The day Elleaner was finally cleared for discharge felt like a breath of fresh air, a literal and metaphorical escape from the sterile confines of Port Veritas General Hospital. The recycled air and the ever-present scent of antiseptic had become a symbol of their vulnerability. Stepping out into the bustling thoroughfare, even with the lingering chill of the late winter air, felt like a liberation. Elleaner, though still thin, had regained a significant amount of strength, a faint flush of color returning to her cheeks. Her cough was now just an occasional tickle, and the light in her blue eyes was bright and clear once more.
Aureon, his heart lighter than it had been in weeks, kept a protective arm around her as they navigated the crowded walkways. His small tech repair business within the hospital had been surprisingly successful, generating enough credits for their immediate needs and even allowing him to save a small surplus. The 200 GSC of the initial startup capital had grown to a modest 650 GSC through his diligent work. It wasn't a fortune by any stretch, but it felt like a significant step up from the absolute zero they had started with.
Their immediate challenge was finding a new place to stay. Returning to the streets was unthinkable, especially with Elleaner still recovering. Aureon used his earnings and the information gleaned from the business module to research affordable housing options in the lower sectors of Port Veritas. The module provided data on average rental costs, neighborhood safety ratings, and even hinted at potential opportunities for securing low-cost accommodations through unconventional means.
Following a lead suggested by the system – a notice board in a less frequented transport terminal – they found a small, single-room unit above a noisy but relatively reputable synth-food vendor. The rent was steep – 150 GSC per cycle – but it offered basic amenities like running water and a functional heating unit, a luxury they hadn't experienced in years. Aureon paid the first cycle's rent with a sense of cautious optimism. It was a significant expense, but having a safe and warm place to call their own was paramount.
Back in their tiny unit, with its thin plasteel walls and the constant hum of the vendor's machinery below, Aureon felt a sense of accomplishment mixed with the underlying pressure to keep their fledgling enterprise afloat. He set up a small workspace in one corner of the room, his salvaged repair tools laid out neatly on a makeshift table constructed from scavenged materials. Elleaner, though still needing rest, was eager to help, organizing his tools and keeping their living space tidy.
Aureon continued to explore the depths of the "Absolute God Tycoon System." The Business Module was proving to be an invaluable resource. He delved into concepts like marketing, customer relations, and even basic accounting principles. The module highlighted the importance of building a reputation for quality and reliability, lessons he diligently applied to his repair business. He started offering a small guarantee on his work, a bold move that further increased customer trust.
The Combat Module also continued to intrigue him. He dedicated a portion of each day to the mental simulations and the physical exercises recommended by the system. While he was still far from being a skilled fighter, he could feel his reflexes sharpening, his movements becoming more efficient. He understood that in the turbulent environment of Port Veritas, self-defense was a crucial skill, and the system was providing him with a structured path to acquire it.
One day, while mentally reviewing the business module, a particular section on "Market Analysis and Opportunity Identification" caught his eye. The module highlighted a growing demand for specialized repair and maintenance services for older, less common types of personal transport vehicles – atmospheric skimmers and grav-bikes that were still popular among certain niche communities and in the less affluent outer districts of Port Veritas. Official repair shops often charged exorbitant rates for these older models due to the scarcity of parts and the specialized knowledge required.
An idea sparked in Aureon's mind. He had always been fascinated by the mechanics of these older vehicles, often seeing discarded chassis and components in the junkyards around the spaceport. With his growing skills in tech repair and the knowledge provided by the system, he realized he might be able to tap into this underserved market.
He began spending his spare time scouring the junkyards, searching for salvageable parts and studying the schematics of these older transport vehicles. The business module provided him with access to technical manuals and diagnostic protocols that would have been impossible for him to obtain otherwise. He started small, repairing a discarded grav-bike engine he found and selling it for a significant profit to a local enthusiast.
This marked a turning point for Aureon's business. The specialized repair work proved to be far more lucrative than fixing basic datapads and personal devices. He reinvested his profits, acquiring more tools and components, and his reputation as a reliable and affordable repair specialist for older transport vehicles began to spread.
Life was still a struggle, and their finances were often tight, but for the first time since their abandonment, Aureon felt a sense of control over their destiny. He was no longer just surviving; he was building, learning, and growing, guided by the unwavering presence of the Absolute God Tycoon System. Elleaner, now regaining her full health, became his steadfast partner, assisting him with organization, managing his growing clientele with her innate people skills, and providing unwavering emotional support. Their tiny unit above the noisy synth-food vendor was slowly transforming from a mere shelter into the headquarters of a burgeoning enterprise. The journey beyond the hospital walls had begun, and the path ahead, though uncertain, held a glimmer of promise fueled by ambition and the unwavering bond between two unlikely survivors.