Complaint...

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(AN: here's this week's upload)

[The market]

 [25 days left till the end of the month]

Kazuhiro stood behind the counter, lost in thought. 'Three days have passed according to the market's time, and a lot of things have happened.'

One significant event was the hiring of a new worker. 'Denji... he's something else,' Kazuhiro mused. He recalled their initial encounter. Denji had shown hostility toward him at first, that was understandable given his world's context. But that tension had subsided with Akemi's help in explaining things. Denji had soon shared about himself and the details of his lost body parts, and yet, despite that, his stats were remarkably high for a human.

'I can't make sense of that logic. Maybe it's due to his world, where humans like him have high vitality, or perhaps it's his exposure to the supernatural elements of his reality,' Kazuhiro thought. Someone like that should have been weak, but Denji was anything but that.

'A particularly noteworthy aspect of Denji's character was his illiteracy, which required significant attention. Being illiterate meant Denji struggled with understanding written words, even with a power that translated foreign text to his native language. He constantly needed assistance from me or the other workers.' Kazuhiro had taken to reading out Denji's daily tasks, much to the boy's astonishment when he learned about the credit rewards and after explaining the conversion rate to Denji's currency, Denji realized this job paid far better than his previous one, especially with monthly tasks offering substantial rewards and power-ups. Thus, not needing to go that old mob to repay his debts, heck he can hide here and basically start a new life!

Denji's excitement didn't stop there. Kazuhiro had informed him about the myriad worlds connected through the market. This revelation filled Denji with hope. Among all those worlds, there had to be one where he could find a partner. Money, power, and a girlfriend—things only protagonists in fiction could achieve.

'Aside from those aspects, his abilities, particularly his class, are noteworthy,' Kazuhiro reflected. 'His role is known as the "Skirmisher". It likely relates to his character or a hobby in his own world. In battle, a Skirmisher is crucial, charging through enemy lines to reduce their numbers.' (you can look it up in the assigned link from my profile page, should be updated in a few hours)

A day after starting, Denji was adjusting well, though he would get lost occasionally. Kazuhiro had to retrieve him using the worker tab to track his location. The twins, Asahi and Akemi, had properly introduced themselves after they fully rested. Ms. Sato was still busy and Toru was asleep in a bed, due to their current worlds moving at a slower paces.

During that day, Kazuhiro had been informed by the twins that they planned to visit a relative. Seeing an opportunity to be efficient, he had assigned them a task related to that world. Denji, curious about the new experiences, wanted to tag along. The twins agreed, and Kazuhiro had given Denji his first world mission task.

The addition of a new worker allowed Kazuhiro to complete a node within the class tree. He retrieved his device to check the class application.

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__Class tree__

Right second node...

Objective:

Have atleast 10 workers: (5/10)

Rewards:

New class ability.

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Left second node...

Objective: Reach 2000 SC in sales. (Complete)

Rewards: Random item(s)

︎ Trade ledger: Keep track of customer's purchases in the market.

︎ gold detector: This tool will search and guide the user to the nearest stash of gold. Can be used only once each day.

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'With the help of the trolls, I was able to complete another node, leading me further along a different path,' Kazuhiro thought, inspecting the rewards.

The trade ledger would be incredibly useful for maintaining records and understanding purchasing patterns. The gold detector, on the other hand, was a fascinating tool. 'I can see this being invaluable for special missions or when we need to secure additional funds,' he mused.

Next, he inspected the third node and its requirements.

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__Class tree__

Left third node...

Objective:

Extract one world item that costs over 2000 SC:

Rewards:

+2 INT

+2 STA

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'It seems I will have to venture out once again,' Kazuhiro thought, knowing another journey was inevitable. 'That reminds me, Akemi mentioned they were gravely injured but were healed in an instant due to an antidote? As I recall, it was World 3 they went into. I'll have to check up on that soon.' He mused, glancing at his poorly bandaged arm hanging limply at his side.

'Another reason to venture out is due to the fragments panel.' He recalled completing a task with the help of the trolls.

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__Fragment panel__

Fragment tier 2:

• FRAGMENT TIER 2: ????

2.1: Sell 200 items. | [203/200] -Complete-

2.2: Assist 100 different customers. | [244/100] -Complete-

Rewards:

︎ SmartGuide Dispenser: Provides wearable watches for customers to interact with. These watches allow customers to easily navigate and track their desired products. There are currently 5 available, best used when no one is available to assist.

︎ Help wanted: a screen will appear near the enterance hall. Allowing customers and visitors to monitor available workers in the market, displaying their locations. The screens are interactive, allowing to even call workers even when they are not within the market. It can also be used as a service for emergencies requiring professionals to assist with the customer's worldly crises, if adventurers are not up to par or unavailable but it can cost credits to initiate, depending on the role of the person.

2.3: Reach a 100 INT (Intelligence), or unlock either CHA (Charisma) or AWR (Awareness): [75/100]

Rewards: ?

2.4: ????

2.5: ????

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'Another reason to venture out into worlds. As far as I know, I can only do two world missions a month. After that, it's all currency, no matter how many missions I complete; I won't gain any increase to my stats.' He contemplated.

'Regarding intelligence, that can be achieved through situational things. Perhaps those such as outsmarting a smart person, finding a flaw in a theory and correcting it, or solving a puzzle. I need to check for any puzzle world missions later that I can do.'

Knowing that both Charisma and Awareness could be unlocked similarly, Kazuhiro didn't dwell further on it. Though unlocking Charisma might be a challenge due to his naturally reserved, servant-like demeanor.

'Now, for the last thing to share from these days' achievements. I finally completed this month's quota, my position is now secured for the month.' He navigated to the task application, monitoring his accomplishments.

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Monthly tasks:

● World missions

Objective(s):

Assign two world missions of varying difficulties to each member of your team. (5/6)

- Akemi (2/2)

- Asahi (2/2)

- Toru (1/2)

Complete atleast two world missions. -complete

Corpse Party -complete

The last lullaby -complete

(2/2)

Disclaimer: You have reached a monthly limit of world missions, you wont gain power ups on the next world mission until it refreshes on the next month; additional missions yield monetary compensation only.

Reward(s):

500 SC

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● Market budget

Objective(s):

Increase the Market's profit/budget by 25,000 SC. A way to help maintain expenses of water, electricity and functionalities of facilities. (2,043,998.24/25,000)

Reward(s):

5000 SC

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'I wouldn't have completed it if it wasn't for Ryuk purchasing the polymorph vial. He had enough lifespans to trade for such a price, yet not enough for immortality.'

'With that being said, only 25 days remain, and I have to assign a world mission to Toru within that time. It seems the tasks didn't update for the new workers; they might be included in the upcoming month.'

He turned off his device and pocketed it. Glancing around, he saw the refugees huddled around a new addition to the market.

Approaching the crowd, he got a closer look and saw that it was the new "Help Wanted" screen. Seeing his tall presence, the refugees addressed Kazuhiro respectfully, having fully adjusted to the place over the past few days.

The refugees had organized themselves into three groups. One group stayed in the market, consisting mostly of mothers, children, and the elderly.

The second group ventured back to their chaotic, apocalyptic origin world, seeking to rescue refugees or missing relatives and bringing them to the market. They also looted for supplies and items to trade. Since it was their world, they weren't held for a check on items, though foreigners do face checks based on the weight of their hauls.

The third group migrated to different worlds, seeking temporary refuge before moving to Hachiman's world, which he had yet to return from. Kazuhiro speculated that the teen's world was drastically slowed down, as Toru had been asleep for days. These migrants occasionally returned to the market to provide supplies and explore. They were often accompanied by the mayor and his assistant, Isabelle which Kazuhiro had to meet, and the other townsfolk (Animal Crossing), who had further connected with the refugees and learned about the market.

Approaching the refugees, Kazuhiro briefly demonstrated how the screen and dispenser worked. He educated them so they could assist others in his absence, emphasizing self-sufficiency.

With that done, Kazuhiro navigated through the market, heading to the training room. The journey was short, and he soon arrived at the white room, a vast space dedicated to honing skills and improving abilities.

Entering the room, he decided to retrieve his device and check his inventory. There were two scrolls, each representing activation skills that required manual learning to master.

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__Inventory__

︎ x1 Wind chant scroll:

A defensive skill that, when carefully revised, allows the user to activate a wind shield that can deflect physical projectiles, rendering ranged enemies' attacks irrelevant. (You need to learn the skill to gain its benefit.)

︎ x1 Ethereal grasp scroll:

An offensive skill that, when activated, enables the user's attacks to phase through any armor, physical or magical, directly piercing the opponent's inner organs. (Only works barehanded) (You need to learn the skill to gain its benefit.)

︎ x1 Facility chest.

︎ x1 Sniper rifle (extracted)

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'Hm, I see the potential in both skills. But which one should I choose?' Kazuhiro pondered. 'Considering my general lack of defense, the Wind Chant could be invaluable. I struggled with the sniper in my earlier confrontation with the convicts. Taking him out quickly was crucial because he posed a significant threat.'

He shifted his thoughts to the offensive skill. 'The Ethereal Grasp could be beneficial for delivering finishing blows to heavily armored opponents. With my current speed, I might be able to utilize it to end confrontations swiftly.'

'Both skills are useful, but I need to prioritize one to fully master it first. Which one? that is the question.'

After careful consideration, he made his choice. As his surroundings shifted, his device beeped and displayed a text.

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Beginning simulation...

Welcome, host.

In this session, you will understand and learn the basics of the selected skill. You are provided with a scroll. Once ready, you can follow up with its guide on how to begin.

Commencing first step: read the scroll.

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In the still white expanse, Kazuhiro looked ahead and saw a table with the chosen scroll on top. He approached it, beginning the simulation.

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[The market]

 [22 days left till the end of the month]

'Another three days have passed by, and I have yet to leave to fix my broken arm,' Kazuhiro mused as he made his way from his office to the counters. 'I plan on waiting for one of my workers to show up and take over while I'm away. Not many eventful things happened during those times. One significant thing was that I received my first-ever complaint from a recurring visitor.'

Kazuhiro recalled the events vividly.

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Kazuhiro was attending to a refugee's purchase when a familiar beep sounded from the entrance.

The figure that entered elicited gasps from those nearby. Most recognized him.

Ignoring the calls from others, he stormed towards Kazuhiro, slamming a wrapped item onto the counter with a heavy thud.

Kazuhiro turned after completing the order, noting Hachiman's distress. "How may I help you?"

"This! This here!" Hachiman shoved the potato chips forward, frustration evident in his voice. "What did you sell me?!"

Before responding, Kazuhiro lifted the wrap, inspecting its properties and labels. "Is there something wrong?" he asked, finding nothing unusual about the product. "If so, how may I assist?"

"My sister, she ate this! And now she can't get over it! She wants more! That thing she ate made her a freaking ADDICT!" Hachiman emphasized, running his hands through his hair in exasperation. "That might be why they banned this stuff way back."

Kazuhiro maintained his calm demeanor. "Did you purchase this while you were alone, or was there an attendant assisting you?"

Hachiman, shaking and clearly worried, responded, "I was alone. I should've prevented this." He sighed, later desperation creeping into his voice. "That girl said you guys sell everything, right? Is there a cure?! I need to cure her as fast as possible!"

"That girl, she said you guys sell everything right? By any chance is there a cure?!"

"That might be possible," Kazuhiro replied, "but I must inform you that cures can be costly. Their value are based on how valuable they are across different worlds."

"I- I'll think about it. For now, I have to inform my parents and try to get her into therapy." Devastated, he made his way to the gate, rubbing his forehead to ease the rising headache and dismissing calls and approaches from the refugees with phrases like "Not now" and "I'm busy."

The refugees, hopeful for migration, felt downcast. Both sides displayed selfishness, prioritizing their needs without considering those of others.

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'Ever since that incident, it became clear that without appraising and informing the customer of their products' properties, situations like these might arise. That should be a new rule: to appraise before purchase or to inform beforehand.' Kazuhiro decided that to prevent these kinds of complaints, he would need to educate his staff to always inform customers of their purchases' potential effects. As for those left behind, thinking Hachiman might never come back, some chose to migrate elsewhere temporarily and hopefully find a suitable world later on and the rest, chose to remain, still waiting for relatives to arrive from their respective world.

'That aside, I've had other recurring visits. Sir Albus and Hagrid showed up a couple of times to either inspect the wares or bring leftover food to the refugees, assisting them with their situation. Another visit, which brought surprise and gasps from the remaining refugees, was Mater returning and bringing a few of his friends.' Seeing living cars astonished everyone.

This event brought more insight into the market from a car, named Elizabeth, talking about how there used to be a bar. Like Ryuk, she didn't know who ran it, as she only heard about it from her partner.

Kazuhiro thought back on the events. This bar, although vague, proved to have existed before, already claimed by two or three sources (including the trolls) from different worlds. 'It seems this bar has reached multiple destinations, remaining as but old history to the new generation.'

As he was lost in thought, he heard a beep, prompting him to look toward the entrance.

Few silhouettes stepped in, among them a familiar face. Kazuhiro took the time to approach and calmly greeted them and the familiar face. "Welcome back, Minato. Have you finally made the decision to join as one of the adventurers?"

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Bonus segments.

[W1 , (PvZ)]

 [Dave's residence, 9:30 AM]

"Come on in, come on in! And close the door behind you," Crazy Dave welcomed the trio into his home with a broad smile. The trainers, Ash, Brock, and Misty, along with Pikachu, stepped inside, their eyes widening at the sight of sentient plants scattered around the living room.

The room was a strange mix of homely and bizarre, with various types of plants nestled in pots, each one brimming with a unique energy. Crazy Dave scratched his pan, a quirky grin plastered on his face. "Nice, aye? I should have spare rooms upstairs, if not I got spare floor beds... I think that's what they call them."

Brock approached a green, healthy Peashooter, which responded to his gentle poke by straightening up and looking almost proud. "This... this is unbelievable."

Ash, eyes wide with curiosity, stood back from what looked like a frozen lettuce, the plant emanating a surprising chill. "Yeah, I still can't get over the concept of worlds being all so true."

Misty, meanwhile, watched a sunflower sway and dance, its cheerful petals radiating warmth. "Are these things really capable of fending off a storm?" she asked as she remembered the task that they have plucked from the board.

"Oh, no need to worry about that," Crazy Dave said, waving off her concerns with a casual hand. "Today is Saturday, so have fun. This invasion won't happen till Monday." He strolled to the window, opening it to peer outside. He spotted a zombie on the lawn and called out cheerfully, "Hey Joey! No need to mow the lawn today, come back tomorrow, okay?"

The zombie, surprisingly compliant, gave a thumbs up before staggering away. The trainers exchanged bewildered glances, trying to process the strange yet oddly charming scene.

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[W7, (tom&jerry)]

 [American suburbs. 1:30 PM]

"Keep the change," called the man after paying for a cool lemonade.

Seeing the customer leave, Tom took the opportunity to count his earnings behind the small stand. He was saving up to purchase an item he wanted inside the market; it was cheaper there than in local stores.

Content with his profit, Tom scanned both sides of the street, hoping to attract more customers. His ears perked up at the sound of approaching figures, soon replaced by a sense of dread.

"Look at what we have here, if it ain't old Tom. I see you're opening up business on our turf," voiced an orange cat, Tom recognized the voice immediately. It was Lightning, one of Butch's top lackeys, followed by a gang of cats.

"Aye Tommy, cheer up. Ain't you happy to see us?" Another cat jeered, smirking as he approached.

With a thump, Lightning placed his elbow on the table's stall, leaning on it nonchalantly. "I know you know the rules around here. And since you've met Butch way back, I'll do you a favor and make it a discount on your first day. Sounds great, right?" He tapped the table before holding out his hand. "Thirty bucks, take it or face trouble."

Tom's brief moment of optimism crumbled. Of course, his day wouldn't go smoothly. This notorious gang had taken over the block, and even humans struggled against their thefts and other hazards. The neighborhood had grown rough with their presence.

Tom reluctantly checked his earnings one more time, preparing to hand over the money.

"Well, well, looks like we've found our lead, boys," a voice called out. Four stuffed penguins rolled over the sidewalk, clearly having overindulged in ice cream not too long ago.

"What? Who are these bozos?" Lightning raised a brow, puzzled by the presence of penguins. "Did they escape the circus or somethin?"

"Now listen here," Skipper grunted as he tried to rise on his feet. "You knowing a bit of English saves us some time. We're going to kick information out of you, if you—" He burped mid-sentence. "If you don't comply, that is."

"This some sort of joke? Get rid of 'em," Lightning motioned with his paw, signaling his followers to approach the penguins.

"Doing it the hard way, aye?," Skipper muttered, wiping ice cream from his beak. "Rico, I know you can handle this on your own."

Rico grunted in compliance, his eyes narrowing. Skipper signaled to Kowalski and Private, who rammed against Rico, squeezing him from both sides. Rico belched out all the ice cream he had eaten, the sticky mess splattering over the approaching cats and blinding them.

Tom watched in stunned silence as the scene unfolded. The cats stumbled around, trying to wipe the gooey mess from their eyes. With the enemy temporarily paralyzed, and Rico now returned to his normal form, he was able to quickly neutralize them. A precise slap on each pressure point, leaving them unconscious for the upcoming interrogation session.

With the last cat dropping onto the concrete ground with a thud. "And that's," Skipper paused with another burp, "what I call a one-man army. Didn't even need to lift a fin for this." He smirked, and Rico chuckled at his accomplishment.

"What do we do about this one, Skipper?" Kowalski asked, rolling his way over to the lemonade stand and noticing a tail. There emerged Tom, hands up in surrender.

"Another cat? You one of them?" Skipper narrowed his eyes as Rico quickly gagged out a pocket nice and swiftly reached Tom's shoulder, holding him captive.

Tom shook his head vigorously, eyes wide from how close the knife drew closer around his neck.

"Is that so, any idea where—" Skipper burped again, trying to stay focused. "Where that cat gang hideout is?"

Tom, not wishing to risk anything, gestured with his paws to indicate a "so-so" understanding.

Skipper hummed, thinking. "Alright, soldiers, we've got two leads. If this cat knows where they are, then we don't need to interrogate these bums." He exhaled, letting out more gas from all the ice cream. "We'll start once we fully digest this stuff."

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Kazuhiro will develop these two skills to a basic mastery by the end of the month but...

What skill should Kazuhiro prioritize and put an effort to fully master it? (7 days before closing)

1: Wind chant.

2: Ethreal grasp.