Chapter 76
Chapter 76
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 076
Chapter Title: First Member
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Honestly, just because our eyes met doesn't mean we were close enough to chat.
There's the distance between the first and second floors, and all I got was a vague impression—red hair, familiar face—nothing more.
Strictly speaking, it wasn't like I was seeing him for the first time, either.
When we sent Zolf off to the great beyond, he'd been zipping around like a total noob.
Passed out, fell flat on his face...
And then he lost his top spot, too, from what I heard.
Truth be told, I don't really feel like that Kelters down there is me anymore.
Even the sense that he was a character I'd enjoyed playing is fading bit by bit.
Now I have to live as Wolfram, since no one in this world remembers Yi Young-jin.
I'm not some kid, and this is my second shot at life, originally given to a guy in his late twenties.
It's too late for outbursts like, "Whoa, that's actually the character I played?" or "Those memories are still alive inside me!" My life's been too chaotic for that, and I'm pretty quick at adapting anyway.
I've lived that way, survived that way. Fitting into whatever environment I'm thrown into is one of my specialties.
So yeah, Kelters is Kelters, and I'm me.
I turned my gaze away from that face, which no longer stirred any strong emotions in me.
Still, playing as Kelters let me memorize the characters and suck up plenty of sweet rewards.
"...Hm."
Thanks, Kelters.
Keep thriving in the general studies department.
After that little encounter, I holed up in the convenience store again.
"Hm. No matter how I think about it, something feels off."
I'd stocked up tons of goods to sell, developed products that could shake up Jefrin's weak distribution chains, but customers still weren't showing up at my store.
Of course, part of it is that this 8th Magic Division is tucked away in the boonies. Honestly, if I'd renamed it the 9th Knight Division and taken in knight students, I'd probably be raking in even more cash.
Still, I'd put in a ton of effort. Experimented with all sorts of developments, secured supply routes...
But that doesn't make customers magically appear where there are none.
Especially...
The fact that the Black Monarch I'd poured my soul into making did zilch for drawing in crowds hit me hard.
Why?
Shouldn't better transport bring in the masses?
Regular shuttle service, and no one's riding?
I stared at the Black Monarch, built with Trista capital, a golem core, and Patrasche thrown in the mix.
"It's so damn cool, though."
"...Hm. I admit, it has real presence. That engineer gig driving it? Totally my vibe."
Patrasche grinned. We actually meshed pretty well.
Look at that majestic beast—taller than three people stacked, two cars long, clad head to toe in black metal, eight wheels per car for a total of sixteen. Magitech lights glowing, and a wolf in a sharp suit at the helm.
Come on, at this point, doesn't it scream romance? Don't you wanna ride it at least once?
"If we get this far and no one's biting, time to try some other tactics."
"Other tactics? Intriguing. I'll be watching."
"Hm. You do that. Isn't it about time for the regular run?"
Patrasche flashed another grin, nodded, then used telekinesis to suit up in his engineer uniform and cap.
It wasn't a dog in clothes—it was a wolf in a suit, and the sheer power radiating off him was no joke.
Kwaaaaaa—
I waved off the regular shuttle as it roared to life, amped up by the golem core and magic stones for insane power and efficiency, then retreated back into the store.
"I've got plenty of cards up my sleeve. Time to play them."
I reviewed my skill list, rethinking my approach.
Quitting can wait until after I've exhausted every option.
Patrasche is an attention whore.
Or more precisely, all fairies have a bit of exhibitionist in them.
Free-spirited, mischievous.
At the core of that mischief is a craving for attention on their very existence as fairies.
But Patrasche, this red wolf, worked as a gatekeeper inside Jefrin while also nannying for the fairy queen. Kids grow up whether they want to or not, and before he knew it, he'd matured a little.
In other words, he'd developed a taste for subtle glances rather than outright petting—a creepy... no, unique preference.
And the Black Monarch was Patrasche's perfect workplace.
He parked it in his usual spot and waited about twenty minutes.
If no riders showed, the shuttle headed back to the store. Repeat a few times a day, five days a week—that was his routine.
"...Whoa, the Black Monarch."
"That wolf up front? Not just any wolf—it's a divine beast, right?"
"For real? Ex-Student Council President Wolfram commands a divine beast?"
The gasps from first-years—kids who'd seen about sixteen springs—gave him a tiny thrill.
His boss hoped the cool ride would lure customers, but what came back were awed stares. Yeah. Who'd dare hop on? Who'd approach the boss's side?
Aside from a select few, normal folks wouldn't even dream of it.
And today, one of those chosen boarded.
"......Hm."
"Oh, Patrasche. Hard at work, I see."
"Heading to the boss? Hop on quick."
"Eh, it's not hard work for me."
"No other passengers, then. Time to roll out."
"Eaten yet? What do fairies even eat, anyway?"
The conversation didn't mesh at all, but what could he do?
Aila Trista.
This human woman, decreed by human laws as his boss's partner, wasn't part of the boss's kin, so she couldn't grasp his words.
Their chats never aligned; she butted in with her quirky speech habits, and yet...
"Alright, let's go, Patrasche. Can't wait to see Wolfram's face."
"No petting. Ruins the fur. Tch. I set it all up with telekinesis just right—hey, quit it!"
...She casually stroked his head without a shred of fear. A bizarre human.
After much deliberation, I finally realized what this W.R. convenience store was missing.
Promotion.
We had zero advertising on what we sold and the killer deals waiting inside!
Patrasche had said even fairy-tale-believing kids wouldn't ride the Black Monarch, but I saw it differently.
No one boarded because they didn't know where it went or what goodies awaited.
"...That's why we need promotion. It's inevitable."
"Oh? So what're you making now?"
Aila tilted her head curiously, big round eyes sparkling, after sipping her smoothie.
"Flyers for store promo, free giveaway swag, and finally, membership cards."
"Uh, um? Wolfram, you talk tricky sometimes. Can you explain?"
I nodded.
Cross-referencing with Aila's common sense would show me where the gaps were.
"In short, the flyers..."
I launched into the explanation.
Flyers get scattered to tell folks what the store's about and what we sell. Giveaways go to flyer recipients. Membership cards are like loyalty badges, mainly for regulars.
Aila's expression turned serious, especially after I explained only my handmade cards earned points.
"Wolfram. I'm the landlord here, Trista's eldest with our supply deal, and your partner—so I have a request."
"Shoot."
"The number one membership card... give it to me!"
Hm.
Well, she's the landlord, so no biggie.
I nodded, and Aila lit up visibly.
"So, what's the card look like?"
"Hm. Take a good look."
Honestly, it's not that fancy. No card reader or anything—just proof you're a store member.
I shaped a thin metal plate with Handiwork, then engraved text via Accessory Creation.
Accessory Creation, huh? First time since Zolf's send-off. Wonder how that guy's graduation project is going.
Accessory Creation
[Creating a store membership card!]
"Wolfram!"
I was reminiscing over the old system messages when Aila's voice cut in before I could finish.
"Wolfram, is that mine? It is, right?!"
"Hm. Yeah. Here."
The card, which guzzled skill and mana, materialized in my palm, engraved with membership number '000001' for Aila Trista.
"Ehehe. I really am number one! So, zero is you, Wolfram?"
"Nah, this one's the real OG."
I shrugged, and Aila snatched the card, spinning around with it.
That thrilling, huh?
"Now I'm officially one of your members, Wolfram!"
"Yeah... sure."
I couldn't finish my sentence.
An unexpected system message popped up overhead.
"......Huh?"
"What's wrong, Wolfram?"
"No, nothing."
I hurriedly scanned the unfinished system message.
No doubt about it.
This was the system window from run one, when Kelters recruited party members.
In the game, you pulled from a list and invited. For Wolfram, it turned into handing over membership cards?
"Wolfram, you okay?"
"Nah, it's nothing. Just need a sec to think. Can you give me space?"
"...Sure. Deciding who to make members? ...But the first one's your ally, Aila Trista!"
"Hm."
"Finding comrades for rebellion ain't easy!"
No, she's right, but she's totally misreading this...
Yet it's spot-on, so it kinda pisses me off.
But I had to face facts.
My party's capped at two, and the first slot's taken by Aila.
I sighed and checked the party menu.
There it was: [Party capacity: 2/2]
Meaning, unless Aila breaks the card or quits, the party's locked.
But I couldn't clearly see the upsides of partying with her right now.
Best to disband once and set up the menu properly...
"Aila, about that membership card."
"Yeah? Hehe, I'll treasure it. Gonna shield it with Black Crystal and keep it in my chest pocket."
"...Wha—why? Why do that?"
"Because you acknowledged me as the first rebel comrade. Gotta keep it closest to my heart."
No. Please don't.
First, disband the party...
"I'm just so happy!"
"......"
"Back at the Trista estate, what I said to you... Thinking it over, it might've hurt you? ...Asking you to wait is such an uncertain thing."
"Uh, hm."
"But you handed me this card."
"Th-that's, uh."
"It says I'm your first rebel member, no matter what."
"........................."
No, wait, that's not—
"I'll cherish it. Thanks, Wolfram."
"...Hm. Yeah, do that."
"Yay!"
Sigh...
Fine, whatever, if it makes you happy...