now, it begins
Sitting beneath the palm of what appeared to be a giant metallic hand, Merfy gazed in a daze, eyes wide open, astonished at the clarity of his vision despite the dense darkness and heavy rain. To be precise, it wasn't his vision; it was something else. He could see the surroundings clearer than ever, even things behind him. What surprised him more were the panels hovering over the things he focused his gaze on.
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[GIANT BEARING]
Description: A machine part used to reduce friction...
Durability: 28%
Outcome: -
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Every object Merfy focused on displayed its description, durability, and an empty outcome. Goosebumps rose on his skin with his newfound abilities. Quickly, he began planning for the future. Should he visit the Awakened Management Department? Should he disclose his ability to perceive surroundings? Certainly, if he registered as an awakened, he would be given a lot of privileges. But should he? Clearly, awakened had attractive privileges, but they also had to risk their lives defending against space creatures. After contemplating a bit, Merfy decided to fully understand his abilities before deciding on embracing his awakened status.
Merfy faced a dilemma, caught between the urgency of reaching the city gates and the potential risk to his old shoes from the acidic mud. While waiting for the soil to dry was an option, it would consume a lot of time, and there was uncertainty about the weather. If the rain resumed he would die starving. Having navigated such situations before, Merfy weighed the odds and chose to brave the journey to the city gates, embracing the risks rather than relying on his luck and waiting.
As he approached the colossal metal gates, Merfy observed the intricate patterns adorning the immense barriers. Towering over the gates were weapon-laden mechas, their sleek frames equipped with lethal armaments, standing as vigilant guardians. The combination of engineering prowess and formidable firepower guarding the entrance left Merfy in awe, realizing that beyond these barriers lay a city that took its defense quite seriously.
"Damn it" merfy grunted as he observed the strange smoke emanating from his shoes, filling the air with pungent smell.
A red light from a camera in the lower right corner of the gate scanned Merfy upside down.
"City refugee confirmed," a robotic voice echoed from the camera. "Opening the gates."
A small door, the size of an average human, opened from the same lower right corner of the colossal gates. However, instead of entering, Merfy watched dumbfoundedly, precisely at the panel appearing above it.
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[Quantum City Entrance]
DESCRIPTION: Small gates for the entry of residents of Quantum City, can also be opened after showing your citizenship ID.
DURABILITY : 99.7%
OUTCOME: Will be closed in 1:43
1:42
1:41
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"Oh... that explains it," Merfy exclaimed, with a devious smirk on his face, looking at the timer. "Guess, there's no need for me to visit the department then."
***
Six hours later, Zara Bar, sector 8, Quantum city.
***
"So, any idea what the rich do? Xyris," asked the young boy in tattered, smelly clothes, sitting in front of the bartender.
"I regret to inform you, Sir Morpheus, that I lack direct interaction with individuals of affluent status since my inception," states a handsome young man wearing a black suit, his voice smooth and melodic as he meticulously polishes a glass with a silky piece of cloth, oblivious to Merfy's shabby appearance. "However, I possess a repository of information collected from overheard conversations among patrons, should you desire."
"Oh, please do," said Merfy with a serious yet mocking expression, eyeing the bartender with a panel on his head.
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[GENERAL CLASS MECHA]
DESCRIPTION : A robot specifically crafted for bartending duties. Boasts advanced AI algorithms, is lash with jig11 plasma guns, can be deployed as an emergency soldier if things take a bad turn.
DURABILITY: 97%
OUTCOME: UNABLE TO DEDUCE
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Merfy found himself in a state of bewilderment upon discovering that a simple bartending robot housed plasma guns within its structure. The cost of these plasma guns alone exceeded the value of the entire bar, and their lethal capabilities were designed for hunting space creatures. Questions swirled in Merfy's mind: Why equip a commonplace service robot with such rare and powerful weaponry? Did all robots share this feature? What was the government's motive for investing substantial resources without public awareness?although Quantum was a border city of astra and ought to have its defences at priority but this much? Did conditions beyond Astra's borders harbor more dire threats than he had initially perceived?
"Indubitably, in accords of accumulated data, the affluent class tends to indulge in literary pursuits of reading and writing, prefers manual vehicles over automatic ones," Bartender exclaims, interrupting Merfy's thoughts. " Also, they live in beautiful huge villas rather than bunkers."
"And?" Merfy asks. "That's all you know?"
"Yes, Sir Morpheus," the bartender replies stoically.
Piqued by the not-so harmless bartender's response, Merfy scans the sparsely populated bar. It was midafternoon, and only a handful of patrons occupied the space. Merfy reaches into his sock and retrieves a transparent glass-like card.
As his gaze shifts to the card, a small panel window appears.
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[Balance Card]
DESCRIPTION :A government-issued currency exchange tool for Astra, is used to exchange points, remaining balance 2173 points.
Durability: 85%
Outcome: -
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"If you don't object, may I pose a query, Sir Morpheus?" inquires the bartender, scanning Merfy's point card with its advanced ocular sensors.
"Tch, what a rip-off, 30 points for a glass of beer," Merfy scoffs, tucking his card back into his sock. "Ask away," he gestures dismissively.
"Why the interest in the wealthy?" the bartender probes without hesitation.
Merfy meets the bartender's gaze with astonishment. "Why else? I'm gonna be rich, of course," Merfy retorts with a smirk as he exits the establishment.