Minx climbed out of the tree with her usual bubbly demeanor and called her friends to the table. The scary man was gone so her fear left with him.
"Okay, we have a few things to talk about. You three," pointing to the boys, "need to be playing that game. We need to see how much it costs. Also, we need to schedule training with Raven and Revlis for me. I would like to suggest Raven and I train together while the three of you use the game. What do you guys think? Any other suggestions on that?"
Revlis commented, "I think it sounds fair since the three of us can use the game and you won't get as much from it."
There were nods around the table.
"There is another thing I have been thinking about. Buying food. If we are spending money on a game to get stronger, meat purchases may need to be on hold. We can finalize this decision once we find out how much the game costs, but we need to think about it. There is the potential that all three of you need ability books yet may end up spending all your money on the game."
Minx paused then continued, "I would like to propose that, points or not, when we do our portal outings, we focus on getting crystals to buy the books you guys need. We can look for used books, of course. They are hard to get but we need to do the best we can. If you can learn new skills with your ability through the game, all the better. You will have the best luck with that Midas with your ability being so common."
Aqua chimed in, "You are the highest level. Is it really fair to you if we get the goods from portal events when you will be pulling more weight?"
"Is the team going to get stronger if I'm the only one who benefits?" They all looked thoughtful. "We are stronger as a team which means we should grow together as well. So far, we have been getting along very well. I know it's only been a week, but I have high hopes for us. We grow together through experience and books when we can get them. Sound good?"
They all agreed.
"Alright. With lunch over, if you want, you can go to the store. Stop by and check the price of that game. Also see if you can block out scheduled time to ensure you can always get in. If possible, we can go over at some point and put money on your accounts."
Everyone smiled and left Minx to her own thoughts and lab. After looking around the lab, Minx decided her best bet was to simply study rather than jump neck-deep into doing science. She realized she needed her thoughts and methods more organized to succeed. She had never truly studied how to conduct a study. Involving a teacher in some capacity was required. She wanted to be published for her scientific works but would getting herself known be beneficial?
She had yet to really delve into the implications publication would have on her future. She also had the problem of Tucker plaguing her in the back of her mind. She knew he was a second-year which meant he had his soul weaoon already. Where was he and did he aim to come after her again? She decided to send a text message to Logan.
[Can you look in the directory for Tucker? That is the only name I have for him.]
After a few moments, Logan replied.
[There are three Tuckers. Any description?]
[About 5'11, sandy brown hair.… His ability is teleportation.]
[Second year?]
[Yes.]
[Room 2213D]
[Thank you!]
She sat down and tried to decide her next course of action. Learning more about fighting just became even more important. However, with a location, she could have the trees monitor his area for her. She decided his was the next step. For now, knew it was only a matter of time before someone got hurt to the point a bone was broken. She picked up the book she borrowed from the library, set her notebook right next to it and began studying.
She focused intently on the book and writing her notes. After an unknown amount of time based, she realized people were approaching and her body was stiff from sitting for so long. She stood up and stretched, flexing he whole body.
Raven spoke first. "We decided to all try Power Fighter. It was quite fun. The guys have accounts now. It's 10 credits an hour, minimum of one hour. Reserving time is easy but slot after meals are hard to get, during is almost always open."
"So, we can pre-load credits to their accounts, so they won't need to pay each time?"
Raven nodded.
"How long were you gone for?" Minx asked, looking at her watch.
Raven looked a bit bashful, "I purchased two hours for each of us. We went to the store once we were done." She handed Minx several bags of food. "Since my family gives me an allowance, I will purchase our food needs from the store. The others can use their daily credits to pay for the game. We all need to invest in our combat ability. It is way too important."
Minx nodded and looked in the bags, "you bought several days' worth of stuff!"
"We thought with our daily lives settling down into a routine with the guards in full force, we should focus on getting stronger. If we are training our skills and abilities, a once-a week trip to the store should maximize our time. We will keep it on Saturday because we just went today. We only need meat a few days a week anyway."
"I learned a new skill in the game today. I'm hoping I can without you risking everything finding me a book for each level," Midas said.
Minx nodded, "we can probably sell the two ability books once you've learned them to fund the higher-level ability books. Regardless, we need to buy everything over 4 unless we can get lucky. I'm considering asking if I can open my market stall early. That should bring in a good amount since I have lower overhead. Do you guys think it's possible for me to bring four level-4 people with me on this portal outing between the class and the game?"
There were mixed reactions among her friends. Some appeared confident while others averted their gaze as they were unsure if they could accomplish such a goal. "Also, I don't want anyone to go anywhere alone even with these guards out. We don't have any evidence they will stop bullying and we need to get stronger, not beaten down." She saw nodding heads all around. "For this weekend, I'm going to study in my room. There are things some basic things I need to learn before continuing on anything." She cooked dinner. They all returned to their rooms with full stomachs and snacks for later.
On Sunday, the whole team stayed in the dorms, studying and visiting with friends. Meals were prepared and eaten in the girls' rooms then they resumed their studies. On Monday, they went to class as normal. After dinner they all went over to the VR center so Minx could put 70 credits down for each Midas and Aqua. She would be charged every week so she would not need to return.
By the beginning of the third week of school, Minx was feeling confident she could remember the image of the plant to heal bones as well as what the constituents inside was that facilitated healing. She had another grueling day of work with Dr. Hayley. There were so many injured, she even worked longer than her allotted class time to help gain more experience. She and the others were getting quite tired of staying around the building.
Their time on Power Fighter helped a lot and they had all grown stronger. It wasn't a measurable growth but they could tell something had changed within them all. They all knew level 4 in 3 months would be a very difficult if not impossible task to complete. Raven and Minx sparred while the boys were in the game almost daily.
After lunch, Revlis suggested they all take a walk in the park. It was a Sunday so there was no class. They walked along the path along the wall then entered a more dense area of the park. Minx was having trouble concentrating. The trees were yelling at her and her ears hurt. She felt her legs wanted to give way under her and braced herself against the nearest tree for support. Her friends were concerned and looked around for threats, but nothing could be seen. Suddenly the sound of evil laughter reverberated through the trees. "Tucker?"