Toward the end of the night the room had been completed, formally giving Anna her first room and me a bloody break in that department.

  When morning came I had already planned to go into town, with snacks and drinks already neatly placed into shopping bags.

  I instructed Anna on the new opening times I had set, but since there was no way to inform the other side of that change, there were going to be some teething issues.

  “And remember, I’ll be gone for a minimum of 10 hours. Which means, you will be on your own in dealing with any customers that come in.” Fanning out the numerous action cards I had made over the night.

  “These have all the information you need, such as: what to charge people or how to operate the FoodLocker.”

  She picked them up with precise hands and started reading them one by one.

  “Easy enough, what about managing Peek and the Queen?”

  “Peek will just watch his cleaning routine, just help him if he gets stuck. Otherwise, Victoria is in the middle of setting up her Colony… so best leave her to it.” Picking up the two bags and heading toward the front door.

  “Is there anything you need while I’m out?”

  I jumped, as she was literally right behind me again.

  Motherffff

  “I had time to make a list of things that need improving. From basic table and chairs to my accommodation.” Handing me a folded piece of paper.

  “You seem to be organised.” Chuckling until I saw it was filled on both sides.

  “Why do you need silk-sheet bedding?” My eyes panning down the list of improvements… mostly in her room. “Personal clothing? But you’re a shadow?”

  “Greg. Adventurers come here for safety, true. But they also come here to experience a different kind of—environment. You’ve told me as much.”

  I sighed and looked at my remaining funds. 259 gold isn’t too bad, just can’t get complacent.

  “I will provide a new range of furniture and general touch-ups when I get back. As for your… other requests, I’ll see what I can do.”

  Already have to use that shitty boss-excuse this soon, eugh.

  “Thank you Greg.” Her hand reaching across her stomach and giving me a slight bow. “I’ll be getting to it now, since I don’t know when the first Adventurers will arrive.”

  Another thing on the list… a clock.

  “I’ll be off then. Please don’t burn the place down while I’m out.” Pulling the small box of gold from one of my drawers. “Here’s a substantial amount of coins for now, in case you need change or extra things from the FoodLocker.”

  I activated my conversion skill again.

  Will need some extra cash to provide Shadow-diva with some luxury bedding…

  [Confirm 20 Gold = 2 Repayments]

  Yes yes, confirm.

  Crisp bills were placed onto the counter, to the startled look of Anna, who had started wiping down those hideously cheap tables.

  “The price of luxury, Anna.” I chuckled, stuffing the bills into my jacket pockets.

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

  Peek had followed me to the door, like some strange version of a mechanical dog that shits gold and eats… well, everything.

  “I’ll be sure to get you something too. You got anything in mind?”

  “Legs? I’d like to be able to move up stairs.” Peek exclaimed in his chipper assistant voice.

  Poor little guy.

  “You got it buddy, we’ll get you some legs then.”

  Do they even sell leg attachments for roombas?

  I gave him one last pat and left the house, my gut dropping as the door closed behind me.

  Let’s make this quick.

  **

  I got into my car and drove down the long dirt path. Passing the gates after a few minutes and leaving the remaining forest section of my inherited land in the rearview mirror.

  It had been a few days since I had gotten out of the house, let alone off the property. Yet the smell of forest mixed with the stale smell of my car’s air freshener was a welcoming change. Jellybeans…mmmmm

  The system interface was still functioning after leaving the house, so that confirmed the change was not limited to that location only.

  I could still see everything, until a new notification bombed my ears.

  [New Section added]

  [Map]

  [Monitor beings within the Safezone and your property]

  That’s handy.

  As I watched little circles move around my house in a top down perspective. With the difference of the termite situation, which were too many already and blended in with the sections of the walls.

  “Won’t be able to track them, but at least I know they’re there.”

  I opened my first can of Double-pineapple blast. A much needed boost for this long ass drive—and no radio.

  “Why couldn’t you have left me a car as well.” Looking at the sad excuse of a reliable, but incredibly dull car.

  I was lucky the aircon was still working…

  **

  “Good afternoon, withdrawal or deposit.”

  “Neither, I’m here to make a repayment.” I responded to the teller, who exhibited the enthusiasm of a drive-thru worker.

  “You know those are done online, right?”

  “I would’ve, but my phone.” Was eaten by a mimic. “No longer works, so now I’m here.” Giving her my best: “don’t fuck with me, I just spent 5 hours driving here” smile.

  “Please wait, I have to get a manager to authorise this transaction.” Pointing me to a nearby table in the corner. “Next please.”

  I sat at the table for about 30 minutes until a man with a sweaty bald head approached.

  “Mr Reed is it? I hear you would like to make your property repayment?”

  I nodded.

  “See, it is a bit of a strange request given these modern times. Is there a specific reason you can’t use the portal online?”

  I snorted involuntarily. I use a portal already, my guy.

  “No internet at my new home and my phone is broken.” Getting quite annoyed at the interrogation that was happening—about paying them money.

  “I see, under those circumstances we can make an exception, but you will need to organise your online account for the next payment. Since we don’t tend to accept these large payments inside banks anymore.”

  A bank that complains about getting money, holy…

  “No worries, I’ll get something sorted for next time.” Retrieving 2 of the 3 repayments I had stored in my shopping bag.

  “Oh my… ummm. Let’s do this at the counter shall we?” His face turning quite uncomfortably red at the sight of my bundled stacks of cash.

  We both moved to the counter, where I shoved the money through the little drawer beneath the glass window and waited for them to count it.

  Moment of truth, hopefully they don’t flag it as counterfeit or something.

  “All in order Mr Reed.” The manager replied with a clammy handshake. “Please be mindful of the deadlines in order to avoid incurring fees.”

  “Mhm.” Was all I could manage with a shrug, before receiving the receipt and a goodbye.

  Fucking parasites.

  I left the bank with my shopping bags, a brief sense of relief washing over me. Then pulled the crumpled “shopping list” from my pocket.

  “First item on the list—silk sheets.”