Chapter 252 - My SI Stash #52 - The Gamer of the Shop by ghost83 (ResidentEvilXMulticross) (1/2)
-Anothe- nope! Here goes a refreshing take on the Gamer stories~ Behold the first Shop Gamer! *Multicross fic with the MC starting in Resident Evil!
Synopsis: The hero. The one that saves the day, and completes the story. The one that the story surrounds. This... isn't the hero. This isn't even the villain. This is the 'Gamer' like no other... ”Welcome to my [Shop]. What do you want?” And, there goes the cool introduction. This is a concept, where nothing is owned but the story itself.
Rated: M
Words: 25K
Posted on: m.fanfiction.net/s/13501767/1/The-Gamer-of-the-Shop (ghost83)
PS: If you're not able to copy/paste the link, you have everything in here to find it, by simply searching the author and the story title. It sucks that you can't copy links on mobile (´ー｀)
-I'll be putting the chapter ones of all the fanfics mentioned, to give you guys a sample if you wan't more please do go to the website and support the author! (And maybe even convince them to start uploading chapters in here as well!)
Chapter 1-3 (exceptional)
... This is different.
Welcome to your [Shop]!
As of right now, you only have the b_a_r_e basics of inventory...
Exp is replaced with number of item(s) sold.
For example, 100 [Lesser HP Potions] will net you 100 exp, and 20 [Lesser MP Potions] will net you 20 exp.
However, any [Uncommon] or higher items, have a [Multiplier].
To summarize:
Sell items, gain exp.
... Well, at least my job got easier...
I think...
As a brief introduction... my name doesn't matter. I'm a minor, looking for a job. In an ad, there was an opening for a 'shop manager', and it had no requirements that were needed beforehand.
So, I registered for the job, got it, and went to the address... before a glowing blue semi-transparent screen appeared before me, and promptly made me question something:
Heading cautiously inside, I saw that the entire interior was... pretty much abandoned.
Shelves were empty, and racks for tools were left abandoned. Cobwebs, dust bunnies, cracked tiles, even splintered wool and 'horror' flickering lights... The entire place seemed like a weird abandoned ghost store.
No sign of anyone present.
Heading to the counter, the desk bell was still clean and shiny.
Looking around carefully, I rang the bell once, and got shocked at the new screen appearing.
Welcome to your new job!
You are now the [Shop Gamer]!
What is a [Shop Gamer], you're wondering?
Well, it can be summarized with this idea:
The [Protagonist] in all video games are the ones that save the day, fight the monsters, and adventure for the sake of... whatever they're adventuring for.
But unless they are on 'hardcore' or 'extreme'... how do they get the job done? Not on loot alone, that's for sure!
The answer? They buy [REDACTED] from the shop keeps! They buy items that restore HP, PP, MP, and stuff that help in the midst of battle!
Status effect? Use a 'status heal' item they bought at a shop!
Boss Fight coming up but the nearest town is 5 miles away? Hello, cheeky vendor!
Need better armor? Buy armor at the shop!
Need a better stand-in weapon? Buy it!
Yes, the [Shops] are the 'heroes' of the 'Players', and help them in their (future) possible time of need!
So, in short... I became a [Gamer]? That that one trope that was nearly skinned as many ways as the proverbial cat by anime, comics, and weird fan-fictions?
Yep!
Well, I'm already in this deep... And considering I'm now the 'side' character...
Question to System: What are my perks and skills?
[Owner Perks]
Protection of the Store: Instead of the [Gamer's Mind] and [Gamer's Body], you merely become invulnerable whenever you're in this [Shop], making you impervious from attacks, status conditions, weather conditions, and all buffs. This extends to mental manipulation from an outside party.
Multilingual: What it says on the tin, in a sense. You can understand what your customers say, and vice versa, regardless of the language barrier. You speak English, they hear Orc-ish... albeit with improper mouth syncing, just so long as you're in this [Shop].
[Shop Perks]
Parasitic Insert: Due to [REDACTED], the exterior of this [Shop] automatically blends in with its surrounding environment, making it so it doesn't stand out that much to other people.
Null and Void: Any person that enters this [Shop] gets a VERY SEVERE debuff that makes them harmless to all current and future occupants of the [Shop].
Without a Scratch: No physical harm will come to the exterior or interior of the building. Can only be displaced or moved.
Karma Penalty: If a fool steals from you, even though it counts as 'selling' the item(s), their [Karma] will lower depending on what they stole, and how much they took from you.
[Skills]
{LOCKED} - Requirements not fulfilled. Requirement: Find the [Janitor's Closet].
{LOCKED} - Requirements not fulfilled. Requirement: Get a [Repair Kit] (0/1)
{LOCKED} - Requirements not fulfilled. Requirement: Complete [REDACTED] quest.
{LOCKED} - Requirements not fulfilled. Requirement: Arrive at [REDACTED], and meet [REDACTED] and [REDACTED].
Hm... it looks like I 'earn' my [Skills] in a different way... First, let's break down the [Perks].
[Protection of the Store] is actually a good thing, and makes sense. You can't exactly know what the vendor is selling if they're dead, and from the looks of things... the last bit involving mental protection means that any [Charisma] is quickly shot down, meaning bartering is a no-go.
[Multilingual] is very important. On the off-chance of meeting and interacting with a foreign speaker, at least from my perspective, I'll be able to easily communicate with them and hopefully make any purchases go by much smoother. With the concept of the Multiverse, I'm still waiting to meet aliens, if there are any.
[Parasitic Insert]... One one hand, it makes sense since something 'modern' stands out in 'ancient' times, and vice versa. On the other hand... it makes me worry about what's going to happen.
[Null and Void] is only making my immunity of the occupants much higher.
[Without a Scratch] provides me with a much better protection from outside forces.
[Infinetory] is going to be a key player in 'leveling up' this store.
[Karma Penalty]... I'll get back to it. Sure, there are 'heroes' that buy stuff, but the same goes for 'villains'.
[Karma Penalty] removed from [Shop Perks].
... It's that easy? Huh...
Question to System: Upgrades available?
[Upgrades]
Self-cleaning: Everything cleans up after itself, reorganizing and rearranging to how things were before.
Requirement: [REDACTED] skill unlocked, and at Level 10.
Cost: 5 Shop Points
Expansion Pack: Allows you to expand the [Shop] to include more variety.
Cost: 50 Shop Points
Advertis_e_m_e_nt: For 30 days, [Shop] is advertised to the public area roughly around shop.
Cost: 3 Shop Points (Repeatable)
Living Quarters: Add an additional area that contains your newest living space.
Cost: 1 Shop Point
Current Shop Points: 0
...
Question to System: What are 'Shop Points'?
[Shop Points]
By completing certain quests, you gain [Shop Points].
You also gain a [Shop Point] for every 25 items sold.
[Shop Points] are in place of [Stat Points], allowing you to upgrade certain things about your shop.
With [Expansion Pack], you're able to purchase extra space for different types of items, or use them for a specific mechanic.
Sounds simple enough.
Quests?
[Active Quests]
None.
...
This may take a while to figure out.
Command: Pull up window for [Skills].
[Skills]
{LOCKED} - Requirements not fulfilled. Requirement: Find the [Janitor's Closet].
{LOCKED} - Requirements not fulfilled. Requirement: Get a [Repair Kit] (0/1)
{LOCKED} - Requirements not fulfilled. Requirement: Complete [REDACTED] quest.
{LOCKED} - Requirements not fulfilled. Requirement: Arrive at [REDACTED], and meet [REDACTED] and [REDACTED].
The first one was right there... Seems easy enough to unlock.
Taking out my phone and using the torch function, I looked around, carefully walking around the holes and gaps before coming across a wooden door... that barely seemed stable.
You found the [Janitor's Closet]!
Skill [Cleanse] unlocked!
Cleanse (Level 1): All dirt, grime, and fragments within a certain radius around you is cleaned.
Area of Effect: 1.5 meters.
Cool-down: 10 Minutes.
Uses until next level: 0/15
Quest unlocked!
Everybody, Everywhere! (ACTIVE)
A clean shop is a presentable shop. Using [Cleanse], clean all of the floor of your [Shop] and have it become spotless.
Reward:10 Shop Points, [REDACTED] world unlocked, [REDACTED] skill unlocked, [Repair Kit].
After organizing my thoughts, I did some math.
The skill [Cleanse] has a 10 minute cool-down, as if it took that much time to physically 'clean' that area. The shop is pretty much big, so area will come later.
Assuming that the radius of effect increases with the level, and factoring in the 'level up' for the skill... 15 times 10 equals 150.
150 minutes until its next level up.
150 divided by 60 equals 2 and a half.
That means that it'll take 2 hours and 30 minutes to level up [Cleanse].
...
Cue the montage music.
2 and a half hours later...
DING!
[Cleanse] leveled up!
Cleanse (Level 2): All dirt, grime, and fragments within a certain radius around you is cleaned.
Area of Effect: 2 meters.
Cool-down: 10 Minutes.
Uses until next level: 0/20
Looks like the changes automatically show. But still... that now means that it still takes 10 minutes to clean.
20 times 10 is 200. 200 divided by 60 equals...
Taking out my phone and using the calculator app, I got 3 and a third.
Converting to hours, that's 3 hours and 20 minutes.
Cue montage... again.
3 hours later...
DING!
Quest Complete!
Everybody, Everywhere!
A clean shop is a presentable shop. Using [Cleanse], clean all of the floor of your [Shop] and have it become spotless.
Reward:10 Shop Points, [Resident Evil] world unlocked, [World Travel] skill unlocked, [Repair Kit].
Skill [Repair] unlocked!
Cleanse (Level 2): All dirt, grime, and fragments within a certain radius around you is cleaned.
Area of Effect: 2 meters.
Cool-down: 10 Minutes.
Uses until next level: 18/20
Only two more left... And the last two spots I cleaned were behind the counter... oh well.
To be fair, though, the wind blew some of the dust away.
Now, let's see my new tricks...
World Travel: Travel to a different world, provide help, even aid the story... by selling the stuff in your shop.
Conditions: Only owner and all employees present inside of [Shop].
Cool-down: 100 items sold in the world you pick.
World Options:
Resident Evil (Resident Evil 2)
{LOCKED}
{LOCKED}
{LOCKED}
The next... twenty worlds were locked, nothing much after them. Bummer...
Well, aside from the weird cool-down, might as well see what else is there.
I got a [Repair Kit]... It was a medium-sized leather bag, sitting behind the counter. It had a bunch of handheld tools in it, all non-electronic.
Repair Kit: A tool kit that allows you to repair your shop. Needed in order to use [Repair] skill.
Repair (Level 1): Fix up your shop, and make it more easy on the eyes. Go to an area, and provided that you have the right materials, repair it.
Caution: When using [Repair], time will be taken up when doing action. While using [Repair], you cannot do anything else until action is over.
Cool-down: 5 minutes after you're done.
Usable Materials: Metal, Wood, Concrete, Glass
Uses until next level up: 24 hours.
This is... different.
So far, it seems like the current skills have different ways to level up. Instead of the typical 'grinding', different methods are needed to do so.
For [Repair], it seems like the amount of time while spent in [Repair] counts as the 'exp' to level it up.
Not sure where I'm supposed to get the materials, though...
Shaking it off, and questioning if I'm actually set for [World Travel], I looked back at [Upgrades].
[Upgrades]
Self-cleaning: Everything cleans up after itself, reorganizing and rearranging to how things were before.
Requirement: [Cleanse] Level 10.
Cost: 5 Shop Points
Expansion Pack: Allows you to expand the [Shop] to include more variety.
Cost: 50 Shop Points
Advertis_e_m_e_nt: For 30 days, [Shop] is advertised to the public area roughly around shop.
Cost: 3 Shop Points (Repeatable)
Living Quarters: Add an additional area that contains your newest living space.
Cost: 1 Shop Point
Current Shop Points: 10
Instantly purchasing [Living Quarters], due to not knowing what will happen when I [World Travel], I scrolled through other upgrades, eventually stumbling upon a good one.
Jack of all Merchandise: Allows the 'front' shop to suit the (general) needs of the customer(s) automatically.
Cost: 7 Shop Points
That... is a steep cost.
Question to System: If I 'trade' with the customer, does it count as the customer 'buying' from me?
Yes
Good to know...
Question to System: How do I obtain new items for the store?
By obtaining new objects and returning to [Shop], you are able to add said object to the list of what you can sell.
Really good to know.
Purchasing [Jack of all Merchandise], I did one final scroll...
Material Fabricator: Located in the [Janitor's Closet], a single [Material Fabricator] allows you to set a materials, make it as many times as you want, and store it within itself.
Cost: 2 Shop Points each
Current Max: 3
Current Amount in [Shop]: 0
So that's how I get it... Well, I have two points left, anyway...
Purchased.
Time to actually see how to work it...
Heading towards the [Janitor's Closet], I looked inside to see a meter-cubed cyan machine. Slowly poking it, a new screen appeared before my very eyes.
[Material Fabricator 1]
Current Material: None.
Available: Wood, Concrete
Storage: 0/999
Upgrade Cost: 20 Metal
Warning: When switching to a different material, all current material stored inside will be destroyed.
That's... not quite what I expected.
Just to check...
Question to System: Do I have the common [Inventory] that most 'adventurous' [Gamers] have?
No.
Huh... That means that this 'game' I'm in has a different set of rules from the cliche. No 'Inventory Slots'.
Walking around the store once more, I didn't see anything to fix. Picking up the [Repair Kit], however, it showed many red highlighted objects. One of which was a nearby wooden shelf, the major one being the floor.
Floor
Repair Cost: 25 Concrete.
Repair Time: 2 hours.
Shelf (1/30)
Repair Cost: 5 Wood
Repair Time: 30 Minutes.
Note: For each shelf you [Repair], more items will be available for the customers.
Hm...
Question to System: Am I able to use my skills while the 'customers' are present inside the store?
No, at least, not while it's open.
That makes more problems in regards to speeding through it... but I'll take it.
[Material Fabricator 1]
Current Material: Wood
Making: 999
Storage: 0/999
Rate: 1 Wood per 2 minutes.
Upgrade Cost: 20 Metal
Time for this game to begin.
Command: [World Travel: Resident Evil]
Travel to the world of [Resident Evil]?
Y/(N)
(Y)/N
A bright light shined... before the store vanished.
Blinking to refocus my eyes, I managed to stumble to the back of the counter as my sight returned...
And appreciated the items that were stocked up.
MREs
Meals, Ready to Eat. Add water and wait, then you're good to go.
Restores half of HP.
20 per shelf (Automatically restocks every 30 minutes)
Water Bottles (24 pack, 13 liters each)
It's water. H2O... something we need to be kept hydrated.
Restores 10 HP.
Handheld Ammo Boxes
Guns, Guns, and more Guns... Any gun needs ammo to shoot.
10 Ammo Boxes per shelf. (Automatically restocks after customer leaves)
Medpack
Heal up, now!
Restores 3/4 of HP.
3 on one shelf (Automatically restocks every 2 hours)
Dagger
Where's the cloak?
STG + 10
Shotgun
Shotgun! ... [REDACTED].
Comes with 4 shotgun ammo boxes.
Backpack
It's a backpack... It stores stuff.
Storage space: Play Tetris with it, then tell us the limit.
Question to System: Can I toggle select items to stay during different world travels?
Yes.
Command: Select [MREs] and [Water Bottles] as fixed items. Oh, and inform me when the first customer arrives.
I rather not go starving.
Stretching a bit, I grabbed my [Repair Kit] before checking in on the wood production.
[Material Fabricator 1]
Current Material: Wood
Making: 994
Storage: 5/999
Rate: 1 Wood per 2 minutes.
Upgrade Cost: 20 Metal
Seems about right. Time to do the math... [Repair] for a single shelf costs 5 wood and 30 minutes.
I get 1 wood for every 2 minutes.
30 divide by 2 equals 15... meaning 15 wood made during [Repair].
Subtract 5... and I get a net-increase of 10 wood per 30 minutes, accounting for no breaks and it being back-to-back.
Going back to total number of shelves, being 30, and each requiring 30 minutes to be fixed... all would take 15 hours to fix all of them.
Time to get to work.
Approaching the nearest shelf to the [Janitor's Closet], I used [Repair].
1 and a half hours later...
Wiping the sweat off my brow, I stretched my back and took a break.
Have you ever watched a video going in fast-forwards? Well, that's what it looked like to me. The moment I use [Repair], my body went on auto-pilot and I watched from a third-person perspective... with time being 'sped up' during each use.
First Customers are 1 mile away and closing.
Thanks for the heads up. Stretching a bit, I made my way behind the counter, noticing how my clothes gradually transitioned into a vaguely familiar outfit... but I can't put my finger on it.
Shrugging it off, I pulled up a seat before looking around...
I finally spoke, ”Question to System: How can I see who my 'customers' are?”
Would you like to toggle 'Name Display'?
”Yeah, it'll make it easier on me... or harder.”
Grabbing a random magazine, I flipped through it to pass the time... Only to pause as I read what the city's name was:
Raccoon City
...
Quickly getting up, I ordered as I grabbed a shotgun, ”System, spread the layout and domain of [Shop] to the point of being a common site among the city, and integrate its history into a chain dollar-corner-store. Modify exterior by having windows barred up.”
Query: Why?
Pumping the shotgun, I merely answered, ”It's the best way to get new items into the store. Plus, might as well stack the deck in the favor of the customers...”
Grabbing a backpack, I loaded it up with [Water], [MREs], [Medpacks], and ammo.
Just in time, too.
The door swung open with a bang as I quickly aimed the shotgun at the 'intruders': a boy and a girl, both seeming to be in their teens. The girl was brunette, wearing a red jacket, slim jeans, and brown boots. The boy was also brunette, but in a police uniform.
The boy yelled, holding his hand up, ”Don't shoot, idiot!” I fired back my eyes fixed on the monster behind them, ”Out of the way, idiots!”
The duo quickly ducked as I fired, flinching slightly at the recoil as the zombie behind them exploded.
Quest Unlocked!
The old cliche: Zombies! (ACTIVE)
Survive Raccoon City, and survive Resident Evil 2.
Rewards: [REDACTED] world unlocked, [Zombie Apocalypse] items set unlocked, 100 Shop Points
A/N: Hey, guys. Sorry about the inactive account. Been having too many ideas, with too little time spent to express them.
Anyway, I'll get some things out of the way for this story:
This character's name will remain unknown.
This character WILL sometimes come off as a 'Mary Sue' from a third person perspective, but only because of [Shop] and the supplies.
This story will NOT follow the typical dime-a-dozen 'Gamer' stories.
This character WILL screw with the canon of the universe he arrives in.
This character WILL have some development.
This story will be centered around the [Shop].
This story is a CONCEPT, and will sporadically update.
With that out of the way... Review?
Chapter 2
As the zombie exploded behind the duo, I frantically waved them in before slamming the door shut, yelling, ”Help me block it!” The boy quickly nodded and set about moving one of the nearby metal shelves towards the door. Meanwhile, the girl helped me press against it, asking, ”Why are you still in town?” I partially lied, ”It's my first day on the job. Next thing I know, this!”
The cop came back, quickly helping up barricade the entrance before we all fell down in exhaustion.
The cop introduced himself, ”I'm Leon. Leon Scott Kennedy.” The girl waved, catching her breath, ”Claire Redfield.” I nodded, supplying, ”Call me John. John Doe.”
Not like it's my real name... and for good reason.
Would I even show up on the records?
Getting up, Leon asked, ”So, why are you sticking around in a place like this?”
My mind went into overdrive.
All of the loony bin answers that were the truth... wouldn't work.
Be realistic.
I answered honestly, using a discrete [Cleanse] as I worked my way behind the counter, ”Look around. I'm a clerk, with survival equipment. At this point, I'm here for the survivors, and to help them.”
I then joked, leaning against the counter, ”We accept unneeded firearms and empty extra clips. So, what do you want?”
The duo got up as Claire asked with an amused smile, ”What do you have?” Kennedy shook his head before looking around as I gave the tour.
”Well, not much. Some first aid-kits, but not a lot. I was packing a backpack with ammo, a medkit... Oh, and some water with MREs.”
Kennedy raised an eyebrow, looking at it, ”The one that's pink, glittery, and has white unicorns?”
Third Person/Characters' POV:
The clerk rolled his eyes, pointing out, ”Dignity or survival, your choice. Personally, I'll take the teasing after surviving. I was in a hurry, and looks were pretty much the last thing on my list.” Leon relented, ”Fair point. Mind if we scrounge up supplies?” John sighed, waving around, ”I'm not exactly having any customers, so go nuts. I'll be in the room back, seeing if the back-up generator could be fixed up.”
After he left the room, Claire muttered, ”He's... weird. But he has a point about surviving.” Leon nodded slightly before patting her back lightly, ”We might as well take up his offer. I'm running low, anyway.” Claire agreed as the two quickly stocked up on food and supplies.
As they wrapped up with packing, John came back, slugging his backpack over his shoulder, ”The generator is busted. So, where are you two heading?” Leon answered, ”We're actually trying to find the cause of all this.” ”So, 'outbreak patient zero'?” Claire interjected, before slowly accepting, ”That's... actually pretty accurate.” Leon got serious, ”Regardless, try to not get bitten, and survive?”
John suddenly asked, ”Wait... how dense does the protection have to be to prevent biting?” The two shared a confused look as Leon answered, ”Not sure, why?” John points out, ”If we can hit up a sports shop, we can change clothes to provide better armor. Or even a renaissance fair for their costumes.” Claire asked, to clarify, ”To cosplay?” John corrected, ”To get the chain-mail or heavy iron plates. Sure, bullets would be a problem, but it'll at least provide protection against bites.” Leon rolled his eyes, ”And make you heavier to move around.” Claire crossed her arms, ”While I will accept the close-combat weapon, I'm not going to be dressed up in uncomfortable leather.”
John shrugged, ”Indecency or protection, the choice is yours.”
The trio was silent, before Claire sighed, ”The nearest sporting shop is a couple blocks from here.”
'John's' POV:
I can't believe that worked... but at the same time, I'm glad it did.
Seriously, Claire has clothes that could be easily torn up. And considering the fact that we'll be running around the undead in a ruined city... protection is a no-brainer.
Taking out a pack of batteries, I thought back to what I saw for the backup generator.
[Backup Generator] (BROKEN)
Burns fuel to generate electricity
Repair Cost: 5 Metal, 2 Plastic
Cleanse (Level 3): All dirt, grime, and fragments within a certain radius around you is cleaned.
Area of Effect: 2 meters.
Cool-down: 5 Minutes.
Uses until next level: 1/30
I can't [Repair] the generator, but on the plus-side, [Cleanse] is now quicker to use.
Math time.
Ignoring the extra, 5 times 30 equals 150.
150 minutes.
150 divide by 60 brings it back to 2 and a half.
Subtracting 5 minutes, and that means it'll take 2 hours and 25 minutes to level it up.
Leon asked, breaking me out of my head, ”So what now?” I complained, looking at the time, ”Well I don't know about you two, but I want to get into a 'zombie-proof' area and catch some sleep. Know anywhere that's strategic?” Leon thought for a while, actually considering it, ”I think a sports center is a safe bet.” Claire looked at him in surprise...
Wow, they have some serious dark circles under their eyes.
”Are you insane? Go with a prison! It has better protection, AND the prison cells should be able to provide some protection against the zombies.” I yawned, ”Sorry, Red, but I'm going to have to agree with the cop, here. We can fashion some barracks to stall for time, use the showers to freshen up, AND there's most likely some gas cans, or even some blunt weapons. However, we need to be smart, since the display windows are obviously weak points.” Leon questioned, rhetorically, ”What do you suggest, then?” I pointed out, ”All of these corner stores have a single bed. I propose we sleep, the raid the nearest sports center tomorrow morning... but sleep in shifts. And I'll take first watch.”
A long argument later...
When it was my turn to take watch, I began to prepare myself.
Question to System: Will the [Protection of the Store] perk go away once I leave this building?
Yes, however it will be regained once you reenter [Shop].
I feared so.
Question to System: Where are the other [Shops]?
Update: Whenever outside of [Shop] while their's multiple buildings for [Shop], the three nearest [Shops] will be highlighted.
The closer the [Shop] location, the brighter the aura will be.
So I know where my 'safe houses' are... good to know.
Status on items bought?
[Shop]
Level: 1
EXP: 23/1000
Recent Customer(s):
-Leon Scott Kennedy
-Claire Redfield
Next Level unlocks:
-Minor HP Potion
-Minor MP Potion
-[Common] items
-[Crafting Room]
Two more items... but I'm not rushing it... for now, at least.
The rewards looks interesting, though.
[Upgrades]?
[Upgrade]
Self-cleaning: Everything cleans up after itself, reorganizing and rearranging to how things were before.
Requirement: [Cleanse] Level 10.
Cost: 5 Shop Points
Expansion Pack: Allows you to expand the [Shop] to include more variety.
Cost: 50 Shop Points
Advertis_e_m_e_nt: For 30 days, [Shop] is advertised to the public area roughly around shop.
Cost: 3 Shop Points (Repeatable)
Material Fabricator: Located in the [Janitor's Closet], a single [Material Fabricator] allows you to set a materials, make it as many times as you want, and store it within itself.
Cost: 2 Shop Points each
Current Max: 3
Current Amount in [Shop]: 1
Current Shop Points: 0
Scrolling through the upgrades, I began to mark the ones that caught my eye.
Wish Upon A Star: Grants you one of three pre-selected [Upgrades] for free, provided requirements are fulfilled.
Cool-down period: 30 days
Cost: 1 Shop Point
Mana Lines: Officially allows you to use magic in [Shop].
Requirement: Level 50 spell/skill
Cost: 25 Shop Points
Overclocking Dilation: Allows you to speed up/slow down time inside [Shop].
Note: With [Expansion Pack], allows you to adjust different areas with different speeds.
Cost: 1200 Shop Points
As I marked them, I pondered something, before doing one last search... with the cost being a joke, but a welcome surprise.
Search: Costs: 0 Shop Points
Results:
Garden Expansion: Grow your own fruit and vegetables. Cross breed crops, and even grow ones from different realities!
Requirement: Grow 5 different plants, excluding flowers. (0/5)
Cost: 0 Shop Points
Pet Shop Expansion: Cats, dogs, birds... dragons? Whatever you want, they are your living companion(s) until they are adopted!
Requirement: 1 Familiar (0/1)
Cost: 0 Shop Points
Magic Research Lab: Another tool at your disposal. Golems, runes, spells, and more. Now if only you had some paper...
Requirement: Enter a [World] with magic and/or mana.
Cost: 0 Shop Points
There were a bunch more, but I marked those three for the sake of an investment.
It's funny... According to the ending of the game, and factoring in Leon and Claire, all of this was done under 24 hours...
Warning: The [Back Wall] of [Shop] will be destroyed in 60 seconds.
”WHAT?!” Bolting straight up, I felt the building shook. Barging into the bedroom, I yelled as Claire and Leon shook off their drowsiness, ”We need to move, now!”
THUD!
THUD!
We quickly geared up, Leon snatching a knife and Claire grabbing a spare box of ammo before we bolted out the entrance.
CRU-BOOM!
Not wanting to stick around, Leon pointed to a nearby police cruiser, ”There!” The made a run for it, the duo going for the front seats as I went into the back seat.
CLUNK-CLUNK!
SCREEE-VROOM!
Managing to close the door in time, Leon quickly drove us further into the city.
Claire finally asked me, ”You knew something was going to happen. How?” I panted, managing to sit upright, ”You wouldn't believe me if I told you. So leave it. Assuming we have to wait until the next furthest sports shop, how long will the drive be?” ”It'll be roughly a hour, give or take due to these... zombies. What are our supplies looking like?” Merely handing her some MREs, I prepared myself for the long trip to our destination.
Question to System: Why did the store get destroyed?
Due to world, and character interaction, they would find it suspicious if one place was avoided or barely destroyed, despite the situation.
Makes sense... If the [Shop] doesn't have a scratch, without a feasible reason, there would be suspicion on how it's still standing, despite an earthquake or tsunami.
Anything else I'm forgetting?
DING!
You earned a [Shop Point]!
Oh yeah... that.
Purchase [Wish Upon A Star]?
Y/(N)
(Y)/N
You purchased [Wish Upon A Star]!
Might as well break it in...
Command: [Wish Upon A Star]
[Wish Upon A Star]
Divine bargains? Nope!: Gods, Goddesses, and other divine deities will be added as possible customers to [Shop].
Warning: They're Gods... may I remind you of the Greek myths?
Munch-Munch-Munchies: [Shop] is stocked with many typical junk foods.
Note: Selling any items under [Munch-Munch-Munchies] DOES NOT count towards the amount of items sold to level up [Shop].
For the Weak: While inside [Shop], no need to sleep. However, once you step outside of [Shop], you'll instantly get proportionally tired equal to the last time you slept.
Time to think of how to invest.
The first one, [Divine bargains? Nope!], that's just begging for trouble. Zeus is a womanizer, Poseidon controls most of the world's surface, and Hades rules the dead. And by the off-chance I end up in a 'Percy Jackson' world, Artemis's huntresses would be constantly trying to kill me, Ares would be looking for a fight. And I'm not even sure if this [Shop]'s protection could protect me against curses and rage of the divine.
The second one, [Munch-Munch-Munchies], it doesn't really help me in the long run aside from snacks. Maybe if they browse, sure. But highly unlikely if they're here just for snacks.
The last one, [For the Weak], that actually seems like a safe bet. I can stay up for weeks on end, and merely need a night of sleep to get back to normal. Actually, speaking of which...
Question to System: If I select [For the Weak], what's the minimal amount of time to count as 'sleep'?
One hour.
So part of the [Gamer's Body] in regards to endless energy and stamina, if the version ignores fatigue and used by the 'grinders'.
In that case... I select [For the Weak].
Does it help in the long run? Due to the fact that I'm merely the only 'worker', yes.
Question to System: How does the [Without a Scratch] perk work?
To make it easier, the 'concept' of [Shop] is indestructible.
It could be physically reduced to rubble, robbed, or even collapsed:
It still exists, and repairs itself within a (relatively) realistic time period.
That's much better.
You are the 'first' [Shop Gamer], and the first user of this System.
That's... a bit of a weird honor.
Third Person POV:
In the back of the car, John shifted before finally asking, ”So, to pass the time... Hey, Leon?” ”Yeah?” ”Why do you share the same last name as that one President that got assassinated?” Claire turned around, ”Too soon!” John raised his hands, ”Sorry, sorry. Poor taste, I know, but... It's been bugging me.” Leon huffed, ”You're not alone in that matter...”
After a while, Claire finally asked, ”So, John... why tag along with us?” John answered as he looked around, ”Safety in numbers, in this situation. Not like I can chance surviving on my own.” Leon agreed, ”No shit.” John then asked, ”So, are you two a couple?”
The two awkwardly denied, ”Ah, no...” ”Not really...” John crossed his arms and got comfortable, ”Shame, because if you were... this is one hell of a date.”
MC's POV:
We pulled up at the sports center, quickly getting out and walking to the entrance. I asked Claire as we entered, ”So, how do you know about this place?” She answered with slight embarrassment, ”I went under a fake identity while working here. The fake name was 'Elza Walker'.” Discretely grabbing the small glass jar and lid, I tucked it into my backpack and I commented, ”Huh...”
Quickly barring the doors shut, and thankful for the thickness of the glass, we scattered as Leon shouted, ”Remember, we're only here for better protection and blunt weapons!” Claire and I both yelled back at him, ”Then get a helmet!”
Decking myself in a motorcycle costume, I noticed a twitching disembodied hand... before quickly putting on a pair of gloves and putting the hand into the jar I grabbed, and placed the newly contained hand into my backpack.
Stash [Zombie Hand in Jar] the moment you enter the [Shop] again?
I muttered as I threw the gloves I used away and put on a new set, ”Yes please.”
Grabbing a wooden baseball bat, I met up with the others, Claire ironically in one of her alternate skin outfits. Leon planned, ”After we find out what's going on, we'll head towards the train station and get the heck out of here, after destroy the source of these freaks.” I, however, noticed an emptied Rocket Launcher on the ground, along with a tipped-over motorcycle.
Grimacing, I spoke up, ”No... Sorry, but I have my own game plan.” Claire asked, confused, ”Wait. You said that there were safety in numbers, and now you're saying that you want to go alone? Why?”
Glancing at the bright yellow pillar of light that's a few blocks away, I muttered, ”Trust me... I think I can handle myself. Now go. And take this.” Handing her a map of Raccoon City, I commented, ”I marked all of the locations of the corner store I work in. We usually stock up with the same thing, so you can resupply there. I'll still meet you at the train, though.” As I slugged the empty Rocket Launcher over my shoulder, Leon asked me, ”John, how can you be sure that we'll make it?”
I paused, before chuckling as I propped the motorcycle up, ”If we were a story, you guys have the most plot armor. Good luck. And use protection... not the zombie king, though.”
The two yelled as I started the engine, ”It's not like that!”
I shot back before driving off, ”Just don't die, and survive!”
Third Person POV:
Claire muttered, ”What is with that guy?” Leon answered, ”I don't know... but I got a bad feeling about this.”
The two watched as John Doe drove off in a direction, into parts unknown.
MC's POV:
Quickly arriving at the [Shop], I park the motorcycle before heading in, the alerts being updated.
[Gasoline Jugs added to Items]
[G-Virus added to Items]
[RPG section unlocked]
[Motorcycle now added to Vehicles]
Grabbing some rocket launcher ammo, I quickly checked on items sold.
[Shop]
Level: 1
EXP: 480/1000
Recent Customer(s):
-Leon Scott Kennedy
-Claire Redfield
-Police Force
-Other Survivors
Note: Paid with their survival, each life counting as 1.
Next Level unlocks:
-Minor HP Potion
-Minor MP Potion
-[Crafting Room]
-[Common] items
Current Shop Points: 18
Whistling at the exp jump, I muttered to myself, ”Zombie Apocalypse... always in handy for quick grabs.”
Pulling up my [Upgrades] window, I looked through my marked ones.
[Upgrades]
Marked:
Mana Lines: Officially allows you to use magic in [Shop].
Requirement: Level 50 spell
Cost: 25 Shop Points
Overclocking Dilation: Allows you to speed up/slow down time inside [Shop].
Note: With [Expansion Pack], allows you to adjust different areas with different speeds.
Cost: 1200 Shop Points
Garden Expansion: Grow your own fruit and vegetables. Cross breed crops, and even grow ones from different realities!
Requirement: Grow 5 different plants, excluding flowers. (0/5)
Cost: 0 Shop Points
Pet Shop Expansion: Cats, dogs, birds... dragons? Whatever you want, they are your living companion(s) until they are adopted!
Requirement: 1 Familiar (0/1)
Cost: 0 Shop Points
Magic Research Lab: Another tool at your disposal. Golems, runes, spells, and more. Now if only you had some paper...
Requirement: Enter a [World] with magic and/or mana.
Cost: 0 Shop Points
Material Fabricator: Located in the [Janitor's Closet], a single [Material Fabricator] allows you to set a materials, make it as many times as you want, and store it within itself.
Cost: 2 Shop Points each
Current Max: 3
Current Amount in [Shop]: 1
Buying 2 more [Material Fabricators], I assigned one of them for Concrete.
[Material Fabricator 2]
Current Material: Concrete
Making: 999
Storage: 0/999
Rate: 1 Concrete per 2 hours.
Upgrade Cost: 20 Metal
That brings my [Shop Points] to 14...
Typing into the search bar, I looked for something specific.
Search: Contains: Plants
Results:
Audrey: The monster from ”Little Shop of Horrors”, the man eating plant that will help with security!
Cost: 20 Shop Points
Garden of Eden: THE garden of the biblical beginning itself! All the plants and animals you could ever want, including a certain apple...
Cost: 666 Shop Points
Garden Seed Pack: Five (5) seeds that can grow into any kind of vegetable garden plant. Just provide water, soil, sunlight, and grow!
Cost: 5 Shop Points
Hm...
Search: Subject: Item; Effect: Time
Rapid Pot: A small planter pot that, when filled with soil and seed, rapidly grows said seed as if it was part of a time lapse.
Note: Plant may get dehydrated, depending on life-cycle.
Cost: 3 Shop Points (each)
Evolution Tank: Looks like a fish tank, when it is not one. Provide living conditions, and watch life rapidly evolve before your very eyes. You're even able to set the 'speed' of how quickly they evolve! Completely different each time!
Cost: 10 Shop Points
Delorian: The very time machine from the [Back to the Future] franchise!
Cost: 1985 Shop Points
Seems alright... but I'll still think about it.
Just as I finished up packing the rocket launcher into a duffel bag...
DING!
Quest Unlocked!
Rocket Delivery: Deliver the rocket launcher to Leon on the train!
Time Limit: 4 hours
Reward: Timeline continues as normal, [Uncommon Loot Box], [Common Loot Box] recipe, 10 Shop Points
Failure: Timeline change, [Common Loot Box] recipe, 500 Shop Points
This... is interesting.
The world is grayed out around me and froze, meaning that it's an important decision, OR that it starts the moment I leave the [Shop].
The real question is... Do I still want it predictable?
People sometimes fail things on purpose, and it goes in their favor. However... That's what happen to 'heroes'.
At best, I'm a 'side character' in this world.
And if there's one thing I actually noticed about the 'adventurous' [Gamers], it's that they always end up making the timeline barely follow the script. And once they do, it eventually becomes a giant butterfly effect that messes with the 'true' reality of the world.
And four hours is enough time to possibly reach Leon and Claire...
But the [Shop Points] for the 'failure' result is so tempting...
However...
The 'investor' side of me won out. If the timeline continues as normal, then there's a better chance that I can sell what I need to sell, and level up the [Shop] faster.
And zombies can't exactly buy stuff.
And while I'm still 'investing'...
Command to System: Create a 'gas station' variation of [Shop] three miles out of Raccoon City.
Requirements for [Gas Station] format...
-Gasoline
-Food
-Drinks
All clear!
[Gas Station Shop] created!
Command to System: Add a sidecar to the current motorcycle.
PING!
Sidecar successfully added.
Nodding to myself, I walked outside as the world around me returned to normal...
... Only to stop and slowly raise my hands up.
A black haired girl in a red dress was aiming her gun at me, demanding, ”Give me the virus.”
Gritting my teeth, I cursed the fact that I was outside of the [Shop].
The timeline... I forgot to factor in the sequels.
[Resident Evil] is a franchise game, and although I don't know the plot that much... I recall a title being [Resident Evil 7].
And the Umbrella Corporation persisted like stubborn c_o_c_kroaches.
I don't want to die, dammit! Not enough luck in the world could help me, at this point!
...
Wait a minute...