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"Did it just..." Asahi muttered, unable to fully process what he had just witnessed.

 

"It spoke..." it was Akemi with her jaw still agape.

 

Mater, seemingly enjoying the effect he had on the Market staff, chuckled again. "Sure did! Never seen folks so surprised over a friendly talk." he said, his tone's jovial.

 

Asahi, recovering from his initial shock, turned his attention back to the elderly lady. With a mental sigh and a renewed sense of duty, he guided her towards the counter to complete her transaction.

 

Meanwhile, Kazuhiro, always maintaining his professional demeanor, addressed Mater with an even tone. "Welcome, how may we assist..."

 

Mater looked around the Market with wide eyed interest, his gaze lingering on the various aisles filled with an array of goods. "Just what kind of place is this, I know for sure the whole thang wouldnt fit in a small garage." he replied, his voice carrying a hint of excitement.

 

Kazuhiro, overhearing Mater's comment, offered an explanation. "The Market is a unique place, as far as I know, It's a nexus of sorts, connecting different worlds and realities. It's much more than it seems from the outside."

 

Mater chuckled, the sound rumbling from his engine. "Well, I'll be! That's somethin' you don't see AND hear every day, huh?" His tone was one of genuine intrigue, as he continued to explore the aisles.

 

Kazuhiro nodded. "Feel free to explore. The Market has a variety of different items. If you have any questions or need help finding something specific, don't hesitate to ask any of us." he offered, gesturing towards Toru and the twins.

 

"Well, Don't mind of I do~" The market staff watched as Mater's rustic figure gradually disappeared into the horizon of the aisles.

 

"He's taking it pretty well, all things considered." Asahi remarked as he continued scanning Muriel's items.

 

Akemi nodded in agreement. "Seems like nothing much can faze a talking tow truck." She added, rubbing her temples in a mock gesture to ease a headache that wasn't really there.

 

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* Beep *

 

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Asahi scanned the last item "Alright granny, this is your total." He turned the screen to show her.

 

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Xxxx

 

Original price: 54.79 SC

 

Tax: 5%

 

Total price: 57.53 SC

 

Xxxx

 

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Asahi turned the screen towards her, displaying the total price of her purchase. Muriel, the elderly lady, adjusted her glasses to get a better look at the figures on the screen.

 

"Oh, that's not in dollars, is it?" she inquired, a slight note of surprise in her voice.

 

"No, it's in store credits, or SC," Asahi went back to what the entity had said. "You can either exchange any valuables you have that equal the amount, or you can use the ATM over there to convert your cash into SC." He gestured towards the currency conversion machine, positioned conveniently within the Market.

 

Muriel nodded in understanding, her eyes following Asahi's gesture towards the ATM. "Well, that's quite handy." she remarked

 

Asahi offered to assist her with the process. "Would you like some help with the ATM?" he asked

 

"That would be most kind, young man. Thank you." Muriel replied graciously. She followed Asahi to the ATM, where he demonstrated how to insert her cash and convert it into store credits. Asahi carefully explained each step, ensuring that Muriel felt comfortable in using the machine.

 

She carefully followed the instructions, inserting her cash into the ATM. After a moment, the machine processed her transaction and updated her balance to reflect the new amount in store credits.

 

"There you go, all set," Asahi said as he handed her the card with the converted credits. She looked at the card, nodding in appreciation of the smooth and user-friendly process.

 

Returning to the counter, the elderly lady completed her purchase with the store credits. Asahi then bagged her items, with his demeanor both friendly and professional. "Thank you for shopping with us. We hope to see you again soon." he said, handing her the bag.

 

 "I certainly will return. This place is full of surprises, Ohoho." she replied jovialy, her tone carrying a sense of delight and intrigue.

 

"Come on, Courage. We have to go now." she gently called to her pink dog, who had been waiting. Courage then followed Muriel as they exited the store, though not before the paranoid dog looking back one last time, just to make sure.

 

Asahi, with a contemplative look, glanced around the now quieter store. "One more left to go." he muttered aloud, a hint of fatigue in his voice. His thoughts momentarily wandered to the talking tow truck, He found himself pondering its current whereabouts.

 

"Yeah..." Akemi replied, nodding in agreement with her brother. She then turned towards the entity with a curious look. "Kazuhiro-San, does the place have its own open and closing hours?" she asked, her voice reflecting genuine curiosity.

 

"As far as I know... No, it doesn't have regular hours. The place is always open for anyone at anytime..." Kazuhiro answered, his tone casual yet informative.

 

Akemi nodded, taking in this new piece of information.

 

"24/7, huh... Ha~" Asahi let out a small, tired sigh. The thought of the store being open all the time meant he probably wouldn't be getting much of a break in the future.

 

Toru, ever the voice of reason, chimed in with his characteristic monotone. "We only have to complete a week's worth of daily tasks and do at least two world missions every month. It's not a lot, and I'm certain we can take our own breaks once we finish those monthly assignments." he reminded Asahi.

 

"Thanks for the reminder, Toru." Asahi expressed his gratitude, leaning slightly on the counter with his head resting on his open palm. His gaze then shifted towards Kazuhiro, particularly noticing his arm.

 

"By the way, Kazu-san." Asahi began, as he gestured towards Kazuhiro's bandaged arm with his free hand, "why didn't you heal your broken arm? I'm sure you can find somekind of healing artifact in here that can patch it up."

 

"I'm waiting..." Kazuhiro, the entity, echoed. After a brief pause, he continued, his words deliberate and tinged with a deeper meaning. "I'm waiting for a world that appears which has advanced and or magical healing capabilities, and possibly those that are accepting of my being. I don't want to waste a credit on this store as best as I can, unless it's dire."

 

"I see. That's not a bad idea to save for anything in a-" Asahi started to say, his voice reflecting a newfound respect for Kazuhiro's foresight. However, his words were suddenly interrupted.

 

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*  TING  *

 

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The sharp, clear sound rang out, echoing through the store and originating from the worker's pockets. Each of them, including the twins and Toru, instinctively reached for their devices. The simultaneous vibration of notifications created a sense of anticipation.

 

As they pulled out their devices, the screens lit up with a cascade of messages and alerts. The employees exchanged curious glances, each wondering what urgent matter or new development had triggered this simultaneous call to attention.

 

Asahi's eyes scanned the message on his screen, his brow furrowing slightly as he tried to make sense of the new information. It was rare for all their devices to buzz with notifications at the same time, and this coordinated alert indicated something significant.

 

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Xxxx

 

Installation complete...

 

You are now able to browse the new applications...

 

Xxxx

 

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Asahi's eyes widened in surprise and excitement at what he has just read. "YES! IT INSTALLED!" he exclaimed, unable to contain his enthusiasm.

 

Akemi, though less vocal, shared in the excitement. Her eyes sparkled, and a small, thrilled shiver ran through her as she gazed at her own device. The anticipation of exploring these new applications was palpable between the siblings.

 

Prompted by his own curiosity, Kazuhiro, in his role as a supervisor, pulled out his own device. His screen displayed the Worker application, now flashing, signaling that it required his immediate attention.

 

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Xxxx

 

__Workers__

 

Akemi [ ! ]

 

Asahi [ ! ]

 

Toru [ ! ]

 

Xxxx

 

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As Kazuhiro was about to navigate through the application, carefully reviewing the updates and notifications specific to each worker, his focus was momentarily diverted by the commotion from the twins.

 

" YES! STRIKER! "

 

"NICE! STRIKER! "

 

The twins, Akemi and Asahi, shouted in unison, their excitement palpable as they both threw their fists in the air triumphantly. However, their celebration was quickly replaced by a look of confusion as they realized they both had been assigned the same class role 'Striker.'

 

Kazuhiro, unsure on why they got the same role, decided to delve deeper into the system to understand the nuances of their roles. He navigated through the Worker application, his eyes scanning the interface for any clues that might explain why Akemi and Asahi were both designated as 'Strikers.'

 

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Xxxx

 

__Worker: Akemi__

 

Chosen Class: Striker -Tier 1-

 

Bonus Attributes:

+3 STR

+3 AGI

 

▪︎ Description

The quick hitters, Balanced in both strength and speed. Annoying, yes... Just make sure you don't tire yourself out hitting a durable tank... that would suck.

 

Class abilities:

 

▪︎ Double trouble:

I thought a single fly was annoying, and yet, there's a second one coming my way. 

 

Description:

If both Strikers are present within a close proximity, they will both receive an attribute boost to Agility and Strength, which would double according to their current attribute base stats. 

 

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▪︎ A tiger's swipe: (Akemi)

Leaving your opponent breathless with these relentless quick attacks...

 

Description:

Your attack speed is enhanced, and you instinctively know where the vital hits are located, let's say its second nature.

 

Given Class Item:

 

▪︎ The leeching dagger:

Ever sharp, never wares itself.

 

Description:

Its blade made of obsidian, giving it an ever-dark glow. It melts through as it slices. Will deal critical damage if it hits a vital point, otherwise every hit would consume its opponent's energy as they gradually grow weary, to make it ever sharper.

 

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__Worker: Asahi__

 

Chosen Class: Striker -Tier 1-

 

(AN: Everything is similar except for one ability and an item)

 

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▪︎ Metalic hit: (Asahi)

So, you are telling me you're seeing stars? That can be sorted, however, your medical bills won't be cheap.

 

Description:

With any metallic item used as a weapon, its force shatter will come in several folds enough to render your opponent staggering, or rendering them motionless, however, for that to happen, you need to charge the attack for a longer period for a devastating hit.

 

Given Class Item:

 

▪︎Eternal bat:

Heavy, buts it's enough to send someone to the nearest hospital... or eh, their funeral.

 

Description:

Light for its user, but heavy for others. This bat has a 10% chance to temporarily paralyze opponents, stun them if hit on the head, or be extremely lethal if they are weak.

 

Xxxx

 

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Kazuhiro silently pondered over the twins' information, 'Slight changes, yet they indeed complement each other as a duo.' he reflected, intrigued by the dynamic the system had created for them.

 

"That's so AWESOME!" Asahi couldn't contain his excitement, his voice filled with a genuine thrill.

 

"Glad to know I'm not a supporting role," Akemi expressed her relief, a hint of pride in her voice. "Looks like we're a team, Lil bro." she said with a playful smirk.

 

"Seriously, Akemi..." Asahi's enthusiasm dimmed slightly at her teasing reminder of being the younger twin, even if it was just by a minute.

 

Akemi let out a light snicker at her brother's reaction, then turned her attention towards Toru. "So, what did you end up with, Toru?" she asked, curiosity evident in her voice.

 

The kid, typically more reserved, looked up from his device. "It's not bad at all. I think I prefer this to being in a more aggressive role." he replied in his usual calm manner.

 

Kazuhiro chose to briefly inspect Toru's role. He navigated through the application, finding the boy's profile and the details of his class.

 

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Xxxx

 

__Worker: Toru__

 

Chosen Class: Trapper -Tier 1-

 

Bonus Attributes:

 

+5 INT

+3 DEX

+2 AWR

 

▪︎ Description

Requires strategic planning, a calm mind and most importantly... patience.

 

Class abilities:

 

▪︎ A Trapper's awareness: 

There's a wire linked between those two trees, and behind those foliage are a group of bandits waiting to ambush, and also, that girl over there it's actually a guy...

 

Description:

A sixth sense to detect and identify all kinds of traps, be it either malicious or just playful. 

 

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▪︎ Phantom trapper: 

They won't see it coming...

 

Description:

The ability to leave your physical body as a wandering soul, in that frame you are able to lay and adjust traps while your physical body remains in its current position, leaving it vulnerable till you return.

 

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Given Class Item:

 

▪︎ Phantomweave Cord:

The string that forms at will...

 

Description:

A trapper's dream is to have an efficent and convenient tool, with this string the user can modify its sharpness for enhanced lethality, it's length, its durability and its visibility by making it incredibly thin for it to not be visible to the simple human eye.

 

Xxxx

 

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Kazuhiro pondered over the contrasting roles within the team, his gaze shifting between the animated twins and the composed kid. 'The twins, Akemi and Asahi, are clearly the offensive powerhouse with their roles as Strikers. Their strength and agility stats are impressive. They're practically built for direct combat.' he mused.

 

His thoughts then turned to Toru. 'In contrast, Toru's Trapper role is more about defense and strategy. His intelligence and dexterity stats are the highest among the rest of the attributes. It's fascinating how well suited he is for this role.' Kazuhiro's eyes lingered on Toru's profile on his device, noting the newly unlocked 'awareness' attribute.

 

'Hm, so special attributes aren't just unlocked through situational scenarios. They can also be unlocked through specific classes.' Kazuhiro's insight offered him a deeper understanding of the intricate system.

 

"Looks like Toru is the supporting role for this one..." Asahi remarked, a playful smirk barely hidden behind his hand. He glanced at Toru, trying to gauge his reaction to the gentle ribbing.

 

Toru, ever stoic, didn't respond verbally to Asahi's comment. Instead, he simply continued to review the details of his new role on his device, his expression unreadable. This lack of reaction only made Asahi sigh lightly, his attempt at eliciting a response from the typically composed Toru falling flat.

 

Akemi, observing the interaction, chuckled softly. "You should know Toru by now, always focused and unbothered." she said to brother, her voice tinged with admiration for Toru's unwavering calm.

 

As the team engaged in lively discussions about their newfound abilities and explored various features of the application, Kazuhiro decided it was time to delve into his own class specifics. He pulled out his device and navigated to the homepage. There, in the class application, an exclamation mark caught his eye, signaling that it required his immediate attention.

 

Curious, Kazuhiro tapped on the application. He was immediately drawn to the top right corner of the screen where a unique symbol of a tree was displayed, also marked with a notification. Intrigued, he clicked on it, and the class tree unfolded before his eyes.

 

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__Class tree__

 

● Merchant 

 

Class tree points: 20

(AN: Here's the layout of the tree. Showing the first tier since the page would be long, it contains 5 tiers with each having 4 nodes between them. Each node has their tasks assigned to complete so you could get rewards and abilities and to advance to upper tiers.)

 

Xxxx

 

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Kazuhiro's gaze was fixed on the class tree, a network of paths and nodes laid out before him. The design was intricate, almost like a digital map charting a course through uncharted territory. 

 

Most of the nodes, he noted, were shrouded in mystery, their objectives and rewards hidden, adding an element of intrigue and challenge. Only the nodes at the very top were visible. These visible nodes seemed to be the starting points, the initial steps on his journey through this new class system.

 

Kazuhiro's thoughts lingered on the points displayed at the top corner of the screen. 'Then what are the uses of these tree points?' he mused internally. The points seemed to be a form of currency within the class system, possibly used to unlock the various nodes and abilities on the tree. Yet, the specific mechanics and implications of their usage were not immediately clear to him.

 

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* HONK HONK! *

 

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As he contemplated the possibilities, his train of thought was suddenly interrupted.

 

The loud, unmistakable sound of the talking tow truck's horn echoed through the store, drawing Kazuhiro's attention away from the device.

 

"Comin' through!" bellowed the tow truck, its voice animated and full of character. It weaved through the aisles, driving in reverse as it honks continuously, its presence impossible to ignore.

 

As the talking tow truck rapidly approached, the twins and the kid instinctively stepped aside, narrowly avoiding its path as it neared the counter. With a dramatic flourish, the truck skidded to a halt, its tires leaving noticeable marks on the floor. The trio exchanged glances, knowing well that they'd have some cleaning to do after this lively episode.

 

"You folks weren't lying, that's for sure! Look what I found." the tow truck exclaimed proudly, its engine revving with excitement. From its hook dangled an object that immediately captured everyone's attention. A golden gauntlet, adorned with six gems that sparkled even under the store's fluorescent lights.

 

"Is that... somekind of gauntlet?" Asahi muttered.

 

Akemi, always quick to voice her thoughts, turned to the tow truck with a exasperated look. "How exactly can a car like you even use THAT!" she exclaimed, her gesture towards the gauntlet emphasizing her bafflement.

 

"Shiney, ain't it? would look nice up on the shelves." Mater replied nonchalantly, "Now, enough talkin', how much is it?" The truck inquired.

 

"Right... sure, come over here." Akemi sighed, ready to facilitate Mater's checkout. She watched as Mater maneuvered his way toward her, his engine humming contentedly. "Since it's a single item, there's no need for a scan. Just place it here."

 

Mater left the gauntlet on the purchase side of the counter. "Alright Missy, hope it ain't much, though." he said in his relaxed, country drawl, a hint of playful bargaining in his tone.

 

The system swiftly processed the item, displaying its details on the screen for Akemi. She leaned in to read the description, her expression changing from curiosity to utter disbelief. For a few seconds, she stood motionless, then suddenly, she toppled backward, overcome by the absurdity of what she had just read.

 

Asahi, always quick to react, darted over to her, concern etched on his face. "Akemi, are you okay?!" he asked urgently. Getting no response, he glanced at the screen to see what had caused her reaction.

 

As he read the description, Asahi's eyes widened in shock, mirroring his sister's reaction. Before he could even process what he had read, he too fainted, collapsing next to Akemi in disbelief.

 

"Seriously... what's the big deal?" Toru, slightly irritated yet curious, approached the counter to see what had caused such dramatic reactions. Unlike those two idiots, he managed to stay conscious, but his eyes widened in astonishment as he read the description.

 

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Xxxx

 

Item: Infinity gauntlet. (MCU)

Description: The Gauntlet is a massive glove, gleaming with the luster of gold and designed to fit any being, regardless of size or form. Its true power, however, lies in the six slots on its surface, each shaped to hold one of the legendary Infinity Stone gems of unparalleled might that control various aspects of existence.

 

Powers of the Infinity Stones:

 

Reality Stone: Alters the fabric of reality at will, creating or reshaping worlds and existence.

 

Time Stone: Controls the flow of time, allows time travel, and manipulation of events across ages.

 

Space Stone: Grants the ability to warp space, teleport across distances, and manipulate physical dimensions.

 

Mind Stone: Offers control over the minds of others and access to thoughts, dreams, and consciousness.

 

Soul Stone: Dominates the soul, granting the power over life and death, and access to an ethereal realm.

 

Power Stone: Contains raw energy of the cosmos, amplifying the user's power and enhancing the other stones.

 

Quantity: x1

 

Total: 1,369,000,000,000,000,000 SC

(AN: do you think this is a suitable price for its powers? Or am I exaggerating?)

 

Xxxx

 

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"I have a bad feeling about this one..." Mater murmured, his engine idling with a hint of apprehension. 

 

Toru, regained his calm expression, then rotated the screen to face Mater. The tow truck peered at the display, and upon seeing the description and the price, he let out a long, low whistle. "I knew somethin' was off when those two fell over like that. I don't rightly know what an SC is, but the amount of zeros in that price is downright crazy!" he exclaimed.

 

Toru, feeling exasperated, was about to suggest a course of action regarding the gauntlet when he was suddenly interrupted.

 

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* beep beep *

 

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The familiar sound at the entrance signaled the automatic doors sliding open. Toru's words trailed off as he, along with the rest, turned their attention toward the new arrivals. Three, no, four silhouettes became visible as they entered the store.

 

A brief, tense silence fell over the store as the new visitors and the rest eyed each other. The group at the entrance seemed to survey the scene with keen interest, their gazes moving from the animated tow truck to Kazuhiro and the kid behind the counter.

 

Then, breaking the silence, the individual in the middle glanced at Toru after observing Kazuhiro and Mater's strange appearances, and asked the kid in a tone of genuine curiosity mixed with a hint of bewilderment.

 

"Are those two... your pokemons?"

 

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