Gazing at the spacious and tidy new dormitory, Abby instantly felt a significant lessening of the oppressive feeling that had lingered in her heart since her teleportation here.
'Dong Dong Dong—'
Abby's gaze followed the sound, seeing that Mai'er had already jogged up to the two closed doors and knocked on each in turn.
'Ah, that's a pity. It looks like they've both gone out. I was hoping to greet my new roommates,' Mai'er said with a hint of disappointment as he walked back to Abby.
Seeing Mai'er's disappointed expression, Abby paused for a moment before offering words of comfort: 'Maybe they've gone to eat. After all, it's so late now.'
As she spoke, she casually lifted her left hand, revealing the black metal bracelet on her wrist.
This was a communicator they had just received at the registration office, paired with what looked like earrings but were actually miniature brain-computer interface devices hanging from their ears.
It was not just a communication tool, but also a hub for school information, facilitating immediate and convenient communication between teachers and students, as well as providing access to various information on the empire's website.
The bracelet was as convenient as a smartphone but far more intelligent and functional.
Thanks to the brain-computer interface technology, the bracelet could directly connect with the wearer's brain.
Most operations could be completed with just a thought from the wearer, and information could also be directly projected in front of them as a virtual screen that only they could see.
If they wanted to share the content with others, it was as simple as sharing it with a communication device.
The technology in this world had advanced far beyond the era Abby was familiar with, reaching a remarkable level.
Despite having only recently received the bracelet, neither Abby nor Mai'er were completely accustomed to it yet.
It was only when Mai'er saw Abby lift her hand that he realized what time it was, and to his surprise, it was already 7 p.m.
'Ah, I didn't realize it was so late! No wonder I feel a bit hungry,' Mai'er said, his stomach rumbling just at that moment.
Hearing this, Mai'er rubbed his belly with an embarrassed smile.
'Let's go put our stuff down and go eat. My treat,' Abby proposed, pointing to the two remaining rooms as she spoke.
'Which one would you like?'
'Oh, it doesn't really matter to me. You pick first,' Abby replied and then picked up her luggage and headed towards room 3, which was closer to her.
Mai'er chose the room 4 next to it.
The room was spacious and bright, featuring not just a comfortable single bed, but also a wardrobe, a desk, and a smaller storage cabinet.
This was, by Abby's standards, undoubtedly 'luxurious,' prompting a reflection on the disparities between dormitory accommodations.
Wanting to keep Mai'er from waiting, Abby didn't want to dawdle and quickly put away their things. They had intended only to claim their rooms and drop off their luggage before going to eat at the school's cafeteria.
While human society had largely recovered, the problem of scarce resources persisted.
However, the Imperial Technology Center had developed a nutrient solution a few years prior, which had greatly alleviated this issue.
In contrast to the strange-tasting, tasteless nutrient solution, most people still preferred traditional food.
Thus, the dining hall of the Sinegi Empire Academy offered a choice between nutrient solution and regular food, catering to the varied preferences and needs of its students.
Abby and Mai'er chose the latter.
The cafeteria's offerings were meager compared to what Abby remembered from her previous world, but given the apocalyptic setting, being able to enjoy a full meal was fortunate.
'Thank you for treating me, Abby,' Mai'er said with a big chicken leg in his hand and a delighted look in his eyes.
Observing the sparkle in his eyes, Abby thought that if he had a tail, it would be wagging happily at this moment.
'It's my treat. It was to thank you for helping me this afternoon,' Abby said.
When she had set off for school, Abby had brought the original owner's private money, so she could afford to treat Mai'er to a meal without any difficulty.
Meanwhile, Mai'er nibbled on his chicken leg while thinking to himself.
Abby is so kind; this has to be the last chicken leg in the cafeteria tonight.
But she's so nice; how could someone be so easily deceived?