She shook her head. "They're locked behind higher clearance. We can't access them yet."
Ling Yu tapped her fingers lightly against her knee. "So, you've seen the shop interface."
Nie Ziyu leaned forward eagerly. "Yeah, it's like— like this glowing catalog. You can swipe through rows of items, potions, tools. Some even have little previews, like holograms. But most of the good stuff is greyed out with a padlock icon. You need achievements, levels, or sponsor approval to unlock them."
Ye Qingxue nodded. "And the prices. Ridiculous. A simple dagger is ten coins. A vial of healing water is twenty. Who can afford that when the system only gives out coins like miserly breadcrumbs?"
Ling Yu's lips curved faintly. "That's the point. To force desperation."
Song's gaze never left her. "Which is why I didn't spend a single coin. Desperation makes people reckless. Better to save for when the cost is unavoidable."
