Aside from Izumi's massive central research institute, there was actually another, much smaller lab operating within the city.
It had been built by the Cursed Children.
The weapons that Tina and the others sold all came from there—and rumor had it, their business was booming.
An automatic rifle?
Only 5 points.
A hundred rounds of ammunition?
Just 1 point.
Ridiculously cheap.
And yet, people were lining up to buy.
When Izumi first heard about it, he didn't know whether to laugh or sigh.
A group of little girls… running an arms dealership.
That alone was surreal enough.
But then he heard something even more absurd—
They had apparently accepted a custom order from a certain Gensokyo mecha enthusiast.
Together, they were planning to build… a Gundam.
Izumi rubbed his temples.
"They've really become full-fledged arms dealers, huh…"
Still, he didn't interfere.
As long as they were happy, that was enough.
Besides, those weapons weren't being used in his world.
Even if they were, their destructive power here was practically negligible.
But in other worlds?
That was a different story.
Which was exactly why modern firearms still sold so well.
....
Meanwhile — Erina's Restaurant
After several hours of nonstop work, the kitchen finally quieted down.
Everyone collapsed where they stood.
Completely exhausted.
Nakiri Erina looked at her team—sweaty, drained, barely able to move—and clenched her teeth.
Then she glanced at today's earnings.
A large number of points.
After a brief moment of thought, she spoke up:
"Everyone, gather around!"
The staff turned toward her, confused.
Erina took a breath and continued:
"You've all seen how busy we were today."
"In just one morning, we earned a huge amount of points."
"Yes… I still owe a lot."
"But we don't need to rush repayment."
She paused, then said firmly:
"So I propose something."
"Before paying back the debt… we invest in ourselves."
The room fell silent.
Erina continued:
"If we keep going like this…"
"We won't last."
"We were only open for a few hours—and we're already collapsing."
"That's not sustainable."
At that moment, Senzaemon Nakiri stepped forward.
"I agree."
"If repayment isn't urgent, then improving your physical condition should come first."
He turned to Erina.
"Choose something suitable."
"But don't overspend."
"For now, just strengthen everyone's base abilities."
"We can aim higher once we're more stable."
Erina nodded.
"I understand."
"I'll go ask Kayo for recommendations."
...
- Central Plaza-
Erina quickly made her way to the massive plaza and found Aihara Kayo assisting other visitors.
Once Kayo finished her current task, Erina approached.
"Um… Kayo."
"Is there something affordable that can improve physical strength?"
The moment she said the word affordable, her cheeks flushed slightly.
This was the first time in her life she had ever used that word seriously.
Kayo tilted her head and pulled out her tablet.
"Didn't you check the catalog?"
"Why ask me directly?"
Erina sighed.
"There's too much in there."
"And there's no search function."
Kayo blinked.
"…Oh."
"…You're right."
"I forgot about that."
"I'll ask Asagi-onee-sama to add one later."
She tapped her screen a few times, then turned it toward Erina.
"For now, this is what you're looking for."
[Gene Enhancement Serum]
Boosts physical abilities to 2× normal human levels
Price: 2000 points per bottle
Erina's eyes lit up.
"Twice the physical ability…"
"That's perfect."
Without hesitation, she purchased ten bottles.
Kayo glanced at her remaining balance, then highlighted another item.
"If you can afford it, I recommend this too."
"It's especially useful for chefs."
Erina looked over—
And froze.
[Esper Ability — Temperature Control]
(Origin: Academy City)
Level 1— 10,000 points
Level 2— 20,000 points
Level 3— 50,000 points
Level 4— 100,000 points
Level 5— 200,000 points
Erina's soul practically left her body.
She checked her balance again.
After buying the serums…
She couldn't afford it.
At all.
"I… don't think I need that…"
Her voice trembled slightly.
Kayo stared at her, then sighed.
"I think you misunderstood."
"You only need to buy one level."
"For you, Level 3 is enough."
"You can upgrade later."
Erina blinked.
"…Wait."
"I don't need to buy them all?"
Kayo looked at her flatly.
"…Erina-onee-sama."
"You're kind of dumb sometimes."
"Didn't you see the separate prices?"
"You pay for the level you want."
"There's no prerequisite system."
"…You've been playing too many games, haven't you?"
Erina's face turned bright red.
"…Th-that's not true!!"
But inside—
She wished the ground would swallow her whole.