Bruce and Amelia exchanged wary glances, their weapons feeling foreign in their hands. They had spent hours trying out the various tools of combat, only for each one to be dismissed as unsuitable. Darron's mounting concern was evident, though he did his best to mask it with his usual jovial demeanor.

Darron sighed, rubbing the back of his head as he looked over the two. "Okay, let's try this. Bruce, take the shield and mace—focus on defending and striking when there's an opening. Amelia, those daggers seemed to be the least awkward for you, so stick with them for now. Honestly, though, you might be better off specializing in unarmed combat."

Kaelyn smirked from the sidelines, her sharp gaze flicking between the pair. "They've got spirit, though. That's something."

Darron chuckled and shook his head. "Spirit's good, but spirit without aptitude makes my job a lot harder." He gestured for Bruce and Amelia to step forward. "Here's what we're going to do. Both of you are going to attack me and Kaelyn. Work together—coordinate your moves. Don't hold anything back. Trust me, you won't be able to hurt us with the gap in levels, so don't worry about pulling punches."

Bruce and Amelia squared their shoulders, the weight of their weapons feeling heavier with each step closer to the center of the training ground. They lined up side by side, the faint glint of determination in their eyes despite the gnawing doubt.

"Right," Bruce muttered, adjusting his grip on the mace. "Let's give it a shot. We're not going to get anywhere standing around."

Amelia nodded, twirling one of her daggers experimentally. "This feels so wrong, though. Attacking someone like this…" She exhaled sharply, steeling herself. "That's just old world thinking. We need to adapt."

Darron clapped his hands, his booming voice breaking through their hesitation. "Exactly! You've got to shed that mindset. This isn't your old world, and you're not the same people anymore. Out here, holding back will get you killed. Now—come at us!"

Kaelyn stepped into position beside Darron, her stance loose but ready. The contrast between the trainers' ease and Bruce and Amelia's rigid stances was stark.

Bruce moved first, raising the shield to cover Amelia's advance. He swung the mace in a wide arc toward Darron's midsection, but the trainer sidestepped effortlessly, his movements fluid and controlled.

"Telegraphing your strikes," Darron chided with a grin. "Don't show me what you're about to do, Bruce, or I'll dance around you all day."

Behind the shield, Amelia darted forward, her daggers aimed at Kaelyn's side. The trainer parried with a casual swipe of her arm, sending one dagger flying from Amelia's hand. "Too eager," Kaelyn said, her voice calm and measured. "Focus on precision, not speed."

Amelia gritted her teeth and adjusted her stance, switching her remaining dagger to her dominant hand. "Got it."

Darron lunged at Bruce, his strikes fast but pulled enough to be instructional rather than punishing. Bruce raised the shield in time, absorbing the impact with a grunt. He countered with a short jab of the mace, managing to graze Darron's side. The trainer nodded approvingly. "Better! Now keep your movements tight—no wasted motion."

Amelia took advantage of Darron's momentary distraction, sweeping low toward his legs with her dagger. Darron hopped back, narrowly avoiding the strike. Kaelyn capitalized on the gap, forcing Amelia to retreat with a flurry of feints. "Good instinct, Amelia," Kaelyn called out. "But don't forget your footing. Overcommit, and you'll leave yourself wide open."

The sparring continued, each exchange teaching Bruce and Amelia a little more about their weapons, their teamwork, and their limitations. They moved clumsily at first, their attacks disjointed and predictable. But as the minutes ticked by, they began to find a rhythm. Bruce's shield became a bulwark, blocking strikes and creating openings for Amelia to dart in with her daggers. Amelia, in turn, used her speed to flank their opponents, forcing Darron and Kaelyn to adjust.

After a particularly close exchange, Darron stepped back and held up a hand. "All right, time out. That's enough for now."

Bruce and Amelia lowered their weapons, panting but triumphant. Sweat dripped from their brows, and their arms trembled from exertion, but they stood tall. Darron grinned, clapping Bruce on the shoulder. "You're rough around the edges, but you're starting to get it. Keep building on that."

Kaelyn nodded toward Amelia, a hint of approval in her expression. "Your speed is an asset. Learn to control it, and you'll be a real threat."

Amelia managed a small smile, the daggers still trembling slightly in her hands. "Thanks… I think."

Bruce leaned on his shield, catching his breath. "That wasn't half as bad as I thought it'd be."

Darron chuckled. "You'll get there, both of you. It's just a matter of time and effort. Now, take a breather—we'll push you a little harder after the break."

Bruce and Amelia exchanged a glance, the faintest flicker of pride in their exhaustion. They weren't there yet, but they were on their way.

A few hours later, Bruce and Amelia lay sprawled on the cobblestones, drenched in sweat and completely spent. Their chests heaved as they tried to catch their breath, their bodies aching from head to toe. Bruce groaned, clutching his stomach where Darron's last hit had landed. It had taken every ounce of willpower not to throw up on the spot.

Darron and Kaelyn had shown no mercy in the final round of training. Each exchange had grown progressively more intense as the trainers pushed Bruce and Amelia to their limits. It was brutal, but the results were undeniable. Both had felt their movements grow sharper and more instinctive, their coordination improving with every clash. When the session finally ended, they had earned more than just battered bodies—they'd gained several stat increases and had even leveled up three times.

Bruce groaned, tilting his head to look at Amelia. "Babe, I think he's a sadist. He's enjoying this way too much," he muttered, just loud enough for Darron to hear.

The big man's chuckle rumbled through the training ground as he loomed over them, the setting sun casting his broad figure into silhouette. "Well done, you two. You've earned a break—sort of," he said, his tone light despite their exhaustion. "Get cleaned up. Your classes start soon. You'll have a chance to eat and wash up, but no time for sleeping on the job." He ended with a laugh and a wink.

Amelia pushed herself to her feet with a wince, brushing dirt from her tunic. "What are these classes about, anyway?" she asked, her voice still winded.

Darron rubbed the back of his neck, a hint of sympathy flickering in his eyes. "According to your tutorial sheets, you're to be trained in law, infrastructure, trade—basically, the stuff that makes the world go round. If it's a traditionally boring topic, then it's one you're about to get an accelerated course on." The giant man shivered dramatically. "I don't envy you what comes next."

Bruce rolled onto his side with a groan before hauling himself to his feet. "What about a shower and maybe a nap? I'm pretty sure no one wants us walking into a classroom smelling like this."

Darron laughed, gesturing toward a wooden door on the far side of the training ground. "Only too true. Through that door, you'll find the showers. Throw your clothes in the basket outside, and someone will clean them while you're cleaning yourself. Once you're done, head back to the front desk, and they'll point you to your classroom."

As Bruce stretched his aching arms, Darron's tone grew more serious. "As for rest… the best I can offer is a temporary remedy. We have something that'll keep you awake and alert for a few days, but it comes with a severe crash afterward. When it wears off, you'll need extra sleep to recover."

Bruce sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Sounds like we don't have much of a choice. Thanks for everything, Darron. Really."

The trainer grinned, clapping Bruce on the shoulder with enough force to make him stagger. "No need to thank me. Just don't make me regret putting in the effort."

Amelia smirked, grabbing Bruce's hand and tugging him toward the showers. "Come on. Let's get cleaned up before we pass out standing."

The showers were a welcome relief. The sound of rushing water echoed off the tiled walls, and the hot streams worked wonders on their sore muscles. Bruce leaned against the wall, letting the water cascade over his face, while Amelia hummed softly as she rinsed the grime from her hair. The exhaustion weighing on them seemed to melt away, at least temporarily.

Amelia sighed, wringing out her hair as she glanced over at Bruce. "You think this is the hardest part of the tutorial?"

Bruce snorted, shaking his head. "If it is, we're lucky. But something tells me it's only going to get worse."

They stepped out of the showers to find their freshly cleaned clothes neatly folded on a nearby bench. Bruce reached for his tunic, breathing in the faint scent of soap as he pulled it over his head. "At least we don't have to study in filthy clothes," he muttered.

Amelia tied her hair back, smoothing out the wrinkles in her top. "Small blessings," she said with a faint smile. "Ready for whatever comes next?"

Bruce adjusted his belt, glancing at her with a tired but determined expression. "Not really. But let's do it anyway."

Together, they walked back toward the front desk, the soreness in their bodies a constant reminder of how far they had come—and how much farther they had to go.

Bruce and Amelia waved goodbye to Darron and Kaelyn from across the training yard, a mix of gratitude and exhaustion etched into their expressions. The trainers waved back, Darron shouting something that sounded vaguely like, "Don't let those classes kill you!" They chuckled weakly as they made their way to the front desk.

Thaddeus was still there, meticulously jotting notes into a ledger. He glanced up as they approached, his sharp eyes assessing their disheveled appearance. "Ah, finished with the physical portion, I see," he said with a knowing smirk. "Wait here. I've got something for you."

He turned and retrieved two small vials from a cabinet behind him. The glass containers shimmered faintly in the light, their contents a vibrant turquoise that seemed to swirl on its own.

New Item: Last Resort (Rare)

Description: This potent elixir pushes the limits of endurance, granting the user heightened alertness and mobility until they next sleep. Designed for dire situations, it allows users to stay awake for a maximum duration of their level in days. However, the potion exacts a steep toll; the sleep required afterward is double the time spent awake under its effects, making it a tool for emergencies rather than regular use.

Effects:

Heightened Alertness:

Increases perception and reaction speed by 10% while active.

Extended Wakefulness:

Allows the user to remain awake for up to [Level] days.

Rest Recovery:

After use, the user must sleep for twice the duration of time spent awake under the potion's effects.

Cooldown:

Cannot be used again until the recovery sleep period is completed.

"This will help you stay awake and focused for what's coming next," Thaddeus explained, handing them each a vial. "Just remember, it's a temporary fix. The longer you stay awake, the longer you'll need to sleep later."

Bruce turned the vial in his hand, the liquid catching the light as he arched an eyebrow. "Can't wait for that crash."

Amelia rolled her eyes and uncorked hers. "We don't have much choice. Might as well get it over with." She tipped the potion back, her face scrunching immediately. "It's like stuffing a handful of wintergreen candies in your mouth at once."

Bruce followed suit, grimacing as the sharp, minty flavor spread across his tongue. The effects were immediate. A rush of energy coursed through them both, washing away the lingering fatigue from hours of brutal training. Their minds sharpened, and the ache in their muscles seemed to fade to the background.

"Well, that's… effective," Bruce muttered, blinking rapidly as his vision seemed to clear. He felt like he could focus on anything with laser precision.

Thaddeus chuckled. "It'll do the job. Now, your next destination." He gestured to a hallway on their left. "You'll spend an hour in each classroom, starting with Governance, Law, and Taxation. Then you've got eight more subjects after that. There'll be fifteen-minute breaks between each class for the essentials—bathroom, quick snacks at the cafeteria, and so on. The cafeteria's always stocked, so don't worry about timing your meals."

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Bruce groaned, rubbing his temple. "Governance, Law, Taxation… sounds thrilling."

Thaddeus smirked. "Oh, you'll love it. Now get going, your first class starts in ten minutes."

Bruce and Amelia exchanged weary glances but nodded. "Thanks, Thaddeus," Amelia said, her tone wry as they turned toward the hallway.

As soon as they walked into the first classroom they got a notification.

Welcome to your class on Governance. Your class is one hour long, including a quiz at the end. Scoring well on it dictates how much experience you receive. Study hard and do well!

The classroom was simple but efficient, with rows of desks arranged in neat lines and a large chalkboard at the front. A middle-aged man in a sharp uniform stood behind the desk, flipping through a stack of notes. His nameplate read Instructor Grendahl.

As Bruce and Amelia took their seats, Grendahl launched into a lecture about establishing effective governance structures. "The foundation of any thriving society," he began, his voice clear and authoritative, "is its governance. Whether you're managing a village or an empire, the principles remain the same: leadership, accountability, and stability."

Grendahl's lecture covered the basics of setting up councils, delegating responsibilities, and creating systems for resolving disputes. He emphasized the importance of maintaining checks and balances to prevent corruption and offered examples of both successful and failed governance systems, from Constitutional Monarchies with Parliaments, such as in Bruce and Amelia's birth countries, through to Federal Republics with Presidential Systems, such as in their adopted country. By the end of the hour, Bruce's hand ached from taking notes, and Amelia's head was spinning with concepts like rotational leadership and resource allocation planning.

*****

Welcome to Law . Your class is one hour long including a quiz at the end. Scoring well on it dictates how much experience you receive. Study hard and do well!

The next classroom was nearly identical to the first, though the instructor had a much sterner demeanor. A sharp-eyed woman in a flowing robe introduced herself as Instructor Velthane. "Today, we cover laws," she said crisply, her tone leaving no room for nonsense.

Velthane's lecture delved into the basics of legal frameworks, from codifying laws to establishing judicial systems. She discussed the difference between common law and statutory law, the need for impartial courts, and how to draft enforceable contracts. Her examples ranged from disputes over farmland to complex trade agreements, and she peppered her lecture with real-world scenarios, asking the class to propose solutions.

Amelia found herself surprisingly engaged, especially during a discussion about laws governing magic use and public safety. "This isn't just rules for rules' sake," Velthane said. "Laws are the bones of civilization. Without them, chaos reigns."

*****

Welcome to Taxation: Taxes and how to administer them. Your class is one hour long including a quiz at the end. Scoring well on it dictates how much experience you receive. Study hard and do well!

By the time they entered the third classroom, Bruce was dreading the next topic. Taxation. The instructor, a portly man with a booming laugh named Instructor Walthor, was far more cheerful than expected for the subject matter. "Ah, taxation!" he exclaimed, clapping his hands. "The lifeblood of governance and the bane of every citizen's existence."

Despite his jovial tone, Walthor's lecture was packed with detail. He explained different types of taxation—income tax, property tax, trade tariffs—and their purposes. He discussed the delicate balance of taxing enough to fund public services without stifling growth or inciting rebellion. Bruce perked up slightly when Walthor described strategies for streamlining tax collection and minimizing fraud.

"Remember," Walthor said, leaning against his desk, "a fair tax system earns trust. An unfair one earns torches and pitchforks."

*****

By the end of the third hour, Bruce and Amelia were both mentally drained, although their elixirs prevented them from feeling physically tired as well. They slumped onto a bench during their fifteen-minute break, gulping down water and tearing into plates of food from the cafeteria.

Bruce exhaled heavily, glancing at Amelia. "Think we're learning this fast, or just getting through by sheer willpower?"

Amelia smirked, taking a bite of bread. "A little of both. Let's hope the next ones aren't worse."

Bruce groaned. "Don't jinx it."

As the next bell chimed, they rose to their feet, steeling themselves for the hours still to come.

For the next eleven hours, Bruce and Amelia moved from classroom to classroom, their minds straining to keep pace with the flood of information. Each instructor delivered their lessons with the precision of a drill sergeant, their voices weaving complex topics into dense lectures. The breaks between sessions were brief respites, just enough time to grab a quick bite, stretch sore limbs, and grit their teeth in readiness for the next mental marathon.

In Infrastructure and Public Works, they learned about designing efficient road systems, managing water supplies, and maintaining essential structures. The instructor emphasized foresight, warning them how neglect in these areas could cripple even the most prosperous community.

In Trade and Commerce, the intricacies of supply chains and tariff systems left Bruce furiously scribbling notes while Amelia asked pointed questions about setting fair trade policies. The idea of ensuring stable economies fascinated her, despite the overwhelming complexity.

Diplomacy and Alliances required them to role-play scenarios, negotiating treaties and resolving conflicts between fictional nations. Amelia surprised even herself by brokering a successful alliance in a mock exercise, earning a rare nod of approval from the otherwise stern instructor.

Military Organization was more familiar territory after their earlier combat training. Still, the instructor drilled them on strategies for structuring armies, leading defenses, and coordinating with local militias. Bruce found himself particularly drawn to the concepts of defensive strongholds and supply-line management.

Crisis Management was both practical and harrowing. They were given case studies of disasters—natural and man-made—and tasked with coming up with immediate and long-term solutions. "A leader must always think five steps ahead," the instructor had said, tapping the chalkboard for emphasis. "In a crisis, hesitation kills."

Education Systems offered a surprising shift in tone. The discussion of fostering literacy and providing equal access to learning struck a chord with Amelia. Her notes included detailed outlines for apprenticeship programs and school networks.

Health and Welfare was a sobering reminder of the responsibilities of leadership. From managing sanitation to ensuring access to medical care, the instructor emphasized how even small oversights could lead to disastrous consequences. "A sick population is a weak population," they warned.

The final class, Magical Governance, was a whirlwind of strange but fascinating concepts. They learned about managing powerful artifacts, mediating disputes between magic users, and protecting citizens from supernatural threats. Amelia's questions about balancing regulations with freedom of practice sparked an engaging discussion with the instructor.

By the end of the final class, Bruce and Amelia were running on fumes. Their notebooks were filled with hastily scrawled notes, every page crammed with diagrams, strategies, and highlighted references. They knew that mastering even a fraction of this material would take months—if not years—but they were determined to continue their education when they returned home.

As they turned in their last quizzes, a notification appeared on their screens, glowing softly in their peripheral vision:

As they turned in their last quizzes, a notification appeared on their screens, glowing softly in their peripheral vision. Each set of grades reflected their unique strengths:

Bruce's Scores:

Governance Setup:

80%

Laws:

76%

Taxes:

79%

Infrastructure and Public Works:

90%

Trade and Commerce:

82%

Diplomacy and Alliances:

84%

Military Organization:

91%

Crisis Management:

88%

Education Systems:

81%

Health and Welfare:

80%

Magical Governance:

78%

Overall Score: 83%

Bruce grinned as he scanned his scores, particularly pleased with his performance in Military Organization and Infrastructure and Public Works. "Not bad! Looks like I've got a knack for building and defending stuff."

Amelia's Scores:

Governance Setup:

84%

Laws:

92%

Taxes:

94%

Infrastructure and Public Works:

78%

Trade and Commerce:

90%

Diplomacy and Alliances:

87%

Military Organization:

76%

Crisis Management:

89%

Education Systems:

85%

Health and Welfare:

82%

Magical Governance:

88%

Overall Score: 86%

Amelia raised her eyebrows, impressed with her performance in Taxation, Law, and Trade and Commerce. "I'll take these scores any day," she said, a note of pride in her voice. "But I think I'll leave the infrastructure stuff to you."

Bruce chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "Fair trade. You handle the numbers; I'll handle the buildings."

They stood side by side for a moment, soaking in the satisfaction of completing a grueling day. Though the material had been challenging, they had gained a foundation of knowledge that would serve them well. The scores confirmed what they had suspected all along—they were a good team, balancing each other's strengths and weaknesses.

"Well," Bruce said, exhaling deeply. "What's next?"

"Hopefully not more quizzes," Amelia muttered, though the faint smile on her face hinted at her growing determination.

No sooner than they spoke they were presented with another window.

Please choose your Class:

Structural Architect (Common)

Shield Bearer (Uncommon)

Hearth Warden (Uncommon)

Bruce stopped mid-step in the hallway. "Hey, Amelia, I'm being offered a class. I guess we did enough to qualify. But, I thought you had to be level 10 to get one? We're only level six after all those quizzes and training."

Amelia shrugged as she caught up to him. "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth, right?"

Bruce shook his head. "Yeah, I guess. It just bugs me when something doesn't add up."

She glanced at him curiously. "So, what's on the list? What are you thinking?"

Bruce grinned, pulling up the descriptions. "Probably Hearth Warden. Listen to these options."

Structural Architect (Common):

Specializing in planning and maintaining buildings, Structural Architects design durable infrastructure to withstand natural and man-made disasters. They excel in precision, problem-solving, and construction efficiency, forming the backbone of thriving societies.

Shield Bearer (Uncommon):

Shield Bearers master protection and defense, using tactical awareness and resilience to safeguard allies. Balancing mobility and endurance, they fortify positions, inspire teamwork, and excel as defensive leaders in any role.

Hearth Warden (Uncommon):

Hearth Wardens protect communities, fostering unity and ensuring well-being. They excel in resource management, shelter organization, and improving communal efficiency, providing safety and stability in peace or crisis.

Amelia nodded thoughtfully. "Wouldn't Structural Architect be more up your alley?"

Bruce shrugged, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I thought about that, but this one just resonates with me more for some reason. I'll still be an architect, even without that class. But with this, I can cover more ground. Plus if it's uncommon, rather than common, it's likely to be more useful, right?."

"Go for it then. What does it do when you select it?"

Class: Hearth Warden (Uncommon)

Description: The Hearth Warden is a guardian of communities, specializing in maintaining the well-being and morale of those under their care. They are adept at managing resources, organizing shelter, and fostering a sense of unity. Hearth Wardens gain abilities that improve the efficiency of communal living spaces, ensuring safety and comfort for all. Whether in times of peace or crisis, their steady presence ensures that home remains a sanctuary.

Effects:

Shelter Optimization:

Structures maintained or created by the Hearth Warden provide a 15% boost to resource efficiency, reducing waste and improving living conditions for inhabitants.

Aura of Comfort:

Allies within 30 feet gain a passive morale boost, increasing Willpower and Endurance by 5% when in proximity to the Hearth Warden.

New Skill:

Steward of the Hearth

New Skill: Steward of the Hearth (Uncommon)

Description: As a Hearth Warden, you possess the ability to reinforce and fortify a structure or designated area, turning it into a bastion of safety and resilience. This skill channels your protective instincts into practical enhancements, ensuring the well-being of those within.

Effects:

Increases the durability of a structure or designated area by 20% for 10 minutes.

Reduces damage taken by allies within the fortified area by 10% for the duration.

"What about you? Have you been offered a class?"

Amelia nodded and pulled up a list of three choices, which she proceeded to read aloud to Bruce.

Please choose your Class:

Ledger Keeper (Common)

Civic Administrator (Uncommon)

Trade Emissary (Uncommon)

Quickly diving into each one she rattled off the descriptions, although she was not very pleased with what was being offered. Neither of them had gotten anything above uncommon. It had to have something to do with not going on harder trials. No sense in crying over spilled milk now.

Ledger Keeper (Common):

Ledger Keepers are precise organizers who manage records, finances, and inventories to ensure resources are used efficiently. They prevent waste, provide economic stability, and form the backbone of trade and governance.

Civic Administrator (Uncommon):

Civic Administrators oversee community needs, from drafting laws to managing infrastructure. They excel in maintaining order, improving efficiency, and fostering growth, ensuring settlements thrive through balanced governance.

Trade Emissary (Uncommon):

Trade Emissaries are skilled diplomats and negotiators, forging trade agreements and resolving disputes. Their charisma and expertise in commerce drive prosperity, connecting markets and building alliances.

"What do you think you will go with?"

"I am leaning towards Civic Administrator. The other two are very specific and I think this one would let me have options outside just one niche."

"Sounds good to me, love."

New Class: Civic Administrator (Uncommon)

Descriptions: The Civic Administrator excels in managing and organizing the needs of a growing community, balancing the intricate aspects of governance and public welfare. They bring order to chaos, ensuring smooth operations across all facets of a settlement. Their leadership fosters stability and growth, making them indispensable for thriving societies. Civic Administrators are masters of strategy and resource management, empowering communities to flourish under their guidance.

Effects:

Orderly Operations:

Reduces the resource cost of civic projects (e.g., construction, trade, public works) by 10%, increasing efficiency and ensuring better outcomes.

Directive Influence:

Grants a 10% productivity boost to workers and teams under the Civic Administrator's supervision.

New Skill:

Coordinated Planning (Uncommon)

New Skill: Coordinated Planning (Uncommon)

Description: The Civic Administrator's expertise allows them to devise and implement detailed plans for large-scale projects, increasing the efficiency and success rate of community initiatives.

Effects:

Temporarily boosts the success rate of a single large-scale project by 20% for up to 24 hours.

Reduces time required for project completion by 15%.

Bruce stifled a yawn, his focus wavering as he followed Amelia back to the front desk to see what was next. He silently hoped for something a bit more engaging than the seemingly endless classroom lectures they had just endured. Only time would tell.

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