Shop And Maidens
Jack selected yes with no hesitation. He would have thought about it if it required real money to unlock, but since EP was the shop's exclusive currency, he didn't have to worry about that.
He didn't expect much, but was still disappointed when only a handful of items were unlocked. Two items for each of the three sections, to be precise.
First was the skills tab, two books were available for purchase in it. First was the beginner boxing manual and beginner chef's manual.
The second tab was marked as quality of life. It had an outfit that would increase his charm towards the ladies. There was also a wristwatch that would apparently increase his luck, if that was even possible.
The last unlocked tab was for miscellaneous items. It showed two pills in it. First was called the Random intel pill, and the second was the good fortune pill.
Jack was tempted to take the fortune pill, but then he stopped. He had no place to store it, so it was better off in the shop.
"Each item costs 300 EP. I can't buy anything even if I want to."
Jack sighed and was about to close the shop when a flashing icon caught his attention. He clicked on it, and a notification popped up before his eyes.
[Special discount: Enjoy 50% off your first purchase.]
"…why do I have to click an icon to get the discount?"
[It's designed such that to test Host's awareness.]
"Did Justa designed this?"
[Affirmative.]
"…"
Jack wasn't even surprised. That bitch of a goddess was hellbent on ruining his second life. He didn't know why she was so crazy to torture him. Since she couldn't do so physically, she had resorted to such tricks.
Perhaps I can ask Fortuna about it the next time I meet her.
He pushed all of that from his mind, deciding to focus on more important matters.
It was easier to decide not to spend his EP when the items were beyond his reach. But things had changed as he could buy one item from the shop.
"I'm not buying the fortune pill or the clothes. I don't need them right now," Jack mumbled, entering the shower. "That leaves me with intel pill or skill books."
He checked their description while water drops traced his muscles.
===
Item: Low-tier Intel Pill
Type: Consumable
Description: A pill which, when consumed, would give the host a random piece of information about something within half-a-mile radius. The intel can be about anything, from a secret drug deal to the addition of a new menu item in a fast-food chain.
Note: Use a higher tier pills for better intel drop rates.
===
It was easy to eliminate the intel pill after reading the description. Jack wasn't keen on wasting 150 EP on useless information.
"Let's check the skill books. Perhaps they'd be useful."
===
Item: Beginner Boxing Manual
Type: Consumable
Description: A skill book to prepare the host for fights. Use it to learn how to deal with street thugs or intimidating bodyguards, but don't think you'll become superhuman with this.
Skills stored: Slip, Super hook and Jab, Footwork.
Note: Use a higher tier manual for more advanced skills.
===
"Hm… this seems useful. What about the other skill?"
===
Item: Beginner Chef's Manual
Type: Consumable
Description: A skill book to help the host learn about the wonderful world of cooking. You won't become a Michelin star chef with this, but you can make better food than instant noodles.
Skills stored: Knife handling, Sauteing, Seasoning.
Note: Use a higher tier manual for more advanced skills.
===
Chef's manual is useless for me, at the moment.
Jack could imagine Granny smacking him the moment he entered the kitchen to cook. It was her domain, inside which even a finger-eating demon couldn't enter it without her permission.
As for the boxing manual, he would be useful. Given the nature of his… profession, Jack was bound to get into brawls. He also remembered Cindy's crew. Those fuckers would have jumped him if it wasn't for the public's intervention. It was better to have some fighting skills, just to defend himself should there be a need.
With that thought in mind, Jack bought the manual.
[Item purchased!]
[Current Balance: 70 EP]
He thought he would instantly learn the tricks, but that wasn't the case. Instead, he got a new quest.
===
[Daily quest 01: Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee (Beginner).]
[Task: Practice each of the following skills ten times a day: Slip, Hook and Jab, Footwork.]
[Time: Infinite]
[Reward: Skill mastery]
[Punishment: None]
Note: The host can use the manual stored in the inventory for more information.
===
"…good thing I didn't buy the chef's manual."
Granny would have cooked him if he dared enter the kitchen to do all the stuff mentioned. He stepped out of the shower and was about to sleep when another thought hit him.
"Hey, Jenna? What was that notification about the Silver maiden? I didn't pay attention to it in the heat of the moment."
[Those are the classification of women. Each tier has its own prize pool and other benefits for the host to win.]
"I see… can you explain more about it?"
[It's too long. Just sleep for now.]
"…the hell? Just tell me in short."
[There are seven tiers. Each tier factors a female's age, body type, job, number of children, body count, and accessibility to place them in one of the seven tiers.]
[Shall I proceed with a detailed explanation of each tier?]
"…honestly, let's just put it off for now."
[That's what I thought.]
"One last question. Did Justa design you too?"
[I was created through a joint venture of various entities.]
"I see. Good night, sas queen."
[Good night, Host.]