That hamburger must be an item for farming favorability with Anby, but he didn't need it for the time being. Then there was the Lightning-Element Short Sword. According to the description, it seemed to be a special weapon that could launch lightning-element attacks without needing to be charged. But since he wasn't going into a Hollow right now, he didn't need that either.
However, since it could discharge electricity without needing to be charged, he wondered if he could use it as a free generator in the future. After all, Fairy's future five-fold electricity bill was truly terrifying.
Putting those thoughts aside for now, in order to afford the discount on Nicole's commission fee, Wise had no choice but to create an alt account on the Rope-Net with Belle. On top of that, Belle also accepted a commission she saw on the Rope-Net. The poster was Chop, but because Belle's fingers were too fast, she had failed to switch back to their main account.
Wise felt a bit helpless about this, but since they had accepted the commission, there was no reason not to do it. They would just have to explain it to Chop in person.
"Coincidentally, Susie from the toy store '[Box]' also needs to see us. I'm just not sure if it's her who needs something, or the toy store owner. Well, anyway, I'll go check on the situation while I'm out."
After saying this, Wise headed out directly, while Belle remained behind to watch the shop. Chop's commission required a trip into a Hollow later, so after getting the details, Wise decided to go to the toy store to find Susie first.
Just as he arrived at the toy store, he happened to see Susie stretching languidly with her arms raised high. She looked incredibly cheerful, a constant smile on her face. She seems like a very lively and enthusiastic girl.
Just then, she also noticed Wise. A smile broke out on her face as she waved, enthusiastically coming over to greet him. "Ah, it's you, Wise! You've come at just the right time. The boss told me he needs your help with something."
"Mmm, sure. So, what's it about?" Wise replied to the young woman in front of him while simultaneously looking at the data on his system panel.
[Current Favorability Target:]
Name: Susie
Gender: Female
Charm: 92 (PS: This charm value is based on the author's own preferences, so it may not be accurate.)
Defining Traits: A very lively personality, an enthusiastic and cheerful cute girl.
Hobby: Toys, and also cheerful big brothers (this specifically refers to you, Host).
Current Favorability Towards Host: 86
Evaluation: An excellent candidate for a girlfriend in all aspects.
Inner Thoughts:It's only been a few days, but Wise seems to have gotten even more handsome.
"He said I have to relay it in his exact words. I'm about to start, okay? Ahem... Hmph..." Susie said, playfully building suspense before relaying the boss's mission. "There's a new channel to get some powerful new toys. You'll definitely like them. If you're willing to help, they should be on the shelves soon."
Susie lowered her voice as she spoke, and her imitation of an older man's voice in a girlish tone was surprisingly seven or eight parts similar. This rather amazed Wise.
"That's a great imitation, a very cute way of speaking. But what's the job specifically?" Wise offered a compliment. Figuring it was due to her already high favorability, Susie immediately contributed 100 Emotion Value, and her favorability rose by 2 points.
"Really? Ahem, wait a moment, I'm not finished. Ahem... The exit for the new channel is blocked, and I've lost contact with the assistants I sent. Help me take care of it. Details will be sent later." After saying this, Susie coughed lightly again, then continued with a smile, "And that's everything the boss told me to say."
Hearing this, Wise understood the situation. It seemed the toy store's underground Disk Drive business had run into a problem, and a new batch of goods had been caught up in a Hollow.
"Mmm, I understand. Leave it to me."
"That's great! Although I'm not exactly sure what happened, those toys that are causing the problem, the ones called Disk Drives, are the kind that you and your friends are collecting, right? The boss said that because this was so sudden, besides the usual reward, he's also giving you a sample as a thank-you gift. I hope you like it."
As Susie said this, her gaze shifted slightly, not looking at Wise's face as she had before. She was obviously lying. Besides, how could a simple shop clerk know about this kind of underground business? And know that we're collecting them? Although I have no evidence, with the way you're acting, I'm starting to suspect you're the toy store owner.
Then Wise watched as Susie took out the so-called sample she had just mentioned.
Okay, now I have evidence.
"The latest Disk Drive equipped with a 4th generation synchronous conduction device. The ultrasonic waves it releases can effectively resonate with the active wavelength of various Aether weapons. According to officially disclosed data, the average initial performance boost to a weapon can reach 44.21%. The combat survival rate of personnel equipped with this type of gear can increase by at least 30%."
Listening to the analysis from Anby, who had suddenly arrived, Wise could only think: How could a normal shop clerk possibly be entrusted with handing over something like this? So you really are the toy store owner, aren't you? Moreover, Wise noticed that as Anby was speaking, the expression on Susie's face was clearly one of surprise—not because of the Disk Drive's description, but more like she was amazed that Anby was so knowledgeable.
Wise glanced at Susie beside him. He still didn't have definitive proof, so for now, he would continue to treat her as a normal shop clerk.
"Ahem, Anby. Even though Susie works here, she probably doesn't know that Disk Drives are actually a type of combat equipment. So, try not to talk about it so loudly in front of her."
Anby nodded upon hearing this and then secretly gave Wise an "OK" gesture.
"Huh? What ultrasonic waves? What weapon-like things?" Susie feigned confusion, but at this point, it looked more like she was putting on an act.
"It's nothing, just some settings from a game. Don't worry about it."
"Oh, is that so? I see. It's like settings for a tabletop game, right?"
"Yes, you can think of it like that."
Just as Wise finished covering for Susie, she turned, looked at her phone, and then promptly dropped the act. "Ah, wait a minute. The boss just sent me a message. He says he has something to tell you."
After saying this, Susie once again lowered her voice, imitating the older man's tone. "It seems I've run into an expert. Good toys can only realize their true value in the hands of someone like you. After they officially arrive, if you come to buy one, I will personally perform some exclusive modifications for you. Wow, I can't believe the boss is going to do it himself!"
So if the boss isn't even here, how in the world did he hear our conversation?! Is he watching us on a monitor or something?! Wise was at a loss for words.
Anby, however, politely refused the offer upon hearing it. "Thank you, but there's no need. While I do want to buy a new Disk Drive, even if we combine the balances of all three of us at the Cunning Hares, we still can't afford the latest model."