By the time Day Five ended, we had teleported to a shopping mall with my party members.
And then, the words from the mysterious blackboard appeared on the massive monitor installed in the hall, scrolling across the screen.
“・Regarding the Bonus Area
・“Kunito Sousuke” and his party members will be invited to the Bonus Area for every day they survive.
・The Bonus Area is a perfect recreation of a commercial facility known to “Kunito Sousuke.”
・The conditions inside the stores are identical to those on the day all participants were brought to the main island.
・Invited guests may stay in the Bonus Area for three hours in real-time terms.
・Invited guests may select one “item” each, limited only to goods sold within the commercial facility.
・The selected “item” will appear at the nearest possible placement point at the start of the following day』
Someone’s throat clicked as they swallowed hard.
“S-so… does that mean we can bring one item each, from whatever is sold in this shopping mall, back to the desert island?”
“Is it a bonus for not using the ‘Right of Return’ that So-kuun mentioned?”
Even Chiya seemed taken aback by what she was witnessing here in Japan.
“And on top of that, you can come here every day? Then all of us could get five things a day!”
I understood Meiko’s excitement.
In the situation of being teleported to a desert island, we were living lives close to perfection.
For example, video games, for example manga, for example fashion, for example machinery.
There were plenty of other things on this desert island that seemed impossible to achieve.
”…It’s an amazing benefit, but it means the option to not use the ‘Right to Return’ alone was that significant, right?”
Hearing Shion’s analysis, I realized that made sense.
“Like, by picking what seems like an impossible option, you actually end up on the optimal route.”
Chia whispered it quietly.
So true.
In dating simulation games, the choice where the player expects the character to hate them is often the right answer, and due to some unique past the other person carries, they receive it favorably… stuff like that.
If you put it that way, I guess I could understand it.
Normally, no one would hold onto the right to return to Japan after working so hard to get it.
If there was a reward obtainable only by choosing to stay in such a situation, why not take it?
“Right. It’s a benefit Sonosuke got because he was someone who kept his promises.
Considering how difficult it would be to fulfill that under these circumstances, it’s understandable to receive such a perk,” Fukaho said as well.
“Ahh… more importantly, I’ve only got three hours. I should probably ask the Mystery Blackboard some of the things that are on my mind first.”
Mixing a bit of feigned embarrassment with what I actually thought, I spoke up.
Judging by the phrasing “three hours’ worth in real time,” it seemed time didn’t flow on the desert island.
Still, since there was a clearly defined time limit, I needed to get moving efficiently.
“Hmm. Then I’d like to know the definition of ‘one point.’”
“The definition of ‘one point’ is any item counted as ‘one’ product on that store’s register.”
So, basically, it just had to be treated as a single item on the receipt.
“Oh, what happens if I overthink it and run out of time?”
“If you do not make any selection within the time limit, you will not be able to take anything with you.”
I didn’t want to waste such a great opportunity, so I decided to keep an eye on the clock while making sure to pick something.
“So conversely, what happens if everyone finishes selecting their items before the time limit runs out? Can we still look around until the time is up?”
“Even within the time limit, once all invited participants have completed their selections, the bonus area will be closed.”
……If so, it might be worth having one person hold off on selecting items until the last moment and explore the facility to gather information for future product choices.
“You mentioned that at checkout, a single item counts as ‘one,’ but what happens if there are products where, say, one apple costs 150 yen at a supermarket, but five of the same items cost 700 yen?”
“Quantity is not considered. Even for set products, if they are sold under the classification of ‘one set item,’ they are treated as ‘one point.’”
That was useful information to learn. Depending on the item, there seemed to be a cheaper way to buy things.
There were options like manga, which could include full-series boxes. If bought under that classification, you could assemble an entire series in one go.
The questions from Chiyu, Shouko, Shiune, and Fukaho had been answered.
So then…… what about me……?
“Right. For example, for appliances, there might be items including installation and usage instructions, or for furniture, items that include assembly service. What happens if you choose those?”
“Staff arrangements are not included in the product. The appliance in question would come with a user manual, and the furniture would be placed in its assembled state.”
If that’s the case, it seems fine to just choose whatever I liked, unless it was something particularly difficult to handle.
We exchanged glances, confirming among ourselves that we had no further questions for now.
As if sensing this, the remaining time was displayed on the monitor.
It was a considerate gesture, but if it could only be checked here, it was a bit inconvenient.
“Hey, I know it’s a long shot, but… do you mind if I go check something real quick?”
Realizing what Meka meant, I nodded.
Confirming my assent, she sprinted toward the exit.
She reached for the door and then froze.
The automatic doors didn’t budge. Forcing them open was an option, technically.
But she never even tried.
“Aaah… I guess… that’s how it is… That’s what I thought”
We followed slowly and immediately understood the source of Meka’s despair.
It was white.
There was no land outside the building. None at all.
This space had merely been constructed as a bonus area opened up to us. Nothing more.
It was the same facility as in Japan, but it didn’t exist there.
I gently placed my hand on Meka’s shoulder.
“Once we’re back in Japan with everyone, we’ll go to a real shopping mall.” Meka twitched at the remark. “Is that… a promise?” “Yeah. I promise.”
“Yat…! It’s gotta be Sousuke—!”
“Since it’s a ‘group’ thing, I’m coming too.”
Chiya pops her face out.
“Eh, it’d be fine if you just let him have a date with me—”
“In that case, all the more reason for me to go first.”
“Waaah, waaah, how unfair for you, Chiya-nee, just because you’re his childhood friend?”
“Not at all.”
Moe puffed out her cheeks, but her expression was bright.
“We can discuss the order of dates with Sousuke later, okay? For now, let’s think about what products to buy.”
“Y-Yes, I suppose so. W-While I’m looking forward to going out with Mr. Sousuke, we do need to deal with the current situation.”
It seemed that for some reason, he was scheduled to have individual dates with all four of them… but since he didn’t mind, it was fine.
“For now, let’s just see what’s available.”
If they were going to go out anyway, they should bring back something you can’t get on an desert island.
Thanks for the 2nd place rise in daily rankings…!!!!!
Continuing with extra chapters/bonus content.
I love isekai stories, but I’m just as excited about the ‘things from Earth’ that appear within them.
Sousuke and his crew are already living a good life, so please enjoy watching how much more bountiful it becomes.
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