Chapter 50 - Reapers (3) (1/2)
'Sooo... this is what a big city looks like in real life.' Simon thought as he walked through the modern architecture of the Reaper town.
'In all honesty, Reaper town is more of a city than an actual town. It's funny, everything is different when you see it in person, even if I thought up all of this.'
'But d**n, it's so boring. What should I even do here? The system and Xander still haven't come back, and I am just here wondering what I should do in the meantime.'
'Actually, when I think about it, the year is 12444. I did write the start of my novel in 12454... To be honest, the events also cover 10 years back, including what's happening today.'
'I've been doing to much f***ing training. I've barely even considered the actual year and time before the story starts. But, meh. It might just be that I have to wait a couple more years until Xander shows up again and starts talking. Maybe the system will naturally come back to accompany me? Who knows?'
Simon continued walking through the thick crowd of commoners, until he finally reached an ornate-looking clothing shop. With black marble walls and clear glass, the store looked simple yet beautifully well chiselled; enough for a demon to just stop and admire. After entering through an open door, Simon was greeted by a devil in his Middle Ages, possessing a pair of blue blesbok horns.
”Greetings, young knight.” The man cheerfully greeted as he usher Simon into the shop.
A thing peculiar thing to note is that the devil's horns weren't exactly what a typical blesbok would possess, instead, it seemed that the horns had been chiselled to form sharper points. This gave an atmosphere of refinement and 'sharpness'.
”Fufu... you have good eyes.” Simon said as his white paste disappeared, revealing his grey horns.
”I have an eye for such things, and it also seems you are rather young. Perhaps not even old enough to be considered an a.d.u.l.t.” The man warmly spoke as he guided Simon into the silent setting of the shop.
”This shop is known as 'Black Circle', we only handle a single customer at a time, and pride ourselves in our private and homely customer service. Every once in a while, a homeless devil may come here just for a chat. They always leave with a smile.” The man continued.
”Do you know why?”
Simon listened intently and knew exactly what this opening speech meant. It is a test, a test for a potential customer. This shop isn't just a normal shop after all. This is Simon's favourite establishment from his novel. And that didn't change when he arrived in this world. It more homely than home for starters.
'This is more of a test than a simple question.'
”Because there are no homeless devils, the ones that come in are but disguised demons. You leave their mouths stitched together with a smile as you send them to the custodians.” Simon laughed.
”And that is why this store is named the Smiling Needle.” Simon finished with a grin.
”CORRECT!”
”I am indeed impressed, little customer. I see your ears are refined and your senses are keen. That is what I love in youth. It is quite laughable though, we don't mind the odd homeless demon, but we still are disgusted at those that steal the devil identity. It is a rather terrible sin.” The man warmly declared.
”You have passed the test. I will now guide you into the Needle's den. Also... while we are at it, I shall greet you with my devil name.”
”I am”
'Nidal Tuskan.'