On the screen was Darlina, at least the same model as the one behind the counter. "Welcome, Adventurers! As you, likely, already know, the world has changed to a place that's hostile for humans to live in. This is why humanity has moved into this Underground City, provided at no cost by Star and Moon International! At Star and Moon, we wanted humanity to have a place to call home. Since this is information that all of you already are familiar with, I want to move into the Adventurer Guild and why you have such a wonderful opportunity ahead of you."

Just like the Darlina they had interacted with, this one was as friendly and welcoming to the viewer. Though it looked like the same, Claire felt as though there was a slight difference, making her wonder if they did have a slightly unique personality. Placing the thought to the back of her mind, she concentrated on the video.

"With the world being such a hostile place, it would be unreasonable for humanity to just cower and hide from this pandemic. This is the purpose of the Adventurer Guild. The Guild was designed to prepare you, the adventurer, with the skills and tools necessary to thrive in such a world." Darlina waved both hands, sparkling lights dancing in the air as the video soon showed a camera floating through the Guild. It showcased the large entrance when entering the Guild and floated through to show new areas.

Placing a hand on her hip, Darlina used its other hand to point a finger at the viewer. "I bet you're wondering how we're going to have you survive in this world, right?" Darlina winked flirtingly. "We've created a process to help you absorb a newly discovered energy in the world. This energy will help you grow stronger. If you're lucky, you'll develop other skills only seen in books. Combining this energy with technology from Star and Moon, we'll be able to transform you into someone that won't have to worry about the outside world." Darlina moved both hands behind her back as she walked across the screen. "Now this isn't going to be an instant process, but instead something you'll need to train. This is where the Guild comes in."

The camera that was floating through the Guild stopped at a large store, like something at a mall. Inside were weapons, armor, and various supplies. Waiting in several different locations were Darlinas, appearing ready to assist customers.

"This is our first stop," Darlina waved a hand to the sight behind her. "To help adventurers, this is our main store where you can pick up the necessary equipment to complete your jobs." Turning to face the audience, Darlina put on a severe face. "Now, unlike the rest of the Underground City, the items inside of the Guild are not free. You'll need to use Guild Points earned from completing jobs."

Placing a hand to her cheek, the robot made a shocked expression, "But Darlina, if everything in the Guild needs to be paid for, then why should I join to become an adventurer? Couldn't I just live in the Underground City and enjoy the free food and lifestyle?" Its face changed to a mysterious expression, as though it were about to reveal a secret. "The items found inside of the Guild are specifically designed or refined to increase your ability to absorb the energy. This secret method is the reason why it's so important to complete as many jobs as possible, so you can accumulate more Guild Points." Changing to a more serious expression, "Though those things are nice, the Guild Points can be used for purchasing temporary living quarters inside of the Guild. Compared to the rest of the Underground City, the Guild has more of the mysterious energy flowing inside of it. As you live longer inside of the Guild, you'll be able to gain benefits faster. Having such a benefit is also why we make it a temporary living situation, to allow up and coming adventurers the chance to live inside. The longer you live inside of the Guild, the pricier the rent becomes."

Darlina grinned at the camera, "Do you think that's all the benefits you'll get inside of the Guild?"

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End of Part 1

My notes:

Have an area where Adventurers can build their own equipment and sell it to other Adventurers

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End of notes

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Darlina waited for a little bit of time, as though to raise the suspense about what other magical benefits would be received from being inside of the Adventurer Guild.

"Though equipment, weapons, and living quarters are nice, none of them would give you the necessary skills needed to be ready for a combat situation. Going out into the world, adventurers will need to fight in a variety of scenarios." The image of the Guild on the screen disappeared and changed to a bird's eye view of the desolate world outside of the Fort.

Seeing the sight of the world torn apart, Claire sucked in her breath. It was like a blow to her gut. "It hasn't even been a year, but it already looks like decades have passed."

"How are people able to survive out there?" Hannah asked in disbelief.

A tear formed in Claire's eyes, her chest hurting from thinking of the people having struggled out in the world while Claire and Hannah, in addition to their respective families, lived in luxury.

"Out in the world, there is no longer law and order. Aside from the skeletal remains of the cities, Modified Humans and Unexpected Creatures have turned the world into their own." Darlina frowned, as though seeing the world had affected it as much it would've for a human. Furrowing her brows, Darlina looked to the camera, "To help adventurers with surviving in this type of world, we'll be offering a service to train you."

Changing from the hellish vision of the Earth, it now split into three separate screens. One to thick jungle, the middle to an artic scene, and lastly a desert. "Using our advanced training environment, you'll be able to experience a wide variety of locations with each being uniquely challenging." Holding a finger to tell the audience to wait, "This isn't all to the training, just like in WABAL, you'll be facing off against monsters." Emerging into the world were monsters of varying types roaming about the three worlds being presented.

Each location appeared to have monsters specialized based on where they existed. Some of the monsters in the jungle have a serpentine appearance, wearing thick armor and carrying weapons. In the arctic, massive hairy beasts roamed the landscape. Some of them looked like ancient mastodons. The desert had giant spiders and scorpions roaming about. Occasionally, the surface of the sand moved as though something was moving through the sand as though it were water.

"The Guild has presented you with different options, depending on where you're starting off on your adventuring journey. At the basic level, you'll be able to train for free. Not only do you get to fight against easier monsters, but also the energy level is enough to give you a slight boost and exposure." Darlina waved a hand across the screen, making the offer inviting to the viewer. With her other hand, she held between her fingers a coin that had the letters "G" and "P." "As you complete jobs and accumulate wealth, you'll be able to gain access to training areas with stronger monsters in addition to stronger levels of energy. By entering these areas, you'll be able to grow stronger faster. If you have the Guild Points, then there are near-infinite levels for you to train inside. The increase in difficulty and energy level means more Guild Points that are required."

The background disappeared and only left a white background. "Another benefit to using the training system is how you'll be able to discover equipment that you'll be able to take with you. But that's not all! Each monster you kill will drop a stone associated with a different element. The stones will allow you to augment your weapons and make them stronger. Any extra stones can be traded at our stores located throughout the Guild, including the main location." Darlina smiled, "For those who aren't as physically skilled, don't worry! You aren't going to be left behind!"

Clapping its hands together, there was a flash of light, and soon, Darlina was holding a hammer. "Each of the monsters' remains can be processed into weapons! If you're skilled enough, then you'll be able to design your own weapons, armor, and equipment for other adventurers to use. The items you create can be sold back to the store, where you'll have the option of selling them immediately or having them auctioned off. Some of you may become skilled enough to be recognized throughout our Underground Cities throughout the world. The Auction House can be accessed throughout all our Underground Cities! This means that your builds could be purchased by adventurers on the other side of the world!" Darlina grinned and clapped her hand excitedly.

Claire stared at the screen, flabbergasted by what Darlina had just said.