Theodore finished his seventh slice of pizza, pleased with the success of the first two immersion lessons.
"Alright, fashion and food—check. Next up, the boring part: integration,"
Theodore stated, collecting the empty pizza boxes.
"We can't just hang out forever. You guys need documentation and a way to earn those 'dollars' Marika was talking about."
Alcina looked concerned.
"Documentation? You mean records of lineage and noble title? And what is this 'job' you speak of?"
"A job is how most humans exchange time and labor for money,"
Marika explained, having neatly folded her napkin.
"Since you have no traditional skills recognized in this market, Theodore will need to utilize his unique knowledge to create suitable identities."
Theodore led the group back to the Hub's interface.
Using the specialized equipment only available in his reality, he began weaving a compelling backstory for the Dimitrescu family, integrating their true origins into a modern, plausible narrative.
"Okay, new cover story: You guys are a very tall, very pale Transylvanian family who recently immigrated to the US. Alcina, you're now 'Alcina Dimitrescu,' a wealthy European socialite and entrepreneur,"
Theodore decided, typing rapidly.
Alcina: With her regal bearing, she was given the identity of a High-End Interior Designer/Gallery Owner, capitalizing on her natural aesthetic taste and imposing presence.
Bela: Her sharp intellect and intensity were perfect for a Cybersecurity Analyst. Theodore taught her how to leverage her natural focus to learn complex technical skills quickly.
Cassandra: Her quick wit and adaptability made her suitable for the service industry—specifically, a High-End Restaurant Hostess, where her demanding presence could keep a busy floor organized.
Daniela: Her physical grace and tendency toward impulsiveness were channeled into becoming a Personal Trainer/Gym Instructor.
"Now you have documents, credit scores, and believable histories,"
Theodore finished.
"No one will question a thing."
With their integration plans established, Theodore moved to the next critical step: understanding the technology that governed modern life.
They gathered in the Hub's lounge area, where a massive, clear screen displayed various media.
Theodore turned on a high-definition streaming service, showing a popular modern action movie.
Alcina stared at the screen, utterly transfixed by the moving images and booming sound.
"It is a box that captures light and sound! Is this what happened to the spirits of the deceased? They are trapped in this device?"
Marika chuckled.
"It is merely a projection of light, Lady Dimitrescu. It tells stories, often simplified narratives of conflict and romance."
The sisters were quickly drawn to the fast-paced violence and the ridiculousness of the special effects. Daniela was horrified by the unrealistic gun battles.
"Those soldiers shoot five times and need five minutes to reload! Pathetic!"
Theodore handed each of the sisters a smartphone.
"This is the key to everything. It holds all the world's knowledge and gossip,"
Theodore explained.
"This little symbol here, the 'Internet,' is a massive collective consciousness of information."
Bela, the analyst, immediately took to it. Within minutes, she was using a search engine to research the history of the Romanian monarchy and cross-referencing it with the fictional backstory Theodore had given them.
Cassandra, however, discovered social media. She looked at a picture of a random influencer posing dramatically.
"Why would a woman voluntarily expose her image to the masses without guards? Is this not an invitation for attack?"
Theodore groaned.
"Okay, we need a serious lesson on 'privacy' versus 'sharing' later."
Theodore pulled up a video tutorial on parallel parking.
"Okay, the most important survival skill here is driving a car. You can't rely on running forever,"
Theodore stated.
Alcina watched the video intently.
"So, this metal box is controlled by two pedals and a wheel? And a license is required?"
"Yup. You hit the right one to go, the left one to stop. It's way easier than casting a silent spell, honestly,"
Theodore assured them.
Marika stepped in.
"Given Lady Dimitrescu's natural dominance and focus, she will likely excel at this. However, ladies, you must learn patience. The laws of this world are governed by traffic signals, not noble decree."
With their identities established and a crash course in modern technology begun, Theodore knew the real adventure was just starting.
Little Spoiler: NieR
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