[Two days until Earth's transformation is completed. Three days until Earth's Grand Opening Ceremony]
The next morning dawned, and Trev, who had spent most of the previous afternoon and evening sleeping, woke up feeling refreshed. Elena was already up and dressed, her body suit washed and repaired. She had even taken the initiative to wash and fold Trev's jacket, placing it neatly at the end of the bed. Trev, who was still wearing his bank security uniform, was really getting fed up with wearing a shirt and dress pants, not to mention his shoes were uncomfortable for walking. He wanted to be comfortable like Elena looked to be, so he vowed to find some new clothes in the next few days.
As Elena prepared to leave and talk to Spruce, Trev asked her to wait so he could hear Spruce's information as well. After a few minutes, Trev was awake and ready to go, and they ventured into the bustling market to find the mischievous Ent. To their surprise, Spruce was not behind his usual watch stand. Instead, he stood behind a large counter labelled "Rest Stop Service," with a small watch stand atop it selling starter watches. Taped to the front of the counter was a handwritten sign that caught their attention: "Starter weapons for sale. Enquire within."
"Hello Spruce, I see your stand has been upgraded," snickered Elena.
Trev couldn't quite understand Elena's fondness for taunting Spruce, but it had become their usual banter. Spruce responded, his eye twitching at the word "favourite."
"Hello, if it isn't my favourite human."
The room had undergone further upgrades since yesterday, as it seemed things were slowly coming to life. The holographic screen on the wall was now active and playing Evolution TV. The TV was showing a fierce battle between a group of beings and a massive creature. Suddenly, one of the players fighting the creature was stomped on, causing blood, flesh, and gear to splatter across the arena. The commentators erupted with excitement, replaying the gruesome death multiple times. This was undoubtedly a brutal game.
Aside from the TV, there was also a new door open. This door led into a dark room that Trev hadn't seen before. Additionally, it seemed that a vendor, who happened to be human, had set up in one of the market stalls and was selling clothing. Trev made a mental note to explore that later.
"Alright, tell me what you know, tree," smiled Elena.
"Tree is a derogatory term. We are Ents. It's like calling humans monkeys," Spruce retorted, correcting her.
"My apologies," Elena replied, unexpectedly apologetic.
"Thank you. What specifically would you like to know? I don't possess all the answers about the dropships, but I'll do my best," Spruce offered.
"How do we get inside?" Elena inquired.
"Ah, I do know that. In a previous life, I was a player too, I grew too old and playing the game became increasingly challenging so I retired. But, I have had my fair share of adventures," explained Spruce, with a smile.
Trev hadn't really observed Spruce's level until now, as it was normally partially buried in the foliage of his hair, but as he looked closely, it read CXI. One hundred and eleven! He wasn't lying about his experience.
"Once, on my planet Fegorn, I once approached a drop ship in a low-level area, curious about its workings. I attempted to enter the dark abyss that spits out the creatures, but it did not allow me to pass through, the barrier was only one way. After extensively investigating, I realised there was no way to enter at the base without a key. However, over time, as I observed the drop ships, I noticed three potential entry points," shared Spruce.
"What would they be?" inquired Elena.
"For a price, I will tell you," Spruce replied.
Elena smashed her fist on the counter, causing it to rock.
"We already did your stupid fucking quest. Tell me now," Elena demanded, anger resonating in her voice.
"Fine, Fine! I will tell you," cowered Spruce. "An Ent has to try to hustle every now and then."
Elena didn't speak, just gave him a death stare. Spruce cleared his throat and continued.
"Before I proceed, let me emphasise that I've never been inside a drop ship awake, so I don't know exactly what to expect. First, every minute, a hatch opens on the side, dispatching and reclaiming drones to resupply all the Evolution Corporation operations. This leads to an automated hangar that might provide an entry point. Second, the top is an open area that will occasionally send pods up into space. It has many entry points, but it is guarded. Lastly, and the least obvious, is the aforementioned entrance at the base, but it requires a key held only by board members, game masters, and architects," Spruce concluded.
Trev couldn't help but feel that any information about the internal systems of the game could be considered contraband. He figured they should keep it confidential, because there could be trouble if Evolution Corp found out.
"Thank you Spruce," nodded Elena, satisfied at his answer. "Good day."
Spruce nodded back and resumed his work. Elena and Trev walked outside to discuss what they had learned. The surrounding area was slowly transforming into a little town, much like citizens gathering around a castle for protection. Outside, atop the floating metal platform, on a makeshift bench made out of two large stumps and a plank of wood sat Emilee and an unfamiliar person. They were sitting closely together, laughing and enjoying each other's company. As Trev approached Emilee from behind and walked around the bench to greet her, he caught sight of the other person's face—a woman. The woman had shoulder length straight blonde hair, green eyes, was moderately tall, but not as tall as Emilee, a good figure and possibly just breaching her thirties. She wore a long skirt, a tight dark green top, and flat shoes, giving off a professional vibe that suggested she might have been in an office at the time of the apocalypse. By her side rested a combat bow and a quiver of arrows, leaving Trev curious as to how she had acquired such a weapon, when all other weapons had been destroyed. Furthermore, she was at level four and in good health—the highest level Trev had seen among any human thus far.
"Trevor! Hello! This is my new friend Marielle," Emilee called out, her face radiant with a magnificent smile.
"Hello, Trevor. I've heard a lot about you. Please, call me Mari," the blonde woman greeted with a smile.
"Nice to meet you, Mari. Please, call me Trev," Trev responded, returning the smile.
"Noted. And you must be Elena," Mari said, trying to be polite despite Elena's scowl.
Elena, who wasn't particularly skilled at friendly introductions, remained silent.
"Ignore her; she doesn't trust strangers," Trev sighed, attempting to alleviate any tension.
"Anyway, Mari and I met last night and had some drinks. She would like to join our group, given Trev's approval, as she is also an Energy user," Emilee explained, her smile unwavering.
Trev glanced at Mari's yellow watch, confirming her resource group. Trev had already envisioned his role in the group would end up being the tank, while Mari seemed inclined towards ranged weapons.
"I am fine with it, I am likely going to be pigeonholed into tanking, and since Mari looks as if she specialises in ranged combat, that's fine with me," responded Trev, having no objections. "Elena?"
"If she is able to hold her own in combat, I might consider it," replied Elena, who obviously judged people's worth solely on their combat prowess.
"Excellent. I'll join you today," Mari confirmed, her smile unwavering.