Chapter 1: The Convenience Store Conundrum

Satoshi had been having a pretty ordinary day. He had just run out of instant ramen at home, and after a lengthy internal debate about the merits of getting off his lazy backside, he finally decided to head to the convenience store. After all, a man had to eat, and instant ramen was at least 30% nutrition—maybe 40% if you counted the dried vegetables. With his wallet in one hand and a shopping list in his head, Satoshi opened the door to his apartment. But instead of the grimy hallway of his apartment building, he was met with… the sky?

"Huh?" he said, eloquently. He blinked once. Twice. Still sky.

A gust of wind blew his hair into his eyes, and Satoshi, thoroughly confused, took a cautious step forward. Beneath his foot was a soft patch of grass. Grass. He was definitely not in Tokyo anymore. He looked around, but all he could see was a vast landscape with rolling hills and the unmistakable spires of a city in the distance. Panic set in as he looked down to confirm he was still wearing his house slippers. "Where the heck am I?!"

The answer came in a decidedly nonchalant voice that echoed directly in his head.

"Welcome, Host, to the world of Teyvat! Congratulations, you have been chosen as the sole user of the 'Infinite Infrastructure, Science Technology, and Alchemist' System."

Satoshi nearly jumped out of his slippers. "W-Who's there?" he shouted, spinning around. All he could see were trees and the occasional bird that seemed to be mocking him with its carefree flight.

"I am the System," the voice said, ignoring his state of shock. "Your mission, should you choose to accept it—not that you have a choice—is to modernize Mondstadt's infrastructure and economy. Also, you are to build a new modern city near Mondstadt. Congratulations!"

"Wait, what? Modernize? Build? Me? I don't even know how to build IKEA furniture!" Satoshi spluttered.

The System ignored his complaints. "Mission One: Create construction machines. Mission Two: Modernize Mondstadt's banking system. Mission Three: Introduce technological advancements to improve people's livelihoods. As an incentive, completing missions will earn you extraordinary abilities or magical treasure items."

Satoshi blinked. He'd seen enough isekai anime to understand what was happening. He had transmigrated. To another world. And there was a system giving him missions. It would have been cool, except he wasn't exactly a hero type. He was more of a 'stay-at-home-and-binge-anime' type.

"Uh, System, I think you've got the wrong guy," Satoshi tried to reason.

"Host has been selected. No exchanges, refunds, or returns. Failure to complete missions will result in consequences," the System droned, in what sounded suspiciously like a bored customer service representative.

Satoshi gulped. "Consequences? What kind of consequences?"

"Consequences that may include but are not limited to: forced labor, inability to access System resources, and a significant increase in inconvenience and discomfort."

"Significant increase in inconvenience and discomfort?" Satoshi muttered. "That sounds like my everyday life."

"Host will now receive the first reward to assist with the mission," the System continued, ignoring his growing distress. "Awarding 'Beginner's Toolbox' containing: Construction Blueprint Basics, Basic Budget Management Manual, and 'How to Make Friends in a Medieval Fantasy Setting'."

A small holographic screen popped up in front of Satoshi, and sure enough, there were three icons that looked like books. Satoshi sighed. "You've got to be kidding me. I didn't sign up for a management sim."

The System responded with a deafening silence.

"Fine, fine," Satoshi grumbled, opening the first book titled "Construction Blueprint Basics". The moment he did, knowledge began flooding into his brain. Images of construction vehicles, schematics of cranes, bulldozers, and even asphalt rollers played in his mind like a fast-forwarded documentary. Satoshi clutched his head.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Slow down!" He could barely keep up as diagrams of gears, hydraulics, and blueprints were crammed into his consciousness. After what felt like hours but was probably only a few minutes, the influx of information stopped, leaving Satoshi panting on the grass.

"Mission updated," the System chimed. "Construct a bulldozer to assist with building infrastructure."

"A bulldozer? Where am I supposed to get the parts for a bulldozer in a world where people use wind magic and drink dandelion wine?" Satoshi groaned.

The System helpfully popped up another screen. "Raw materials and parts can be purchased from the System store. Please note, purchases require Mora."

Satoshi rubbed his temples. "Mora? Isn't that the currency here? I don't have any Mora!"

"Mission Two: Secure initial funding by establishing a banking system. Reward: A starter pack of Mora and construction resources."

Satoshi was pretty sure he was going to cry. "How am I supposed to establish a bank?! I don't even have a degree in finance! I don't even have a bank account back home!"

The System, as usual, didn't respond to his complaints. Instead, it opened another holographic window labeled "Basic Budget Management Manual." This time, the knowledge was less painful, but still overwhelming. It was all about establishing a bank, interest rates, saving plans, and something about "encouraging monetary fluidity in an adventurer-based economy."

"Great. I'm an accountant now," Satoshi muttered.

He picked himself up and started walking towards the city he had seen in the distance. As he approached, he could make out the towering stone walls and the imposing gates of Mondstadt. The city looked like something out of a medieval fairytale, complete with guards in shiny armor and citizens dressed in tunics and dresses. Satoshi stood at the gate, taking a deep breath.

"Alright, I've got this. Just gotta act natural. No one needs to know I'm an out-of-place weirdo trying to build a bulldozer."

He approached one of the guards, who eyed him suspiciously. Satoshi cleared his throat. "Uh, hey there! I'm, uh, new around here and looking to… offer some new and exciting financial opportunities to the people of Mondstadt!"

The guard blinked at him. "Financial opportunities?"

"Yeah!" Satoshi said, enthusiasm leaking out of him like air from a punctured balloon. "You know, banking! Saving! Interest! Uh… Money stuff?"

The guard looked thoroughly confused but shrugged. "If you're looking to set up shop, you'll need to speak with the acting Grand Master."

Satoshi's face paled. "The Grand Master? As in the leader of the city?"

The guard nodded. "Jean is currently the acting Grand Master. She's usually in the Knights of Favonius headquarters. Good luck, you'll need it."

Satoshi swallowed hard. He had hoped to start small—maybe find a friendly merchant or someone gullible enough to listen to his pitch. But now he had to meet the leader of the city? "Thanks," he muttered, trudging off in the direction the guard pointed.

"System, you're really making this hard for me," he mumbled under his breath.

"Host is advised to display confidence and charisma," the System chirped in response.

"Charisma? I've got the charisma of a wet noodle," Satoshi muttered. Nevertheless, he found himself in front of an imposing building with large double doors—the Knights of Favonius headquarters. He took a deep breath, pushed the doors open, and walked inside.

The interior was grand, with high ceilings, banners, and knights bustling around. Satoshi was about to turn and leave when a woman with blonde hair and an air of authority approached him. She had a warm smile, but her eyes were sharp, assessing him.

"Hello, traveler. I am Jean, the acting Grand Master. How can I assist you?"

Satoshi cleared his throat, trying to remember everything he'd read in the Budget Management Manual. "Uh, hi! I'm Satoshi, and I'm here to, um, revolutionize your banking system!"

Jean raised an eyebrow. "Revolutionize our banking system?"

Satoshi nodded, trying to project confidence. "Yes! I've got a plan to create a modern banking system. Imagine a place where people can safely store their money, earn interest, and even take out loans for big purchases. It'll, uh, improve the economy and make everyone's lives better!"

Jean looked intrigued, if a little skeptical. "That's an ambitious proposal, Satoshi. Mondstadt has never had anything like that before. What experience do you have in finance?"

"Experience?" Satoshi gulped. "Well, I… uh…" He frantically searched for something impressive to say. "I have a, um, magical system that gives me all the knowledge I need!"

Jean blinked at him, clearly taken aback. Satoshi mentally kicked himself. "Smooth, Satoshi. Real smooth," he thought.

Jean studied him for a moment before speaking. "Very well, Satoshi. I will give you the chance to present your ideas. If it truly can benefit Mondstadt, we will support you. However, I will need to see a detailed plan and some proof of concept."

Satoshi nodded vigorously. "Yes, of course! A detailed plan, proof of concept, I can do that!"

"Very well. I'll arrange for you to meet with our economic advisor tomorrow morning. You may use the library to work on your proposal," Jean said, offering him a polite smile.

Satoshi bowed awkwardly. "Thank you, acting Grand Master! I won't let you down!"

As he left the headquarters, Satoshi let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "System, you'd better help me with this plan, or we're both doomed," he whispered.

"Host is encouraged to utilize the Beginner's Toolbox and available knowledge," the System replied.

"Beginner's Toolbox, huh?" Satoshi sighed, making his way to the library. He found a quiet corner, sat down, and opened the holographic book again. As diagrams of banking systems and flowcharts filled his vision, he couldn't help but laugh a little at the absurdity of it all.

"I just wanted to buy some ramen," he muttered to himself. "And now I'm a wannabe bank manager in a fantasy world."

He shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. He might not be a hero, but maybe—just maybe—he could bring a little modern chaos to this medieval place. And if he got some magical treasure out of it, well, that wouldn't be too bad either.

Satoshi flipped to the next page, determination setting in. "Alright, Mondstadt, let's get you some ATMs."