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Wednesday, September 28th, 2253 - 8:03 am

The Mystical Menagerie.

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Jeremiah finished the last bite of his breakfast. He washed it down with a generous gulp of Sally's coffee, sighing in quiet satisfaction. The cup was nearly empty, but he savored the lingering taste. He made a mental note to ask Sally where she found beans this good; it easily rivaled the fancy brews from Central.

Setting his mug aside, Jeremiah glanced across the table. His gaze sharpened instantly. "Billy! No," he said, firm but gentle.

The tiny kraken froze, halfway through lowering a chunk of chocolate éclair over the side of the table. Below, the two puppies sat in rapt attention, eyes wide and watery, silently pleading for the treat.

Jeremiah shook his head and reached over, voice gentle but unwavering. "Sorry, buddy. Too much sugar — and especially chocolate — will make them sick." He eyed Billy with mock suspicion. "Come to think of it, I'm not sure it's any good for you, either."

Billy's tentacles tightened protectively around the éclair. His eyes widened in panic as if Jeremiah were threatening his most prized possession.

Jeremiah couldn't help but laugh. "Relax. I'll look it up. Or maybe Mero will know."

"Not a clue, kid," came a lazy drawl from somewhere below the table.

Jeremiah looked down to see Mero sprawled comfortably beside Milo, the basset hound perfectly content with the fae perched at his side. Mero absentmindedly scratched Milo behind the ear, and the old dog sighed in delight.

Mero caught Jeremiah's eye. "Why not ask the System?" he suggested, grinning.

Jeremiah raised a brow, intrigued. "It can do that?"

Mero floated up to the tabletop in a shimmer of wings, and snagged a piece of éclair from Billy, earning himself a look of pure betrayal. "Of course it can," Mero said, popping the morsel into his mouth. "I told ya before, the System will adapt to yer needs. Just focus on what ya want to know when you do a scan."

Skeptical but curious, Jeremiah nodded. He concentrated on the pastry clutched in Billy's tentacles and the question that had sparked the whole conversation, triggering a [System Scan].

A translucent screen materialized in his vision.

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Graveraiser Chocolate Eclair (1/4)

Rank: G

Quality: Luxury

Keywords: Treat

Description: A chocolate éclair so good it could raise the dead. Who needs the flesh of the living when you have one of these? Made by the hands of a master baker, this eclair is more than just a simple treat. It's an experience.

System Note: While these tasty pastries are not part of their natural diet, Krakens are able to consume and absorb nearly any substance within their grade, thanks to their world-hopping nature. That said, this is still an éclair: the System does not recommend that baby krakens live on a diet of baked goods, alone. No matter how delicious.

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Jeremiah barely managed to stifle a laugh, shaking his head in amusement.

"That answers that," he said, still grinning.

He reached over and plucked the pastry remnant from Billy's grip, ignoring the look of utter betrayal the kraken shot him. "But I think I'll side with the System on this. You've had enough for now."

Billy's tentacles drooped in defeat, golden eyes shimmering with exaggerated sorrow that nearly rivaled the puppies' earlier performance.

Jeremiah stayed firm. "You can have the rest later — if you eat all your shrimp."

At that, Billy perked right up, practically vibrating with sudden excitement. Jeremiah chuckled, already suspecting there'd be no room left for dessert after Billy was done with breakfast. But Billy didn't need to know that.

Jeremiah was still adjusting to the new connection he shared with Billy. The little kraken didn't so much grasp the words themselves as he did the intent behind them, picking up the emotional thread more than the language.

Though given how quickly he's growing, I wouldn't be surprised if he did understand me soon.

Billy had grown quickly in the last few weeks, going from a palm-sized hatchling to a creature nearly as large as a hefty orange. Mero insisted the physical changes would slow for now, but that his mind was growing at an astonishing rate since their contract was sealed. Billy's curiosity and cleverness were already worlds beyond what they had been when Mr. Roger had given him Billy's bowl.

Jeremiah's thoughts drifted back to that strange, shared vision — a towering, star-crowned being whose very presence had felt like the edge of infinity. Would Billy grow to be something like that someday? It was almost impossible to reconcile that memory with the tiny kraken now clutching a shrimp, bright-eyed and dreaming. The idea that a creature so adorable could one day hold the power to eclipse worlds seemed ridiculous, almost laughable.

A smile crept across Jeremiah's face as he absently watched Billy. Then, catching sight of the morning sun spilling through the courtyard window, he glanced outside. There, Lewis was already hard at work. According to Ulrick, the man had labored nearly all day yesterday, only stopping when the welcome party had begun, clearing the tangle and debris left from years of neglect.

Now the courtyard was nearly unrecognizable: a lush, neatly trimmed expanse of soft grass, bright with the colors of wildflowers. Jeremiah's gaze wandered to several small bushes he was almost certain hadn't been there the day before. Maddie's handiwork, perhaps? Either way, the transformation gave him an idea.

"How about some after-breakfast exercise?" he asked, glancing down at the puppies circling his ankles. Both erupted into a chorus of eager barks. Even Milo's droopy tail gave a slow, hopeful wag. Jeremiah grinned and looked at Billy. "What about you, little buddy?"

Billy, engrossed in his shrimp, gave Jeremiah a dismissive wave of a tentacle.

Jeremiah laughed and headed for the side door, the puppies tumbling over each other at his heels and Milo plodding behind, ready to greet the day.

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As soon as Jeremiah pushed open the courtyard door, Tish and Tosh shot out like cannonballs, yipping and tumbling across the new grass. They barreled straight for Lewis, who had just finished raking up a pile of sticks by the big central tree. His eyes went wide as the puppies careened toward him. He barely managed to drop his rake in time and grab both puppy's collars before they tumbled into a pile of sticks and debris beside him.

He set them gently down, only to be 'fiercely' mauled by floppy tongues.

Jeremiah strolled over, grinning at the chaos. "I see you've made some new friends," he said, folding his arms as Milo ambled up beside him. The old basset hound eyed the scene with mild curiosity, his tail giving a slow, steady wag.

Lewis looked up from beneath a tangle of golden fur. "Who are these terrors?" he asked, voice bright with genuine delight.

"This is Tish and Tosh," Jeremiah introduced. "Just arrived from a shelter in Central. And this fine gentleman is Milo." He patted the basset, who leaned into the touch.

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Lewis offered a warm scratch behind Milo's ears while the puppies circled, clamoring for every scrap of attention. Jeremiah chuckled, explaining, "My friend dropped them off this morning. They're here to bring a little life to the shop — and hopefully find new homes, too. I thought some exercise would help them settle in, and figured now's as good a time as any to introduce everyone."

Lewis nodded, a hint of concern creasing his brow. "Is that… safe?" He glanced toward the central tree.

Jeremiah followed his gaze to find Maddie stretched out on her favorite branch, high above the yard. The lynx's green eyes narrowed, tracking the puppies as they tore laps across the grass, tumbling over each other in wild abandon.

Lewis lowered his voice. "She's clever, no doubt. I trust her around people, but animals are another story. Most of the creatures she's met in the Outskirts, she's either fought off or… well, eaten."

Jeremiah considered for a moment, then nodded. "It should be fine. Under normal circumstances, I think you'd be right to worry, but our contract should prevent her from being too violent." He raised his voice, catching Maddie's gaze. "Though if they get too rowdy, she's allowed to swat them. Gently."

Maddie's tail flicked once, but she didn't move, her eyes sharp and unblinking. Jeremiah couldn't say for sure whether she understood every word, but like with Billy, their connection allowed for a thread of meaning to pass between them. He offered a small, reassuring nod.

The puppies, meanwhile, had already discovered a patch of dandelions and began tearing it apart with reckless joy. Milo waddled after them, content to sniff and observe.

Lewis laughed. "Looks like it's going to be an interesting day."

Jeremiah smiled and nodded, feeling the sun on his face and the gentle chaos of his growing menagerie.

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Two hours later, Jeremiah had two whimpering, grass-stained puppies tethered to the Gentlebond's Morphic Grooming Table. Perched like a tiny supervisor on the upper ledge, Billy wielded a bottle of shampoo in one tentacle and a loofah in another, watching Jeremiah with what could only be described as critical interest.

Even with the table's gentle magic, the puppies whined and wriggled, trying their best to avoid the water and suds. Jeremiah had never been more grateful for how waterproof the Caretaker's Vestments truly were. He'd have been soaked three times over by now, but the enchantments shrugged off every splash. Billy, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying the show far too much, occasionally drizzling a bit of shampoo exactly where Jeremiah didn't need it.

By the time they finished, both pups were clean, fluffy, and utterly exhausted. Milo, meanwhile, freshly cleaned himself, lounged near the front desk, enjoying his new bed with regal contentment.

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Dreamshell Smart Cushion

Rank: G

Quality: Fine

Keywords: Furniture, Creature Comfort, Self-Cleaning, Comfort-Plus

Description: A luxurious, shape-shifting pet cushion that adapts to the weight and form of any beast — from feathered familiars to clawed beasts. Reinforced with subtle enchantments, it shrugs off claws, fangs, and magical messes. Self-cleaning and odor-neutralizing, the cushion refreshes itself nightly and cycles through a rotating selection of whimsical patterns to keep even the pickiest pets intrigued.

System Note: "Guaranteed to reduce midnight zoomies, muddy paw prints, and offended squawks by 87%. Even the surliest beast deserves a little magic."

Cost: 10 Marks

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Not a bad investment, Jeremiah thought, watching Milo stretch and roll contentedly as the cushion shifted into a sunny yellow with pawprint motifs. The old basset was out like a light, snoring gently.

A few minutes later, after one last towel-off and a final, halfhearted squirm from Tosh, Jeremiah carried both puppies — now as fluffy as living pillows — to a cozy omni-crate he'd set up near the north wall. The enclosure brimmed with soft blankets, a scatter of sturdy chew toys, and a small self-filling water bowl. The food bowl remained empty for now; even puppies needed a break between feasts.

Tish and Tosh barely managed a single yawn each before curling into one another and collapsing into a tangle of golden fur. Their snores mingled, peaceful at last.

Jeremiah let out a low chuckle. "Not even noon and already out cold." He shook his head, gently closing the crate's door behind them. All that energy — and all that noise — finally quieted. No wonder things had gotten tense at the shelter; puppies like these could wear out anyone if given half the chance. He hoped things would turn around for them now, here.

He didn't dwell on it. Sam would handle what she could. Jeremiah's job was here, and right now that meant making the Mystical Menagerie into the best it could be.

He straightened, stretched the ache out of his shoulders, and collected a still-smirking Billy from the grooming table. With the little kraken perched on his arm, he strode back toward the front desk.

Billy slipped into his bowl with a soft plop, waving a tiny tentacle at Mero as he settled in. Jeremiah cracked his knuckles, feeling the tension in his shoulders fade.

"Well, that was an adventure," he said, glancing around the now peaceful shop. "What's next?"

Mero leaned back, wings flicking lazily. "You tell me, kid. It's your shop."

The words landed with surprising weight. For a moment, Jeremiah just stood there, blinking as the reality sank in. For the first time since becoming a System User — though it had been less than a week — it felt like the world wasn't about to fall apart. No urgent missions. No looming threats. Not even any desperate errands for friends. Just him, the shop, and whatever came next.

He'd always thought freedom would feel like a breath of fresh air, but now, standing at the crossroads of so many possibilities, he felt a wave of anxiety rise inside him. With nothing in his way, there were suddenly a thousand ways to get things wrong.

Mero seemed to sense the hesitation. He pushed himself upright, stretching with a little groan, and grinned, all mischief and moonlight. "If you're that desperate for something to do, I could always come up with a task… or two," he offered, eyes glinting with trouble.

Jeremiah rolled his eyes and let out a shaky laugh. "No. You're right. It's my shop. I have to figure this out myself."

Mero shrugged, the corners of his mouth quirking up in approval. "That's the spirit, Jerry-boy."

For the first time, Jeremiah truly felt it: this was his. And whatever happened next, it would be by his own hand.

He took a slow lap around the shop, letting his gaze drift across the space he'd worked so hard to build. The cafe's cozy glow, the gentle breathing of animals in their enclosures, the faint aroma of tea and leftover pastries. All of it felt right — almost — but something still nagged at him.

He found himself muttering quietly, "So… what comes next? What do I need?"

The answer hit him sooner than he expected.

The cafe was charming and inviting, and the animals would draw in a crowd, but this was still a pet store.

And right now, I don't have any merchandise… His eyes lingered on the mostly empty shelves at the far end of the store, their surfaces bare save for a few odds and ends he had picked up for the new arrivals.

With a thought, he pulled up the System Store, and he grinned.

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Welcome to The System Store, Jeremiah Bridge!

Your store rank: E

Balance: 428 Quantum Marks

Please select a category to begin browsing:

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【Personal Equipment】

【Beast Care & Habitat】

【Merchandise & Consumables】

【Store Supplies】

【Store Fixtures】

【Store Upgrades】

【Special Offers & Featured Items】

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Not only had two new categories appeared since his last visit, but between leftovers from his earlier shopping trip and the surprise sale to Sam, Jeremiah actually had a decent amount of marks to spend.

His gaze hovered over [Personal Equipment], but he shook his head.

If I start chasing upgrades now, I might be tempted to neglect the shop, he argued. It wouldn't matter if 400 marks could make him the strongest shopkeeper on Market Street — something he highly doubted — if he didn't have anything to sell. Besides, his uniforms offered a sizable boost to his personal strength, anyway. While in the store, at least. Looking at equipment could come later.

He moved his gaze instead to [Merchandise & Consumables]. That was the heart of any shop, and it was time to fill these shelves.

He selected the category, and a new flood of options began to appear.

Over the next hour, Jeremiah scrolled through the section, his eyes widening as an endless array of options unfurled before him. There were the basics he expected — bags of high-grade kibble, plush pet beds, and chew-resistant toys — alongside more advanced offerings: programmable treat dispensers, modular climbing towers, and self-cleaning litter systems boasting "quantum odor neutralization." Each listing included a glossy image, a list of stats, and a price in Quantum Marks, making it clear that even the mundane items here had been given System quality assurance.

He paused over some of the more unusual options. One listing caught his eye: "Furtunate Revitalizing Shampoo," which promised to temporarily give any beast's coat a radiant, magically luminous sheen, and, in small print, a faint scent of wildflowers that lasted three days. Another item — "FetchWand Mk.III" — boasted a telescoping, floating ball launcher that could track a pet's energy levels and adjust playtime to maximize exercise and reduce boredom. Even more impressive, Jeremiah found a "Heart's link Smart Collar," a sleek device that translated simple emotions and needs from magical and mundane creatures alike into text messages, complete with customizable LED displays for mood colors and a direct link to an owner's HUD or smart device.

The sheer variety was almost dizzying. He could see at a glance which products were designed for average households and which catered to beast tamers, magical creature enthusiasts, or the truly wealthy. Not for the first time, Jeremiah felt a spark of genuine excitement. With a grin, he started flagging items for the Menagerie's very first inventory order.

He kept things practical for now, focusing on affordable, high-quality basics: sturdy toys, good food, and reliable cleaning supplies. Nothing flashy, just the essentials that every pet owner needed. Some of the fancier options he'd seen in the System Store, like the auto-grooming stations or the "Celestial Cuddle Pod," were so extravagant they would have made even Sarah roll her eyes, let alone most Outskirts residents. Jeremiah wanted his shelves to be accessible to the neighborhood, not intimidating.

The best part was that, thanks to the System's minimum "Fine" quality, even the simplest item — be it a leash or a litter scoop — felt like a genuine upgrade over the generic products from big-box stores. Customers could buy something trustworthy and well-made without breaking the bank, and the Menagerie would still turn a profit. Soon, his cart overflowed with essentials, and after a quick review, he finalized the order for 320 marks.

As the confirmation screen flashed across his vision, Jeremiah took a long, steadying breath and felt a smile creep onto his face. For the first time since opening, the Mystical Menagerie truly felt like it was starting to come alive.

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