First Day at Work

A straightforward answer, with no mention of violations or restrictions—just clear limitations. Adam let out a slow breath. There was a hint of disappointment, but on the other hand, it gave him clarity—at least he didn't have to worry about storage inside the factory.

Without further delay, he tapped the Open option on the leather cloak box. In an instant, the transparent box vanished, leaving a brown cloak in his hands.

Adam ran his fingers over its surface. Despite being made of leather, the texture felt smoother and slicker than he had expected. It wasn't too thick, but it was flexible enough when he squeezed the edge.

Curious, he quickly pulled up the item information panel.

(Leather Cloak)

A simple cloak made from processed animal hide using basic techniques. Light and flexible, offering minimal protection but without restricting movement. Suitable for beginner adventurers who can't afford high-quality armor.

Defense: +100

Durability: 100

Skill: (Resilient - Passive) Reduces 10% of damage from normal physical attacks.

(Note): Light, does not hinder movement. Ineffective against sharp or energy-based attacks.

Adam's eyes widened. "Whoa… it has a skill?" he exclaimed in surprise.

This was the first time he had seen an item with a built-in ability. His gaze returned to the description.

"A passive skill? Reduces 10% damage?" he repeated quietly.

His brows furrowed as he tried to understand the mechanics. "But… 10% based on what?" he muttered, growing more curious. Was it based on the enemy's attack? His own defense?

However, he set those questions aside for now. Adam draped the leather cloak over his shoulders, feeling its soft texture against his skin. It reached down to his knees, wasn't too heavy, and as he moved his shoulders slightly, the cloak followed comfortably without restricting his movement.

A brief silence filled the room before he nodded slightly. "Pretty decent," he murmured, observing his reflection on the dark screen in front of him.

Satisfied, Adam closed all the system panels displayed on the monitor. He took a deep breath, adjusted his posture, and leaned back into his chair. His stance was firm—one that reflected the presence of a leader prepared to welcome his subordinates.

He glanced at the watch on his wrist—two minutes until eight.

It wasn't long before the faint sound of the elevator echoed from a distance. When the doors opened, a woman stepped out. Serina.

Her gaze swept across the factory floor, examining the surroundings with a keen expression before she finally made her way to the reception desk at the back of the room.

"Good morning, Boss," she greeted politely, standing straight by the desk.

Adam turned and smiled. "Good morning. You look sharp and full of energy today," he said with a note of praise.

Serina was wearing a short black skirt that fit snugly against her figure, paired with a white long-sleeved shirt that was slightly tight. Adam couldn't help but notice. While he tried to remain professional, as a young man, it was hard not to register such details.

Serina seemed to catch his gaze. A faint blush spread across her fair cheeks, and she quickly explained, "Sorry, Boss. I found this shirt among the clothes you looted yesterday."

Adam chuckled inwardly. Ah, so it's from yesterday's loot? he thought. However, instead of dwelling on the topic, he simply nodded casually. "No problem. It suits you."

Serina gave a small nod, though Adam could tell she was still a bit awkward about it. To prevent the situation from becoming more uncomfortable, he quickly added, "Though, you might want to adjust your outfit for tomorrow."

Serina immediately nodded fast, as if worried he would bring it up again. "Understood, Boss."

With that settled, Adam turned and walked toward a door at the back of the room, just to the left of the reception desk. "Follow me."

Serina trailed behind him. When they reached the door, Adam extended his hand to open it. However, before he could touch it, a prompt suddenly appeared in front of him.

[Employees must use their employee card to enter the Field Room.]

Adam had expected that. He turned to Serina and asked, "Do you have your employee card with you?"

Serina quickly reached into the pocket of her skirt and pulled out a small identification card.

"Good," Adam said, pointing to a small box on the side of the door. "Use your card here."

The small box had a dark glass surface, likely serving as a scanner for the access card.

Serina nodded. Without hesitation, she stepped forward and tapped her card against the device.

Beep!

The Field Room door instantly unlocked, revealing a pitch-black curtain that rippled like the surface of water.

Serina instinctively took a step back at the sight of the dark veil. The way it shifted like liquid made her hesitant to approach. She glanced at Adam, looking for reassurance.

But the man simply gazed at it nonchalantly, as if nothing was unusual. "No need to worry, it's just a regular curtain," he said casually.

Serina swallowed hard. Her fingers gripped her employee card tightly in her pocket before she finally gave a small nod.

"Go ahead."

With small, cautious steps, Serina finally stepped through the black curtain. The moment her body passed through it, she felt a strange sensation—like walking through a cold mist that sent a slight chill over her skin. However, it lasted only a moment. As she opened her eyes, a new sight immediately greeted her.

Adam followed behind her, his steps as steady as always.

Once inside, Serina couldn't hide her astonishment. This room was far different from what she had expected.

"Welcome to the Field Room," Adam said casually, walking toward a small table in the corner. On top of it lay a thick book with a plain cover. "Starting today, you'll be working here."

Serina was still busy scanning the surroundings. Tools were neatly arranged on shelves, a large water barrel stood at the side of the room, and—what caught her attention the most—two rows of soil plots lined up in the center of the space.