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Autumndusk, Research Center Branches Of Everything, Time: 10:45 AM
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In the western direction of Autumndusk, a lone island with a giant facility stands tall.
This is the facility and laboratory of RC://BOE. They manufacture everything from tools, weapons, and technology; anything science-related can be found right here. They established the facility near Autumndusk to stay close to the country.
Inside the facility, scientists were everywhere, working diligently. A jingle tone rang out throughout the facility as the automatic message began.
"Hello and welcome to RC://BOE, known as Research Center Branches of Everything!" A feminine robotic voice started with scientists assisting each other.
"We work hard and deliver the best, most useful products ever! Everyone buys them as we have no competition. Our bestselling products, Periculum and Custodiae, are booming as ever!"
One of the scientists examined the man-eating plants before poking one and somehow got his head stuck inside it. Other scientists looked on in horror before trying to pull him out.
"The facility was found by our great lord, Materia Peccator, before he gave it to his daughter, and our queen overlord, Kristen Peccator! With her help, she was able to secure a collaboration with the Congregation of Unity. Although he died tragically in his bed, his spirit will live on through our new founder!"
The old janitors were seen cleaning a sewage spill before finally finishing up, "Job well done, hehe!"
"Attention, janitors! There's a radioactive sewage issue in the male bathroom and residue leftover from Pyrite chicken."
The janitors sighed heavily before putting on their hazardous suits. "I don't get paid enough for this."
Below the first floor is something of interest – the floor that houses Eldritchs. They come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from deadly to friendly.
Scientists and researchers walk around, examining the Eldritchs' behavior and safely extracting some of their energy to create more medals and cartridges.
Sometimes, the methods could be silly, with researchers playing chess, having normal conversations, or conducting interviews with the Eldritchs.
Occasionally, death row inmates are thrown in to feed them, explaining the lingering smell of blood.
The facility holds many secrets, but we'll get back to those later as we ascend to the top floor.
On the top floor, a meeting is taking place with all the head researchers from different branches.
"That's why we need to advance to The Culture Festival! Not only could we sell more of our products, but we could also continue the old research of the full moon phenomenon!" A feminine voice states as she slams her hand against the whiteboard.
Her hair is long and bushy, auburn with crimson highlights. Her white lab coat's shoulder sports a red monster skull with a lower jaw missing. She wears a red turtleneck sweater dress with black thigh-high socks wrapped around her dark skin.
She is Lucy Pyrite, the head of Eldritch Research.
"I agree with Lucy; we would finally find the answer to this research after being on hold for 20 years." Another voice states, standing beside Lucy.
Her hair is a blond, textured, layered shag, and her white lab coat's shoulder features a yellow spiral vortex. She wears a black and yellow checker high-neck mini dress with matching black thigh-high socks.
She is Dorothy Pyrite, the head of Distortion Research.
As the two lead researchers, Lucy and Dorothy Pyrite, advocate passionately for advancing their Eldritch research, some skeptical murmurs ripple through the meeting.
A tall, severe-looking woman pushes up her glasses, the fluorescent lights glinting off the green atomic symbol emblazoned on her coat.
"While intriguing, we simply don't have the budget this quarter for such indulgences," she says crisply. "The Culture Festival prospects are nebulous at best."
"Oh come now, Barbara, live a little!" chuckles a relaxed bald man next to her, his lab coat decorated with blue wave symbols. "What Henry is cooking up in the robotics lab alone would draw big crowds."
He winks across the table at a gangly, wild-haired young man who grins back eagerly. "Oh yes, wait til you see my new kinetic sculptures! They're going to be a real smash hit!" Henry enthuses, miming punching motions with lanky arms.
Barbara merely sniffs disapprovingly while Lucy catches Dorothy's eye with an exasperated look.
Just then, the conference room door opens, admitting the director herself.
A small jingle rings out as the automated message states, "The Director has arrived."
She is an impeccably dressed woman with jet-purple hair cut into an asymmetrical fringe, the left side reaching down to her chest. She wears her suit jacket on her shoulder, revealing a white button-up shirt with a black tie. On her face is a pair of magenta-colored star-shaped glasses.
"My amigos, I believe I may have a solution to this quandary..." she announces smoothly. Dorothy and Lucy lean forward with bated breath, hoping the Director will be their champion.
A slow smile spreads across Director Kristen Peccator's elegant features as the researchers await her decision with bated breath.
"After reviewing your proposal in detail, I have decided to approve funding for your team to attend The Culture Festival," she announces to Lucy and Dorothy.
Excited whispers break out around the conference table. Kristen holds up a well-manicured hand for silence.
"However, you will be expected to generate sizable returns on this investment," she continues coolly. "I want groundbreaking revelations into Eldritch energy applications that we can patent and monetize. Is that clear?"
"Of course, Director Peccator," Lucy affirms eagerly. "You have my word - we won't let you down." Beside her Dorothy nods, eyes shining.
"Excellent. Then let's finalize the logistics, shall we?" Kristen taps the tablescreen built into the table. Schematics and budgets shine into existence above the glossy black glass surface.
As the researchers delve into the details, Dorothy subtly nudges Lucy under the table. When Lucy glances over, Dorothy gestures discreetly with her eyes towards Henry who is absently doodling kinetic sculpture designs with a big grin.
Dorothy mouths "You owe me 20" with a wink, they were betting if Henry's festival's idea would cut.
"I don't own you shittt," Lucy whispered back to her, not willing to pay.
After the meeting wrapped up, Lucy and Dorothy were the only ones left, and Kristen decided to have a conversation with them.
"It's quite intriguing that you two have taken up this little project of yours," Kristen stated, lifting her glasses to reveal her beautiful pink eyes.
"We just want to discover more about this phenomenon. I heard someone before tried to research it," Dorothy expressed her curiosity, wondering if there was someone who had explored this idea previously.
"My father used to work with him, but I don't remember him that much," Kristen pondered, recalling faint memories of someone with white hair.
"Anyway, you two are excused! Go rest at home, and don't disappoint me!" Kristen declared, and Lucy and Dorothy nodded simultaneously.
As they were about to leave, Kristen frantically exclaimed, "Wait! I need to ask you something!" prompting them to turn back.
"Am I what you'd call 'slay'?" Kristen asked, puzzling both Lucy and Dorothy.
Lucy gestured with her hand to answer Kristen's question, but Dorothy countered with her gestures. After a brief back-and-forth, Lucy decided to respond.
"I... guess so?" Kristen watched her with her exquisite eyes.
Kristen smiled, "Thank you for the compliment, dear. You can go now." Kristen waved her hand to dismiss them, and both Lucy and Dorothy left the conference room.
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Autumndusk, RC://BOE: 3rd Floor, Personal Staff Room, Time: 11:30 AM
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Lucy and Dorothy walked down the hallway, and Lucy's expression shifted back into a frown.
"Slay? What the fuck does she even mean by that?!" Lucy was utterly confused, unable to grasp the meaning.
"Sister, I think you are just too old for this era," Dorothy remarked before Lucy flicked her on the nose.
"I am still learning, you blonde." Lucy opened the door to both of their rooms. Dorothy sneakily slapped her head before entering, and Lucy groaned before joining her in the room.
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