Chapter 8

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**Chapter 7 (8/331)**

**Chapter 7. The Convenience Store Clerk (1)**

The woman's eyes, revealed when she took off her goggles, were brown. They looked human. Just this morning, I had seen so many people, but now I can't help but feel relieved to see a human.

"Are you taking a break, ma'am?"

"I've finished my shift, but I don't know what she's doing."

"Wow, I can't even imagine you taking a break."

Muttering this, I watched the woman get out of the Pegasus, and the question I had briefly wondered about earlier resurfaced.

This convenience store sells chocolate milk and cigarettes. I could understand if someone delivered these, but who brings the abnormal items like blood packs, horse shoes, and corpses? And how do they transport them?

I thought this woman might have some of the answers, especially since she had a sword at her waist. I don't know if this world has a permit for carrying weapons, but there's no reason to carry one if you don't use it.

Another thing I noticed about her was that she didn't look like someone who delivers logistics. She stretched after getting off the Pegasus, and her figure was incredibly slender. Her leather jacket and jeans looked especially good together. She had the look of someone who would be more suited to modeling. It seemed to fit her.

Moreover, she seemed to have a good personality. She smiled and asked me casually:

"How's the convenience store job? Is it manageable?"

"It's okay. I think I need to work a bit more to really know."

Even as I answered, harpies were flying in the sky and centaurs were running in the streets, but I no longer felt any excitement. I don't know if it's because I've adapted or if I'm in a daze...

The woman sighed and shook her head, continuing:

"I couldn't do the convenience store job. I tried it for a bit when I helped my sister."

"You worked here before?"

"For a few days. I quit because of the jerks. Just thinking about it makes me shudder."

While the convenience store job is easy to start and the work is simple, it's not for everyone. Some can't stay in one place for long, some don't like being looked down on, and some are just not motivated by the pay.

Of course, the biggest reason is the jerks. You can avoid stepping in dog poop on the street, but these jerks come looking for you. They're dirty and you don't want to step on them, but you can't avoid them, so it's enough to drive you crazy.

"And the job I'm doing now is better."

"Logistics?"

"No, a Hunter."

What's a Hunter?

My curiosity was growing, but it wasn't the right time to delve deeper. The pedestrians were avoiding the logistics she had brought, and the Pegasus was flapping its tiny wings, causing a nuisance.

"Maybe we should bring this inside first. Should I get a cart?"

"No, it's fine. I can handle it."

I thought a cart might be necessary, given the cracks on the pavement where the logistics were placed. How heavy is this thing?

"Ugh."

But the woman effortlessly lifted the logistics with a single effort. It was a scene that defied the laws of physics. I unlocked the door and asked:

"Are you sure you don't need help?"

"No, it's fine. It would be more trouble with two people. Just open the office door for me."

I had already opened the door earlier.

The office door was left open because the convenience store's warehouse is connected to the office. This is a common layout for convenience stores. The warehouse usually stores beverages that need refrigeration.

For example, when you enter a convenience store and the counter is empty, and you go to the fridge to get a cola, you might hear rustling from the back. That's the sound of the staff filling the shelves with drinks from the warehouse.

Of course, they have to leave their post to do this, but the store doesn't give them separate time to do it. How can you give separate time in a 24-hour store?

So, you don't have to yell, "Where's the manager?" when there's no staff. The staff isn't intentionally avoiding customers; they just do it when there are fewer customers. This is a request. If you call softly, they'll come out, and they usually check the CCTV to see if there are any customers.

But I don't think this convenience store can do that.

When I opened the door to the beverage warehouse, I saw a staircase leading to the basement. I've never seen a convenience store with a basement before.

The woman put down her load in front of the office and asked me:

"Oh, and... um, Mr. Manager?"

"It's Chan."

I just gave my name. Since she's in logistics, I thought I'd see her more often than my mother.

"I'm sorry, it feels awkward to call you 'manager' when I'm not talking to my sister."

"Don't worry about it."

"Okay, Chan, can I put this in the fourth compartment of the basement warehouse?"

"I'm not sure. I haven't been inside the warehouse yet."

To be honest, I haven't had the courage to go in yet. The manager said the bodies are stored in there. I need to check what's inside sometime...

"Right, you said you've been working for two hours. Do you want to come in with me?"

"How long will it take?"

"Considering the layout... about 5 minutes?"

"I can't leave the counter for that long."

In 5 minutes, a jerk can become a super jerk. I think I'll only be able to go in when I switch shifts with the manager during the day.

The woman nodded in understanding, took out a piece of paper, and handed it to me. She was about to lift the box but suddenly turned to me:

"Sorry, how old are you?"

"29."

"I'm one year older. I'm Yuna. You can call me Yuna or 'sister.'"

"Um... I'll try."

She's really outgoing. I haven't used the word "sister" in about 20 years...

While Yuna, or Yuna-sister, was putting the logistics into the warehouse, I looked at the paper I had received. It should have been a list of the incoming logistics, but since only one item came in, there was only one line.

It read: Dragon Scale?

I rubbed my eyes and checked again. The quantity was one, and the specification section, which should have indicated the weight, was blank. The price was also not listed.

Still, I circled it with a pen and went to the counter to call the manager.

"Manager, I received the item. What should I do now?"

"I'll take care of it. But this... it seems new. Where should I display it?"

This is one of the more troublesome moments for a part-time worker. When new items come in.

You might think it's just a matter of putting them on the shelf, but convenience store shelves are usually packed. It's hard to find a spot to display new items.

You could force a spot, but that would disrupt the balance, and if the manager doesn't like it, you'll get scolded. That's usually the case.

The manager probably won't scold me for this, but it's a dragon scale. In the broad category, it's a reptile's shed skin. I have no idea where to display it or if it's even possible.

"Ah, I see."

Looking down, I saw a tall locker.

"Yes."

When I opened it, I saw dozens of buttons lined up.

"Looking at the buttons, what are they for? They can't be light switches."

"Press one?"

I feel like pressing one. Can I just press one? If I go somewhere and press the button to come back here, it should be fine, right?

Of course, I didn't press any. If I'm told not to, I shouldn't. Instead, I continued with my earlier question:

"Where do the customers who bought the dragon scale today come from? Do they buy it?"

What's the Academy Earth?

"What's the purpose...?"

"Looking at it, the price isn't listed, so it must be expensive."

Wow. I thought it might be as expensive as a 17-year-old Chivas Regal. Or maybe an electronic cigarette device?

"Listening to this, it feels more like a general store than a convenience store..."

If I had to choose between a convenience store and a general store, I'd choose the convenience store. A general store seems like it would only attract older customers... Wait a minute.

Listening to this, I have a question. If the manager had to consider whether to choose between a convenience store and a general store, it means there was a reason to do business either way, right?

"Manager, no misunderstanding, I'm just curious. Is there a specific reason you opened the convenience store?"

The answer was a bit slow. There must be a reason.

"No, just curious."

The manager didn't even know the minimum wage. It seemed like a good time to play it safe.

"It's important. Money."

The manager's voice was still soft, but it had a slightly deeper tone. It felt more like a difficult question rather than a reason for the question.

So, I didn't press further. To get along in the workplace, you need to read your boss's mood, especially if they're the one paying your salary.

It was also too early to ask such questions after only meeting for a day. I didn't want to make the atmosphere awkward, so I spoke up first:

"Manager, I've printed the receipt. Is there anything else I need to do?"

"Not yet. It seems like you're getting used to it..."

While I was answering, the office door opened. Yuna-sister had just come out.

But her expression wasn't good. She looked at me apologetically:

"Um, Chan. I'm sorry, are you on the phone with the manager?"

"Yes. Should I switch?"

"No, you don't need to... Can you tell the manager that I'm taking the logistics back?"

When I asked why, she replied:

"It's defective. It seems to be under-processed."