Genesis Sync

John nodded in agreement before saying, "Speaking of that, I have a question.”

"What?" Sarah asked as the group of four headed for another part of the mall.

“Now that I have some credits to my name, how do I go about converting them to currency to use in Genesis?” At least then I might be able to buy some actual gear.”

“You can’t, at least not yet,” Sarah began. "The starter villages all have their own separate, ummm, I guess instance is the best word to describe it, even though they are part of Genesis. However, there are two main restrictions in place to prevent people from speedrunning the starter villages. First is the fact that even though you can send and receive messages from anyone in Genesis, you are unable to send and receive items or gold.

For example, Jessica could send you a hundred gold that would allow you to buy all the equipment and potions you need to clear the Dawn Village mayor's test and leave within probably two hours, but in doing so you wouldn’t learn any of the basics of Genesis."

The second reason is that the currency transfer function is only unlocked after you complete the starter village and upon reaching level ten.”

“Why level ten?” John asked.

“That’s because level ten is when you pick your class,” Jessica explained. “The amount of currency you can transfer between Genesis and the real world each week is limited depending on your class rank. As you rank up in class, gear and consumables become more expensive, and so you are allowed to transfer more; it is also a reward for those players who work on their progression. This is done so that the economy of both worlds is not thrown into chaos by a sudden influx of currency.”

“Ok, but what's to stop higher level players converting real world currency to gold and then transferring it to a lower level player?” John asked.

“Nothing,” Jessica answered simply, causing John to look at her and ask, “What?”

“Once out of the starter village, players have a lot more freedom with their actions and choices as long as it doesn’t break the rules, such as taking advantage of a bug,” Jessica replied before continuing. “While there is a system in place to prevent the amount of currency individual players can transfer, there is nothing in place to prevent them from hoarding that currency together or even giving it to one particular person.”

“Isn’t that kind of beside the point?” John asked in surprise.

“You could see it that way and quite frankly I agree,” Jessica nodded. “However, Genesis gives people the freedom to choose their own path in Genesis just like IRL, and regardless of where the gold goes, the limitation is preventing economic instability.”

“IRL?” John asked.

“It stands for In Real Life,” Mel explained before adding, “Ah, we’re here.”

The group had arrived outside a hair salon that had a small plaque next to the door with the name François on it. As they entered, John once again noticed that the salon was deserted, much like Dani Fashion had been, with only a lone male individual who quickly approached upon hearing the door open.

“Ah, if it isn’t Sarah and Mel, how are my two favourite girls?”

“Hello, François, how are you?” Sarah asked with a smile while Mel scoffed and said, “You claim everyone is your favourite girl.”

“Because they are, Mel, my dear, as long as they allow me, the fabulous François, to do their hair, then they are my lovely girls,” François said happily before turning to John and saying. “Oh, dear, on no, on no, on no, just what corner of the Kitsune Kingdom did you rescue this stray from?”

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“Kitsune Kingdom?” Mel asked as Sarah chuckled.

“Well, where else would you pick up a creature with so much hair? I mean honestly, it looks like the poor dear hasn’t been groomed for weeks,” François replied before glancing at Sarah and asking. “You know I’m a hairdresser and not a groomer, right, Sarah darling?”

“I’m aware,” Sarah replied. “And John here is human.”

“Human?” François repeated in shock before approaching John and moving his bangs around. “Yee gods your right. Good lord, man, have you never heard of a proper haircut?”

“A proper haircut required credits, something I was seriously lacking until recently,” John retorted.

“Well, I guess that explains it,” François replied before dragging John towards one of the chairs while saying, “Come, come, come, I must fix this travesty at once.”

John was about to complain, but before he could, he was already seated in the chair with a towel thrown over his clothes while François sprayed his hair with a spray bottle while asking, “Please tell me you at least washed it?”

“Of course,” John replied while the women took seats and watched on with amusement.

“With shampoo?” François asked as if trying to clarify something.

“Yes, with shampoo.”

“How often?” François asked as he began to cut John’s hair with the expertise of a master.

“Once or twice a week.”

“No wonder it feels so rough,” François replied. “From now on, you're to wash it every two to three days with the shampoo and conditioner I recommend.”

“But…” John began before François cut him off, saying. “Bah, bah, bah, no buts, young man.”

“Trust me, John and just do as you're told; even my aunt dares not go against François when it comes to matters of hair,” Sarah advised.

“And how is the Empress? She must be due to come get her hair trimmed soon,” François asked while glancing at Sarah in the mirror.

“Busy dealing with the fallout from the racial punishment announcement,” Sarah replied.

“Understandable,” François nodded. “I was so surprised when I heard it; I honestly can’t believe what those people did to that poor soul in Dawnscape City. I do hope the citizen is better off now.”

“I’m sure they are,” Sarah replied while winking at John in the mirror.

“Well, be sure to tell the empress and princess to come pay me a visit soon; I’m sure their hair is in need of my attention,” François requested.

“I will be sure to do so,” Sarah nodded and after that John just sat there and let François work on his hair while the hairdresser chatted happily with Sarah and Mel about a multitude of different subjects, some of which John could not understand.

Eventually François finished up and spun John around in the chair to show the women his true appearance with neatly styled hair, which made the three women freeze for a moment from how handsome he looked.

“Yes, I am rather satisfied with my work this time, and John here has such a handsome visage,” François said proudly before adding. “And yet another handsome boy to my collection.”

“Your collec…” John started before Mel quickly cut him off and urgently said. “Don’t ask, just don’t.”

“Wow, not bad kiddo; you clean up pretty good,” Jessica stated after recovering, while Sarah just nodded in approval as she continued to admire his handsome appearance.

“Honestly, I can't believe such a handsome visage was covered up; it’s a travesty,” François complained as he went and washed his hands.

“I agree, and Daniella is going to love this,” Mel remarked.

“Daniella?” François asked curiously.

“She wants John to model for her after seeing his body,” Mel explained as John stood up from the chair.

“Hmm, now that you mention it, he does carry a strapping figure,” François replied as his eyes ran over John, making the latter shiver.

“Relax, boy, I’m happily married,” François chuckled before winking at him and saying. “It’s Daniella you need to watch out for; she likes her men young, handsome and well built. All three aspects you qualify for.”

“Appreciate the warning… I think,” John replied.

“Well, if you do decide to model for her, just try not ot be alone with her whenever possible is all I’m saying,” François teased before heading for the shop's counter.

John leaned towards Mel while whispering, “Is he being serious?”

“I’m afraid so,” Mel nodded before adding with a teasing smile. “On the plus side, she’s even more likely to give you a great contract once she sees how handsome you are.”

John sighed before he approached the counter and paid the bill, which once again caused his heart to ache as they left the salon, while Mel asked, “Is there anything else on the agenda today?”

“Only getting back into Genesis and working on leaving the starter village,” Sarah replied, causing Mel to smile and say, “I was hoping you would say that.”

***

"Genesis Sync"

After returning to their apartment complex, John and Sarah separated as they both returned to their own apartments in order to log back into Genesis.

After John logged back in, he once more found himself at the graveyard and so quickly made his way back to the Weapons Hall, where he failed to spot Dawn Star, causing him to assume that she hadn’t reached her home yet.

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