The Central City wasn’t located on the surface of the Earth.
Instead, it was a lunar metropolis shrouded beneath an artificial sky dome.
With wormhole technology outlawed, travel between Earth and the Moon was only possible by spaceship.
Starting from the space station that landed here, after more than a hundred years of continuous expansion, it eventually grew into a sprawling city visible to the naked eye from the surface.
At the same time, this was humanity’s frontier for space exploration, the crystallization of science and technology, and the forefront of civilization’s development, sparking a gold rush era in the age of the universe…
However, the land available in Central City was still insufficient.
For this reason, many large corporations had ventured outside Central City to stake their claims, simultaneously developing the lunar surface and building their own small outposts.
“NateMel,” a major corporation, was no exception…
“The Mare Sea Resort?”
Producer S read through the holographic flyer Cecilia had taken out.
Cecilia propped her cheek with her hand, smiling as she explained, “It’s a newly constructed resort area that’s just been completed. They’ve deployed the most advanced gaseous dome system, not only replicating standard gravity and atmosphere but perfectly simulating a seaside island environment on the surface… Of course, unlike Central City’s four seasons, it will forever be a bright summer day.”
“Ah? Then why not just go back to Earth to see a real island?” Clara looked down at the flyer in doubt but didn’t dare ask aloud.
The flyer looped a promotional video for the Mare Sea Resort, showing crystal-clear blue waves lapping against golden sands, with the perfect combination of palm trees, beaches, and sunshine, creating a picturesque island atmosphere.
“This place… it really does look nice…”
Dharma Ogata asked, “But it’s not officially open yet, right?”
Cecilia nodded.
“It’ll be a while before the official opening, but all the internal facilities are already complete. For early promotion, they’re inviting people from all sectors to participate in a trial operation. I happen to know the resort’s developers, so during the training camp, the entire island will be exclusively yours.”
Indeed.
In fact, this resort was intricately connected to NateMel.
To be precise, the resort was invested in and built by NateMel. Even the staff were simulated humanoid ‘monsters,’ though on paper, it had no ties to NateMel.
Running such a vast evil organization long-term obviously couldn’t rely solely on the crimes carried out by the enforcement division. Diversifying into various industries and fields was necessary to grow big and strong, earning the title of a conglomerate.
Large-scale evil organizations often played both sides of the law—handling illegal and gray-market businesses, robbing tech companies, but also maintaining legitimate enterprises…
And resorts were a lucrative way to make money from the wealthy.
At least they didn’t exploit the poor.
“Spend a week vacationing on the island?”
Producer S stroked his goatee thoughtfully and asked, “But if the training camp isn’t in Central City, even if a crime happens, we wouldn’t be able to rush to the scene. As heroes, wouldn’t that be neglect of duty?”
“Come on, you don’t really care about that, do you? Variety shows make more money anyway!”
Even though Cecilia said this, Clara had absolutely no interest in variety shows. She was the type to change the channel whenever one came on.
Being forced to participate in a week-long variety show training camp?
That sounded no different from being imprisoned…
Cameras would be everywhere, broadcasting her like an animal on display. Could that even be called a vacation? It was far worse than jail—there were no human rights left!
How could that be called being a hero?!
Yet Miss Squid from the Heart only dared protest silently. She wouldn’t say a word to Cecilia’s face because, after all, this was her job…
Producer S didn’t give a direct answer but responded cautiously, “We need to conduct an on-site inspection before making any proposals about the resort…”
“Fine, whether or not to cooperate is up to you. Take your time to decide… but not too long, my patience is limited.”
Cecilia’s tone, while reasonable, still didn’t invite easy cooperation.
“All right, we’ll prepare our proposal as soon as possible.”
S and Dharma Ogata exchanged glances, confirming they had no further questions, then simultaneously stood up to leave, clearly not wanting to stay any longer.
“We’ll take our leave for now. The initial proposal will be sent to President Cecilia via email for review.”
Despite Cecilia’s almost obstinate attitude and tone, they didn’t seem to mind much.
As long as the final cooperation could be reached, these were trivial matters…
Perhaps that was the mindset of a seasoned business professional?
Of course, Clara was certain they were grumbling under their breath.
“Ah, you’re leaving already?”
Clara stood up as well, looking toward Cecilia.
“President, should I see them off?”
“Whatever you want. If you want to, go ahead.”
Cecilia was indifferent, and although S’s expression darkened slightly, he showed no reaction.
Dharma Ogata nodded.
“Then we’ll trouble you, Miss Clara.”
The boss’s bad attitude… this was downright harsh.
But for the sake of smooth cooperation, Clara, as an employee, naturally wanted to make a better impression. However, the company above was like a parking lot—“seeing them off” simply meant following them to ride the elevator back and forth…
The elevator’s iron gate screeched loudly as it slowly closed. The old car began its leisurely ascent…
Sorry, President Cecilia’s personality was just like this… please don’t take it to heart…
Clara said this, and Dharma Ogata sighed helplessly, “It’s clear you all work hard on a daily basis.”
“Though her words are harsh, she still takes good care of us…”
Producer S, who had been quiet until then, suddenly spoke up.
“Miss Clara, do you mind if I ask you a question unrelated to work?”
Clara merely countered, “What kind of question?”
“What’s your opinion of Pure White Storm… and Sista?”
“Hm? Sista?”
Clara didn’t understand the purpose behind his question and glanced at Dharma Ogata, who just smiled and said, “Just tell us your honest feelings. Consider it a survey of fan opinions.”
“Hmm, my impression’s not bad, I guess? They seem pretty clean, no ill intentions,” Clara started positively but then corrected herself, “They don’t show much expression, look kind of spacey, not very bright… and they seriously lack common sense. They’re pretty oblivious to social boundaries when it comes to interpersonal interactions…”
Dharma Ogata laughed heartily at this and asked in turn,
“Ha! Did he do something to you?”
“N-no, nothing!”
Though she denied it verbally, Clara’s cheeks flushed red at the awkward memories.
She was quite sensitive.
Seeing this reaction, Dharma Ogata misunderstood and asked again,
“Wait, don’t tell me you’ve fallen for him?”
“Ah? No, no way!”
“It’s normal for fans to like their idols… but do you remember what I told you backstage? Even among Sigma Heroes, Pure White Storm is a special case. You might find your answer during this training camp.”
Hearing this, even Producer S took off his hat and spoke earnestly,
“That child was born a hero, but we hope she can become a true person. Miss Clara, please… lend us your support.”
“Huh? Become… a person?”
Not willing to clarify further, yet entrusting her with such a serious matter, Clara didn’t know how to respond at first.
“Got it! Let’s talk about this during the crossover event, okay?”
Thanks for translating