On the contrary, he saw this as an opportunity to pass the time during the more than twenty-hour flight. Thinking this, Renji directly asked:
“Xiao V, introduce us to our destination.”
Upon receiving Renji’s instruction, the virtual attendant nodded, and the background on the TV screen immediately changed. Scenes of history began to roll with Xiao V’s sweet voice narrating.
[In the 34th year of the Ashen Era, following the ‘Dragon Nation’ the highest intelligence life form ‘Zero’ announced its secession from the Ashen Empire. Leading most of the intelligences and humans to the west of the continent, the Mechanical Alliance was officially established. Relying on the massive computing power provided by ‘Zero’ and the absolute execution of the intelligences, the Mechanical Alliance rapidly developed, erecting one skyscraper after another on the barren land]
[In the 41st year of the Ashen Era, the infrastructure of the Mechanical Alliance reached saturation, and development stagnated. The intelligences gradually retreated, and humans officially took over the Mechanical Alliance]
[In the 69th year of the Ashen Era, the Ashen Empire officially disbanded, Sin City rose, and the Holy Kingdom was established. Under human governance, the Mechanical Alliance seized the opportunity to integrate with the world through trade, sharing its cutting-edge technology. This not only promoted world peace but also helped the Mechanical Alliance break through its developmental bottleneck. With a massive influx of wealth, the Mechanical Alliance welcomed its second vigorous development]
[In the 211th year of the Ashen Era, witnessing the extraordinary achievements of humanity over a century, the highest intelligence ‘Zero’ announced its hibernation, no longer controlling the Mechanical Alliance. However, it continued to provide some computing power as the ‘Central Mother Brain.’ To commemorate ‘Zero,’ humans built a new city around the ‘Central Mother Brain’ – Dream City]
[From the 211th year to the present, leveraging the historical influence of ‘Zero,’ this city has become a pilgrimage site for the entire Mechanical Alliance. The computing resources of the ‘Central Mother Brain’ left by ‘Zero’ also attracted countless companies, enterprises, and financial magnates to invest heavily in the city]
[In less than fifty years, this city has already become the headquarters of many enterprises, the heart of the Mechanical Alliance, and a land of wealth in people’s eyes. It offers countless job opportunities, attracting numerous young people. Every day, new tycoons, singers, and even legendary stars are born in this city. Its diverse characteristics, including entertainment, medicine, housing, training, food, knowledge, and all imaginable services, are all available in this city]
[People of all sorts in Dream City each have their colorful stories. Perhaps, just like the name of the city, it welcomes everyone with a dream, dedicated to realizing the dreams of all. This is our dream, the Dream City we are proud of]
As Xiao V’s voice, filled with pride, concluded, the vision of a dreamy city with skyscrapers, intersecting sky rails, and colorful neon lights presented to Renji in the TV also faded away.
‘It sounded… Pretty good’
A place of equality for all, brimming with opportunities and wealth, with highly developed entertainment and service industries, offering an exceptionally high-quality life. It seemed like a utopia that had realized a beautiful future.
At least from Xiao V’s introduction and the city images on the screen, the first impression Dream City made on Renji was much better than that of the previous Sealed City.
Until…
[Beep, VIP trial version has ended. To continue using this service, please subscribe to a membership]
The sweet virtual flight attendant girl disappeared, replaced by a cold, impersonal prompt.
Renji: “?.?”
“You said 24-hour dedicated service, right?” .𝒎
[Dear passenger, the regular Xiao V service is limited to flight-related matters and does not include the right to use virtual TV. You may subscribe to a membership to enjoy more advanced and quality services]
[Note: VIP membership only unlocks usage rights, not including internal film and television broadcasting rights. For this, please subscribe to a Super VIP membership to enjoy a smooth playback experience]
Renji: “…”
[We recommend Package B for you, priced at 3280 Ashen Coins. Upon subscription, you will immediately become a Super VIP 3, enjoying a range of premium services including TV and internal video series playback rights, sofa chair control rights, Class B in-flight meals, three hours of flight internet access, and more]
“Super VIP has a level 3?”
[To better serve every customer and meet different needs, we have established ten levels from Super VIP 1 to VIP 10. The highest level, V10 membership, only requires a cumulative expenditure of 888,888 Ashen Coins. This not only allows you to enjoy all services but also unlocks an exclusive custom Xiao V avatar. Xiao V will become your personal virtual idol, ensuring that your future flights are never lonely again!]
Hearing Renji inquiring about the higher VIP service, the previously disappeared cute virtual flight attendant reappeared, accompanied by a sweet and melodious voice. The virtual attendant in front of Renji smiled beautifully, almost like a real electronic idol, her sparkling eyes seemingly focused only on him.
Just as Renji was silently contemplating, a strange voice suddenly came from behind his seat.
“Brother, don’t be impulsive! Trust me, this thing is totally not worth it!”
“I’m telling you, I was fooled by that ‘virtual idol’ gimmick before. I impulsively subscribed to V10 only to find out that the whole ‘personal virtual idol just for you’ thing is fake! After subscribing, apart from saying some sweet nothings like they’re pacifying a child, all they do is find ways to swindle more money from you!”
“If you’re not planning to frequently fly on ‘Pioneer’ series aircraft, you can just use our Sin City identity card. Although we’re here for tourism, we’re still invited by Kael Technology. As the hosts, they’ve provided each of us with a complimentary VIP 3 membership, which should be enough to pass the time on the flight.”
Renji turned around, following the voice filled with genuine concern, and saw a young man about his age.
Unlike most scholars on the flight, dressed in formal research uniforms, this young man was clad in a casual brown outfit, even more relaxed than Renji’s. Seeing Renji look his way, he scratched his head with a smile.
Before Renji could respond, he took out his Sin City identity ID card and inserted it into a slot in front of his seat. After reading it for a few seconds, Xiao V’s voice sounded again.
[Identity information confirmed. Dr. Renji, on behalf of all employees of Kael Technology, we warmly welcome you. We are looking forward to meeting you and have prepared a reception upon your arrival. You can check ‘More’ for the following process and detailed arrangements for the exchange meeting]
After the customary pleasantries, Renji saw in the top right corner of the TV screen, just as the young man said, his status had automatically upgraded from the normal “grey frame” to a gleaming “VIP3” member frame.
Before Renji could express his gratitude, the young man behind him seemed to get excited again.
“Dr. Renji? Wow, brother! This is too much of a coincidence! Can you believe it, our names share a character! That settles it, we’re friends from today!”
“Brother, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Keyji, ‘Key’ as it sounds, and ‘Ji’ just like in your name, which means ‘era’ in the Ancient language!”
Watching the enthusiastic young man extend his hand, Renji didn’t hesitate much and shook it politely, saying, “Nice to meet you.”
Seeing Renji shake hands with him, he seemed to already consider Renji a friend.
This very forthright young man immediately sat down in the empty seat next to Renji. Before Renji could say anything, Keyji looked around cautiously, then leaned close to Renji and whispered in a low voice:
“So, brother Renji, if I’m not wrong, you must have also gotten in through the back door like me, right?”
.