Chapter 8 - To learn is to buy

The three options he just read presented important descriptions that need analysis. For instance, the healing option didn't seem to restore your health but rather returned you to a state before entering the last story, which was somewhat ambiguous. Because if you keep your points and other rewards, it's hard to say if you're truly going back completely, right? At least for now, Adam’s take on it would mean physical health only, pending further evidence.

“The first option seems useful, and there doesn't seem to be any warning of adverse effects after purchasing it.”

The student said, referring to the option called ‘Let me see, please’ and then looking at Li as if expecting further comments on it.

“Yeah, well, it's not very useful, or that's what I would normally say. We always thought it was just an extra window to look at personal information we already know. If there's no downside, buy it; we can review it after you have finished.”

After those words, the man extended his right hand as if reaching for something invisible before him, conjuring up a small window that closely resembled the menu they were currently examining, and gazing at it intently as if searching for something previously unnoticed. The Japanese girl and the blonde guy obeyed instantly but, on the other hand, Adam didn't turn to purchase as instructed; instead, he posed another question.

“The other option reveals the existence of different teams, which aligns with the information in the status menu stating that we belong to an "unnamed team". What does that mean? Are there more groups like ours somewhere else?”

“Don’t worry about it.”

Li responded apathetically, keeping his gaze fixed on his screen as if he had no desire to broach the subject. Something extremely unsatisfying for the student's curiosity.

“Excuse me but I insist, what’s this about other teams? Are we in a sort of competition?”

“Competition? … You can say we kinda are, yes, but I’ll say it again, DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT.”

The man in the hat looked up after saying this, his expression turning rather dark, clearly indicating that the conversation was over. Once again, Adam wasn't pleased with this outcome, but he understood that pressing further would only be counterproductive. Reluctantly, he had no choice but to return to the store and purchase the option they had initially suggested.

“Let’s see what the next option is.”

⌠▼QOL Menu⌡ ⌠▼Plot Device Store⌡ ⌠Use with caution!⌡ ⌠Cursed Vision Knowledge⌡ ⌠Warning: Indiscriminate and incoherent use can lead to the user's loss of potential ranks⌡ ⌠Plot Hole (Standard-class): 100pts⌡ ⌠Additional Information⌡

⌠Create a gap in a story, allowing things to happen without a logical reason⌡

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⌠Flashing Arrow(Standard-class): 200pts⌡ ⌠Additional Information⌡

⌠Shoots a colorful arrow only visible to the user and their allies, it marks an important place for the story's original plot⌡

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⌠Foreshadowing (Standard-class): 300pts⌡

⌠Additional Information⌡

⌠The user gets a clue or allusion embedded in the narrative that predicts some later event or revelation.⌡

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⌠False Ending(Standard-class): 400pts⌡ ⌠Additional Information⌡

⌠Allows the user to remain in the story after the plot has been resolved for a maximum of 72h⌡

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⌠▼Plot Device Gacha: 500pts⌡ ⌠Test your luck!⌡ ⌠Additional Information⌡ ⌠Pay the price and receive a random “Plot Device” from a much larger selection than what was shown in the store.⌡ ⌠Cursed Vision Knowledge⌡ ⌠Additional “Plot Devices” vary in rarity from N - R - SR - SSR - UR - L⌡

Now that was insanely interesting, while it didn't seem like Adam could obtain any additional information beyond what a normal '[Analyze]' would provide, he did get numerous answers to things that had been on his mind since the beginning. He immediately recognized the one that produced an arrow as the first one Teo had used in the last story, while the other two, although not appearing anywhere, seemed to have been acquired through the “machine slot” function.

“Oh, that’s a new one.”

Li spoke again after hearing what had just been read about the store, abandoning his status update to come closer and speak in a contemplative tone.

“We had a feeling this was happening after using the "Plot Devices", along with the debuff from the previous choice... What a waste.”

Adam could perceive the man's shifting emotions—from anger just minutes ago to his current state of resignation. It was intriguing in its own right, as it defied a logic the boy could follow, showing that human nature remained something he couldn't completely understand.

“*Sigh* I think now is a good time to demonstrate how this works. I was planning to buy one before the next story anyway, and now that we have a reference point for their quirks, it'll be easier to figure out how to use it, whatever it turns out to be. Everyone, pay attention.”

Making room amidst the others, Li opened up his own window in the shop, making it possible for everyone to see what he was doing.

⌠▼Plot Device Gacha: 500pts⌡ ⌠Test your luck!⌡ ⌠Additional Information⌡ ⌠Pay the price and receive a random “Plot Device” from a much larger selection than what was shown in the store.⌡ ⌠"How many rolls do you want?”⌡ ⌠x1⌡ ⌠"Do you want to roll x1 for 500pts?”⌡ ⌠YES / NO⌡ ⌠Rolling…⌡ ⌠Rolling…⌡ ⌠Rolling…⌡ ⌠GOTCHA!⌡ ⌠Congratulations! Plot Device “Golden Ending (SSR-class)” has been acquired⌡ ⌠Additional Information⌡

⌠It should be used at the end of a story; depending on the outcome achieved, the original reward varies drastically for the user only.⌡

“Jackpot!”

Li exclaimed suddenly, clearly delighted with what he had obtained, and with good reason, as the description essentially made storytelling easier. However, while the man continued celebrating his luck, Adam's eyes lingered on an additional phrase that had abruptly appeared, only for him to read.

⌠Cursed Vision Knowledge⌡ ⌠It can’t be used during a Collab scenario nor with a Punishment “Unavailable”-rank story⌡

“Wait, Mr. Li, please, there is a restriction on the extra information, it says that it won't work on stories that are either Collabs or Punishment Unavailable-rank ones, what does it mean? I remember the last story we faced had that rank and genre in its information.”

Adam had many faults, which he could readily admit, but his memory was not one of them. He was absolutely certain he had read that part before they were transported to the ghost world but didn’t know what they meant, a question he hoped could be answered this time. However, the man's expression turned serious again, looking tired.

The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

“I'm not sure what it's referring to with "Punishment" or "Unavailable," but both have indeed appeared in the last three stories. Damn it, so this won't help after all.”

“What about the “Collabs” one?”

“I told you already, don’t worry about it.”

Li once again avoided the question when the student inquired about the unresolved point. Just as Adam had observed a moment ago, it was clear that the man didn't want to discuss the matter for some reason. Did that indicate that "Collabs" meant some form of collaboration within the story? Judging by the man's reaction, it seemed likely that it had to do with the existence of other teams in that reality, so he decided to leave it at that for now, as pressing further would only waste time.

After that, Li retreated once more and returned to his initial position, reopening his personal status screen and becoming lost in his thoughts. It didn't seem like he would contribute anything further for the moment, so Adam simply resigned himself to carry on with his own tasks, seeing that the last thing left to explore on the main menu was the store itself.

⌠▼Search⌡ ⌠▼Dream shop⌡ ⌠"You're not very creative, huh? Well, it's always good to have some inspiration, browse at your leisure"⌡ ⌠Search bar: ⌡ ⌠Filter bar: ⌡ ⌠▼Idea Forge⌡ ⌠"What are you thinking? Please, do tell"⌡ ⌠Additional Information⌡ ⌠Write whatever you want to create, it will be evaluated, and an equivalent price will be given.⌡ ⌠▼Merit Exchange⌡ ⌠"Merits are very valuable, you know? Don’t waste them"⌡ ⌠Additional Information⌡ ⌠Exchange Merits for points⌡

“If you don't mind, I'd like to know what you're looking for. I believe the additional information I can provide will help avoid purchasing something unsuitable or with overly complex requirements.”

Adam offered then, after perusing the basic options in the skills and treasures store. He had to admit that curiosity drove him to learn more about what the system offered, and he also sought examples of what others might choose, given his limited knowledge of this fantasy theme.

“Okay, then me first! I want something that helps me use the technique I just bought... Although I only have 20 points left.”

“What do you have in mind then?”

“I don’t know, you are the smart one, how do we search for it?”

Good question. He didn't know where to start if he were to search for something by its proper name. However, the fact that both the search bar and the filter were blank spaces gave the boy an idea.

⌠Search bar: Thunder⌡ ⌠Filter bar: < 21 points, Generate, electric⌡ ⌠Searching…⌡ ⌠Searching…⌡ ⌠Total Results: 15990⌡ ⌠Electrokinesis Theory book (Thunder volume) - Rank F: 20pts⌡ ⌠Thunder energy battery (Consumable) - Rank F: 10pts⌡ ⌠Thunder-themed pencil (Replica) - Rank F: 5pts⌡ ⌠Thunder God storybook - Rank F: 20pts⌡ ⌠…⌡ ⌠…⌡

Initially, Kazue was enthusiastic upon realizing her idea had succeeded, discovering there were more than a thousand options to choose from. However, after examining the first twenty, her smile slowly faded. Adam had confirmed through the additional information that most of them were not suitable for her needs. Items like the thunder-designed pencil were simply objects infused with thunder energy, while the majority appeared to be books of stories or theory without any practical effects beyond providing instruction. Many of them also required specific skills beforehand to understand.

“It's unlikely we'll find anything better even if we look through all the results. Why not go with the batteries? They don't seem too bad, despite their limited uses.”

⌠Thunder energy battery (Consumable) - Rank F: 10pts⌡ ⌠Are you sure you want to buy “Thunder energy battery (Consumable)”?⌡ ⌠YES / NO⌡ ⌠Additional Information⌡ ⌠Hand-sized batteries packed with a large amount of electrical energy. When pressed from the top, they release a strong discharge, usable up to a maximum of 2 times.⌡ ⌠Cursed Vision Knowledge⌡ ⌠It can be refilled if provided with electric current for at least 5 minutes⌡

Grumpily, the girl reluctantly accepted that there was no other way and decided to buy one, leaving her with only ten points. She marveled at how the battery began to materialize in her hands slowly, almost like a printer.

“The only problem is that I won't be able to practice with this. Oh well, I'll have to save points in the next story, thank you.”

Adam had to admit that the girl's attitude was quite strange. She spoke about all this as if she were genuinely excited to be there, although last time almost everyone had lost their lives. However, he preferred not to dwell on it since it wasn't his concern; he would simply be cautious when dealing with her.

“Then you are next, Mr. Shawn, please tell me what we need to search for.”

“Oh, please don’t call me Mister, it’s creepy, I think we are the same age, just call me Drake.”

“Alright, Drake, then let me help you with the information.”

The exchange between them was a little awkward, so much so that even Kazue raised an eyebrow as she listened. While Adam wasn't the best at communicating with others, the blonde seemed more distracted in his thoughts than she had seen him a moment ago, as if his spirits had dampened.

He didn't know why, but it also wasn't the right time to discuss the matter. After discussing what Drake could do, he said that he practiced boxing or something like that. So, a technique or skill related to that could be a good option. However, just as Adam was setting up the filters, his companion mentioned not to specify the score and to let it just with “fighter” and “beginner”.

⌠Search bar: ⌡ ⌠Filter bar: Fighter, beginner⌡ ⌠Searching…⌡ ⌠Searching…⌡ ⌠Total Results: 805329⌡ ⌠Meteor Burst Punch Lv1: 3000pts⌡ ⌠Dragon's Breath Kick Lv1: 3500pts⌡ ⌠Inner Spirit Lv1: 10000pts⌡ ⌠Class: Fighter - Rank F: 500pts⌡ ⌠...⌡ ⌠...⌡

“There are too many, let’s reduce them with the twenty-point limit.”

“No… Please, can you tell me what it says about this one?”

⌠Class: Fighter - Rank F: 500pts⌡ ⌠Are you sure you want to buy “Class: Fighter - Rank F”?⌡ ⌠YES / NO⌡ ⌠Additional Information⌡ ⌠It gives the user the F-rank class "Fighter"⌡ ⌠Cursed Vision Knowledge⌡ ⌠Warning: Obtaining a class heavily limits the type of skills and treasures the user can use.⌡

While the concept of a class was intriguing, it seemed quite restrictive again, which only raised a question.

“Oh! Mr. Li, do you have the wizard class or something similar? Is that why you can use the magic book you have?”

Kazue asked out of the blue, catching Adam off-guard. He had been pondering the same question but hadn't been able to articulate it clearly because he wasn't familiar with the concept.

“No, I don’t need anything since I got the option of bypassing any requisite, but let me tell you something, there have been others who didn’t have it and were able to use skills without those “classes”.”

That was interesting; perhaps classes could be considered a type of skill rather than a mechanic. However, as he pondered theories on that, Drake suddenly took action and searched for something on his own. Afterward, he announced his decision. Adam barely caught a glimpse of what he had written before Drake changed it and bought something else: a pair of regular brass knuckles, each costing two points, nothing special.

Adam's curiosity spiked after noticing the word the blonde had briefly seen. However, he decided not to ask about it. After all, there must have been a reason why Drake had done it without informing them, and he could always look it up later on his own.

“I think I'll take some time to decide. I want to thoroughly think about how to use my 400 points, so I don't want you all to stand around doing nothing. What did you intend to explain about the remaining twenty points, Mr. Li?”

“Hmm… Alright, as I mentioned earlier, this place doesn't offer anything for free except an empty room for each of you, accessible only to the owner if they wish. If you want to avoid going hungry and sleeping on the floor, I recommend using your remaining points to purchase food, a bed, or other furniture for your room. These items will appear there immediately. I recommend keeping the food you buy in your own rooms and abstaining from sharing it, as everyone here is on their own.”

It wasn't particularly encouraging, but all three followed through. Adam, in his turn, searched the store and purchased a bed, a desk, a lamp, a medium-sized chair, a toilet, a sink with cleaning products, a lot of canned food, and some water bottles. All standard items with an F-rank quality, totaling twelve points, the man wasn't kidding about them being extremely cheap. Perhaps later, for now, he would explore what the other furniture items with their peculiar names and higher ranks had to offer.

“If you're finished, you can all go to your room to rest. I know there's no real way to measure time in this darned place—even if you buy a clock, they don't work—but I'd estimate the next story will be revealed in about a day or so, so be prepared.”

After saying that, Li turned and left, followed by the other two. Kazue was visibly excited to go to her room and enjoy whatever she had purchased, while Drake walked away with a downcast demeanor. Alone at last, Adam finally let out a deep sigh.

“Let’s start then, but first…”

Promptly, he looked away from the store and mimicked Mr. Li's gesture with his right hand, opening his status window.