CH4
Darion followed Biron back out into the Reception area of the guild hall. A rowdy group of Bloodletters were exchanging barbs with a group from the Gloryseekers guild. Adding to a more lively air. Biron continued to lead him though the tavern area to a series of glass booths large enough to hold 5 adults standing. He stepped into one and gestured for Darion to enter the same booth. Biron placed his signet ring hand on another pad and with a flash and a queer tingling sensation; the area outside the booth was a large sidewalk outside. A large wooded park was across the street. This section of Drendaria was more shaded and walled homes and non-public businesses seemed to populate this region.
“Ill tell you a little bit more about what's going on with this Dungeon run. Though first I feel I must apologize; I may have embroiled you in some politics that may even cascade out to Earth. As you might or might not know, with the revelation that people on the outside can develop abilities from their in-game class, there has been much Debate about the way this game could change the world. That said, The Expanse is getting a ton of attention from corporate and National entities across the globe, and thus we councilors receive a lot of attempts at bribery. I have had many visitors log on to speak with me about marketing opportunities if I only hear their side or vote a certain way in council meetings. Or offering scholarships for my grandchildren… I am rambling. The point is you now have the attention of people in other camps like Reginald LaCrouix. And any other entity that thinks you might have my ear. I will tell you the same thing that Arthur told me. ‘People will seek to gain favor with you in hopes of getting to me. Accept gifts, make no promises, and if any one crosses the line come to me’.”
Darion took it all in as they walked in silence for a few moments. “So this Dungeon is an opportunity for countries and corporations to get someone with a better advantage and potentially stronger powers? Don't get me wrong, that was half the reason I saved up to buy a headband. Was to see if I could get an ability. But I can't imagine any Skills that could turn the tide of a military engagement. Just stuff like a perfect memory or the ability to memorize and index books in an internal library. Or someone where I work can tell the truth from lies.”
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“Walter Osprey, the leader of the Bloodletters, at tier 4 he Received a Skill that highlights weak points on a target. As well as An innate danger sense, according to public record when he's not in game he's a soldier of fortune overseas where that large country is trying to annex the smaller one. It's a matter of public record; of his skills. but his guild constantly brags on him and his real world prowess at the adventurers hub tavern.”
“So does that mean that I could use the part of my skill that boosts my perception in the real world?”
Biron shook his head “no because it interacts with your stats and concept. Neither of which exist outside of the expanse.”
Biron and Darion crossed a gated courtyard into a large building. The interior was more like a lab you'd see in a movie with redundant checkpoints, clean room equipment and labs with large glass windows and people on various levels of personal protective gear. Ranging from full body hazmat looking suits to someone with just safety glasses in another room with a manual chisel.
“Wow this is way more modern and less esoteric then I was expecting an artificer's lab to be.” Darion said as he followed along behind Biron.
Biron used his ring to bypass another sliding door before responding. “These are just apprentices preparing materials, the work rooms are all in the lower levels so we can contain any mishaps. And to the modernity of all of this… we discovered that if you have higher level crafters or artisans present they can effectively design the layout of buildings and replace or suggest other materials. This glass is etched with runes that make it dense and energy repellent.
They made their way into a hallway that looked like a modern office building with cubicles. Each desk had a typewriter sort of device.
“No computers yet?” Darion asked.
“Yes and no. no personal computers yet but we do have data analysis, advanced 3d modeling via illusions, and i'm working on a hand held communication apparatus.”
“Like a smartphone?” Daron asked as they rounded a corner. Biron paused at a large wooden door. His hands slid over the surface in a pattern that made no sense to Darion.
“I suppose it will contain similar functionality. But it will be neither cellular or a phone.”