As the sun began to rise, casting a warm golden glow over the horizon, Asher stirred awake, his dreams fading into the morning light. A gentle chime from the system signaled that the renovation had been completed.
"Renovation completed." soft chime of the system ringing in his ears.
Stretching out of bed, he felt a mixture of anticipation and excitement swell within him. But before he ventured out to see the transformation, he focused on a more immediate task: breakfast.
In the small kitchen, he prepared a simple meal for himself and Lunabloom, consisting of scrambled eggs and a side of freshly sliced fruit. As he cooked, the comforting aromas filled the air, creating a sense of warmth that contrasted with the crisp morning. Lunabloom, perched on the counter, watched with curiosity, occasionally chiming in with soft sounds of approval as the food sizzled.
After breakfast, Asher took a quick shower, the cool water invigorating him and washing away the remnants of sleep. Feeling refreshed, he picked up his phone to contact the Morphix Association. The representative answered promptly, and Asher wasted no time in scheduling a time to claim his 50 Morphix eggs.
"You have two options, Asher," the representative explained. "You can either select the eggs yourself or allow us to choose and deliver them to your location."
After considering the options, Asher felt a surge of confidence. "I'll choose them myself."
Asher has a feeling that he can see the potential of the eggs as he can see the detailed information of the Morphix he can see.
The representative agreed, setting a time for later that day. With everything in order, Asher and Lunabloom stepped outside, excitement buzzing in the air as they approached the daycare.
Asher opened the door to the newly renovated daycare, a wave of warmth and excitement flooding over him. The interior was a harmonious blend of modern aesthetics and natural elements, designed to create a welcoming environment for both Morphix and their trainers. The walls were painted in soft, calming colors, with murals of various Morphix playing in vibrant, lush landscapes. Large windows let in ample sunlight, illuminating the polished wooden floors that gleamed like freshly fallen leaves.
In the center of the daycare, a spacious play area was equipped with colorful climbing structures and soft mats, perfect for young Morphix to explore and interact. A small pool area was designed for Water-type Morphix, while an adjoining garden section featured various plants that could provide comfort and stimulation. The overall ambiance was lively yet serene, with soft background music playing to soothe the creatures.
Asher had also ensured there were cozy nooks with plush seating where trainers could relax and bond with their Morphix. An area dedicated to educational displays showcased different Morphix types, their habitats, and care tips, further engaging customers and inviting them to learn more.
Lunabloom looked around in awe, bouncing slightly on her feet. "Lunabloom!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Asher chuckled at her enthusiasm. "I thought it was important to make the daycare as inviting as possible. We want to attract trainers and their Morphix. The more comfortable they feel here, the more likely they'll come back."
"Lunabloom!" she chirped in agreement, clearly pleased with the changes.
Asher felt a swell of determination. The transformation of the daycare was more than just a cosmetic change; it was a fresh start for him and Lunabloom. They were ready to build their future together.
After a moment of soaking in the atmosphere, Asher turned his attention to the schedule. It was time to visit the Morphix Association and select the eggs that would kickstart their venture. "Are you ready, Lunabloom? We have a big day ahead of us!"
With a joyful "Lunabloom!" in response, they headed out.
They hopped on the bus, heading toward the Morphix Mall to pass the time before their appointment at the Association. Asher felt a sense of nostalgia entering the bustling mall. Families and trainers roamed the space, and the place buzzed with the sounds of chattering and the occasional Morphix call echoing off the high ceilings. Lunabloom trotted beside him, her eyes wide as she took in the sights, giving little chirps of interest whenever they passed a particularly colorful stall.
Asher used the time to discuss a few things with the system. It felt strange to have such a constant presence in his thoughts, but he was already becoming accustomed to it, using it as a guide and a source of advice.
As they wandered, something caught both their eyes, a gleaming display behind a glass wall that showcased a sleek black backpack. A small plaque next to it displayed the bold logo of the Corgix Corporation, a company that needed no introduction in Elyndra. Known worldwide, Corgix was celebrated for developing Morphix technology and the renowned Morphix Bracers used by trainers. They had even ventured into daily essentials, producing food blocks tailored to every Morphix type.
But this backpack was something different. Asher's eyes scanned the plaque detailing the features of the "Space Backpack" in awe. With the latest advancements in Morphix technology, this backpack could hold a whopping 100 square meters of space and bear up to 1,000 kilograms. The inner workings fused the latest tech with the energy of rare Morphix, creating an item that was both spacious and incredibly durable.
The system chimed in his consciousness.
"Considering this backpack, Asher? I suggest getting one, not for capacity but for convenience. It's best if those around you believe you're using a tangible bag, especially when accessing your inventory."
Asher thought about it. He knew his system inventory was nearly limitless and that any item he placed in it would be frozen in time, preventing spoilage or decay. But it was true; having a physical bag would help him blend in.
"What size do you recommend, then?" he asked the system quietly as he watched Lunabloom peer through the glass, her nose almost pressed against it.
"A modest choice," the system replied, "perhaps something small. It won't be too flashy and will give you a more inconspicuous way to access your inventory without raising questions."
Asher nodded, deciding he'd go for one of the smaller models if he could find one at an affordable price. It was better to have a backup plan, and this seemed like a smart move.
Asher chose a standard-sized Space Backpack, priced at 50,000 Elyndra Dollars, a significant investment, nearly enough to buy a green-potential Morphix. But he knew it was worth it for the practicality and subtlety it provided. After completing the purchase, he and Lunabloom wandered the mall, looking for a place to grab lunch. Lunabloom perked up, tail wagging when they stopped by a cozy, aesthetically pleasing restaurant with green walls and a touch of floral décor, perfect for a comfortable meal.
Asher couldn't help but smile at her excitement as they settled into their seats. After ordering, they enjoyed a meal together, Lunabloom nibbling on her special Morphix food and Asher savoring a well-prepared dish. It was a rare moment of relaxation amidst the busyness of setting up the daycare.
Once they finished, they left the mall and strolled over to the Morphix Association, which was only a short walk away. The building was an impressive structure with a grand entrance adorned with intricate engravings of various Morphix. Inside, the place bustled with trainers, caretakers, and eager visitors.
As they approached the counter, Asher introduced himself to the receptionist, who smiled warmly. She checked her records, nodded, and directed him and Lunabloom to an elevator.
A representative joined them, pressing a button marked with a small icon of a Morphix Egg.
"You're in for a treat," the representative said with a smile as the elevator began its smooth ascent. "We keep a diverse selection of Morphix eggs on this floor. While we also sell young Morphix, we find that trainers often come here for the eggs, as the Daycares are sometimes focused on specific types or breeds. Here, you'll get the chance to see and choose from a wide variety—many trainers find it inspiring."
Asher nodded, already feeling a buzz of anticipation. The idea of selecting the 50 eggs to start his daycare made him realize how real his new journey was becoming.
As the elevator doors slid open, Asher stepped into an expansive, softly lit room lined with shelves displaying Morphix eggs of every color and hue imaginable. Each section was carefully organized by type, creating a rainbow of possibilities stretching across the vast space. The eggs of more common types, like Normal, Grass, and Water, filled the shelves closest to them, while towards the back, rarer eggs such as Dragon, Fairy, and Ghost gleamed in smaller clusters. Each of these rare eggs was accompanied by hefty price tags, ranging from 200,000 to 500,000 Elyndra Dollars, reinforcing their exclusivity.
The representative walked beside him, explaining the layout and offering guidance on his selection.
"Feel free to explore each section," the representative said, gesturing to the well-organized shelves. "You can select up to 10 eggs from each type. However, as you may have guessed, the rarer types: Dragon, Fairy, Ghost, Dark, Steel, and Ice, are off-limits for standard orders due to their scarcity and high value."
Asher nodded, understanding the logic. He already knew that these rare types might be more challenging to sell, and if they ended up hatching before he found customers, they would add more financial strain on the fledgling daycare. Asher scanned the floor thoughtfully, contemplating his choices and the needs of his future customers.
"Another important note," the representative continued, "is that every egg on this floor ranges from green to blue potential. We only select parent Morphix with favorable traits to ensure quality."
That was reassuring, Asher thought. The prospect of acquiring this solid potential was crucial for drawing in customers seeking a reliable companion, Morphix.
They walked through the aisles, where Asher noted the Fire-type eggs emitting a faint warmth, the Electric-type eggs sparking with tiny jolts, and the calming, pastel-colored Water-type eggs. The system within Asher's consciousness urged him to consider a balanced variety to cater to different preferences, hinting that a diverse selection would attract a wider customer base.
Asher wandered the aisles, considering his choices carefully. Each egg seemed to carry its own faint aura, and he marveled at the possibilities. Just as he was examining a cluster of Electric-type eggs, the system's voice chimed into his thoughts.
"Asher," it whispered, "ask the representative about that door behind you."
Turning back, Asher noticed a heavy, unmarked door nestled in the far corner of the room. Curiosity piqued; he hesitated a moment before addressing the representative.
"What's behind that door?" Asher asked casually.
The representative blinked in surprise, his expression shifting slightly. "It's unusual for someone to ask," he said with a pause, "but behind that door is where we store the rejected Morphix eggs."
"Rejected?" Asher repeated, glancing at the door again.
The representative nodded, lowering his voice. "Yes. Occasionally, some Morphix eggs don't develop as expected. These eggs often produce Morphix with specific traits or defects that may limit their usefulness for trainers or daycares." He explained that many of these eggs would find their way to orphanages or care facilities, where the Morphix could become companions for children or bring comfort to elderly residents.
Asher's mind raced with possibilities, the idea of these "rejected" eggs lingering in his thoughts. There was something deeply intriguing about the chance to give a home to an egg that others had overlooked, to see if perhaps it held something special that others hadn't recognized.