Another thing that caught Kurome’s attention was the name tag with her name on it.
How? She was confused.
She had only just been hired a few minutes ago!
Kurome had expected something simple, a basic uniform – nothing this… personalized.
How did Master manage to craft something so perfect for me in such a short time?
It didn’t make sense. Had Hao prepared this in advance?
Was it because he had already foreseen that she would become part of his store? The idea lingered in her.
Her master’s foresight… How far could he see into the future, Kurome wondered. Had he known she would join? Could he predict all of this?
The more she thought about it, the more amazed she became by Hao’s capabilities.
Hao placed the tactical cap on Kurome’s head, snapping her out of her little world.
As the cap touched her, something surprising happened. The top of the cap split open in two, retracting into small slits that perfectly fit her cat ears.
It was as though the cap had sensed her form and adjusted itself accordingly, creating just enough space for her ears to comfortably slide through.
Kurome’s ears perked up, now free, her sense of hearing and sight completely unobstructed. The material of the cap felt soft and natural against her fur, not bothering her at all.
Hao stared, amazed by how smoothly the cap adjusted to Kurome’s head.
’Woah. It works like that?’
He blinked, smiling as he finished adjusting the cap.
“It fits you, Kurome. Looks pretty cool, too.”
Kurome didn’t quite understand the meaning of “cool,” but she could tell from Hao’s tone that it was some form of praise.
Kurome glanced up, her tail flicking with satisfaction.
’I am grateful, Master. It fits me well.’
Hao chuckled softly at Kurome’s response. “Good. You look great.”
He gestured to the remaining equipment.
“Do you want me to help you with the rest of it?”
Kurome nodded. “Yes, Master. I’d appreciate your help.”
Hao took the black duty shirt, carefully slipping it over her head. He made sure the fit was just right, adjusting it so it comfortably hugged her form.
Next, Hao moved to the utility belt. He wrapped it around her waist, attaching the baton to one side, making sure it was secure but not tight.
The belt, too, seemed to adjust to her body.
Lastly, he picked up the charcoal molle-style mini tactical vest. He slipped it over her shoulders. As he did, he placed her name tag right next to the upper part of the vest.
With the final piece in place, Hao stepped back, looking at Kurome’s completed uniform.
“There.” Hao said with a satisfied nod.
“All set. You’re officially ready for duty now, Kurome.”
Kurome stretched slightly, her new attire fitting her perfectly.
She felt a sense of pride and purpose as she stood tall. It felt like a sign that she truly belonged to the store now.
“Thank you, Master. I’ll do my best to serve the store.”
Kurome moved with fluid grace, her body shifting as she tested out the uniform. She dashed across the storage area, performing a series of quick movements, leaping and landing lightly on her paws.
To her surprise, the uniform barely budged. It felt like she wasn’t wearing anything at all!
She couldn’t quite wrap her mind around it. She was accustomed to her fur being free, but this material felt almost weightless.
How was it possible? What kind of material had been used to make it like this?
And who had crafted such a masterpiece?
Her tail flicked in confusion, but she was pleased nonetheless.
She looked at the baton attached to her belt. Of course, she had no idea what it was for.
It was just a strange little tool hanging there, nothing more than a simple rod-like object.
What was its purpose? Why was it so attached to her?
Hao, noticing her confusion, turned to the system for an answer.
“System, what’s the purpose of the baton? It can’t just be for looks, right?” [Host, the baton is a tool designed for store guardians of the Dimensional Convenience Store.]
[It is adaptable and can change to suit the user’s needs. For example, if Kurome desired it to become a sword, it will become a sword, or even a shield if needed.]
Hao raised an eyebrow. ’Wait, what? That’s pretty impressive, huh?’
’An all-purpose artifact.’
Hao turned to Kurome.
“It’s called a baton, Kurome. Normally, it’s used for defense, but yours can turn into anything -weapon or tool. You just have to imagine what you want it to become.”
Imagine?
She still didn’t fully grasp how it would exactly work, but she decided not to ask further.
Focusing her mind, she visualized the baton changing into something more suited to her fighting style – perhaps a claw, something sharp, something that could match her agility.
At first, nothing happened. But then, the baton began to change. Its solid shape melted into a liquid sheen, flowing like black mercury.
It slithered toward her right paw, coiling around it before solidifying once more – this time into a sharp, deadly claw that shimmered under the light.
Kurome could instantly tell – this weapon was razor-edged, capable of slicing through most things without resistance.
What sort of relic was this, to transform and obey with just a thought?
A soft growl escaped her throat – one of pure excitement.
’Master… is this truly mine?’
“Yeah. It’s yours. You’re our store guardian, after all.”
A warm feeling spread in Kurome’s chest. Not just because of the weapon, but because it was given to her. Hers alone.
Hao glanced at the claw with a hint of envy. Something that could change form and adapt at will – what man wouldn’t want one?
That’s like every boy’s dream on Earth, regardless of age.
Still, he smiled to himself. ’Even if I don’t have one, I’m glad Kurome has it.’
Kurome looked up at Hao with bright eyes. “Master, may I begin my shift now?”
Hao nodded. “Of course. Go ahead.”
With that, the two stepped back into the store. But before Hao could say anything else, Kurome was already moving.
She didn’t need a command as she simply knew what she had to do.
[Author’s Note: Kurome’s character design is up. Go give her some love!]