A Friend in Need

The old time that Alex is referring to feels so very long ago. To Alex, however, it is still fresh within his memory, as some of the members were still alive when he perished.

Most of the members had already died one way or another by then, unfortunately. And some of them quite tragically if I recall correctly.

"Yes, I do, eventually," I reply while approving some of Alex's request via the Party Window. It is quite strange that we can see each other's Windows. We could not do that even if we were part of the Party previously.

And I am sure this has nothing to do with the Party itself, as other people can also see those Windows despite not being part of the old System. How bizarre.

"Awesome," Alex responses and closes his Party Window. "I'm second to join just like before. Love to get that girl in as soon as possible since she is an Engineer. Too bad, we won't meet her until the third wave. Or was it the forth waves?"

"Things have changed, Alex, and I am planning to gather all the members before even the collapses of all the Zones," I point out. "For that, we need to take down the Dungeon as quickly as possible."

"Eh? I thought we're going to farm the Dungeon for XP," Alex responses. "Unlimited monster spawns, you know."

I nod in agreement. "We will before we take down the Boss. But before that, you should form a Magic Core, so you can use magic without relying on the System."

"Would love too, but don't have any Mana Crystal," Alex shrugs. "I don't suppose you do?"

"Who do you think I am, Alex? I am the Treasurer of the Party!" I remind him as I dump as much Mana Crystal into the Stockpile – a shared inventory of the Party. It is one of the benefits of having the Party,

And since there are a lot of benefits of maintain a Party, Alex and I have never disbanded ours even if we go about our daily life. That is why I knew he had died even though he was in another dimension.

The System never lies, at least not intentionally.

"Holy Shit! It has been like four days, isn't? How you get so much Mana Crystals?" Alex calls out after checking the Stockpile.

"I have never died, Alex, and as long as a player does not die, he continuously becomes stronger until he can even kill a Ruler and turn back the clock," I remind Alex. "Here are a bunch of ranged weapons, so see which one fits your Ranger class. Also, take as much Mana Crystal as you need since I can always get more."

"Really?" Alex utters and starts dumping Mana Crystals into his own Inventory. His Inventory is not as unique as mine, but it is still very useful. He also takes some weapons from the Stockpile. "Thanks for the investment. I will pay you back double."

"Only double huh? I plan on milking you for all you are worth," I response, and the both of us laugh as it is an inside joke. "Alright, Alex. Once you're done with what you need to, look after my mother. The others as well, if you have time. It will take a little while for the Caravan to reach the Subway Station."

"No worry. You can count on me," Alex assures, and I severe the spiritual connection afterwards.