“You're probably wondering why I called you into my office today.” The man in front of me spoke calmly. But I’m not wondering. I know exactly why I’m here. 52 late arrivals, 32 times where I just didn’t show, and putting soy sauce in the office coffee will do that. “The no-shows? Or the coffee?” I ask hesitantly. “Don’t forget the 14 ‘Pending’ projects that you're yet to complete, the first of which you started in 2011!” My boss yells. I glance at the calendar. It reads May 1, 2025. “Look, Darrel – “It’s Dave.” “Dave. Just give me one more chance; I’m sure I can change.” Dave stood up quickly, his hand pointing toward the door. “GET OUT, YOU'RE FIRED!” I stood, slowly stumbling out of the room. I sit down at my desk for what I presume will be the last time. Grabbing my bag, I sweep my belongings into it: a plastic house plant, a picture of my cat, Milo, and random desk knick-knacks. Suddenly, I feel the building shake below me. Small objects shoot off desks, and people run to heavy tables, which is a benefit of our earthquake training. Suddenly, everything stops and fades to black.

  I hate it when the sky spins. Having a strange screen-like menu in the centre of my vision isn’t nice either.

  Status

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  Name: Jake Bakster

  Grade: H

  Species: Human - H (0)

  Class: None

  Profession: None

  Health: 2/2

  Stamina: 15/15

  Mana: 18/18

  Stats

  Strength: 5 (-3)

  Dexterity: 4 (-3)

  Constitution: 6 (-2)

  Intelligence: 8 (-1)

  Wisdom: 3 (-4)

  Charisma: 7 (-2)

  Skills

  -

  Proficiencies

  -

  !New Quest! - The tutorial

  You stand in a forest at the base of a mountain. At its peak lies the key to freedom. 9,999 others also stand in this forest. Will you stand together and escape the tutorial? Or will you stand alone?

  Reward - Tutorial escape, a Rare item of your grade.