The Place Where Everything Begins

While Jeremy was walking to the duos, he had to pass by many people. Most of them nodded their heads in appreciation and greetings towards Jeremy, as he also nodded back as a formality.

While some people chose to avoid eye contact with Jeremy, or some even ignored his presence entirely.

However, Jeremy couldn't care less about them at all.

He continued his stroll towards Eddie and Mitchell, whom were standing and discussing something near the Crystal.

Unsurprisingly, no one dared to start a conversation with Jeremy at all, as he had a 'do not approach me' vibes radiating out of his body strongly.

Still, before long, Jeremy suddenly stopped his footsteps...

*Sigh*

Upon letting out a sigh, Jeremy thought to himself, 'It seems like I was too engrossed with my dantian's problems, causing me to forget about that thing completely.'

'Status Window.'

With a slight shake of his head, Jeremy suddenly called out his Status Window. Then he continued walking while looking at the Status Window in front of him.

This time, instead of checking everything on the interface, Jeremy only focused on the last section.

Which was...

...

Mission:

- Tutorial Mission: Survive I

...

Upon seeing the mission, 'Tutorial Mission: Survive I', Jeremy focused his mind on it.

Then the mission details appeared in front of him...

However, before Jeremy could even see those details clearly, a light-blue transparent window suddenly popped up, notifying him about some rewards and also asking him to exchange one black star for a ticket.

...

『 You have received 3x★ for completing four missions from the Survival Crystal 』

『 Congratulations. You've earned a qualification to enter into the second stage of the Tutorial 』

『 Would you like to exchange ★ for a teleportation ticket? 』

『 Yes │ No 』

...

After seeing that he currently had four black stars in total, three were from completing the final chamber inside the easy-difficulty door, while the last one was from completing the third Tutorial Mission, Jeremy focused his mind on the 'No' button.

As there were still many benefits to reap from, Jeremy didn't have any intention to be teleported elsewhere anytime soon.

Finally, the interface changed to the Tutorial Mission's one...

...

『 Tutorial Mission: Survive I』

⎯ Survive until only 15 people remain (44/15) (★)

⎯ Survive 10 monster hordes (1/10) (★★)

⎯ Complete 4 missions from the Survival Crystal (Completed) (★★★)

⎯ Find and use a secret teleportation circle (0/1) (★★★★)

⎯ Kill a no-named foot soldier of Noir Keista (0/1) (★★★★★)

⎯ ??? (✰)

『 After finishing one of the Tutorial Missions, you can choose to be teleported into the next stage.』

...

At this time, Jeremy saw that he had already finished four missions from the Survival Crystal's missions list, consequently inducing him also to complete the third mission of Tutorial Mission: Survive I.

Then after seeing that he had already received the rewards and finished inspecting the Tutorial Missions list, Jeremy nodded his head slightly while dismissing the interface.

He continued his walk...

Just like that, he reached the place where the duos, Eddie and Mitchell, stood.

When Eddie and Mitchell saw a guest's arrival, they stopped talking, then turned their heads towards their guest, the black-cloaked man, aka Jeremy.

Before Jeremy could say anything, Mitchell opened his mouth first,

"Well, I see you finally wake up."

Followed by Eddie's mild sarcasm, "Tsk. He didn't look tired at all when we talked."

As Eddie had mumbled those words in an almost inaudible voice, Mitchell only shot a quick glare at him before turning back to Jeremy.

"Indeed. My 'sleep' is very tiring." Answered Jeremy with a slight nod uncaringly about Eddie's sarcasm.

"Tiring? You have a nightmare or something?" Asked Mitchell in wonder.

"Tsk. Like hell, a monster like him would have a nightmare, as he is a nightmare itself." Mumbled Eddie.

Unfortunately, this time Eddie was not lucky enough.

As even before Jeremy could reply, Mitchell suddenly turned his head to look at Eddie's stupid face before asking, "Well, if you have so much free time to spout harsh words to our benefactor; why don't you go help people over there set up the defensive tools instead?"

"Haizz... You glasses idiot, you will regret not believing my words later."

It would be better if Eddie's tone of voice contained more confidence within it, as it seemed like he also didn't quite believe his own words.

That was, of course, Jeremy's doings as he had input a seed of doubt within Eddie's subconscious mind earlier.

With those words being said, Eddie continued,

"Alright, I will go help those goons first. You guys talk."

Afterward, he walked away while swaying ass to the right passageway's direction to help other people set up traps and barricades.

When Mitchell saw Eddie had finally gone, he shook his head in annoyance at the brute-but-no-brain man.

Jeremy, who stood as a bystander and saw the bickering between the duos, got a bit amused at their strange friendships.

"You guys seem pretty lively, huh." Said Jeremy with a smile.

When he heard Jeremy's teasing words, Mitchell replied with a shrug, "Nah, he is annoying like bugs."

"Is that so? But I see both of you are on pretty good terms. Your chemistry towards one another is just about right."

"Is that even a compliment in any way?"

"Who knows? Anyway, by the looks of it, you people are doing quite well. It is admirable for strangers to be unified like this. Even those guys with troublesome titles are practicing their weapon skills like their lives are on the line."

Having finished the teasing part, Jeremy suddenly praised Mitchell's leadership.

"This time should be a compliment. Well, if you say so, then yeah, kinda like that. Even though it's tough at first, but after everyone was united by one central command, everything just gets better, as you can see. As for those troublemakers, well, their lives are indeed on the line."

"I see. However, don't forget to be careful around those types of people; they are ready to 'backstab' you anytime. That is how things usually unfold no matter where it is."

"No matter where it is, huh..."

It was as if Mitchell was reminiscing about his past before coming to this place, as he murmured inaudibly to himself after hearing Jeremy's words.

Without caring about Mitchell's behavior, Jeremy spoke up again, "By the way, I've come here to give you my answer."

The sudden change of topic from chit-chatting to a serious one made Mitchell tensed up.

"Answer? You mean... about helping us with the next wave of monsters?"

"Correct." Jeremy confirmed.

Upon hearing Jeremy's confirmation, Mitchell probed for the answer,

"So, what is your decision?"

"My decision is I've decided to..."

...

[A/N: I've decided to end this chapter with a cliffhanger.]