The wind of the mana tree blew with a rough whisper, moving the enormous leaves surrounding the clearing where Zarkrion Volcanius stood. The sun had barely crossed the horizon, bathing everything in a soft, warm light—almost deceiving for a place as hostile as that.
Even so, right in front of him shone the most absurd and wonderful scene an ex–Dragon King could have at the start of his adventure: the Infinite Store, floating before his eyes, full of lights, icons, and endless catalogs.
Zarkrion, with his arms crossed and still covered only by remnants of leaves, observed the system lists like someone staring at an entire mountain of gold.
"Hah…" he exhaled, letting a proud smile cross his face. "It feels good to have money after all, without a doubt."
The system reacted to his words with a faint chime, as if delighted to hear him brag.
Before him stretched infinite categories: weapons, utensils, tools, armors, skills… and, notably, two sections highlighted by the system itself: Housing and Chef Outfits.
Zarkrion narrowed his eyes.
"Hmmm… houses… outfits…" he murmured calmly, though inside he was practically vibrating with excitement. "Interesting. Very interesting."
He was already satisfied for having left behind the shame of walking naked covered in leaves. He didn't want to repeat that moment. Not a single day more.
Suddenly, a pop–up window appeared in front of him, illuminating much of the clearing:
[INFINITE STORE – OUTFITS]
[Cooking Uniform – Obsidian Armor.]
Description: A black chef armor that allows the user to be resistant and gain a great increase in defense.
Includes an impenetrable cape and grants prepared dishes an abundant touch, capable of restoring energy and healing minor wounds.
Value: X500 AP
Zarkrion opened his eyes wide, amazed.
"That one. That one. I like that one. I'm going to buy that alreadyyyy."
The system vibrated, almost offended.
["At least don't you plan to check the other reports?"]
"No, I'm not interested," Zarkrion replied immediately, without blinking.
The store obeyed, displaying a new window:
["Do you want to buy the Cooking Uniform – Obsidian Armor?"]
[PRESS YES / NO]
Zarkrion pressed the button without thinking.
"I already said yesssss."
Instantly, the air in front of him began to distort. Tiny luminous particles gathered, slowly forming a silhouette. It was like watching a star compress until it took the shape of clothing. Finally, the uniform fell into his hands.
It was beautiful.
A completely black set, made of sturdy and elegant fabric, reinforced with polished obsidian pieces. The edges were lined with bright gold, and on the collar there was an embedded red gem that pulsed softly like a magical heart. Zarkrion leaned closer to examine it.
"Hmmm… what is this thing for?" he wondered aloud.
But he decided to ignore it. As always, act first, ask later.
He put the uniform on without a second of hesitation. The garment fit perfectly, automatically adapting to the shape of his body, outlining his muscles with an elegance he never had even in his life as a Dragon. The material was soft, fresh, and at the same time incredibly resistant. It was a strange mix between comfort and power.
Only one accessory disgusted him: a white apron hanging from one side.
Zarkrion frowned.
"That's not necessary."
He took it and threw it far away, like someone tossing an annoying stone into a river. The apron fell into the grass.
Finally, he raised his arms and took a deep breath.
"It feels so good to have clothes on!! I was tired of walking around like an indigenous man covered with leaves."
The system appeared, almost sighing.
["You don't look bad at all. At least I'll stop seeing your snake dangling in the air. You should thank me for being your survival guide."]
Zarkrion looked at it sideways with exasperation.
"I don't have time to argue with you; you only know how to bother me with your complaints."
He returned to the Infinite Store. His eyes opened a little when he saw his counter:
AP: +1000
"I only have 1000 Appreciation points left…" he said with dramatic tears in his eyes, though he smiled like a madman. "My last thousand Appreciation points…"
The system immediately responded:
["Use them wisely. You won't be able to earn more by hunting monsters unless you complete the Tutorial.
After that you'll depend on others' appreciation toward you to earn points."]
"I know, I know, I know! You've repeated it a thousand times," Zarkrion grumbled as he scrolled through the catalog.
He finally reached the section:
[INFINITE STORE – HOUSING]
And began reading them one by one:
...
...
1. Forest Guardian's Cabin
Value: X1000
Description: A rustic cabin made of living wood that regenerates on its own.
It adapts to terrain and slowly heals damage caused by monsters or extreme weather.
Zarkrion tilted his head.
"Hmm… useful, but… too normal."
["What nonsense are you saying, ridiculous one? That's the house that will be most useful taking advantage of the mana of the mana zone."]
Or:
...
...
2. Wandering Vagabond's House
Value: X1000 AP
Description: A mobile house with iron legs that moves at the owner's will. Includes a spacious kitchen that slightly improves the quality of any meal.
The draconian almost laughed.
"A house with chicken legs? What is this, Baba Yaga's house? I'm not a witch. I'll pass."
Or:
...
...
3. Compact Dimensional Shelter
Value: X1000
Description: A small box on the outside, 50 rooms on the inside.
Reduces noise and cannot be detected by wild creatures.
Zarkrion clicked his tongue.
"That one sounds too luxurious… and too big. I don't need 50 rooms, yet."
["I still keep asking myself how someone as complicated as you is still alive in these circumstances with such a pitiful attitude."]
Or:
...
...
4. Magical Stone Home
Value: X1000 AP
Description: A small indestructible fortress that blocks magic, poison, fire, and physical attacks.
"Too hard. I'm not a war general."
Or:
5. Solar Alchemist's Hut
Value: X1000 AP
Description: A bright house made of solar crystals. Eternal light and free magical energy.
"I'll pass, I don't want to live illuminated like a lighthouse."
["On this one, I agree with you."]
Or:
6. Mystic Herb and Spice Farm
Value: X1000 AP
Description: Small home with a garden that automatically cultivates all kinds of special plants and fruits.
Zarkrion was almost tempted.
"Hmm… this one yes… but I'm still not sure…"
["How long do you plan to stay unsure? Better stay without a house instead of wasting time choosing!"]
"Mind your own business, because the Host here is myself, I'll choose at my own pace!" Zarkrion replied, overwhelmed by the system's constant complaints.
...
...
He sighed.
"I still can't decide… I need to choose one to complete the mission."
The system responded immediately:
["Ah, I forgot to tell you… you can only buy ONE home. Once you choose it, it will be yours permanently. You can never buy another."]
Zarkrion froze.
"WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME THAT BEFORE!? DAMN IT! YOUR INFORMATION ALWAYS ARRIVES LATE!"
The system responded with absolute calm:
["At least I warned you before any purchase. You should thank me for that."]
Zarkrion clenched his teeth.
"I hate this system… with such stupid rules… they pull them out of who knows where."
Then something changed.
A vibration ran through the catalog.
A golden light lit up at the bottom of the list.
A new section opened automatically:
[RECOMMENDATION – SPECIAL HOUSING]
The screen flickered intensely until revealing something completely new:
...
...
[Recommendation – Housing: Home Sweet Home]
...
Zarkrion remained still.
"A recommendation… especially for me?"
The system displayed an oddly serious tone.
["Well, well… it seems the Infinite Store is recommending an option specifically tailored for you. That doesn't usually happen."]
For the first time that morning, Zarkrion felt something vibrate in his chest. A strange premonition… strong… almost as if something mysterious were calling him from that unknown option.
He took a deep breath.
"For some reason… something tells me this will be the right choice."
'I want to see what this home has for me.'
The window began opening slowly, as if responding to his voice…
And thus, the choice that could change his entire destiny was about to be revealed.
"What kind of home will it be."