on the shoulder.

  "Thanks Carlton. You said my grandma wanted to talk?" Carlton nodded; "She wanted to talk about your forms I think. She'll be about in a minute. How are you feeling Violet, you seem... Sad?" he asked after a moment of consideration.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  Violet starred daggers at him in response. He threw his hands up; "Well I better get back to the library. I got classes to run. Later guys!" he turned and left.

  Theo and Violet sat on the front-stoop of the veranda that surrounded the wood paneled building. He kept peaking at her in his peripheral vision carefully. She's been prickly all morning. Which admittedly isn't unusual for Violet. But even for her she's been uncharacteristically abrasive.

  After a few minutes his grandma stepped out of the double doors, smiling brightly when she saw them.

  "Let's do your fortune!" she said enthusiastically.

  "No 'hello'? No- 'Hi! Sorry about leaving you to train with a psychopath!' first?" Theo asked, a bit irritated. He was angry for having to run through a swamp and fight a dozen guys like a 1980s action movie. But he was mostly angry about how Violet was treated. Not only was she tortured, she was forced to kill as well. One day he'd get revenge on Rose for that.

  His grandmother nodded knowingly. "Rose is eccentric, but her methods are safe. And effective. Which is the combo to have in this game. Survive, become stronger. In that order. Sorry.. I didn't know she'd let you fight actual guards! I talked to her- she won't be doing something so extreme with trainees in the future... That you can be sure of!"

  "That's it?" Violet asked. Theo was surprised she talked.

  His grandmother shook her head. "It has to be Violet... I'm sorry for what you've been through- but grow up. You're not the only one who's suffered, you have no idea what Rose has been through. She wanted to help prevent you two from ever having to go through what she has. Sometimes she goes too far and we have to reel her back in. But try to understand. Or don't, doesn't concern me."

  That was unlike his grandmother. Theo had a perplexed expression and Violet seemed to of expected it.

  "Violet does concern you grandma because she concerns me." he said through gritted teeth. He was trying to control his anger- having a disagreement of this level with his grandmother was unusual for him.

  The Baba Yaga narrowed her eyes at him.

  "It's fine, Theo. I don't need you to protect me. -She's right, what I'm upset about is mostly my fault. And besides, I made my choice... I'm going back to Soma."

  Theos mouth dropped- "S-Soma! But the Maltons are looking for you! Not to mention all the other people you've stolen from-", Violet rolled her eyes and put up a hand between them.

  "Just back off, Theo. It was cute at first, but really what did you expect? You're a [changeling], a monster. And I'm a [Thief]. I've got better things to do than constantly look after you." she said so, but she wasn't looking at Theo when she said it.

  She's always been a bit prickly, but that sent Theo over the edge. She would leave? After everything? She was one of the main things that made this world seem real to Theo.

  His reptile teeth clacked as his mouth snapped shut. "If that's how you really feel than the feelings mutual." he said sternly. It's not as if he hadn't been looking after her this entire time- but he's definitely helped her. It was annoying to him to go unappreciated for so long.

  "Whoa, whoa, relax you two! Jeez.. let's not say something we'll regret... If you want to leave Violet, you're no prisoner. But Theo is right, Soma is dangerous." Samantha took a deep breath and stepped between them. They were glaring at each other.

  Violet scoffed; "Dangerous for you maybe. I know the place, it isn't the first time I've been chased out. I am a [Thief]. I'll go about to the thieves guild. Change my face like Theo does. Whatever it takes."

  Samantha smacked Violet on the top of the head with her staff. "Hey!", Violet clenched her fists but was greeted with a staff menacingly close to her face;

  "Jesus you're irritating. I don't know what Theo sees in you... Fine. Make shitty choices. That's your right. But first- we'll read your fortune. It'll help you level. And also, we'll get you to the border at least with some gear. You did look after Theo for a bit, or so he says, so I can help you a bit."

  "She got in the way about as much as she helped- getting captured and all that.", Violets mouth opened as if she was about to speak but Theo finished quickly; "-But sure. You said that- you read fortunes? Like that cold-reading thing from the real world?" Theo asked. The Baba Yaga grinned- "What kind of self-respecting [Witch] can't read fortunes?"

  ---

  After their somewhat heated discussion, they found themselves around a small circular table. Or at least it felt small, Theo and Violet were just about leaning away from each other as they faced the Baba Yaga.

  She had taken them into the largest building to a secluded room that was dimly lit. All the light was provided by a candlestick with many arms that stretched upwards like a tree of candles.

  On the way Violet was sure to remind Theo who rescued who first. And that had sparked another argument. Samantha felt like a bomb diffuser the entire time.

  She shuffled some cards. They were black with deep red livery of a leafy design. On the face of each card there was different art. Sometimes it was a person, or a place depicted. Sometimes just a singular symbol.

  Her [Tarot] skill had improved. It required cards now, in any case they were guided by the Legion. But the difference was the cards sustained the questioning and even if your questions weren't good- the cards had a way of telling you what you needed to know.

  And the bones only worked for her fortune.

  "Now, the rules are simple. Don't touch the cards. Don't ask any questions but one at a time- it can confuse the ritual. And try to word them correctly." she told them.

  She laid the stack of cards on the table, and the candlelight flickered.

  "This is kinda creepy." Theo said after awhile. "It's supposed to be creepy. That's why it's cool." Samantha cackled, then became very serious. "Now, Theo first. What would you say your primary goal in life is? What do you not have now that you want?"

  Theo thought for awhile. "It'd be nice to have a over-powered spell, or some way to protect myself."

  Samantha shook her head. "No, I mean bigger than that. What is your purpose?" she asked intensely, leaning forward over the table. She could've gotten a job doing this in real life, stuff like this was tough to automate.

  ...He had no idea how to answer a question like that. There were many things. Just to exist, his instinct to survive was enough. He was never drawn to anything specific.

  "I guess world peace. For one, I'd be loved by everyone as a hero. For two, who doesn't create world peace and not become rich for it? For three, I'll be safe- because again, world peace. And...",

  Samantha laughed, "You're so predictable Theo!" she wiped a gleeful tear from her eye.

  "Who wouldn't want world peace! Come on!" he looked towards Violet temporarily forgetting their beef, but then remembered and looked away embarrassed.

  "I'm not making fun of you! It's adorable!" she patted his arm, he pulled away in spite- "What's it have to do with my fortune anyhow?" he asked.

  "It's good to get your thoughts orientated, if you're not focused neither will the ritual be. Now, Violet?" Samantha looked at her expectantly.

  "...I'm focused." she said after a moment. Crossing her arms and leaning back in the chair. But Samantha just kept starring, until Violet deflated and sighed; "Ugh.. I guess to make lots of money for something I need to do." she said. Starring pointedly, almost as if to say; 'And that's a lot more than I needed to tell you so don't dare ask for more.'.

  "Alright! Theo, first card! Here we goooo~" she made mocking 'woo' sounds as she lifted the first card from the deck. They glowed a moment just before she reached them.

  She quickly flipped it up and it made a satisfying 'thwap' sound. The Baba Yaga arranged the card on the table carefully. The image was a solitary symbol centered on the card. It was a heart.

  "Pfft- Well that's embarrassing." Samantha said stifling a chuckle. She quickly forced herself to be serious and before Theo could ask anything she snatched another card. 'Thwap'

  The second card was placed. "Amazing." Samantha said. It was a horde of random people climbing over a cathedral in desperation. It was painted as if it was done during the renaissance period. They were reaching to a glowing light at the roof of the massive building.

  'Thwap!' she flopped another card next to it. The last card.

  It was a skeleton playing a fiddle while it danced, alone in the moonlight.

  "Hmm..." she pondered and starred down at the cards. Each time she asked the question eternally. The only question that mattered, at least in terms of triggering her boon.

  "Wha-" Samantha rose a hand quickly stopping Theos question. "No questions!" she chastised him.

  A heart. A swarmed cathedral. A dancing skeleton bard.

  [Yes... This one. He is weak, but pure of heart. A rarity, in times of war a man like he is sought after seldomly. his crime only in lifes' brevity. His heart his the worlds envy, and when he is lost the masses see him with clarity. To grow, he must confront that which pesters him endlessly.]

  A voice only Samantha could hear sounded. The familiar ghostly tones, it was much more cryptic than when she reads her own fortunes... But she accepted it as a limitation of the ability. It was clear enough what it meant.

  Theo was a people pleaser. Too kind for his own good. And if Samantha wanted him to be the leader he had the capability of being, she'd have to push him to stand up for himself. Perhaps starting with Violet...

  The Legion said some, but that's not all the fate that she saw in the cards. There was more to it than what they told her. The heart for example, it didn't only represent Theos innocence, or else it would've been a lamb card. This one had more nuance she was sure.

  And the skeleton bard didn't just represent self-sacrifice. The cathedral was the most nuanced card of all. Legion seemed to interpreted as people only appreciating people like Theo when they're gone. But this seemed bigger, world changing level torat card.

  She felt that this meant that Theo had potential. Massive potential. She had to look at him, then back at the card in disbelief.

  Theo looked at her curiously, waiting for her to tell him what they meant. Even Violet leaned forward to hear.

  "Yep. That's pretty good. No problems here. You're a bit of a pushover Theo, of course we all know that..." she said after awhile. Violet nodded knowingly. And Theo looked between them affronted by the insult. She considered telling him more about what the 'heart' meant, but decided she could do that when they were alone later. It would be embarrassing to reveal that here.

  The Baba Yaga coughed and continued; "But not a lot of people are so content with things, you're pretty durable when it comes to hardship. And people look to you for a sense of... Calm." There was a more extreme word for that but she didn't want him to get a big head. The fortune only referred to the potential of his future self.

  "It says that you have a good chance of wasting your life expecting others to love you just because you're nice to them.",

  "What? I'm good for goodness sake! I mean, it makes sense... But- what, should I be more of a prick? Am I too nice? How's that a thing?" he was taken aback.

  ['Witches Fortune' Permanent 20%XP boost in primary class gained]

  Theo blinked. "Xp boost?" he asked. Samantha grinned; "Yep. That's the main benefit of this. But it's true you know! If you don't learn to change your habits, you'll never grow as a person. It makes sense. My fortune just kind of points them out so you can work on it."

  "20% is busted though."

  Samantha nodded knowingly. "It's the main advantage our guild has. It was my level 50 skill. Trust me, it has a way of balancing itself."

  "-I'll take it too then. A boon like this might be sufficient payment for all the trouble..." Violet said, pretending not to be eager. The Baba Yaga cleared the cards from the table and shuffled the deck.

  'Thwap'

  It was a more streamlined fortune than Theos. This world was created to make players feel like main characters. It wasn't surprising a players fortune was grand, they were capable of a lot. This guild was proof of that. The fortune had terrible meaning. She know from the first card, and she rushed through it.

  Violets' first card was a desert oasis. Tropical plants and palm trees sprouted out in the middle of a desert with a cerulean pool pond at the center.

  The second- a wolf chasing a deer through a forest.

  The last- a skull.

  [This girl is an oasis to none but herself- selfishness without end. The girls hunger is unquenchable... She desires to decide what her fate is. But she'll die before she knows what her true face is. Before the year closes, she'll be claimed by this late prognosis.]

  Oof. That's a bad fortune. It was far less cryptic than Theos. It essentially said Violet was a selfish person who would die alone before the year is over. Probably from cancer or something.

  Samantha coughed; "Ah-hum! Uhm... Shit. Violet, I'm sorry.", Violet cocked her head sideways. "Was it really that bad?"

  ---

  After the reading, they went their separate ways. Theo seemed unsure about their argument earlier- but Violet didn't want nor need his pity. They would meet again later when Samantha had time to discuss her travel plans back to Soma. -Which she still planned to return. If anything but to say goodbye. Tie up loose ends.

  -Samantha explained it to her. She would die. Soon. The year was long as it started earlier that winter. But still, that was only months. Violet couldn't be mad about it. It felt right. Of course, it was a running theme in her life.

  Reacting to one crap hand after another, no matter how many she was dealt it always ended the same. Bust.

  Poker analogies aside, she had gotten the XP boost. Great, she'll be level 40 before she dies. If that.

  One thing she had not told them- the xp boost was not all she had received.

  The voice of the gods talked to her, but it didn't give her a level up. It gave her a task, oddly enough. Perhaps a chance, a way to save her from her fate. She just couldn't believe it. The cruel poetry of it.

  [New Quest! Retrieve; Amulet of Drassus!]