After saying goodbye to Eva at the entrance of the laboratory, who was as excited about the lab as a child receiving a new toy, I headed back to my room.
It was the room closest to the stairs, and as I lay down on the bed there, I remembered:
(I haven't checked the Technological Chip gacha yet...)
Since I had nothing else to do, I decided to take a quick look.
[Launch Banner! "Technology of the New Conquerors," use tower credits to get a spin in the resource acquisition system for a chance to win:
Technological Chip 'Bionic Arm' (C)
Technological Chip 'Heavy Machine Gun (Incendiary Ammo)' (D)
Technological Chip 'Piercing Pistol MK-155' (E)
Random Earth Technology (Modern Age and earlier)
1 Spin: 1 Credit 10 Spins: 10 Credits]
(Interesting, they don't give you the tutorial armor here...)
I guess that's normal, since technology is ultimately the favorite route for us Earthlings, at least for now.
(Although the fact that there's no guaranteed item annoys me a bit...)
[Launch Banner! "Modernity of the New Conquerors," use tower credits to get a spin in the resource acquisition system for a chance to win:
Technological Chip 'Assistant Android' (B)
Technological Chip 'Modern Car' (F+)
Technological Chip 'Private Communication System' (C+)
Random Earth Technology (Modern Age and earlier)
Random Technological Chip (Rarity from 'F' to 'B+')
1 Spin: 1 Credit 10 Spins: 10 Credits
During the "Modernity of the New Conquerors" banner, the base probability of obtaining the promotional Technological Chip is 0.0001%, with a guaranteed promotional Technological Chip at 90 spins.]
(There are some pretty useful things here...)
As expected, the good stuff is in the non-combat or 'decorative' banner, after all, you are guaranteed one of those.
[You have been connected for 8 consecutive hours, log off and rest for today!
*Note: You will be automatically disconnected after 12 consecutive hours]
"Eight hours already... how time flies," I said while staring at the ceiling of this beautiful king-size bed.
This is undoubtedly the best experience I've ever had in my life, almost like a living dream, but I suppose you always have to wake up from those dreams and face reality.
(Tomorrow, I'll spend the whole day in the tower killing monsters!)
I was filled with anticipation for what tomorrow would bring.
"Disconnect."
[The tower awaits your return!]
And with a white light, everything went dark...
--
*Zoom! (Capsule opening)
With that sound, I opened my eyes and what awaited me was...
(I won't deny it, I feel a bit depressed...), I thought as I looked at my own reality.
A room almost the size of my mansion bed, financial problems, etc.
*Sigh.
With a sigh, I climbed out of the capsule and as I did...
(How strange... I don't feel very different from my in-game self...), I thought with curiosity and some astonishment as I moved my real body.
I remember that integrating the 'S' muta-gen made me feel a bit stronger than usual, nothing exaggerated, but still noticeable.
(I suppose it's that therapeutic effect of VR), I concluded after a few moments.
There are studies that claim VR reality has significant benefits for certain recovery therapies.
This is because your brain gets accustomed to acting a certain way, and when you leave VR, the brain tries to do the same in reality.
*Groooo!
"Oh, I need to go to the bathroom," I said with discomfort as I felt my stomach churn.
--
"Ufff."
After leaving the bathroom, I realized something I had been overlooking.
(I never felt the need to use the bathroom or felt hungry in the game.)
It was pretty obvious that this was due to that talent I got from the tower, a very convenient one, I must say.
"Now then... what should I do?" I said to myself, trying to think about my current situation.
Before thinking about the potential future where I can support myself with the game's help, I need to stabilize my current situation first.
(The game is still too new to even think about making money from it.)
"I guess a part-time job it is."
The first thing is obviously to have a stable income, one that doesn't take too much time; after all, I'll be spending most of my day in the game.
"I don't think it will be that difficult."
I have an excellent profile, after all. I study at the best university in the city, and believe it or not, just being there gives me a very good reference.
As for what kind of job, it could really be anything.
After all, one of the best lessons you learn in an orphanage is to be versatile.
(I've learned a bit of everything.)
From how to deal with young children to basic plumbing.
"Let's find out some things on the internet," I immediately set out to search for possible job opportunities.
But...
"Official Tower Of Conquerors Forum..." this forum caught my attention, and I noticed quite a few discussions.
(Let's take a quick look...)
[The Mysterious Assassin 'Silent Shadow' and Evidence of His Scheme to Gain Early Game Advantage]
[Proof that 'Silent Shadow' is a Fraud.]
[Breaking News! A new building within the tower, called the 'Monument to Courage,' with only one name: 'Silent Shadow']
[Luke Star, the VR Gaming Eminence, Says 'Silent Shadow' is Real and Has a Friendly Relationship with Him.]
[The First Super-P2W in the Game! Photos of an Incredible Unknown Mansion—Who is the Owner?]
(... News sure does travel fast, huh?), I thought, amazed at the number of people writing posts related to me.
"So, a monument, huh... maybe I should check it out next time."
I also noticed that Luke's identity seemed to be public.
"Let's see, things related to this 'Luke Star,'" I searched online and found...
(Playboy? Millionaire? Had an affair with a famous singer?)
"No doubt this guy is living the high life."
I couldn't help but feel a bit envious.
(I hope one day I can be at least half as significant as this guy.)
"But first, let's start from the bottom," I told myself as I began looking for part-time job offers.
-1 hour later...
(I guess I'll have to sacrifice some game time, huh?) I thought as I reviewed all the job offers that fit my situation.
The most viable options for me were:
Waiter
Kitchen assistant
Tutor
Delivery driver
These seemed the easiest to manage.
(Personally, I prefer tutoring. After all, it shouldn't be too hard to help a kid graduate from high school.)
"Let's see..."
I visited a reliable job search website and was surprised by the variety of offers available.
(Looks like a lot of people need help...) I was amazed at the number of tutoring-related job offers.
This one looks interesting.
[Patient In-Person Tutor Needed to Teach Youth with Deficiencies in the Following Subjects...
Minimum Required Tutoring Time: 2 hours
Payment: Based on the student's increasing performance (payment to be discussed if selected)
Requirements: Patience with troubled youth, credentials proving knowledge or, if a university student, a reference from the institution.]
(This seems like a good opportunity. The schedule is flexible and fits my needs.)
"I think I can do this," I said to myself as I considered applying for the offer.
"Apply..."