Erina did not come out for the subsequent dishes; instead, other chefs were responsible for serving them.
Throughout the meal, the various ingredients and techniques Jean had never seen before left Jean absolutely dazzled.
Perhaps it was due to the dishes themselves, or perhaps Erina was not yet mature enough, but while the subsequent dishes were not necessarily better or worse in terms of deliciousness, their level of perfection was significantly higher.
Dining while chatting with Shiraori, aside from the topic of the dishes, the main point of conversation was curiosity about the term "Drifter."
"So, what exactly is a Drifter?" Jean asked.
"Drifters are those who have left their original worlds due to various accidents. Those with good luck might enter other worlds and become Transmigrators or something similar, but those with bad luck can only wait for death in the cracks between worlds. Later, it is said that a Transmigrator who had grown powerful traveled everywhere, and this world began to actively save Drifters, giving them a space to survive."
"That actually sounds quite nice."
"Although the person's original intention was good, a collective can only be driven by clear interests. The end result is that rescuing Drifters is free; those with special qualities are absorbed by various organizations, those with skills join the city's operations—for example, craftsmen or culinary experts—while truly ordinary people become Reincarnators to gamble for their final chance at survival."
Shiraori did not continue, but Jean understood. People without value naturally had no value in existing. Although it sounded quite cruel, when considering that they had been saved, it was actually giving them a chance to live, which could also be called a form of mercy.
"Come to think of it, I seem to need to find a craftsman." Jean explained the matter regarding her sword to Shiraori.
"Hmm, then let's go shopping this afternoon. We can just see what level of upgrade your sword is; if it's average, we'll just have a new one custom-made. We should buy other equipment to complete your set as well." Shiraori seemed very happy when talking about shopping.
---
After finishing the meal, the two got back into the flying car. "Integrated Zone Plaza." Shiraori directed the car's automatic system.
Then, they flew towards the third zone.
"These three zones are the Upper Zone, Deep Zone, and Integrated Zone, plus the Central Zone right in the middle." Shiraori took the opportunity to introduce them to Jean one by one. "The Upper Zone is the area where we just ate; it was established to serve the members who participated in creating this world. Later, it was opened to outsiders visiting for tourism, or to the elite among the local Reincarnators and Drifters. The Deep Zone is the area where Reincarnators strive; basically, they are all Reincarnators produced locally in this world, with a minority being Drifters. Finally, there is the Integrated Zone, with a large number of shops, Workshops, and research centers. The Central Zone was carved out after the arena was established; it only contains the arena and related facilities. The City Representative Deciding Battle is the biggest event there."
The destination this time was not far from the White Tower. Just as Shiraori finished her introduction, the flying car began to descend.
After landing, the huge plaza was packed with people. Although at first glance it looked like an ordinary metropolis, everyone was wearing all sorts of bizarre costumes, and a sense of absurdity arose spontaneously.
Seeing Jean and Shiraori get out of the car, everyone turned their gazes towards them. Jean was not yet used to this feeling of being the center of attention, which made her feel very uncomfortable.
Seeing this, Shiraori smiled slightly and pulled Jean into a clothing store on the adjacent pedestrian street.
"Eh? Do I really have to wear this! Wouldn't this make me even more conspicuous?"
"It doesn't matter. People know you by that outfit; by diverting their attention, no one will recognize you."
While spouting nonsense, Shiraori recommended a hip-hop style T-shirt and hot pants to Jean.
After seeing Jean dressed, she nodded with satisfaction and took out another set—this time a straw hat and a dress, looking very summery.
Being treated like a ragdoll and trying on various women's clothing, Jean seemed to have flipped some kind of switch and gradually became addicted to it.
Just as Shiraori reached for a bunny girl outfit, Jean finally came to her senses and stopped her.
However, while Jean went to find a simpler outfit, Shiraori put away her slightly regretful expression and quietly asked the attendant to wrap up all the clothes she had tried on, including the bunny girl outfit.
Jean did not notice this. Instead, relying on her own average sense of style, she tried her best to choose a plain white crew-neck T-shirt, a pair of jeans, and a pair of tea-colored sunglasses. (See cover for details)
Looking in the mirror, the new clothes brought a brand new feeling. Although it looked very plain, when worn on herself, there was a fresh and beautiful feeling (I look good in everything. JPG).
---
After sorting out the outfits, the two set off again, walking towards the area where craftsmen gathered.
As they went deeper, the style of the shops gradually shifted from fashionable and glamorous to professional and hardcore, and shops selling common fantasy items like weapons, armor, scrolls, and potions began to appear.
Walking to the entrance of one shop, Jean suddenly discovered that looking inside, it was actually a street; the entire street seemed to be in another space, which was very eerie.
"Is this place open? Let's go in and try." After saying that, Shiraori led Jean inside.
"What do you want?" A childish and lazy voice rang out.
One of the doors made of glass was wide open, and a chubby Little Girl with blue hair was lying on an ornate glass bench.
"We are here to have a sword appraised and strengthened," Shiraori said.
"Ah, I forgot. First, welcome to the Witchcraft Alley. I am the Glass Witch." The Little Girl began to introduce herself as if she had suddenly remembered something. "You might be looking for the Forging Witch, but unfortunately, she is not here right now. After all, the Creation Festival is about to start, and everyone is very busy."
"Since she is not here, we won't disturb you," Shiraori said, showing no intention to stay any longer.
"I'm sorry for making you come all this way for nothing. There are candies at the door, please take one. Next time you want to find this place, just eat the candy and you'll be able to see it."
After Shiraori and Jean each took a candy, they turned back to see that the Little Girl had already fallen asleep. Not wanting to disturb her, the two quietly left the place.
Leaving the entrance of the alley, the two were back on the street from before, but this storefront had turned into an ordinary shop selling weapons.
Just as Jean wanted to ask about this shop, suddenly a blood-red spear struck towards the two.
Before Jean could even get into a stance, she heard a 'clang' sound. Threads that appeared out of thin air caught the spear, preventing it from advancing an inch.
After a shaking that resembled a struggle, the spear suddenly stopped moving, flew backward, and was steadily caught by a white-haired girl.
"Your ability is still as unreasonable as ever, Causal Arbitrariness—Shiraori." The white-haired girl greeted her with a mischievous smile.
Shiraori sighed and said, "Your rudeness hasn't changed one bit either, Kiana Kaslana."
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