-Int. Penthouse - Morning-
[BUZZZZ!!]
Darkness surrounded the luxurious
penthouse, but the blaring alarm abruptly shattered the silence. One by one, groggy and disheveled, seven teenagers emerged from their respective rooms.
With gloomy faces, dark circles under their eyes, and yawns that threaten to engulf them, they trudged into the living room.
Mistletoe, the bodyguard, a no-nonsense figure, stood there waiting, his stern gaze scanning each teenager.
"Stand still, one by one." He said authoritatively.
Reluctantly, they complied, but not without some murmuring their complaints under their breath.
"Can't believe I look this shabby." Etto grumbled, looking the worst among the rest. He wore a faded, ill-fitting graphic t-shirt with a cracked design paired with shorts that had fraying hems. After hours of being burdened by the dilemma of seeing a ghost, he had had close to no sleep at all.
One by one, the bodyguard snapped mugshots of their tired faces, then scanned their bodies with a plain wristband, emitting a faint blue light. During the process, they shifted uncomfortably, impatient for the process to end.
"Don't move. This won't take long." He ordered since their shuffling made it hard to get a good shot.
He then inputted their images and credentials into a system via a holographic screen that was projected from the wristband. As each of their informations were displayed, a holographic identity card materialized in front of them.
"A disaster in the looks department." Molly commented with a yawn.
"Can we just get this over with?" Cypher groaned, barely awake.
Ignoring the complaints, Mistletoe quickly wrapped up, looking satisfied with their compliance.
"We're done here. Let's move." He said, nodding to them.
"What!!! Where to?" Etto asked, already fumed up.
"To school, of course," Mistletoe replied with a hint of annoyance in his voice. "As a result of the impromptu grace period, you guys are behind schedule. All your colleagues have already been oriented. Now be good kids and follow me."
"What about some change of clothes, at least?" Molly asked, concerned about her outfit, which was stained with wine from last night.
"Unnecessary!!" Mistletoe replied, already heading to the side of the room. However, he was headed in the wrong direction, making them wonder if this bodyguard had lost his sense of direction. This was because the exit was at the opposite side of the room.
Before their eyes, he reached out, clicking random spots on the wall. To their utter surprise, the borders of what looked like a doorway lit up. Hidden deep within the confines of the nondescript wall was an elevator, camouflaged amongst its surroundings.
It needed an eye scan to open, which confirmed the fact that it wasn't meant to transport just any random person.
With a collective sigh of exhaustion, they shuffled towards it, leaving the penthouse behind. Shadows of fatigue linger on their faces.
___
Exiting the elevator, they were greeted by a large area with a sleek, futuristic structure emerging against the skyline. There were rows of glossy, aerodynamic capsules lined up along the platform. The place was bustling with workers in factory coats.
The eyes of everyone except the bodyguard widened in disbelief, taking in the sight of the captivating station.
"Is this here what I reckon it to be? A hyperloop station?" Vaelin hollered in astonishment.
"Yes! Welcome to the future of transportation." Mistletoe grinned. "Come on, let's not waste a second!"
They quickly leaped into a capsule just as the doors slide open with a whoosh. The space inside was compact but comfortable, adorned with modern fittings and high-tech controls.
Fantasizing about these kinds of things, Vaelin could hardly contain his excitement as he buckled up, his face lit up with an intoxicating mix of curiosity and adventure. The rest, although curious, just followed along as they felt more burdened by their lack of rest, all except for Grimshire, who looked absent-minded as always.
"Imagine the places we can go! I can't believe we're truly partakin' in this!" Vaelin uttered, looking ecstatic.
As the capsule doors closed, sealing them in, Mistletoe gestured towards the control panel, inputting some coordinates. "Y'all just sit back and enjoy the ride. We'll be whisked away to our destination in no time." He said reassuringly.
The capsule hummed with energy, ready to launch them into an exhilarating journey through an intricate network of subway tubes, connecting countless destinations.
With a sudden lurch, the capsule springs into action, speeding away from the station with astounding acceleration. They hurtled through the tube network; Vaelin could feel a gentle hum as the powerful magnets lifted the pod off the ground.
'Is this here the feelin' of a high-speed tunnel system with magnetic levitation technology?' He pondered within, taking pleasure in the energy that came with it. 'Tis like settin' foot on a grand journey that feels like a giant leap into the future.'
On the outside of the pod, the walls of the tunnel were lined with mesmerizing holographic projections, creating the illusion of soaring through vibrant landscapes and ancient civilizations. Time seems to blur as they emerge from beneath oceans, pass through majestic geological formations, and witness breathtaking natural wonders - all within moments.
The pod started to decelerate smoothly, gradually descending into a hidden depth. The doors opened, revealing an identical hyperloop station. However, unlike the first one - dominated by human workers - this one had a robotic workforce.
They exited the station via another elevator, leading to the lobby. Upon exiting the place, the teenagers were quickly stamped by confusion at what they could see.
"Holy crap!!" Zenith, who wasn't paying attention to most of what was happening, finally bellowed.
"???" Etto had frozen with his mouth wide open.
Bayonette giggled as she admired the display of anime, flashing on the walls of buildings.
Before them was a city off the maps, a place where the concept of coolness reached unparalleled heights. Bathed in an ethereal neon glow, this place pulsed with an energy that electrified the senses.
Towering megastructures soar towards the ceiling, their gleaming surfaces reflecting a world beyond reality. Hovering vehicles and sleek transport tubes silently navigated the bustling streets.
"Whoa! I'm I seeing things, or is that man having a robotic arm?" Zenith exclaimed.
"Yeah, that's limb prosthesis." Vaelin replied, taking pride in his wealth of information on these wonders.
Augmented beings, adorned with cybernetic enhancements, stroll confidently amidst an array of advanced technology that seamlessly weaves into the urban fabric.
A symphony of whirring gears and pulse-pounding music echo through the air, as innovative minds brought their fantastical creations to life.
"I'm liking the music vibe," Zenith fantasized, "I'mma make a name as the greatest DJ in this column of the earth, i bet y'all!"
Every corner offers a glimpse of the future, tantalizingly close yet tantalizingly out of reach.
"That begs the question," Grimshire spoke for the first time, "Never heard of a place like this before. What place in this?"
"Ladies and gentlemen, what you see before you is a futuristic subterranean mega-city," Mistletoe revealed proudly. "It's an underground utopia, where coolness is redefined, and the boundaries of possibility are shattered."
"This is the Neo-Core Underground - a product of Omicron's plans towards the future."
Still awestruck, Vaelin turned, not wanting to miss anything. However, to his surprise, he saw that the place they just existed was an ice cream parlor.
"Gosh darn it! The hyperloop station is an ice cream parlor upfront?" He hollered, but as he turned, he could see that the others had gone a considerable distance away. Not wanting to miss out on anything, Vaelin quickly caught up.
"So where are we headed now?" Zenith asked.
"A few clicks away, there's a cafeteria right about the corner." Mistletoe revealed, "you will go in there for your virtual orientation."
It didn't take long for them to come before a cafeteria with the name 'ByteBistro' upfront, highlighted with neon lights.
As the crew pushed open the doors of the cafeteria, anticipation filled the air. Their eyes widened in awe as they took in the resplendent sight before them - a mesmerizing blend of sleek architecture, floating holographic menus, and levitating food trays. This place defied the norms of a regular eatery, transporting them into a realm of innovation and luxury.
Before they could fully gather their wits, a poised waiter swiftly approached, impeccably dressed in a technologically advanced uniform that shimmered with subtle lights.
"How may I be of service, friends?" With a smile, the waiter inquired about their desires in a composed yet friendly tone.
Eager to accomplish his goal here, Mistletoe confidently clicked his tech wristband, which projected a holographic identification showcasing his privileged affiliation as an employee of Omicron.
Upon witnessing the holographic display, the respectful waiter immediately bowed in acknowledgment of their prestigious status.
"Please follow me." He said, a sense of reverence washed over him as he guided them through a labyrinth of tables, moving through the glimmering crowd until they reached a discreet alcove in the back. It was a gaming room, vibrant and alive with a symphony of laughter and immersive digital worlds. This unexpected twist hinted at the cafeteria's dual nature—an oasis for both nourishment and entertainment, where one could revel in the pleasures of good food and adventurous escapades.
___
-Int. Gaming Room -
The gaming room was a symphony of neon lights and sleek, futuristic design. The crew were each guided to don gaming suits. They sat in hoisted gaming seats, eagerly awaiting instruction. At the front of the room stood an instructor - an experienced gamer, ready to guide them through this virtual adventure.
"Alright, everyone, settle in. Time to dive into the world of virtual reality. Today, we'll be exploring the vast subterranean city known as Neo-Core Underground. But before we begin, let's familiarize ourselves with the basics." said the instructor with a friendly countenance.
The crew intently listened, their anticipation mounting.
"First, grab your VR headsets. These sleek and lightweight devices will transport you to the virtual realm." He instructed, "fit them snugly over your head, adjusting the straps for a comfortable fit."
With precision, the crew put on their VR headsets, with Vaelin fueled by anticipation. Abruptly, the room transformed before them, and they found themselves standing in an ethereal waiting area.
[The system has detected your synchronization with a virtual reality simulation.]
[Daily Quest Panel:
---------------------------
[Optional quest: Insight]
[Description: Learn more about the Neo-Core Underground and Omicron everyday.]
[Reward: 5XP]
An unexpected system notification popped up in front of Vaelin, providing him with an optional quest.
'Oh! I'mma gain experience points just by learnin' about this place each day?' Vaelin pondered inwardly. 'Cool!'
The instructor had also logged in, continuing with his guidance. "Now, close your eyes and imagine the digital interloop enveloping you. Feel the energy coursing through your veins as you sync your mind with this virtual reality."
As the crew breathed in synchrony, their minds connected, and the interloop - the modernized internet, only used in the subcity - activated. They opened their eyes to find themselves in a vibrant digital landscape.
"Great job, everyone! Now, let's choose your default avatars. Open the menu, navigate to the Avatar tab, and select from the available options. Remember, your avatar is your virtual representation, so choose wisely.
They eagerly followed the instructions, their hands deftly flicking through the virtual menu. Each one selected a unique avatar, ranging from robotic beings to mystical creatures.
"Perfect! As you made your selections, I've created a separate virtual chat room for you all. Feel free to join. Your default avatars have been virtually invited." the instructor informed them.
As if by magic, a portal appeared before them, emitting a soft glow. One by one, the crew stepped through it, finding themselves in a bustling virtual chat room. At the center stood an augmented artificial intelligence, embodying a young lady.
"Greetings, adventurers, and welcome to Neo-Core Underground! I am Aria, your guide to this magnificent world." She introduced herself, "Today, I'll give you a brief orientation to help you navigate the city's depths."
They gathered around Aria, their eyes fixed on her digital presence.
"Neo-Core Underground is an underground city born from the cooperation of creative minds under the umbrella of Omicron. Its immense capabilities are matched only by its complexities. From advanced technology to mythical wonders, this city has it all." She began the orientation.
Projecting holographic images, Aria showcased the breathtaking sights of Neo-Core Underground, revealing towering skyscrapers, bustling marketplaces, and vast caverns filled with bioluminescent flora.
"The Neo-Core collectively comprises fourteen mini-cities and 295 micro-cities. These mini-cities serve as terminals for numerous innovations set in motion by Omicron." She explained, "namely - RoboRavine, Lumina Labyrinths, CircuitCity, SynthCity, InfraMatrix, SubterraNova, ElectraCore City, ByteHaven, AetherGrid, FutureFathom, Solus Sanctum, Energiopolis, TerraVerse and Nexus Heights - our beloved capital."
"As you might already be aware of, you are part of the selected few privileged with the opportunity to enroll in colleges down here." She enlightened, "you are not only going to gain intellectual skills but combat proficiency as well. You are going to be enlightened as to why you will need combat experience during your stay here."
"But remember—Neo-Core is not without its dangers. Beneath the glitz and glamour lies treacherous territories, where cunning adversaries and hidden secrets await." Her tone of speech abruptly changed. "However, fear not, for you, brave teenagers, have been chosen to explore its mysteries as part of combat trials during your stay here."
The crew exchanged excited glances, their determination evident.
"Remember, your skills as gamers will be put to the test. The trials are not only physical. There are virtual ones as well. Forge alliances, unlock achievements, and complete quests to unravel the mysteries of Neo-Core Underground. May your journey be thrilling and your valor unmatched." said the instructor, who also stood amongst them.
With newfound excitement burning in their eyes, the crew of seven prepare to embark on this exhilarating adventure.
***