I had spent about 2 silver all up, to supply these adventurers with the wonders of modern food technology. From soft drinks to samples of sweets, like chocotes.

  But the actual best part about it, was the fact they tipped—very generously.

  The food carnage took most of the day, luckily not receiving any further adventurers. At the end of it, the group thanked me profusely and retreated to their beds, with one of them having to double-up—due to my ck of beds. It’s temporary Greg, with all these funds, I can finally set this pce up nicely.

  When I returned from checking on my guests, I had found Phima passed out on my counter, snoozing away with a subtle growl.

  “Food coma is awesome isn’t it.” I chuckled, to no movement of the hybrid. Leaving me with a problem—she had no bed. And I wasn’t going to make the mistake again, to assume I could leave her down here unattended. Guess there’s only one option right now.

  I scooped her up, thanking the stars above that she was small and not very heavy, and carried her up the stairs like a hunter carrying a carcass over his shoulder. Then unceremoniously plopped her into my bed, tucking the sheets around her tightly.

  [Achievement Unlocked: Good Host]

  Stop it system, you’re making me blush.

  I made my way back down the steps, turning left instead of right. Heading toward my front door, not the kitchen for once.

  A letter had been pushed through my mail slot, a letter I dreaded wouldn’t come so soon yet. “Finally time to return to earth huh.” Pushing my back against the door and slumping to the ground.

  “It’s been just over a week now. Thought they’d give me a bit more of a grace period—greedy bastards.”

  The letter was pin in colour, with only one heavy contrast making out its intention. “First repayment due.”

  I dropped the letter, not even bothering to open it. Dad was never very good with money, but I didn’t think he’d stick me with this kind of burden.

  Pointing out the fact that only after I signed were the details presented to me. I inherited a massive house and property out in the sticks; about 12 hours from where I used to live. A house luscious by means of size, not overall quality.

  I had been told about the house. But didn’t think to check some of the fine print before committing myself to not only quit my job, but also move my entire belongings over. Only to be handed a letter of the “rules of engagement” so to speak.

  I wasn’t permitted to sell the house and nd within the first year.

  “Who would’ve thought. I was sure to finally live a life of comfort, not being dragged down the ocean by a house sized anchor.” The shock finally draining my energy from the st few days.

  This whole thing was absolutely batshit crazy, but what was the alternative? The door was there and it wasn’t like I had a backup pn, if anything… The system had given me some purpose. In the most fucked up “here’s a bucket, go stop the bushfire” kind of way.

  I rubbed my temples and picked up my phone, still bck. You piece of shhh! Grabbing the phone and almost hurling it down the hallway, but stopping mid swing with rage leaving my fist. Calm down Greg, it’s not the phone’s fault. Though it didn’t expin why it broke to begin with.

  [System Update]

  [Operator Greg Reed has been given a new Skill]

  [Unique Skill “Conversion” Unlocked]

  [Conversion: Let’s you transfer coins over to other currencies]

  I froze at the sudden message, did the system just give me pat on the back? Like your friend Stacey screaming “shots”, only to be hunched over a toilet for the rest of the night. That kind?

  “Did you just pity me?” I answered with blurred vision.

  […]

  “You’re a softy after all.” Laughing to myself, as I spent the rest of the night browsing through my skills and inventory.

  **

  I awoke to the quiet nothingness of my empty house, a sound I had never gotten used to. Still sitting on the floor, with no feelings in my legs and a stiff neck.

  When I did finally manage to wrench myself out of the vegetable state, I hobbled into the kitchen for some much needed comfort food and a pick-me-up beverage. Grabbing a can of Double-pineapple bst. With its signature slogan pstered in the corner, reading: “it makes it taste better—trust us.”

  That slogan always made me giggle a little. So stupid. But it was these little things that got me going in the morning.

  “Did you undress me?!” A voice shattering my morning serenity and growling in the doorway of my stairs.

  I looked Phima up and down.

  “You’re dressed. What do you mean?”

  “I woke up in a fluffy bed and have no memory of getting into it, so I’m making sure you didn’t undress me.”

  Yaaay, morning crazies.

  “So in your head, I painstakingly carried you up the stairs, put you in my bed, undressed you. Only to redress you before you woke up???”

  She nodded and folded her arms in a huff.

  Totally, that’s the only logical expnation.

  “No. Now either have breakfast or don’t, but let me have mine in peace at least.”

  “Why are you so grumpy, where’s that merry attitude from yesterday?” She asked, slipping onto the chair next to me.

  “Let’s just say, the shock wore off and I’m feeling a bit drained is all.” Taking a sip of my drink and feeling that energising taste hit my stomach. “Anyway, seems the adventurers have left. Didn’t even leave a note or nothing.”

  “That’s humans for you.”

  I cocked my eyebrow at her.

  “Sorry, I mean ‘those’ humans.” Smiling, as she jumped up and walked around the room near the portal-door. Should probably have signs belling areas for convenience.

  The dungeon clock tick, tick… ticked away, noticing the time approaching when adventurers usually started to rock up.

  I caught myself smiling a bit.

  Fresh start.