I never thought I'd say this, but the Dungeon was actually nice for a change. At least, nice in the "here's a shop full of weird items you can buy with points" kind of way.
A glowing menu hovered in midair above my counter as soon as I walked in, buzzing with tiny lights and the faint smell of burnt toast.
Dungeon Shop Access
Current Level: 1
Total Levels: 5
Your Points: 1030
I leaned closer, squinting at the list of items. My finger twitched like it had a mind of its own.
Healing Potion - 50 points
Sparkling Snack (Probably edible) - 30 points
Charm of Slight Motivation - 80 points
Cracked Coffee Mug (Will brew coffee if motivated) - 60 points
Slightly Sharp Spoon (Might stir, might poke) - 40 points
Bubble Soap (explodes on impact, minor fun) - 35 points
Miniature Rubber Chicken - 25 points
Glow-in-the-Dark Napkin - 20 points
I poked at the Sparkling Snack.
"Probably edible" sounded like a challenge.
I like challenges.
Mira's glare reminded me I was not supposed to eat anything in the shop.
Fine.
Noted.
Globby bounced beside me, gurgling a sound that was either excitement or panic. I didn't ask which.
Total Points: 1030
I could buy... almost anything here if I wanted to.
First Delivery: Slime Storage, Floor Five
The HUD blinked urgently.
NEW DELIVERY QUEST: Floor Five, Slime Storage
Reward: 30 points
Slimes. Storage. My life had officially become a list of things that wanted to slime me.
I grabbed my bag and stepped out, avoiding an accidental step on a glowing napkin for dramatic flair.
Three slimes hopped toward me like I personally insulted their mothers.
I ran, slipped once, yelled "Not the sock!" and finally delivered the package.
Points Earned: 30
Total Points: 1060
Returning to the shop, I noticed the Cracked Coffee Mug glimmering a little brighter. Not magical, just more tempting.
Exploring the Shop
I wandered through Level 1, poking items with caution. The Bubble Soap squeaked when I squeezed it, bouncing off a counter and hitting a wall.
The sound echoed.
Globby laughed.
Mira did not.
I hovered over the Charm of Slight Motivation.
"Could this actually make customers like me more?" I whispered to nobody in particular. It cost 80 points. Totally doable.
Purchased: Charm of Slight Motivation
Points Remaining: 980
Immediately, I felt slightly more confident. Or maybe it was placebo. Whatever. I would test it in the shop later.
Second Delivery: Rare Fungus, Floor Eight
NEW DELIVERY QUEST: "Retrieve Rare Fungus, Floor Eight"
Reward: 50 points
Floor Eight was dripping with water, singing fungi and a very opinionated bat. The bat tried to argue with me about fungus placement.
I argued back, as one does in these situations. Eventually, I bagged the fungus and dashed out, earning 50 points.
Points Earned: 50
Total Points: 1030
Level 1 items awaited like tiny, glittering temptresses. The Healing Potion stared at me accusingly.
I resisted.
Mostly.
I picked up a Miniature Rubber Chicken for... stress relief.
You never knew when a rubber chicken might be useful.
Purchased: Miniature Rubber Chicken
Points Remaining: 1005
Globby squeaked in approval, which I considered a vote of confidence.
Third Delivery: Slime Flood Escort, Floor Six
NEW DELIVERY QUEST: "Escort Merchant Through Slime Flood, Floor Six"
Reward: 60 points
The merchant screamed at every puddle. Slimes bounced, I slipped, yelled and somehow everyone survived.
Points Earned: 60
Total Points: 1065
Back in the shop, I experimented with the Charm of Slight Motivation.
A customer walked in, scowling like they'd swallowed a lemon. I greeted them, suddenly feeling slightly more confident.
They smiled.
I blinked.
It worked.
Fourth Delivery: Enchanted Candles, Floor Nine
NEW DELIVERY QUEST: "Deliver Enchanted Candles to Floor Nine"
Reward: 70 points
Candles that hummed. Slime puddles. An owl that demanded directions in riddles. Perfect chaos.
Points Earned: 70
Total Points: 1135
Back at my store
Back at the shop, I arranged the Glow-in-the-Dark Napkins in a pattern that could either be art or mildly terrifying.
The Bubble Soap exploded gently on a counter, covering Globby in bubbles.
He laughed.
Mira sighed.
Customers came in and out, some curious about the miniature rubber chicken, others oddly impressed by the Charm of Slight Motivation. Sales were up. Chaos levels were moderate. Life was messy, but fun.
Level 1 of the Dungeon Shop had already proven to be addictive, dangerous and surprisingly helpful. And I hadn't even unlocked Level 2 yet.
Points Remaining: 1135