Minutes later, Mab is still doing her tangent, while I'm stuck trying to understand the shop. It would seem that not all things are universal, written language being way different.

“Mab. Mab!” I actually have to yell to get her attention. “I can't read anything listed in the shop, what's the deal?”

Thankfully, she stopped her tantrum to help me. Who knew having more money than her would have made her go off the deep end like that. “Oh yeah, the universal language chip. Here you go, accept so it'll upgrade your nanos and you can get some clothes.” She swiped a screen to me:

Mab has sent a transaction request for - language upgrade. Do you accept? Y/N

I accept, yes. The world goes out focus for two seconds and then all is normal again. I pull the shop list up and I can read what's listed! I make sure to jot a note about nanos for later.

“Thank you Mab. Now, is the shop supposed to look all busy like this? Are those ads intermingled with all the possible store options?” Like any man, I get a chill down my spine as I begin the dreaded shopping of clothes while around a female. I'm really glad the bath is still warm, that helps.

“That's just other shops showcasing their deals on the main load screen. There are filters that can be added, but there are usually really good deals listed. Not many bother with the filters when they can save credits.” Shopping is universal, practically a Concept all by itself, good to know.

I double check my credits as a habit, noting only one hundred was traded for the language mod. If it's that easy, are there more? “Mab, are there more mods like the language mod I can get?”

“Clothes first.”

Nodding, I’m able to read through and locate the search function. Thinking towards it, I do a search for male clothing and get a substantial return. Sighing, I just order a single set so I can get out of the bath soon. Brown shirt, pants, and briefs are binned and bought. Lounging clothes, cost me all of 58 credits. I didn't get footwear since I saw some pink fuzzy slippers outside the bath. Those will be fine for now. A flag went up in my mind when I saw them, but it's more subconscious frowning at them then conscious recognition.

“How long for delivery?” I don't even get to fully finish before we hear a chime in the main room. “Huh, is that them?”

“Yeppers, I'll go get them.” And she's off.

Well that was stupid fast. Mab flits back in with a package almost as big as her, drops it and flies back out. “I'll be in my room, let me know if you have any questions!” She sing-songed down the hall.

Dry off, get dressed in mostly fitting clothes, walk to the main room. There's a big fluffy couch I plop on and bring back up the shop to look things over.

I find out I can use multiple screens at the same time, which is good since I can't seem to find scratch paper or anything to write on. Or write with, for that matter. With the notepad open to figuratively scribble down what I like, where it's from, and the cost, I start browsing for my next set of combat gear.

Keeping in mind my job of soldier and my past experience is spec ops, I look for clothes that let me blend in or will help me hide completely. Since I can't access my perks or abilities for whatever reason, I can only guess at what skills or abilities come with the job. Clothes that provide a chameleon effect, activated blend-in-the-shadows or invisibility, sound dampening, odor eliminating, wall clinging, anything that’ll give me an extra boost for tricky situations.

There are shirts, shoes, pants, rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, headbands, capes, cloaks, glasses, and even underwear that’ll provide such boosted stats or skills. That’s not including any actual armor to be placed over it all.

On a lark, I check to see what the Shiny ring of Zombie Slaying would sell for. Hmm, nothing. It’s a reputational ring awarded to me through the system. Cannot be given, traded, sold, or lost. Lost?

“Mab, question for you,” I make sure to raise my voice a bit so she can hear me. “When an item says it cannot be lost, what does that mean?”

“You won’t lose it if you die. It’ll respawn with you. It’s called Soul Bound and items with that ability are rare.” Her voice was muffled but discernible through her little cottage.

Pulling up a search for Soul Bound items, nothing appears. Rare and likely high in demand, if they are sold at shops at all. “Anything like a blackmarket or a place that sells goods most people would want to see or buy illegally?”

“... Yes, but I will not be showing you where it is or taking you there. It’s a very dangerous place and they will likely kill you for being there. It’s more of an ‘invite’ only type place and I don’t have that kind of invitation.” She sounded slightly concerned as she explained.

“Thanks Mab!” Back to looking the shops over.

Another flag popped up in the back of my mind, but did not make itself immediately known. I shrug and keep browsing.

Since I know I have night vision, it is likely an ability or even a racial ability rather than a skill, I look for clothes and light armor with the camouflage and chameleon effects. I’m working under the impression these skills will allow me to fully blend in regardless of lighting or environmental effects. I don’t particularly like the idea of being in a position that would require medium or heavy armor, so light on my feet is the way to go.

Thankfully, I can get my flak jacket back since it wasn’t so filthy it was unrecoverable. That gives me a sense of familiarity and comfort. I’ll need to see if it can be upgraded in the future.

As I browse, I see a huge disparity in price between some of the selections I’ve made. Taking a moment to really examine them, I see the much higher priced articles have bonuses to stats on top of the effect I’m wanting. “Mab, why are there stat bonuses on clothes?”

“Enchantment!”

I blink. Blink again. “Like runes and such? The ability to enchant something and positively affect it?”

“You got it!”

I actually drool for a moment. “Oh, I want me some of that! Mab, how do I get me some of that?!” Excited barely begins to describe my feelings at the moment. Like Christmas and my birthday as a child, all in one, multiplied by ten!

This is the point where I learn this universe is much more advanced than mine ever was. Skills, modifications, fighting styles, techniques, crafting, and so much more at my disposal - just need credits for them. The only downside is that they won’t be unique, so others can purchase the same and match you. If they have the monies to do so.

With a slight smile on my face, I search for a laser sword. Just to see if they exist. My mother would have squealed like a schoolgirl if they exist, being a huge fan of the movies that had them. My father was always strangely supportive and pushed for this obsession with my mother. When I was old enough to finally ask why, he explained very seriously that it was so much better than her having a fixation on things that ‘sparkle in the daylight’. Whatever that means.

Sadly, no such sexy laser beast exists. That would have been so broken, swing that laser sword and decimate the opposition. ‘Wall or door blocking your way? Army of enemies obstructing your path to save the princess? Cut them all down with your handy, dandy, laser sword! Now in multiple colors!’

Back to serious matters, I bin and buy two sets of the matching gear without the stat bonuses. I’ve always been a bit thrifty and I want to see if I can learn and enchant things myself. The interesting side effect of a matched set is the bonus ‘full concealment chameleon’ effect it grants. This way, I’m not mostly blending in with my feet or head exposed.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Boots of Hidden Clinging Flight: Light weight armor, adds the skills Cling and Increased Movement speed 25%. Black, Armor rating +5

Cargo Pants of Concealment: Light weight armor, adds the skill Chameleon. Dark green, Armor rating +12

Steel Back-Plate Gloves of Hiding Spider Cling: Light weight armor, adds the skill Cling. Black, Armor rating +5

Padded Long Sleeved Shirt of Concealment: Light weight armor, adds the skill Chameleon. Camo-patterned dark green, Armor rating +5

Horrible naming sense, but it is effective at getting an idea of what each does without closely reading the effects.

Both sets of equipment sets cost me just shy of 8k credits. I’ve got plenty left to spend, though I keep in mind to set aside at least 20k for emergencies and travel.

I pull up my equipment screen to take a look at my weapons, being uncertain if I’ll need to buy new ones or not.

Unique Artifact Handgun (pair): Infinite ammunition - JHP. Ammo and handgun can both be enchanted.This is a gun, physics apply - not standard damage modifiers. Soul Bound. Note: damage is done to local impact area. Warning: System killer - permadeath when used

Good grief. No way am I getting rid of these, even if I wanted to. The ‘system killer’ tag has me more than a little worried, but I do like that physics is applied rather than an arbitrary number damage system for these damage dealers.

Simply put, if I shoot a mob in the foot, they will lose mobility but not immediately die. They might eventually bleed out, but not immediately die. Headshots, heart shots, or other such critical damage will cause immediate termination - if penetration and critical functional damage occurs.

Example: If the mob has an armor rating of +60 to their helmet and I land a headshot, if the helmet isn’t at least quarter inch steel then it will be an immediate one shot kill. For this instance, armor rating helps but it’s the material the helmet is made of that will determine the efficacy of my bullets. The bullet was able to penetrate the helmet, thus it would be like a large hammer blow to a watermelon. If the helmet was steel or a stouter metal, then it may incapacitate them or knock them out, but it will not penetrate or be immediately fatal.

If I shoot their arm or leg and their armor is not at least steel, I just wrecked wherever I shot them. If the limb isn’t torn off, there should be enough internal damage that they will not be able to use said limb. Not immediately fatal, but they might bleed out if they’re not finished off and they don’t receive aid of some type.

Monofilament Garrote Wire: Extremely capable of removing heads or limbs. +15 physical armor penetration

Hmm. As this is more of a tool rather than an actual weapon, so it makes sense why it does not have a damage rating. Still gets the job done though.

Steel Knife: Standard cutting and stabbing knife. +45 base physical damage, +10 physical armor penetration. Capable of being enchanted.

Boo, need better cutting implements if these guys are standard.

Steel Survival Knife: Hollow handle allows for storage of survival necessities. +55 base physical damage, +10 physical armor penetration. Capable of being enchanted.

Always need a survival knife. I’ll look to see if there is a better one, but this one hasn’t failed me yet.

Last, but not certainly not least, the flak jacket!

Flak Jacket: +20 armor rating. Camo green.

Having an idea how she’ll react, I mischievously call out, “Hey Mab? What’s an artifact?”

She bolts out of the tiny home so fast I expect a sonic boom and appears before me. “Where?! Where did you find an Artifact?! Is it for sale?! Can you lend me money to buy it?!”

I laugh, a deep belly-aching full body laugh.

“Fine! Be a jerk, I’ll look myself!” I think I made her a little upset.

Calming down, I pull the gun from my inventory to show her. “This is what I’m asking you about Mab. Don’t be upset.”

She hovers over it, moving side-to-side trying to examine it from all angles. “Send me the screen on it.” She all but demands me.

I swish the screen to her and she does something I never would have expected. She fainted. The light pink glow that suffused her winked out and she started to fall to the ground. Time slows as my eyes dilate, I gauge her vector and my hand is below her before she falls an inch.

Gently, I move her beside me on the couch and set her on the pillow. I take a moment to examine her without being creepy about it. Her basic figure is likened to an elf; just a miniaturized, one foot tall version. Attractive and regal facial features with a slight upturned nose. Milk white skin, Elf-like ears, blonde hair with faint pink highlights that goes to her shoulders, fairy wings on her back. A simple white dress with a dipping back for her wings. No shoes. I don’t check on the status of her pantsu, that’s just all manner of perverted. This ain’t no anime and I’m sure as hell not some harem protagonist.

I go back to looking at the shop, putting my gun away.

Looking for the enchant skill, I find only one listing. 50k for that alone, but I buy it up with no hesitation. Not knowing what to expect, totally caught unaware, I kept on shopping when - suddenly, my mind becomes bombarded with all manner of information.

I find out much later that what I’m about to experience is not at all normal and completely unheard of. But I’m unaware of that and consider it the norm for all transactions of similar purchase.

Skills that can be purchased start processing after the transaction takes place. Memories that become mine as if I were the one learning. Years of study and experimentation pass by, then decades, then a few centuries. Nothing but the knowledge and experience of a master enchanter, from the start of their learning to their greatest masterpiece at their deathbed. It’s all in my head now, as if I were the one who lived that life.

The time piece next to Mab’s little suite shows barely a few minutes passed while I processed all that accumulated knowledge and experience. I take a deep breath, hold it in to the count of ten, then let it out slow.

I can now make master work level enchantments or expand on all that I’ve learned through experimentation. Materials for the enchantment may be an issue, but with this skill I could make a very lucrative life for myself just enchanting for a living. From the accumulated memories, the lowest and most basic enchanter can make over 100k credits in a year. Taking their time and being picky about who they are enchanting for. Master work? I can likely bring in over 700k a year, depending on the complexity of the enchantments and the quality of the equipment. A simple ranking system is made for all crafting. Rank one is the lowest, rank ten is mastery.

Hungry for more, I start searching for more knowledge. Runes, smithing, leatherwork, metallurgy, jewel craft, clothier, physiology of the myriad races. I took the time to purchase martial ability techniques and skills, learning a conglomeration of close quarters combat, sword, spear, knife, and bow. The martial masteries were based on only a few styles each, but were refined to such a high level that they each personified amazing grace and extreme destructive ability. There were no listings for guns, which was more than slightly odd. Shrugging, I make sure I haven’t pissed away the day.

Barely thirty minutes have passed since I started my shopping spree. Mab is still passed out on the cushion beside me, my body isn’t telling me to eat or take care of other bodily functions. I check back over my notes to determine how much I’ve spent and note that the enchanting skill was the highest cost by far. All the others were barely totaling in at 20k. I crack my knuckles and get back to it, knowledge is power after all.

Having seen the amount of wood used for damn near most of the equipment, I make sure to add the woodworking skill to my list. Having seen a dragon, I start to look up lore on mythological beings and magic. Finding several skills for both of those, I add that to the bundle and hit the big purchase button.

Mab finally stirs as I finish processing the mess I just purchased. Yawning in a cute manner, she sits and stretches up. “Welcome back, little lady. Have a decent nap?”

She gaps at me, jaw down and eyes comically wide. I chuckle and am about to get back to shopping when she finishes recalling recent events.

“You have a fucking artifact and you didn't think to mention it to me?!” Fluffy light pink cloud takes form again and she's off! Zipping around the room, roaring in fury and indignation. This continues for about five minutes while I sit back and watch her.

“...and another thing! Why haven't you said anything this entire time?”

I shrug and reply,  “What would you have me say? I didn't think it was a big deal and I am still learning the what's what in this universe. If I knew everything right from the get go, would I need a guide at all?” Not quite a rhetorical question, but she gets my meaning as she hovers back to the cushion next to me.

She's quiet for a few moments, then says, “I won't apologize for what i said, but I will apologize for how I said it. That was extremely rude and I'm sorry.” I only nod and thank her.

Pulling the shop back up, I ask, “Suggestions for what else I'll need, oh magnanimous guide of mine?”

She starts her mid-air pacing anew. “General introduction to magic, purchase a few basic spells to learn in order to get experience spell casting, maybe a basic craft to pick up as you experience the Haven. What else…” she starts muttering to herself as she buzzes around.

“Grabbed the intro to magic, figured it’d be useful.” I can’t help but interrupt. Mab nods and continues on, deep in thought.

I smile a bit when she mentioned picking up a basic craft. That'll be a big surprise for her when she finds out I'm a master level enchanter now. Even says so on my skills, which is another weird thing. The way she acted, you should only be introduced to it, not become a master at it. Yet another flag raised.

“What job or designation were you in your old world?”

Simple enough to answer. “After ten years of mandatory education, I was drafted into my worlds military and proceeded to a special operations unit. I was a professional soldier for twelve years. So, I didn’t change my job at all.” Sobering when I vocalized my duration in service. I didn't fully realize the length of time I'd spent in the army.

“Whoa, seriously? Is that why you had all those scars? That's amazing!” She's perhaps a bit TOO impressed with my service record.

“I'd like to think I did a damn good job and I take pride in serving.” I reply while looking at her with a slight smirk on my lips.

“I wish I had more soldiers like you, we would be much better off with proudly serving and dedicated troops in our military.” I get a prompt, but reject it before fully reading it. I already told her I'm not in any physical or mental state to be cleaning up others shit through fucking bullshit quests. I'm not going to be their gopher or whipping boy.

While she goes back to muttering and flying, I turn the shop back on and check for more theoretical information I can use. I come across engineering and buy that up, as well as construction and architecture.

Maybe I'll build a plane or flying saucer one day. Maybe even try for a laser sword. Because, why not?