Samantha approached the third desk, her steps hesitant but steady. The young woman seated there looked up as Samantha arrived, her expression breaking into a warm and welcoming smile. Her blonde hair was neatly tied back, and a small nameplate on the desk read "Elise."

  “Hi there! Can I help you with something?” Elise asked, her tone friendly and attentive.

  Samantha shifted on her feet, her hands gripping the edge of the desk briefly before she spoke. “Yes, um… I’m Samantha,” she began, her voice slightly uncertain. “I just got here from The Wilds, and… I’d like to move here.”

  Elise’s smile remained, though her eyebrows lifted just slightly in curiosity. “From The Wilds? That’s quite a journey,” she said, her voice laced with genuine admiration. “Well, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll get everything sorted for you.”

  Samantha exhaled a small breath of relief but stayed silent as Elise reached for a tablet-like device on her desk. Her fingers hovered over the screen before she looked back up at Samantha. “Just a quick question to start—can you read?”

  Samantha felt heat rise to her cheeks as she dropped her gaze to the polished floor. “No,” she admitted quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. “I never learned.”

  Elise nodded, her demeanor unchanged, as though this was a perfectly ordinary response. “That’s no problem at all,” she said, her tone practical but still kind. “We’ve got ways to help with that if you’re interested, but for now, I’ll walk you through everything. Don’t worry—this process doesn’t require reading.”

  Samantha blinked, caught off guard by Elise’s lack of judgment. She looked up again, meeting the young woman’s steady gaze. “Thank you,” she murmured, a little of the tension in her shoulders easing.

  Elise tapped something on her tablet and gestured toward a nearby chair. “Why don’t you take a seat? We’ll start with some basics, and then we’ll get you set up with a place to stay. Sound good?”

  Samantha nodded and settled into the chair, her apprehension loosening slightly as she realized that, perhaps, this new beginning wouldn’t be as impossible as she had feared.

  Elise looked up from her tablet, her expression thoughtful and considerate. “Alright, Samantha—let’s get started,” she said, her tone steady but warm. “First, can you tell me your name, age, and whether you have any skills you think could be useful here?”

  Samantha hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering toward the polished floor once again before she answered. “My name is Samantha Collins,” she said softly. “I’m nineteen… and about my skills—well, I’m not sure if they’d be useful here. What kind of skills are needed?”

  Elise tilted her head slightly, as though considering her response carefully. “Without a formal education, there are plenty of unskilled jobs you could do—things like cooking, cleaning, or even landscaping,” she explained. “Those kinds of jobs are always in demand.”

  Samantha nodded slowly, absorbing the information, though her expression remained uncertain.

  Elise leaned forward slightly, her tone taking on a reassuring quality. “Now, if you’re looking to expand your options, we can help you learn how to read and develop other useful skills pretty quickly. Once a neural link is established, skills can be downloaded directly into your brain. It’s a simple process, but it does require credits.”

  Samantha’s brow furrowed slightly. “Credits?” she echoed.

  Elise nodded. “Yes, credits. You’ll need them to pay for clothing, food, and a place to live, as well as to cover the cost of any skills training you’d like to pursue. If you don’t have any credits starting out, that’s okay—you can apply for a loan to get you started.”

  Samantha thought this over for a moment before glancing back up at Elise. “I’ll need credits for everything?”

  Elise smiled gently. “That’s right. Don’t worry, though—no one expects you to have it all figured out immediately. We’ll help you get on your feet.”

  Samantha let out a quiet sigh and nodded, a sense of cautious hope flickering in her eyes. “Okay,” she said softly. “Let’s get started, then.”

  Elise leaned back slightly, folding her hands in her lap as she carefully outlined the next steps. “First, we’ll inject you with a neural link. It’s a standard procedure and completely necessary if you plan to live in one of the cities outside The Wilds. The link will implant and interface with your brain, allowing us to start programming essential skills.”

  Samantha blinked, her uncertainty giving way to curiosity. “Does that cost credits too?”

  Elise shook her head with a small smile. “No, the neural link itself doesn’t require any credits. However, upgrades and specific skills will have varying credit costs. For instance, learning to read—an incredibly useful skill even for basic jobs—will cost 200 credits.”

  Samantha’s expression brightened slightly at the mention of reading. “And credits? How do I get started if I don’t have any?”

  “That’s where the starter loan comes in,” Elise explained. “You can apply for an initial loan of 5,000 credits, which should be more than enough to get you established. It’ll cover essentials like a place to live, food, clothes—everything you need to begin. Payments are due on the first day of the month for six months. Of course, if the loan isn’t repaid, you’ll have to leave the city.”

  Samantha shifted in her seat, absorbing the information with a mixture of apprehension and determination. “I see… So, I can start with a loan and get the skills I need?”

  Elise nodded firmly. “Exactly. With the neural link, learning is quick and painless. You’ll be ready to take on a job and build your life here before you know it. And remember, I’m here to guide you through every step.”

  Samantha hesitated, then met Elise’s gaze with renewed resolve. “Alright,” she said quietly. “Let’s do it. Let’s get started.”

  Elise stood, gesturing for Samantha to follow her. “Come with me,” she said warmly, her tone reassuring as she led the way to a door at the back of the room. As they walked, Elise tapped swiftly on her tablet, the faint glow of its screen reflecting in her sharp, focused gaze.

  “Good news,” Elise said, glancing at Samantha with a small smile. “Your 5,000-credit loan has already been approved. That should make things a bit easier as you get started.”

  Samantha’s shoulders eased slightly at the news, though a shadow of tension still lingered as she considered her next steps. Elise glanced at her once more. “So, besides reading, have you thought about any other skills you’d like to learn? There are plenty of options depending on what kind of work you’re aiming for.”

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  Samantha paused, her brow furrowing as she thought it over. “I think I’ll wait to decide on that,” she said thoughtfully. “I’d like to find a place to live and a job first. Once I’ve settled in a bit, I’ll know better what I need.”

  Elise nodded in understanding, her fingers still moving deftly on her tablet. “That’s a smart approach,” she said approvingly. “The neural link upgrades are always there when you’re ready. Let’s focus on helping you secure the basics first.” She pushed open the door to reveal a sleek, minimalist room filled with glowing panels and a chair at its center. “This is where it all begins,” Elise said, stepping aside to let Samantha take her first step in.

  Samantha hesitated for a moment, eyeing the chair with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. It was large, sleek, and vaguely intimidating, its design reminiscent of a dentist's chair but lined with futuristic panels that glowed faintly. Elise gestured toward it reassuringly.

  “Go ahead,” Elise said softly. “It’s completely safe. Just sit, and the system will do the rest.”

  Taking a deep breath, Samantha stepped forward and eased herself into the chair. As soon as her weight settled, the chair adjusted automatically, tilting back with a smooth, mechanical hum. Samantha’s heart raced as a blue light activated overhead, scanning her body from head to toe in a wave that left a faint tingling sensation in its wake.

  Then, without warning, she felt a sharp, fleeting pain at the back of her neck. Her hands gripped the armrests tightly, but the discomfort vanished as quickly as it had come. A rush of sensation followed—like a dam breaking within her mind. Fragmented information began to coalesce, forming patterns and understanding. Words, once indecipherable, now made perfect sense, effortlessly threading into meaning.

  The chair hummed again and returned to its upright position. Samantha blinked, dazed but with a newfound clarity that left her breathless. Elise smiled warmly, stepping closer with a sleek tablet in hand.

  “All done,” Elise announced. “How do you feel?”

  “I… I can read,” Samantha whispered, her voice tinged with awe. Her gaze darted around the room, briefly resting on the glowing panels as her mind automatically picked out and processed the symbols she now recognized as words.

  Elise handed her the tablet. “This contains your personal information. Just confirm everything is accurate.”

  Samantha took the tablet, her fingers trembling slightly as she scanned the screen. Her name, a concise biographical summary, and other essential details were all there—precise, correct, and strangely comforting. She nodded, handing the device back to Elise. “It’s all correct.”

  “Perfect,” Elise responded with approval, her tone upbeat yet professional. “You’re officially ready to take the next step. Let’s get started on securing your living arrangements and finding a place for you in the city.”

  Samantha rose from the chair, her mind still buzzing with the newfound ease of comprehension. The room around her seemed sharper, more vivid, as though every detail had snapped into focus. A faint smile tugged at her lips as she followed Elise out of the room, the path ahead feeling just a little less daunting than it had before.

  They returned to Elise’s desk, where she explained that they needed to go over the city rules before moving forward. The regulations were straightforward: violence is strictly prohibited, public disturbances and littering are not allowed, and the environment must be respected. Additionally, residents must avoid creating excessive noise or causing public disorder. Any conflicts or issues should be brought to city hall for resolution, where officials would determine the necessary course of action. Elise mentioned that detailed guidelines outlining appropriate conduct were displayed in all public spaces for easy reference.

  Elise handed Samantha a slim, sleek device, similar to the ones she had noticed in the hands of passersby earlier. Its surface shimmered faintly as it powered on, displaying a series of options. “You can use this to find a place to rent,” Elise explained, her voice clear and encouraging. “There are various options: houses, apartments, even individual rooms. The prices range anywhere from 500 credits a month to several thousand, depending on what you’re looking for.”

  Samantha nodded thoughtfully, her fingers gliding across the screen as she browsed through the listings. Vibrant images of homes and apartments filled the device’s display, each accompanied by detailed descriptions and monthly rates. Her eyes settled on a cozy one-bedroom apartment listed for 750 credits a month. It was fully furnished, modest yet welcoming, with a view of the city skyline that seemed both grounding and inspiring.

  “I think I’ll go with this one,” Samantha said, her voice steady but still tinged with the excitement of newfound possibilities.

  Elise smiled approvingly. “Good choice. It’s a great starting point, and it’ll give you a comfortable space to settle in. The rental agreement will be processed automatically. You’ll be ready to move in by this evening.”

  Samantha felt a sense of relief wash over her as Elise tapped through a few screens on her tablet to finalize the arrangement. The thought of having her own space—a real home—felt like an anchor in the sea of changes she was navigating.

  “Tomorrow, you can visit a shop to purchase your own device,” Elise continued, placing the rental device back into its holder. “Once you have it, you’ll be able to explore job opportunities in the city. There are plenty of options suited to different skills and interests.”

  Samantha’s mind buzzed with the possibilities. A place to live and the promise of employment felt like tangible steps forward, markers of progress in a journey that had seemed so uncertain just hours ago. She followed Elise out of the office, the hum of the bustling city beyond the walls calling to her with newfound clarity and purpose.

  Samantha stepped out onto the bustling city street, her rental device tucked securely in her bag, and began her journey toward the new apartment. Elise had provided clear directions, and a soft hum of excitement accompanied her footsteps as she navigated through the vibrant streets. The city seemed alive with possibilities, its energy infectious as people moved with purpose around her.

  Arriving at the apartment building, Samantha took a moment to admire its understated yet modern design, the clean lines and subtle landscaping offering a welcoming charm. She entered the lobby, greeted by the quiet hum of an automated system that confirmed her identity and directed her to her floor. The elevator doors slid open smoothly, and within moments, she found herself standing before her new home.

  As the electronic lock on the door clicked open, Samantha stepped inside and felt a wave of calm envelop her. The living room was small but inviting, with a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall above a modest coffee table and a comfortable couch that beckoned relaxation. Opposite the living room was an eat-in kitchen, compact yet functional, boasting a refrigerator, microwave, stove, and a few neatly arranged cabinets. Along the wall was a petite two-seater table, perfect for quiet meals or a moment of reflection.

  Her exploration continued down a short hallway, where she discovered the bathroom. It featured a shower-tub combination, a sink, and a toilet, all impeccably clean and thoughtfully arranged. She appreciated the simplicity of the design, which emphasized practicality without sacrificing comfort.

  Finally, Samantha reached the bedroom. It was cozy and well-equipped, with a double bed nestled against one wall, flanked by a bedside table. A small desk and chair sat under the window, offering a space for quiet work or contemplation, while a modest closet promised just enough room for her belongings. The recessed lighting throughout the apartment bathed each space in a soft, warm glow, creating an atmosphere that felt both modern and serene.

  By the front door, an electronic panel caught her eye. She approached it and observed the intuitive interface, designed to control the apartment’s lighting and climate. A few taps on the screen adjusted the temperature to a comfortable level, and Samantha felt a sense of satisfaction at the ease of adapting her environment to suit her needs.

  Taking a deep breath, she sank into the couch and gazed out the window at the expansive city skyline. It was her first tangible step toward building a new life, and as the lights of the city began to twinkle in the evening dusk, Samantha felt a quiet sense of gratitude for the journey she had embarked upon. Her new apartment wasn’t just a place to stay—it was a symbol of progress and possibility, a space where she could begin to truly feel at home.

  Samantha unpacked a small container of food she had brought with her, settling at the two-seater table in the kitchen. The meal was simple but comforting, and as she ate, she felt the events of the day begin to fade into a quiet hum of contentment. The apartment’s soft lighting and the distant glow of the city outside added to the tranquil atmosphere, grounding her in this new chapter of her life.

  Once she had finished, Samantha tidied up and headed to the bedroom. She slipped into the fresh bedding, the mattress welcoming her tired body like a long-lost friend. As she lay there, the muted sounds of the city drifted through the window, a gentle reminder of the world beyond her walls. It didn’t take long for exhaustion to take over, and Samantha drifted into a deep, restorative sleep, ready to face whatever tomorrow might bring.