Features

While Ethan and Andrew were preparing the logistics of their departure and deciding on necessary supplies, Rose was in her room, carefully selecting items to pack. There wasn't much she wanted to take along. Already accustomed to a life of scarcity, she only chose what she felt might come in handy. The sole sentimental item she included was a picture of her whole family from a time when her parents were still alive.

Having packed only essentials, Rose finished quickly. She placed her backpack beside her bed and approached the door, glancing up and down the hallway. Seeing no one, she closed it and retrieved the alien device from her pocket. 

Many questions plagued her mind, and she hoped the device might provide answers. Knowing she couldn't risk activating it during their journey—lest her brother or Andrew discover it—she resolved to forgo sleep and seek answers now.

Once again, without a word or action from Rose, the holographic elder materialized before her with a flicker. She couldn't help but wonder if the device could somehow read her mind or sense her intentions. How else could it appear so accurately when she wished for it? Given its alien nature, she wouldn't be surprised if it possessed such capabilities.

"Boss, how may I be of service?" Zen inquired with a slight bow, his long beard nearly grazing the floor.

Rose narrowed her eyes, contemplating her first question. When Zen had initially appeared, she'd had numerous inquiries in mind. However, their journey through the portal and the constant presence of others upon their return had left her with no opportunity to ask.

"Zen, I'd like to know more about you first. When we initially met, you mentioned you could provide information on the realms beyond the portals and the crystal cores. What exactly can you tell me about them?"

"Boss, at present, only my basic features are activated, which means the information provided is highly limited. Regarding the realms, I can only scan a few data points such as temperature and humidity. As for crystal cores, I can only identify their main field—offensive or defensive."

Noticing Rose's dissatisfaction, Zen quickly added, "But with upgrades, I'll be able to tell you much more, Boss. For instance, the next upgrade in the crystal core sector will allow me to analyze which category it falls into—physical, mental, elemental, or other."

"Other?" Rose could easily imagine the types of abilities belonging to the first three categories, but she'd never heard of any that could be categorized as 'other'.

Seeing that Zen seemed reluctant to elaborate, she decided to move on.

"How many rare elements would you need for the next upgrade, then?"

Zen held up two fingers in a V sign. "Only two. Isn't that a bargain? It's only this cheap because it's you, Boss," he said with a grin, reminding Rose of a sly merchant trying to con his customers.

"Oh? So you're implying there are others besides me?"

Realizing his misstep, Zen swiftly raised his hands in denial. "No, Boss. Of course not! You're the only Boss!"

Rose dismissed the matter for now. She nibbled on her finger, deep in thought. Two rare elements. It didn't sound like much, but each realm contained few of them, and finding them was challenging. She'd probably need to explore multiple realms before gathering enough.

Looking up at Zen, she continued her questions. "You mentioned categories. What other upgrade categories are there besides 'crystal cores'?"

Apparently delighted to finally showcase his features, the holographic elder beamed, eager to explain everything to her. "There are actually quite a few categories, and they'll be incredibly useful to you. One is 'portal', which will provide information on the time and location of portal appearances. With higher upgrades, I'll even be able to tell you the portal's level. Then there's the 'realm' category. These upgrades offer more detailed information about the realm, including the quantity of crystal cores, spirit liquid, rare elements, and creatures it contains. Then—"

"Hold on," Rose interrupted, raising her hand to stop Zen's explanation. "Level of portal?" She'd lived through seven years of the apocalypse, yet she'd never heard such a term. Could portals be categorized by level? And what did that imply? Danger level? Treasure level?

But if Rose thought she'd get a proper answer from the holographic elder, she was in for a disappointment. Instead of responding, he simply continued as if he hadn't heard her questions. "...then there's the 'creature' category, which will provide information on the number and types of creatures inhabiting a realm. With higher upgrades, it'll even reveal their weaknesses—"

"Zen!" Rose exclaimed, exasperated.

Zen paused, his holographic form flickering slightly. "Yes, Boss?"

Rose took a deep breath, trying to calm her frustration. "You're not answering my questions. What do you mean by portal levels? And why can't you explain that? I noticed that you are trying to avoid some of my questions. Why is that?"