.....
After accessing the System Shop, Eren began scrolling through it, searching for something useful. He recalled what the system had told him—it wasn't the one that opened the shop. The system hadn't used its SP to forcefully activate it. Instead, it had opened on its own.
Eren had a guess as to why that happened. He was certain that something—or rather, someone—had granted him early access to the shop without using the system's SP. And that unknown being was likely the one who had brought him to this world and placed that mysterious message in his mailbox.
Even though he was confident in his deduction, he shrugged it off. At the very least, this unexpected turn of events made things easier for him.
Turning his attention back to the shop's interface, he continued scrolling.
-----
[System Shop Interface]
Coins: 0
Categories:
[Weapons] – [Armor] – [Skills] – [Magic Items] – [Consumables] – [Miscellaneous]
Featured Items:
1. [Traveler's Cloak] – 25 Coins
A lightweight cloak that provides minor resistance to cold and wind. Perfect for long journeys.
— Buy | Preview | Details
2. [Stamina Recovery Potion] – 8 Coins
Restores 30% stamina instantly. Useful for extended combat or physical activity.
— Buy | Preview | Details
3. [Basic Storage Ring] – 200 Coins
A magical ring with a small inventory space (10 slots). Useful for carrying extra items.
— Buy | Preview | Details
4. [High-Grade Health Potion] – 50 Coins
Instantly restores 80% HP and removes minor debuffs.
— Buy | Preview | Details
---
[Search Bar:] [Enter Item Name]
Filter Options: [Price] – [Rarity] – [Type] – [Effect]
Sort By: [Lowest Price] | [Highest Price] | [Newest] | [Recommended]
[Return] – [Confirm Purchase]
-----
Looking at the sleek design of the shop's interface, Eren's eyes widened slightly in amusement. Without hesitation, he tapped the search bar. A small holographic keyboard materialized before him, allowing him to type in the item he was looking for.
He thought for a moment before typing:
[Search Bar: Rubik's Cube–]
A new screen appeared, displaying exactly what he wanted.
---
[System Shop Interface]
Coins: 0
Categories:
[Miscellaneous] – [Puzzles] – [Modern]
Item: Rubik's Cube
1. [2x2 Mini Rubik's Cube] – 2 Coins
A compact and simpler version of the classic puzzle, great for beginners or quick challenges.
— Buy | Preview | Details
2. [3x3 Standard Rubik's Cube] – 3 Coins
The iconic puzzle known worldwide. A test of logic, memory, and dexterity.
— Buy | Preview | Details
3. [4x4 Master Cube] – 5 Coins
Also called the "Rubik's Revenge," this cube introduces more complex patterns and requires advanced solving techniques.
— Buy | Preview | Details
4. [5x5 Professor's Cube] – 7 Coins
A step beyond the 4x4, featuring additional layers that demand greater precision and problem-solving skills.
— Buy | Preview | Details
5. [6x6 Grandmaster's Cube] – 10 Coins
An even larger challenge, with more intricate movements and potential for complex parity errors.
— Buy | Preview | Details
6. [7x7 Ultimate Cube] – 15 Coins
The largest official cube size, testing extreme patience and mastery over advanced solving methods.
— Buy | Preview | Details
7. [8x8 Overkill Cube] – 20 Coins
A modern engineering feat with even more layers, pushing the limits of speed and memory.
— Buy | Preview | Details
8. [9x9 Titan Cube] – 25 Coins
An overwhelming puzzle designed for those who crave an extreme test of endurance and skill.
— Buy | Preview | Details
9. [10x10 Legendary Cube] – 30 Coins
The pinnacle of cube-solving challenges, requiring immense patience, strategic thinking, and expertise to conquer.
— Buy | Preview | Details
---
[Return] – [Confirm Purchase]
-----
Without hesitation, Eren tapped on the [3x3 Standard Rubik's Cube] option.
Unfortunately, the purchase was unavailable—he had zero coins.
Eren glanced at the system stoically and gave a simple order.
"Give me 10 coins."
The system hesitated before responding.
[Does Master… wish to convert 10 Coins using SP?]
Eren narrowed his eyes slightly. "And how else do you give me rewards for completing quests?"
He knew the system was just testing him. He had already figured out how it worked.
The system had explained the value of System Points (SP) before. When it used SP to generate a quest, that quest, once completed, would produce more SP. Some of that SP could then be converted into Coins, Stat Points, Skill Points, or item rewards.
It was a cycle. The system invested SP, the host completed the task, and the quest would generate more SP upon completion.
A system like this didn't just give rewards for free—it was a calculated investment. The system was the investor, and the host was the worker.
After a brief pause, the system relented.
[Converting...]
-Ding-
---
[You have received 10 Coins.]
[Current System Points: 685 SP.]
---
Eren's eyes widened slightly before a smirk crossed his lips. 'So, 5 coins cost 1 SP…'
With his newly acquired coins, he clicked on the [3x3 Standard Rubik's Cube] once more.
---
[You have purchased: 3x3 Standard Rubik's Cube!]
[Remaining Coins: 7]
---
Then, a small Rubik's Cube materialized in the air before falling into Eren's palm. He examined it for a moment, then rotated it randomly, changing the color order. After playing with it for a while and familiarizing himself with its feel, he looked at the system again while holding the cube.
"System, generate a quest for solving this."
The system's metaphorical eyes widened in surprise at what it had just heard. Feeling a bit confused by its Master's request, it asked for clarification.
[Umm... Excuse me, Master, I think I may have misinterpreted what you meant. Could you explain?]
Eren's eyes narrowed in annoyance. He repeated his request, this time with a clearer explanation.
"Create a new quest for me. One that requires solving this cube puzzle, within a limited time." His voice was slow and deliberate. "Can you do it?"
Now understanding his request, the system's screen gave a confirming nod.
[Understood, Master.]
[Generating a quest...]
Then, a new quest screen appeared before him.
-----
[Side Quest: Solve the Cube Puzzle]
Description: A mysterious cube puzzle from another world—a test of logic, patience, and dexterity. Solve the 3x3 Rubik's Cube by arranging the colors on each side within less than 8 minutes.
Objective: Solve a 3x3 Rubik's Cube within 8 minutes or less.
Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ (Beginner)
Rewards: [2 SP]
Bonus: +5 SP for finishing in under 7 minutes
Failure Penalty: None
[Accept] [Decline]
-----
Seeing the quest, Eren rubbed his chin in thought as his eyes lingered on the time limit and the rewards. Then, he ordered again.
"System, change the time limit to less than 1 minute."
[What?!]
The system voiced its confusion and shock, making Eren frown in annoyance.
"Just do it," he said lazily.
The system quickly followed his order, making adjustments to the quest.
[Adjusting the quest...]
[Adjusting the SP cost...]
[Adjusting the rewards...]
The previous quest screen disappeared, replaced by a new one with some noticeable changes.
-----
[Side Quest: Solve the Cube Puzzle]
Description: A mysterious cube puzzle from another world—a test of logic, patience, and dexterity. Solve the 3x3 Rubik's Cube by arranging the colors on each side within less than 1 minute. Only those with sharp wits and practiced hands can accomplish such a feat. Do you have what it takes?
Objective: Solve a 3x3 Rubik's Cube within 1 minute or less.
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ (Challenging)
Rewards: [20 SP]
Failure Penalty: None
[Accept] [Decline]
-----