The automatic doors slid open with a soft chime, and in walked a woman with small curved horns, crimson skin, and an expression far too relaxed for someone who used to be part of an Oni army.
Vario felt it instantly.
His spine went rigid behind the counter.
Nyx glanced over, then winced. "Oh no. Vario… don't."
Yoni wandered straight to the snack aisle, humming to herself as she scanned the shelves. No weapons. No killing intent. Just casual shopping energy. She crouched down and picked up a bag of Piatos, reading the label carefully like it was sacred scripture.
"Hmm," she murmured. "Cheese flavor. Classic."
Vario began sweating.
Bella leaned over the counter. "It's fine. She's just buying snacks."
"She's a woman," Vario whispered. "And an Oni."
"Double damage," Nyx added helpfully.
Yoni stood and walked to the counter, Piatos in hand. She smiled politely. "Hello. One Piatos, please."
Vario's brain short-circuited.
"H–h–hello," he said, voice cracking. "S–sorry for the floor. And the lighting. And the shelves. And the concept of stores."
Yoni blinked. "…I just want to pay."
Vario nodded rapidly and slammed the Piatos onto the scanner. It beeped.
He flinched.
"Th-that'll be—uh—sorry—₱—sorry—"
Bella gently pushed him aside and rang it up herself. "That'll be ₱20."
Yoni handed over the money calmly. "Thank you."
She turned to leave, then paused and looked back at Vario.
"You smell like fear," she said matter-of-factly. "But not the fun kind."
Vario nearly passed out.
Yoni tilted her head. "Don't worry. I'm retired. I only fight cravings now."
She waved and walked out, opening the Piatos immediately.
The doors closed.
Silence.
Vario slowly slid down behind the counter. "I survived," he whispered. "I spoke to a woman Oni. I didn't faint."
Nyx clapped. "Character development!"
Bella nodded. "Bare minimum. But yes."
Outside, Yoni crunched happily on her Piatos, completely unaware she had just become the most terrifying customer Vario had faced since the Karen.
And somehow… the store lived to see another day.