"I see, it sounds pretty tragic..."
Shinji nodded in understanding.
The "old man" had spent nine times the rewards Shinji received, taking ten years to barely repair his soul to the extent of a single spirit. This showed how badly he had been devastated in the previous world.
"I won't inherit his debts, right?"
"No, this world has already been marked as a failed mission."
"That's good. Otherwise, I'd have to trick a rich guy into paying it for me."
System: ...
"Let's see what else he left behind... A character card—Archer Queen, a territory modification card... and... whoa!"
Flipping through the items, Shinji found some bizarre things, like breast enlargement pills (effective for three days), a gender-swap potion (lasts for a week), and other items that would appeal to perverted old men.
"Disgusting! What a creepy old pervert!"
Shinji cursed, feeling nauseated by the thought of having spent ten years with such a person.
In the end, after mentally berating the "old man" for half an hour, Shinji decided to ignore those items, putting them back into the system space.
He didn't throw them away because he wanted them to serve as a constant reminder to himself.
He must never become like that guy, never lose his humanity!
What a beast!
Of course, Shinji wasn't wrong. If the "old man" had succeeded yesterday, he would have used those items on Shinji's friends and possibly even his sister.
In that case, his friends would have suffered!
Using his name to harm his friends and loved ones, that man deserved to die.
"By the way, what about the newbie package? I got nothing the last time."
"Newbie package granted—"
"One free world traversal opportunity without requiring energy from the host."
"Additionally: no forced missions for the next world traversal."
"Adjusting based on the host's current situation..."
"Adjustment successful."
"The mission for the next world is: Repair the soul."
"Success will grant another free traversal opportunity."
"Failure incurs no penalty."
"Wait, I still need to provide the energy for world traversal?"
"If you succeed, the next traversal is free. If you fail, you need to provide the energy."
"What if I refuse the mission? Just stay here and do nothing?"
The system paused for a moment.
"Host, are you content with a mundane life?"
Hearing this, Shinji suddenly laughed.
"Whether I'm content with a mundane life or not doesn't matter, it's irrelevant..."
He smirked. "System, you haven't realized the key point: we are a perfect match."
System: ...
...
After washing up and changing into clean clothes, Shinji was about to eat something when he noticed through the living room window that "lonely citizen" Gilgamesh was standing outside his house, holding a bottle of wine and smirking.
Understanding that Gilgamesh was probably bored due to Kirei's absence, Shinji decided to forgo eating and headed out.
...
Copen Hagen, a small bar and liquor store in the new city.
Shirou often worked here, and because of him, Shinji was also a regular.
Seeing the sign "Copen Hagen," Gilgamesh's face was full of displeasure.
"Shinji, you intend to make a king lower himself to such a place?!"
"Come on, don't be so angry. Even kings should occasionally visit the commoners and experience their lives, Gilgamesh."
"Fine! The king shall heed your advice today!"
Hearing his response, Shinji felt something was off. Was Gilgamesh expecting this? Was he treating Shinji as an advisor?
Thinking it was better not to argue, Shinji opened the door to the bar.
"Hey, Miss Ayako."
The long-haired, squint-eyed lady behind the counter, wearing an apron with the "Copen Hagen" logo and a cat design, turned around upon hearing Shinji's voice.
"Shinji Matou, skipping classes again?"
"You know me, Miss Ayako." Shinji winked playfully, then introduced Gilgamesh behind him. "I brought a friend this time."
"Bringing a friend..." Ayako sighed, "I appreciate you bringing customers, but don't think this means I'll let you, a minor, drink here."
"If your dad isn't around, it's fine, right? It's always been like this."
"It's not about my dad. If Taiga finds out I let her student drink here..."
"Don't worry, she won't find out! Trust me, Miss Ayako, I'll get the glasses myself."
"Glasses..." Ayako was about to say something when she noticed the wine Gilgamesh was holding.
"You brought your own drinks..."
"Don't worry, we'll pay. And if not, I can bring in some more customers..."
Before Shinji could finish, Gilgamesh placed a large gold bar on the table with a thud.
Seeing the gleaming gold bar and Gilgamesh's smug expression, Ayako hesitated before replying politely, "Sorry, but this place isn't for sale."
Seeing Gilgamesh's frown and sensing a potential outburst, Shinji quickly intervened. "Don't worry, Miss Ayako, my friend here meant it as a service fee."
"Service... fee?! This much?!"
"Miss Ayako," Shinji winked, whispering, "my friend here is super rich."
"Shinji, did my dad tell you to set me up with someone?"
Realizing the misunderstanding, Shinji quickly waved his hands. "No, no, no, we're just here to drink."
"I see..." Ayako laughed heartily. "Fine, since you're Shinji's friend, no need for a service fee. I'll be out delivering some goods anyway, just watch the store."
"Leave it to me!" Shinji gave a thumbs up, then asked, "Need help with the loading?"
"No, just two cases of beer. Dad loaded them before he left."
...
At the counter.
Seeing Shinji hand back the gold bar, Gilgamesh huffed arrogantly, refusing to take it back.
Since Gilgamesh insisted, Shinji casually stored the bar in his system space and took out some cash, placing it under a glass on the counter.
...
"Not bad. Is this that god of wine...?"
"Good eye, Shinji." Gilgamesh smiled as he finished his drink. "But these glasses don't suit such wine."
"Really?" Shinji shrugged, swirling his wine in a glass. "Not everything needs to be luxurious... what's the word? Ceremony? I find it fun to discover the brilliance in things that seem worthless."
"In this, the king agrees."
You agree my foot! You wanted to wipe out humanity!
Shinji mentally grumbled but didn't argue, knowing it wouldn't benefit him to anger this fellow troublemaker.
"Gilgamesh, you don't still think humanity is redundant, do you?"
"Huh?" Gilgamesh gave Shinji a curious look. "Are you trying to read the king's mind, Shinji?"
"Call it what you will. If you truly decide to wipe out humanity, I'd have to... escape with my loved ones."
"Hahaha, interesting! Escape, not oppose me?"
"Of course not. There's no point. Besides, I value my life."
"Hmm..." Gilgamesh pondered for a moment, then said, "Shinji, as a fellow man of interest, you must find this world incredibly dull, right?"
"It's alright. There are a few hundred years' worth of fun things to do. If it gets boring, that'll be a problem for a few centuries from now."
Gilgamesh said nothing, quietly drinking his wine.
Just then, the doorbell rang, and the bar door opened.
"Miss Ayako, do you need..."
Shirou, who walked in, stopped mid-sentence upon seeing Shinji and Gilgamesh at the counter.
"Shinji, why are you here..."
Looking at Shirou in casual attire, Shinji asked, "And you? Shirou, you don't look like you just got out of school. Skipping classes?"
"I took the day off. Illya wanted to go to the amusement park, so I spent the day in New Town with Saber and Illya..."
As Shirou finished speaking, two familiar voices came from behind him.
"What's wrong, Shirou? Didn't you say we'd stop by a friend's shop on the way home to see if they needed help?"
"A bar? Illya wants to see inside!"