It was all too good to be true.
Zen never dreamed, not in a million years, that he'd ever see more than a thousand Rei in his name.
But now? Ten thousand Rei sat glowing in his account.
He was happy.
But also… confused. Complicated.
Hako also check his own, so did others.
The highest amount was 20,000 Rei, by Pawen. Zen wasn't surprised.
To the least amount being, 1000 Rei.
At that moment, Konan looked up from his phone, his brow creased.
Zen frowned and navigated the app. This one, maybe?
Ah.
There it was.
The top mission, clearly labeled a Grade Mission. It was the one Fabasa mentioned earlier.
[Grade Mission 1: Clear a half-kilometre area.]
Reward: 100,000 Rei
Zen read. It was a lie if he said he never doubted the authenticity. But turns out it wasn't a bluff.
He scrolled down, slowly sounding out the next ones.
[Class Mission 1: Getting a good sleep is fundamental for the human body to function. Acquire beds ×30.]
Reward: 50,000 Rei + 1 Mystery Box
And below that.
[[Side Mission 1: Information is the greatest weapon. Build a mail box ×1.]
Reward: First-aid, random ×5
"…A mail box?" Zen muttered, eyebrows raised.
He could understand the part about beds. Sure, sleep made sense but mailbox? What are they gonna do, send letters?
Surely, he wasn't the only one confused.
Konan asked, frowning.
"Are we actually supposed to build a mail box? Is this… mandatory?"
Hako scrolled, expression flat.
"It's not urgent," he sighed. "We'll figure it out later. What's more important is…"
He glanced out the window, added.
"We need to clear as much of the area as possible. If we want to pay off our debt, that comes first."
Konan nodded.
"That's true. But before that…" His voice trailed off.
It goes without saying. They all knew.
.
.
.
Zen picked a few weathered leaves off the ground, hands brushing against the damp soil.
For a moment, it felt like stepping back in time.
Back when he was still a small boy in a threadbare shirt, one with little holes in the side seams and shoes a size too big.
But he wasn't that boy anymore.
Right now, he came too far.
This was in the vacant land beside Dream Haven.
Overgrown. Wild. Grass that reached their waists.
He stood quietly in front of a small, unmarked grave.
Zen placed a wildflower gently at its base. He could only sighed.
"This is all we can do," Hako said softly.
"It's cruel, but she won't be the last."
He placed a hand on Zen's shoulder.
"Let's go."
As they turned away, Zen glanced back one more time.
He remembered when everyone talk about this place. A was dangerous and lawless land.
The world was riddles with gangs and groups. Government agencies were useless against this power hungry maniacs.
And the first place where all law and order collapsed was Heichil.
Back then, he was grateful. Grateful that they had been safe. At least not where he stayed.
But now… he realized— It was selfish of him.
It could've been anywhere.
.
.
.
The sun glowed warmly overhead, more comforting than scorching.
The marketplace buzzed with life, though it was nothing like the ones Zen knew.
He stepped into a massive pink building, the vegetable market, or so Fabasa claimed.
Fabasa led the way with his signature wide grin.
"We could get pumpkin. Mashed pumpkin is delicious, ever tried it with spice?"
He muttered to himself,
"If you haven't, you should. Especially with Urachii's special pumpkin... well, that's about all we can afford right now."
Zen nodded silently.
He and Fabasa were in charge of today's meal.
Konan had shown interest in tagging along, but Fabasa insisted it was better to have someone familiar with the market.
Someone who knew the place.
A.k.a. the man himself, Fabasa.
That was only half true.
Zen was pretty sure the real reason was Fabasa probably wanting to avoid dipping his elegant feet in the drain. Yes, they were cleaning the drain today.
As they entered the building, Zen gawked in disbelief.
This was a vegetable market?!
Clean, sleek racks slanted low, stacked with fresh greens and separated neatly by category.
There was no loud haggling, no crowds elbowing past each other and the he price were clearly marked.
Zen looked at the price. Hell, 100 Rei for one unit of dragon fruit.
Who are you trying to scam?!
He scanned the deep red tomatoes.
50 Rei for four pieces. Was this what they called inflation?
Zen came to a full stop. The prices were so outrageous, he could feel a stroke coming on.
"Why is it so expensive? I could buy a pound of tomatoes for 30 Rei back home!" he gasped.
Fabasa casually tossed some spinach into the basket.
"This is the lowest quality food here. If you want expensive, look over there."
He pointed to a section farther in.
"That's where the premium stuff is. Should we throw in a hundred grams of chili, too?"
Zen sneaked a glance in that direction.
The display glowed like it belonged in a jewelry store.
Same items, only a 30% price hike. Which fool will buy it? But he did see a lot of fools over there.
"Is this even ethical?"
He muttered.
200 Rei could feed an entire household for a week...
Fabasa grinned at his words.
"You're not wrong."
Then he turned, stepping closer. His usual smile faded, and his glacial eyes fixed on Zen.
"Here's a piece of advice since you're funny. Forget the outside rules and norms if you want to adapt quickly."
Zen listened. "F-Forget... the rules?"
Was he seriously suggesting he abandon all common sense?
Certainly not.
"Pfft— look at your face!" Fabasa chuckled, brushing off his edges and took a bag of potatoes.
"I'm joking. Sort of. Heichil's actually a fun place… once you see its charm."
"...Is that so?" Zen murmured.
Exhaling, It definitely didn't feel that way right now.