Rin quickly found out the reason behind the system's generosity…if it could even be called that.
The first thing he noticed was that all the prices were a hundred times more expensive. Moreover, there were many items listed but most of them were labelled as 'out of stock'. Rin didn't even know items could be out of stock before the store opened.
Still, he could not call the store a complete scam because it did have some essential items like quick recovery medicine and instant healing. These items worked instantly, but overuse could trigger immunity.
[Isn't this such an amazing gift from the system? Aren't I the most thoughtful system you've ever encountered?]
The system fished for praise and Rin wanted to tell it that it was the only system he had met so far. But he decided to flatter the system instead.
"You are the best. Even if you're trying to rip me off, I can confidently say that you are the best system I have ever met."
[...Well, the prices of the items in the shop are not something this system can control. A-And since the store is in beta, the prices are marked high to cover the development cost. Please do not worry about it. I know the user can pay for it.]
That was true. Rin had enough money to buy out the store twice over.
The system had converted all the money in his bank account into system currency to use. But Rin still felt bitter having to pay a hiked-up price for a simple potion.
Thankfully, the potion worked instantly and color returned to Reina's face. She rubbed her eyes as she forced herself to get up.
"What did you do to me—what kind of witchcraft was that? She was no longer swaying when she walked."
Reina did look more energetic now. Her body was also not swaying when she walked around. It was nice to see her this energetic, especially after Rin had paid a hundred times more for it.
"Don't push yourself too hard next time. People need to know their limits and act in moderation."
It was nice to challenge one's limits, but it was just as necessary to know where to draw the line. That went for Reina as well.
Her guilty expression told Rin that she understood what she had done wrong and hopefully she won't do this again.
"I'll maintain myself in a better condition starting now. So, did you need my help with something?"
That question snapped Rin back and he recalled what he was actually here for.
"Ah, I came here because I needed your help. Pack some food and other essentials into your inventory. We're going out on a mission."
"Can I consider it a date?"
"If you want to consider it one, then be my guest. It's not my idea of a first date, but I won't complain."
Reina's nod of agreement looked serious but her eyes showed that she was joking. Not that Rin minded going on a date with Reina since she was a beautiful girl. He didn't want to die before going on a date.
'I'm sure Shelly would have a lot to say about me being on a date with another girl.'
Rin could almost see Shelly pouting at him once she heard this news. He could see her saying that she never wanted to talk to him again and he chuckled.
The very next second, that scene changed to her standing over Reina's unconscious body with a bloody knife in her hand and her eyes looking accusingly at Rin, telling him that he was overstepping.
This Shelly was completely different from her normal self and every step she took felt dangerous. Rin had a sudden feeling that might survive, but his freedom was not guaranteed.
"Rin, you are not betraying me, right? I won't let you do that. I would much rather see you die than let a scum take you away. Don't worry, I will follow you soon. Or maybe I should make that scum disappear instead? What do you prefer—"
The Shelly in his imagination asked and Rin involuntarily took a step back, only to bump into something soft yet firm.
"I know that I said we are on a date and all, but that does not give you the right to touch me however you want. Should I take your actions as something more and defend myself?"
Rin snapped out of whatever daze he was in and blinked as he looked back at Reina's flushed expression. He shifted slightly and the softness behind him shifted slightly, making Rin realize that he realized he had backed into Reina's chest.
He was lucky to not get hit by Reina and as soon as he realized what he was doing, he straightened his back. But it was a little difficult to get the soft sensation out of his mind. Especially now that he knew what it was.
Rin coughed into his hand to compose himself and Touching you there was not my intention. But even if he did not show it on his face, he still felt flushed when he looked at Reina.
"I'm sorry. Touching you there was not my intention."
"I didn't mind. But next time, try not to show how flustered you are. It makes me wonder whether something's wrong with me."
Rin chuckled to show that he agreed but Reina's blush persisted for a little longer. Finally, she composed herself and decided they could get moving again.
Rin led the way once more and they headed toward the local museum. The door was left open and Rin walked inside.
"So, what are we going to do here? Isn't taking things from here stealing?"
There was some merit to Reina's words, but the apocalypse was no time to worry about morals. Right now, Rin needed to grab every advantage he could.
"Reina, things like good morals have no place in the apocalypse. If you can think about such things, then you are a far more honorable person than me. I cannot see past my desire to keep my people safe and I am willing to do anything for it. Of course, that includes you as well."
Reina's heart skipped a beat at Rin's words and the blush she had just calmed returned in full force..