Raven gave Wilfred a look. "Allow me to present the contract and the particulars of the auction proceedings." Wilfred dutifully pulled out a stack of paperwork.
I tossed the paperwork back at Wilfred. “If I trust you, these won’t matter. If you try to scam me, these won’t help either. So, they’re useless. Just tell me how you’re going to collect the fees.”
"Val, you say? A name that suits you… it has a certain… ring to it. I have a feeling we're going to be very good for each other." Raven puffed a ring of smoke, aiming it rather precisely at my face.
"Now, darling, let's talk business, shall we? I offer two delightful options. The first: I make you a… generous offer for these lovelies," she gestured towards the table laden with my finds, "and they become… mine to do with as I please. The second, and perhaps more… exciting option: we auction them off, and I simply take a small… token of appreciation for my… invaluable services."
“I’ll go with the auction then.” I needed to get a sense of the market value of… well, whatever these were.
"But… for you, Val…" Raven leaned closer, her eyes glittering. “I might be persuaded to make an… exception. Let's just say… if you promise to bring me more of these… rare and exotic wares, I might just… forget about my usual… fees. Wouldn't that be… intriguing?"
“I can’t promise I can get more. If I do, I’ll auction them with you guys,” I said, crossing my arms. “But I don’t like owing favors. Since you offered such goodwill, I’ll offer something for you as well.”
I gestured at my current attire. “These rugs aren’t exactly haute couture. If you can get me some decent quality fashion, I’ll trade these… outfits, to you guys for them.”
Theo jumped at me from across the table, grabbing my arms. "Are you certain?!"
"Oh, Theo… you're such a… delight. Now, run along and… charm someone else," Raven purred, smoothly pulling Theo away. "Wilfred, my dear, do see to it that our… fascinating guest receives the full… royal treatment."
Raven stood, executing a little catwalk as she left the room. As she reached the door, she glanced back, whispering just loud enough for me to hear, "Val… 'Vitruvian Artificial Life'… such an intriguing being. I have a feeling our paths are destined to… cross again."
I stood abruptly, nearly toppling my chair, as Raven vanished through the doorway. "Do you recognize her?" I hissed to Rexy, feeling a familiar head shake against my shoulders.
"This way, please," Wilfred said, leading me out of the auction house. We boarded a sleek vehicle that zipped through a glass connector to another dome. Wilfred then ushered me into a skyscraper and up to the top floor. We entered a vast workshop with a stunning panoramic view. Robots whirred and clicked at various workstations.
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Why do these robots need such a luxurious workspace? Do they even see the view?
Suddenly, I was surrounded by robots, their scanning lights briefly sweeping over me before they returned to their tasks. Wilfred then led me into a private room and presented me with a menu.
"If I may inquire as to your preferences for the morning's repast?" Wilfred explained. "It will require some time to prepare a suitable offering."
I looked at the menu, which listed many things, none of which I recognized. “Give me a small portion of everything,” I said to Wilfred calmly. “I want to try them all.”
It’s hard pretending to be somebody…
“Certainly,” Wilfred replied. He left and returned with three robots pushing carts laden with dishes. The robots served each course one by one, waiting for me to finish before presenting the next.
Each dish looked like a work of art, and each portion was indeed very small. The food tasted amazing—an elaborate yet elegant combination of textures and tastes. Talk about fine dining.
To be honest, I still like Bailey’s cooking best. I wonder where he is.
After I’d sampled everything, the robots cleared the room, and Wilfred returned carrying a button-like device. “This garment button incorporates a most remarkable advancement. Its core contains countless nanoscopic robots.”
“Nanobots?!” I exclaimed, then immediately forced myself to calm down. “Acceptable trade.”
This world really feels like a comic book now.
“Indeed. These nanoscopic robots will conform seamlessly to your form, assuming any appearance you desire. I have pre-loaded ten thousand distinct styles for your perusal,” Wilfred continued.
“So… how do I choose?” I felt like a caveman walking into a mall, completely lost!
“The interface will manifest before you upon donning the button. These nanoscopic robots possess exceptional resilience. Any that may be damaged will self-replicate for immediate repair. Naturally, a master override is incorporated, as with all such devices, should any unforeseen circumstance arise,” Wilfred finished, handing me the button.
Wilfred left the room for me to change. I stripped off the fur and leather, placing the button device at the nape of my neck—a secure, secretive spot hidden by my long hair. A beam of light projected outwards, and an interface materialized before me.
I’m incredibly uncertain about the fashion sense in this world. Everyone I’ve seen sports wildly different and unique outfits. I suppose it’s just a cultural thing. I navigated through the options, selecting each individual piece of clothing, assembling a set that felt both familiar and comfortable while also blending in with the local style. There’s even a preset function, so I quickly whipped up a couple of outfits for various potential scenarios.
Emerging from the room, I was draped in a flowing white hooded cloak, the fabric catching the light with subtle grace. Beneath it, I wore a sleek, grey long-sleeved top paired with matching bottoms, with minimal design and patterns. A few carefully chosen accessories adorned my look—not just for practicality but also for a touch of mystery. My face was partially obscured by a dark, intricately crafted mask, adding a touch of elegance and intrigue. It was all carefully curated to ensure I didn’t appear too conspicuous, and definitely not like some kind of assassin.
I feel like I’m dressing up a character in a game. Nanobots—no need to worry about washing clothes or them falling apart on me again.