Kai checked the Reputation Store once again and confirmed its presence.

[ Neural Gear Interface ] [ 1/1 ]

[ Cost: 200 RP ]

[ Effect: A device that allows the wearer to enter the virtual world through installed applications. Connection is untraceable and immune to hacking attempts. ]

It seemed that the Virtual World here was quite important. However, he wasn’t sure yet.

He planned to see the store in front of them first before thinking of buying this Neural Gear.

"Let’s see what this shop is about," Kai muttered, leading the group toward the building Mei had pointed out.

Above the glass doors, a polished sign gleamed with bold letters....

"Immersion Hub."

The name alone was already telling them its purpose. It was as if stepping inside meant entering a different reality.

As soon as they pushed through the doors, a wave of cool air washed over them. The store was air‑conditioned... a rare luxury in the apocalypse.

"Ohhh... I already forgot this feeling."

"This feels nice..."

"We should have something like this."

As expected, Mei, Farrah, and Claire liked this store immediately

The sudden freshness made them feel oddly relaxed, almost as if they had stepped into another world already.

Inside, the atmosphere was pristine.

Bright lights illuminated rows of capsules lined up for display.

Posters covered the walls, showing smiling people reclining inside pods, their eyes closed, as if they were dreaming.

Then, a man in a tailored suit approached them. His hair was neatly combed, his face clean‑shaven, and his smile looked professional.

He looked completely out of place compared to the rugged survivors outside.

"Welcome to Immersion Hub," he said warmly. "My name is Adrian. How can I help you today?"

Mei stepped forward, still staring at the pods. "Um... these machines... are they really VR pods?"

Adrian’s smile remained fixed as he heard this. He knew immediately that these people were from the outside and had just arrived here for the first time.

That meant they likely didn’t have the credits to afford such expensive equipment. Still, Adrian had an important client waiting in the other room, and professionalism was everything. He straightened his posture, maintaining his polished demeanor as he prepared to guide them through the basics.

"Yes, indeed. You must be new here. Allow me to explain."

He gestured toward one of the capsules. "These are Virtual Reality Pods, designed to connect users to immersive environments. They can be powered by standard electricity, but for extended sessions, they also require B‑Grade Cores as energy stabilizers. Once activated, the pod links directly to the default VR world... a shared domain known as Perfect World."

The group exchanged stunned looks.

"Perfect World?" Alfie repeated, as he didn’t expect that this would be that serious. He couldn’t help but feel curious now.

Adrian nodded. "Yes. It is the common virtual domain accessible to anyone with a pod and the proper application installed. Inside, you’ll find training simulations, social hubs, and countless experiences designed to help humans adapt, learn, and... escape, if only for a while."

Kai’s team stood frozen. The concept was too unusual.

In the middle of an A.I. apocalypse, where survival hinged on weapons, food, and vigilance, the idea of lying inside a capsule to enter a virtual world felt reckless.

Claire frowned. "Why would anyone need this kind of entertainment? Isn’t it dangerous to waste time like that? What about being hacked by the A.I?"

Farrah also felt concerned about this. "It feels... irresponsible. We’re fighting for survival, and people are spending B‑Grade Cores just to dream?" 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Adrian chuckled softly, clearly used to such skepticism. "I understand your concern. But Perfect World is completely safe from the A.I. It’s a technology that they could never hack. Furthermore, it’s not merely entertainment. It is a place where even some factions train their soldiers. It’s also where merchants conduct trade, and where survivors taste really precious food for a low price... Yes... You will have senses of smell, taste, and everything inside. In times like these, morale is as important as firepower."

Still, Kai could feel the unease in his group. The thought of plugging themselves into a machine while the A.I. Army roamed outside was unsettling.

They walked further into the showroom, examining the pods more closely.

Each capsule seemed like an egg if it was closed. It had glowing panels and steel shells. Some were painted in neutral tones, while others had vibrant colors.

Mei tilted her head. "Why are there different designs? I see three types here."

Adrian gently nodded... Even though his customers wouldn’t purchase anything for sure, he clearly enjoyed explaining. "Ah, yes. What you see are the three generations of VR pods."

He pointed to the first row. "These are First‑Gen Pods. Basic models, reliable but limited. They require more energy and have fewer safety features. Still, they are affordable compared to the others."

Next, he gestured toward the second row. "These are Second‑Gen Pods. Improved stability, better immersion, and enhanced synchronization with Perfect World. They consume less energy and are more comfortable for long sessions."

Finally, he led them to the third row, where the pods gleamed with polished surfaces and advanced interfaces. "And these are the Third‑Gen Pods. The pinnacle of design. They feature adaptive comfort systems, advanced neural synchronization, and optimized energy usage. They are the most expensive, but also the most sought after."

The group stared in awe.

Alfie gently nodded as he could also see that the lowest price was indeed the First Gene...

Claire shook her head. "This is insane. People are spending fortunes on these things."

Farrah’s brows furrowed. "And all for a world that isn’t even real."

Adrian smiled patiently. "Real or not, Perfect World has become a cornerstone of Cameron City. Many believe it is the key to humanity’s future. Whether for training, trade, or simply relief from despair, the pods are invaluable. "

Kai remained silent...

He thought back to the Neural Gear Interface in his Reputation Store.

Unlike these pods, his device promised untraceable, hack‑proof access. That alone made it different.

Still, he couldn’t deny the fascination.

As they continued looking around, the shop gradually filled with customers. Some were already negotiating prices, while others inspected the pods carefully...

It was clear now... Perfect World was far more than a simple distraction.

Then, one of the customers stepped forward. He was a young man with blue hair, though his malnourished body and unkempt appearance suggested he hadn’t bathed in days.

Still, he looked so desperate as he addressed the shopkeeper.

"Is it true that the Divine Gene’s blueprint can be found inside Perfect World?"