Back in my personal quarters, I order the blade musket to stay here while I decide to check my status window and notice that I have acquired a new skill, probably as a result of executing Sola.
Spatial Sequestration (Cost: 5 mana):
Imprison, in a dimensional prison, a target of your choice. Only works on weakened targets or those with lower intelligence than the spellcaster. The duration of the sequestration is determined by the caster's level.
I was surprised that Sola was considered a person, but upon reflection, it makes sense. After all, she was capable of thinking and conversing as much as, if not more than, me. As I think about it a little more, I realize that I can probably summon a third attendant.
"System," I began to ask, "can I use Sola as an attendant?"
"Affirmative, would you like to proceed?" the System responds.
"Yes, I wo—"
Before I can even finish my sentence, a blue whirlwind with small electric arcs appears, and the center opens to reveal a young woman with dark blue hair, braided to reveal a slender, furrowed face with amber-colored eyes. Upon closer inspection, I can't help but notice the star tattooed on her forehead. It's strange, but it must be related to Sola's origin, I think curiously.
"My lord, what are your orders?" she asks me in a soft and deep voice.
"From now on, your name will be Blue. Tell me, what profession and skill do you have?" I asked her quickly, as the thought had just occurred to me.
"I am a dimensional traveler, and my skill is Navcos' Maw. This skill, when activated, creates a rapidly expanding black hole, ranging from a few inches to a massive sphere capable of engulfing an entire city. The purpose of this skill is not to destroy everything in its path like a real black hole would, but rather to allow what is engulfed to teleport."
"This skill can be seen as a mass dimensional teleportation, as it allows for a change of dimension, provided one has either the coordinates or has been there before. Additionally, my Lord, this skill can be used on unwilling targets as long as they are within the range of the black hole. I mention this because it is possible to choose multiple different destinations, which could cause an accident to the creatures traveling with us, if you wish."
"Wow, I wasn't expecting so many details, but that's really a handy skill!" I exclaim joyfully, already having a few mischievous ideas in mind.
While I listened to Blue speak, an idea came to me, and I asked the System if it could transport the castle to the shop.
"To respond to the host, it is possible, but it will take some time before the castle is accessible again afterwards."
Satisfied with the answer, I tell the System to proceed.
.......
The next day, I met Zero, MT, and Blue in the kitchen. They are all talking together while peacefully eating the food provided by the System.
"Good morning to all three of you," I start confidently, "I know it's early, but here's the game plan for the next few days and weeks, if necessary. MT, you'll continue supervising the Iron Servants and create more of them. Try to collect bones as quickly as possible so I can convert them into gold coins." MT nods in agreement.
"Blue, your role is going to be important. Once the transfer of the cloud-island is complete, I'd like you to focus on the library. I'm convinced it's filled with information that could be crucial."
"Understood, my Lord," she replies softly.
I look at Zero and indicate for him to continue his usual tasks, which involve welcoming customers and maintaining the shop.
We continue having breakfast and discuss everything together. I take the opportunity to explain the functioning of the Void Mall to Blue, and the morning quickly passes by.
.......
Shortly after, four women and one man enter the store.
"Hello," I say to get their attention.
Their heads all turn up at the same time, allowing me to see different expressions on their faces.
The three maidservants show expressions of pure fear, while the young noblewoman displays a face of disgust, and her bodyguard exhibits a mix of relief and anxiety.
After straightening her once beautiful gown, the young noblewoman deigns to give me a haughty look before responding:
"I am Princess Liana, and these three are my servants, and this one is my guardian. I would have expected to be welcomed with a reception befitting my status, but apparently not."
"Majesty," her bodyguard suddenly interrupts, turning towards me.
"We thank you for saving us," he continues, respectfully greeting me with trembling hands.
"Hmph," the princess scoffs upon hearing her bodyguard speak.
Annoyed by the princess's behavior but trying not to pay too much attention to it, I explain the shop to them and indicate that they simply need to come to the counter to pay afterward.
"Unacceptable!" Liana shouts, approaching me quickly and pointing her finger at me. "Do you know who I am? I am Princess Liana. Do you really think I should have to pay you anything? My mere presence should suffice and bring you the greatest honor."
Her three maidservants open their mouths, paralyzed by their master's behavior. Her bodyguard barely has time to react before she is standing in front of me, yelling spoiled child-like nonsense.
Zero, who has been listening by my side from the beginning, is the first to react to protect me, but before she can finish her sentence, the System speaks in my head.
"Enemy detected, extermination procedure initiated."
The princess doubles over in pain. Blood seeps from all her orifices, and her limbs contort into unnatural angles. I smile at seeing her like this, after all, she should have been grateful for being saved by the Void Mall.
"Please, I beg you, stop this. She understands. I'm certain of it," pleaded her guardian.
"It's too late. Next time, think before you act," I replied sternly.
Seeing her still suffering on the ground, her guardian leaped forward, drawing his sword.
"Swift slash!" he cried, slashing the air in front of him, producing a white blade coming towards me.
To my surprise, even before I could react, the System's voice resonated once again in my head.
"Host protection activated. Immediate effect. Imminent expulsion."
Suddenly, the white blade vanished as if by magic, while an invisible and terrifying force seized the woman and her guardian, violently propelling them through the infinite expanse of space. They tried to resist, but the power that carried them was irresistible, dooming them to a grim fate.
As they drifted away from Void Mall, the oppressive darkness slowly engulfed them. Then, in the unfathomable depths of space, a cosmic monster revealed itself. Appearing as a shapeless mass of writhing black tentacles in all directions, its skin seemed composed of millions of tiny eyes, evoking primal terror. The feeling immediately disappeared, thanks to the System, as the monster's tentacles extended in all directions, ready to engulf its prey, twisting and contorting, forming razor-sharp pincers reminiscent of a voracious predator's jaws.
As they drew closer, the cosmic monster deployed its tentacles in a macabre symphony, inexorably pulling them towards itself. The shadowy appendages seized them firmly, their grip cold and unyielding. Terror was evident on their faces as they realized their fateful destiny. The monster dragged them, suffocating in the unforgiving void of space.
In a final silent scream, the princess and her guardian disappeared into the gaping maw of the cosmic monster. Their remains were devoured with insatiable voracity, merging into the abyssal darkness of space, leaving behind only the chilling echo of extinguished life.
The remaining three women fell to their knees, begging for forgiveness. Not being one to abuse my power, I told them to stand up. After all, it wasn't their fault that their mistress had been arrogant.
Once their emotions were under control, I noticed Mordakus was present. I quickly welcomed him and proceeded with a brief overview of the shop for the new customers.