Inexorably, the actual alarm rang.

Carl resolutely got up, in spite of his ruined body begging him not to. He did some light stretching, then threw ice into the half-full bathtub and prepared a solid meal, which he ate while soaking in the freezing cold water. That was by far the best medicine out there, maintaining the cardiovascular and immune systems in top-notch shape, and he was astounded by how few people ever took these treatments to heart. Especially for him, it stimulated his afflicted nervous system, augmenting its regeneration and soothing the intensifying fasciculations, which threatened to negatively impact his VR experience. It was also the perfect tool for waking up properly.

Done with that, he did a rapid training routine for 15 minutes non-stop, then washed off the sweat under the shower, and jumped back on his bed. Immortal Frontier beckoned!

Logging in, he found himself back in the sanctuary, now with 6.5 hours of large boost to focus, mana recovery and mental constitution gain, his mind feeling light as a feather. How nice it was to be rich! Nearly a thousand bucks for a night … and it was only a tutorial exchange rate, so it was bound to cost several times more in the full version, where gold coins would become really scarce.

Noticing that everybody was online, Carl – still bloodied all over – sprinted to the Expedition Association to get his reward first. He barely made it up the steps, however, when he heard a message notification. But before he opened it …

“Mathter Lionheart!”

“Hello Toothy, I see you've been waiting. Very good. We've got plenty of work to do!”

Immediately, the huntsman produced an elegant monocular telescope.

“That's the best I could get, Master Lionheart … unfortunately, the rewards were not enchanted … but their quality is amazing! I'm sure this will help a lot!”

“Huh, did Weaving Fate miss this, or are their research teams slacking? Hmm, there's tens of thousands of items in the rank 4 shop, so maybe they're not done yet?”

“How are your comrades doing?”

Theodore deflated upon this question.

“Father Petro, Bonecracker and Sunny got hired by other immortals … I mean … they got great offers … they thought …”

“Good for them. I only need your tracking skills.”

“But … we're not going to the black wolves' den alone, are we?” The paltry huntsman tensed up with trepidation.

“Don't worry, we'll be conducting tests in gray wolves' den today, and we have plenty of adventurers to choose from,” Carl genially disclosed, before navigating his system interface.

“Lord Beast Slayer?”

From within the Portico, a loose group of NPCs approached. Looking behind them, Carl could see more coming.

“Oh boy …”

Carl sweated, feeling a headache coming. He had just finished reading the messages he got. One was from Fleeting Time, asking for a meet, and the other two were from Radiant Bulwark, who welcomed him back excitedly, and Weaving Fate, who said their side was ready whenever he was …

“What to do??”

He sighed awkwardly.

“System, can I invite natives into the arena?”

“Of course, they are not prohibited from entering the Colosseum. You may also allow them entry in the lobby settings, either as spectators, or even as combatants.”

“Alright everyone, let's go somewhere private so we can talk in peace. Can you spread the word that we'll be at the arena?”

Hearing that, the locals became confused and apprehensive.

“Why are we going to the arena, Lord Beast Slayer? There's other places nobody will disturb us …”

Carl barely subdued the urge to laugh. He forgot how distrustful the NPCs were towards players, and he was all covered in blood to boot. He merely smiled.

“The immortals waiting for me there also want my help. We have our work cut out for us, so let's go!”

Hesitantly, the group followed Carl, though they still seemed unconvinced. Luckily, Toothy was there to reassure them, gesturing for them to keep up. Upon entering, Carl set up his own lobby and invited all parties. Soon, Radiant Bulwark appeared with his aides and a bunch of Skyborne Lions.

“Huh?! Why are these locals here?”

“What's going on, brother Lionheart?”

His new colleagues were bewildered. NPCs shunned the arena, and only visited during public events to spectate. But these were standing on the sands, and they didn't look impressive at all …

“These brave men and women are all under my banner,” Carl announced with vigor, acting out his character. “They're here in hopes of joining me on expeditions, so they can grow stronger alongside me and stand firm on their own feet! And this here – is Theodore Deerstalker, or Toothy. He's an expert tracker.”

“I don't know about that, Master Lion–”

“Show them your new toy, Toothy,” Carl encouraged, smiling cheerfully.

“It's just a monocular,” the abashed huntsman explained, presenting the tool.

“And you said there's nothing affordable out there, Fate,” Carl quipped victoriously.

“Oh … but will that really help with tracking?” The still startled woman was nonplussed.

“Most definitely, Madam Fate,” Theodore guaranteed humbly. “Won't have to run as much.”

“We need to learn from them, as this is their home ground,” Carl championed, referring to the system aid the NPCs were receiving. Skyborne Lions, however, were engrossed in something else, and their vice guild leader addressed the issue at hand.

“Brother Lionheart, can we have a word on the side?”

“Okay.” Carl stepped forward.

“Please, help me understand,” the stout axeman whispered, “are you on a quest?”

“I'm not sure,” Carl admitted freely, not bothering to lower his voice. “Either way, it's a personal request from the Chief Expedition Coordinator.”

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This revelation provoked envious looks from Radiant Bulwark and his aides – they also got to meet their own in Lyon, but not one of them managed to glean any useful information … while Carl was clearly on a story quest! And a big one at that! After all, the NPCs never stopped flooding into the lobby. How many more was going to come in the next few hours, once they all heard of Carl's return? Was he planning to conquer dungeons for all of them?

“I still don't get it, brother Lionheart … what are you supposed to do for them?”

“Chief Ironhide wants me to popularize the spirit of adventure among the locals and shape them up, so I'll speedrun dungeons with them and keep them safe. The conquest rewards should do the trick, I think. I know you would rather have me full-time, but you'll have to alternate with them. I'm sorry.”

“That's alright with us, this is your business, brother Lionheart, but is it really worth it? We've secured the funds for this operation already …” Radiant Bulwark disclosed worriedly.

“I'm curious,” Carl responded in a carefree manner, “were there also two mysterious portals next to the one for system shop when you went to retrieve your rank 5 rewards?”

The recoiling and wide open eyes told Carl what he suspected – the Skyborne Lions upper echelon also viewed these exquisite portals as treasure troves, far more important than several hundred fine quality items.

“In this case, we'll do whatever we can to assist you with that task,” the stalwart axeman vowed, while signaling Weaving Fate to immediately contact headquarters and tell them to get on it on their side as well.

“Good.” Carl nodded with satisfaction. “There's also one more crucial thing I want to ask for. To me, it's of paramount importance,” he cryptically put forth.

“Naturally, anything we can do to repay you,” Radiant Bulwark kindly assured.

“Could you scour for any information pertaining to glorious heroes? I don't care how strong they were, I only wish to learn of those who valued honor above all, and through honor became immortalized.”

“Not a problem.” The seasoned warrior raised a brow to this peculiar inquiry. “Do you want to repeat their feats?”

“That wouldn't suffice.” Carl smiled. “I want to exceed them!”

“Haha! Of course!”

Right this moment, Fleeting Time arrived with his family of four.

“Huh? What are all those natives doing here? Skyborne Lions? Radiant Bulwark?!” The grizzled cleric reeled back.

“Hmm? I didn't realize you invited your friends as well, brother Lionheart,” the man in question commented with interest.

“Hey guys, hello Uncle Time. Come on over,” Carl urged.

“Vice Guild Leader Bulwark, its good to see you again,” Fleeting Time greeted amiably.

“Oh? We've met before?”

“After retiring from the professional scene, I was a coach and a commentator when you became active. I even interviewed you,” the old cleric revealed.

“Heh, small world, isn't it? We'll have to catch up later!” the axeman offered impetuously.

“I'd like that,” Fleeting Time seconded. “Ekhem, pardon me, brother Carl, can we have a word?”

“Okay, but quickly, the locals are getting impatient,” Carl agreed. “What's up?”

“Err … I-ah … I'm really sorry, brother Carl …” The old man looked down with guilt.

“What are you talking about?” Carl balked.

“Oh, you don't know yet … I … messed up … big time …”

Carl squinted.

“Over 3 million blocked requests now. Was that your doing?”

“Yea …”

“Should have guessed.” Carl shook his head. “Well, what's done is done. Forget it.”

“That's not all, though … the mob is petitioning … to nerf assassins …”

“No matter,” Carl dismissed. “This is only my temporary fighting style. I'm a knight, remember? And now, I'll need your help.” With this, he resolutely went ahead and addressed the elephant in the room.

“Alright, everyone, listen up. We're all here to explore and conquer. I – am a Beast Slayer!”

“Wait, what?!” Weaving Fate exclaimed with disbelief, while a commotion broke up. “You're the one who posted the proclamation in the City Hall?!”

“I see you're well informed after all.” Carl nodded with content, before turning to the NPCs. “You all know what requirements I listed for anyone who seeks my protection, so if there's– … yes?” He paused, spotting some distracted looks.

“Lord Beast Slayer?” Someone timidly raised their hand. “We don't, actually …”

“Really? How'd you find me, then?”

“Toothy told me …”

“I heard from a friend!”

“Yes, me too!”

“People are talking …”

Suddenly, many voices concurred.

“Oh … so who's here after reading the announcement at the City Hall?”

While nobody exposed themselves, everybody kept glancing around.

“Seriously?”

Carl was inconsolable. Where he sowed, he reaped nothing – and vice versa. Was fate mocking him? Again?!

“Never mind, then. Let it be known!” He stood straight up and took on a solemn tone. “Only the chaste who adore virtue and abhor depravity can receive my grace! While those who long for justice and temper their characters in humility can face me without fear, everyone else – the liars, the thieves, the dogs and the wrongdoers – shall tremble before me, for I burn with hatred towards their vile deeds!” he exploded with righteous reprehension, then calmed himself and continued with composed authority. “Anyone who isn't afraid of me may now step forward. The rest better leave, while I'm still patient.”

As Carl drilled the hapless NPCs with his fiery gaze, he failed to notice the effect his short speech had on the players behind him. Even they were looking at each other with weird and unsure expressions …

Predictably, the first was Toothy, albeit it took him several seconds. Seeing him standing safely next to the gory Beast Slayer, a few healers followed. Then, some simple huntsmen, shabby fighters, and puny initiates. Meanwhile … one shady warrior skittered to the side, and subsequently dashed for the exit. Since nobody stopped him, more rapidly joined – mostly mages, soldiers, mercenaries and rogues. Soon, less than quarter remained …

… and they were a sorry sight. Pretty much all the best equipped and skilled ones left.

“Good.” Carl nodded once more, appeased. “Uncle Time, I only have 4 slots in the party. Can I ask you to stay here and interview them, as well as take care of all those who arrive late? I want to find out whom should I prioritize.”

“Y-yes, of course. But–”

“Fate, I don't see your team of expert magicians here, should I go for a run with these four first?”

“Mhm,” the woman consented meekly. “They're on their way, should be here by the time you return. Oh, here, the scrolls and potions! Also armor–”

“No need for armor now. Just one Scroll of Threat and a few inferior potions and meals will do. Here, take my money, just in case.”

“Oh, I also have a signet to your back account, you'll have to bind it–”

“Later, I'll be going to sleep in six to seven hours. Guys, let's move out.”

With this, Carl speedily departed, whisking Toothy and the MacMillan family away.

Everyone looked on after him, stifled and befuddled.

“Fate?”

“Yes boss?”

“He really knows what he's doing. Inform the headquarters. Tell them to mimic him exactly when dealing with natives!”