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"Hello, Boss. What project would you like to experience today?"
A new day began. After helping Flandre make her bed (she had slept until noon, naturally), Leo headed to the Kappa Heavy Industries office.
A Little Kappa led him to Nitori's office. It was no longer a shed. It was a corporate headquarters, complete with oversized mahogany desks.
"I'll take two 'Betting on a Red Slip' orders," Leo said, sitting down.
Gold Bar Bet: Guarantees 20 Gold Bars from Floors 60-80. If the quota isn't met, digging continues for free. If a "Monster Floor" is encountered, an extra floor is added to the service. Price: 5,000 Gold.
Cave Jelly Bet: Guarantees 5 Cave Jellies within 30 casts on Floors 20, 60, or 100. If not met, the order is free. Price: 1,000 Gold.
"Also," Leo added. "A Construction Order. Renovate the abandoned cabin in the Secret Forest. I want a full kitchen. And include a set of cute cookware—the Great Fairy likes those."
"Understood," Nitori nodded professionally. "Construction is 10,000 Gold + 450 Wood. We'll throw in a 'Hero-Style' interior decoration for free."
Leo paid immediately. Nitori's service was impeccable.
"Now, let me introduce you."
A young girl wearing a green backpack walked in. She looked like Nitori, but dressed in leaf green camouflage.
"This is our Top Fighter. A pure martial general. When I joke about driving an excavator into the mines, she's the one who actually does it."
Takane Yamashiro Race: Yamawaro Ability: Manipulation of Forest Qi Occupation: Principal of Yamawaro Heavy Industries / Nitori's Rival-turned-Employee Residence: Youkai Mountain Unlock Condition: Invited by Nitori (Sub-Account).
"Tsk," Takane scoffed, looking impatient. "Let's just go. The sooner we finish, the sooner it's over."
She looked humiliated to be working for her rival.
SLAM.
Nitori slapped the table.
"How bold! How did I teach you?! This is the Big Boss! Better your attitude! Today's order is 11,000 Gold! Think about your commission!"
Takane froze.
"I'm sorry, Boss!" She bowed instantly, her face a mask of professional servitude. "My voice was too loud. I am Takane Yamashiro. It is a pleasure to serve you."
Money talks.
"What's the story with you two?" Leo asked.
"She's a competitor," Nitori smirked sadistically. "Her business in Gensokyo failed. She was starving. I took her in. She works under my ID Card. If you have any complaints, I can fire her back to Gensokyo instantly—without refunding her deposit."
Capitalism at its finest.
The Mines.
"Set off. Boss, I'll carry your bag."
Takane's service was aggressive. She rushed ahead, kicking monsters to death. Even the grubs—usually ignored—were exterminated.
"Backstabbers," Takane muttered, crushing a bug. "Never leave survivors."
Leo was impressed. Low wages, high efficiency. Nitori knew how to hire.
Floor 20.
"Boss, we're here. Want to try a few casts?"
Floor 20 was an underground lake. It was the only place to catch the Stonefish (and Ghostfish). It was also a prime spot for Cave Jelly.
Leo cast his line.
Cave Jelly Mechanics:
Only caught in Mines.
5% chance to replace "Trash" loot.
Luck increases chance.
The fastest way to get Jelly is to cast close to shore (maximizing trash probability).
But Leo had placed a "Red Slip" bet. He wanted to fail the 30-cast limit so he could get the service for free. So, he cast as far as possible, aiming for fish instead of trash.
Splash.
He caught a Stonefish. He caught a Ghostfish. He caught some algae.
"Boss, you're too good," Takane praised, unaware of his internal strategy. "No trash at all."
Leo grinned. That's the plan. 1,000 Gold is still money.
"Alright," Leo reeled in. "Let's move deeper. I need Gold Ore for the Seed Maker. Strawberries are waiting."