As Zeke considered his options, he thought about how each talent could benefit him in his journey.
He acknowledged the potential benefits of utilizing the Instant Charm skill in social scenarios, but he also understood that excessively depending on it could result in overlooking other crucial elements and becoming overly dependent on it.
The Attack Boost skill seems tempting, but he also realized that it only focused on his offensive capabilities, leaving him vulnerable in other areas. Moreover, it also required him to hit certain strength tiers, which might take a while to achieve.
Ultimately, he decided to choose the Body Refining skill, as it offered a gradual and consistent improvement to his physical abilities.
The fact that it is upgradeable is also a significant advantage, as it suggested that there is potential for him to further improve and customize this talent to suit his needs.
Although the Clear Mind talent seems intriguing, its unknown rank made Zeke hesitant to choose it.
He did not want to risk selecting a talent that could potentially have unforeseen negative consequences, especially after what happened with his class.
Instead, he decided to focus on developing his physical body through Body Refining which would help his offense and defense.
With his talent choice made, Zeke moved on to check the features of the Outpost. The first feature prompted him to create a faction.
[Please choose a name for the faction that will control this Outpost.]
Zeke thought for a moment before deciding to name his faction after the Major League Baseball team that had used their number 11 draft pick on him.
Even though he had chosen to play college ball so he could also work on his degree at the same time instead of going right into the Show and being stuck on a minor league team for a few years, he still felt a connection to the team.
The Royals would be the perfect name for his faction.
Once he had chosen his faction name, an interface popped up, displaying all the information about the outpost.
Zeke scanned through the information, as he took note of the resources he would need to gather in order to expand his outpost and strengthen his faction.
As he explored the features of the Outpost, Zeke was impressed by how detailed and intricate the system was.
There were options to build structures, recruit units, and research technologies that would give his faction an edge over its rivals.
There was also a quest board that allowed faction members to do quests to earn Faction experience, Faction coins, and gold coins.
He also saw that there was an Outpost store that used gold coins and could be leveled up. The store included items like weapons, armor, resources, and herbs.
He observed that he had already obtained some gold coins, which are utilized in the shop, and deduced that these coins are acquired by completing quests or defeating monsters. Furthermore, he concluded that the number of coins obtained depends on the enemy's level, with higher-level enemies yielding a greater amount of coins.
With his talent choice made, Zeke felt ready to start building up his outpost and leading the Royals to glory.
He couldn't wait to see what challenges lay ahead and how his faction would overcome them.
[Royals Outpost]
[Basic Outpost]
[Quest Board - level 1] (upgradeable)
[Outpost Shop - level 1] (upgradeable)
[Build Structures]
[Summoning Gate] - Locked
[Members inside - 52]
[Expel Members]
As Zeke looked over the Outpost features he felt a tap on his shoulder.
As he exited the interface, he reminded himself that despite being engrossed in something, he must remain vigilant of his surroundings as failure to do so could render him vulnerable to attack by his foes.
After gathering his thoughts he looked over his shoulder and saw Andrew there and used Inspect on him.
[Andrew Ross]
Rank: Novice
Level: 14
Skills: [Inspect] [Quick Shot]
Andrew extended his hand to Zeke with a friendly smile.
"Hey there, I'm Andrew. Thank you for your help during that mini-game without you I fear we would have been in trouble."
Zeke nodded, Remembering how Andrew's timely bow skills played a huge part in the battle, and wanted to know more about him.
"Thank you, without that bow of yours it would have been a lot more difficult. How did you get so good with a bow?"
Andrew chuckled, "Well, I am actually the vice president of the Archery club here at USC. Spent a lot of time practicing and honing my skills."
As they chatted, Sarah walked over to join the conversation.
They discussed the outpost and tried to figure out their next steps. It was then that Zeke mentioned the faction he had created called the Royals.
"You guys seem like you'd be great additions to our faction. What do you say, would you like to join? I want to move toward SoFi Stadium and set up there."
Sarah and Andrew both went silent and thought as they considered the offer.
Sarah and Andrew were intrigued by Zeke's offer and the potential opportunities that joining the Royals could bring.
The idea of being a part of a group that had the potential to thrive in such a chaotic world was enticing. However, they couldn't help but think about their parents and the rest of their families.
Sarah spoke up, "Zeke, this is a tempting offer, but before I make any decisions, I need to find my parents and my little sister. They will be probably looking for me as well since this chaos started and I have no idea where they are or if they're even alive, but I can't just leave them behind I will go check our house and see if I can find them or any hints, then move on from there."
Andrew nodded in agreement, "I also need to look for my little brother and my parents. My little brother goes to a school not far from here so I am going to get some basic supplies and then head out."
Zeke understood their concerns and nodded, "I completely understand. Family is important, and I respect your decision to prioritize finding your parents. Once you both find your families you can meet up with me. I plan to make my way south down to Inglewood. There I plan to go to SoFi stadium. I figured if this gym/cafeteria is an outpost bigger buildings like that must be as well. So I will try to set up my Faction there."
Sarah and Andrew thanked Zeke for his understanding and agreed to meet up with him once they found their families.
After talking for a few more minutes they finished their conversation and joined the rest of the group to eat.
By this time it was already dark out and everyone decided to leave tomorrow.