Chapter 68: The Convenience Craze

The new city was steadily growing, with amenities beginning to take shape, and the road to Mondstadt serving as a vital link between the two locations. The construction machines roared on, working tirelessly, while the workers continued their efforts with newfound enthusiasm. Satoshi stood on a scaffold, looking over the expanding city, feeling a sense of accomplishment and a hint of pressure—so much had been done, but there was still so much more left to do.

Paimon floated up beside him, munching on a snack she had acquired from the newly opened convenience store. "Satoshi, this place is really coming together! Paimon thinks it's going to be super amazing once it's all finished!" she said, her voice filled with excitement. "And the convenience store—it's the best part! Paimon can get all kinds of snacks without having to fly back to Mondstadt every time!"

Satoshi chuckled. "Glad you're enjoying it, Paimon. It's definitely a step toward making this place feel like a real city. We've got convenience stores in both the new city and Mondstadt now, and I think people are starting to appreciate the ease of getting what they need."

Just then, Lumine approached, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Satoshi, I just checked out the convenience store, and it's pretty incredible! You've got everything from food to small gadgets. It's a great addition," she said with an approving nod.

Paimon added, "Yeah! And there are even all those cool tools and items that adventurers need! It's like you're modernizing everything—not just for the workers but for travelers and adventurers too!"

Satoshi smiled. "That's the idea. A convenience store isn't just about snacks; it's about providing people with everything they need to make their lives a bit easier. Plus, it's a great way to get people used to modern ideas like consumer goods and convenience."

Lumine nodded, then tilted her head slightly, thinking aloud. "It's amazing how far things have come. I mean, just a few months ago, Mondstadt didn't even have electricity, and now we have mobile phones, ATMs, convenience stores… it's like a whole new world."

Paimon floated over, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Paimon wonders what's next. Are you going to build something even more exciting? Maybe a place where we can get entertainment—like a movie theater?" she said with a gleam in her eyes.

Satoshi laughed. "That's definitely on the list, Paimon. One step at a time, though. First, we need to ensure the city has all the basic amenities—water, power, food, and safety. After that, we can look into luxuries like entertainment."

Paimon pouted. "Aww, but Paimon wants movies and fun now!"

Lumine patted Paimon on the head. "We'll get there, Paimon. Besides, right now, there's still plenty to enjoy."

---

Later that day, Satoshi gathered everyone for a progress meeting. The construction of the new city was in full swing, but it was also time to address the ongoing issue of resources. The budget was tight, and they needed more Mora to continue buying raw materials from the system. He stood in front of the gathered workers, adventurers, and allies, his voice carrying across the construction site.

"Alright, everyone. We've made incredible progress so far. The convenience store, the clinic, the public water system—these are all vital additions. But we still need more raw materials to continue building at this pace," Satoshi began. "We need more funds to buy materials from the system. Lumine suggested a market day to raise money, and it worked well, but we need something more sustainable."

Kaeya, standing casually with his arms crossed, spoke up. "I think I might have an idea. How about we set up a small trade route? We can use the road between Mondstadt and the new city to transport goods back and forth. We could produce items here, like refined materials or simple gadgets, and trade them in Mondstadt. It'd bring in Mora, and it would help people get used to modern goods."

Satoshi's eyes lit up. "That's actually a great idea, Kaeya. A trade route would not only bring in Mora but also help us establish economic ties between Mondstadt and the new city. It could be the start of a thriving economy."

Paimon floated around excitedly. "Oh! Paimon thinks that's perfect! We could have carts going back and forth, and maybe even a delivery service! Imagine getting snacks delivered right to your door!"

Lumine smiled. "It sounds like a good plan. We've already got the road, so setting up trade should be manageable. Plus, it would create more jobs for people here."

Satoshi nodded. "Alright, it's settled. We'll set up a trade route. Kaeya, can you start working on the logistics? I'll get in touch with some merchants in Mondstadt and see if they're interested in setting up a partnership."

Kaeya gave a mock salute. "Consider it done, boss. I'll make sure it's as smooth as possible."

---

The next few days were spent planning the trade route. Satoshi, Kaeya, and Lumine worked together to identify what goods they could produce in the new city. With the help of the system, Satoshi was able to set up a small manufacturing unit that produced simple but useful gadgets—like lanterns, cooking stoves, and small tools—all powered by the solar panels they had installed throughout the city.

Noelle and Amber took on the task of organizing the workers who would help transport the goods. They set up a schedule for the carts to travel between Mondstadt and the new city, ensuring that everything was efficient and well-organized.

"Alright, everyone," Noelle said, her voice full of determination. "We're going to make sure these goods get to Mondstadt safely and on time. Amber, can you help with the security arrangements? We don't want any hilichurl ambushes along the way."

Amber gave a thumbs-up. "You got it, Noelle! I'll make sure we've got scouts along the route to keep an eye out for any trouble."

Bennett, who was also helping with the preparations, looked a bit nervous but determined. "I'll do my best to help too! I know my luck isn't always great, but I want to make sure everything goes well."

Noelle smiled at him. "Don't worry, Bennett. With everyone working together, I'm sure it'll be a success."

---

On the day of the first trade caravan, the atmosphere was filled with excitement. The carts were loaded with goods, and the workers were ready to set off. Satoshi stood by, watching as everything came together. It was another big step forward for the city—a step toward sustainability and growth.

Kaeya, who was overseeing the final preparations, walked up to Satoshi, a mischievous smile on his face. "Ready to see our first trade caravan head out? This is history in the making, you know."

Satoshi nodded, a sense of pride welling up inside him. "Yeah. It's amazing to see how far we've come. I just hope everything goes smoothly."

Kaeya chuckled. "Relax, Satoshi. With Amber and Bennett on the case, I'm sure we'll be fine. And if anything does go wrong, we'll handle it—like we always do."

Paimon floated nearby, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Paimon thinks this is so cool! We're really making a difference! Who would've thought that we'd be setting up trade routes and building cities?"

Lumine smiled. "It's all thanks to Satoshi and his system. We're making progress, little by little, and it's all because of the teamwork and determination everyone has shown."

As the caravan began to move, the workers cheered, waving as the carts rolled down the road toward Mondstadt. Satoshi watched, his heart swelling with pride. This was just the beginning. The trade route would bring in the Mora they needed, and it would help strengthen the ties between Mondstadt and the new city.

Suddenly, a familiar voice called out from above. "What's all this commotion about? Are you having a party without inviting yours truly?"

Satoshi looked up to see Venti perched on a nearby roof, a mischievous grin on his face, his lyre in hand. The bard leapt down, landing gracefully next to the group.

"Venti!" Paimon exclaimed. "We're not having a party—we're setting up a trade route! But Paimon thinks you should totally sing something to celebrate!"

Venti laughed, strumming his lyre. "A trade route, you say? Well, that calls for a song! How about a little tune to wish our brave merchants safe travels?"

Without waiting for an answer, Venti began to play, his fingers dancing over the strings of his lyre. The melody was light and uplifting, filling the air with a sense of hope and adventure. The workers paused to listen, smiles spreading across their faces as they took in the bard's music.

Satoshi couldn't help but smile too. Venti's presence always seemed to lift everyone's spirits. As the song came to an end, Venti gave a dramatic bow, earning applause from the gathered crowd.

"Thank you, thank you," Venti said, winking at Satoshi. "Consider that my contribution to the success of this venture. May the winds be ever at your back."

Satoshi nodded. "Thanks, Venti. That was perfect. I think everyone's feeling even more motivated now."

Venti grinned. "Happy to help. And if you ever need a bard to liven things up, you know where to find me."

---

As the sun began to set, the first trade caravan disappeared down the road toward Mondstadt. The workers began to wind down for the day, gathering in the central plaza to relax and celebrate their achievements. Satoshi stood with Lumine, Paimon, and Venti, looking out at the city as the lights flickered on, powered by the solar panels they had installed.

"To think," Lumine said softly, "this was all just an idea not that long ago. And now, it's becoming a reality."

Paimon floated up, her eyes shining. "Paimon thinks it's amazing! And with everyone working together, it's only going to get better!"

Venti strummed his lyre again, nodding. "Indeed. This city is becoming a beacon of hope—a symbol of what can be achieved when people come together for a common goal."

Satoshi took a deep breath, feeling a sense of fulfillment. "This is just the beginning. There's still so much more to do, but with all of you by my side, I know we can make it happen. One step at a time."

As the night fell and the stars began to twinkle in the sky, Satoshi raised a glass of juice, his voice carrying over the gathered crowd.

"To our city, to our trade, and to the future we're building together!"

Cheers erupted once more, and Satoshi knew that, no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together—one step, one building, and one trade caravan at a time.