Chapter 365: This Is Just Baldly Surprising

If Takumi's world could develop into an interdimensional hub, that would be ideal.

Unfortunately, Takumi had no way of making it happen. After all, he lacked the power to let people cross worlds randomly.

Maybe he could spend some points and try a lottery draw in the group chat? But whether he could get a tool that did just that was anyone's guess.

As he strolled through the streets with Gabriel, he thought about these things. He glanced at the lottery options in the group chat. There was a chance to draw a teleportation talisman that led to random worlds. Maybe he could draw something he desired too?

Still, after grumbling to himself, Takumi didn't try the lottery. Whether or not he could get it was a different matter entirely. Right now, he didn't have the points to waste on such a gamble. He wanted to save up.

His next power enhancement would require over a million points. That was an enormous number—one that might take several years to accumulate. Relying on check-ins alone, who knew when he'd reach it?

So for now, saving was the only option. He had infinite lifespan anyway. It was just a matter of time before he gathered enough.

One more power-up, and he'd stop.

After all, if this upgrade cost over a million points, then the next would cost ten million. And then a hundred million.

Points weren't easy to earn.

The system didn't even have a recycle function. If it did, Takumi could've abused bugs to mass-produce and sell his items for power.

"What are you thinking about?"

Gabriel, walking beside him, noticed Takumi's dazed expression and asked curiously.

"Nothing," Takumi replied, shaking his head. "Just thinking."

He didn't explain further—nothing worth mentioning.

They continued strolling.

The festive atmosphere around them was gradually intensifying. Most decorations were mass-produced by Prometheus in factories—things like firecrackers were easy to manufacture.

No problem at all.

But Takumi still felt like something was missing.

He looked up at the bright blue sky and suddenly had an epiphany.

"Ah, it's snow. We're missing snow."

Hope City was in a warm zone, and without artificial intervention, it was hard to see snowfall.

But for Takumi, that was an easy fix. It just didn't feel right without snow.

"Snow?" Gabriel blinked. "You want it to snow?"

"Yeah. Besides, I haven't seen real snow before."

Takumi felt a pang of regret.

In his previous life, he had lived in the south, and he'd barely seen snow at all growing up. Now that he had the chance, why not make it snow?

With that thought, Takumi activated his powers.

A wave of energy radiated from him and merged into the atmosphere. Soon, the previously clear sky began gathering clouds.

The abrupt change in weather caught everyone's attention immediately.

Huh?

Was it going to rain?

Those with stronger powers could sense it clearly—someone was manipulating the weather.

As the sky darkened, snowflakes began drifting down.

"Wow!"

"It's snowing!!"

"Snow!!"

Excited cries rang out as delicate snow began to fall.

The cursed children living in Hope City were especially ecstatic. Many kids loved snow, and now, seeing it for real, their happiness overflowed.

Takumi watched as little girls ran by him, unable to hide the smile on his face.

Some recognized Takumi and greeted him before running off, clearly eager to play.

"It's the season of White Album again," Takumi said with amusement.

"How much snow will you summon? Should we issue an announcement?"

Prometheus suddenly appeared.

The snowfall had disrupted her weather forecast, so she needed guidance.

Since Takumi had interfered with the weather, only he could decide how long it would last.

After thinking for a moment, Takumi said, "Medium snowfall, about two to three hours. Let everyone enjoy it."

That duration would be plenty.

"Understood," Prometheus nodded.

Shortly after, the forecast was updated to show light snow in the coming hours.

Takumi didn't give it a second thought and continued shopping with Gabriel.

Before long, they arrived at Gracie's art studio.

Takumi paused, then walked in with Gabriel.

He hadn't visited Gracie since she opened the studio.

He didn't even know how her business was doing.

Rumor had it, business was booming.

Plenty of people who made money in Takumi's world loved to buy Gracie's artwork.

Among the Thirteen Elites, she probably made the most money.

Her paintings were ridiculously expensive—and yet still sold well.

That's why Gracie was filthy rich.

A true wealthy lady!

After all, her art sold like hotcakes.

When Takumi and Gabriel arrived, several men in suits were speaking with the front desk.

Gracie's works covered the gallery walls.

Takumi, the uncultured bumpkin, didn't understand art. But these men loved that abstract nonsense.

Takumi scanned the room and led Gabriel deeper inside.

The others completely ignored them—because Takumi had tampered with perception.

Otherwise, seeing Gracie would've been a hassle.

With Gabriel in tow, Takumi easily reached Gracie's workroom.

At that moment, Gracie was painting in front of a large floor-to-ceiling window.

She turned around, curious about the noise.

When she saw Takumi, she looked surprised.

"Takumi-oniichan, what brings you here?"

Takumi's lips twitched.

Gracie had reverted to her loli form.

"Why are you a kid again?"

She had clearly grown up before.

What was with this return to loli form?

Was this the legendary mature mind in a loli body?

Takumi couldn't make sense of Gracie's logic.

This was just baldly surprising.

She suddenly became a loli again.

Last time they met, she was fully grown.