Chapter 8: Weavetech
45 minutes later
"It’s not that far away now."
In the middle of a ruined city, a young man raised a map in hand as his gaze fell upon a massive do not too far away.
There were only a few entities in the world that took care of Star Dust infections. One was the world governnt, the second were noble families. But amongst all, the most well-equipped and capable was a private company.
Weavetech.
They were currently in the wastelands, so the governnt was most definitely unreachable. He didn’t know anyone in a prominent family, so he had no choice but to stick with Weavetech.
"Thank you , Father," Enzo smiled bitterly, looking at the ti in his hand.
Weavetech was notoriously hard to get into. Their grounds were secured by the most impressive security. The only way to get inside was with money... or in this case, ti.
A few monts ago, he had asked his dying father for ti — ti that, frankly, he did not have to give. But despite that, he transferred as much ti as he could without dying in two weeks.
[Lifespan: 6yrs 10 months and 2 weeks]
The old man had basically sacrificed his life for him, just so he could have enough to pass through the gates of Weavetech and undergo his first voyage.
"Hmm!!" He clenched his fists and started taking strides forward, walking deeper and deeper into the ruined city.
Soon, he ca before a bustling environnt with hundreds of individuals trooping in and out of the area.
This was the central city.
This whole city was called Fort Marie.
It was one of the few human cities to survive the Doom War. Though it wasn’t hit directly, years of abandonnt and radiation had utterly destroyed its infrastructure. Of course, not all of it was destroyed, so a lot of people still trooped in daily.
Especially with the ergence of a Weavetech branch.
[Warning: You are 100 ters away from a Weavetech paynt gate. Contact will automatically take 1 year 5 months of lifespan]
As Enzo ca to a stop next to the building with the massive do, he looked up in awe.
Weavetech was by far the most powerful entity on Earth. Their capabilities had long since surpassed what the average human was aware of. Even the most prominent engineers could only stand outside the buildings of Weavetech in dumbstruck awe.
[Warning: You are 100 ters away from a Weavetech paynt gate. Contact will automatically take 1 year 5 months of lifespan]
As such, there were many people out to steal from them or attack them and damage their constructs, so a lot of asures had to be put in place.
"Steep," Enzo smiled bitterly. To get entry into a Weavetech building, one needed to go through an extrely long process that would take months to get official clearance. He didn’t have the luxury of that, unfortunately, so this was the only way.
"Hey kid, watch out!"
"Shit, does he not see the notification?"
So of the people outside watched Enzo approach the tal gate leading into the do-like structure and called out in panic. This was literally a death sentence for most people living in the city, as they only survived on a day-to-day basis. (Literally.)
[You have been charged 1 yr and 5 months of lifespan]
As Enzo passed through the gate, he felt a wave of weakness overwhelm him. His body lightened. In actuality, he only had around 1 year and 10 months of usable lifespan, as the remaining five were to complete his 20 years of life and were non-transferable.
That ant that crossing this gate had taken 80% of the lifespan he had.
However, it was worth it!
There was sothing Enzo had forgotten to point out — and it was the fact that Star Dust infection was not just a curse. It could, in fact, turn into a blessing.
Surviving the trial of the infection was the surest way to becoming a full-fledged Star Weaver. It not only granted astronomical strength and otherworldly powers, it also increased the lifespan of whover passed it.
This was the reason his father took the bet on him — he was giving him the chance to either beco great or die trying.
??
"Good day." Upon entering the Weavetech building, Enzo went directly to the counter at the reception and greeted.
"How may I help you today?" Behind the counter, a young lady with blue glasses raised her head and looked down at Enzo, a tinge of calm written in her gaze.
"I have been infected by Star Dust. I need help," Enzo replied quickly, not wasting a mont of ti nor mincing his words.
"Oh?" The attendant’s brows furrowed for a second before being replaced with a neutral expression.
"Follow ," she said, turning around to walk toward a door in the back office of where she stood. Enzo, seeing this, of course quickly followed suit.
??
Undisclosed location
"Take off your shirt."
The attendant, who now had a pair of electrical gloves on, said while looking at so equipnt in front of her.
Not a lot of people knew this, but Star Dust infections were the source of information from which weaving was derived. When the first cases broke out, Weavetech was the first to study and eventually incorporate it into already known tech.
"Okay," Enzo nodded and took off his shirt, allowing the attendant to examine him.
The signs of infection were quite obvious. His pupils seed to have so strange pattern of floating particles in them, and his internal body was a complete ss.
"Confird. You’re indeed infected," the attendant nodded, typing a few things into her wristwatch.
"The policy is the sa as in the governnt circular — no questions asked. But if you’re willing to tell us where you were infected, we would be grateful and compensate you," she said with no attachnt.
Star Dust infection hives were mandated by the governnt to be closed down at all costs. For what reason, he didn’t know. But there was no way he could tell them he got it from Yuno Mountain.
By now, the incident of what happened there was probably being investigated. If he linked himself back there, then it would be a lot of trouble.
"I’d rather not," Enzo replied softly.
"Okay then, hop into the pod behind you." Hearing Enzo’s words, the attendant nodded casually. It was normal for people to hide this fact, especially if it might get them into trouble — or if there were families who might seek to exploit the source.
"Hm." Entering the pod, Enzo’s gaze fell toward the attendant once more.
"Now, this won’t be too different from weaving — but it might pack much more of a punch. You will be sent to a place. You will face things that even I can’t predict. It’s not usually straightforward, but a mission will beco obvious to you... Complete it and survive. Fail, and... well, you know the rest."
Her words cut like a knife in the sense that they only spoke of the pain he would face, and not how to relieve it.
"80% die... or was that 90%? But have hope, kid. You’ll need it," the attendant left a random remark, then pulled at a lever, causing the pod to tilt and move upwards.
[You have been infected by Star Dust: Prepare for your first voyage: 30 seconds remaining]
[You have been infected by Star Dust: Prepare for your first voyage: 20 seconds remaining]
[You have been infected by Star Dust: Prepare for your first voyage: 10 seconds remaining]
[Traveler, prepare for your first voyage]
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