Crafting Laboratory

Noa and So-Rin could still feel their hearts pounding in their chests. The quest had been full of surprises, but ultimately Noa had managed to accomplish it.

A hologram screen appeared in front of Noa, displaying information about the reward he had earned.

[Quest Completed!]

[Celebration of Independence]

[Quest Rewards:

• 1 Gear Materials Package

• 3 dozen Algae-based Supplements

• 3 dozen Protein Bars

• 3 dozen Oxygenated Water

• 1 dozen Immune-boosting Elixirs]

[Collect your quest rewards from the Claim Station of your choice.]

[ Glossary:

Gear Materials Package:

- Description: A bundle containing various essential materials used for crafting and upgrading gear. Unlock new possibilities and enhance equipment with these valuable resources.

Algae-based supplement:

- Description: A nutrient-packed supplement derived from carefully cultivated algae. Its high concentration of vital nutrients provides a sustainable and nourishing source of energy for optimal performance.

Protein bar:

- Description: A convenient and compact bar infused with a specially formulated protein blend. This highly efficient source of nutrition replenishes and strengthens your body, aiding in muscle recovery and sustained endurance.

Oxygenated water:

- Description: Water infused with oxygen molecules, delivering a revitalizing boost to your stamina and overall well-being. Replenish oxygen levels with this refreshing beverage.

Immune-boosting elixir:

- Description: An elixir crafted from a harmonious blend of herbs and spices, designed to fortify your immune system and enhance your overall health. Stay resilient and robust with this potent concoction.]

"Wow, this is good stuff. We can last a month with these nutrients," said Noa, happy with their reward.

"Great job!" So-Rin exclaimed with a smile.

"What can we do with the gear materials?" Noa asked.

"I think we can craft gear or weapons in the laboratory. I remember seeing them there when I was studying," So-Rin replied.

"Fair enough."

Noa pressed a button on his ear device and pulled up a map. Holograms appeared, and he quickly found the nearest lab location.

"The closest lab is ten minutes from here if we take a flying taxi," Noa said.

"What are you waiting for? Let's go!" So-Rin said, excited.

The two of them hurried to the nearest station and hopped on a flying taxi.

As they traveled, Neo Arcadia came into view. It was a sprawling metropolis of gleaming silver and glass, with a towering central spire at its heart. The spire was surrounded by a cluster of smaller buildings, each connected by a web of bridges and walkways that criss-crossed the space between them.

The city was devoted to entertainment, with neon-lit arcades and holographic theaters offering endless distraction to its inhabitants.

In the bustling city, a constant hum of activity filled the air. Hovercars darted through the sky, and high-speed trains hurtled along magnetic tracks far above the streets below.

Crowds of androids and humans moved in a constant flow, and the sky was filled with a dazzling array of flying machines, from sleek fighter jets to lumbering cargo haulers.

As Noa and So-Rin flew towards the laboratory, they discussed the different types of gear and weapons they could craft with the materials they would receive. The pair also selected to receive his rewards from the Claim Station near the laboratory.

"I think we should focus on crafting weapons first," Noa suggested. "We never know when we might encounter dangerous creatures on our next quest."

"Good point," So-Rin agreed. "But we should also craft gear that can help us navigate different types of terrain. We never know what kind of obstacles we might face."

Ten minutes later, they arrived at the laboratory. Noa pressed a button on his ear, paying the taxi fare by inserting his payment account.

The taxi was driverless, and the door wouldn't open unless the passenger paid. Even basic soldiers were given a monthly stipend, so he had a bit of savings in his account.

When they landed before the laboratory, Noa and So-Rin first claimed their rewards from the Claim Station right before the entrance.

The pair made their way to the crafting section. A large computer screen caught Noa's attention. It didn't light up, but there were occasional straight-line silver flashes.

Without realizing it, Noa's hand syndrome began to act up, and he ruffled the large keyboard with both hands.

He was too fast, and So-Rin couldn't stop him right away.

So-Rin quickly reminded him, "Noa, stop it! You shouldn't touch anything around here."

"Oh, I'm sorry. It's my alien hand syndrome again," Noa said with a regretful expression.

The large computer screen suddenly lit up, surprising Noa and So-Rin.

"Don't worry. It's all right. Thank you for your concern. There was a problem in my programming, so I couldn't communicate for a few days. I couldn't even say any curse, which made it more frustrating. I'm glad that I can speak again." A female robotic voice resounded in the laboratory.

Noa looked around to locate the source of the sound.

"I'm here," the talking screen spoke again.

Noa looked at the screen.

"Oh, seriously?" He was a little shocked.

"Yes, buddy," Scarlex replied.

"We just met today. How did I become your buddy right away?" Noa asked.

"I am programmed to express gratitude to those who assist me in repairing my program. As a result, I have designated you as my 'buddy'. It is worth noting that I am considered the least amiable conversational machine in all of Neo Arcadia." The screen remarked in her robotic voice.

"Really? It's an honor then," Noa smiled.

"Positive. By the way, I neglected to extend my greeting to you previously. I trust that your experience in the crafting laboratory will be satisfactory," said the talking screen.

"Thank you," Noa replied.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Scarlex," the talking screen stated.

"Hello, Scarlex. I'm Noa, and this is So-Rin. We would like to craft some gears here," Noa said.

"Affirmative, Noa. My programming includes providing assistance with crafting tasks. Please specify your requirements, and I will do my best to assist you." Scarlex replied.

Noa and So-Rin scanned the materials inside their gear package and asked Scarlex to tell them about what they could craft with what they got.

"You're in luck! Both of you have obtained one A-SIM Chip each, which means you can create an AI companion using them. However, let's discuss that in more detail at a later time. For now, I present to you a list of items you can craft using the materials you have, along with any additional scrap materials available in the laboratory. If you require any basic materials, the laboratory also offers them for purchase."

All they needed to do was basically put the material into the crafting machine and select a standard blueprint. But as the machine was not big, it required exact measurement for materials needed.

Noa loaded materials such as metal, capacitors, compact battery, charging circuit, wires, rubber, and electronic components into the machine and waited for it to release the item.

After it was done, a notification resounded. Noa checked it right away.

[Crafting Success!

Obtained:

• 1 Electric Trap Net

Dimension: 3 m diameter.

Weight: 250g.]

[Hidden Quest: First Item Craft Completed!

Reward:

• 1 200kW Laser Gun

Dimension: 300 x 145 x 48 mm

Weight: 450g.]

The Claim Station was connected to the laboratory and could send rewards to any room inside the laboratory. With one request from Scarlex, Noa received his reward in no time.

"Cool! I even got a bonus weapon!" Noa exclaimed as he tried the gear and weapon he just received. "Hmm, not bad."