They ran for an hour before they found other people. It was a group of humans from Earth. However, neither of them recognized them or the clothes they wore. Maximilian placed them between levels 3 and 6, which meant they weren't weak exactly. Not strong but certainly not weak. They wouldn't survive here on their own, but neither of them wanted to work with them. Alejandro didn't want to get bogged down with a grip, and Maximilian knew he wanted to visit the dangerous regions. Bringing this group with him would lead them to their doom. Instead of giving the group and then dashing it, they decided not to make contact. They avoided the group and headed on. The run toward the herb storage was easy. The building was simpler than he expected. It was the size of a small warehouse with several skylights. Initially, he thought the skylights were windows, but that wasn't the case. They were lights. Square lights. The dozen he saw were off, but based on the symbols carved on the edges, they weren't for normal light. They were for Dao. He pushed some energy into one, but nothing happened. He resisted the urge to rip one out of the ceiling, mostly because he wasn't sure he could. He had no idea how long this place had been abandoned, but most of it was still incredibly strong.

  "Are you done?" Alejandro asked as Maximilian landed next to him.

  Maximilian gave a curt nod and then expanded his Dao fields. He reshaped them to form a cocoon of all three elements. It took him a few seconds to condense it enough that it only affected the two of them, but it was worth it. He would still put Prismatic Barrier over it if he only cared about defensive properties. His make-shift cocoon was sound, but not that good. That said, he could move while this was up, which made up for the flaw. He let Aleljandro know it was time, and the pair of them stepped through the threshold. He braced himself as something scanned him. The process lasted less than a second, and then nothing. They stood in silence for several more moments before Maximilian grinned. He released his defenses and took stock of the room. It was disappointing. Calling this place a storage was a bit misleading. It was clear that the stuff here was more for display. There were shelves and displays on all sides of the rooms. Each one had a plaque. Each one was empty.

  "Well, this sucks," Alejandro said.

  "It was a long shot, but it gives us a chance to understand more about the various herbs around here. I think that's the point." He said as he stepped up to the first plaque. An item called "An Armita lily. It was an "Early Foundation realm flower that was important for healing pills.

  "What do you mean by that? Either someone got here before us, or all the good stuff was lost years ago."

  Maximilian shook his head. "No, well, I mean yes, you are correct. Though if you look around, it's pretty clear it's the latter. I don't think we are supposed to find anything here. I think the outer circle is meant to get us started—the prologue to the real fight. A fight will start once we enter the middle region, and it will finish later. Places like this tell us what to look for."

  "Like a guidebook? You really think the next stage is going to be a blood bath?"

  Maximilian nodded. "I do. I think this part is to get people like me ready. Wet our appetites for what we might find, so we are willing to kill." He stepped up to another plaque. This was for a plant that resembled wheat. One that was good for all kinds of medicinal baths.

  "Well, are you going to play? No offense, but you don't strike me as the blood bath type. I mean, don't get me wrong, you're strong. You give off more of a pretty boy vibe. Like a model or something. Not a sadistic killer."

  Maximilian stared at him for a moment and then shook his head. "Yes. I plan to fight. I never said anything about people being sadistic. I enjoy all of this. Well, I could do without the killing. Cultivation is fun. It's also freeing."

  "How in the name of all the blessed mother is this 'freeing'? We are forced to fight and live like it's the twelfth century."

  Maximilian sighed and turned away from a plaque. "Simple. We have attributes. We have a quest menu. We have leaderboards. We knew what to do next. The world was reset. We have a chance to do things right. We have the opportunity to build a fair world. Look around you. This is the closest we will ever get to a reset. The old world is gone." His voice filled with passion and determination as it rose. "It's not equal. Not truly. Some of us got a tutorial—a place to learn and grow. At the same time, others were thrown to the wolves. Yet, in that we have fairness. The Network determined that noncultivators were a lost cause."

  "How in the hell is that fair? My aunt—" He gritted his teeth. "My family. People who had done nothing to anyone died in some hellhole." Alejandro glared at Maximilian as if daring him to say something else.

  Maximilian sighed. "I know. You've seen what the Network can do. You've seen its power the same way I have, instead of killing those people. Instead of killing our loved ones, it gave us the chance to save them. A chance to defend them. A chance to be the shield of humanity."

  AlejaNdro scoughed. "Yeah, that might be true for you, but it isn't for most of us. The average person's life became more challenging. They don't even have the safety they used to. You sound like the rich assholes from before. If you pull yourself up by your bootstraps. This might be news to you, but the rest of us can't level as fast as you. Hell, even the rest of the top five can't keep up, and you show no signs of slowing down."

  Maximilian opened his mouth to respond, but let the words die in his throat. He doubted that anything he could say would improve the situation. He also couldn't disagree with what he said. He had been given a boost that other people hadn't. Innocent people died for no real reason. All that was true, yet he also knew that it wasn't the whole story. He knew that they could argue until the trial ended and get nowhere. There would be no point. He decided to head to the other end of the room. It was better that they both got some space. An hour later, Maximilian had reviewed every plaque. He was about to suggest they leave when a voice called out to them.

  "Greetings, Humans. We want to speak with you."

  Maximilian raised an eyebrow at that. He looked for Alejandro and gave him a nod. He then headed outside. He kept his guard up in case this was some scheme to take them out. He had half expected an otherworlder, but he was pleasantly surprised to see a group of five lizardfolk. The five were covered in scars, though he guessed they weren't recent additions. Further, the group was strong. He placed them all around level ten or so, which was impressive. Not his match, but far above the average power of the humans of Earth. It made him a bit worried. He pushed the negative thoughts to the back of his mind and gave the group a pleasant smile. "How can I help you?"

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

  "We offer our greetings to the King of Humanity." The strongest of the lizardfolk began. He was almost half a foot taller than Maximilian, with a body that would make professional bodybuilders green with envy. He was also the first Lizardfolk Maximilian had seen with a weapon. In this case, he wielded a large, greatsword crafted from a stone he had never seen before. Maximilian barely had enough time to process the words and his appearance before his instincts warned of danger. The lizardfolk launched at him with a speed that should have been impossible. He had just enough time to duck before the sword arrived. The swing felt like it would sunder the world if he weren't careful. Maximilian opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, he swung again. Maximilian dodged. He unleashed a blast of wind that launched him back into the building. The warrior was undaunted. Arriving almost before Maximilian landed. He ducked to avoid another swing. His danger sense kept him a fraction of a second ahead of each attack.

  When he had had enough, Maximilian released his killing intent. The sudden shift caused the warrior to hesitate just long enough for Maximilian to unleash a straight jab into the middle of his chest. The lizardfolk was forced back a step. Maximilian took the chance to put some serious distance between the two as he activated Prismatic Barrier. When the barrier formed, he let out a sigh of relief. He was pretty sure a strike from the oversized sword wouldn't kill him, but it would hurt—a lot. "I have no idea who you are or what you want, but put down the sword," Maximilian commanded. "Whatever grievance we have can be settled with words." He doubted the lizardfolk would listen, but he wanted to try. If only to ensure Earth didn't lose too many strong individuals. Unfortunately, his words had no effect. The lizardfolk shot toward him like a rocket. Only this time, his danger sense was silent. When the sword arrived and did nothing, he realized why. The warrior attacked him uselessly a few more times before Maximilian decided enough was enough. He unleashed a bolt of electricity and a blade of wind. Neither was strong enough to kill outright, but they got the message across.

  "Enough. You aren't strong enough. Now explain what's going on before I decide to take you all out." He knew he wouldn't kill all of them. They all hadn't attacked him, and even the big guy wasn't strong enough to really hurt him. Not unless he stood still long enough to get hit repeatedly. He half expected the warrior to try again, but he didn't. Instead, one of the smaller lizardfolk stepped forward. This one reminded him a bit of a bipedal salamander with bronze scales.

  "We offer apologies. We only wanted to test your strength as is customary. If we have offended, I, Nasha Bronzescale, offer formal apologies."

  Maximilian raised an eyebrow in curious confusion. Her words made sense. The few lizardfolk he had seen were the fantasy tribal archetype to the letter. It was dumb, but he could understand. After all, if he weren't strong enough, then talking was pointless. It was dumb logic, but he could follow it. That didn't explain why they hadn't told him that first. Based on her strained facial expression and the downcast look on the warrior's face, it was clear he wasn't supposed to do it. Despite that, he didn't immediately release his skill. His instincts hadn't warned of any problems, but he didn't want to risk it. The group had already attacked once. He shifted his focus to Alejandro and was pleased to see the man fine. He hadn't joined the fight, which was fine. Maximilian wasn't sure who would win between the lizardfolk and Alejandro, which was interesting.

  "Alright." Maximilian began as he focused on the situation. "Why did you go through the trouble? What do you need?"

  "Yes, straight to the point. I agree that is the best course of action. The chief has asked me to recruit outsiders. We have a problem in the swamp. Several powerful enemies have appeared. The tribes have united, but it isn't enough." Maximilian nodded and gestured for her to continue. "The creatures deep within the swamp are over level 30. It is believed that there might be something even stronger in the deepest areas."

  Maximilian nodded. He could see why that would be a problem. Even if they had someone like himself, could they leave in search of a mystery creature? Nubia has decent arrays to support him. He wasn't sure if the available arrays would hold up against level thirty-plus enemies. It would be a significant issue if something that strong made its way to his mountain. Fortunately, it was unlikely. Instead, it was unlikely he would be surprised by it. He should receive word long before it could threaten his people. "I see. I am willing to help you, but I would need to know how to find your people. As far as I know, there aren't any prominent swamps near me." He wanted to believe he wanted to help because it was the right thing to do. It was, and that was enough to motivate him, but it would solve another problem. He needed a new leveling space. He was pretty confident he would reach level 30 before he left here. Even the stronger creatures in the desert wouldn't be much of a challenge. It was possible that he could find something if he searched, but that wouldn't be wise.

  "The chief will be pleased. We are aware of your place of power. The throat of the world. Chief said that it was a fitting throne for one who wants to rule all.

  Maximilian paused. He wasn't shocked. He had already gone down the spiral of trying to rule the world. No, the weird part was the phrasing. It sounded like they had already taken it for granted, yet if that were the case, why did they want to "test" him? The more he thought about it, the more questions he had. "Your chief thinks that highly of me?"

  "Yes. My chief was present when you displayed your power for the other humans. She said it was suitable for a mate. The big chief was less certain. That is why Bahaf was here. He had come to participate true, but he was also here to test your strength." Nasha gestured to the large swordsman.

  Maximilian cocked his head at the lizard woman. The casual way she called him a "mate" threw him off, but he decided to ignore it. He was attractive by any standard, so he chalked it up to the price of doing business. He could also admit that he enjoyed the attention. He wasn't interested in lizard women, but it was the thought that counted. Maximilian cleared his thoughts and focused on the rest of what she said. It was hard to puzzle out with the words used, but it sounded like she had two leaders. A normal leader and then a special one? Or more likely, some united tribal group. One that was led by someone who wasn't at the meeting. "I see. I see." He looked toward Bahaf, who looked more confident. He still had a nasty scar from his dao, but his scales had done well enough. He doubted it would take too long before he recovered, which was impressive. "Alright. Well, I will go to assist you as soon as I am able. What can you tell me about the monsters?"

  An hour later, Maximilian watched the group of five leave, regretting his offer. It wasn't that the lizardfolk were a problem, but their enemies were. They were acidic and poisonous monsters. It sounded like a horrible place to live, and that was before the Network, so the current swamp was likely terrible. He could understand why they would be comfortable, but he was human. He did not have any advantages that would keep him safe. His daos should be enough, but it would be risky. He would need to purchase some pills to help. Regardless, he would go. He wouldn't leave them to fight on their own. If he were going to lead Earth, then he would take care of every person.

  "Are you sure that's a good idea?" Alejandro asked as they started down a side path.

  Maximilian nodded. "Yeah. Despite how things started, they seem like good people. I guess. Very straightforward, which is nice. They don't strike me as the type to plot against me. Assuming they are all like those five."

  "I mean, that's true, but if these chiefs are stronger than the big guy, then they could kick our ass. I mean, even on my best day, I'd struggle with many of those attacks. The guy also hadn't used any skills."

  Maximilian nodded. Bahaf should have had one, so it was odd that he hadn't used it. Not even when he had used his own skill. He had just met them, so he couldn't claim to be an expert, but the warrior didn’t seem like the type to restrain himself. "We'll have to wait and see. Now that we've finished here, we should head deeper inside. I want to check if the pathways further into the city are open, and if they’re not, I want to know when they will be." Alejandro looked as if he wanted to say something else but decided against it. With a shrug, the duo continued down the road.