World 2.4

Shall we talk a bit while Kaoru-kun's gone? Yuri asks, crossing her legs and clasping her hands in her lap (like a Proper Lady, Andromeda teases).

Got nothing better to do, Andromeda answers, so, you have questions?

Yes. When I was unconscious, I saw something strange- it sorta looked like some kind of video game interface...

Go on...

Right. It said something about 「skills」and, more importantly, 「quests」. But you told me there wouldn’t be any- that it's "a waiting game". So....what’s up with that? Yuri puts a finger to her chin. In her head, she can see Andromeda mirror the action.

Well... the spirit says, finally, it's entirely possible I was wrong, in which case, I'm sorry. Or... she trails off.

Or...? Yuri prompts.

Or, maybe the weird UI windows you saw are actually related to something else...? She says tentatively, like she's not sure if even she believes it herself. If it's a User Interface display using RPG mechanics though....hmmm....hey, can you try something for me?

Depends on what it is.

Wow you're snarky, Andromeda says with a light chuckle. Anyway, hold your hand out, like you're reaching for something.

Like this? Yuri stretches her left hand out.

Yeah. Now, try saying...

"「Open: Command Menu」"

There isn't even a split-second of hesitation: as soon as the words leave Yuri's mouth, an opaque purple window pops up before her.

As expected, MENU is written at the top. Below it is a list of tabs.

「SHOP」

「INBOX」

「QUESTS」

「ACHIEVEMENTS」

「LOVE LIST」

「SKILLS」

「GLOSSARY」

「INVENTORY」

Below this list is a much smaller window, in which there is only written:

「CH: 000500」

"....huh...."

That's...certainly a Thing that might as well happen. Can you touch it?

Maybe. Lemme just...

Just like what Yuri had seen earlier, this window is also solid. Unlike the previous windows, this one seems somehow more interactive- case in point, the glowing green circle right beside the QUESTS tab.

She cautiously taps it. Another window opens.

「Quest Received!

Clerical Duties:

Prepare any dish and leave it atop the offering box at the nearest shrine.

Time Limit:

None

Reward (given upon completion):

Meet 1 random Deity.

+25% Help from ???

+CH 150

Penalty (given upon failure):

+1 Day(s) wait」

Huh...that doesn’t sound too hard... but what’s up with the penalty? Yuri ponders.

I think it's saying that if you fail to complete the quest, my 「Interdimensional Transportation」ability will be sealed for a day- so we'd be stuck here longer.

Oh. Yuri closes her eyes and breathes through her nose. The air smells like chocolate. That sounds...inconvenient.

Indeed.

Yuri opens her eyes and turns her head at the sound of approaching footsteps.

Kaoru re-enters the room with a steaming mug in each hand.