Chapter 3 - Beetle Bedrock Farm

Dante and Marco stepped off the bus, the hum of its engines dissipating into the air as they found themselves standing before the imposing entrance of Beetle Bedrock Farm. The name, painted in bold, metallic letters, glowed with an otherworldly shimmer. The atmosphere around the farm was a curious blend of futuristic innovation and rustic charm, creating an ambiance that felt like a glimpse into a sci-fi fantasy.

As Dante and Marco approached, the farm sprawled out before them, resembling a colossal factory designed by an artist inspired by dreams and technology. The air was filled with a symphony of mechanical sounds, hinting at the intricate processes happening within its walls.

"We're here, dude. I will go to my sector now. See you later, Dante," Marco announced, his voice slightly drowned out by the ambient noise of the farm. He gave Dante a friendly nod before disappearing into the maze of buildings.

"See you later, dude," Dante replied, watching Marco weave his way through the bustling activity. He took a moment to absorb the surreal surroundings before deciding to venture toward his own sector. Dante activated his hologram phone, a cutting-edge device that served as a combination of communication hub and GPS navigator within the vast expanse of Beetle Bedrock Farm.

The holographic display illuminated, showing a complex map with various sectors, each designated by a unique symbol. Despite working on the farm for two months, Dante was still navigating it like a newcomer. The sheer size of the facility was a testament to its complexity, and every day seemed to unveil new mysteries within its labyrinthine corridors.

Dante weaved through the hive of activity, following the holographic guide that flickered above his phone. As he walked, he couldn't help but marvel at the diversity of the farm – from the high-tech machinery to the quaint, rustic architecture. It was a world of contrasts, a place where the boundaries between the natural and the artificial blurred.

The journey through the farm was like navigating a city within a city, with workers scurrying about like ants in a vast anthill. Dante exchanged greetings with familiar faces and observed the mesmerizing dance of drones overhead. The air buzzed with energy, a palpable sense of purpose that drove the farm's operations.

After what felt like a series of twists and turns through a technological maze, Dante arrived at the entrance to his designated sector – Unique Farm. The holographic display on his phone indicated that he had reached his destination.

Entering the Unique Farm was like stepping into a realm dedicated to the bizarre and fascinating. Dante marveled at the signs pointing to cryopods, drones zipping around, and scientists in lab gowns engrossed in their bug-related research. The air was charged with a unique energy that set Unique Farm apart from the rest of Beetle Bedrock.

Finding his designated spot, Dante delved into his work with a passion only true bug enthusiasts possessed. The Unique Farm was an exclusive sector, and Dante was among the 15 bug enthusiasts who were Bugnerds to the core. Their mission: to care for, breed, research and extract anything related to the unique or new bugs that called this farm home.

As Dante settled into his tasks, he noticed his co-worker, Lucas, at the spot next to him. Lucas, the epitome of a nerdy guy, sported glasses, a slightly flailing body, and stood at a modest 165 cm in height. Despite his somewhat awkward demeanor, Lucas was a font of knowledge when it came to bugs.

"Yow, Lucas, what's up?" Dante greeted him.

"Oh, hello, Dante," replied Lucas, his attention momentarily torn away from his work. Communication wasn't Lucas's strong suit, but when it came to bugs, he was in his element.

"You know the gossip?" Dante asked, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"What gossips? The new bug?" Lucas inquired, adjusting his glasses.

"What? How do you know?" Dante exclaimed.

"Well," Lucas hesitated before admitting

"you should message me, dude. Anyway, what do you think? Do you think we'll have a new bug?" he continued, his excitement palpable.

"The probability is high because there's a meeting of the higher-ups, right now" Lucas stated matter-of-factly.

"Really? I'm excited," Dante responded, his enthusiasm matching Lucas's. With a shared glance of anticipation, the two Bugnerds immersed themselves in their work, each lost in the intricacies of caring for the bugs that held the promise of discovery and excitement in the air. 

As the afternoon sun cast long shadows across the Unique Farm, the Bug Nerds were deeply engrossed in their work. The hum of machines, the occasional chirps of bugs, and the focused tapping of hologram keyboards filled the air. However, their immersive work was abruptly interrupted when a simultaneous notification chimed on their hologram phones. The Bug Nerds glanced at each other, curiosity etched across their faces, as they received the unexpected message: an urgent meeting was to commence immediately.

Quickly abandoning their workstations, the Bug Nerds gathered in the office, a mixture of excitement and curiosity buzzing in the air. They exchanged speculative glances, wondering about the nature of the meeting. The anticipation reached its peak as the door swung open, revealing Dr. Chloe Skyler, a higher-up in the Beetle Bedrock hierarchy.

Dr. Chloe entered the room with an air of authority, her confident strides echoing in the office. Standing at a statuesque 170 cm, she commanded attention with her presence alone. Her blonde hair cascaded in loose waves around her shoulders, catching the ambient light in a soft, golden glow. Her eyes, a striking shade of emerald green, exuded intelligence and warmth. The subtle curve of her lips formed a perpetually inviting smile, adding a touch of charm to her professional demeanor.

Dressed in a tailored lab coat that accentuated her silhouette, Dr. Chloe carried herself with grace, each movement deliberate and composed. Underneath the coat, a fitted blouse hinted at an undeniable femininity, while her confident posture conveyed a sense of capability and authority. A delicate silver necklace adorned her neck, a subtle accessory that complemented her overall aura.

In her hands, Dr. Chloe cradled a small cryopod with the ease of someone intimately familiar with the delicate intricacies of the contents within. The Bug Nerds, captivated by her presence, greeted her in unison, "Hello, Dr. Chloe."

"Well, I know that you guys are excited for this little guy," Dr. Chloe said, her smile widening as she revealed the tiny mantis. The Bug Nerds couldn't help but be entranced, their attention divided between the charismatic Dr. Chloe and the intriguing creature she held.

"Hello, guys," getting the attention back to her she continued, her voice a soothing melody. "Now, I will explain in detail about this little guy. You can use your Inspect skill to see the details about it," she added, gesturing towards the bugnerds' individual status interfaces.

The Bug Nerdseagerly activated their Inspect skills, their focus alternating between the holographic display and the captivating Dr. Chloe. As she began unraveling the details, the room was filled not only with the hum of machines but also with a sense of anticipation for the revelations that awaited them in the world of this newfound creature.

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BUGNERDS - I call them this because they are nerds when it comes to bugs. Also, don't be confused; they are workers in that sector. I only choose to call them Bug Nerds because, why not? It's more exciting that way, and calling them workers is kind of boring for me.