039, Space Scrap Ship: Salvage
[Resource time has exceeded 300 hours.]
[New feature unlocked in the simulator.]
[Initializing—]
[Space Wreck: Salvage]
Note: A space wreck is a massive amalgamation of countless derelict warships and other debris. They have drifted through the vastness of space and even the Warp for tens of thousands of years. Any force that attempts to investigate them suffers significant losses. However, beneath these layers of danger lie countless forgotten treasures, some of which are terrifying creations capable of annihilating entire planets or even star systems…
[Current Salvage Attempts: Zero]
[Remaining Salvage Attempts: Zero]
[Would you like to spend cooldown time to obtain salvage attempts (1 hour equals 1 salvage attempt)?]
"Uh…"
Zaire furrowed his brow.
After scanning the new feature description in the simulator, he fell into silence.
Was the simulator suggesting he wasn't consuming resources quickly enough and trying to cash in on him? This was exactly like the predatory gacha mechanics in mobile games!
Zaire was almost certain that the simulator's new feature didn't even have a guaranteed reward system! If he had resources to spare in the future, he might consider trying it out. But for now… no way!
Why waste cooldown time on this when he could use it for simulations instead?
Despite his reservations, Zaire decided to spend one hour to exchange for a single salvage attempt—just to show some support for the simulator and perhaps avoid displeasing the "machine spirit."
[Current Salvage Attempts: One]
[Salvage Completion Countdown: 59 minutes 59 seconds]
"Alright then..."
Zaire couldn't help but click his tongue and shake his head in resignation. Finding out that salvage also took time only made him less interested in the new feature.
Feeling somewhat disenchanted, Zaire left the abandoned shop. With his resource channel temporarily secured, he planned to resume his quest to build a secret base.
However, just as he was leaving Queens and heading to the library, he received a call from his aunt. The job ad they had posted a few days ago had caught some attention, and there was a potential applicant who needed an interview.
Half an hour later, Zaire arrived at the restaurant. Upon entering, he saw a young man in his early twenties sitting and chatting with his aunt.
Zaire approached, and before he could say a word, his aunt stood up with a smile and introduced the young man, "Zaire, this is Carl, a student. He's looking to earn some extra money while studying to ease the burden on his family. He saw our job posting and came in to inquire."
Carl, a tall, slender young man with a student-like demeanor, wore rimless glasses. As Zaire approached, he quickly stood up and greeted him, "Hello."
Zaire nodded and smiled back, then asked the young man, "Columbia University? NYU? Or…"
"New York Institute of Technology," Carl replied with a shy smile.
Zaire nodded again, turning his gaze to his smiling aunt. "Auntie, did you discuss the pay and other details with him?"
His aunt, clearly in a good mood today, quickly nodded, "We just talked about it, but Carl is still a student, so he can only work part-time."
"I'll try to squeeze my rest and study time to make room for work," Carl said earnestly, seemingly eager for the job. It was clear he had recognized Zaire as the one who made the decisions.
"That won't be necessary. You're here to study, not just to work," Zaire waved his hand, smiling as he continued, "You'll work three hours a day—one and a half hours during lunch and dinner. If you want to work during holidays, we'll count it as full-time and pay you overtime. How does that sound?"
Carl lowered his head slightly, as if calculating how much he could earn.
"That's great, I'm very satisfied! Thank you!" he said, lifting his head and giving a small bow of gratitude to both Zaire and his aunt.
Zaire appreciated polite people, and he found himself growing more fond of the young man. After exchanging a glance with his aunt, Zaire nodded and said, "It's settled then. Welcome to Delicious, our restaurant. We haven't opened yet, so it might be a few days before things get busy. If you have time, you can come by to get familiar with the place… Don't worry, my aunt will make sure you get paid."
Both parties were pleased with the arrangement. Zaire's aunt had a new helping hand, and Zaire could focus more on his own affairs.
After exchanging contact information, Carl mentioned that he planned to return the next morning since there was nothing urgent to do at the restaurant. Zaire didn't mind and agreed readily.
Once Carl left, Zaire felt no pressing need to head to the library. He spent some time chatting with his aunt while keeping an eye on the simulator, watching the salvage countdown tick down. He was curious to see what the new feature would yield.
---
Carl walked briskly through the streets, his face occasionally showing traces of joy and relief. He sometimes paused to glance at items displayed in shop windows or to observe the men and women passing by, just like any other curious newcomer to the city.
Half an hour later, Carl entered a supermarket. When he reemerged, he was carrying a bag of snacks and drinks, along with a disposable phone.
With a shy smile, Carl adjusted his rimless glasses and left. He wandered into a more secluded street, as if he had lost his way, but he did not turn back, seemingly enjoying the thrill of exploration.
When Carl finally entered a deserted alley, his demeanor suddenly shifted dramatically. The once shy, studious demeanor was replaced by the sharp, focused presence of a battle-hardened warrior.
Expressionless, Carl exhaled slowly. He activated the disposable phone, his fingers deftly dialing a sequence of complex numbers before making a call.
About ten seconds later, a familiar voice came through the phone, "Secure line established. Number One is online, awaiting your report."
"It's me. Reporting in," Carl responded, his tone firm and steady.
.....
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