Thanks for Luck for becoming as a Supporter!
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"That's exactly how it is."
Hearing Topaz bring up the matter of opening trash cans again, Sylvester replied without hesitation, "Last time you obtained the crown and the robe. If you manage to open gloves and ceremonial boots this time, you'll be able to trigger the four-piece set effect—after every attack, the next attack's power increases, stacking up to 48%. And the boosts these two pieces provide on their own are no worse than the ones you got last time. They'll definitely satisfy you."
At that point, he paused briefly, then smiled politely. "Of course, that's assuming the substats are just as perfect as last time."
"That's only natural." Topaz folded her arms, a professional smile settling onto her face.
She said, "Whether I can get what I want depends entirely on luck. I was already mentally prepared for that. Still, Shopkeeper Sylvester, your memory really is impressive. You sell so many trash cans every day, yet you don't even need to check records to accurately recall something from so long ago."
Seeing Topaz begin her business-style flattery, Sylvester merely responded calmly, "Not at all. Just a basic skill required for running a shop."
After all, if anyone obtained such top-tier relics—even just one—it would be impossible to forget, right?
What's more, there had been a Crit body piece in there!
Back before transmigrating, if something like that were posted online, it would have been enough to sour a huge crowd of people!
Comments like "just average" would have flooded the screen endlessly.
"Oh, right—didn't you also open the [Portable Human Cannon Pro Max Enhanced Edition] last time? How was it? Easy to use?"
When it came to Topaz's last trash can opening, what left a deep impression on Sylvester wasn't just the top-tier relics.
He clearly remembered that Topaz had opened the [Portable Human Cannon] and the [Immortal Binding Rope].
He had even come up with a shockingly outrageous idea because of it. But since it was far too outrageous and he feared she might not be able to accept it, he never mentioned it.
He wondered whether, without his hint, Topaz had achieved her own "enlightenment."
After all, tying Topaz to the cannon barrel with the [Immortal Binding Rope] and then setting up infinite firing to repeatedly torment her—aside from being a bit ridiculous, a bit shabby, and a bit absurd—there was absolutely nothing wrong with it.
It would free Topaz's combat style from being limited to throwing pigs, washing away the infamy of being a "Numby Launcher." No matter how one thought about it, it was a good deal!
Even if Topaz herself didn't think of it, the IPC had no shortage of capable individuals. Surely someone would dare to speak up, right?
If there truly were such a clear-minded genius, it would be a real shame not to make use of them.
Sylvester calmly looked at Topaz, a faint, hard-to-detect trace of expectation hidden in his gaze.
"Of course it's easy to use!"
Seeing him bring this up, Topaz stroked Numby on her shoulder, genuine happiness written across her face.
She laughed and said, "We even developed a new tactic—it allows for unlimited cannon fire, and it pairs perfectly with Numby."
"Hm?"
Although he had been hoping for this outcome, Sylvester was still taken aback.
As someone capable of accommodating both sensible and absurd modes of thinking at the same time, he knew just as well—
If a subordinate dared to propose something like that, then… his confidence and courage in rectifying workplace discipline would truly be something worthy of praise.
The vast masses of internet wage-slaves would probably be more than happy to build him a cyber shrine, and he himself wouldn't be able to resist lighting three sticks of incense for the man.
Sylvester kept his smile in check and asked with a serious, tactical-discussion expression, "I'd like to hear the details."
Topaz didn't mind revealing her combat method, using it as a way to draw closer to the owner of this little trash can shop.
After all, there was no need to keep this confidential. Once it appeared on the battlefield for the first time, all major powers in the universe would record it in their think tanks.
She lifted Numby off her shoulder, weighed it in her hands, then hugged it against her chest and laughed. "We just use Numby as the cannonball!"
"The firing range of the human cannon is far greater than anything I can throw. And with the [Immortal Binding Rope], it even rebounds automatically. The whole process is especially thrilling. Numby absolutely loves this kind of gameplay."
Numby lifted its head, excitedly waving its two front hooves, letting out happy sounds. "Oink-oink."
Clearly, this pair of partners were extremely satisfied with their idea, even treating this combat method as a kind of game.
But Sylvester was rather disappointed.
The teacup he had already raised was set back down on the table, his index finger tapping repeatedly against the surface.
Not being able to see Director Topaz slam into the ground like a cannonball, striking a pose similar to when Stelle first fell asleep in Penacony and smashed hard onto the floor—thinking about it was still a bit of a shame.
Sigh! Could it be that the IPC truly lacked even one loyal and capable general who would risk their life to directly remonstrate with a method that maximized combat power?
"Um, Shopkeeper Sylvester, is there something wrong with this?" Topaz asked.
Seeing his expression gradually stiffen, she felt genuinely puzzled.
She didn't think she had said anything inappropriate, did she?
Hearing this, Sylvester put his smile back on. He said, "Oh, of course not. I was just admiring how well the two of you get along."
"There are living creatures inside Curio trash cans as well. Who knows—you might open some little cuties just as adorable as Numby."
Topaz lit up with surprise. "Oh? Really? Then I'll take that as a good omen."
This time, however, Numby didn't show the same understanding as its owner, instead letting out a dissatisfied grunt.
As if protesting that Topaz already had it alone, and that was more than enough!
Sylvester gestured toward the shelves and said, "Help yourself."
Topaz gently soothed Numby for a moment, then walked over to the rows of trash cans and began picking through them.
In the rest area, Jade and Aventurine spoke in low voices. "How do you feel right now?"
Although vague, Aventurine understood that Jade was asking about his perception of luck.
He frowned, carefully sensing for a moment, comparing it against his past experiences during streaks of good fortune.
After a long while, he said uncertainly, "Hard to say. There's a slightly special feeling, but it's accompanied by a trace of unease. Generally speaking, that's a sign that fortune and misfortune are both possible."
"Mm… both fortune and misfortune." Jade nodded, seeming to also half-understand.
Although the statement was extremely ambiguous, she still extracted some information from it.
At the very least, it could be confirmed that Topaz's trash can opening this time would involve some twists and turns.
And that was better than being utterly unremarkable. At least, they had a sliver of hope.
"Oh, come on, don't be so tense."
Nearby, Feixiao saw Jade and the others frowning, glaring, sighing deeply. She patted Jingliu's youthful shoulder and smiled as she comforted them. "Look at Jingliu—when she opens trash cans, she's calmer than anyone else, but her luck isn't worse than anyone's!"
She spoke casually, but upon hearing this, all that remained on Jade and Aventurine's faces was a bitter smile.
We're nervous precisely because Jingliu's luck is too good!
How many top-tier Curios were there in this batch of trash cans to begin with? You all opened two of them in one go!
If it were anyone else, how could their heart not pound?
"Shopkeeper Sylvester! I'll take these five!"
A crisp call rang out from beside the shelves as Topaz selected several trash cans.
She reached out, gripped the lid, and opened the one that made Aventurine's heart grow restless.
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