[He Who Eludes Death] charge: OFF. Reloaded in 14 hours 53 minutes 4 seconds.
“Tell the three generals I’m leaving the continent.”
“As you wish,” Hina replied with a slight bow.
Descending the steps of the Hoplite stronghold, Priam slipped into the bustling crowd. His elevated charisma made it easy to either draw attention or blend into obscurity. No one batted an eye at the alien draped in mist, with fiery hair.
I could assassinate soone in broad daylight, and they'd never notice.
This new world was a stage of possibilities, audacious or unsettling. Brushing aside the intrusive thought, Priam focused instead on the vivid surroundings. Weaving through the crowd, he found himself smiling. The cacophony, exotic slls, and kaleidoscopic garb painted the picture of a foreign land. Everything was new and waiting to be discovered. Taking in the spectacle, Priam strolled up the main street.
Jōkamachi was a newborn city, its foundations laid less than two months ago. Despite advanced chas, the System's miracles, and an abundance of resources, it still bore the hallmarks of a rushed developnt. Compromises were evident everywhere. While the military compound was stone, the rest of the buildings were humble wood. Colorful but basic banners and flags dotted the landscape, advertising markets, shops, or public baths. The dirt roads were pressed flat by the passage of carts and exoskeletons.
Still, the diversity of the pedestrians was striking.
“So people are practically naked, and others look like they’re wearing five layers,” Jasmine observed. “That guy’s got a better sense of style than , but that one? A blind man would dress better.”
“Surprised? A civilization can encompass many cultures.”
“What’s that supposed to an?”
Priam was surprised as Jasmine’s question was genuine.
“Well, back on Earth, there were hundreds, maybe thousands, of traditional outfits depending on the region. Sa with food and art—just as diverse.”
“Really? On Arkania, they taught us that social uniformity prevents hatred.”
“Sounds pretty dystopian to . I’ll grant you this: standardizing science is useful—screw the imperial system—but diversity can be important.” Priam chuckled. “Sure, differences cause conflicts, but maybe the looming threat of extinction will help us get our act together.”
“That’s Protheus’ problem, not yours. Ooh, that stand slls amazing!”
“You just devoured two steaks half an hour ago.”
“I have a fast tabolism,” Jasmine shot back. “Let’s see what they’re selling.”
The pair approached a street vendor hawking what resembled a hot dog. A rolled flatbread replaced the bun, the sausage’s at was unidentifiable, and the sauce was a suspicious green. Yet, the sll awakened his appetite.
“What’s in it?” he asked.
“Not sure, but it’s three contribution points if you want to try it,” the young Hoplite said. He couldn’t have been older than fifteen.
Priam grimaced. “Forgot to bring any currency.” His Tier-6 silk boxers were probably worth more than the entire planet, yet he couldn’t afford street food. What a life...
“Figured as much. Your ocular implant isn’t even active. Move along; free samples are only for pretty girls.”
Priam rolled his eyes and turned away.
“It’s not bad,” Jasmine said, munching on sothing in his shadow.
“Did you just steal that?”
“It’s not stealing. He said it was free for pretty girls.”
“And that has what to do with you?” Priam teased.
“It’d be more convincing if you hadn’t popped a boner the last ti you saw naked.”
Priam wisely chose to let the jab slide, shifting his attention back to the intricacies of Hoplite society. Dematerialized currency and discreet ocular implants coexisted with martial culture and vibrant traditions. While Hoplite society sotis felt like a blend of feudal Japan and Sparta, the technological sophistication reminded him how advanced this civilization truly was.
Stomach still growling, Priam reflected on the knowledge he had gained from the Hoplite database. New perspectives on thermal energy, groundbreaking theories on massive object kinetics, and a detailed geno map of the Hoplites had all enriched his scientific repertoire. Most thrilling, however, was a holistic compendium on spearcraft—its science and application among humanoids.
The true gem, though, had been the conversation with the military AI. It sparked the idea to request access to cutting-edge research on artificial intelligence. Two centuries ahead of humanity, the Hoplites had danced close to creating a true AGI. While the integration had erased it, its foundations remained ticulously docunted. With this new knowledge, Priam felt more capable of understanding—and perhaps advancing—his add-on. His ntor’s warning still echoed: [Priam’s System] is a boon until soone turns it into a bane.
Grinning, Priam eventually took to the sky, heading toward humanity’s new capital.
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