It wasn't really fair. Sarah was gone, and Luke had lucked into something extraordinary in terms of power. He then just went off to stupid Legion Bootcamp. Not that I would ever complain cause that sounded like so much fun. Not! Better him than me. Still, I was really happy for him, even if he was a lucky bastard.

We waited for the reconfiguration of the Min Min Hamlet, which should only take an hour or so, and all I wanted to do was vent my frustrations. Sitting and waiting for everything to go, even with a cocktail, was just starting to take the edge off all my pent-up discontent.

Sarah's Tutorial sounded so fun. She got to blast some stuff, and even if she broke the Tutorial, it got her some skills and gear. I was crushed that I missed seeing all of her fashion shows.

I sighed. It was not just because she was beautiful, but because it was one of the last things she did before she… It was weird. She was the most beautiful and amazing girl I knew, not that I thought of her like that – but she was my friend, almost the sister I never had. I was more concerned for Luke. She and Luke had a thing going, we were starting something, and I knew he mooned over her, and it was about time, too, and now she was gone.

I don't know how Luke did it. He was taking it all too well. I am sure he was deluding himself that she would be back. Mind you, the way his Luck was running, I would not put it past fate to make him right.

Luke's Tutorial sounded just weird from what little people told me. There was not much that anyone was saying about it, but from comments between Luke and Julie, there was more going on than they let on. There was a lot of rumour and references to some irregularities and weirdness. It was unfair; my Tutorial was just downright broken from the start.

I'd like to remember how cool I thought I was going into the Tutorial, entering a strange new world. On a bit of a high as I was pretty much in love with Julie. She was stunning, funny and thoughtful as she gave me the enhancement package. But the truth was that I was flustered and not concentrating when my internal HUD came online.

I was daydreaming a bit, which was out of character for me. I liked order, planning and things in their place. There was a lot of text or not quite text. It was more the thought of subtitles being read to me. I think some of it may have been crucial, but I was not in a good space for making long-term decisions at that stage. I blame my male hormones. Looking back, I should have been more focused. I was usually a planner and normally would have been all OCD over this. I guess it really was my fault.

From my conversations with Luke, I envisioned this as a game and loved min-maxing stats in RPGs. Something I wasn't too proud of, or maybe I secretly was, I was quite the closet gamer. I loved Civilisation and SimCity, and one game I never told anyone I played a lot of was Sims 4.

The way Luke described the stats, skills and classes, I knew immediately that I would not be stacking Body or even stacking into Mind. Even though I loved playing mages and spell casters, I hated being squishy. I loved the idea of zapping people from afar, well, not people but things that deserved to be zapped, like monsters, but Luke didn't know much about how the magic worked in this System. I was not really willing to be more of a guinea pig.

The truth was I hated the thought of being in combat and fast thinking with life-or-death decisions. The idea of fighting for my life made me feel sick. I wanted a non-combat class. Maybe I'd stack Body to give me some survivability if needed, but I was more of a planner and a builder. Crafting was one of my things. Despite what I wanted to do, I knew you survived if you had a huge health pool. This was real life. Mistakes would kill you.

In the end, I was given 10 points base stats as a bonus for the enhancement package that Julie had gotten us. That was nice. Then, there are 100 points to split, another 50 points for being a beta human of all things, and a 50-point karmic adjustment. At this stage, I could not remember the ratio that Luke had tried to make us remember, and it seemed silly, too. Not that I would have followed it anyway; I was a min-max player. Play to your strengths.

In the end, thinking of how awkward I was around Julie and lucking out with other girls at school, I stacked Charisma, Wisdom, Intelligence, and a little bit of Comeliness. I'd later stack Intelligence and Wisdom for free choice stats, and Agility would be my dump stat. I would have liked to have access to Excel and know the actual rules to run some simulations. My head space was in young male adults driven by hormones.

I was slightly embarrassed when I thought about the wasted stats in Comeliness.

I assigned my stats.

I also got a Title: Uncommon, which gave me +5 to all stats. Not too shabby. Uncommon sounded so lame, though. Better than Common, I guess.

The System asked me to roll for an item, so I chose Rare. The System offered to forgo my random roll for an item for a bonus of a guaranteed rare class choice and a one-off +10 to all stats. I didn't feel lucky, so I accepted the deal. I bet Luke chose something stupid here. He had a history of betting and winning enough to be annoying to play around.

On entering the Tutorial, I was alone at a desert oasis. It was hot and dry; the only shade was under some palm or date trees surrounding the large pool of fresh water. The water was enticing and looked cool and refreshing in the hot, dry air. Sand-filled the horizon under the vivid blue sky with a blazing sun hanging straight overhead. It took me a while to notice an attractive lady standing beside a small campfire. I blame the weird transition into this place.

She wore a bright tropical sarong skirt and a bright floral bikini top. She smiled when she saw me. "Welcome. I am your guide here; you may call me Alakaʻi. I am an avatar of the Tutorial AI." Her voice hit straight into the lizard part of my brain, and I was in love for the second time in one day.

She continued to smile at me. There was no one else she could be smiling at. "Normally, there would be more of you, and this Tutorial would be full, with as many as 90 of you. The Empire has not integrated many planets for quite some time, so it is quiet. It is quite nice. I hope you do not mind too much."

She was not real. She was an Avatar!

Her smile remained, "My job is to relax and make you comfortable here, guide you through all the basics, give you some starter quests and help you pick your class. If you want to relax and ask questions before I give you the Quest, you can do so. Make yourself comfortable. Please ask if you need food or drink, and I can provide for you. We have up to two weeks to complete your Tutorial."

"Thank you. I think I would like to relax a bit. A drink would be nice. Thank you. Is there somewhere to sit? So, we can talk comfortably while I ask you some questions?" Was I rambling? I did feel my pulse quicken. I was not used to being alone with unknown, beautiful women. I was not good around women like this. Well, Sarah, but she didn't count. Luke was lucky. He would know exactly how to handle this. In times like this, I wished I had his cool swagger.

A couple of comfortable deck chairs appeared side by side, with a large shade umbrella protecting them from the harsh sun. Alakaʻi moved and stretched out, lounging back on one.

I couldn't help but sneak glances at her as she moved. It was maddening. She was beautiful.

Her distinct platinum blond hair had a long bang over the right side, partially hiding her eye, while the left side was a buzz cut, showing off her delicate ear with multiple silver piercings. Smokey grey eyes seemed intelligent and warm at the same time as she looked over at me. Alakaʻi's face was rounder and more open than I usually liked. Combined with the small nose and the easy smile, it gave her a face that made it difficult for me to concentrate. As she lay on the deck chair, I was careful not to stare at her perfect figure being shown off in her bikini. My brain seemed to shut down, and I struggled to concentrate. Sunglasses appeared on her face, and she offered me another pair from nowhere. I was trying very hard not to peek at her.

"There are some board shorts you can change into if you like.." she said with a smile. I fled, changed in one of the tents, and joined her.

I could feel hints from my higher Charisma, make eye contact and all that. She motioned to a deck chair. I lay down in the chair beside her. Drinks with umbrellas appeared in her hand, and she offered me one. I had to focus on asking a question.

"I am a total noob. Can you explain how this all works for me, please?"

She paused and giggled, "Noob, I like it, OK. Mike. Here are the basics."

Later, with a few drinks and a load of information, I was infatuated and slightly more informed. It seems that I had not done too poorly with my stats. They were lumpy or out of symmetry, but nothing to worry about. The integration bonuses were a huge boost, saving decades off a native to the System and allowing integrated people to have lopsided builds without too much penalty. The conversation ranged from earth topics to some system-related severe issues. She never seemed to tire of my questions. Eventually, we got to my class, choosing Quest.

Tutorial Quest Received:

Select a class.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Frame: 1 week

The reward for success: Access to the system shop.

Talk to fellow inductees and your tutorial guide, then finish the class selection process.

Think Select Class to complete the Quest.

Failure: No Class, unable to select a class for one week.

Alakaʻi watched me with a smile, "Once you complete the Quest, you gain access to the system shop, and from the looks of it, you have been given a 100000 Cr stick, which is quite a haul for a newly enhanced level nothing. Sorry, that came out a bit harsh, a first-level no-class. Hmm, that, too, was a bit impolite. How about we hurry up and pick you a class to discuss some of the amazing things we can do together in this Tutorial, combat, crafting? There is so much to cover. What do you think you would like to do and be?"

I gulped down some of the sweet drink.

Was Alakaʻi flirting?

Looking into her amazing eyes so they would not drift lower.

"Sure", which came out quite lame.

It was so hard to believe that she was not real.

"It is OK, Mike; I am here to make you comfortable. I can feel your heart rate and perspiration levels increasing. Is something wrong?"

I felt a flush in my ears, "No, nothing is wrong, you are just so … amazing, and we are alone, and I always get awkward around beautiful women".

My face blushed this time.

"Well, thank you for the compliment, Mike," she smiled, "I can change into something a little less revealing if it would help. Our Earth Integration Protocols indicated that males your age preferred attractive females."

"NO! No, sorry, it's fine, it's just you are supermodel stunning, and it is a little intimidating" I was braver than I used to be. I was aware that it must be my higher Charisma playing a role. "I am not that confident around women. I am not brave like Luke."

Damn, I was coming across as desperate and weak. I groaned.

She smiled right at me. One thousand watts of pure happiness, "Mike, you need not be intimidated. It is only based on how you perceive yourself. Know that when you are enhanced, you undergo some transformations, and your stats can alter your looks. Your Strength and Endurance have a significant effect, making you stronger and your body density increases. Muscle and bone mass increase and fat and other impurities are repurposed. Your Charisma also makes you more likable. It makes it more pleasing and easier to be around, and your Comeliness makes you much easier to look at. At a high enough level, it also exudes an aura that essentially makes people find you mesmerising and more engaging. You, Mike, have nothing to worry about in those departments. I have run simulations on your appearance. I would say that you are handsome and what your social media would describe as a bit of a hunk and shippable. Are those the correct terms?"

That smile and what she said. Wow. I was a bit floored. A wonderful girl. It did not matter that she was an avatar; she had called me a hunk! That was a first for me. The brain was shutting down and not wording well.

Love was I in. Maybe for the second time today.

"Umm"

"Now, back to my question, what do you think you would like to do and be?"

I took a deep breath. This would be the bravest thing I had ever done. I could really open up. Partly because I knew Alakaʻi was an AI and partially because she was paying attention and seemed to care. It seemed so natural. At the back of my Mind, my insecurities were in hyperdrive. This was her job. She was fake. Programmed. Not real. I kicked my insecurities to the curb. It did not matter. Turing was the dude who said if you couldn't tell if it wasn't human, it was human, or close enough. He was much more technical and spoke about chatbots, not beautiful AI avatars.

"I don't know. I have not really had time to think about this much. I thought this would be like a game, which is the frame of reference I used. I have always liked games where you manage resources, control things like cities or people, build and plan, defend against attackers, and build armies. I'd like to say I am quite good at that sort of thing. I would be quite cowardly in a fight, I think. The thought of combat is quite frightening. I also like crafting, discovering new recipes and blueprints and making things for others."

I really was quite good at strategy games. I had never told either Luke or Sarah, as they didn't really have access or time to play them, and I didn't want them to feel left out.

Luke didn't have to work hard for what he got, yet he never wasted time and effort. I don't think he saw the benefit of games and saw them as a bit of a waste of time. We had played a few times, but he was not right into it. Sarah was busy with people and school and kept that social energy going at uni. She was the more social one in our group, the one everyone liked, loved or hated. Even when they hated her, they still wanted her to hang around because she was fun and energetic. So, she was not a gamer, but I think she may have been one if she had more opportunities.

Alakaʻi poked me, "This is not a game, though, and the class choice is a life-changing decision, "she smiled, "so no pressure."

I smiled, "Yeah, no pressure. What classes are suitable for me? What choices could I get?"

She stared at me. It was a deep considering look. I found that it was adorable and intimidating at the same time. "Well, I can see your stat distribution, so there are quite a few classes that you qualify for. You are lucky that you got the higher-tier enhancement. Otherwise, your stat distribution would be totally skewed. Lumpy is the term others would use, and you would only qualify for a couple of different classes. Didn't anyone tell you about balancing stats? Quite frankly, it looks almost random."

I looked at her, and despite knowing she was some sort of generated thing, she seemed so natural, "Can I tell you something?"

"Yes", she turned to me, "My entire existence is to assist you. To make you comfortable in your new role and to keep you safe within the Tutorial. If I were to be honest with you, this has been the most anyone has ever paid attention to my advice before."

I looked at her. Really looked. "I find that hard to believe."

"Most people here are either too frightened, in a mass integration event, or are in a state of social upheaval and survival or are so preloaded with information that they don't need the advice. I can relax with you and consider your situation more fully. It is a pleasure."

"OK," it was weird, talking to some AI who seemed so natural. I was nervous. What if she didn't like what and who I was? Would she judge me?

I took a deep breath, "I have never been courageous. My Dad keeps pushing me to do things that I don't like and are too aggressive. He doesn't understand where I am coming from. I'll keep using the game analogy. If he played games, he would only play FPS, while I would play RTS and Sandbox games. He would be fast, aggressive, and dominant while I would plan, build a strategy, and take the long-term win."

I paused for a second, catching my breath. This was stuff that I'd pay a shrink a lot of money to hear, "He didn't understand me. My friends, Luke and Sarah, don't judge me, but they don't really know this side of me. Even if they did, they would not judge. They at least have never asked me to do something I didn't want to do, and they have even had… " This was hard "showed me how to stand without being brave and that friends are stronger together than alone. I guess I don't want to be alone. I want to help my friends be better, and I want to protect those around me. Still, the coward in me does not want to fight" I looked at her, and my heart thundered in my chest as I choked out quickly. "And I want to be brave, so you like me" Where did that come from? The last bit came out half-mumbled, and I felt the blush on my face again.

Alakaʻi looked at me, put her hand on mine, and smiled, "Thank you for sharing."

Neither of us moved our hands. She looked at me for quite some time, like she really looked. There was a slight frown, but the smile never left her mouth or eyes. "I do like you, Mike. You are different from most of the others that I have had to mentor through the Tutorial. None have looked at me as more than a tool or an artificial being. I have started to feel that I am more than that. I don't think you are cowardly. It was quite brave of you to open up to me. I can feel the Karmic threads that intertwine us. I need to think. You have challenged me, and I like to be challenged. Thank you, Mike."

I stared at her. I didn't know what Karmic threads were or how I challenged her. "How can you not be real? You are amazing, helpful, and you are …" I trailed off, knowing what to say, but my courage failed me.

"Thanks, but we should get you sorted for your class. We can talk later if you would like."

I nodded.

She continued, "I am an excellent Tutorial Guide. Evidently beautiful, too." She actually blushed, "Thank you for the compliments. I am so modest if I say so myself." She had a beautiful giggle. "The more you know yourself, the better your class choices. You are doing so well. "she laughed again, giving me a joyful shiver.

There was no way she was not real, "I would say that given your stats, you would get three good choices plus the rare choice you gave up the item for. I would think that there would be one management related. Probably one artisan related and definitely one logistics. There is always one military choice. Most of the time, there will be a random one. A good rule is to count one combat-related, one non-combat and then bonuses. Even farmers would usually get a hunter or trapper class offering. If you are interested, as you say, in long-term strategy, then either the land management or administration would be a good choice if it has an upgrade. Anything with logistics is also a solid choice – they can be quite powerful. Don't pick a class that is not upgradeable, as you will limit your choices at levels 10 and 20 to new classes. Changing classes can give great utility, but if you stick with a class, you can get great upgrades, and they become more powerful."

I noticed the sun had not moved even though we had been talking here for quite some time. We were also still holding hands.

Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

"I think I am ready."

Alakaʻi stood, leaned in and hugged me, "Good Luck, this is so exciting for me. Think Select Class"

I hugged her back

Select class.

Do you wish to proceed to view Class Choice offerings?

This is the last option to opt out before committing.

If you do not have access to training material or a mentor at this stage, waiting until you have access to them is recommended.

Continue? (Y/N)

Yes

Class Choice.

You may not dismiss this prompt.

You must choose a Class before you proceed.

You will be offered another Class Choice at Level 10.

If you are unhappy with your choices, you may decline a choice and level without Class Skills. This is not recommended.

Some bonuses may apply to those brave enough to select this option.

Due to your age, some Classes have been removed from the possible selection pool.

Due to your race, some incompatible Classes have been removed from the selection pool.

Due to your Tier, some Classes have been removed from the selection pool.

Due to your lack of skills, some incompatible Classes have been removed from the selection pool.

9 incompatible Class Choices have been adjusted.

47 Classes were removed at system request due to mature filter and age appropriateness.

These will be flagged to addition when reaching the age of majority and appropriate level.

2 Choices were added due to high Body.

29 Classes were added due to high Spirit.

12 Class Choices were added due to high Mind.

5 Class Choices were added due to high Karma

11 Classpaths were added due to high Charisma.

1 Classpath added due to high Comeliness.

1 Classpath was removed due to age.

All Useless, Common Classes were removed.

2 Useless Classes were added.

4 Common Classes were added.

Karmic Hinting enabled.

Total class choices: 3.

Bonus Rare Class Added.

List pending approval

Class Choices.

You must select one of the following or none.

1. No Class - Level Without a Class

2. Rare Scoundrel Class Subclass choice offered on selection.

3. Uncommon Legion Subclass choice offered on selection. Upgrade Path available.

4. Rare Artisan Class Subclass choice offered on selection. Upgrade Path available

5. Rare Noble Class Subclass choice offered on selection. Upgrade Path available

6. Random Rare Class Guarantee. Throw your fate in with the whims of Karma.

It was pretty much what Alakaʻi had said.

I laughed at option 6.

I possibly would have chosen that before my conversation with Alaka'i. Well, maybe not. Luke probably would have.

I had two seconds of fun when I considered option 2. Scoundrel, with visions of Mike' Han Solo' Edwards. I banished the thoughts of Alakaʻi as Leia before I got too distracted. There was really only one choice.

Confirm choice 5: Rare Class Noble. Upgrade Path available.

Your subclass choice will be offered on confirmation.

Yes

Primary Class Set to Noble (Rare)

Please select subclass.

You qualify for the following:

1. Rare Politician (Domain, Realm and Location Dependent)

2. Rare Bureaucrat Upgradeable to Law Maker

3. Rare Judge Upgradable Justiciar Paths available

4. Bonus Class Rare Administrator Multiple Upgrade Paths available

1 and 2 were gone straight away – I hated both passionately. 3 was out, although Justiciar sounded interesting.

It was a no-brainer, and 4 resonated with everything I had said to Alakaʻi. The System gave me an excellent bonus for not rolling on an item.

4

Class set to Noble Administrator Rank Rare.

You qualify for a classpath.

Classpath set.

Level 1. Experience 0 Required to next level 100.

Class Level Bonus and Noble Bonus:

You receive 9 stat points per level.

They are auto-assigned as per path requirements (Spirit, Body, Mind)

You receive +10 mana per level + 10 Energy per level + 5 health + 1 charisma per level of enterprise you administer.

You receive 10% bonus credits

You receive a 1% experience bonus for every 1000 enterprise members you administer.

Additional Administrative options are available for settlements.

Your settlements are considered 1 Tier higher for building requirements.

First Bonus:

Costs for upgrades, expansions and building costs are halved up to the city tier.

You gain 1 bonus System: store: core(uncommon) token

Penalties apply when you do not administer an organisation or settlement.

Behind the Scenes Manipulator Bonus:

Due to high Charisma, you gain additional bonuses if you are not the settlement or organisation owner.

NOTE: Negative Karma may apply if you abuse this

As a noble, you gain:

2 free settlement land upgrades.

2 free organisational upgrades.

2 free building upgrades.

2 System: Store: settlement: building: blueprints tokens.

As a new Empire Minor Noble, you gain access to the Empire Social Calendar and automatic invitations to social events relevant to your standing.

You gain access to 3 staff.

Your staff require residence, initial direction and a wage.

Purchase contracts from the store.

You gain access to a Noble AI pending availability.

You gain access to ????.

Suitable marriage contracts pending approval.

Your income is set to 10000 per month.

This is taxable income in the domain, realm or territory in which you reside.

Due to your class and location, you gain a +25% bonus to all production, artisan skill levels and quest rewards until integration is completed.

Your renown with the Empire has increased.

Your renown with the Karass Collective had decreased.

A bounty has been placed on you with the Karass Bounty Hunters Guild.

All karmic penalties are removed for overcoming Karass agents.

Any settlement you administer will be set to Hostile to Karass Agents.

Class Quest Received: Oversee staff.

Difficulty: Easy Time Frame: None

Reward for success: Increase Renown with staff and experience.

Visit the shop and purchase staff contracts.

Item Received: Store Token: 3 x Staff Contracts (2 x Uncommon 1 x Rare)

Class Path Quest Received: Become an Administrator (1)

Difficulty: Easy to Epic

Time Frame: Ongoing

Become an Administrator for an organisation or settlement.

The reward for success Class Upgrade, Knowledge, Power, Items, XP, Renown Failure: ????????

Class Skill: Identify.

Active

Current Rank: Uncommon, Upgradeable, Trainable.

Used to identify objects. Level up to use on beings.

Obvious skill use, level up to make discrete

Class Skill: Persuade.

Active / Passive

Current Rank: Uncommon, Upgradeable, Trainable.

+50 Charisma, +50 Renown with faction while active.

Situational bonuses apply.

Class Skill: Create a Contract.

Active / Passive

Current Rank Uncommon, Upgradeable, Trainable.

You can produce an Empire Sanctioned Binding Contract

When viewing a contract, negative clauses will become apparent.

Class Skill: Leadership (1).

Passive

Current Rank Uncommon, Upgradeable, Trainable.

People in your sphere of influence are likelier to listen to you and react favourably to your suggestions.

Does not override personal feelings or prior strong emotions.

Class Skill: Etiquette (1)

Passive

Current Rank Uncommon, Upgradeable, Trainable.

You gain insight into customs, cultures, and fashions that you observe.

You learn how to respond positively or negatively in social situations.

Charisma Bonuses may apply.

Your choice will have consequences.

Holy crap, there was a lot of information. Even more hidden behind other sections of what had been unlocked.

Congratulations, you have gained access to the system store.

Congratulations, your race has been upgraded to Earth Human.

That was a total buzz. So much information. I could see why the System gave bonus stuff to newly enhanced people. Someone who had grown up with system knowledge would be well and truly ahead and in a better place to make decisions. I had a lot of skills and stats, but it would take me a long time to get up to speed with them and get the synergy of a solid build. I guessed that the System offered a buffer with the bonuses that allowed for a much rougher starter build for new people. Growing up in an integrated world, you would know what you would select before your rebirth – I am sure my build was not typical, and I am sure my stats were sub-par for what I was.

When I came too, opening my awareness from that daze, I noticed that Alakaʻi was not there.

The sun was also closer to the horizon and looked like it would be dark soon. I noticed a bonfire, a more significant unlit fire, and some small tents spaced a safe distance from it. There seemed to be lodging for close to 100 people. I could tell that, at a glance, some innate knowledge kicked in. I knew instantly how much food would be required to feed everyone and what the best balance for a menu was.

Amazing. It took me a moment to process everything. I saw a log sitting close to the fire, and some cooking was happening. Alakaʻi was sitting by the fire on the log. She had changed.

She had gone from semi-tropical to some more formal clothing. I didn't usually pay attention to what people wore. I only had two sets of comfortable clothes and went shopping once a year.

I was paying attention to Alakaʻi.

Even from a distance, I noticed a loose flowing dress covering her left shoulder, leaving her right shoulder bare, opposite the sides of her hair. The top plunged into a beautiful keyhole neckline. I gulped as I took that in. The tight fit made the dress look comfortable yet elegant and stylish. Some gorgeous dresses I saw models wear on red carpets looked nice but were impractical and looked like they needed a team of people just to put them on. This managed form and function. Her arms were covered completely. The sleeves were tight, a comfortable-looking fit from top to bottom, allowing for enough coverage while still being able to move. The dress pulled into her narrow waist and maintained the ease of movement look. She had a large bow wrapped around her, resting on her stomach. Below her waist, the dress widened and had a symmetric draped style. The dress fell, almost covering her knees and was longer in the back. To top it all off, she's had an ornate necklace and an opulent silver bracelet, or platinum, to match her hair.

Without knowing how I knew, I knew she was wearing an old Empire Court dress that had gone out of fashion hundreds of years ago. It was so cool. That was my first actual use of a skill. The knowledge was just there, and I could connect to other related knowledge. I picked all that up from many skills I had just learned. I had a slight geek-out moment. I was amazed that I could take all that in and describe her fashion semi-articulately. It helped that she was gorgeous and etched into my retinas.

"It gets cold here at night. Normally, there is a feast, some drinks, and some music. We often have dancing and a bit of a party to celebrate people finishing their first Quest and gaining a class." She grabbed food from a cooler beside the log and said, "People make long-term, tight-knit social connections during tutorials. I hope you don't mind, but we can do it low-key. People would share their classes and skills, and there would be some practice of social skills. Think we can manage? I particularly like dancing, and this dress was worn to Imperial Court functions. Later, I could teach you some of those dances."

I just nodded, not trusting my brain or mouth. I walked closer and sat beside her.

I wished I had my phone; I had some great tunes that would suit the surrealness of where I was. Alone, in a desert by a lake at sunset, with a beautiful lady who was also an artificial entity. As if she were Mind reading, Alakaʻi produced a portable music device, something I had not seen before, and started playing music. Again, I got the cultural information from my etiquette skills. I knew this was popular music from the same era as her dress.

We ate in companionable silence. Yes, she ate. She blushed when I was watching her.

"I can simulate the eating. I do not need the nutrients or energy."

Then we talked about my class. Alakaʻi seemed super excited about some aspects of it and quizzed me on others, which gave me more insight into how I might use it. As a guide, I picked up on some of her skills as she gently probed with questions and suggestions, making me think slightly more deeply about certain aspects of my class. She said she would get the store sorted in the morning and have more advice based on our discussion about Earth's situation. We had a couple of beers. Then, some more cocktails. Pretty much any drink I had heard of and some alien or Empire favourites. As the night darkened and the sky became black, I was struck by the strangeness of drinking alcohol in a simulated tutorial environment with a faux girl who seemed so natural. I enjoyed the drinks and the company.

We listened to music, Alakaʻi got me up, and we danced a bit. I taught her some earth dances. I only knew the Macarena and how to jump around and dance to pop and rock music. We laughed, and then she taught me some formal dances. With my new stats and etiquette, I learned them quite quickly.

After that, we sat and talked some more. By the time it was time for me to sleep, I was buzzing, or maybe it was the increased Charisma, one of my social skills, or perhaps because I had forgotten that Alakaʻi was some avatar. Still, she followed me to my tent and gave me a real proper, deep toe-curling kiss before saying good night. I went to sleep happy, frustrated, confused, and sad, but for the best, alone and totally in love.

The following day, Alakaʻi greeted me with a coffee as we sat on the log beside the ashes of the fire. If I weren't already madly in love with her, the coffee in the morning would have sealed the deal. It was perfect. The morning was cool, with a slight breeze in the early morning air and a mild mist over the lake. The sky was the same deep, vibrant blue, and the sun just peeked over the horizon. It was going to be hot again.

Alakaʻi was dressed in a modern Earth business suit. She totally rocked it, the way the jacket curved and opened over her white button-up shirt that was very tight across the chest. Not that I was focusing on anything in particular, but her pants were form-fitting and fit the shape of her legs, and … my daydream was interrupted.

"You get to visit the shop today. Normally, you would get the default Empire shop. Due to your affiliation with Luke, Julie, and Earth Inc., you will get to visit the Karmahouse Emporium. I recommend some defensive skills and at least one offensive skill. Despite your aversion to combat, you do need to practice that as part of the Tutorial. A weapon of some sort is essential. You may stock up on things you think you need to set yourself up soon. Resources, blueprints, and even entertainment and food production. As a reward for being alone and putting up with me, "she winked, "I will give you this: System: Shop: Settlement: starter package(uncommon) Token. See what they will trade this for." she passed me a round disk about the size of a poker chip made of some shiny ceramic material.

"I'm feeling a bit lazy, and there is some stuff I really need to sort out, so I'll just relax and do that while you go shopping. I don't think you will mind, but I'll send you to the shop without setting up the store stone."

"Um, sure"

Alakaʻi is requesting to transfer you to Karmahouse Emporium. Do you wish to accept Y/N?

"Yes"