Work tour (2)

Was she that bad?

<Valeria has not opted to tell you about her past so I will not go into details but her life prior to becoming a monster wasn't very beneficial for her development.>

I've seen her mother and the way she acted. That tells me more than enough about the abusive relationship she must have had in her home.

<You have only seen the tip of the iceberg. I spent days on end to get Valeria to feel remotely human again. Ironic really, she became more human by dying and becoming a monster.>

Edward finally gives up and retreats a few steps making to sheath his dagger. However, Valeria isn't quite done showing off. Displaying her curves while dodging is one thing but for a really deep impression, a bit of violence is needed too.

Flashing after Edward's retreating figure Valeria meets out a terrifying blow. In fact, I couldn't even see her attack. All I saw was her bending her knees raising her hands and then boom. Her hand right hand trembled for a second and Edward fell to his knees clutching his stomach.

<That was a well-done punch into his solar plexus. Executed at the perfect moment when he was retreating and lowering his vigilance. Welp, time for me to step in.>

Valeria isn't done yet. After giving us slow people some time to process how she downed Edward with one lightning-quick hit she raises her leg up high. Like an axe, her heel descends and vanishes from my sight as it reaches speeds I cannot perceive anymore.

I find myself wondering how intense the impact will be but only a soft breeze forms as her leg reappears halfway to Edward's kneeling body.

Navi, still smiling gently, has suddenly appeared and is holding Valeria's leg in her hand. There was no impact to speak of...

Where did all the energy in that kick go? Did Navi cancel it all by force or did she use a skill?

Valeria turns extremely timid with her leg in Navi's grasp. I can't really imagine Valeria being scared of anyone besides maybe Darwin. But Navi?

<I'm not as weak as you might think. I just prefer to solve things with a smile.>

But you look like you couldn't hurt a fly!

<I snapped Jade's neck once.>

You mean that figuratively, right?

<No.>

Okay then. Let's just move on.

<Sure.>

Navi drops Valeria's leg and walks back over to us. Cassidy has an expression close to worship on her face while Quinn seems mildly impressed.

Seems to me that someone planned this very well. Valeria might have put in the most effort when it came to showing off but the fruits of her labor were plucked by another.

<What can I say, I am just too good at leaving a great first impression on people.>

After the conflict between Edward and Valeria has been resolved for the time being we take an actual look at the gym area. Navi is very inviting and allows my daughters to try out whatever devices they wish to.

Cassidy tries out everything and is having the time of her life. Especially the dreaded track area catches her fancy.

Quinn also tries some things here and there. She seems much more reserved and provides a rational analysis on every device she tries.

Navi originally seemed more inclined to focus her effort on showing Cassidy around. However, since she noticed the very accurate assessments Quinn was giving she divided her attention between the both of them once again.

Both girls show curiosity towards the area behind the sliding doors but when Navi explains the supergravity room's effects to them they lose interest.

We move on to the main attraction of the company and also the reason for its name. To avoid disturbing any customers that might still come today we all head to the employee capsules.

The room they are in contains enough for all of us to use one and then some. We enter the capsules and I set the appearance of the VR room to the interior of our house.

Cassidy and Quinn head further into the house and begin to explore the house that feels familiar and yet strangely unfamiliar. This place was built based on my memories so some inaccuracies might exist. I haven't explored the house enough for me to be confident to perfectly recall each and every corner of it.

At Navi's request, I dismantle a monster so the girls can see the work I am supposedly doing every day now. Since we are in virtual reality no one needs to clean up the remains of my dismantling and we simply leave the capsules.

"Now you've seen the heart and soul of our VR dungeons company. Work here is fairly straightforward and we aspire to give our customers the best experiences and preparatory assistance for entering a dungeon."

"This place is so cool! I want to work here too when I grow up."

"Haha. You'll have to do a lot of growing up before you will simply be able to work here. For now, why not start your future career by meeting the company chairman. If anyone can get you a job in this place it would be Darwin."

Navi, why is Darwin trying to meet my daughters?

<He isn't. I suggested this of my own volition. He just returned from a fight with the ocean-born and is resting in his office. I believe having him meet your daughter would be mutually beneficial.>

He's back? How did it go?

<Alright I guess. He killed a few of them and they temporarily retreated outside the dungeon. They'll likely try again with a new strategy or after receiving reinforcements. Darwin is only taking a short rest before heading back to the frontline.>

Both my daughters agree to meet the chairman and soon we enter his office. Darwin is lounging in one of the couches like a dead slug. And he isn't eating for once!

When we enter he lifts his head for a bit and gives us a kind smile.

"Hey there, I hope the tour has been exciting so far."