The faint glow of morning filtered through the cracks of the wooden walls at Lolo Mo Inn, casting warm, delicate patterns across the room. Akira lay asleep, tangled in the soft linen sheets, breathing peacefully as the sun crept higher outside. After a few more minutes, his eyes fluttered open, greeted by the sight of the inn's wooden ceiling above.
With a stretch and a sigh, he called to his system mentally. *What's the time?*
A small digital panel flashed in front of him, its familiar blue glow showing the answer.
[8:30 AM]
He sighed, pushing himself up and shaking off the remnants of sleep. After tidying himself up, Akira made his way to the door. He pulled it open just as Kanae raised her hand to knock, a soft smile forming on her face as their eyes met.
"Good morning, Akira," she greeted.
"Good morning, Kanae," he replied warmly. "Come inside. Let's have breakfast together."
They settled around a small table, and Akira laid out the meal. As they ate, a flood of memories washed over him, taking him back to the journey they had been on together over the past month.
(Flashback)
They had spent weeks traveling through the southern regions, searching for any trace of Susamaru and Yahaba. Their journey had taken them across rugged landscapes, through bustling towns, and down winding forest trails, yet the elusive demons remained just beyond their grasp. As they reached the southernmost town, Akira decided on a new course.
"Our next destination is Tokyo Prefecture" he had said decisively, turning to Kanae as they overlooked a peaceful village.
"Tokyo? That's a bit far, isn't it?" Kanae questioned, her eyes scanning his face, searching for his reasoning.
"Specifically, Asakusa," Akira clarified. "If there's any hope of finding them, I think that's where we'll have our best chance."
After a quick discussion, they agreed to head north. They boarded the train, watching the rolling hills and crowded villages blur past the windows as the journey wore on. Two days later, they finally arrived at Asakusa under the cover of nightfall. Weary yet hopeful, they found an inn—the Lolo Mo Inn—nestled in a quiet corner of the district and settled in for a well-deserved rest.
Akira and Kanae finished their breakfast, setting down their chopsticks and resting comfortably in the quiet of the room. Akira glanced at the time.
"We should get some more rest," he said thoughtfully, leaning back. "We'll hunt demons tonight around 8:00 PM. It's best to be fully prepared."
Kanae nodded, giving him a soft smile before rising to her feet. She returned to her own room, and Akira could hear the gentle sound of her footsteps fading as she settled back in. Soon after, he received a notification, a familiar flash of light hovering before him.
[System Notification: Update complete. Some features, such as the map and certain appraisal functions, have been removed due to system constraints. However, you still have access to the shop, status, group chat, and mini-world functions. The dimension travel function has been sealed temporarily.]
Akira let out a sigh, feeling the disappointment of losing the map function, a tool that had been invaluable on this journey. Even though the other features weren't as vital, he knew he'd miss the convenience. As he mulled over the changes, he noticed a message informing him that the shop had refreshed.
"Let's see what's new," he muttered, calling up the shop interface.
The digital menu expanded before him, showcasing items from the mundane to the extraordinary.
|Shop|
Water Pill: Quenches thirst for a week.
Price: 3,000 SP
Airsoft Weapon: A highly advanced gun that regenerates ammo, with an auto-aim function and the ability to transform into various types of firearms.
Price: 10,000 SP
Body Strengthening Pill: Increases strength and agility.
Price: 250,000 SP
World Map (Limited Use): Reveals location on a global scale, three uses only.
Price: 30,000 SP
Beauty Pill: Enhances physical appearance, doubling handsomeness or beauty.
Price: 15,000 SP
Akira's gaze lingered on the items, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "I'll take ten Beauty Pills, an Airsoft Weapon, five Body Strengthening Pills, and forty-five Water Pills," he said aloud, confirming his purchase. His points were dwindling, but he couldn't resist the allure of these rare items.
As the items appeared in his inventory, he felt a surge of energy, eager to test out the Body Strengthening Pill. He swallowed one, a tingling warmth spreading through his muscles and bones. The rush of power made him feel revitalized, as if he could leap mountains or shatter boulders. Satisfied with the results, he decided he'd save the remaining pills for Kanae and his close companions.
Later, Akira made his way to Kanae's room, gently knocking twice. She opened the door with her usual serene smile, her eyes bright and trusting.
"Here," he said, offering her a Body Strengthening Pill and a Beauty Pill. "Take this while you're bathing. It's… well, something that might enhance your strength in the long run."
Kanae accepted it without hesitation, her trust in Akira unwavering. "Thank you, Akira," she replied with a slight bow before retreating into her room.
Once Kanae was occupied, Akira teleported to a forest in the southwest, where they had once come across a secluded hot spring. The spring, hidden by nature, seemed to call to him, a perfect retreat for moments of rest and rejuvenation.
Akira levitated into the air, surveying the area from above, his mind working to design a peaceful haven. Using his creation magic, he crafted a high, protective wall around the hot spring and a small wooden house beside it, a sanctuary for quiet reflection and recuperation.
After completing his work, he returned to the house, taking a refreshing bath to wash away the impurities from his body. A sticky, black substance clung to his skin, the residue of the transformation brought on by the Beauty Pill. He scrubbed it away, feeling reborn as he stepped out, his mind already turning to the journey that lay ahead.
To be continued...