Preparation For The Tutorial
Today was a holiday and Abbie was looking forward to taking the "tutorial" with Alex. Abbie went to the Exodia Headquarters because Alice promised her that it would be an eye opening experience. The only thing that bothered her was the preparation that she needed to do before going to their headquarters.
Alice told her to prepare clothes, food, and water that would last for a week. She even insisted that she buy a small tent or some sleeping bags that she and Alex would be using.
'Are we really going on a camping trip?' Abbie thought as she packed the items that she bought inside the I-Foam. 'This is really a very convenient phone. I can just pack anything in it and there will always be room to spare. Whoever thought of this idea is a genius!'
The two were just about to enter the game company when they were stopped by guards at the entrance.
"Sorry, only the company's personnel are allowed to enter this building," the guard explained with a smile. "This place is not open to the general public."
Abbie nodded her head and fished out the ID card that Alice had given her yesterday. Exodia Headquarters was very strict and anyone without an ID would not be allowed entry. Of course there were exceptions. Just like the first time Abbie entered the company when Alice chose her to become her candidate.
The guard took her ID and verified its content. Each ID had a designated pin which made it very hard to fake one of them.
"Abbie Matthews," the guard muttered as her information appeared on his tablet. "Game developer." After the verification, the guard respectfully returned Abbie's ID to her and allowed her to enter the building along with Alex.
The two immediately headed to the fifth underground floor where Alice was already waiting for them. When they opened the door to the simulation room, they were surprised to see Aiden standing there as well.
"Good morning, Big Sister Alice," Alex greeted with a smile. "Good morning, Big Brother Aiden."
Alice and Aiden replied in unison. "Good morning."
After saying her greeting, Alice immediately hugged the living shit out of Alex and kissed both of his cheeks. Abbie and Aiden could only watch helplessly. They had long given up and just allowed Alice to have her way with Alex.
Aiden was feeling envious, while Abbie watched from the side. After the short bout of skinship, Alice gestured for Abbie and Alex to step on the magic circle that was located in the center of the room.
"Did you bring the things that I told you to bring?" Alice asked. "If not, I also bought a few supplies with me. I'll just transfer them to your I-Foam."
Alice didn't wait for Abbie's reply and tapped on her I-Foam. A few seconds later a ringtone sounded from Abbie's pocket. She took it out and saw the text "You got Mail!" on the phone's mobile screen.
Abbie was curious so she clicked the message and a long series of text appeared before her eyes.
--------
You received
4 packs of "Lucky You" instant noodles.
1 box canned luncheon Meat
1 box corned beef
3 packs bacon
2 trays of egg
1 big can of assorted cookies
1 frying pan
1 sauce pan
1 cast aluminum dutch oven
1 wok
1 set Chef's Cooking Utensils (ladle, spatula, etc)
2 portable gas stove
40 liters bottled mineral water.
1 king size bed.
2 blankets
1 set of golf clubs
5 baseball bats
2 First Aid Kits
--------
Abbie's face cramped when she saw the long list of supplies that Alice had sent her. She already knew that the items were stored in her own personal inventory. Just like Alex, Abbie had her own inventory that she could use anytime, anywhere, granted that she had her I-Foam with her.
'J-Just what kind of tutorial am I going to do?' Abbie thought anxiously. 'Why do I need to bring all of these?'
Alice looked at Abbie with a knowing expression. Since it was her job as her supporter, she decided that it was time to explain a few things before Abbie and Alex started their tutorial.
"Listen to me closely because I will only say it one time and I won't repeat it," Alice said as she looked at Abbie with a serious expression.
"There are three modes that you can use in completing missions in GGS (Go! Go! Summons!) . the first one is called AUTO MODE," Alice paused and made a gesture in Aiden's direction.
Aiden who was sitting in front of the control panel tapped the keyboard. A few seconds later, a projection appeared on the wall in front of Abbie.
"The AUTO MODE is a mode where Alex has full control of his body," Alice explained as the image on the screen showed a replica of the young boy. He was moving inside what seemed to be a dungeon.
"In this mode, Alex's strength will be at its peak. If you are busy and unable to assist him, then this mode will be your best choice."
Alice made another gesture and the projection on the wall changed. "The second mode is called MANUAL MODE. In this mode, you need to manually control Alex's movement. You've played RPG games before right? This one is similar. You will be controlling Alex using your I-Foam."
"In this mode, Alex's overall strength will increase by fifty percent," Alice said with a smile. "If possible, I would like you to be proficient in this mode."
"I'll do my best," Abbie replied as she patted the young boy's head. Alex had his eyes closed and was enjoying his master's affection.
Alice nodded her head and made another gesture. "The final mode is called the MASTER MODE. In this mode, Alex's overall strength will double."
"Sounds too good to be true," Abbie frowned. "There must be a catch."
"You're right, there is indeed a catch."
"I knew it."
Alice crossed her arms over her chest and looked at Abbie with a serious expression. "In this mode the Master and her Chosen hero will do the mission together."
"Um? Do the mission together?" Abbie asked. "What do you mean, do the mission together?"
"It is exactly like I said. You and Alex will enter Edea and do the mission together."
Abbie was struck with a realization when she carefully pondered Alice's words. If what she was thinking was right then that explained all the "preparations" that Alice made her do.
"No way! You mean I'll enter the game with Alex?" Abbie asked anxiously. "Is that even possible?"
"If Alex can enter our world then why can't you enter his world? Of course it's possible." Alice gave Abbie a sweet smile that reeked of schadenfreude. "The I-Foam in your hand is a gateway. YOUR personal gateway to the world of Edea. As long as you have it, you can enter Edea anytime. That was the reason why it needed to be bound to you using your blood."
"Today, we will skip the first two modes and jump into MASTER MODE. Are you ready?" Alice asked with a face that said "there's no turning back for you".
Abbie glanced at the young boy beside her. Alex felt her gaze and raised his head. His eyes were clear and there was determination burning in them. A determination to get stronger. Abbie nodded her head in understanding and faced Alice with a determined look that matched Alex's.
"Let's do this!"