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I Don't Need To Log Out-Chapter 70: Before the Training
"I will be joining. It’s time I take responsibility," Zack declared, his voice steady but his heart racing.
Carole’s eyes widened slightly at his words, a flicker of emotion passing through her expression. However, she quickly turned her head away, refusing to meet his gaze.
Zack felt a pang of regret but also a sense of acceptance. He didn’t expect immediate forgiveness or even acknowledgment.
Time would heal the wounds, and he would become someone better—a person Carole could be proud of.
Whatever happens will happen when the time is right, Zack thought. He resolved to focus on the present and the challenges ahead.
"Perfect. So all of you are in," Zephyrion said, nodding in approval as he surveyed the group. His imposing figure, even with glasses on, radiated authority. "Now, let me outline what will happen next."
He stood straighter, his tone turning commanding as he continued, "The training will last for at least four weeks. I want to clarify from the outset: this is not about teaching you new abilities directly but about equipping you with the knowledge and means to acquire them on your own."
The group leaned in, listening intently.
"In your first week, you will remain here at the training grounds. You’ll learn more about this world. But more importantly, you will learn what is the difference between reality and game.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not trying to insult your intellect. What I mean is there are certain differences.
You will come to understand concepts such as how Arlon’s spells work, concepts that transcend what you’re accustomed to.
Since this is not a game, you can do things you can’t do in games.
Additionally, you’ll train in the basics of combat techniques—or healing, in Miss Carole’s case. These fundamentals will form the backbone of your survival."
Zephyrion’s gaze swept over the group, ensuring their attention before continuing.
"In your second week, you will study etiquette and history. These may seem unrelated, but they are crucial.
Some of the best weapons and armor in Trion can only be found by those who understand their origins through history.
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Knowing proper etiquette will also serve you well when interacting with Trionian officials or during certain quests."
The players exchanged skeptical glances. Etiquette didn’t sound exciting.
"Also, you will be able to choose a job class."
This time, though, they were more excited.
"In your third week, you will go undercover at the academy as guest cadets. However still, you will need to pass an exam at the end of the week."
"This is also another reason why you need to learn etiquette. The academy you will join is in the nearby city of Cardon and it is the best in Trion."
"What kind of exam?" Evan muttered, his brow furrowed.
"That depends. It could be anything from cleaning a dungeon to solving tactical puzzles," Zephyrion replied casually before continuing.
"Finally, in your fourth week, you’ll be deployed to the field. This will not be a simulation. You will face real Keldars. I expect you to take it seriously."
A murmur rippled through the group, a mix of anxiety and anticipation.
Evan sighed heavily. "I came here to play games after school, and now I have to pass an exam..." he said depressively.
"Don’t worry, it will be something like cleaning a dungeon, probably..." Zack also joined the depressive squad after what he said. Obviously, he wasn’t the sharpest tool.
"I wonder if we’ll have to dance while learning etiquette, like in those anime," Lei mused, lightening the mood.
Everyone was talking their own mind.
"Ehem, Ehem!"
Zephyrion cleared his throat sharply. "Enough speculation. If you have questions, ask them now, one at a time."
The room fell silent as the group mulled over the information. No one spoke up, each seemingly lost in their thoughts. Zephyrion, seeing no immediate questions, turned to Nora.
"Nora, I’ll leave the rest to you. Training will begin next week. This time, though, you are not free. Please familiarize yourselves with the key people Nora will guide you to."
June stood and bowed slightly. "Thank you for your guidance, Lord Zephyrion." The rest of the group followed suit before leaving with Nora.
And with a nod from Zephyrion, the meeting ended.
---
As the room cleared, Lady Rael approached Zephyrion, smirking. "So, what do you think? Did I do a good job bringing them?"
Zephyrion raised an eyebrow. "Didn’t you say Arlon suggested them?"
"Eeh? I don’t remember saying that," Lady Rael replied, feigning innocence with a pout.
If anyone else, especially the players, saw this scene, they would probably laugh until their stomachs were torn apart.
"Sigh... Yes, yes. You did a great job," Zephyrion surrendered.
Her playful expression turned serious as she voiced her concern. "I’m worried about the academy training. Zack seems to have matured a bit, but that place is full of young and impulsive cadets. Who knows what might happen?"
Lady Rael was thinking about the Zack she met during the tournament.
Zephyrion nodded, recalling Zack’s earlier demeanor. "It’s true he’s changed, but no one matures overnight.
Still, I don’t think anyone in this group would intentionally harm another. And if they die..." he paused, adjusting his glasses. "...they’ll revive. They’re saviors, after all."
Lady Rael sighed. "You are right. Anyway, when will you finish your job? It has been two weeks but we still haven’t eaten the dinner you promised before I left for Istarra for the tournament?"
Zephyrion looked sheepish. "Ah! Of course, I didn’t forget..." he said urgently, but it was obvious he had forgotten.
"But thanks to Arlon I couldn’t even sleep yet. That guy brought a lot of important information to the table. I will probably be here for the next week. I am sorry, Rael. Please wait a bit more and I’ll make it up to you soon, I promise."
Lady Rael pouted again, though her smile betrayed her understanding. "Fine. But don’t think I’ll let you off the hook forever."
Zephyrion chuckled. "I wouldn’t dare."
---
When the players descended on the platform and reached the first floor, they spotted Shirl standing near the entrance.
"Miss Shirl! Long time no see. How have you been? Has the trial ended?" Lei and Maria asked one after the other, their voices tinged with concern.
Since they now knew this was reality, Shirl’s trial felt more significant and somber to them. They couldn’t help but feel bad for her.
Shirl turned to them and gave a faint smile. "Hi, everyone. Well... I’m not an administrator anymore."
Her tone carried a mix of sadness and acceptance, as though she was trying to stay composed despite the loss.
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"No one wants a traitor on their side anyway," she added bitterly, though her expression softened as she glanced at the group.
The players were taken aback by her bluntness. They now understood that, unlike in a game, these consequences were real and deeply personal.
Of course, NPCs didn’t know that the players thought this was a game.
"Please don’t say that," Arlon interjected before anyone else could respond. His tone was steady, offering support. "I’m sure you’ll find something even better. Where will you go now?"
Shirl blinked, surprised by the question. She studied Arlon, not recognizing him as the "guide" she had interacted with before. His words were kind, but his presence was unfamiliar.
Arlon had forgotten that he was acting like Arlon the player now.
"I think I’ll head back to Istarra after stopping by my hometown,"