AN: This is the last 'intro' savvy chapter to cover the system, but I tried to make it fun. Hope you enjoy.
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Chapter 2: The System.
"Huh." Axel grunted intelligently as he scratched his ass and viewed the area outside his front door. Gone was the narrow, graffiti-covered alleyway. Gone was the apartment building squatting atop his restaurant. Gone was the position of the sun that should not have been facing his front door at seven in the morning.
In its place was an imitation of Venice with a sprawling metropolis of a city in the distance that he didn't recall moving to. "Well, that's interesting."
Axel slowly closed the door, blinked, opened it again to double-check, closed it again, and returned to his kitchen with a thoughtful look.
He raised a finger, dropped it, raised it again, scratched his stomach, shrugged, and opened his fridge. 'I'm thinking a classic American breakfast. Pancakes, eggs, and bacon. Did I buy fresh coffee beans?'
Axel continued with his morning, either intentionally or uncaringly, ignoring the blue floating screen consistently flashing from the locked basement door in his stairway. He had taken one look at it when he walked down the stairs, blinked, and turned away with a shrug to go grab the mail.
It did not matter that it kept going off like a toaster oven.
It did not matter that it kept flashing like a strobe light.
All that mattered was breakfast and making his pancakes a geometrical masterpiece.
'With coffee in hand, there is no noise, nor distraction, that man cannot drive out from his conscious mind.' Axel nodded sagely as he drank his morning brew. Not leaving his seat till the last drop was finished, he enjoyed his early day inner peace.
The noise and strobe-like effect only increased in an almost excited way as he entered the kitchen, only to stop short as Axel turned sharply to the sink to wash his dishes.
If one could generate a feeling of aggravation through toaster dings and neon flashing blue lights, Axel bore witness to none of the linguistic phenomena as he lined the dish rack with the ease of a NYC resident drowning out a terrorist bombing on his way to work.
Only after the dish went out to dry and he refilled his coffee cup did he address the odd situation he had woken up to and walked over to the basement door. "So, what are you supposed to be?"
[Shop System Unlocked!]
"Is that so?"
[Initiate Tutorial?]
"Hn."
[Please press your hand against the door.]
"And?"
[And then proceed inside.]
"To do what?"
[…]
Experiencing the feeling of an inanimate object becoming speechless was a surreal experience. More so because he had coffee.
[Shop System locked.]
"Hn." Axel nodded and sipped his drink. "Guess I'll take a shower." And with that, he turned and left up the stairs with a yawn.
[…]
0000
An hour later, a refreshed Axel returned down the stairs, rubbing his head with a towel to see the door flashing again in a far dimmer, more subdued light.
[Shop System Unlocked]
"…"
[…]
The door silently slid open with an unspoken request.
"Alright, alright, let's see what Uncle Jeff was hiding in his basement."
He stepped through the doorway and found a descending tunnel filled with large slabs of stairs lit by torchlight.
The blue screen lit up on the wall as he walked. [Tutorial initiated. Welcome User, to the Shop System. A multiversal system supplying users with the shops of their dreams.]
"Hn. Why?"
[Not important.]
"Ok. Why me?"
[The previous User paid for the inheritance perk. Play recorded message?]
The blue screen flickered, and a paused video popped up. Axel's steps froze as he beheld the smiling face of his beloved uncle with a flicker of emotion passing through his eyes. "Play it."
{Testing, testing, is this video thing working?} His uncle's iconic booming voice brought a genuine smile to Axel's face as he watched the giant man look off-screen for a moment and nod happily. {Good! I'll keep this short. If you see this message, I'm six feet under, and you have stumbled on my greatest secret. Axel, you brat, I hope it's you who finds it.} The man pointed a large finger at the screen and smiled wide. {This thing is pretty cool, eh? Just came to me one day and confused me quite a bit when I wandered off into a new world. But the payoff was more than worth it. In case of my death, I paid for this Shop System to wait around in my place for twenty years for someone to pass my requirements, and I have a feeling it's going to be you.}
'How did he know I would get it?'
{I never got along with your mother, and the man she married only enhanced her worse qualities. But I saw the spark in your eyes when I had you over. I know the eyes of a man who found love in making food, and if anyone would fulfill my requirements, I hoped it would be you.}
'Uncle…'
{Of course, even a janitor could fulfill my requirements, so it's mostly based on luck for you to inherit this.}
'…..Uncle.'
{There were only three things you needed. Being related to me. Showing my kitchen the due respect it deserves with your own hands. And making a heartfelt meal with the old tools I'll make sure are left behind. The shop will actively resist being altered by third parties until the twenty-year period ends. Still, if it weren't for that first requirement, I'm sure anyone could have eventually stumbled on this. Sure hope it's you, Axel! Hahaha!}
'…'
{Anyway, if you're seeing this, whoever you are, the shop system is yours from now on. I won't spoil the surprise, but it was the greatest thing that ever happened to me, aside from finding my love of food. Trust in it and read the descriptions thoroughly so you don't get a mess of abilities like I had. If I'm dead, that's probably the reason something managed to do me in. But this message isn't about me. The journey is yours from now on, so get out there and live it to the fullest.}
The video ended there with the man giving his iconic thumbs up, radiating optimistic enthusiasm, and Axel could only stare silently at the only family member he wished he could have had more time with. 'It's not fair…'
But then, the video flickered, and a new one replaced it with his uncle in the same pose. {Oh, and one more thing. Axel, I know it's you who will see this. I don't know how long it will take or how old you will be, but I know only you would have the will and desire to take on my old place before the twenty-year timer ended. No matter what happened for you to end up here, no matter what you succeeded or failed with, know that here and now, I'm proud of you. For you to stand there and see this means you kept the lessons I left you with. It's not about the money or fame; it's about the heart and soul of a chef being dedicated to his craft. No matter where life takes you, as long as you never betray that, I will never stop looking down on you proudly. Do me proud, kid.}
A sole tear went down Axel's cheek as he looked away from that look of sheer confidence on his Uncle's face. But even so, a bright smile couldn't help but force its way onto his face. 'Stupid old man, stop trying to be cool.'
The video flicked a final time.
{And remember, CONSTANT CLEANLINESS!} The voice boomed through the tunnel, and Axel dropped to his knees with a wince at the ensuing echo.
'Son of a bitch planned that.'
Uncle Jeff winked his way before the video finally stopped on that shit-eating smirk.
[Recording End.]
'No shit.' Axel grumbled and wobbled back up to his feet, trying to get the ringing out of his head. 'And just like that, I'm not missing him anymore. Well played, Uncle.'
A chuckle suddenly came to him, a chuckle that turned into a laugh, a laugh that had him bursting with a dozen different emotions for a solid minute before he slowly calmed down. 'You old bastard.'
He looked toward the screen and nodded once, suddenly feeling lighter than he had in a long while. 'I'll see you around, Mr. Incredible.'
He tapped the screen, and the video flickered out.
[Inheritance package complete. Please proceed to the central pedestal.]
"Yeah, sure." Axel continued down the stairs, approaching a large doorway into a dark space. "Can't see in here. Lights?"
[Default settings set by the previous user; please clap.]
"….Uncle, I suddenly feel more respect for you."
He brought his hands together and clapped, activating a flood of lights that turned on one after another, revealing a space that should not have been possible beneath his shop.
Axel stood on a smooth concrete and metal scaffold with giant steps leading down to a massive chamber the size of an arena. An arena shaped like a massive dome lined with flat square tiles, metallic walls, and the upper scaffold going all the way around like a ring.
Down inside, rows of large rectangular counters made of various materials stood one after the other to one side, all with sinks embedded in their design. Giant chains hung from another area over a series of large drainage caps. And an assortment of various sized stoves and grills stood to another area.
Yet even with all of it, the chamber was massive and mostly empty. Turning his head to the side, Axel could see six doors spread around on the scaffold, showing there was even more to be found in the space.
"What the fuck?"
[The Shop System changes to fit the needs of the user. As the last user chose the Inheritance package and the new user is focused on culinary arts, some of the benefits have been passed on. If the current user chooses a different profession or wishes for a reset, the current space will be returned to its default setting. Do you wish to reset?]
Axel read the script, looked at the area around him, and looked back. "I'm good."
[Very well. Please proceed to the central pedestal.]
Axel blinked and looked down, only now noticing a thin pedestal rising from the center of the arena-like space. "That?"
[Yes.]
"Ok."
His steps echoed in the space as he silently marveled at the surreal experience. Like being inside a spherical indoor football stadium alone in the middle of the night. 'Needs music, and this would be a kickass workplace.'
The lines of kitchen counters made his hands itch, but he resisted with the simple fact that he had nothing to work on.
The pedestal stood like a church podium, with a flat stone tablet resting on top. The blue screen moved to hover above it as he approached.
[Place a hand on the tablet for system integration.]
"What's that?"
[System integration fundamentally changes the user's body down to the soul and cellular level, healing genetic disorders, internal injuries, and allowing for rapid changes in physical, mental, and spiritual abilities based on the user's future choices and actions. Furthermore, the user will gain access to remote system screens connected to the main pedestal for sub-system uses.]
"Like a Bluetooth connection."
[It is a highly complex magic ritual connected to various states of existence and…]
"Like a Bluetooth connection."
[… Please press a hand on the tablet to proceed.]
"Hn." Axel reached out for it just as another message came up.
[Warning, integration process is highly…]
His hand came down on the tablet, and Axel lost motor control over his body.
[Painful.]
"…"
[…User is advised to stay conscious for as long as possible for full integration]
'Dick move.'
A spark of electricity was Axel's only warning before his body lit up like a Christmas tree without him being able to make a sound.
A pain unlike any he had felt before settled through him in ways words couldn't describe. It found places he had never consciously been aware of before and poked them with a high-powered cattle prod fit for an elephant.
Somewhere in the deep throes of internal agony, a part of his mind that tried to escape the stress had to wonder if he was experiencing what it felt like to grab an electric eel.
How long he stood there, locked in place, he couldn't say, but at some point, he blacked out and woke up on the floor next to the pedestal.
'Ow.'
There was no physical evidence of what he just experienced, but the phantom sensations were still going strong as his muscles twitched. He pushed himself up and rolled his jaw with a frown.
"Ow."
He felt it had to be said twice for the hell he just went through. Only then did he pay attention to the flashing blue screen floating in front of his face, this time directly in his line of sight.
[Integration successful. Welcome, Axel Marq, as the new registered user.]
Axel deadpanned at it. "For future reference, put the warnings first before performing an action."
[Noted.]
He rolled his eyes and pushed up against the pedestal on wobbly feet before he examined himself fully. "I don't feel any different?" He took a deep breath and paused at how smooth it felt. "I'm breathing easier?"
[Integration has corrected genetic disorders, rejuvenated atrophied muscle groups, purged toxin buildup from the User's lungs, and offset early signs of long-term damage to the lungs from decompression sickness.]
"Oh." Axel rolled his shoulders experimentally and marveled at how smooth everything felt. 'A mix of my mother's drinking habits while pregnant, years of working in small kitchens with noxious fumes and cleaning supplies, that year in College where I got into smoking before I quit for an ex, and my deep sea dives were all accumulating damages. Who knew?' He did a few jumps before turning to the screen. "Is anything else supposed to happen?"
[Please choose a Class and Skill set at the Pedestal.]
"You're really big on this pedestal thing. What happened to my Bluetooth?"
[Remote access is for sub-systems. The pedestal is a direct connection to the core and is used to make changes to the User or the Shop.]
"Hn. What are you anyway? An AI or something?"
[….Recalibrating User's Wisdom statistics.]
"You can do that?"
[The System's purpose is the indirect assistance of the User's growth both as an individual and a shop. The Shop System is responsive and cannot take action without input.]
"Huh, what else can you do?"
[The Pedestal is required for change. Inside the shop, the User may use remote access to use unlocked shop functions. Outside the shop, the system will be disconnected from the core and may only offer assistance through projecting analyzed data.]
"Interesting." Axel nodded at the simple answer and turned to the Pedestal. "Now, what's this about a Class? Sounds like a video game."
Sadly, Axel wasn't much of a gamer. The last decade of his life was spent in school, work, occasional trips to dive, or sleeping, with little in the way of personal pleasures. He wasn't totally out of the loop, having enjoyed games and fantasy genres in small pockets, but he was practically a novice in most areas.
[The system provides the User with a personalized growth path explained through the logic of a game for ease of use. Statistics have shown that users are far more motivated if growth is demonstrated in numerical form.]
"Hm, makes sense, I suppose. I did that in College to keep track of my workout schedule before…well, before I got busy." A trace of warmth left his eyes at the remembrance of his last few years before he shook it off. "Anyway, show me what you got."
[Understood. Please access the Pedestal.]
"Not gonna shock me this time?"
[No.]
Axel hummed and flicked the tablet before it lit up with a larger, more solid system screen than the one he was looking at before.
[User: Axel Marc]
[Mode: Restaurant]
[World Travel]
Three tabs were available for viewing. 'Hm…let's go in reverse here.'
He started with World Travel.
[World Travel - Picture the world which you desire to go to among unlocked options, and then open the door. Toggle off worlds to disable the connection.
Earth {1674} (Online)
Gourmet World {3487} (Online)
Unlock New Option: 1 Shop Point]
'Gourmet World?' His eyes shined in interest, but he pushed it aside momentarily. 'I'll geek out later.'
[Mode: Restaurant – The Shop System has been tailored for a restaurant-style experience. Users can purchase various functions in the store to enhance their journey.
Available SP: 3 – Gain a Shop Point every 5 class levels or through special achievements.
Unlocked:
Default: [Language Translation] – All common languages are understood inside the shop.
Default: [No Questions Asked] – Curiosity about how the shop functions is normal. However, those who dig deeper will find themselves suddenly uninterested in finding answers. This effect vanishes on individuals if the User explains it.
Default: [Nothing To See Here] – The basement access door will not hold interest in the minds of a viewer unless granted access.
Inherited: [Basement Dome lvl 5] – The essential workshop of any crafter, designed to the specifications of a chef. Space Expanded by 500%. Self-repairing. Sanitation is available upon request. Customizable side chambers. Ingredient Preservation. All harm from status effects are disabled within the dome. Recovery is enhanced by 200% within the dome.
Shop Options:
[Apartment Upgrades.]
[Basement Upgrades.]
[Blacklist] – Blacklisted customers will find themselves losing complete interest in finding the shop, directly or indirectly. This does not apply to memories of products available inside the shop. The customer must have stepped into the shop at least once to be marked.
[Building Durability Lvl 1] - Increase the total durability of the shop's structure. Every purchase of this function increases the total durability of all walls, floors, furniture, and utilities by 20%. Furniture removed from the shop loses this bonus.
[Calming Scent Lvl 1] – All who enter will find themselves relaxing through a scent that calms them. Higher levels grant various benefits.
[Currency Conversion Lvl 1] – Any common currency of connected worlds may be converted through the cash register. Higher levels grant various benefits.
[Customer Aversion Field Lvl 1] – Passing pedestrians easily ignore your shop. Higher levels grant various benefits.
[Customer Attraction Field Lvl 1] – Passing pedestrians will be more interested in your shop. Higher levels grant various benefits.
[Direct Storage Access] – Summon and deposit ingredients in basement storage to the main floor kitchen.
[Dishwasher] – Automatically cleans, dries, and places dishes back in cabinets as soon as they enter the sink.
[Ingredient Shop] - Spend a shop point to purchase any ingredient you have previously used in the shop's kitchen.
[Language Acquisition lvl 1] – You are able to speak and read all common languages outside of the shop. Higher levels grant various benefits.
[Legal Confusion] – Attempts to sue or gain control of the shop through legal channels will ultimately fail, often leading lawyers to early retirement.
[Pest and Rodent Removal lvl 1] – All common pests and rodent breeds are immediately removed from the premises. Higher levels grant various benefits.
[Restaurant Repairs lvl 1] – All damages to the shop will be repaired at a slow rate. Higher levels speed up recovery time.
[Stove Upgrade] – Stoves can reach higher and more controlled temperatures.
[Tax Evasion] – Flip the bird to all governmental bodies. The shop does not pay taxes. Any taxes.
…..]
The list continued, but Axel quickly tuned it out when he saw [Pest and Rodent Removal].His mind zeroed in on it like a cat with a laser pointer. 'My nemesis.'
[Tax Evasion] called to a different part of him, but to a man who worked in half a dozen restaurants throughout various areas of New York State and Atlanta, Georgia, there was no greater enemy than pests and rodents. 'Roaches, rats, lice, termites, bed bugs….'
A thousand-yard stare echoed deep in his gaze before his finger flew to the option fast enough to bruise the bone.
[Pest and Rodent Removal lvl 1
Price: 1 SP
Purchase? Yes/No]
There was no hesitation.
[Pest and Rodent Removal lvl 1 activated.]
A sound not dissimilar to a shock from an electric bug zapper rung throughout the building from top to bottom, and a deep, soothing calm came over Axel's soul. 'Is it wrong that this moment is more touching than Uncle Jeff's final message?'
The answer to that went unsaid as he basked in the moment before checking the next level of the function.
[Pest and Rodent Removal lvl 2 – Benefits now apply to microscopic and uncommon pests and rodents.
Price: 2 SP.]
'Grrr, must resist.' The first purchase might have been spontaneous, but he could at least justify it to himself. Going further would be pushing it.
Only after he was through with that did he allow himself to whistle at the inherited benefit. 'Damn, you were really crazy about this dome, Uncle.' He took another look around the place with a new sense of appreciation, just now noticing how revitalized he actually felt in the room. 'I'll check out the side rooms later.' He turned back to the list and read it over. 'Quite a few options here. I'll decide what to spend the other two points on later.'
He switched to the last and first option to click on.
[User: Axel Marc.
Class: (Please Select a Class)
Active Skills: 0/5
Passive Skills: 0/5
MP: 100/100 – Mana Recovery set to 1% a minute.]
"I'm a wizard, Harry?"
[…]
"I can do magic?"
[System integration jumpstarts latent abilities. Mana is collected and generated through the soul. All beings with souls have the potential for harnessing mana; however, not all beings are born in worlds rich in mana, nor are they born with a stable channel to access said mana.]
"So?"
[Yes. User has access to magic. Please choose a Class and Skillset.]
"Hn." The background information was interesting, but he wasn't a scholarly type unless it involved food. "How are Class options generated?"
[Classes are generated based on the User's life experience.]
His finger moved to the Class selection button, and a short list appeared.
[Available Classes:
Chef (Common)
Baker (Common)
Butcher (Uncommon)
Dive Master (Uncommon)
Dimensional Chef (Rare) ]
"Dimensional Chef."
[System advises that User…]
"Dimensional Chef. Final choice."
[Understood. Dimension Chef chosen. Displaying changes.]
[Class: Dimensional Chef – A rare combination of Chef and Dimensional Traveler. Not even dimensional displacement will douse the flames of your passion.
All culinary-related skill percentage boosts are doubled within a kitchen.
Knowledge Retention and Muscle Memory are enhanced by 10% for a dish previously made.
Your body adapts to any realm like a natural inhabitant.
Once a day, the user may consume high-nutrient ingredients to boost the Immune System, Digestive System, Cardiovascular System, and Pain by 250%.]
Immediately following the notification were over half a dozen pop ups making chime sounds ring in his ears.
[Active Skill: Flame Generation lvl 1 – Gained
- Create flames out of mana. You are 25% more resistant to fire and heat.]
[Active Skill: Water Generation lvl 1 – Gained
- Create water out of mana. You are 25% more resistant to water and cold.]
[Active Skill: Butchering lvl 1 – Gained
- You gain intuitive knowledge on how to butcher a corpse for edible parts. +25% (50% in a kitchen) increase in strength and dexterity when dealing with a corpse.]
[Active Skill: Item Box lvl 1 – Gained
- A dimensional pocket that supports up to 100 pounds of weight.]
[Passive Skill: Cooking lvl 1
- Be a master of culinary skills and techniques, either innately or through training. +25% (50% in a kitchen) increase in Motor Control, Hand-Eye coordination, and Reflexes when cooking.]
[Passive Skill: Kitchen Knife Proficiency lvl 1 – Gained
- A kitchen knife is to a chef what a paintbrush is to a painter. +25% (50% in a kitchen) increase in strength and dexterity when handling a kitchen knife.]
[Passive Skill: Frying Pan Proficiency lvl 1 – Gained
- Be a master of the way of the frying pan. Between Heaven and Earth, none may escape your pan. +25% (50% in a kitchen) increase in Strength and Endurance when handling a Frying Pan.]
[Passive Skill: Flame and Water Manipulation lvl 1 – Gained
- Your control over existing fire and water increases by 25%.]
"Do you mind turning down the sound of those chimes?"
[Notification sound set to low.]
"Thank you."
Axel rubbed his forehead at the strange sensation and opened his skill list.
[Active Skills: 4/5
Flame Generation lvl 1
Water Generation lvl 1
Butchering lvl 1
Item Box lvl 1
(Please select an active skill)
Passive Skills: 4/5
Cooking lvl 1
Kitchen Knife Proficiency lvl 1
Frying Pan Proficiency lvl 1
Flame and Water Manipulation lvl 1
(Please select a passive skill) ]
"Why were so many skills chosen for me?"
[Class selection impacts the available skills as well as skill slots.]
"Fair enough." He opened his hand and thought about his first skill, immediately feeling a warmth flow through his body before orange flames appeared floating above his hand, bringing not only heat but a sense of childlike excitement. "I could get used to this."
His hand closed into a fist, shutting off the flame with a gesture even if he only had to will it so. 'Flame on. Flame off. Flame on. Flame off. This is pretty cool.'
[…]
He came back to himself a moment later and shut off the flame. "Right, skills."
[Available Skills:
Active:
- Spice Creation
- Skillet Press
- Hot Potato Bomb
-…..
Passive:
- Wok Proficiency
- Fork Proficiency
- Hamburger Helper
-….. ]
Dozens of skills appeared for both sections, some with wild names, others with wild descriptions.
[Active Skill: Hot Potato Bomb lvl 1
- The equivalent of a block of C4 with all the fun of a childhood memory. Increase mana for larger explosions and longer timers.]
[Passive Skill: Wok Proficiency lvl 1
- The noble art of the Wok. Uncle Roger speaks through you; become one with the Wok, and it shall never betray you. +25% increase to strength, endurance, and sass when handling a Wok.]
The selections included abilities that would fundamentally change how Axel approached things. "Can I switch skills after choosing?"
[Skills cannot be changed under normal circumstances.]
"What is considered not normal?"
[During Class evolutions, skills may be altered or changed depending on the path taken.]
"Classes evolve?"
[User is advised to focus on the present.]
"Good point."
He scrolled through the list for what he felt was right before making his choices.
[Active Skill: Serving Tray lvl 1
- A branch of barrier magic. Create a mana construct of a serving tray to be controlled as you desire. Spend mana to alter the shape, density, and design as you please.]
[Passive Skill: Explorers Map lvl 1
- Gain a mini-map in the corner of your vision. Automatically updates surroundings and key locations as you travel.Range and detail are based on level.]
The first skill seemed useful for a variety of reasons. 'I don't exactly have much experience in a fight, so going defensive isn't a bad choice. And no one said barriers have to be only used for defense.' Barrier magic appealed to an old part of him that loved watching anime on Sunday mornings.
The second skill, however, was something he considered the most practical. 'I can barely navigate my home city, never mind the idea of whole new worlds.'
As soon as he confirmed the second skill, a large blank map appeared in his vision before shrinking and moving to a corner of his line of sight. Circular, with a green dot flashing in the center and compass points around the outer edge. The direct area around himself, only around twenty feet in a circle, appeared on the map as if looking from above in a pixelated design. With a thought, it began to zoom out, showing a blank grayed-out nothingness with a marker showing a tab for [Basement Dome]. 'Hm, not bad, kinda like having a permanent Google Maps app running that I have to fill out myself.' He toggled it back to normal and looked back at the system screen.
[Class and Skill selection complete. Please enjoy your experience]
"Hn. Thanks for the help." Axel looked over the prompts a final time. "I have to come back here to spend SP, right?"
[Correct]
"In that case, let me get Language Acquisition and Currency Conversion."
[Language Acquisition lvl 1
Price: 1 SP
Currency Conversion lvl 1
Price: 1SP
Total: 2SP
Confirm purchase?]
"Do it."
[Confirmed.]
A soft ding rang in his head, but no noticeable sound effects accompanied the upgrades.
Axel blinked and tilted his head, feeling a strange fuzzy feeling that quickly vanished. "Did it work?"
[You may read, understand, and respond to those who speak to you in common tongues.]
"Huh, don't feel any different." Axel shrugged and stretched out. "Well, I'm a magical girl now. Or boy. A wizard? Whatever. I can do magic, so who cares?" He stepped away from the podium and watched it descend into the ground until nothing but a flat tile remained. "Cool."
Turning away from it, he moved over the counters, running his hand over the smooth surfaces with a feeling of wonder. 'All those years I had to work in kitchens I could barely turn around in, and now I have all this space. A kitchen all to myself. A kitchen that's magically sanitized and free of pests.'
How long Axel stood there lost in thought, he couldn't say. Many of the things he just experienced were fantastical in ways he had little reference to relate to. But this, this was something that hit close to home. 'All mine.'
His lips curved into a smile fit for a demon. "All mine." A manic laugh bubbled up that he let run free for a long moment, enhanced even by flames igniting around him for dramatic effect before he calmed. "Ah, I needed that. Fuck you Earth, I'm fucking done with your shit."
He could access any world now. He only hoped that other worlds didn't have a human society as absolutely insufferable as his own had devolved into in recent years.
"Well, let's check out the rest of this place."
The rest of the dome had six side rooms, each around five hundred square feet, and they were almost entirely empty except for an odd panel on the wall by the door.
Through some trial and error, Axel was amazed to discover he could alter the dimensions of the rooms—not only in size but also in the environment—from metal walls to wood, stone, soil, water, and more. He could make them into ice-cold freezers, smoke rooms, butchering rooms, and even gardens. The only consistent factor was the lack of equipment or furniture.
'A level five shop enhancement is no joke.' Axel flicked on his personal system screen. "Is it normal to just inherit something like this?"
[The Inheritance Package allows for the previous User to pass along a single Shop Upgrade they possessed during their time.]
"And there's no limit?" he asked, flipping through the custom settings and watching the room change materials.
[Inherited upgrades are reduced to a maximum of level 5.]
"What did my Uncle have it at?"
[Previous User attained level 8.]
Axel's hand twitched off the panel. "Damn, what did it do?"
[User must unlock it to find out.]
"Hn." He shrugged and walked out of the side room. "Now that I think about it, Uncle's message didn't actually share any important details. Was he not allowed to speak of them?"
[Correct. Each User must discover things for themselves to allow for their path to grow unobstructed.]
"Fair enough." Axel moved back over to the stairs near the entrance and sat down. "Now what?"
When he woke up this morning, his entire plan consisted of grocery shopping and pulling out his laptop to get some work done on a menu and advertisements.
Now he had magic and new worlds to explore. 'And it's not even noon yet.' He checked his watch and saw he had only been down in the basement for a couple hours. 'Wild.'
"Do I want to play with magic, explore a new world, work on my menu, or go grocery shopping?" Axel felt the question was redundant, but he still had to ask.
"Groceries it is."
And with that, he turned and walked out, ready to take on a new world. One ingredient at a time.
Chapter End.
AN: Next time on The Tiger's Bourbon, Axel gets a firsthand look at life in the Gourmet World.
Also, side note, this is the only heavy system focus chapter. Moving forward, its more in the background.