By early morning, news of the monster siege had spread across every street and alley. The city's residents stood united, ready to fight.
Shaka downed another mental energy potion before heading downstairs:
"Given the emergency, we have more elixirs available than usual but supplies in the city are still limited."
Since there were no mages in Swordsmith City, all spiritual potions were in his possession.
He glanced at the backyard where Minoru was locked in fierce combat with monsters, making a quick estimate of his progress…
"The current number of beasts should keep Shadow training for hours."
Shaka didn't linger. He picked up a black package, fastened a "secret item" to his waist, and headed out the door.
On the streets, everyone wore serious expressions. Blacksmiths rushed to deliver weapons to the city walls, while residents helped transport supplies. Shaka made his way through the alleys toward the gate.
Atop the city wall, Sora and Shiro sat on wooden barrels facing Lulune who was scratching her head in utter defeat. Piled between them were coins, playing cards, and all manner of gambling tools.
Lulune stood up with a pout: "Seriously are you two demons? I tried everything and still couldn't win!"
Shiro: "Too naive."
Sora tapped his head: "Against true intelligence, cheating is just child's play. Now can we get what we asked for?"
"Fine, fine!" Lulune pulled her hands out of her pockets and headed off. "I'm going now."
Shiro gave a thumbs up, her mouth moving like a rabbit's as she mumbled something, then called out: "Remember to bring back the fried potato balls in two hours!"
...
After Lulune left, a guard handed a stack of parchments to Blank: "This is the monster information you requested."
"Busy day, huh?" Shaka strolled over.
He spotted Yuuki, Yui, and Kanade working alongside the guards their smiles were genuine, and the earlier tension had completely faded. Only Kanade still wore her thoughtful expression, following Yuuki like a quiet little shadow. She must be younger than she looks…
Shaka clapped his hands: "Everyone, gather up I have something to say."
"Hey hey! Yui-nyan is first in line!" Yui bounced over excitedly.
Sora scratched his head: "What's up? We're in the middle of preparations here."
"It'll only take a few minutes."
Shaka knew his own strengths and weaknesses he was good on the front lines, but when it came to tactics, he couldn't compete with Blank.
The group gathered in a quiet corner as Shaka spoke seriously:
"You all know the situation, so I won't go into detail about the risks we face."
"I just want to emphasize keep the badges I gave you active at all times. They'll help you avoid unnecessary pain."
He paused, then smiled slightly: "But I called you here mainly to talk about rewards."
Shaka pulled out a catalog: "To live comfortably in this world, you'll need resources. This is our Familia's contribution point exchange list, take a look."
As he handed out the parchments, he explained:
"Everyone who fights will get contribution points based on their performance, and I'll be the one determining the amounts."
He briefly went over how the points worked and their special benefits.
"Alright, any questions?"
Sora scanned the list, his expression shifting in surprise. At first glance, it was standard fare: Valis, ores, weapons, armor, potions. But what shocked him was the "permanent redemption" option next to each item—with sky-high point requirements.
"What does 'permanent redemption' mean?"
Shaka thought to himself Just as I expected before answering aloud: "Exactly what it sounds like you get the same item in the real world."
"Of course, if you'd rather have cash instead, I can convert the value to RMB."
Sora's eyes lit up: "Paying players real money? Interesting."
As a professional gamer who rarely left home, this was better than any game he'd ever played, like getting paid directly by the developer. Compared to expensive, unproven items, cash was far more tangible. Won't this guy go bankrupt?
Yui's face brightened with excitement: "Guitar! Can I get a guitar? It says you can customize items!"
The list did mention custom props were available within reason and a guitar was well within those limits. Shaka nodded.
"Yay! Yui-nyan is starting a band! Clang clang let's rock!" Yui mimicked guitar sounds as she ran around, full of energy.
Kanade's expression remained calm, but a hint of anticipation shone in her eyes. Yuuki just stared thoughtfully at certain items on the list.
After announcing the rewards, Shaka prepared to leave but Yuuki quietly followed him and pulled him into another corner.
"Shaka… you're Shaka, right?"
They hadn't seen each other in years. Though they'd kept in touch online, her severe illness had meant she'd rarely been conscious when he visited.
Shaka's expression softened: "How cruel only recognizing me now."
Yuuki blushed slightly and grinned sheepishly: "Hehe, I didn't realize at first! You've gotten so handsome, you used to be so…"
"Gloomy?"
Shaka remembered his old self a messy novelist with unkempt bangs. Though he'd been part of the creative team for The Prince of Tennis, even his slovenly days hadn't been all bad.
"No, that's not it!" Yuuki waved her hands frantically, then remembered why she'd called him over. She patted her cheeks to focus:
"Um… I wanted to ask do the potions still work when taken back to our world?"
Shaka had answered this question many times before, usually disappointing people with his response.
"If I told you this world is real… would you believe me?"
Yuuki didn't hesitate, even though she didn't understand the sudden question: "I believe you!"
Tears welled in her eyes: "I can feel my heart beating, my muscles aching… I've seen how passionate the guards are, heard their stories. To me, this is real."
Shaka felt a pang of emotion she was the first person to believe him unconditionally.
"Everything you take from here is real! As long as you believe it is."
He spoke firmly: "Antidotes, healing potions they're all genuine!"
Weapons and armor were harder to transfer (hence their high prices), but liquids could pass through the small dimensional gateway without issue.
Yuuki's eyes widened with hope: "Then… what about my sister, mom, and dad?"
Shaka thought of how hard her family had struggled and nodded earnestly:
"I can't promise a complete cure, but the antidotes will eliminate common pathogens and ease their symptoms."
Immunodeficiency syndrome was tricky not because it was deadly on its own, but because the body couldn't fight off even minor infections. Remove excess viruses and keep patients in a clean environment, and the condition became manageable.
Shaka patted her head: "So work hard, Everything will be okay. After this battle, I'll exchange some antidotes for you. If you don't have enough points, we can work out a payment plan."
He believed in kindness, but not in handouts even for friends, credit was better than free gifts to avoid fostering resentment.
Back on the city wall, residents and guards worked together to move supplies. Shaka had two people bring out materials he'd prepared earlier.
"What's in here?"
Shaka smiled mysteriously: "Wine."
Sora: "Liquor? High-proof stuff?"
"Originally meant to sell for profit, but now…" Shaka admitted frankly.
Sora's eyes lit up: "Does this world have dish soap?"
Dish soap? That's a chemical product, how would they make that here? But then again, DanMachi's tech tree was unpredictable they'd even built mechs in some storylines.
Shaka looked confused: "I can get some if you want, but what for?"
"Really?" Sora chuckled. "Get it here somehow, and I'll give you a surprise."
Time ticked by, and soon the Takemikazuchi Familia arrived to help defend the walls. Just as noon approached, a guard scrambled up the wall, dragging a basket and gasping for breath:
"The monster army, they're here!"