Ayano and I were both in the [Living Quarters], both of us trying to figure out what to do with the screen she has.
Welcome to the [Shop]!
Please select your role:
Enchantress
Potion Brewer
Hunter
Mage
Ayano asked me, "What... does this mean?"
Looking over it, I guessed, "Well... First of all, that 'window' you're seeing is thanks to System. They are pretty much the 'Higher Ups' I mentioned. Or rather, one of them. As for this window itself, I'm guessing that, since you had agreed to join me, that you have to take on a job. Sort of 'pitching in' so that you aren't freeloading."
She nodded along, "Okay... So, what 'job' should I choose?"
Scratching my head, I muttered, "Definitely not Hunter. I already have someone in mind for that. As for the other three, I barely know what they are about. At best, we can only make assumptions. Potion Brewer sounds like what it is: you brew potions and grow ingredients to make them. The only downside I can see from that is the fact that potions will definitely take time to make and brew."
Ayano frowned, nodding, "I see your point. Berries in Pokemon take time to grow. And Enchantress?"
"Best guess? You apply special effects or stat boosts to inanimate items or objects. Pretty much the 'held items' or 'special condition evolution' mechanic for Pokemon. Rituals will definitely be included, since 'curses' and 'blessings' are merely two sides of the same coin. However, the bad news is that it's not even combat orientated."
Ayano agreed, "Meaning that, in a fight, I'll not be able to do anything that much. Like a type disadvantage. What about Mage?"
"Mage, well... It's focused on 'magic' in general. Manipulating the laws of nature, possibly physics, and having the most variety when it comes to spells. The only problem I see is that, should it function like a game, you might have limited magic to use. If anything, it's a 'middle-ground' between Enchantress and Potion Brewer. You'll be able to enchant stuff, but most likely have a smaller 'mana pool' to draw from. You'll be able to brew potions, but I think you'll have to discover them. That being said, a [Mage] will definitely have access to spells for combat."
Ayano blinked, "So, an 'HM Slave'?"
Snorting in amusement, I corrected, "An HM Slave that could use more than 4 moves, yet still has limited PP and baseline stats."
She nodded along and spoke finally, "Since I want to help you out as much as possible..."
She selected [Mage].
Welcome, Ayano Aishi, to the [Shop]!
She jolted in surprise at the voice.
Since you have selected the [Mage] role, you now have access to the [Magic Lab]!
Frowning, I muttered as I shifted to a stand, "You'll get used to it. Speaking of which..."
[Mechanic] Skill gained!
Mechanic (Level 1): The Age of Science is upon us! Or rather... the Dawn of it. You now have the ability to understand, make, and manipulate technology. The higher the level, the faster and better the results will be.
Note: The [Mechanic] Skill can only work when physically touching the parts and/or object, meaning you cannot use [Telekinesis] to build things.
Rubbing my face, I commented, "That's another task completed... but not sure if it was worth it. System? Send us into the [Void World]. It's time to give Ayano the grand tour of this place."
As the 'outside' faded into a floating island in the void, I gestured her to follow me, "Come on. You already saw the hive and farm, you might as well see the rest of what I have."
I took a while, but I gave her the tour of the place, with current set-ups and explanations. She looked interested in the [Mana Fruit], so I told her about the properties they held along with the pie I made with them. She quickly asked me why I'm not cooking anything else, to which I reply...
"Because I'm a terrible chef. I only know the bare basics, and merely follow online step-by-step videos. When I get around to unlocking the 'cooking' skill, I'm instantly going to try and max it out, for the sake of getting gourmet foods or meals you'll get from restaurants."
She looked at me silently, before giving a thumbs up, agreeing, "Game breaking loophole."
Ayano... she's the greatest. Just... the greatest.
I asked her, curiously, "So, do you have any active [Skills], [Quests], or whatnot? First try speaking them."
Both of us sitting on the couch, she finally spoke, "[Skills]."
Instantly, a window popped up for both of us to see.
[Skills]
{LOCKED} - Requirements not fulfilled. Requirement: [Craft] 5 [Wheat Flour] using a grindstone (0/5).
{LOCKED} - Requirements not fulfilled. Requirement: Grow three (3) plant potion ingredients (0/3).
{LOCKED} - Requirements not fulfilled. Requirement: Have two (2) [Familiars] (0/2).
{LOCKED} - Requirements not fulfilled. Requirement: Create ten (10) [Gardening Plots] (0/10).
She frowned, "What... why is it like that?"
I explained, sighing in disappointment, "The way I unlocked my [Skills] were doing specific actions or fulfilling special requirements. Well, at least for the beginning ones. How I got the rest will be revealed later. Right now, let's see if we can knocked out some of your [Quests] quickly. Maybe we can complete the requirements while we're at it."
She made a noise of agreement before speaking, "[Quests]."
Again, much to my surprise, one popped up.
Quest: Green Thumb
Task: Grow five (5) different crops that can be used for [Potions]. (0/5)
Reward: [Mother Nature's Blessing], [HP Potion] recipes, [MP Potion] recipes, ?
Instantly, we both heard System make the cash-register sound-effect.
CHA-CHING!
Ayano grinned... with her face making it seem slightly evil, "Well, this is going to be good..."
...
I slowly stared at her, silently wondering to myself, if the 'Yandere' was actually out of her system... before shaking it off, "One, your face just went... typical 'bad guy' evil. Two, I'm actually not certain what counts for 'ingredients' for potions. I might have one entire orchard of a possible one, but I was busy with other projects to even test the rest of the other ideas. Not to mention I barely even brushed up on making potions in the first place."
She asked, curiously, "And what about that last [Reward]?"
Frowning, I admitted, "Not sure. It's ether an investment, or a product. Let this be the first lesson about how we handle our [Rewards], Ayano: there is no 'useless' or 'joke' rewards, only investments and 'rainy-day' stuff stored up."
Ayano seemed to take the words to heart, nodding slightly as I began, "So, shall we see what [Familiars] would help you out?"
She soon had an eager look on her face as I chuckled.
Step 1 of curbing a violent Yandere employee: make sure they get the tools they need when working for you.
Arriving at the [Pet Shop], we browsed through what Familiar Eggs were available. Ayano asked, "So, what do you recommend?"
I soon explained my reasoning, "Well, people who play MMORPG games try to center their avatars around a certain role, sort of attempting to create 'synergy' with their equipment and character role. But since we both don't have any [Stats] in the usual sense, I think we should try to get you some [Familiars] that will help you with magic in general. Potion focused ones can come later."
We ended up narrowing it down towards a selected five.
[Sprite Familiar Egg] - A magical sentient ball of light that can provide information about the terrain and what to use for spells.
[Weather Sheep Familiar Egg] - A sheep that can control the weather. It's wool, when used, allows one to infuse elemental magic much easier.
[Neko Familiar Egg] - A magical cat that, when present during any magical occurrence, boosts the affects of them. Spell costs are halved, floral potion ingredients grow more rapidly, and can learn spells on its own.
[Soap Dragon Familiar Egg] - A serpentine dragon that not only flies, but leaves a trail of bubbles. A double edged sword, due to its 'soap' able to 'wash away' any changes to stats. However, maybe you can use this slippery substance to your advantage...
[Solar Wolf Familiar Egg] - A white wolf with the power of the sun. Major affinity for nature, but... is it really a magical wolf?
Ayano instantly butted in before I could make a comment, "The [Sprite] will be weak in the long run."
That... was some weird, yet truthful reasoning. If you get used to doing something, then wouldn't your tools be obsolete?
She continued, "The [Weather Sheep] could be part of the [Farm] for a material source."
Also true... and something I haven't thought about, but will take note of.
"The [Neko] is most versatile, but normal cats are lazy."
... What? Where did she get that from? Wait... right, the part where it 'learns spells on its own' could easily translate to 'learn spells to do anything it wants and needs to do'...
"Not enough information on the [Soap Dragon]."
... Why am I thinking of a fairy-dragon from Monster Hunter?
"[Solar Wolf] is a gamble, yet something useful in the long run."
She's... really taking the first lesson to heart, isn't she?
Ayano turned to me, "What do you recommend?"
I began, slightly lost for words, "I... I honestly wasn't going to say that about the eggs. The [Sprite] is good for recon. The [Weather Sheep] was something I honestly forgot about in terms of hatching a flock, but thought it was a good way to work on manipulating materials. [Neko] is something I was going to poke fun at with the Western 'witches and cats' cliche. [Soap Dragon] would be good for sterilizing everything, and even making it harder for living and animate targets from escaping. As for the [Solar Wolf], I was prepared to tell you to take it, for the sake of having a guard dog to protect you."
She slowly turned pink, "Oh... So-"
I interrupted, "I want you to do what you want. If I control you too much, then you'll be little more than a simple slave. I'm new to this, remember? I barely know how the Higher Ups operate, and just go with the flow."
And I was speaking the truth. Many 'normal' Gamers usually direct their party members in a certain direction. Sure, those members 'grow' and 'mature', but how much of it is truly by their own free will and how much of it is because the 'Gamer' was a demanding 'parent' with their (relatively) high charisma? With [Charisma], what is the difference between 'suggestions' and 'orders'?
Exercise independence, even if your situation doesn't allow much of it. Deal with the consequences of your actions, and don't make them spiral out of control.
I added, "But aside from that, they all have hatching conditions. Not sure what they are, but we have to be practical. Remember that 'tank' I told you about?"
She nodded, "The lizard-egg, right?"
"Well, it needs to be submerged in a strong acid, within an acid-proof container."
She went silent at that, "... Why?"
"If you can access the internet, look up SCP-682. That's all I have to say on that. So, what are you picking?"
She quickly turned and carefully examined the eggs, before picking the [Neko Familiar Egg] and the [Solar Wolf Familiar Egg].
Neko Familiar Egg
Hatching Conditions: 3 [Cooked Fish Fillets] of any kind within a 2 foot radius of it, resting on a cat-bed inside an urban area
Solar Wolf Familiar Egg
Hatching Conditions: Noon, resting on a patch of grass in an open field with trees surrounding the edge of the clearing, plates of fruits and/or Asian-based dishes within a 3 feet radius
Ayano blinked, wondering, "Are they that easy...?"
Looking back at the [Living Quarters], I mused, "Well... I do have some salmon and a rice cooker... maybe we should focus on the [Neko] first. Feels much more simpler, despite the weird circumstances."
"... Salt and Pepper?"
"Definitely going to season it that way, yeah. Start off simple, and not with a one-star dish."
"... Sounds like a plan, Shop-kun."
Internally groaning, it only confirmed something that I saw as another thing to manipulate...
Ayano Aishi is still a Yandere.
One grilling session later...
Ayano was feeding Kuro, her newly hatched [Neko Familiar], some sardines as we walked back to the [Farm].
The way the egg hatches into a [Familiar]... It's pretty much like how a Pokemon hatches from an egg, but without the super blinding light-show.
The cat itself was mainly a dark blue, almost able to be mistaken as black at a glance. Both of its eyes were green, and it pretty much was an ordinary household cat...
"System: make a note to not leave any fragile items on 'breaking' heights around this Familiar."
Noted.
Ayano swatted me playfully as I looked over towards the 'berry' plot I set up.
[Mana Berry] - A berry that, when ingested, allows a burst of mana regen. Can be used to make foods.
Effect: Restores 10 MP each
Seeing me look at it, she blinked in surprise as the information displayed, before asking curiously, "... [Mana Berry Pie]?"
I admitted, still staring at it, "Maybe, but it might count as a [Mana Fruit Pie]... [Mana Berry Pancakes]?"
"It could work."
"Great. So, Ayano? Quick question before we continue on our journey through the omniverse."
She raised an eyebrow, before blinking as I asked,
"Do you believe that you are worth the effort of working for me?"
Looking confused, I further explained, holding nothing back, "I'm now a businessman. An owner. You are now an investment. Sure, I'm interacting with you and helping you out, but the amount of materials I spend on you are not the only problem. The problem, is time. What's your worth to me in the future by a month? A year, even? What about a decade? Don't take me wrong, I'm happy and okay with company, but that's pretty much mental health at minimum. I need variety and massive values for the [Shop]. Every second I teach you things is a second wasted on what I could be doing instead. With my future [Employee], I know for sure that they'll be worth the investment in the near future. But you? Aside from your 'role', what can you do that will help me in the long run is something only you can determine by your own actions. So again... Do you believe that you are a worthy 'investment' to me?"
She looked at me in fright... and I mentally winced at it, but only worried about the truth. If she is a Yandere, then I'll use it to my advantage and make her work for it. In her 'baseline' game, she was able to not only be an 'expert' elementary combatant, but also an 'expert' elementary chef, actor, and every other 'club' activity there is... in theory.
I'll admit that my mind in unconventional, but it sometimes work. After all... why waste someone that would literally kill anyone that stands in their way of your love? I always imagined using a Yandere as a 'tool', or 'disposable weapon' in which I get 'close' to the person I want gone... and let the Yandere eliminate them. And if I change my mind, then I'll say something about how I'll 'shut out love' or 'they're a great friend'. If the Yandere is close by, I could mention how I would 'love' anyone if they did a certain action, causing the Yandere to do the action in an effort to get romantically closer to me.
If they get caught killing someone? They'll be shipped off towards the mental hospital so that they could get better. If they find out? Call the authorities and claim that they are a stalker I just noticed. If they find out about my manipulations? Just spin it so that I wanted to see how far they are willing to go for me.
This is my gamble... but if I'm going to have to work with a Yandere, I might as well make the best of her mindset. After all... the worst thing a Yandere could go through while their 'Sempai' is alive, is being left behind before even getting a chance.
Am I cruel for treating this as a video game and manipulating people into doing what I want? Yes.
Would I be a fool for NOT taking up on the chance? Yes.
Ayano gained a determined look, "I do."
I spoke two words, mentally grinning as I knew this is where Ayano's true worth is determined.
"Prove it."
And I watched her get to work.
Leaving Ayano to do her own thing, I finished up on making [Mana Berry Pancakes]... and it worked.
Sadly, it merely tasted like it was slathered in syrup and butter. No other effects.
Still tasty, though. Plus, unlocked the [Cooking] skill.
Cooking (Level 1): What kind of roast do you want? Because you better not make an 'idiot sandwich'!
Dish Results: Not quite 'restaurant', but not exactly 'instant ramen'.
I'm going to so dump all of the [Mana Fruit] dishes into this.
Now, time to try out that [Weekly Lottery] thing.
Weekly Lottery!
A game of chance for the loot you get.
State a single word for a topic, and a random loot will be received!
Note: Can only be used once per week, and other [Employees] cannot 'roll' for a reward.
Resulting reward includes living/metaphroical/cursed subjects.
"Huh..."
This... is something. In better terms, it's more of a weekly [Enchantment Lottery Crate], but only using words instead of an object.
Pros: Due to the 'size limit' of the crates, there's no problem with the factor of 'size' being a limit for the result. If the word is 'mobile', then I could 'win' a huge camper, or even a massive walking house.
Cons: A word can be subjective. While the crates are more 'focused', this type of 'lottery' could work like a search engine, but more random. See the types of [SCP] there are out there.
...
Maybe I can work with this.
After all, even if it's random... I could at least try to narrow down the 'variables' with a single word. After all, 'panda' is more specific than 'monochrome'. So, it stands to reason that 'single word' fandoms would narrow it down greatly. However... the margin for error is still huge. From using 'Pokemon', I risk summoning an angry Arceus that has unlimited uses for Perish Song. The world of RWBY means that I would be risking Grimm. And even if YuGiOh counts as 'one word', I risk the freaking Egyptian God Cards being summoned.
Names would be a bigger problem, factoring in the omniverse. Misaka would most likely encompass everything from Last Order, to Worst, to the Clones, to the Electric Tsundere Queen herself. And what about John? Would pronunciation be factored in? There's Jaune Arc, and then there's John Constantine. Both of their names sound the same, but have different spelling.
If it's 'narrowed down' by typing, would the spelling factor in? What about intent? While silly, there's horse and hoarse. There's also spring as in the metal coil, and Spring as in one of the four seasons.
But the absolutely worst part is how subjective it could be. From merely the word Jasmine, the results could be: the Disney Princess herself, the flower, or the color of an object. If I put in Snow, there's: Princess Snow White, Winter snow, and even 'L.A. Snow'.
What I need... is a single word that makes little room for error. I also need to make sure that I could make use of the 'result', regardless of what it is, in the long run of things...
Wait...
What about fictional 21st century alien species? Fictional 21st century devices? Heck, what about mythological creatures?
"Hm..."
Shaking it off, I refocused myself. "Needs to first have zero sentience and motor function..." I'm not going to risking the word Stand and end up with summoning a baseline [Notorious B.I.G.].
I went on, muttering, "It also needs to be something that cannot be misinterpreted." Because if the Xenomorphs proved anything in their movies, there's a difference between the Predator alien hunters, and predator animals like lions and tigers.
Frowning, I concluded, "But more importantly... it needs to be something I need, or will need..."
And the only thing that has a 'neutral' side, yet also the most useful, is...
"[Weekly Lottery]. Subject: Upgrade."
Instantly, a bar of color appeared, rapidly changing like it was a 'wheel of fortune' type of thing.
It quickly settled on 'neon green', with the following words on it:
[Extraction Chamber Upgrade]
Huh... Haven't use that in a while, I'll admit.
Looking over the description, it was mainly just increasing the size and speed of the thing. Apparently, it upgrades the interior from 'cold locker' to '4 shipping containers'... Something I greatly approve of and instantly 'installed'.
However... it costs a massive amount of [Shop Points], with a massive 'build time'. About ten years, to be exact... Luckily, I can spend 1 quadrillion [Shop Points] to take off half of the current duration. So, I quickly spent it. However, it now had a requirement of 5 million diamonds fully grown from [Diamond Seeds] to reduce the time by half.
That... is something I'll have to check in on with the [Xenomorphs] later.
Heading to the [Living Quarters Kitchen], I quickly got to work on my dinner... and found myself startled at the massive amount of recipes in my head. It's sort of like... having a cooking guide and 'auto-pilot' in my head.
All of the recipes were there, but they are 'proportionate' to my current [Cooking] level. However, they also felt strangely... 'temporary', like they are on the edge of being forgotten yet I still remember them clearly.
It is a weird feeling.
Shaking it off, I selective [Beef and Broccoli] and... ended up [Fixing] two bowls of it.
Strangely like how [Repair] was like in the beginning.
Putting the pots and pans in the dishwasher, I alerted Ayano:
Shopkeeper: Ayano? I'm done making dinner. They're in the dining room of [Living Quarters].
Ayano: Arigato, Shop-kun. I'll be there in a moment, almost done finishing something.
The next 'day'...
Yawning, I made myself breakfast before plopping down, thinking of what jobs would be needed.
Definitely a 'tech-wiz', for the sake of high-speed information gathering. Magic is useful, but only in its flexibility. Mechanical and circuitry based devices are potentially more durable, and have high information gathering speeds.
I'll also need someone who can manipulate and anticipate what groups of people will respond to things, meaning a 'economic socialist' or some sort of 'social manipulator'. Maybe a 'showboat' in case of promoting products for the public or on the black market.
Hm... Maybe a 'farmer', in the sense of crops and ranchers. [Ingredients] are not only a staple in creating [Items], but also useful for 'trading' stuff. Not only that, but with Esdeath (eventually) handling 'mob drops', she will have little to no time to stop and gather 'potion ingredients'.
Actually, speaking of food...
"Hey, System-"
Yes, you can get fat.
The limit to HP/MP items that you consume is limited to your stomach.
So, it stands to reason that the nutrients are also going to affect your body.
... Adding a 'scientist' to that list, too.
But now that I think about it, it's always something that's glossed over in various videogames. The Feast. That cliche were, if your low on health, you can eat a literal buffet of food to restore your health up to full... with no limits as to how 'hungry' or 'full' you get.
Well... I guess that's the first goal of the [Shop]: make something to combat The Feast.
[Group Goal Quest] created!
The Hungry!: One of the Seven Deadly Sins is Gluttony. It's usually associated with eating disorders, being fat, etc. Let's do something about that.
Task: Create an item that combats [The Feast].
Time Limit: N/A
(A/N: There's nothing wrong with being overweight or fat. You shouldn't feel ashamed of your body's look or weight. Do what you feel is best for your body yet makes you happy, and don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.)
[Group Goal Quests]
These are special quests that not only benefit all of those working towards it, but also a reward in of itself.
After all, hard work is it's own reward when it is accomplished.
Yeah... That's right... I'm the [Shopkeeper], and what we do in games is help the player along.
Even if we don't get any credit for helping them on their journey.
Ayano entered the kitchen, yawning as she greeted, "Good morning, Shop-kun. What's the plan for today?"
Chuckling, I asked my first [Employee], "Well, we have an 'end goal' for our first accomplishment. Tell me, Ayano... What's your opinion on The Feast mechanic in videogames?"
There's only one problem.
To gather more resources, and have access to them...
I need to complete [World Quests].
And the one I need to complete right now is...
[Resident Evil 4]
A/N: So... I guess we're now moving into what 'motivates' our MC.
I'll be honest, that [The Hungry!] Quest was something that popped into my head after reading this real-life manga called "Leveling Up, By Only Eating!"
The story is currently at chapter 14 at the time of writing this, but it shows a lot of promise and is a bit different from most 'videogame isekai' themed anime and manga. If anything, it reminds me of BOFURI. And... it's actually a bit depressing at the beginning, but you'll begin to drool as you read on.
But back to the story and manga. See, The Feast is something that's common and glossed over in various ways. Not to mention, I see various [Gamer] stories involve drinking [Potions] yet NOT have the urge to use the bathroom after the freaking liquid passes through their digestive track.
Seriously...
Anyway, enough rambling on that.
Stay safe, everyone!
For this chapter's reviews, I actually want something that I need all of your help with. Yes, that means you too, 'Guest' reviewers.
The question I have is this:
What is one of the game mechanics that always bothers you due to the realistic and/or logical explanations?
i.e.: 'The Feast' means that either the character should have a stomach that makes them 'full' despite HP, or the stomach should've ruptured and broke open 'meals' ago...
9/9/2020: I only have two words... Wakanda Forever.
Expect a tribute in chapter 13.
9/20/20: If any of you are wondering about the delay... I got a Discord, and got stuck a few times on chapter 13, ironically...
Completed Writing: 6/7/2020
Posted: 9/20/2020