A day later, at the rest area.
A group of new Players happened to stumble in through the portal, their eyes filled with confusion and curiosity toward this new world. Just as a pair of veteran Players were preparing to take the newcomers out to hunt some Genestealers for fun, Archer's appearance drew most people's attention.
After all, he was the first Player so far to wear the red robes of a Tech-Priest. It was also the first time the other Players had seen someone wearing those iconic robes in a public area. Archer carried a metal case in one hand as he walked steadily toward the crowd.
"Who wants to give it a try?" Archer opened the case in his hand, revealing a brand-new set of Carapace Armor. It was pure black, with hard, clean lines, looking both plain and powerful.
The Players immediately gathered around it and asked curiously, "What the hell is this?"
"This game has a class-change system? Bro, how did you become a Tech-Priest?"
"Carapace Armor designed specifically for Players," Archer said. He opened the case and displayed the armor's various components. "Its main function is making it easier to inject you with drugs."
"As for how I became a Tech-Priest..." Archer paused, then said expressionlessly. Clearly, the experience had been tormenting. "I completed a whole set of massive questions mixing philosophy and mathematics, spent two hours performing a ritual to communicate with the Machine Spirit, and then designed this set of Carapace Armor... And I'm only an apprentice."
"Holy shit, it's that hardcore? You really have to study mechanics and math to become a Tech-Priest?" one Player cried out.
"I'm scared now. I'd better stick to being a regular grunt." Another Player rubbed his arms and shuddered.
Archer coughed twice, trying to steer the