It was an exquisitely packaged Mech Armor model, about half an arm's length long. Its entire body was silver-white, its joints were movable, and fine patterns were carved into its armor plates.
Its serial number in the upper-left corner was 000001, placing it right at the front of the production line. Tiny LED lights were also set into the model's eyes, allowing them to glow.
"This is the super-articulated Magic Mech Armor model released by the Pearlstar Consortium. It's a new product that hasn't even hit the market yet!"
Pearl clasped her hands in front of her.
"I know Mr. Welt is quite knowledgeable about robotics, so I specially chose this gift. I hope you like it."
Welt drew a deep breath, excitement flickering in his eyes behind his lenses.
"This is indeed a generous gift. Thank you for it."
He solemnly accepted the gift box and held it against his chest.
"It's time to attend to business. I'll take my leave."
Elsewhere.
On 2D City's Food Street, sunlight filtered through the towering trees lining both sides of the road, scattering mottled shadows across the pavement.
The air carried the aromas of all kinds of food—the charred fragrance of grilled skewers, the milky sweetness of desserts, and the fruity scent of drinks mingling into a flavor unique to Food Street.
Yan Huan put away his mask and stuffed it into his pocket.
He then opened the location Himeko had sent him. The map on his phone showed the icon of a school.
March 7th leaned over from the side, her head almost touching Yan Huan's phone.
Her ponytail drooped down, its ends brushing across the back of Yan Huan's hand.
"Artworld Academy... What kind of place is that?"
Xiuye explained,
"It's a school that trains artists. It's fairly famous in