The next morning, the convenience store doors slid open like any normal day.
Nyx was stacking drinks.
Bella was at the register.
Vario was cautiously sipping soup, guarding it like it was a national treasure.
Everything felt peaceful.
Too peaceful.
Then the door chimed.
A massive figure stepped inside.
Gray skin.
Two curved horns.
Six feet of muscle.
And wearing… a convenience store uniform.
Vario slowly lowered his soup.
"…Why is the clown Oni here."
The Oni bowed politely. "Good morning. I am reporting for work."
Bella blinked. "Work?"
The Oni stood straight, holding a paper. "The party manager recommended me. Said I was 'dedicated to the performance.'"
Nyx walked over and read the paper.
"…You got hired."
Vario nearly dropped his soup. "WHAT?"
The Oni nodded seriously. "I require employment. Also medical insurance."
He shifted his legs slightly.
They still trembled.
Vario pointed. "You're still injured!"
The Oni stared at him with deep understanding.
"That child awakened a pain I did not know existed."
Bella leaned on the counter. "You fought humans before, right?"
"Yes."
"And demons?"
"Yes."
"And the kid?"
The Oni closed his eyes.
"…Unmatched."
Nyx laughed a little. "Well, welcome to the team."
She tossed him an apron.
"Your name?"
The Oni thought for a moment.
"…Goro."
Vario squinted. "That sounds made up."
"It is easier for humans."
Bella pointed to the shelves. "Alright Goro. First task. Restock snacks."
Goro lifted an entire box of chips with one hand like it weighed nothing.
Nyx whispered to Bella, "Okay that's actually useful."
Suddenly the door chimed again.
A small familiar voice shouted from outside.
"HEY CLOWNS!"
Everyone froze.
The Ball-Kicker child had arrived.
Goro's entire body locked up.
His legs began shaking again immediately.
Vario grabbed the counter.
"…He found us."
The kid ran inside happily.
"HI CLOWNS!"
Bella slowly stepped forward.
"Nope."
She pointed at the door.
"Children are banned today."
The kid frowned. "Why?"
Bella gestured behind her.
Vario and Goro were both visibly trembling in fear.
"…Workplace safety."
The door shut.
Silence filled the store.
Goro wiped sweat from his forehead.
"…Retail is more dangerous than war."
Vario nodded slowly.
"…Welcome to the team."