Fantasy Realm [One Piece] [Harry Potter] [Naruto] - [Progression] [LitRPG]

Chapter 22: A Strict Lecture and the New Status Screen

Alex is gobsmacked. Instead of actually relaxing a little, Roja is giving them a lecture.

After arriving at the Skills Hub, she immediately leads them into a large, empty building and chooses a corner with some strange-looking tables and chairs.

"This Realm feels weird, like some old abandoned temple," Alex mumbles to himself. "I guess while people's fantasies have evolved, the Fantasy Realm is stuck in a past where people believed in gods like the Greeks and Norse. Still, I kind of love it."

Eirini chimes in, adding that the whole place feels strange. "It does look like a Greek temple, but it also contains symbols from other mythologies. It's like an amalgamation of many cultures' ancient beliefs."

"I studied archaeology, so I find this fascinating. I can't wait to record all these symbols and make sketches," she adds excitedly. "My colleagues will flip when they hear about this!"

Perlah snickers. "As if they'd believe you. Better keep it to yourself if you don't want to come off as crazy."

Patricia laughs. "Might make for a good spooky story after a few beers. Speaking of which... I could really use one right now."

Roja, as usual, isn't interested in small talk and cuts in. "I didn't call you all here for idle chatter."

"First of all, Eirini, if you tell anyone about the Fantasy Realm, you'll cease to exist. Immediately. You can only mention it to other players. Your system will explain more when you return to the real world."

Perlah frowns. "You know way too much about this place. Don't you think it's time you told us everything?"

Roja nods. "That's why I brought you here. A good friend of mine is part of a Fantasy Realm guild. A guild is just a group of people collaborating. You should know that," she says, looking at Alex.

Alex blushes a little and nods. "Yeah, who doesn't know about guilds?"

Even Eirini, Perlah, and Patricia nod along. They might not be hardcore gamers like Alex, but everyone's heard of guilds. Alex grins inwardly. "Nerds," he thinks, while ignoring his own nerdy inclinations.

Roja continues, "I needed money—desperately. So I accepted an invitation to the Fantasy Realm. I play by the same rules as you all, but I wasn't killed to get here. I came voluntarily."

"There are ways to profit from this Realm. Our guild, for example, has a billionaire member who buys items from members for insane prices. He once paid $10,000 for a basic recovery item. So, if you need money, after reaching level 5 and joining our guild, you'll be taken care of. Even if you don't have items to sell, you'll get a large salary that will solve your real-life problems."

Alex can't help but feel relieved. No more pretending to work at his office job!

Roja goes on, "I brought you here to explain the basics of this Realm and make you an offer."

She begins explaining the most important things about the Fantasy Realm: "This is the tutorial section where players between levels 1 and 4 are cut off from the rest of the Fantasy Realm. The worlds we're sent to are from different fictions—mostly anime, comics, games, and movies—based on current trends and our level. Either we'll face realistic worlds where people are more like us, or if we're unlucky, worlds with superpowers like the one we just went through."