Chapter 10 : A place to call home (3)

# World building + Lore Chapter.

"Hey hey hey! have you heard?"

"Heard about what?"

"I heard those ners in RnD got new toys."

"Oh. But did you know that those toys will be handed to us too when it's done? I mean I heard they're increasing the security budget."

"Awesome! I just hope that we can get a movement type gear next."

===

Strolling around the city, I finally 'got' the feeling of people living here. although there's no one that's below the poverty line... I still see a clear disparity between the wealthy and the middle class. But things have gotten easier with magic as low level jobs are now more or less automated.

The economy itself is moving quite nicely, and from the briefing yesterday, I was told that the majority of citizens here are more or less super human level. and according to them moving around with their body is way more preferable than using any form of vehicle.

The minority themselves have an advantage too, since OakPolis is the source of all Technological and Medical advancement world wide, they are guaranteed to have the best of the best when it comes to medical technology and even transportation technology. as evident with the vehicles flying above my head as we speak.

"Nate! Nate! Can we get an Ice-cream? Pretty please?"

"Sure Eli."

I came inside a shop. we're currently traveling incognito. As everyone would recognize me with my armor, I ended up using my Weeb shirt, the shirt itself is a simple tee with the words : 'Man Boobs'.

The shop itself is rather... futuristic I must say as there's no cashier there's no nothing.

"Welcome Mr. Colombus."

A robotic voice calls out to me.

"What would you like to have today?"

a floating text screen appears in front of me.

I looked to my side as Eli was happily interfacing with the floating box... like it's an everyday item to her... maybe i'm just too old for this... tech.

After inquiring a bit about the technology from the robotic voice it seems that one of the 'returnees' got isekai to a world where game systems are a thing. He managed to break down the whole system, and somehow uncovered a conspiracy.

It turns out the 'system' is an experiment from a higher intelligence being used to monitor the inhabitants of his planet. He managed to somehow extract the 'processing unit' of the tech and when he returned he showed it to Rufus who in turn made this tech into reality. and it seems that this technology is personally handled by rufus, as people with malicious intent can easily sabotage someone else's life.

There's really something else about this city. but then again Ethan is a genius, making all the buildings here boring and professional looking. But I personally think that everything here is well thought out.

===

It's noon. and I'm sitting on a bench with Eli right beside me. Walking from one end of the city to another took me less than an hour. But then again I have a strong physique, and to my suprise Eli can keep up with my tempo, although she asks me for a break here and there.

There seems to be something missing here, and from my walks I finally realize; it's public transport. it seems that if every one of your citizens is a better version of a marathon runner you won't need one. congestion is non-existent. and so are accidents. I mean you have superhuman body, metabolism, and reflex, you'll be a fool to well fall over.

But then again... you can't win everything. It seems that there's a problem with housing. as the city planner currently is having problems. speaking of which. There seems to be a surge of 'returnees' lately and thus an increase in demand for housing. That's why Ms. Page is so adamant with me living in the office for the time being.

Another problem I see is about food. From the chart of imports we're importing a few tonnes of food each month. and with not that many mouths to feed, that speaks volume of our internal metabolism. Sometimes, returnees may not need food, other times food is essential for them and they consume up to five times the normal serving hence the logistical problem.

But then again food is bought and sold in the market and it's basic economy when there's demand there's always the product. But being a mega corporation that controls everything themselves, RC-inc has a lot of improvement to do in the logistics department...

Another impressive aspect of this city is the segmentation of the lands. There's obviously a commerce section, an industrial zone, a Residential zone, and finally, a zone that everyone calls the Stress relief zone. Guess where the Healers are at? A hospital? nope, THEY'RE IN THE COLOSSEUM! You think they're healing the contestant's? NOPE! THEY'RE HEALING EACH OTHER WITH THEIR FIST ON THE OTHER PERSON'S FACE!

It seems that a few of the returnees are monks and they started a cult. the cult of the healing monk. but Nate I hear you say, Monks punch people or meditate in the mountains. and I will tell you you're right. but that only applies to Murim Monks. These breed of monks are.... different....

"Hey! stop running away! and let me heal you... WITH MY FIST!"

"Oh, did you fall down the stairs? it's dislocated, maybe with this you'll remember to LOOK WHERE YOU'RE GOING *proceed to kick back the dislocated leg*"

"Oh a bruise in your face? *grabs the patient's wrist* -> *suplex him into the pavement* LET ME HELP YOU WITH YOUR BACK TOO WHILE I'M AT IT! "

Needless to say those are not the doctors I'll be seeing...

====

The commerce section is filled with... lets just say colorful personalities, while mostly on display items are... either too futuristic or too aristocratic for everyday wear, the 'Special' section is where the fun is at. as it sells the most mundane PET bottled water to the most bizzare 100% balding cream. I won't judge.

But sadly, there's no merch that made the flames on my right hand burn.... *cough cough* there's nothing interesting in the clothes section. yeah lets stick with that.

The Home appliance section though is just... wow. I wish I had these during my isekai. A tent that folds itself, and has expanded space? nice. A motorhome that appears like a small hatchback car? WOW. A SELF COOKING MAID ROBOT WITH OVEN MICROWAVE AND STOVE BUILT IN? SIGN ME UP.

In the end I have to get called by Ms. Page, promising me that my 'office' will be renovated soon and everything that I fancy will be placed in it. only then am I content enough to leave...

and since that day I was banned from ever entering the appliance store. I wonder why? I mean ordering a full course meal from a maid robot that I wanted to purchase is not a punishable crime right?

=====

The next section is the Residential Zones. nothing surprising here only rows upon rows of uninteresting apartment buildings. but from what I heard it's all enchanted with space magic so that the insides are all way bigger than the outside.

The only difference a wealthy resident has over the medium income one is the resident size I believe, in the normal apartment complex you can only buy a room in a floor, whereas in the wealthier side of things, you can buy the whole floor but not the apartment.

The environment itself is already worth it as parks are plentiful, there's even an olympic sized swimming pool, a soccer field, a basketball field, and even a baseball field. eh? what's that? There's a stadium being built? I mean... yeah sure why not I guess. But wouldn't they have to reinforce it with super alloys or something?

And the most interesting thing about these buildings from what I see is the Balcony, instead of the traditional balcony with a handguard, it seems that it's like another door entrance instead... smart decision I mean I wouldn't want to get stuck on the elevator when I can just jump to my room on the 12th floor.

As I walked around I noticed something strange.... Why is there no education facility like school or university? It seems that Eli also doesn't know. well I think I'll have to ask Ms. Page then.

====

My last stop for the day is the industrial section. and what surprised me is the quality of air... weren't industrial zones supposed to have worse air quality than the rest? How come it's fresher here?

Oh? I'm in the wrong section? this one's the soap + shampoo + air refresher factory ? ummm ok then... I guess...

But Whoa.... I now know why they restrict access so badly into this area. it's filled with automated drones and machinery flying and driving about. It seems that Ms. Page has arranged someone to guide me through the factories. Eli is oddly excited to see a chocolate factory. But I firmly remind her NOT TO TOUCH anything.

It seems that this area is clear of air pollution but... It's riddled with noise pollution, even with an anti noise headphone that's mandatory for all staff. I can still feel the vibration of the motors and machines moving about, it made the hair on my hands stand up to no end.

I couldn't imagine working here... When the guide said that it'll rock my world... this is not what I had in mind.

===

and so the day ends with us getting back to the office, and to my surprise while the room hasn't been renovated yet, the space has been expanded by magic, and there's two sets of beds, one for me and one for Eli, and two tables.

Eli is spent as she immediately jumps to her bed and sleeps soundly. I chuckled to myself as I posted a post-it note on the bathroom door reminding Eli to brush her teeth if she woke up in the middle of the night.

Lastly I sat down at my chair, and what's awaiting me is documents. I forgot that even with a fake job I still have a few responsibilities I had to fill. It's either that or it's just Mr. Smith getting his revenge for the first fight.

And so the sound of paper and pen resonates around the room as Eli's sleeping breath accompanied my lonely night.... Or I could head to the red light district. I still need to investigate that. Yeah Inspection!

===

And so I sneaked out... for research... My work? Well, they can wait.

The red light district only opens at night and it's located in the edge of the Commercial district... and to my suprise or not. depending how you look at it. there's a lot of returnees here who are... lets just say expressing themselves sexually. especially those with traits or skills related to the libido.

And it seems that during the night only the red light district is open. So I gathered up my courage and walked into one of the bars. yep bars. and lo and behold I saw a genuine bunny girl! not those with fake ears. These are genuine ears! I could tell! yep it's definitely not me moving at a speed invisible to others and nudging them a few times. yep I'm a respectable gentleman...

But then again... even after seeing all these... races, nothing really gets my heart beating... defeated, I head straight towards the bartender.

"Something troubling you mate?"

"Aren't we all troubled?"

"Ya gotta do something about that frown mate, else the ladies aren't gonna give you any chance."

"A chance huh. had one. got one. blew it. BLEW IT TO HELL AND BACK!"

I said that and I downed the whole bottle the bartender gave me. I dunno what the hell that is but it burns my tongue and throat. even lava is not as hot as this. I would know.

"Is ThIs ThE StRoNgEsT?"

"No, there's one more tier stronger than this but I suggest you go home for the day sir..."

"NONSENSE! I CAN STILL DRINK! I CAN EVEN GIVE A LECTURE ABOUT MAGIC WHILE I'M AT IT!"

"Please calm down and ... Sir... can you please get off the stage that's reserved for our singer tonight..."

"Shut it! Listen here you all wanna be magicians! YOU AINT GOT SHIT IF YOU CANT EVEN OPEN A SIMPLE PORTAL!!!!! AND TODAY'S YOUR LUCKY DAY! THIS DEMON LORD IS GOING TO TEACH YOU HOW TO OPEN A PORTAL 101! YOu better LIsten TO me carefully YOU HEAR! IT may make the difference between seeing HER one more time and DYING A DOGS DEATH!"

I don't know if it's the alcohol talking or my repressed scholarly soul. I ended up opening a 3 a.m. lecture about space magic and how relativity helps with your positioning.

"SEE HERE YOU NEWBS!"

I opened a portal towards the drinking cabinet behind the bar.

"I KNOW YOU ALL CAN DO THIS SIMPLE TRICK! IT'S BASICALLY TEARING HOLE THROUGH REALITY! YOU FREAKIN IMBECILE YOU KNOW HOW MUCH MANA IT USES!?!?"

I grabbed a bottle from the bar and drank its contents straight from the bottle.

"SEE HERE NOOBS THIS IS HOW YOU SHOULD'VE DONE IT!"

I opened another portal but the mana fluctuation is way less and the portal is way more stable.

"SEE THE DIFFERENCE!? OF COURSE NOT, LET THIS DADDY exPlain! your portals sucks, my portal is a wormhole, I shrink the distance, not create a rift in reality."

on of the man in the crowd raises his hands

"NO QUESTIONS JUST LISTEN YOU MORONS!? NO BETTER YET PRACTICE MURIN! THOSE FREAKS UNCONCIOUSLY SHRINK DISTANCES!"

as I took another bottle from gods knows where and empty it again

"AnD So CoNcLuDeS mY LeCtUrE! See you NEVER!" I said as I opened up a portal back home. and close my eyes.