The Fantasy World Fanatic Wants To Leave Work

12 – 12. Peaceful Morning at the Convenience Store (2)

Among the magicians, there were stories heard only as rumors.

That the universe they lived in, which included a higher-dimensional space than space itself, encompassed countless unknown universes.

Among those universes, there were universes similar to this world, but with completely different fundamental entities of intelligence and opposing directions of civilization.

For magicians who pursued new knowledge and desired fresh stimulation, civilizations from other universes were like dreams of a distant land as beautiful as the stars in the night sky yet out of reach.

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But why were there countless unknown universes that were out of reach, like stars in the night sky?

Universe-1221 was a world where magic was more advanced than average, and through it, they should have been able to create a passage that connected to other universes. Why was that not possible?

The reason for this was because of “them”.

In fact, many magicians had already attempted to go to other worlds.

However, the magicians who succeeded in opening a passage connected to the external universe all became one with “them”.

They were led to the wandering entities that had become lost in the universe and merged with them. Those who made contact with them had their intelligence taken away, leaving only their existence transformed in the same way.

Inevitably, they would be exposed to “them” during the process of going to another universe.

Even transcendental beings like angels and demons could only be aware of the perception of another universe; they couldn’t interfere or bring in foreign objects from other universes.

Even if their opponents weren’t ordinary beings like transcendental beings, they would eventually target anyone who possessed intelligence. The transcendent beings also found them burdensome.

No matter how powerful their strength was, if they had intelligence, they were no different from prey.

It was only a matter of how long they could resist.

They were all one, and one was all of them.

If observed by one, they would be observed by all, and from that point on, countless infinite beings from the universe would gather, chasing the scent.

Once they were observed by them, that was the end.

No matter which universe they were in, they would chase after the scent of dreams like ghosts and eventually devour them.

Even if it’s an angel, a demon, or even a god.

But there was a mysterious store that ignored all such unknown threats and imported goods from other universes.

That store was none other than U.C. Convenience Store.

One day, U.C. Convenience Store suddenly appeared as if it had always been there, and ordinary people never questioned it. They perceived it as just another general store that had always been there.

However, for those who knew about U.C. Convenience Store, the story was different.

They could see what was right in front of them without the interference of perception or manipulation of memory.

U.C. Convenience Store was filled with products from civilizations in other universes, and if needed, it would provide the desired items from those other universes.

What was even more astonishing was that it allowed acts that not even gods could perform, and the price was merely a modest sum of money, not an exorbitant amount.

That’s why the magicians who were well aware of U.C. Convenience Store designated it as a no-go zone.

At first, they fought each other to monopolize the goods from other universes, but in the process, they realized that if a store employee died, the store itself would vanish.

Moreover, once a U.C. Convenience Store disappeared, no one could predict when, where, or how it would reappear.

According to records, it reappeared only after a very long time had passed.

So, instead of fighting each other and gaining nothing, they decided to designate U.C. Convenience Store as a no-go zone and mutually benefit from the goods from other universes.

Of course, just like promises are meant to be broken, the no-go treaty didn’t last long.

The original U.C. Convenience Store had vanished because one of the two factions, black or white, had killed its employee, causing it to disappear along with them.

For these reasons, the news of a new U.C. Convenience Store appearing was a significant event for the magicians.

Especially in the White Pagoda, where the owner, known as the embodiment of an angel, showed great interest.

“Is it true? That U.C. Convenience Store has reappeared.”

Upon hearing the news for the first time in a long while, she set down the firearm she was cleaning and asked.

After U.C. Convenience Store had disappeared that day, it was believed it would never appear in this universe again.

“Yes, Seretiny. According to the report, traces of goods that were only produced in other universes were found, confirming its return.”

However, what the observers placed outside had brought, this black plastic container with a transparent lid that couldn’t be found in Universe-1221, indicated that U.C. Convenience Store had reappeared.

It was a container used for food from another universe, probably called “Master White’s Good Deal Bento,” or something like that.

Detailed knowledge was fuzzy, but she had a memory of seeing the same thing in U.C. Convenience Store.

“It’s been over a hundred years since it disappeared due to that incident, so it’s definitely new when you look at its condition.”

Furthermore, the condition was pristine, like it was brand new.

The items from the past had all deteriorated and disintegrated due to magic, but this one was clean, with no signs of aging.

In other words, someone had bought the bento from U.C. Convenience Store, eaten all the contents, and then cleaned it thoroughly.

“Where was this found?”

The reason why Uzu-1221 has advanced magic is because the sentient beings of that universe quickly realized the existence of U.C Convenience Store and easily absorbed the magic from other universes.

In particular, HK416, ‘Heckler & Koch 416’, which is both her weapon and a precious heirloom as the owner of the White Tower, was not created in Uzu-1221 but brought in from the U.C Convenience Store a long time ago.

The existing White Magic had the disadvantage of having relatively lower killing power than black magic, which utilizes the power of demons, as it draws upon the power of angels. However, in the past, the White Tower compensated for this by using weapons from external universes.

Although it was desired for everyone to be fully armed, unfortunately, due to weapon regulations, U.C Convenience Store could not make bulk purchases.

Nevertheless, the past imported items were permanently preserved and improved with magic, becoming a symbol of glory given to the White Magicians who reached enlightenment and emerged with halos above their heads.

Instead of using conventional gunpowder, special ammunition that burns magical power instead of gunpowder was used. The composition of the firearms was infused with the souls of angels, giving them consciousness.

This was not just a simple firearm but also a magical weapon beyond imagination, and it contributed greatly to the notorious reputation of the White Magicians in Uzu-1221.

“But there is a problem. It seems that this particular U.C Convenience Store originated from the Holy See.”

“The Holy See? Why is that a problem? If necessary, we can even go to war with them. It may be annoying to deal with that woman who likes masks, but it is well worth it.”

“Um… Did you say war?”

This implies that the White Tower, as it is today, was divided into three factions: the Holy See, the Black Tower, and the White Tower, and there was a significant stake in it.

Seretini, the owner of the White Tower, had willingly planned to start a war in order to monopolize the U.C Convenience Store.

“No, it’s obviously a joke.”

Of course, it was just a thought.

If she were to start a war over something like that, she would be disqualified as the owner of the Tower. In reality, if it was U.C Convenience Store, it would have been well worth it. However, the real problem was that the Black Tower would not just sit by and do nothing.

If those demon-like creatures discovered that U.C Convenience Store was targeted from this side and a war was initiated, they would most likely team up with the Holy See and cause chaos.

Although the White Tower was armed with extraterrestrial weapons, it was impossible to confront both factions at once.

“So, what are you planning to do?”

“Indeed, it is quite a nuisance that it is in the Holy See. First, I will try to infiltrate alone.”

“Are you sure it’s safe to go alone? It would be better to officially request a visit this time…”

“If I did that, there is a possibility that those Holy See bastards intentionally hide the location of U.C Convenience Store. They have always been very cunning in their maneuvers for the past 200 years.”

In the Holy See, where there are many ordinary humans, the existence of U.C Convenience Store has largely been forgotten. However, Seretini, who has accepted angels and lived for a long time, was aware of this.

“Still, wouldn’t it be dangerous to go alone? If the Holy See guys catch wind of it…”

“Infiltration is by nature performed secretly and brilliantly. If a group gathers, there is also a possibility of being exposed. Don’t worry. I was able to deceive even the surveillance of the master who was the owner of the Tower at the time during my apprentice days.”

“Ah…”

Before the Black Tower could notice the existence of U.C Convenience Store, she decided to make contact as soon as possible.

She learned that by building a good relationship with the employees there, she could acquire more knowledge from other universes and information about what the White Tower needed.

“Just trust me. Even if I am an angel, I have reached a state where I can blend into the shadows of the night. I will make sure not to reveal my identity as a White Magician to anyone and return safely.”

“Okay, I understand.”

And if by any chance that employee was assassinated like before, this time U.C Convenience Store would also disappear, so we had to make sure the employee’s safety was not an issue.

“What do you think? It doesn’t look suspicious at all, right? It’s something I prepared for infiltration. With this, I can even hide my wings.”

Celestine peeked out, wearing a dark robe, revealing only her face.

Her golden eyes subtly shimmered.

“Yes, it doesn’t look suspicious at all.”

Sijong sighed and waved his hand at her, wishing her well.

“As long as I don’t get exposed as the Archmage, everything will be fine. As long as they don’t find out I’m the Archmage, I can make it back safely.”

Celestine’s face, which was briefly revealed, seemed to be brimming with confidence.

It seemed that she was quite excited to hear the news that U.C Convenience Store had reappeared after a long time.

“Well then, I’m off. If you need anything, just let me know.”

But why? It seemed like Celestine was forgetting something very important.

“…Could it be that she forgot?”

Above her head, there was a lightbulb that clearly advertised that she was the Archmage.

Although she hid her wings, which were exclusive to herself among the Archmages, she seemed to be unaware of the most fundamental problem.

†††

The morning at the convenience store was relatively calm compared to lunchtime.

In this place called Universe-1221, there were either no people commuting or going to work in the morning, or the culture was somewhat different, as there weren’t many people on the streets yet.

Yesterday, there were usually a lot of customers during lunchtime, but at other times, it was quite peaceful.

Honestly, if those two little beasts weren’t there yesterday, I could have spent the day relatively peacefully.

[Archmage (Universe-1221)]

[Characteristics: Archmages who have reached a certain level develop a form called ‘halo’ that changes depending on their emotions or mental state. Halos even emit bright light when they sleep, causing Archmages to suffer from chronic insomnia.]

“You’re bound to develop insomnia when you walk around with a lightbulb on your head…”

I spent my peaceful time looking at the trivia on Tree Wiki like that.

Ding-dong-

“Welcome.”

When that happens, customers come one by one.

It’s secretly fun to watch the customers like this.

There are many customers with unique appearances in Universe-1221.

Apart from the creepy little beasts that walk on two legs like werewolves, there are quite a number of customers with appearances that would fit right into a fantasy manga.

“Ah, hello.”

The customer who entered the convenience store was greeted.

Let’s see, who could this customer be.

Covering themselves with a suspicious-looking cloth from head to toe, with a halo reminiscent of light bulbs floating above their head, they seemed like a customer who is a white wizard riding a white horse.

…But isn’t that Paco’s character? On a clear day like this?

Furthermore, they had a gun strapped to their back, which I don’t know where they got it from.

Yeah, I made up my mind.

-Kim Hyun-woo-

“What should I do about this crazy white wizard who comes to the convenience store with a gun?”

-Store Manager-

“Do as you please. I won’t interfere.”

Just in case, before it becomes like yesterday, let’s quickly press the red button and report it to the police.

After all, humans are learning creatures.

Although that crazy person hasn’t done anything to me yet, it would be too late to report it when an incident has already occurred.

“Excuse me, I’m looking for something. Could you help me?”

“Yes, of course, I should help you.”

From the moment they entered the convenience store carrying a gun, it was already as serious as something had happened.

No, seriously, how is it that this damn convenience store never has a day when only normal customers come?

Is it really that difficult to expect a customer who just buys things normally?

I choose items from the shelves, calculate the total, and leave.

Is this such a difficult task…?

“If there are similar items like this, please find them for me.”

As I was about to press the red button, the customer pointed the gun at me.

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Instinctively, I raised both hands above my head.

I tried to press it secretly so as not to get caught, but unfortunately, it seems like I’ve already been caught.

“Hm? Why are you raising both hands?”

Damn it, are you asking that right now?

Why the hell are you coming to the convenience store with a gun?

Do you think the convenience store has become some kind of ‘W’ Mart in the United States?

“Excuse me, but could you please spare me?”

“What is that noise? Is my life being threatened right now?”

Ah, I don’t understand anything, I just want to go home.

It was simply the desire to escape from this insane convenience store as soon as possible.