I cannot fathom how so many things had changed after only half a year. Would my mother be so proud of me?

Six months had flown by, and the transformation of the once-dilapidated store was nothing short of remarkable. The place had undergone a complete metamorphosis, breathing new life into every nook and cranny. As I stood at the entrance, a sense of pride welled up within me, knowing that my hard work had paid off.

Standing tall in front of the revitalized store, I held an imaginary pair of scissors in my hands, ready to cut through an imaginary red ribbon. The anticipation hung in the humid air, blending with a sense of accomplishment and pride that surged through my very veins. I wiped the beads of sweat from my brow with the back of my hand, a mixture of exhaustion and elation washed over me. The journey to transform the store had been arduous, filled with long hours, countless decisions, and a determination that never wavered. The physical exertion had left its mark, but the result before me was worth every drop of sweat.

Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and let out a sigh—a sigh that carried the weight of the past and the promise of the future. It was a moment of reflection, a pause to acknowledge the challenges I had overcome and the sacrifices I had made along the way. The journey had not been easy, but it was worth it...

I had disabled the [magic shop] for the past six months, so I haven't been getting that much weird customers from different places around the globe, but the money I had received from previous purchases was enough to sustain a certain lifestyle and had helped me improve the ragged store into this modern architecture.

I took a step forward and was ready to embark on a new chapter with the rebirth of my mom's surplus—one filled with dreams realized, stories woven, and a legacy cherished. The sigh transformed into a resolute exhale, carrying with it the promise of a brighter future, as I stepped into the store, ready to welcome the world and the wonders it held.

I wanted to change the name of the store from the typical "Surplus Store"- which held no meaning at all rather than stating it really was just a surplus store, to "Magic Shop". However, the government would require a lot of processes for that to work, so I had to just stick with this name tag for now.

Gone were the old, worn-out racks, shelves, and dividers that had once sagged under the weight of forgotten treasures. In their place stood sleek and sturdy fixtures, carefully selected to showcase the unique items I now offered. The shelves were neatly arranged, displaying a diverse collection that enticed customers to explore further.

The old rusty counter, which had seen better days, was replaced with a brand-new one. Its polished granite surface gleamed under the store lights, reflecting the excitement that danced in the eyes of those who approached it. It was a symbol of professionalism and a welcoming gateway to the world of wonders within the store.

The store had shed its worn-out flooring, and new tiles now adorned the space. Each step I took resonated with newfound confidence, the echoes of my determination reverberating through the meticulously laid patterns. The tiled floor brought a touch of elegance, breathing fresh life into the once dull and neglected store.

Gone were the peeling paint and crusty wallpapers that had clung to the walls like remnants of forgotten dreams. In their place, a fresh coat of paint, carefully chosen to evoke a sense of warmth and invitation, adorned the walls. The store now radiated an ambiance of creativity and serenity, enticing customers to linger and explore.

New appliances stood proudly, seamlessly integrated into the store's design. A modern cash register hummed softly, ready to process transactions with ease and efficiency. An espresso machine sat on a sleek countertop, offering a delightful aroma that mingled with the scent of old books and curiosity. The store was now equipped to meet the needs of modern-day customers, blending tradition with contemporary convenience.

Air conditioning units dotted the ceiling, ensuring a comfortable shopping experience even during the sweltering heat of summer. The cool breeze caressed the customers as they perused the shelves, inviting them to lose themselves in the enchantment of the store. Air humidifiers softly released a gentle mist, adding a touch of mystique and creating an atmosphere of tranquility.

In a corner of the store, a dedicated space had been carved out for me—a sanctuary amidst the enchantment. A wooden bed, infused with the comforting scent of nature, welcomed me after long days of hard work. A fan gently whirred above, providing respite from the summer heat. A soft carpet underfoot cushioned my tired feet, while a tangle of cables ensured I remained connected to the outside world. A couple of pillows, adorned with whimsical patterns, offered solace and rest. Fresh sheets and cozy throw blankets completed the haven, inviting me to unwind and recharge, even amidst the enchantment that surrounded me.

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As I surveyed the store, bathed in the warm glow of new possibilities, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of satisfaction. It was not just the physical transformation that thrilled me, but the knowledge that I had created a space where dreams and stories intertwined.

But I still wonder about the science behind the skill [magic shop]. How do strange people appear inside the shop? Does it automatically detect the existence of the door? Does it only activate when I'm inside the store? Whatever it is, I might need to reactivate the skill, for one, I might require more funds to sustain my newfound lifestyle, and two, the stat cap resets this very day, so I am excited to improve.

It's so weird to feel the sudden stat increase, you feel a tingling sensation and the next second, you feel stronger, lighter, and sturdier. It makes me feel quite high, and I wanted to feel it again. What a guilty pleasure...

I entered further into my store. The air was filled with the faint aroma of old antiques and the lingering scent of freshly brewed coffee. As I made my way behind the counter, the foamy office chair eagerly awaited my arrival, offering a welcoming embrace that cradled me with comfort.

Settling into the plushness of the chair, I felt its supportive contours conforming to the curves of my body. It was a throne of relaxation, a sanctuary where I could find solace amidst the enchantment that surrounded me. The soft cushioning enveloped me, cocooning me in a sense of tranquility and providing respite from the world outside.

"This is life...", I mumbled. Ahhhh...

With a sigh of contentment, I leaned back, feeling the gentle sway of the chair as it adjusted to my weight. Its mechanisms, hidden beneath the upholstery, worked silently to provide the perfect balance between support and flexibility.

As I sat behind the counter in comfort, my attention turned to the Revenue FS that lay before me. With a sense of anticipation, I reached out and pressed some buttons, watching as the screen flickered to life, illuminating the dimly lit space with a soft glow.

"Check [Magic Shop] Status"

「[Magic shop] - Inactive」

"Activate [Magic Shop]"

「[Magic shop] - Active」

After activating the skill, with a weary sigh, I placed a packaged burger from one of the newly bought glass tables into the also newly bought microwave, the aroma of the heated patty already tantalizing my senses. The appliance hummed to life as I punched in the appropriate time, the soft glow of the digital display casting a warm ambiance in the otherwise dimly lit store.

As the microwave worked its magic, I closed my eyes for a brief moment, allowing the fatigue to momentarily drift away. A lot has happened in the past six months...

Aside from the glow-up of this store, the veil hunter has been considered the first S-rank hunter in the SEA region. Moreover, during a press conference, he mentioned an F-rank god somewhere above in the clouds blessing him. I'm not above the clouds, idiot. With that, the SEA advanced their anomaly to the 12th floor with his help. Also, the first floor conquer was successful with first-gen buildings built on it.

But for a piece of bad news, there really was tension between European and South American associations following the death of Gwendoline Marmite. I think I'm the one to be blamed for that, I'm so sorry.

Ding! Ding!

As I sat behind the counter, enjoying a moment of peace and solitude waiting when will the sandwich be cooked, the rhythmic chime of the entrance door disrupted the tranquility. My attention shifted, curiosity piqued by the arrival of a visitor. I looked up, observing as the door swung open, revealing a figure stepping into the store. A customer? I prepared the speech for that.

The newcomer's presence commanded attention—a tall silhouette with an air of mystery and intrigue. Their arrival seemed to breathe life into the once-still atmosphere, infusing the space with subtle energy.

Just like how I practiced it. "Greetings!-"

"Is this the property of Yuan Melon?" Uh... Huh? A person from the normal entrance and not from some random dystopian-apocalyptic area? That's something I haven't done for so long... I mean even though I had the skill deactivated for a couple of months, it's rare to receive such an uninvited guest aside from the man who gave me the... Revenue FS.

"Uh, yes it is...", I replied.

"This is from the Department of Internal Revenue.", from the DIR?!

The man who entered the store, despite his seemingly mundane profession as a government employee from the Department of Internal Revenue, possessed an air of intrigue that defied his expected appearance. Clad in a neatly pressed suit, his posture exuded professionalism and a hint of formality.

His features were defined by a sense of quiet determination. His eyes, the color of warm coffee, held a glimmer of curiosity beneath their calm exterior. They moved across the store, scanning the transformed surroundings with a mixture of surprise and appreciation.

"Yes?", I got confused for a moment. "Why?" Government intervention, right at this moment?

"Uh... banks have noticed a sudden spike of money in your account, and have been wondering about the suspicious income gain. Our department is worried as to how would an F-rank hunter attain such a bloated income. You might have to make statements... And we might have to discuss your tax returns and explain how you had acquired an income and how you managed to do such a heightened level of lifestyle..."

Ah... aha... haha... So, this is not like any mother manhwa that I had gotten myself into... I can... still get to jail... Fuck. This is a conversation of tax, and for some adequate reason, due to a law change long ago, regular citizens under the low-income business-type groups are exempted from paying annual income tax. And for this absolute inflation of my wealth which I could not explain in natural means, I cannot explain on that intensity...

Slowly and steadily, I understood how my mother didn't choose to live a lavish lifestyle- it's because you couldn't put on a statement how you acquired such a large income. I understood now, Mom. You were facing such a strong enemy... The state, the government, and the most wrathful of all... TAX.