Beyond daily necessities and oddities, the Simulation System's Shop also offered unique items tied directly to the system itself.
For instance—
1000 points could be exchanged for one additional simulation chance.
Or, Simulation Points could be converted to Attribute Points at a 100:1 ratio.
But Shirakawa Hibiki had no such plans, at least for now. Security for high-ranking employees of the Interstellar Peace Corporation was thorough; there was no pressing need to accelerate his strength overnight.
Instead, he decided to distribute the 300 free Attribute Points evenly across his weaker areas: Stamina, Endurance, and Strength.
[Panel Update]
Shirakawa Hibiki
Life Talent: Red-Haired Charmer (★★★★★)
Stats:
Stamina: 170
Endurance: 170
Strength: 170
Agility: 130
Spirit: 300
Charm: 700
After checking the panel, Hibiki tried flexing his limbs, gauging the change.
The difference was subtle but undeniable—his muscles firmer, his body coursing with lively heat.
"…Why do I feel hot all of a sudden? And… terribly hungry, too."
With no intention of returning to sleep, Hibiki grabbed fresh clothes, took a cold shower, and—clean uniform donned—headed to the employee cafeteria within the Interstellar Astronomical Society.
5:00 A.M. — Astronomical Society Cafeteria
Already, long lines formed as employees scrambled for breakfast before their shifts.
Both Astronomical Society staff and Interstellar Peace Corporation security mixed freely in the crowd.
Recently, the Corporation had rolled out a new initiative: to encourage early rising, cafeterias would serve 500 free meals daily. Some staff had adjusted their entire routine just to claim that benefit.
But Hibiki had no need to line up. High-ranking staff were entitled to a separate service window.
The menu was rich—ingredients gathered from across star systems. Breakfast dishes rotated, new categories introduced periodically.
Given his surging appetite, Hibiki ate heartily: three bowls of almond millet porridge from the Xianzhou Alliance, five crystal shrimp dumplings, and a steaming bowl of buckwheat noodles.
As usual, he sat with colleagues from various backgrounds, listening to their travel tales. In his five years under the Corporation, he had learned more of the universe from their casual stories than from textbooks.
After breakfast, Hibiki returned to the office, organized files, and uploaded reports. His current assignment: investigating the connection between Xipe (Aeon of Harmony) and Taiyi (the vanished Aeon of Order).
By the time steaming coffee reached the bottom of his cup, the clock struck 9 A.M.
Time to head out. Hibiki would be escorting incoming guests before departing to Herta Space Station—to meet members of the Genius Society.
A twinge stirred within him. The Simulation from the night before, supposedly random… had been entwined with Mei Rokuro, a life scientist—one of those very same "geniuses."
Was it coincidence? Or perhaps the simulations were causally linked to reality?
He couldn't answer.
Interstellar Astronomical Society – VI Space Station
The mechanical hatch whirred open. A sleek, black-scaled starship glided in, tail flames fading as it docked neatly.
Maintenance staff rushed forward, ready to refuel and patch the vessel.
"Finally here," came a languid voice from within. "Numby, let's go."
"Hmph~"
The hatch opened. A silver-haired young woman stepped out, short bob marked by a vivid red highlight. Her dark-purple eyes glittered with confidence. A small creature—Numby, the dimensional piggy bank—perched on her shoulder.
She wore an impeccably tailored uniform, a Diamond brooch glinting near her collar—mark of a high-ranking Interstellar Peace Corporation officer.
Following her was a stern-looking middle-aged man. His gentlemanly suit recalled an English noble, yet his cold and heavy bearing was forbidding.
"Welcome to the Interstellar Astronomical Society's VI Station."
Hibiki stood waiting, bowing politely in IPC etiquette.
"I am Shirakawa Hibiki, your Society escort for this trip."
Despite their higher rank, Hibiki spoke with steady dignity. The Astronomical Society, though funded by IPC, held independent stature—like the Erudition Society.
The girl's eyes studied him, but before she spoke, Numby leapt down, sniffing and circling Hibiki curiously.
He smiled faintly. So the saying was true: "With this talent, even animals look at you with affection."
"Oh," the girl stepped down, scooped up Numby, and said with real surprise, "This is the first time I've seen Numby interested in anything other than treasure."
Turning to Hibiki, she smiled warmly.
"Nice to meet you. I am Topaz, Strategic Investment Department, Interstellar Peace Corporation. Officially, I'm here to coordinate with your Society… and to chase down Ms. Black Tower's outrageous reimbursement bill. This is my colleague, Charles."
Charles gave a stiff nod. "Hello."
"Hello, Miss Topaz, Mr. Charles—and Numby, of course," Hibiki replied with a small wave toward the pig-like creature.
"Hmph~" snorted Numby, as if in greeting.
Recognition struck Hibiki. He had read reports about her—Topaz, head of IPC's Special Debt Collection Department, one of the famed 'Stoneheart Ten,' renowned even at her young age.
"You must be tired from the journey. Shall I escort you to the reception room?"
"No need," Charles said curtly. "Time is short. We aim to complete affairs here quickly and return to headquarters."
Topaz, however, gave a wistful sigh:
"I wanted to explore the Astronomical Society… perhaps next time."
"If Miss Topaz is ever interested, I would be honored to act as your guide," Hibiki offered at once.
She stroked Numby's head, smiling. "Then I'll hold you to that."
"Understood. If you wish to depart immediately…" Hibiki gestured, instructing a subordinate:
"Ah Heng, coordinate with flight control. Destination: Herta Space Station."
"Yes, Boss!"
Herta Space Station
The hatch opened. Out stepped a silver-brown-haired girl in elegant Lolita dress, black beret tilted, purple bellflowers nestled in her hair—a curious balance of innocence and poise.
Her violet eyes lifted toward the tall beauty at the lab porthole: Mei Rokuro, embroidering in silence.
"You look refined," Herta said dryly. "But I'll interrupt. In a few hours, guests from the Astronomical Society will arrive."
"You know I care little for such things, Herta," Mei murmured, folding her fan, her pale face reflecting no expression.
"…Fine. I'll tell them you aren't here."
She handed Mei a file, brushed her hair back, and began to leave—until a quiet yet trembling voice stopped her.
"Wait. Herta."
"What is it?" For once, confusion flickered over her doll-like features. That tone… Mei never spoke so.
Mei pressed a hand lightly against her chest. Her bright eyes wavered as though stirred by unseen memory.
"…I will attend this meeting."