Sebas hesitated as he faced the white-haired man's enthusiasm. After his last "helpful" encounter landed him with two musclebound maniacs, he wasn't about to trust another stranger blindly.
But that 1 TP reward was tempting. Worst case, I'll just run again, he reasoned.
"I'm... a freshman at Izu University," Sebas began cautiously, producing his documents. "An international student. Had some... financial issues. Was looking for part-time work."
"Mechanical Engineering? What a coincidence!" The man's eyes lit up. "My daughter's starting the same program this year!"
He examined Sebas' papers before continuing, "We're short-handed at the dive shop since my kids are prepping for school. Interested?"
Before Sebas could respond, the man added warmly, "Room and board included. Could help you settle in as an international student too."
Food AND shelter? Sebas' stomach growled on cue. "I'll take it!"
---
By noon, Sebas had mastered the basics: guest registration and equipment sanitation. Simple work for a "prestigious Izu University student" (as his new boss kept boasting).
"Natural talent!" The owner—Toshio Kotobuki—leaned against the wall, watching Sebas handle another customer group effortlessly.
"It's nothing special," Sebas demurred, though secretly relieved. During their chats, he'd learned this was a family business run by Toshio for decades, currently staffed by his two daughters (out leading dives today).
"Lunchtime! How about yakisoba?" Toshio offered.
Starved after two days without proper meals, Sebas devoured three-fourths of the heaping portion, leaving Toshio blinking at the empty plates.
"Uh... want seconds?"
"N-no need! I'm completely full, thanks to you." Sebas patted his satisfied stomach.
"Ah, youth!" Toshio chuckled, flexing his still-impressive biceps. "Diving burns crazy calories. If you can't eat, you can't dive!"
The afternoon passed peacefully with Sebas manning the front desk alone—an unexpected show of trust from his new employer.
Bathed in golden sunlight, Sebas finally checked his system:
[+1 TP Received!
Current Balance: 2 TP]
Two points... Not enough for those heavenly positions, but maybe a stat-boosting fruit soon?
His gaze drifted to the main quest:
[Graduate Izu University - Reward: 500 TP]
500 points... That's like a hundred fruits! He fantasized about punching mountains apart before reality set in.
Straightening up, Sebas grabbed a pen and paper. Time for strategic planning.
"Three Heavenly Strategies!"**
...
Okay, maybe not that dramatic. But he did outline three approaches:
1. Upper Strategy: Spend 2 TP on knives → storm the dean's office → demand diploma at blade-point → instant ascension.
2. Middle Strategy: Convert 2 TP to cash (¥20,000) → bribe the dean → diploma → escape.
3. Lower Strategy: Actually attend classes for four years like a normal human.
"Tch." He shredded the paper. First two are suicide. Last one's torture.
Just as he lamented his lack of viable options—
DING! The shop door swung open.
"Welco—"
Sebas' greeting died in his throat.
Standing in the doorway, silhouetted by the afternoon sun, were two nightmarishly familiar figures.
"Well well, fancy meeting you here, Sebas~" Buki grinned like a shark spotting blood.
"Told you we'd meet again if it was fate!" Tokki added, cracking his knuckles.
Their combined aura of "friendly" menace made the temperature in the room drop ten degrees.
---