"Just like with the training areas, where you can face off against monsters of differing strengths, for those who want to manufacture products, there'll be a wide variety of options available to you. Using the same technology that allows you to experience the simulated worlds where the monsters live, we have rooms that can simulate a wide variety of manufacturing setups." Darlina placed both its hands in front of it as it cutely smiled.
The background changed to looking at a small workshop, "For those who just want a place for themselves, you'll be able to rent out a workshop, free of charge. The only catch being the need to produce a single product to be sold each month. Inside of the workshop will be all the equipment necessary to turn the raw material from monsters into products to be sold." Darlina looked to the workshop, presenting the image with a hand. "To help people with no experience in manufacturing products, we've even created a training simulation to walk you through the basics." Turning to look back at the camera, she winked, "Though we want to provide you with all the training you need, we also realize that others may be more skilled at manufacturing products from their experiences from the world above. This is why we've created a social network setup where videos can be created and shared with all our underground cities! In addition to being able to share your videos, you'll be able to place a price on them if you want. Such a setup would allow you to easily monetize your work. So if you gain access to rare materials and turn it into a training video, following the process of you creating the product, not only can you earn from the item itself but also from people viewing your videos."
"At Star and Moon, we are constantly trying to find new ways for our adventurers to gain benefits and enjoy our current reality. Not just to become stronger but also to elevate society beyond what it was before the pandemic of the Modified Humans." Darlina explained.
Directing the attention back to the background, it now changed to a large factory. "For those who develop a reputation, we also provide larger facilities which can increase your manufacturing capacity! You can form your own guilds, bringing in other adventurers to either bring in raw materials or manufacture the items. Just like with the training environment, we offer a near-infinite amount of customization of your workspace."
"If you need to set up such a space, this can be handled throughout the Guild." An image of a small terminal could be seen, either attached to a wall or freestanding in the middle of the vast halls.
Grey faceless people, looking to be wearing weapons and equipment, walk throughout the hallway as though trying to present the image of life inside of the Guild.
Claire watched as the video went over other benefits inside of the Guild, such as eateries where the food items are infused with the energy. There were also areas meant for people to enjoy themselves. As she learned around more of the different parts of the Guild, it felt as though the Guild was a city onto itself. "How are they able to fit all of this inside of this Sector?"
"I wonder if it's similar to the technology that lets them create environments that adventurers can train inside?" Hannah answered, equally sounding amazed by the presentation.
"With this, we conclude the end of this video. If you follow the light on the floor, we'll be measuring your level and having you go through a training simulation. A Darlina will be waiting to help you through the process." Darlina explained.
As the screen darkened, the logo for Star and Moon was presented. The words, "Creating New Worlds," below the logo.
The room brightened slightly, and when Claire looked to the floor, there was a bright light near her feet.
"I guess we just need to follow this thing to get our levels determined?" Hannah got up and stretched from having sat down for so long during the video.
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Nodding, Claire followed the line, wondering what would be in store for them and what the levels meant inside of this alien city.
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End of Part 1
Following the line, they walked into another hallway.
"It feels like this place is just a network of hallways," Claire thought to herself, slanting her lips.
This time, there were no posters on the wall. Instead of metal covering the walls, there was just some kind of carpeting.
"Are they trying to absorb the sound?" Hannah wondered out loud. "To make sure that people leaving the viewing area don't disturb the next group?"
It hadn't occurred to Claire that this may have been the case, but after thinking about it, the idea of sound dampening being used made sense. She thought back to the brand new cinemas that had opened, which had a similar setup for when people enter after getting some snacks from the concession stands.
"It's pretty dark in this hallway," Claire said to Hannah. Putting it together with the sound dampening system. Dim lights lined the corners of the hallway. It was bright enough for them to see where they were going, as they made their way to be tested.
As the hallway ended with large swinging doors. Detecting their movement, the doors opened and revealed another set. Passing through the doorway, the doors closed behind them. The second set of doors opened when the first ones closed.
Walking through the second set of doors, Claire saw a large room with a dozen raised floors. On top of them was a terminal, which looked like the ones at the top of the shelter when they first came in. Large screens were surrounding each of the terminals, some facing inwards and some facing outwards.
Next to each pedestal was a Darlina waiting patiently.
"Welcome, Claire and Hannah," The Darlina nearest to them greeted.
Another Darlina approached them.
"The two of us will be helping you through the testing portion of becoming an adventurer," The Darlina that initially greeted them explained. It moved close to Claire while the other moved to Hannah.
"Yes," Hannah's Darlina nodded its head. "If you'd follow me, Hannah?" It motioned for Hannah to walk up to one of the raised floors.
"If you'd follow me, Claire?" The Darlina, paired with her, asked.
Though she didn't have anything to worry about, for some reason, her heart beat faster.
"There's no need to be nervous, Claire. The process is painless and will be over before you know it. It's completely non-invasive." Darlina tried to reassure Claire.
Slowly breathing in, an attempt to calm herself, Clarie nodded her head jerkily.
Walking on to the raised floor, she approached the terminal. Just like the ones she had used when first arriving at the shelter, Claire placed a hand on the screen.
"Try to hold as still as possible during the process. We're pulling in the necessary data," Darlina advised her.
There was a feeling of awkwardness, standing by the terminal with her hand on the screen, not knowing when the process was going to be concluded.
Looking up at the screen, Claire saw an image of herself being created. "It appears they're performing some kind of scan. Though it's definitely more advance than what they have in hospitals."
"Please refrain from too much movement," Darlina reminded her after Claire looked up at the screens.
Claire was about to look at the robot, before realizing she'd likely be chastised again for moving instead of standing still. A part of her wanted to check out how Hannah was doing but fought the urge to do so.
"Finished!" Darlina said in a cheerful voice.
Feeling as though a weight was lifted off from her shoulders, Claire directed her attention to the robot. "So, what's the result?" Having no reference point, Claire didn't know what to think about whether the time the process took was a good or bad thing.
"From what the scanned discovered, you're level is four. The average person in your age group is two, meaning the gifts you've received have already started to show." Darlina said.
"Is that a good thing?" Claire didn't understand what to think about the number.
Darlina smiled, "Yes. It's a good thing. Your body is slightly better compared to your peers. But what's more important is the rate at which your body is taking in energy. Between your level and the rate, I would say the rate is more important. You're deemed to have a B in terms of your Absorption Rate. Normally, a human will start at an E."
Claire gasped in shock at hearing the news.
Nodding understandingly, "I agree. It's quite shocking. You are quite fortunate to have made the connections you did. Though this doesn't mean you can slack. A person's Absorption Rate can fluctuate, whether going up from training and equipment or go down from inactivity. You can think of it as being a muscle. Though deterioration isn't great and may even take years, you'll eventually see it drop down to an E if you don't take appropriate measures." Darlina had a no-nonsense expression as though to drive its point home.