She frowned as she examined a wash-cloth that was near the kitchen sink, "So that's what you want to create?"
I nodded, "Yeah, pretty much. It was something that always bothered me, but didn't make me acknowledge until now. What Pokemon game are you playing, by the way?"
She blinked in surprise at the question, "Shield. Why?"
I bluntly asks, "Where does all of the curry go, if you eat multiple within a short time frame?"
She looked thoughtful before becoming disgusted... before blinking and frowning, mumbling, "And just considering their stomachs..."
She soon turned to me, "So you want to make a 'food' charm?"
I shrugged, absentmindedly watching her enchant the cloth to move on its own, "More like something that allows people to eat without going overboard with their nutritional intake. And while I have no clue as to my current 'HP', System has confirmed that nutrition and physical mass still affect our bodies, meaning our stomachs limit what we can eat and how soon we can eat them."
Now that I think about it... I might as well take a 'Mobile Cooking Set' or something along with me, on the off-chance of having an opportunity to cook a 'fictional' creature.
She looked back at the kitchen, before pointing at something, "What's that?"
Looking, I blinked in surprise at the suddenly addition near the fridge.
"Don't know... let me check it out."
Ayano's POV:
As Shop-kun looked at the weird chamber, I watched him.
When I see him, I get a sense that he is always lonely, even if he has company.
I may not understand him, and he may have a weird mindset, but...
No one should be lonely.
And if anyone insults him in a bad way...
I'll kill them.
... But first, I need to figure out how to order 'online' stuff, after proving my worth.
At least I know where to go to clean the bed sheets. All I need is Shop-kun's shirt, and maybe I'll be good for a while.
I'll definitely last more than a few days.
MC's POV:
...
Why do I suddenly have the urge to protect bullies?
... And hand Ayano my shirt?
Meh, something for later.
Anyway, the kitchen add-on is pretty much a 'data-base' for simulating different food recipes.
The short of it is basically put the newly discovered 'ingredient' inside and wait for it to be 'consumed' by the chamber before getting new recipes. That means that, in theory, I gain more recipes the more I input 'new' ingredients.
Leaving a [Mana Fruit] inside and cuing up a [Mana Berry] to be examined after it, I explained the gist to to Ayano.
After a while of doing our own things, something came to mind.
Heading over to Ayano's area, I spoke up as I entered her 'territory', "Hey, Ayano-!"
...
What.
Seriously... What?!
"EH?!"
Her territory was pretty much resembling a beginner's garden, crossed with a mystical forest.
In one spot, there was a plot that was already plowed, ready for potion ingredients. Nearby was a flat stone slab and cube, substituting for a table and chair, with a notebook and pencil resting on it. There was even a fire pit with two branches waiting for the pole and crucible!
And that's not counting how she somehow got a pestle and mortar ready, with a (what I assume to be) ground up green leaves from the trees.
This... is something I expected to be done in a few days.
But just in one day...?
I severely underestimated her need to prove her worth to me.
Ayano perked up, "What is it, Shop-kun?"
I looked around in awe, "Well, first of all... how long did it take for you to create this?"
She thought for a moment, "I think... about five hours."
"Five hours?!"
"Yes. Sorry if it isn't enough progress, though. I don't have enough tools to get to where I wanted to be at."
"... I'm almost afraid to ask. Almost. Where did you expect to be at? Actually, just tell me how you made this place to be like this."
It was a dozy, but... she already proved her worth.
Apparently, she first looked for a clearing before beginning to test her skills. She soon discovered an Earth elemental spell that modifies the terrain withing a certain distance of herself, causing System to give her a [Quest]. As a result, she got the ability to mold [Stone] into whatever shape she wishes. After completing it, she then decided to find a Water, Fire, and Wind spell. She then got the ability to manipulate the four basic elemental magic as a direct result of it, and used it to make a clearing along with her own personal 'research lab' in the form of a potion creator.
The major problem she is running into is supplies and tools to further her efforts. She needs crops to figure out what ingredients cause what effects, along with something to examine the resulting potions with.
So to better record things, she ended up grabbing a notebook and began writing down notes on what she had on hand, grinding up the leaves of nearby trees to see if anything comes out of it. What she got out of it, however, was merely [Flora Goop], which merely promotes plant growth by doubling the growth speed for a certain duration of time.
Taking in the information, I crossed my arms and thought about it. With just this discovery...! And add in what I already discovered-! And even if that doesn't work, the leaves alone...!
Cracking a grin, I laughed in joy, "Ayano? You already proved your worth, with just this!"
She looked at me in shock, before beaming, then frowning in confusion, "Why?"
Shaking my head, but my smile still there, I explained, "I only swung by to see if you found ways to [Craft] things. But not only I found your new 'laboratory', but you discovered something that'll be a big issue with future projects." Looking up at the leaves in the trees, I went on, "Just from the leaves alone, you gave me a massive amount of useful information to use. So, I might as well return the favor."
This is basic stuff when in a team... helping each other, and communication.
People don't hoard important information to themselves, not unless its deadly. In games, you'll eventually discover an exploit that everyone would soon follow.
I taught her about [Crafting], and told her about the [Runes] she could use and make. Not only that, but I also told her about the [Compost Bin] and [Worm Farm] mechanics, along with handing her the [Book of Rituals] to read.
She looked eager, which caused me to blink at a thought, "Oh, that's right... We still need an area for the third [Employee]."
She blinked, "What made you jump to that?"
I explained, looking around, "Well, it's just that this 'lab' of yours makes me think of 'territories'. Or rather, areas that we 'own' and freely use to our content. With the next [Employee] being someone that has a good amount of combat experience, I want to make her 'territory' something she can get the most use out of."
"Her?"
I began to walk around, "She's a former General that died in the pursuit of having her crush notice her. She formerly had the ability to control ice, but System says that she won't have it. While I'm not trying to be stumbling into a harem, I still want to help her in a way to make her go beyond her past limitations. In order to do that, she needs a place or area to train in. It's only common sense that she needs to brush up on her skills."
Ayano slowly nodded, deciding to help me out with finding a spot.
A few hours later...
Looking around the clearing, I nodded, "Yeah, this is a good place to be at."
Apparently, the [Shop] expanded the [Workshop] into becoming a [Work Space], making it become its own entire world. Or an entire country, at the very least. Further along with the 'update', the 'rewards' for leveling up the [Shop] became merely more building and/or structure recipes, with the added bonus of rewards for exploring the [Work Space]. However, the fact that the [Quarry] and [Farm] has suddenly merged with this 'sandbox world' doesn't help by that much.
The area we were at had a river nearby, with the bank having a clearing that separated the trees a good distance away. There were mountains in the distance, and the river bank had soil and gravel, giving the entire area an 'RPG game' vibe.
Ayano looked around, "Um... what's going to be here?"
I smiled, "Well, I'm thinking of a [Barrack], or a 'scarecrow training ground'. For the sake of aesthetics, I was thinking of aiming for a 'country' or 'medieval RPG' look."
Ayano looked at the spot, thinking about it... before confirming that she was trying to visualize it, "The exterior spots should be white, and the roof should be violet."
I confirmed, "That's what I'm thinking, but if we include a second floor, then windows are a must."
She nodded, "Un. And since it's for a person that trains, maybe a [Crafting Bench] inside?"
"Only if it's for bladed weapons, like [Swords] or [Daggers]. A bed, maybe?"
"Maybe. Depends on what this person likes to sleep in."
The two of us soon got to work. While Ayano set about manipulating wood and laying the foundations, I worked on the 'courtyard' by setting up a fence perimeter.
As I did so, I frowned, considering what I should do for the 'training dummies' or 'scarecrows' for this area.
Traditionally (and as a cliche), the frame definitely has to be wood. There also has to be a 'head', with a 'body' to take the blows. Not only that, but tons of durability and/or damage reduction will be needed to make it last for a long time.
Summoning a few [Mana Runes] and grabbing materials, I set about making one [Scarecrow].
First, grab a big plastic bucket of non-toxic dye. Next, empty the bucket and let it dry.
Meanwhile, grab two planks of wood and take measurements, before taking a drill and making holes at the 'intersection' where the binding would occur.
Then, empty a plastic gallon carton of milk of any kind, before using tools to make a hole near the cap of the jug.
(It was at this point that Ayano was done with the building, not the colors.)
Soften and smooth the edges of the cut plastic with heat, as to not risk cutting or injuring yourself while handling the plastic containers.
Next, grab the dried bucket, and cut holes in the lid, edge of the top, and bottom of the bucket, along with a '3-to-9' cut near the top of the bucket.
Time to put it all together.
First, the 'body'. Fix the planks of wood so that the now modified bucket acts as the 'torso' of the dummy, with a plank of wood acting as the 'shoulder and arms'. Thread the second plank from the opening at the bottom though the opening of the lid at the top. Quickly 'seal' the now modified bucket.
Finally, the head. Using the modified carton, place it so the new opening has the 'neck' inserted through it.
If you want to be fancy and/or make sure the 'head' stays on there, make four holes and, after hammering in four nails at 12, 3, 6, and 9 'o'clock', tied them down so that the head doesn't move that much.
[Crafting] recipe for [Low Tier Training Scarecrow] has been added.
Low Tier Training Scarecrow: A basic humanoid target for basic training. There's room for improvement, though...
Recipe: 2 [Wood], 2 [Plastic], 1 [Metal]
Durability: 1000/1000
Special Effects:
- Each attack merely removes 1 Durability for each hit landed. (i.e. 2 hits, -2 Durability; 10 hits, -10 Durability)
- For every 100 Durability removed, +1 STG
Drops upon defeat: 1 Random [Common] Sword
Note: There can only be 1 [Low Tier Training Scarecrow] present per [Barrack].
Well, this will come in handy for Esdeath to grind up against...
Er...
...
Gaming terms are weird.
But in all seriousness, this is something to help Esdeath get started with her journey back to power. Sure, the 'reward' for defeating/destroying them is not that good, but it's still a 'low' tier construct. And it's best to include something to help her to work towards, along with having her get something out of it.
All that's left is to find the (ironically) frozen ice queen, thaw her out, and help her get started.
Ayano quickly spoke up, "Should we make a pathway to find our way back?"
... That would actually come in handy.
I nodded in agreement, "Yeah, we probably should. Thanks for catching that."
Although, I wonder...
As I looked around I asked, "So, where are the living creatures?" Ayano looked confused, causing me to elaborate, "It's somewhat basic knowledge that plants 'inhale' carbon-dioxide and 'exhale' oxygen. But the major factor for that is living biological creatures that inhale oxygen and exhale carbon-dioxide. With this much plant life, I'm wondering what creatures live in this space..."
That's a major problem we currently have.
Everything was shuffled around, and mixed up.
Sure, I have the stored up supply before the 'update', but it's not a steady source. This is pretty much a 'world' that I have to deal with, and figure out. With the fact that I have no HUD, I need to make multiple [World Maps] so we can better navigate this place. Not to mention the 'transport' problem...
Letting out a tired breath, I muttered, "I can't seem to get a break, can I?"
Ayano looked at me in confusion as I shook it off, "Well, no time to dwell on that, at the moment. Ayano? Get ready to learn how to fire a gun."
I think I have some soft drink cans lying around somewhere...
[World Travel: Resident Evil 4]
The two of us were now decked out in clothes that resembled the middle ages, with a modern twist.
Ayano was wearing a purple skirt with a black top... with a belt and holsters that are carrying pistols.
I, on the other hand, was wearing a pair of black suspenders and white shirt... with a vest that held various guns.
We both had some bags filled with spare ammo with us.
We were stationed at a [Shop], which was transformed into a stall with guns and ammo.
...
Had to spend that spare [Firearm Proficiency] Skill Book on Ayano, but at least Esdeath would (most likely) have that skill refreshed.
I also gave that [Growing Shield] to her, because like Hell am I wasting lots of resources to protect my first investment.
As for how we did in this world, well...
"Leon, get down!"
BANG!
"Wait... You're-?!"
"How's it going, Stanger?"
"... Heh. Nice to run into you again, John. So, what have you been up to?"
"Hired someone to help me, and been doing stuff here and there. But enough about me, Leon. I got some weapons to help you out with."
Leon grinned, "Be quick about it."
"Right. MVP, bring in that rocket launcher."
Moon's Violent Princess, Ayano, nodded with a slight glare at Shopkeeper before bring a case to them.
As she did, Leon asked, "While I'm going to be paying in gems... what's so special about this Rocket Launcher?"
"You'll find out soon enough, if you run out of ammo, that is."
Leon equipped the weapons and ammo bag, skeptically speaking, "If you say so."
Shopkeeper suddenly spoke up, "Hey, you know that there's medieval armor in one of those buildings? They're heavy as heck, but give decent protection."
Leon frowned, "Huh, really?"
Shopkeeper nodded, "Yeah. You can pretty much fit in there, and the town's folk have huge difficulty with picking anyone in there up."
Leon nodded slowly as he left, "I'll... keep that in mind. Nice to see you again, John... but I expect answers as to why you are in a place like this."
After a while, Ayano asked Shopkeeper, "John?"
Shopkeeper answered, "It's short for John Doe."
Slowly nodding in understanding, the two quickly packed up supplies before leaving the area... and the island.
It was really short, as if we were some cameos in the 'installment'...
However, my 'first' changes made huge waves.
According to Leon, he made the young blonde girl from before take up some CQC, Close Quarters Combat, in order to better defend herself. Also, Claire reunited with her brother early and both are taking UMBRELLA remnants down.
As for Ada, well... she called me, and merely said 'thanks' about tipping her about her 'super fan' scientist along with his pet project.
Oh, and Ayano and I escaped via hot-wiring a speed boat before regrouping with Leon and the literal armored daughter, heading back via helicopter.
On the flight back, the two of us [Message] back and forth in silence.
Ayano: Shop-kun? How do we return to the [Shop]?
Shopkeeper: I'm... I'm not sure. Before, it took on the form of a chain corner-store.
Ayano: ... When will we free the next [Employee]?
Shopkeeper: After we're done with this world.
Ayano: Okay.
I finally asked Leon, with a cheeky grin, "So, you and Claire a couple, now?"
Leon rolled his eyes while playfully punching me... not noticing me instantly swap the [Rocket Launcher] I gave him with a non-anomalous one, "Shut up." If you are confused as to why I took away his 'infinite ammo'... just remember that in [Resident Evil 2], they used a nuke to obliterate Raccoon City.
Like Hell am I giving the government a way to potentially duplicate explosives and weapons.
We continued to chat, but... it still didn't fill me with ease.
The [World Travel] skill works when we complete a [World Quest]... Because this is a 'sequel' or 'installment', does that mean that this 'world' has its [World Quest] completed?
It's bothering me how it lacks one.
Regardless, since this is the 'modern' world...
I asked Leon, "By the way, weird question, but can I get a [Tennis Ball Machine] after we land?"
Leon looked at me confused, "Um, sure... but it'll take a while."
Nodding back while feeling Ayano's confused stare on me, I merely sent a [Message].
Shopkeeper: The [Growing Shield] 'grows' from blocking attacks, right? Well, projectiles sometimes counts as 'attacks'. Might as well try.
Her eyes were quickly filled with wonder as I continued to ponder where the [Shop] was located.
Leon shouted, "Hey, John! Who do you work for? Because there's no way you and her were on that island by coincidence!"
A period of silence occurred... because I wasn't sure what to say.
Is this a cut-scene, or is this 'off-screen'?
Am I being incorporated into a world based on the game, or am I actually in a version of the game?
That's something that I always wonder when it comes to self-inserts that bend of the plot like 'fixed-points' in a timeline.
Sure, in the beginning all of it was malleable... but the only 'fixed' event was the nuke going off in Raccoon City. Evidence suggests that, despite my interference in the 'past', nothing changed the events that much. Sure, I 'canceled' the beginning stuff, but... did it really make any difference?
...
Stick with the truth, but word it into their plausibility.
I finally answered, "I, and recently MVP, are both working for an benefactor that wants to remain anonymous. We have zero clue as to who they are, but we do their assignments because we are then rewarded heavily. Sure, some moments are morally questionable, but the overall benefits outweigh the costs. The assignments are weird, though. We have certain guidelines for some of them, and other times we don't. All in all? No, it wasn't a coincidence. And we were only dropped off, briefed, and given no assignment... yet."
Take that... world.
An alibi that is flexible, yet within perfect 'restrictions' for any future events.
[World Quest Unlocked!]
Peaceful Price: The world is safe... for a longer duration of time. You deserve a break!
Task: Relax for 7 days! (0/168 hours)
Reward: Location of [Farm] in [Work Space], Next [World] unlocked, Esdeath (frozen)
Blinking in surprise, I shared an amused look with Ayano as I spoke up, "Well, Leon? Look like our 'assignment' this time... is relaxing! We're on break!"
Leon shook his head in disbelief, "Really? I've been asking for one for months, and haven't gotten one! Can I transfer?"
For the best of this world... I answered, "Sorry, the higher ups are very strict in who they want to recruit!"
The rest of the trip was merely small talk.
A week of swimming, touring, and hotel sleeping later...
Ayano and I were at the beach. The relaxation spot is a plus, but mainly because the [Shop] was now a 'beach house'.
Both of us spent the moment soaking up the rays as we sat in our 'beach' chairs.
Now I'm a healthy hormonal male... but when it comes to cup-sizes, I don't care. I care about the character, not the body. That being said, Ayano was... 'perfect' in the sense of her body shape, along with the fact that she wore a two-piece swimsuit. I was only wearing swimming trunks.
But we decided to make the '7' days become '8' before leaving.
Gamers... they don't seem to get a chance to 'relax' when doing their [Quests]. However, it's important to take a break in order to refresh what they need.
Time limits are there for a reason... but I guess the [Void] is pretty much a pseudo-vacation. After all... The Update pretty much adds new stuff. If I want to get back to my 'former' automation, I need to clear more worlds.
Tch...!
First, free Esdeath. Then, check out if the [Farm] changed. Finally, prepare for the next [World].
Later...
Grabbing the [Tennis Ball Machine] from Leon, I nodded towards him before we both headed inside.
[World Quest] completed!
Peaceful Price: The world is safe... for a longer duration of time. You deserve a break!
Task: Relax for 7 days! (192/168 hours)
Rewards: Location of [Farm] in [Work Space], Next [World] unlocked, Esdeath (frozen)
The next [World] is...
[Marvel Cinematic Universe]!
Would you like to re-roll?
I merely deadpanned at the message, "... Are you kidding? Yes, I would like to re-roll!"
Re-rolling...
The next [World] is...
[Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild]!
...
...
...
"Oh, this is going to be good."
Ayano quickly commanded as we changed clothes, "System? Please send us into the [Void]."
On it.
Both of us heading to [Work Space], we instantly saw a chick with blue hair, dressed in a military uniform, encased in solid ice... located near the [Barracks].
Ayano asked me, curious, "Who is she?"
I frowned, trying to think of a way to slowly thaw her out, "Ayano? This is Esdeath. If you were starved of emotion, then she was starved in romance information. In her world... she was a 'main character', and could freeze an entire continent with just her power alone. Her 'baseline' self could make a literal army made of ice powers, and when she was growing up as a child... she could hunt monsters that were easily at least 3 times her size."
She looked at the frozen general in awe, "So why aren't we freeing her?"
I explained, "The reason is because I fear basic physics. Quickly alternating between extreme temperature differences can cause damage if not 'transitioned' properly. Worst, her skills from before are all 'erased', making her former ice powers gone. Not to mention I have no clue if her muscles got weaker, or if her stomach is empty. That's why the saying 'don't judge a book by its cover' exists: the outside seems like one thing, but the inside could be different."
Frowning on concern, Ayano quickly made a small flame, "Should we melt her out, then?"
I nodded, "Yes, but slowly and carefully. The human body is mainly made up of liquid... and I'm not sure if she'll even be awake. Let me try something, first..."
Ayano stepped aside as I walked up to the ice.
I asked System as I stared at the closed-eyes of my next investment, "System? Can you create a [Skill] for me that would allow me to enter Esdeath's mind and communicate with her? Something like sharing a dream with her, if possible."
Let me check.
...
Nope, you don't have the materials or the necessary requirements to unlock [Telepathy].
Sorry.
Gritting, Ayano looked at me concerned...
... Before an idea came to me.
"What about assigning her [Quests]? Heck, would she 'see' the windows for them, and answer mentally that way?"
Hmm... Maybe, but how? My Higher Ups won't allow me to do that!
Not unless she's awake...
"That's why I want to give her some 'easy' [Quests] to do. Try and communicate that way."
Ayano blinked, "Like how the information given shows more information involving hints?"
I nodded at Ayano, "Yeah. Maybe I can communicate that way with her. Be her pseudo-'Quest giver' or something."
And I'm really hoping so.
If I can do this, then there's a high chance that it's a 'bug' in this [Game]. While you try to use them sparingly... you must also exploit the hell out of it.
If you can multiply items, then do it. If you can improve your stats, even better.
A general like Esdeath would definitely look at every angle before seizing the opportunity to over power anyone she fights against.
But in order to do that, I need some things in preparations to start her off.
Nodding to myself, I turned to Ayano, "We're going to do this properly, and prepare to make due on our promises. I need you to get the following: a blanket, a pillow, an [Ice Magic Crystal], and those tennis balls. Oh, and hand me a stone fragment, if possible"
She looked at me weird as she gave me a stone edge, "Tennis balls?"
I chuckled, "Hey, we need to try and level up that shield somehow. In the meantime, I'll be making a sword for our new acquaintance to use, if this works out."
Ayano slowly nodded before leaving, as I took a calm breath.
PING!
System has bestowed upon you the Skill [Quest Maker]!
Quest Maker: You might be using a different version of the [Game], but that doesn't mean that you're only receiving [Quests]. Make [Quests] for any people you want... within reason.
Note: Can only work with [Employees] and/or people that are [Gamers]. Also, you are limited on the number of [Quests] you can make and have active at the same time.
Succession Rate: If the [Reward], [Task], and [Time Limit] are all within a relatively realistic conditions and effort/reward, then the greater the chance of a [Quest] being made.
Limit: 1 [Quest] per person
Cooldown Creation: 7 days
Frowning, I shook it off before quickly creating a [Weapon Workbench] in the [Barracks] and got to work on making a crude weapon for Esdeath.
If this new skill gives me the ability to create [Quests], then it's a boon. However, the conditions and overall 'manageable' limits must be in a realistic point of view. Not only that, but it looks like an 'equivalent' exchange of work for reward is a factor. That means that I can't give her an OP sword in exchange for catching 1 fish.
That means that I need to give her a 'proportionate' reward to how much work she puts in.
That's the problem with some [Quests], the 'power-effort-reward' ratio is a difficult thing to balance.
Well... Breath of the Wild has mob-drops... Maybe I can grow the fruits and vegetables in that world?
Focus on Esdeath, deal with item-farming later.
The [Quest] I need to give must be a 'questionnaire', with 'yes-no' questions. It also needs to give a general amount of information to Esdeath on what's going on. And finally... it needs to include the question for 'recruiting' or 'hiring' her.
...
I got it.
Esdeath's POV:
How long was it...?
How long ago was I frozen...?
...
I barely remember my past, now...
...
Am I... in Hell...?
...
...
I'm cold...
...
...
...
So cold...
...
PING!
What's this...?
A... floating sign?
MC's POV:
Success!
Esdeath's POV:
The screen had a jumble of symbols and letters... that rearranged them into something I understand.
[Quest] unlocked!
[The Interview of Investment]
?: Can you read this?
Yes/[No]
... Of course I can.
Wait... Interview?
?: Greetings. I am someone that's on the outside of your frozen prison.
Would you like to escape it?
Yes/[No]
Yes... Yes, I would like to escape.
?: I see... Do you remember anything before being frozen?
Yes, I do/[No, not much]
I... Wait... How did I get frozen...?
Did... I do this to myself?
I... remember fighting... sadness... and... using ice.
Someone licking my feet...? No, my boot.
And... being powerful.
But I don't remember much. I don't even remember by past...
?: Hm... Do you remember being powerful?
Yes/[No]
Of course I do.
These... 'messages'... They're also keeping me conscious.
?: Would you like to be more powerful than you were before?
Yes/[No]
Yes...
Yes, I do.
I want to be strong...! Strong enough to survive and achieve my goals...!
I refuse to be the weakling that froze herself into Hell!
?: If given the chance to get stronger, would you work with the 'weak' to do so?
Yes/[No]
The weak...
Doesn't the weak have the ability to become strong...?
...
I... remember doing things with a team...
That team is strong, each in their own ways.
But... who were they?
?: So, you would work with the 'weak', eh? Good.
?: Final Question: Would you like to work for me, in order to get 'strong'?
Yes/[No]
...
I...
I just...
I don't want to be alone...
It's lonely at the 'top'...
I would gladly start as a powerful 'weak', if it means working to the 'top' with others I can trust.
?: Good. I'm 'Shopkeeper'.
Shopkeeper: I'm working with someone else to help free you from your icy prison.
However, in exchange for being freed, you will be working under me in order to not only help my business...
But also to help you get stronger.
However, you will start off 'weak', and someone else would be helping you.
So hang in there, we will free you and get you up to speed.
PING!
[You have been assigned with the role of {Hunter}. More information available upon being freed.]
Good...
I'll be free, soon.
...
Maybe...
This 'Shopkeeper' will look my way...
If not, I'll 'hunt' for his smile.
MC's POV:
Quickly retracting my hand from the surface of the ice prison, I rubbed it to get back some warmth as I looked at Esdeath, "Hang in there, Esdeath... We'll help you out."
If her memories are gone... it makes me wonder how long she was in there. After all, 'memories' are physically electric impulses going around in your brain in a variety of ways. But if the brain 'deletes' stuff to better focus on surviving, then what happens when 'long-term' memory is left alone for a long time?
Ayano quickly arrived with the stuff I requested before lighting a campfire, while I looked at the crude weapon I made for Esdeath.
Stone Sword (Common): It's a crudely made, yet effective weapon.
Effect: +3 DMG on attack when wielding it
Durability: 1000/1000
Warning: If the wielder's overall STG is 15 or higher, the durability taken off will increase by 1 for every 5 STG instance.
Durability Reduction Formula: If wielder's STG is 15 or higher, Durability Used = 1 + ((STG of user) - 10)/5
While I doubt a single piece of stone on the end of a stick could be kept intact for 1000 uses, it's a good weapon for Esdeath to use when she's free.
However... The last bit is worrying. From how I understand it, if the overall STG is 15 then the durability goes down by 2, 20 makes it go down by 3, 25 makes it go down by 4, and so on. A minimal of 14 STG is required for long use, all 1000 of them.
This means that even close-combat [Weapons] have a 'power ceiling' of what they can handle.
With the common [Stone Sword]... and it may be silly... but if the STG is 5000 or higher, the sword is merely one use only. Sure, it sounds silly... but considering how some [Skills] for swords need a [Sword] being wielded in the first place, then you have a problem. Especially when dealing with multiple enemies/foes.
Something for another time.
At least, after defeating the [Scarecrow], she'll receive a (possibly and hopefully) better weapon.
Hm... Maybe the next [Quest] I could give to her could deal with defeating 2 of the [Scarecrows]... I mean, depending on the resulting durability of the sword dropped, it would logically end up 'rewarding' her with two [Swords], albeit with at least one of them damaged.
But I first need to prepare for Esdeath's stomach.
Getting up, I requested, "Ayano? When Esdeath is thawed out, take her to the [Living Quarters] and lay her on the couch. I'm going to explore this place for a bit before cooking something up for her."
Ayano nodded back, "I will. But... What can I do, in the mean time?"
Thinking for a moment, I mused, "Well, before the [Work Space] became a world, I managed to store up some [Wheat]. How about you see if you can improve the 'quality', and experiment with what you can do with it? I'll give you a few seeds to start things off, but again... you're pretty much farming."
She looked away slightly, "I... I can do that."
Sighing in relief, I gave her a thumbs up, "Thanks. Seriously, you are the best thing in this situation. With you specializing in spells and potions, I can focus on other things." She smiled a bit at me as I handed the seeds over to her before leaving.
Time to forage and examine stuff.
Later...
Frowning, I looked at the materials I gathered.
Poisonous Mushroom: Deadly when consumed, maybe you can do something with it?
Effect: -5 HP per second for 10 seconds
Flint: A step-up from stone, maybe you can use it for something
Mana Vine: A plant made with Mana, it conducts Mana efficiently. Maybe you can use it for something.
Flax Seeds: Some times, there's nothing wrong with the basics. This plant is the source of all basic string!
Mana Weed: Not everything in this place is truly beneficial in terms of synergy. This plant cannot go extinct, and sucks up the Mana and nutrients of nearby flora to grow. That being said, its highly packed with mana because of it.
Note: Cannot be used to [Cook] or [Craft] anything.
I would've gotten more, but they were ether embedded in a stone mountain, or couldn't be extracted properly.
But the [Mana Vine]... That isn't normal. This indicates that this 'world' of [Work Space] is magical in some aspects.
For the [Poisonous Mushroom], I was thinking of eating them to see if I could gain a [Poison Resistance] skill or effect... but the numbers make me cautious. Using basic math, and assuming that I don't regenerate HP quickly enough, that's already 50 HP being loss. Sure, it might sound like a little, but I have no clue what my HP is.
If I have a 'HP regen' of 1 per second, that would be 40 HP taken off.
I can't just randomly assume that I have 100 HP, because I don't have the typical [Status]. If my HP is at least 51, then I'll test it... but even then, I'll only do it if I have HP regen.
And the [Mana Weed] is something that I'll have to deal with. If it grows just about anywhere that plants can, then it stands to reason that it could hinder the growth of Ayano's farm for potion ingredients.
Sighing, I looked at the other problem... yet filled with excitement because of it.
Farm Dungeons:
Sure, farming your own crops is safe, but its also slow. [Farm Dungeons] are literally [Dungeons] based on agriculture and other related subjects. While the fields around the [Barn] are 'locked', you can 'unlock' them by fulfilling certain conditions.
[Farm Dungeons] give a greater yield than typical farming, but also include enemies and mobs related to what you are trying to farm in the first place. For example, the [Farm Dungeon: Wheat] would have enemies based on [Wheat], [Farm Dungeon: Carrot] would have enemies based on [Carrots], and so forth.
However, be wary: [Fire] and [Lightning] Spells are disabled, while [Water] Spells will increase the stats of 'crop' monsters.
Actual 'dungeons' for monsters, that's something I'm excited about. This now goes into basic economics with the idea [Quality vs Quantity], or rather [Time vs. Effort].
If we go into natural farming, the 'time' would be long... but the results will bear satisfactory results.
With [Dungeons], on the other hand... The amount of 'effort' that goes into defeating the monsters in them will eventually yield drops that will be satisfactory.
The [Farm Dungeons] themselves are right by the [Barn], along with the [Chicken of the Wild], and the [Worm Farms] I set up.
And that's great an all, but... there's now a major problem with the [Work Space], and I need to get into it as soon as possible after Esdeath is freed.
WARNING!
[Work Space] has now developed an [Unstable] Ecosystem!
Outside of the [Dungeons] and [Mines] in this area, there are no natural animals and beasts in it!
Because of this, the current Ecosystem is unstable, due to the [Owner] and [Employees] being the only ones that 'consume' oxygen.
Unless you 'stabilized' this Ecosystem, the plants in [Work Space] will be dealt with a massive penalty on their growth rate, production, and overall abilities!
Damn it!
Just when things were looking up, I have to play 'god' and try to make a food chain for this place!
What can I do about this, when I haven't even unlocked everything yet?
A/N: I... Have no excuse other than being distracted and suffering writer's block. Luckily, got back into it thanks to asukihatashi. Shout out to you for getting me motivated again. Posted a second chapter, so be ready.
Date Posted: 12/23/2020
Omake
SK's (Shopkeeper's) POV:
I rummaged through my clothes, muttering, "That's the fifth shirt this week..."
Due to the lack of a confirmed 'stat grinding' method, I had to resort to exercising daily as part of my routine.
Today is 'Leg Day', where I merely run about and shoot slimes from far away, running to the location to get the drops, and repeat the process.
However, today is 'Laundry Day', and I'm missing one of my shirts. Specifically, the one I just recently worked out in.
Sure, they return to the basket, but it's still weird...
Meanwhile, with Ayano...
Third Person POV:
The camera merely shows the door that leads to Ayano's bedroom. The sounds of someone inhaling deeply are heard from it, along with...
"S-s-shop-kun...! Shop-kun...! SHOP-KUN!"
... In Ayano's voice, moaning, then panting.
Well... At least she's not denying herself what she wants.
Place your bets on how long it'll take until she jumps Shopkeeper's bones.
Ayano's voice then spoke, "Better put this back, then fire tennis balls at me..."