Noa didn't hesitate and pressed the button on his ear device, which was specifically for turning on the Android System. A hologram screen materialized in front of him, greeting him.
[Welcome to the Strongest Android System.]
"You have to register first," So-Rin reminded Noa.
"I know." He nodded.
[Please register your profile to begin.]
Noa began filling out the information in the hologram. He only had to write his first name, and the system automatically filled in the rest of the data acquired through the H-SIM chip in Noa. When he tapped the sign-up box, the system voiced his information.
[User Profile:
Name: Noa
Race: Human
Level: Entry-Level
Color: Green
Occupation: Soldier
Rank: Private First Class
Description: A junior enlisted soldier who has successfully completed basic training.
Skills:
• Military Combat ▴
- Description: Mix of martial arts, such as wrestling and Muay Thai, and use of weapons, such as firearms and blades meant to kill.
+ Gun Proficiency: A ▾
+ Blade Proficiency: B ▾
+ Military Martial Arts: A ▾
• Cybersecurity Engineering ▴
- Description: Putting in place the security and protection features that guard against cyberattacks and other digital threats.
+ Malware Analysis: D ▾
+ Security Analysis: D ▾
+ Firewall and Intrusion Detection: D ▾]
Noa's data appeared, as well as his 3D avatar that resembled himself.
"Done," Noa exclaimed. "What about you?" he asked So-Rin.
"I'm also done. Take a look!" So-Rin responded.
[User Profile:
Name: So-Rin
Race: Human
Level: Entry-Level
Color: Green
Occupation: Programmer
Rank: Junior Programmer II
Description: A skilled junior programmer who has successfully completed intermediate programming course.
Skills:
• System Programming ▴
- Description: Developing the individual pieces of software that allow the entire system to function as a single unit.
+ Database Administration: C ▾
+ System Software Development: D ▾
+ Disaster Recovery: D ▾
• Physical Combat ▾
- Description: Mix of martial arts and weapons as means to protect and defend oneself.
+ Krav Maga: C ▾
+ Pistol: A ▾
+ Slingshot: B ▾
+ Boomerang: A ▾]
"Too bad, we're both still at the basic level," Noa shook his head.
So-Rin laughed. "Everything has to start somewhere. It's all part of the process."
"You're right. Let's get started!"
Noa pressed the quest button, and a description appeared on the hologram screen.
[Celebration of Independence
Objective: Go to the Celebration Park and retrieve the hidden bag of Items.
Quest Rewards:
• Mystery Package
• Pack of nutrients]
"Easy peasy lemon squeezy," Noa smirked.
"Of course, it's easy. It's a quest for a celebration. And we need those nutrients. They were free at the training camps, but now we have to work to get them so we can live properly," So-Rin replied. "You don't want to stay at the basic level, do you?" she asked.
"Of course not. I have to climb up," Noa said, smoothing his hair. "Let's go!"
They set off to search for the hidden items.
"It's called 'hidden', but where do you think they could've hidden the items we're supposed to look for?" So-Rin asked.
Noa furrowed his brow and pondered for a moment before responding, "Everyone might think they're hidden in an obscure place, but they could have hidden them in plain sight, in a public area where people wouldn't think to look at."
"That's a good point," So-Rin agreed, nodding. "But we should also be on the lookout for any places that seem suspicious or out of the ordinary. The items could be hidden there too."
As they strolled through the park, Noa and So-Rin scanned the area for any clues of hidden items. They checked under benches, behind the bushes, and even in the trash cans, but they came up empty-handed.
"Maybe we're not searching hard enough," Noa said, his frustration evident in his voice.
So-Rin placed a reassuring hand on Noa's shoulder. "Don't worry, we'll find them. Let's just keep looking."
They continued their search and just as they were about to give up hope, So-Rin noticed something odd about a tree near the edge of the park. "Hey, look over there," she said, pointing to the tower in the middle of the park.
Noa followed her gaze and saw a small bag hanging from the tower. "That's it! There must be items in there," he exclaimed.
With excitement coursing through their veins, Noa and So-Rin quickly made their way over to the tower.
"As you said, some items were indeed hidden in plain sight. But the tower is quite high," So-Rin said, eyeing the 25-meter-tall iron structure.
"It's not that high. I can climb it," Noa stated.
Noa got ready to climb up, but he was quickly overtaken by an android that had already climbed up.
"Oh no. We're too late," So-Rin murmured.
Noa was about to reply to So-Rin when the latter witnessed the android's sudden climb. To her surprise, the android trembled and slipped from the tower, crashing to the ground.
"What's happening? Is it an electric shock?" So-Rin exclaimed in surprise.
Noa stood in silence, gazing at the tower ahead of him. "It seems like a trap. The area surrounding the tower's end may be infused with lethal radiation. If it had been an electric shock, the power would cease due to a short circuit, and the android would have been jolted as early as when it started climbing."
"Ahh, I see. You have a point," So-Rin immediately understood. "So, what do we do now?"
"I still have to climb it, but I'd need protective gear," Noa replied.
"Unfortunately, I don't have any protective clothing with me," So Rin sighed. "Do you have any?"
"I have none either," Noa admitted.
"So, what now?" So-Rin inquired.
"I need to find an area with the lowest radiation exposure and climb from there," Noa declared.
"But how would you know where that is?" So-Rin asked.
"You'll see," Noa responded confidently.
"Noa, it's extremely dangerous," So-Rin warned.
"I'm a soldier, remember?"
"Well, I'm coming with you, but I expect to receive a reward," So-Rin declared.
"Fine, let's go together, but we'll be going to a hazardous area," Noa replied.
Noa scaled the tower with deftness and calculation, basing on his observations from some of the androids who fell multiple times during their ascent. His sharp eyes scanned for safe footholds, avoiding hazardous areas.
After careful consideration, Noa identified the secure points that formed a zig-zag path, and he quickly ascended with So-Rin following behind.
At the tower's peak, Noa grabbed a small bag, holding it aloft in triumph. "We did it!" he exclaimed. "Let's go down and claim our reward!"
Gasping for air, they sat down to rest and catch their breath. Noa eagerly opened the bag, revealing a package of materials.
"What are these for?" So-Rin inquired.
"They will undoubtedly come in handy later. For now, let's hold onto them. What matters the most is our quest reward," Noa replied.
So-Rin nodded in agreement. "You're probably right."
Noa corrected her, saying, "Not probably, definitely."
So-Rin chuckled. "Whatever."
They had worked diligently to uncover the hidden items, and now they had reaped the fruits of their labor. Though a small achievement, it was a step towards advancing their success.
"Let's check our rewards," So-Rin suggested.