24 Go Big or Go Home! (1/2)

It's been a couple days since Axel became a street magician. On the first day, Axel drew a large crowd even though he only made things appear and disappear using his inventory.

Even though he was surrounded by a large amount of people, he didn't neglect his duty. Halfway through the day, he managed to inform Iwai about some cops coming around.

Later that day, Iwai told Axel that he managed to hide the models and trick the cops. After a good laugh, Axel began heading home. However, he didn't managed to leave the store before Iwai's voice echoed from the back of the store, asking him to bring more food tomorrow.

The next day went basically the same, however, this time he let Stella participate. Most people were scared or concerned when they saw a snake but once they saw the tricks she did, they forgot everything and cheered.

Even the cops stopped to watch as Stella contorted her body into a multitude of shapes, giving Axel and Iwai more than enough time to hide everything.

The third day became more hectic as more and more people gathered by the alleyway, almost blocking it off. Luckily, Axel still kept an eye out and managed to inform Iwai.

Everyday, Iwai's mood continued to get better and better which freaked Axel out. Every morning, Iwai would wait outside the store like a dog. Once he spotted Axel, it's like he became a blur. There was no greeting or welcome as Iwai would instantly snatch the food that Axel always brought. Coupled with the fact that they were managing the orders and the cops, it's like a smile was always present on his face.

However, that all changed on the last day.

Early in the morning, Axel easily woke up at 5am. Pulling out his phone, the date was the 16th of March.

Sighing, Axel muttered, ”I hope Iwai comes through.”

After a short period of getting ready, Axel opened the door and left. Breathing out, his breath was slightly visible as he carried a box of food to the station.

The train was like usual, crowded. However, the people on the train were unusually quiet. Axel tilted his head in confusion before he suddenly over heard a man talking on his phone about something imteresting.

”Hey, did you see the news last night? Another person collapsed. Some CEO or something… Yes, I know but… Look, I think it's related to those so called 'Mental Shut-downs'… I'm just saying…”

Axel became lost in thought as he mentally said, ”System, do you know about these 'mental shut-downs'?”

A couple seconds passed by but the system remained silent. Axel was about to complain but sighed and gave up as he knew complaining would get him nowhere.

The rest of the trip was calm as Axel eas-, *cough*, I mean, happened to coincidentally hear many other people who all linked the strange event to mental shut-downs.

Arriving at the station, Axel made a mental note to search up the mental shut-downs later.

After walking towards Iwai's shop, Axel saw a huge and excited crowd gathered where he usually set up. With a slight smile, Axel dipped in and out of the crowd before setting up his table in the usual spot.

All eyes were on him as a coughed loudly and said, ”Hey guys, how's everyone doing this morning?”

A myriad amount of voices echoed as they tired to reply. After a couple minutes, the voices stopped.

A wide grin appeared on his face as he let Stella slowly slither out from his arm. The crowd instant began cheering while Stella started twisting her body.

Time pasted by quickly as they took turns to preform as well as take break. Suddenly, Axel noticed a pair of people that slowly weaved between the crowd.