53 Privileged Market
By the time their transport vehicle reached the northern gate, Aldrin already eyed four more transport vehicles carrying the Energy Refiners from the four other organizations.
From the clear windows on the side, he saw Frederic, Irina as well as the other guy on their respective organization's transport vehicles.
Most, if not all, had a serious expression as if they were going to war. Totally different from their proud expressions yesterday.
They were aware. Leaving the confines of the city would mean they would be exposed to real threats that the walls and the veteran Energy Refiners were protecting them. Although they might not be there when the disaster struck, they were surely educated by their families that even a simple Rift Monster could beat them one on one with their current strength.
'Given that she was trained by the Branch Head of Frostland, Renissa probably experienced leaving the city as well.' Aldrin thought.
Renissa had already replied to his previous mail and according to her, she's finding it tough being in that Special Class. Even if she only started for a few days, they were being taught a lot of things as if they're all going to advance faster than anyone else. Renissa even attached a photo of herself wherein her icy-blue hair looked calmer than before.
That meant in just a few days, her Energy Quintessence had become more stable than before. Her Concept would probably be stronger and more efficient than what she showed back then.
'If I don't have the IDLE Database, she will most likely leave me in the dust. Perhaps if I slack off and I see her again in the future, my progress will still pale with hers.'
While their transport vehicle lined behind along the four others, mechanical sounds of gears turning, ejecting steam and gales of wind filled their ears as a battalion of Metadomes flew down from above and landed in front of them, opening the towering North Gate of the city.
Judging from the emblems carved or painted on the chest of their varying models of Metadomes, there were at least two Metadomes for each organization while City Hall Guards had the highest number among them and they're taking the front.
"They will be traveling alongside us. Guards that will protect the transport vehicles from Rift Monsters roaming around the vast uninhabited lands between each city." Janet explained.
Even though the whole Planet Dualmoon could be said to be already terraformed for human settlers thousands of years ago, it was impossible or rather, the resources as well as the manpower were lacking to occupy every space of land on the planet.
Moreover, with the Dimensional Rifts appearing randomly, being concentrated inside walled cities and protected by Dimensional Disruptors was the best choice for the masses.
A while later, the battalion of Metadomes with the transport vehicles surrounded by them could be seen leaving the confines of the Lonewind City.
Aldrin looked through the windows of the vehicle and took in the scenery past the tall Metadomes that he was seeing for the first time outside his computer screen or television.
All his life was spent inside the confines of the city. Although he could see what's beyond the city through books, videos and the dimnet, most of the residents of any city lived and died inside it. They could take a trip to another city but most of them would never experience going outside the protected walls.
And that's the same even for these young adults from Energy Refiner lineage.
It was just truly dangerous. One stray Rift Monster was enough to massacre a town if it was unprotected.
"So this is how it looks outside..." One of the three women muttered. Like Aldrin, she's staring outside the windows of the transport vehicle.
"First time? Wait until we cannot see the city from behind. You'll be amazed." One of the other four men replied with a somewhat bragging tone.
And upon hearing those, every new Refiner of the Association had their interest piqued, even Aldrin.
"What do you mean?"
"Let's see. Once, my father brought me with him outside, letting me ride inside his Metadome. Do you see that hill over there? There's a nest of winged Rift Monsters there." He pointed to the east wherein a green hill could be seen.
On the peak of the hill, they could only make out the silhouette of a nest.
Since the transport vehicles' direction wasn't to the east, everyone inside could only see it from afar, not knowing if what he just told them was true.
"It's true. That place is the Terrorhawk's Nest. Don't dare to venture in that direction if you're alone. Even if you're operating a Metadome. You'll be nothing more than food for their young ones. Before someone asks why we're not clearing their nest, think about the luxury eggs you can buy in the city's Privileged Market. Some of you probably tasted one of those. It's the cheapest and easiest to procure among products that can raise your chances to awaken." Janet followed up, confirming the man's story.
Privileged Market.
Except for Aldrin, everyone had an expression of understanding. He's a normal citizen just a week ago after all. Just by its name, it's a market that's not accessible to them.
"Check your phone, you can now access it now that you're an Energy Refiner."
Noticing his somewhat confused look, Janet nudged him on his shoulder before he could even raise a question.
And upon hearing that, the others with him once again nodded, remembering that unlike them, Aldrin only awakened through luck.
"That egg is too expensive. I only ate ten of those all my life."
"Ten? I only ate five!"
"That's the normal price, you privileged brats. In fact, it was even a little bit underpriced. Do you know how hard it is to procure those eggs when scores of Terrorhawks circled above your head? Moreover, they only hatch eggs twice a year. The supply is not enough for everyone." The other instructor silenced them from bragging about how many Terrorhawk Eggs they managed to eat.
And at this point, Aldrin followed Janet's word.
He pulled out his phone and went to the application containing his Energy Refiner's ID. Below it, there's the Market Menu.
After tapping it, it showed a screen that says it's scanning for nearby markets. A few seconds later, Lonewind City and Plainsteed Fortress Privileged Market showed up in the list.
However, among the two, only Lonewind City could be tapped and the other one was greyed out.
"Plainsteed Fortress is our destination and the place where your training camp will be held. You can only access its market within ten kilometers of it. Likewise, Lonewind City's market is only available within ten kilometers. If you're thinking of buying something, buy it now before you lose the chance." Janet answered him again as if she had read his mind even before it appeared on his face. She then peeked at his phone to check if he's doing it right.
"... Thank you, elder sister."
"Don't mention it, you're my underling." Janet grinned and hooked her arms over his shoulder and pulled his head to the side, ruffling his hair.
Upon seeing that unnatural spectacle of two adults acting like kids, the seven other new Energy Refiners were left speechless.
On the other hand, Aldrin let it go. Rather than irking the unreasonable woman, he better act like a good underling for a while.
"Uh. Janet, you're choosing him as your appointed trainee?"
"Yes, I am. You better pick yours too Kenan. We're only allowed one after all. And the rest will be shuffled."
After dropping that kind of information, the seven other Energy Refiners began staring intensely at the other instructor, each one hoping to be picked.
Perhaps in their mind, they'd rather be put under an instructor from the same organization. At least they knew that they would take care of them.
And on the side, Aldrin was also somewhat relieved that the woman took a liking to him because of his connection to Renissa.
Although it will not be detrimental for him to be instructed by other instructors, it's still better to be with the one he's acquainted with.
The only question for him now... what kind of things will he learn from Janet, the Tyrant Princess?
While shaking his head to clear his mind, Aldrin opened the Lonewind City Privileged Market.
He heard about those eggs. If it can truly raise the chance to awaken, he'll buy some for his sister, Bert or even for Alisa. But that's as long as he can afford it. If it's too expensive then he'll buy them after he returned. By then his income from the IDLE Database would be higher than it was at the moment.
