"Do you wish to confirm these items for your [Starter Pack]?" The golem asks as a new window appears in my vision.

[Starter Pack] Selections: Garden Pruner x2 Cargo shorts (tan) x2 T-shirt (green; light) x2 Boxer-briefs (black) x12 Boots (brown; leather) x1 Socks (black; crew-cut) x12 pairs Smoked Beef Jerky 10oz x2 Meal bars (berry) x24 Meal pouch (spaghetti; meatballs) x12 Meal kit (beef; noodles) x2 Meal kit (chicken; rice) x2 [Ice Bullet] Skill Scroll x1 You will also receive 5 [Basic Healing Potion]s, 5 [Basic Mana Recovery Potion]s, and 5 [Basic Aura Recovery Potion]s.

I was extremely surprised with the choices given to me.

While the tools and weapons were all basic ones, there was a high variety of them. I could only select one item from that category, but it apparently decided that some tools are better in pairs than alone. Same with some weapons, like combat knives. If I went with a bow, I'd have also received a quiver and two dozen arrows that matched the bow.

I don't mind fighting monsters, but I definitely want it to be through magic so most of the weapons were pointless for me. The magic weapons didn't really speak to me, either. They require giving up Mana and they cast it, but have a limited number of uses. Good for using spells you don't know but not that great when compared to some other things.

The reason I went with the pruners is so that I at least still have some even with the ambient magical energy destroying everything. I already use my old ones a lot and even after I leave here, I'll probably end up with a garden of plants to help feed me.

When it came to clothes, I was expecting something like "here are some outfit choices, pick a set you want" and that would be it. Instead, it had me make the set. It gives two each of the torso and leg items I picked, but I had a pretty sizable variety of things to choose from. Cargo shorts can hold a decent amount of things in them and are durable, while the t-shirts are because even though it's colder now, it's still April. Summer is coming and getting a long-sleeve or a hoodie would quickly become a bad choice as I'd need to stop wearing them in favor of lighter clothes. Not that I'm wearing a shirt at the moment, but that's not important.

Next, I was asked to pick which underwear I wanted, which was basically just style and color, but in a pack of twelve. Socks were the same, while shoes of any kind came in a pair. It says "x1" but it's "x1 pair". There was a decent variety of them but I went with boots because they should be sturdier than just sneakers. These ones aren't tall boots but more like hiking boots – ones which cover up my ankles and a little above, but don't go a decent way up the calf.

I expected the food choice to be something like "here's a selection of basic food packs like MREs" and was surprised to find I got to pick five things. The first was a dried food selection, which included things like jerky but also dehydrated fruits and vegetables. Banana chips was an option, for example. It gives two of whatever choice is picked for that part, and all options had the same volume. In addition to the dried foods, it also offered nuts.

After that were meal bars in a small variety of flavors in packs of twenty-four, one choice. I went with berry ones since those can be used for breakfasts.

The meal pouches are the MRE-style things I was expecting. They contain an entree, two sides, a dessert, and a drink. I'm not sure how similar they are to MREs that I know of but I imagine they aren't too different. They're a meal that's ready to eat, just add hot water or something like that. With twelve of them, they'll help supplement some stuff.

The one I selected contains spaghetti and meatballs for the entree, salad and garlic bread sticks for the sides, a chocolate-chip cookie for dessert, and lemonade to drink.

What surprised me most about the food portion of the [Starter Pack] was that I needed to select two meal kits, and also that I get two of each selection on that. They're entire sets of the ingredients needed to make a meal for four. Entree, two sides, plus dessert. The kits aren't able to be customized, so each entree comes with predetermined sides and desserts.

While the descriptions in the confirmation screen are pretty basic, the actual menus were more detailed. The beef-and-noodles meal kit I selected was the beef stroganoff one, which comes with stuff for a salad and stuff for roasted vegetables as the sides and the ingredients to make brownies for dessert. For the chicken-and-rice kit, there's stuff for making cornbread and for salad for the sides, and apple cobbler for dessert.

The last of the items I could pick was a scroll that will teach me a Skill by using it. Pretty much any basic Skill can be learned this way, instantly giving the user the knowledge and ability needed for reaching Level 1 and the perks that would come with reaching it. This is probably meant both to help people learn magic who want it, but also to let people who want to fight using a weapon learn how to do so without all the training needed.

I went with [Ice Bullet] because it was one of the only options for ice magic and I could really do with some ice to help keep food cold. Without power, my fridge and freezer won't work anymore. If learning it was like learning [Stone Bullet], then I'll gain [Ice Mastery] with it. If not, then I can just make a bunch of ice bullets and use those as ice.

"Everything is correct," I tell the golem once I finish double-checking my selections. "Are you certain transporting so much stuff won't be a problem? Nor storing the food? I was expecting, like, some really basic items and maybe a shirt and some pants, not all of this."

I asked the golem about this once I realized there would be more than what can fit in my backpack and all he would say is that it would not be an issue.

Instead of answering me properly, the golem holds up its right hand and hovers it above the counter. During the second that the hand is dark blue, an object takes shape underneath, glowing with a bluish-white light. When the glow fades and the golem pulls its hand away, I can see that it's just a wooden box roughly five inches wide, seven inches long, and one-and-a-half inches deep.

"You may accept your [Starter Pack]," the golem informs me. "Inside of it are fifteen tokens. Each token represents a different selection. Removing a token from the box will cause it to convert into the selected item. All items will be converted after twenty-four hours of receiving the box if they have not already been removed. The meal kits contain specialized crates which will preserve the state of the items within until the crate is opened or thirty days have passed, whichever occurs first. Please know that items from a [Starter Pack] cannot be sold to the System Shop.'

Well, I guess he was right about transportation and storage not being an issue.

"Okay," I take the box and put it into my backpack. "Thank you."

"You are welcome," he responds. "Do you have any further inquiries?"

"Not at the moment," I answer. "Thank you."

"You are most welcome."

I walk around to the side that sells food and plant stuff and speak with one of the golems to inquire about the items they have for sale. None of the plants listed are magical in nature, though there are some that I don't recognize the names of. Probably non-magical plants from other worlds or adaptations of ones from this world.

Based on that, I can assume that if I want a plant with magical traits, I need to actually find or breed it.

The food they offer here is mostly just ingredients, but they also sell meal kits, meal pouches, and meal bars. Their prices don't line up with what prices for similar things were so it's hard to say that there's a dollar-to-syscre comparison here. I can buy five apples for one syscre, a box of meal bars for two, and a meal pouch for five. A meal kit costs forty despite only feeding four times as many as a meal pouch. It might have more components than the meal pouches do, I don't know.

A single package of baby carrots costs as much as five apples, too. Before the Mana Flood, I could buy those same five apples for about $0.90 each, or $4.50 for the group, and that pack of baby carrots would have cost me about $1.30. How the System determines the shop's prices, I'm not sure I want to know.

At least this shop provides options for people, though I suspect it will ultimately be cheaper to trade or buy with other people over the shop.

I go around to the materials side and examine the selections there. It's pretty much all the basic materials for crafting, though metals are in ingots rather than needing to be smelted into them or processed from raw ore. There are other things that have been 'processed' already, but most of those can be bought in their more basic forms. Both threads and cloths, for example.

At this shop, I can also purchase the maginiite that I sold to the shop, the only maginiite that's currently available for sale here. It's priced at 7 syscre per crystal, or a forty-percent markup. I'm not sure what they need the profit for but I guess even they have expenses.

Or it's just to imitate a real shop and to not allow them to be used for storing stuff for essentially free.

After browsing the materials shop for a few minutes, I go to the back of the shop and speak with one of the golems to look up the 'supply' selections. It contains all of the same weapons and tools selections as the [Starter Pack] options had, as well as a bigger variety of spell and Skill items.

Those are sorted into two types: tomes and scrolls. Skill Scrolls immediately grant the related Skill upon use and are more expensive – at least 10,000 syscre apiece – while tomes range in cost from 500-5,000 or so and instead of immediately granting a Skill, they teach a person how to do it. Most of those are for spells, but some are other things. The [Alchemy Basics Skill Tome] costs 1,000 syscre. Its scroll is 25,000 syscre… that's a huge-ass markup.

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

There are also Spell Scrolls, which are scrolls which cast the spell for the user with just an input of Mana and a speaking of their name. Those range in price, but are cheaper than the related Skill Scroll by a decent amount and their related tome by a little.

I return to the golem I spoke with first.

"Hello again, Carter Elm," he says when I reach the counter. "Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Am I able to bring stuff that I bought from a store here to trade for an equivalent?" I ask. "Or just stuff that I produced?"

"Either one will work," he says. "However, the product type can affect the fee for conversion and we are not able to convert all items. It would be better to stick with more basic items and foods."

"Okay," I say. "What about jars of sauce or jam or jelly or pickles? Cans of soup or powder mixes? Boxes of pasta or powder mixes?"

"Conversion is possible for most of those," he answers. "With fees as low as 1 syscre depending on the item. However, please remember that the thinner or smaller an item is, the faster it will be destroyed by the ambient Mana in the air."

Assuming I can get stuff over here, I can probably convert some of my food stores. That's more important than most other things I have in storage and my funds are limited right now. However, my stores may also benefit someone else, though no one else arrived while I was here.

"Did anyone else show up before I did?" I ask.

There's very little chance of that unless they didn't stay very long. It took me over twenty minutes just to make my choices for the [Starter Pack] so they would have needed to speed run making choices on that if they completed the Quest.

"Discussing other customers is not permitted."

"Figures," I say. "You said that I can earn syscre from Quests? How do Quests work?"

"There are two main categories," he responds. "The first are System-Generated Quests. Those are created by the System and can be accepted at any System Shop which qualifies, though it is possible to receive one while away from a System Shop. The one which informed you of this place is one of those.

"The second category," he continues. "Are Resident-Generated Quests. Those are created by other residents, who must pay the full reward price up-front as well as a fee. If it requires collecting an item, the one taking it on must turn in the items here. To receive them, the petitioner must come here to collect. A petitioner may also give a time requirement and preferred party type, though the latter is not absolute."

So if someone wanted a flaming sword within the next week, they could put up a Quest for that. However, that also sounds like something they could probably locate the nearest smith for. I'm sure that people who learn how to make that sort of thing will become known in their areas.

"When it comes to a Resident Quest," the golem continues its explanation. "Certain types are available at a wider range. Only Quests which can only be completed locally are restricted to the nearby area, though for a fee, that range can be expanded. For collection Quests such as gathering certain herbs or creating certain items, those can be accepted at any System Shop. This allows for a wider range of people to find the Quest, including if the materials or items are not available locally."

That answers that question – if the flaming sword person doesn't like the amount the nearest smith who can make flaming swords charges, they can put up a Quest and see if someone in another area will complete it.

"And the items can be turned in and received at any System Shop, not just the one the petitioner is at?" I ask.

"Correct," the golem answers.

There has been a lot for me to take in and learn while I've been here. I feel like it's been ages now but I've gotten a ton of information that explains stuff and which will help me out a little.

"Alright," I say. "Are there any Quests currently available?"

Immediately upon my asking that, a menu appears in my vision.

Quests are Available! Slay Gather Dungeon Craft

"There are more Quest Types than this," the golem informs me. "But these are the only ones currently with Quests available at this location and which you can accept."

"Okay," I say.

Accessing the [Craft Quests] page out of curiosity, I decide to hazard a guess and say that these are all System Quests. Things like crafting 50 [Crude Mana Recovery Potion]s or crafting five longswords that meet certain specifications. The fact that it states they will be sold at a discount in the shops supports this idea, too.

Based on what I saw of prices on similar goods during my browsing of the shops, the amount being paid to the people who do the Quests is more than what their products will be sold for. That definitely is a discount, and it wouldn't make sense if they were petitioned by people to do that. Or for them to go in the shop at lower than what the shop buys them for.

It's something to help people earn money but also provide to others.

"Are the [Craft Quest] products going to stay with the discounts?" I ask.

"That is a promotion for only three months," the golem informs me. "After that, there will be no System Quests for crafting items outside of special exceptions. The purposes of those Quests is to encourage non-fighters to take up trades which can help others, provide them income, and help provide items for less as the residents of Earth adjust to the new situation their world is in."

All of that makes sense and is about what I expected.

"Okay," I say before switching back to the main menu and open up the [Dungeon Quest]s menu.

This one is pretty empty but does have some Quests in it.

Dungeon Quests Clear Stage 1 of a Dungeon Clear Stage 1 of the Zorvinax Forest Caves Dungeon Completely Clear a Dungeon Completely Clear the Zorvinax Forest Caves Dungeon

"Is there any problem if a Dungeon is not run or cleared?" I ask. "Or is it something which can be ignored for now?"

In stories, comics, shows, games, et cetera., Dungeons come in a variety of types. If they're something which can be ignored for now, then I plan on ignoring them for now. Should they need to be cleared or they'll release their monsters into the world, then that might be a problem regardless of what I do.

"Dungeons are simply challenges which can also provide additional resources which may also not be available in the area," the golem informs me. "There is no requirement or danger for not attempting or clearing one."

Assuming the golem is honest about that, then I can ignore that part of the Quests menu.

"Okay," I say, then return to the main menu and access the [Gather Quest]s menu.

This one is just for gathering materials, be it plants, minerals, or monster parts. I'm going to take a shot in the dark and say that it's the same as with the [Craft Quests] – here to help provide people with items for cheaper while adjusting to the new state of Earth. It also probably helps hunters and adventurers know what's good for selling and crafting with.

I return to the main menu and access the [Slay Quest]s one and find myself surprised as I go through them.

"I take it I have to accept the Quest before it starts counting?" I ask.

"That is how most Quests work," the golem answers.

"Okay."

That's a bit of a shame. If it counted things retroactively, I'd be a decent way into two of them already.

[Quest Type]: Slay [Requirement]: 0/25 stoneshot squirrels slain [Reward]: 250 syscre Throughout the world are many monsters, some of which are simple pests. Stoneshot squirrels wield [Stone Bullet] to attack those near them and they spawn relatively quickly in an area which has a Queen Stoneshot Squirrel. Slaying them regularly will help reduce their numbers and make the area safer for yourself and others. Beware: hunting too many too quickly can draw the attention of the Queen. Daily Completions: 0/1

[Quest Type]: Slay [Requirement]: 0/5 magihawks slain [Reward]: 250 syscre Magihawks are a common monstrous bird in some areas and wield a screech infused with wind and mind magic to hurt one's ears, disrupt one's thoughts, and paralyze one's body. When they lay claim to an area, they are merciless in attacking any and all people which enter it. Cull their numbers to make your home safe. Daily Completions: 0/1

The slay requirement difference really indicates the difficulty level between the two when considering they have the same reward. It makes sense, though – the hawks are definitely more dangerous than the squirrels.

Completing Quests like those would really let me supply up and even buy some tomes and scrolls I find necessary.

"I can complete some Quests over and over?" I ask after noticing the counter for Daily Completions.

"Correct," the golem answers. "In those cases, the Quests have a limit to how many times they can be turned in that day and you cannot accept it again until the next day has come. You may also only have one of the same Quest accepted at a time so if you do not turn it in on the same day that you accept it, you will not be able to accept it again after turning it in."

A little punishing if someone completes it late in the day but doesn't feel safe traveling in the dark to reach a System Shop. At least the rule is simple to remember.

"Is there a limit to how many Quests I can take on at once?" I ask.

"No," the golem answers. "With the Quests currently available, there is also no limit to how many people can have them accepted at once. If you and five others wish to take on the same [Slay Quest], then you may all do so and will be rewarded for your own efforts."

"Okay," I say. "Is there a time limit for completing them?"

"Based on the difficulty of the Quest," the golem responds. "For example, for killing stoneshot squirrels, the Quest will be automatically abandoned if you do not make any progress on it in a consecutive three-day period or if you do not complete it within seven days. You will also not be able to accept it again the same day the Quest is abandoned."

To prevent people from just loading up on Quests "just in case", I'm sure.

"There isn't a Quest for the Queen Stoneshot Squirrel," I note while going through more of the Quests.

"There is, but it is not visible," the golem informs me. "It will be accepted automatically upon defeating the creature, and you can turn it in at any System Shop to claim the reward."

An event-triggered Quest, then. A bit strange that it's only accepted after the monster's defeat, but my gut tells me I won't get an answer if I ask about why that is. Rare is the day I doubt my gut.

"Okay," I say. "Why is it a Quest if it's not accepted until after completion? Wouldn't just making it a reward make sense?"

"All [Slay Quest]s are for monsters within range of this shop," the golem helpfully adds. "It is a good way to learn about what sort of threats might be in the area."

As I expected, there's no answer.

"Okay," I close the menu. "Thank you."

The only Quests I accepted are the two I know I'm going to be killing the monsters for based on my trip here and time at home.

"If I leave now, can I return later?" I ask. "Or do I have to wait until tomorrow?"

"You have not used up your safe time," he answers. "As long as you are still able to take shelter here that day, you may come in to utilize the shop."

"One last question," I say. "What would happen if a person tried to take advantage of the safe zone and controlled who entered or charged a fee for entering, or if they tried to prevent others from using it without permission. Monopolizing it or the seating within."

"Such actions are prohibited."

I'm not sure I want to know what the consequences are for that if someone were to violate that rule. The golem was more than willing to tell me about teleporting people out if they stay in too long when not doing business. If it doesn't give information about consequences, it's probably not very nice.

Thankfully, I wasn't planning on doing that – I was just concerned about someone else doing it.

"Alright," I say. "Goodbye."

I turn and leave the shop area. Time to get home, process the remains of these animals, and sort out my [Starter Pack]'s items.