EX-istential Crisis

Chapter 32: The Blackheart's Technologist

As Nelly reflected on Mira's recent birthday and the custom tech jewelry he'd given her, he felt a renewed sense of purpose surge through him. It reminded him of a commitment he'd made—a deal with Requiem Blackheart, the formidable Arcade Master. The arrangement was simple but powerful: as long as Nelly agreed to be the "Blackheart's Technologist," he could have access to any resources he needed to bring his most ambitious tech projects to life. With that in mind, Nelly set out to find the hidden facility that had been promised to him, housed somewhere deep within the District 13 Arcade.

Navigating through the dimly lit maze of arcade machines and neon signs, he finally arrived at a discreet elevator tucked away in the corner. A small keypad blinked beside the door, waiting for an input. Taking a deep breath, Nelly punched in the floor number he was instructed to use: -13. As the doors slid shut and the elevator began its descent, he felt a mix of anticipation and excitement.

The moment the doors opened, Nelly found himself standing in an ultra-modern facility that seemed a world apart from the arcade above. Everything gleamed with high-tech sophistication, from the sleek chrome walls to the biometric scanners lining the entranceway. A tall figure stood waiting for him—a man towering even above Requiem, exuding an aura of intimidating strength. His muscles were well-defined beneath his suit, and there was a quiet intensity in his eyes that suggested he was a force to be reckoned with.

"Hello, Mr. Storme," the man greeted in a deep, steady voice. "I'm Agent I.P., Requiem's personal bodyguard. I'll be your guide today."

Nelly nodded, taking in the man's impressive stature and unwavering presence. He sensed that Agent I.P. might even rival his own grandfather's intimidating aura. Following Agent I.P. through the sleek corridors, Nelly noticed the walls were lined with various doors marked with mysterious abbreviations and symbols.

Their first stop was the "C.C. Section"—the Creature Creation lab. As the doors slid open, Nelly was introduced to a scientist who looked both eccentric and brilliant. The man's lab coat was splattered with odd stains, and his eyes sparkled with a peculiar excitement as he surveyed his laboratory of bizarre gadgets and odd-looking organisms suspended in various tanks.

"Dr. Gen," Agent I.P. introduced, "specializes in body biology and biotech innovation. He's known for his work in reanimating creatures from preserved specimens."

Dr. Gen grinned as he approached, extending a hand. "Mr. Storme! I hear you're interested in the art of creation and innovation. I revive creatures from donated remains, giving them a second life."

Nelly, both fascinated and slightly uneasy, raised an eyebrow. "You mean you're not... kidnapping animals for this?"

Dr. Gen chuckled heartily, shaking his head. "Not at all! People donate their beloved pets. My work is about honoring them by giving them another chance, albeit a bit... modified."

Nelly's curiosity took over. "This is kind of cool! Dr. Gen, do you think I could learn some of these techniques? Maybe even assist in my free time?"

Dr. Gen's eyes twinkled with excitement. "An apprentice, you say? I would love that! Do you have any creature ideas in mind?"

After a moment of consideration, Nelly couldn't help but let his imagination run wild. "Alright... what about a creature shaped like... uh, a... well, it might sound silly, but... a 'd*ck-shaped' furry creature that's super cute and loyal. It could grab things, understand human commands, and have a defense mechanism that forms protective barriers around it."

Dr. Gen blinked in stunned silence before breaking into a wide grin, placing a hand firmly on Nelly's shoulder. "Now that's creativity! But are you sure about the... shape?"