Jacob and Nathan were feeling satisfied after taking over the Bastard Children and decided to stop by a few stores before heading home. Using some money given to them by Edward, they bought new sets of clothing, battle suits, and shoes for both of them. After purchasing the clothing, they realized they needed to stop at two more places. The first was a weapon shop where they equipped themselves with extra weapons, just in case. They bought Nathan a decent handgun along with ammo designed specifically for hunting blessed, which came at a hefty price. Lastly, Jacob decided to stop by a pet store that specialized in insects, bugs, and arachnids.
As they walked into the pet store, they couldn't help but notice how empty it was. The shelves that would have held hundreds of insects were now barren, and the usually lively cacophony of chirping insects and buzzing flies was replaced with an eerie silence. The only signs of life were the occasional rustling of a small beetle in its cage and the soft hum of the air conditioning unit. It was a stark contrast from the bustling and vibrant atmosphere I remembered from my previous visits. It was a sad sight to see, and I couldn't help but wonder what could have happened to cause such a sudden change.
Upon entering the empty store, Jacob noticed the few bugs and insects in the display attempting to escape their enclosures to join him and his swarm. this caused his swarm to double.
The clerk at the bug store noticed Jacob's fascination with the insects. "Seems like you have a fondness for bugs, sir," he remarked, while feeding the creatures.
Jacob agreed and glanced at the numerous displays. The clerk approached him and asked if he wanted to buy anything. However, Jacob had a better idea and signaled Nathan to give him Edward's phone.
Before proceeding further, he asked the clerk for his name, which turned out to be Baasik. Jacob introduced himself and called Edward, proposing a business venture. Edward agreed and sent someone to help.
Jacob then revealed his plan to not just invest but purchase the store, which made Baasik wary due to his debts to a gang called the Bastard Children of God. However, Jacob, who happened to be the gang leader, reassured him.
Baasik left to get a chair, and Jacob came up with an idea to use the basement to hold some Hosts to increase his parasite collection.
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-Quest has been completed reward will now be given System asks the host to place his hand into the Swarm-
As soon as the notification had appeared Jabob's swarm started moving all toward the floor creating a wriggling mass of insects.
Jacob followed the instructions and placed his hand into the swarm. To his surprise, he discovered that there was more than just a floor underneath the swarm. As he felt around, he realized that there was a staff, a set of clothing, and a mask that perfectly resembled his face before the fire.
After a while, Jacob decided to explore the " Inventory " later.
After Bassik came back with a chair and a drink for Jacob, they waited for Issac to come to negotiate the purchase of the store.
Once Issac showed up at the store, he had two of the underlings he came with close the door and making sure no one came inside.
"Good day, I've been sent here at Edwards' request to assist you with any issues or problems you may have," said Isaac with a bow towards Jacob. "Mr. Bassik, let's discuss a fair deal based on the value of your store and the debt you owe us," he added with a smile that Jacob felt was more of a threat due to his scar.
Jacob, feeling confident about owning the business, explored the store and basement. He realized that the space was too small for even five hosts. When he returned upstairs, he overheard Bassik's refusal to the offer and threat to call the guards. Bassik seemed unafraid of the consequences despite the unreasonable offer.
Before Bassik noticed Jacob's presence, Nosirin knocked Bassik to the ground, curled him up, and lifted him to Jacob's eye level.
"Sigh, I wished we could have done this peacefully," said Jacob as he willed a parasite to come out of his hand and enter Bassik's mouth, he then willed the parasite to destroy his brain to the point where he could barely think as unlike a brain parasite he wouldn't have as much control over him.
"Issac, I have a request for you. I would like to remodel the basement into a dungeon and acquire some blessed to place down there. Also, I would like you to place this old man down there. Additionally, please keep this store running as it is crucial for my future plans."
"Of course, sir," replied Issac. Two of Issacs's associates had entered the room after hearing the commotion caused by Bassik kicking Issac to the ground.
Before leaving, Jacob ordered a portion of his swarm to remain in the store and infect any potential customers. He then also talked with Issac about how he wanted the store to go forward leaving a massive amount of work for Issac to do. He also knew that this would put a dent in Edwards fund he could realistically use to help him.
Jacob was pleased that he had a plan for the future but disappointed that he lacked enough power to control Arachnid.
He would come back at a later time in order to check up on the store and maintain it in working order. He also hoped that the swarm he left behind would be of use and infect enough people to efficiently increase his power and swarm size.