Mathew did not have pleasant dreams. Gone was the comfy bed of his old home. The automatic tea boiler for the mornings to brew up a fresh cup of tea. He didn’t have nice alarms to wake him up to start yet another day of legally defending clients from both sane and insane spouses.

Pain only greeted him as he regained consciousness. As soon as Mathew realized he was awake, his eyes flew open and he summoned [Doozkora’s Rod] to his hand. He grunted in pain, but pushed it away mentally in case he was in trouble.

He found himself in a tent on top of a cot. His clothing was gone and replaced with a simple pair of sweatpants and cotton shirt. Mathew steadied his breathing, listening intently for anything nearby.

“Where the hell am I?” He thought to himself. He was expecting to be chained up, or even worse.

Mathew glanced around the tent and to his surprise, saw Jeffery on the ground. Mathew nudged his canine summon with his rod. Jeffery looked up at his master looking annoyed. Apparently he was sleeping.

Mathew put a finger to his lips, to hush the wolf. Jeffery seemed to understand, and remained still.

Moving as quietly as possible, Mathew made his way to the tent flap. Slowly, he moved the flap open slightly and took a glance around. With his narrow view, he saw several tents, and three campfires. People were talking and having a somewhat pleasant time. It seemed to be either sunset or sunrise based on the pink and blue sky.

“Okay, so not chained up. Not dead. Jeffery is here too. I didn’t think those plans would actually be needed. I owe Agnox for following through with the plan.” Reaching out with his senses, Mathew didn’t detect Agnox nearby.

Instead, he sunk his vision to that of his familiar. He only saw darkness. Mathew then pushed other senses like hearing and feeling. That’s when he heard the sound of snoring.

“Damn it Agnox! Why are you asleep while I was passed out!”

Mathew let go of that connection and frowned. He had none of his items on him other than what was in his personal storage. Most likely Agnox had his bags, yet he couldn’t be sure.

Several plans ran through his mind. In the end, he was going to play it slow and feel things out. If they wanted him dead, then he would be dead.

Agnox wouldn’t be asleep if he was in danger. The only problem was figuring out how much time had passed, and why he ended up feeling this horrible.

It was his soul that hurt, and he knew it. Adrenaline pushed the pain down, but summoning his rod pained him. There was only one place to check for a possible answer. Opening up his menu, several blue boxes filled his vision.

Contractee Brandon Jones has failed to uphold his side of a legal contract. Punishment - 1,000 UC Payment - has been issued.

Contractee Tristian Jones has failed to uphold his side of a legal contract. Punishment - 1,000 UC Payment - has been issued.

Contractee Tristian Jones has failed to uphold his side of a legal contract. Punishment - 7,88 UC Payment - has been issued. No UC left to pay. Sub Punishment - Drain Health - has been issued.

Contractee Jacob Howards has failed to uphold his side of a legal contract. Punishment - Silenced Voice - has been issued.

Contractee Brandon Jones has failed to uphold his side of a legal contract. Punishment - Death - has been issued.

Contractee Brandon Jones was not punished due to a stronger benefactor.

Contractee Brandon Jones has died. Contract was forcibly terminated by an outside force.

Contractee Tristian Jones has died. Contract was forcibly terminated by an outside force.

Contractee Jacob Howards has died. Contract was forcibly terminated by an outside force.

Mathew cursed silently to himself. Dozens of thoughts went through his head, but one major was that someone or multiple people were now informed of him. They could somehow break his contract. The next thought was…how?

His series of thoughts were interrupted by footsteps growing closer. Mathew jumped onto the cot, and acted like he was just waking up. The rod safely tucked under the blanket.

“-and if he wakes up, we will! Relax, he is currently my-'' The source of the voice walked in. Mathew looked up at a very old man wearing a traditional doctors coat. The only difference was the spatters of dirt and blood on it. The addition of a staff in his hand made him look like some sort of fantasy priest.

“Oh Ho! He’s awake! I knew he would!” The older man half yelled. “Sir, are you okay? Don’t get up, I need to give you a check over.”

The doctor walked over and went to grab Mathew’s wrist. Mathew pulled away and stared into the doctor's eyes. “I want answers.” He was playing off as being lost and scared. Both of which he honestly was, but he was also sure he could kill the doctor. The dozens of guards outside was the real current threat.

“And I’m sure you do. Let me just do a quick check to be sure you are not dying, and we can talk. I’m Dr. Nathanial Shutlz, you are very lucky. I thought you were in a magical coma, or worse.” The doctor half laughed as if that was a common occurance and held out a hand for Mathew.

Reluctantly, he handed over his wrist to have his pulse checked. After one or two more pokes and a listen to his chest Dr. Shutlz seemed satisfied. “Good, you are physically perfect! I had a guess that you have a high vitality, and at least level 18. I haven't had a good examination of anyone over level 14, so it was hard to say.”

Dr. Shutlz pulled over a chair and sat down. He leaned down and gave Jeffery a pat on his side. The traitor seemed to enjoy it as his tongue was lolled out to the side of his mouth. “So much for being my tanky guardian.”

“You gave us a minor fight when you came to us two days ago. Your pet here gave us even more trouble. He had bitten at least two people, and severely injured them. All it took to satisfy him was to start helping you. Only myself and my nurses so far have been able to get near you. Mind telling me a bit about yourself and how you were knocked out like that?”

Mathew didn’t say anything at first. He glanced at the tent flap, trying to see if anyone else was outside. He remembered the Dr. was talking to someone.

Choosing to bluff a bit he called out. “If you want to listen in, I'd rather talk to everyone face to face.”

Silence filled the air for just a few seconds. Then the flap opened up to a somewhat familiar face. A woman walked in wearing leather armor. She looked distraught, but ready for anything. Mathew swore he knew her from somewhere. He just couldn’t put his finger on it. “Old client? Spouse of a client? Movie star? One night stand? Damn it, where do I know her?”

“Ahh, I see you have a good ear.” Dr. Shutlz said playfully, but Mathew saw on his face was worry. “This is Mrs. Elizabeth Smith. Secretary of Magic for the United States of America. She was interested in you, and was going to listen in to also help me in case you were trouble.”

Mathew held his poker face very well. His internal emotions were rampaging. “The President's Niece is here? Where the hell did you take me Agnox! I’m going to strangle him!” Mathew silently prayed the woman didn't recognize him. He had met her twice at functions when he was younger and still in law school. The woman was older than him, but he doubted she would forget him that easily. Then there was the fact he had physically changed somewhat over the past three months as well.

“Oh? I haven't heard of her. When did America acquire such a position?” Mathew was going to lie about himself as much as possible.

“I was appointed by my uncle not long after The System arrived.” Mrs. Smith said. “Where did you come from?”

Mathew shrugged. “Not important right now. I need to know what you did to wake me up.” He looked over at the doctor.

“Oooo that’s the fun part. You are going to laugh when you hear that.” Dr. Shutlz paused for dramatic effect. “Nothing!”

Mathew blinked, not expecting such an answer. Dr. Shutlz continued talking, “I did cast healing spells on you, and tried a few other methods, including splashing cold water, but nothing woke you up. It’s been nearly a day since I decided to just let you sleep. I didn’t think you would wake up if I am being honest here.”

“I see.”

“What happened to you?” Dr. Shultz asked. “Was it some monster?”

“I was attacked by an unknown attacker. They affected me mentally, or somehow else. I was training with my canine companion here when it happened. I’m just glad I got here before the ties loosened up and I fell off of him.”

“As am I. It’s dangerous out there to be alone. Why were you alone?”

Mathew rubbed the back of his head. “I selected solo when The System prompted. I wasn’t part of any official group, I didn’t expect to be separated from my people.” He answered honestly.

“Several people made that mistake.” Elizabeth said. “We lost a third of our group to that, or people are actually randomly teleported. Nobody here selected solo when we all arrived, which is why I don’t think it’s truly random teleportation. Since then we have camped up and waited.”

Mathew nodded. “So it’s been three days since this whole event started. Anything happened in the last two nights?”

“Nothing horrible. However, we did locate the floor boss.” Elizabeth stated. “If you are willing, we will be glad to have you help us kill it.

Mathew raised his eyebrows in response. “You trust me that much?”

She shrugged. “So long as you make a promise with our bookkeeper, it will be fine. We can talk about it later.”

“Why him?” Mathew pushed. He wanted answers. Yet had a feeling he knew the truth.

“I’m sure you know how professions and classes work. Giving powers and such. His lets him ensure signed promises remain kept. So long as you don’t lie, or break that promise, nothing happens to you.” She said very plainly.

“She talks about a contract ability as if it’s just a minor ability. Something unimportant. Yet, if she heard how I not only fooled several people with contracts, but almost outwitted one of her uncles generals, I wonder how she would react?”

Mathew crossed his arms, “I don’t sign anything legal without a Lawyer present.”

“My boy, I think those days are behind us.” Dr. Shutlz said.

“That may be, but why my help? You have plenty of guards. You are the niece of the President. I bet you are Level 20 or higher, with every magical item money can buy.”

Elizabeth had a flash of anger, then grief flash over her face before returning to a stoic one. “Unlike some people, I didn’t acquire free things growing up, nor now. UC is the only currency, and it’s gathered at the same pace as everyone. By completing quests or killing things. My desk job didn’t let me get out much. We have some useful items, but we are saving it for the next floor to leave.”

“Leave? Why not go to the end?” Mathew asked.

“Nobody here is Apprentice ranked. We have several people still under Level 10 as well. We can’t leave that floor without killing the boss. We fear a pattern might continue based on the one for this floor.”

“Which is?” Mathew was curious. He was to take one out himself after all.

“The floor boss is a rank higher than the one it resides on. Plus it’s not a simple lone creature. The one we scouted is a giant centipede. It’s easily thirty feet long according to our scouts.”

Mathew was surprised at the honest answer. “Yet again, why are you telling me all of this?”

She sighed. “We need help. I’m the third highest level here at Level 18. I’m not even a real combat class on top of that. The highest combatant is our commanding officer. He is in charge of the guards.”

“I’d be glad to meet this man. I have a class that revolves around my red friend and magic.” Mathew spoke. “What level is the combat leader?”

“I take it you are accepting the offer?” Elizabeth asked with hope.

“No, I’m not. I need more information. If I don’t like the situation, then I won’t bother helping. I have my own agendas. I also would like to not die.”

She nodded, accepting that answer. “I understand. Please rest, I’m sure you need the time. Food will be brought to you in an hour once lunch is made.”

Mathew smiled at the offer. “Thank you both. Especially for not killing me or holding me prisoner. I got lucky, it seems.”

“That you did!” Dr. Shultz said. “I’ll be off to check on the food and my other patient. If you need anything boy, just poke your head out and ask.”

“Before you go, where is my stuff?”

“Ah, in that chest there.” He pointed at a foot locker under his cot.

Mathew nodded as Dr. Shutlz walked out. He looked at Elizabeth and smiled. “So, now what?”

Her posture changed. Mathew was good at reading people. He slid his hand slowly and gripped his rod as he saw death in her eyes. She was either going to kill him, or really make him wish he was dead.

“I don’t know Mathew, you plan on being fucking honest with me?”

“Fuck! She did remember me!” Mathew smiled. “Oh so you do know who I am! I thought those days as young friends who hated our parents were a great bonding experience. I was almost afraid you had forgotten those succulent days together.”

“Damn it, do you know how much shit I went through to keep General Payne from seeing you?”

Mathew was heavily confused, so much so he showed it on his face. “What do you mean ‘from seeing me’? Is he the commanding officer here?!”

“Yes!” She hissed. “Nobody knows who you really are but me and the Doctor. He is my personal physician. He won't betray me. He’s the reason my husband didn’t die. What the hell are you doing here!”

Mathew rubbed at his face with his free hand. He stood up, and upon seeing his weapon, Elizabeth stood up and reached behind her.

“No, sit down you idiot. I’m not going to attack you. I’m getting out of here, and going very far away.” He reached down and pulled out the chest with his items.

“That’s…actually a smart idea.” She responded, relaxing a bit.

“What is my actual luck? Not only meeting a childhood friend, but one of the few people left alive who wants to kill me?” He paused and turned to her. “What level is he?”

“Why do you care?” Elizabeth asked.

Mathew glanced at the flap. “I could kill him, and remove a possible enemy. He wouldn't know I am even here. With my Axioms, and a blitz attack, I can kill him, then leave very fast.”

“Oh, I know that look. You are plotting something.” Elizabeth stepped closer to Mathew. “Spill it.”

He lingered on the flap for a moment before shaking his head. “It’s nothing. Not worth the future problems. Mathew paused. “I’m being honest when I say this, but thank you.”

There was no response as he started to get dressed. Elizabeth turned around, “You know I’m married right?”

“Nothing you haven’t seen before if you are married.” Mathew chuckled. Then he got a serious tone in his voice to bring up an important topic. “How bad is it out there? In America and the rest of the world.”

“Not as bad as the movies, but bad. It’s worse with the protestors and people who refuse to level up. The government leaders want the old world back. You know for a fact that isn’t happening. I give it less than a year before something snaps and America truly falls.”

Mathew reached out and turned her around to face him. “Damn. Okay. How much authority do you have? Are you a Hearth Crystal Owner?”

“Uhhh.” Elizabeth hesitated. “I am. You plan to take mine as well?”

“Pft, you know that Payne is a total asshole, and deserved what happened to him.”

“You tried to poison him!”

“I tried to poison myself!” Mathew exclaimed, keeping his voice as quiet as possible. “Yea, it was a horrible plan. Easily one of the top five worst plans I’ve had. I regret it, plus on paper it was great! I was stressed, and in a rush. It worked out in the end anyways, I don’t need to explain myself to you.”

“Fine.”

“Good. I need you to ally yourself with my city.”

“What!” She almost shouted, but kept it at a hush tone.

“Listen. If we ally with one another, you can find me on the map in the real world, and I can find you. Nobody can see we are allies other than your allies. I have a very large city that is continuously growing. You join me, we can reshape the world. Are you in or out?”

“What the hell are you spouting Mathew?”

He finished getting dressed. And peeked outside. “World domination of course.” Mathew put on his best grin.

Elizabeth didn’t smile back. “Are you not taking this seriously? What if you die?”

“I just enjoy messing with you. You are cute when you are mad.”

“Married.” She reminded him.

Mathew nodded. “I know, that doesn't mean I can’t mess with your head. I hope you don’t mind, but I am cutting a hole in the back of this tent, and leaving. Join me, don’t join me. I don’t care. Just don’t be my enemy. I have enough of those as is with the entire American Government after me.”

“Wait, before you go.” Elizabeth got close to Mathew and handed him two items. “This is a ticket chip. We are inviting every strong person on the leaderboard for the world to it. It’s at the eight month mark. If you can make it to D.C. and show up, they won’t attack you with that chip.”

“The other is…a personal one. Don’t die out there Mathew. Those floor bosses are dangerous. You might be Apprentice ranked, but that doesn’t mean you can fight them equally.”

Mathew gave her a wink. “Liz, I plan to be the strongest of them all. I’m going to reshape what it means to be a McGonald. When I’m up there, I would like to see an old friend by my side.”

“Like your brothers will let you. You do realize Mark is part of the New American government schemes right?”

Mathew took a deep breath. “No, but I do now. Have you seen any of them here?”

Elizabeth shook her head no. “For the better, I haven't. Jonathan still thinks I have a crush on him.”

Mathew summoned his green metal dagger and cut open a flap into the tent. “Good, let’s both hope that we don’t run into them. Stay safe Liz, tell your husband I said ‘hi’.”