While Kamisato Ayaka was off adventuring in the world of Ready Player One, Raiden Ei had also finished reading her manga.
"This blue robotic cat is really incredible."
After closing the manga, a trace of amazement still lingered on Ei's face.
It wasn't that Doraemon himself was particularly powerful.
Rather, it was his gadgets that were astonishing.
Take the Time Machine, for example—it could directly travel to the past and the future.
If she had something like that, there would be no need for Yae Miko and Makoto to swap souls.
She could simply return to five hundred years ago herself.
Not to mention miraculous items like the Gourmet Tablecloth and the Anywhere Door.
"Every single one of those gadgets poses a threat to Eternity. It seems I'll have to assign people to keep an eye on them."
Compared to Ei's admiration, the Raiden Shogun was thinking much further ahead.
Many of Doraemon's tools possessed abilities comparable to Visions.
Some were even more powerful.
If criminals in Inazuma obtained such items, they could undoubtedly shake Eternity itself.
They would have to be monitored.
"But this can't continue forever…"
The Raiden Shogun suddenly felt mentally exhausted.
There was a saying:
You can guard against a thief for a day, but not forever.
After only two days, she had already discovered countless things that threatened Eternity.
She didn't even want to imagine what the future might bring.
It would be manageable if Ei were helping.
Unfortunately, Ei had become completely absorbed in gaming.
Which meant the Shogun was fighting this battle alone.
"Don't think too much about it. Let's just take things one step at a time."
Sensing the Shogun's fatigue and uncertainty, Ei chuckled softly.
Ever since the manga shop appeared, she felt that destiny itself had begun to change.
Even she no longer knew what the correct path was.
Since that was the case, it was better to move forward one step at a time.
"You may choose whatever path you wish. I will continue to uphold Eternity."
After a moment of silence, the Raiden Shogun spoke firmly.
However, her conviction was noticeably weaker than before.
For perhaps the first time—even the puppet's heart had begun to waver.
Ei noticed it as well but said nothing.
"Let's go collect our rewards! Maybe I'll get the Gourmet Tablecloth!"
Thinking of that item, Ei's excitement returned immediately.
It was practically her dream gadget.
Picking up the manga, she headed toward the counter.
"Finished reading?"
Han Feng smiled as she approached.
"Yes, I—"
Ei nodded, but suddenly stopped when she noticed Kamisato Ayaka lying inside the Virtual Pod.
"What happened to her?"
"That's a Virtual Pod. Once you lie inside, your consciousness enters a virtual world."
Han Feng explained.
"Think of it like entering a game with your mind and being able to freely explore and play within it."
"A created world?"
Ei felt another wave of shock.
The owner could even do something like that?
His comparison to gaming immediately piqued her interest.
She couldn't help wondering what it would feel like to enter another world herself.
Unfortunately, she had already used today's reading opportunity.
She would have to come back tomorrow.
For now, the reward was what mattered.
"Boss, do you think I'll get the Gourmet Tablecloth?"
Ei asked hopefully.
Han Feng looked toward the system panel.
The information had already refreshed.
[Customer Raiden Ei has finished reading Doraemon. Reward obtained — Delicious Seasoning.]
[Delicious Seasoning: No matter how terrible the food tastes, a small sprinkle of this seasoning will make it unbelievably delicious.]
[Note: This effect also works on humans. Use with caution!!!]
[Customer Raiden Shogun has finished reading Doraemon. Reward obtained — Delicious Radish Seeds.]
[Delicious Radish: Once successfully cultivated, it will grow into various delicious foods according to the user's desires.]
[Note: The seeds can be reused indefinitely.]
"Did they stumble into the food jackpot?"
Han Feng raised an eyebrow.
This was the first time both rewards had revolved entirely around food.
Could it be that the Raiden Shogun was secretly a foodie too?
Still, the rewards were quite interesting.
The Delicious Seasoning could turn any awful-tasting food into a delicacy.
Perfect for Ei.
Though Han Feng felt it was less about improving flavor and more about deceiving the sense of taste.
As for its effect on humans...
That seemed tailor-made for Paimon.
"Maybe I should test it on her someday."
A mischievous smile appeared in Han Feng's mind.
After all, wasn't Paimon the Emergency Food?
The pairing felt oddly appropriate.
Meanwhile, the Delicious Radish was, in some ways, similar to the Gourmet Tablecloth.
If Paimon or Venti found out about it, they would be green with envy.
Ei would be jealous too.
Unlike the tablecloth, this was a genuine food-producing item.
Buzz—
Buzz—
Two brilliant beams of light descended.
One enveloped Ei.
The other pierced directly into the Plane of Euthymia and surrounded the Raiden Shogun.
This time, Ei wasn't surprised.
She was simply eager to see her reward.
Moments later, the light faded.
A yellow bottle appeared in Ei's hands.
It was filled with some unknown powder.
At the same time, a bag of seeds appeared before the Raiden Shogun.
"Boss, what's this bottle for?"
Ei stared at the reward blankly.
Even if it wasn't the Gourmet Tablecloth, getting a bottle was a little unexpected.
"That's Delicious Seasoning."
Han Feng explained.
"Sprinkle it on any terrible food and it'll become incredibly delicious."
"And it also works on humans."
"This is amazing!"
Ei's eyes lit up.
It might not be as convenient as the Gourmet Tablecloth—but with this seasoning, even if she cooked something completely disastrous, it would still taste wonderful.
That basically made her a master chef!
As for the warning about humans...
She ignored it entirely.
Humans weren't food.
Who would ever use seasoning on people?
"Hmph. They say I can't cook, do they?"
Thinking about Yae Miko's endless teasing, Ei snorted inwardly.
"Just wait until I get back. I'll cook something and show you."
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