Suzuki Pittmore's Arc

Chapter 3 of 6

Suzuki walked past the fountain toward the edge of town. Fort Orynth had everything she needed to build her skills. The tech school would teach her advanced circuits. Her workshop would give her space to practice. And all around her, machines waited to break down. The COMPU Repair Service Center sat on the corner with its white walls and blue and red letters. Through the windows, she spotted customers waiting with broken tablets and damaged phones. A sign on the door listed repair hours and walk-in times. This was where ordinary people brought their everyday problems. She watched a customer leave with a working laptop, relief clear on his face. One day, her own shop would serve people just like this. They'd trust her to fix what mattered to them. Suzuki turned down the next street and stopped at the digital sign mounted outside the Ivanpath Engineering Institute. Workshop schedules scrolled across the screen in bright letters. Advanced diagnostics on Tuesdays. Circuit theory on Thursdays. The classes would fill in the gaps her field work couldn't teach. She pulled out her notepad and copied down the times. In the town square, sunlight caught the metal gears of the Cartwright Award. The trophy stood on its blue marble base, honoring the region's top engineering mind. Red and gold metal gleamed against the light blue accents. Suzuki's chest tightened as she stared at it. That award meant something real—proof that someone had mastered their craft so completely that everyone recognized their name. She touched the strap of her backpack. The tools inside were just the start. This world had training, customers, and recognition waiting for those skilled enough to earn it. She turned back toward her workshop, ready to practice.