"Hell yes! That's what I'm talking about!" Jeremiah couldn't help but grin as he pulled the vest from the pile and gave it a closer look. The uniform struck a perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication, its lines clean but the fabric unmistakably fine. It was the sort of attire he imagined on the staff of an upscale boutique in Central, never in a back-alley shop on the Outskirts.

But what truly set it apart was the magic woven into every seam.

Not just a mild enchantment, either. The mental resistance alone was the kind of spellwork reserved for elite executives or government officials — something that would have cost tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of credits. And that was before even considering the rest.

Jeremiah's breath caught as he scanned the last line of enchantments. "Plus five… grade B?" he murmured, barely believing it. If he was reading this right, the uniform could lend him the physical and mental capabilities of a B-grade Gifted for a full hour, and not a weak one, either. That was almost unthinkable. Even once a week, that kind of power wasn't something you could buy; it was the kind of edge that drew powerful Gifted into corporate sponsorships and secretive alliances.

In a city where most dangerous Gifted criminals hovered between D-grade and mid-C, a boost like that could decide who walked away from a fight. The difference between victory and disaster.

Still, the caveat gnawed at him.

Only while in the shop... Jeremiah didn't bother pretending that he wasn't a little disappointed. Even so, it was an incredible tool. Just the passive boost could help deter the worst troublemakers. If he'd had this before, Jonny would never have given him such a hard time, speed-core or not. Hell, if he could convince people he was secretly a mid-grade B, he might never even have to use the ability.

Mero gave a knowing chuckle. "If ya think that's good, just keep at it. The System's got all sorts of treats waiting for ya to earn."

Jeremiah shot him a look. "After everything you've put me through these past few days, it'd better have."

Mero's grin stretched wider. "Keep going, kid. If ya like that one, wait 'til ya see the next."

That was all the encouragement Jeremiah needed. He turned to the third pedestal — and paused.

Another set of clothes waited atop it, but where the Shopkeeper's Regalia had exuded elegance, this ensemble radiated practical strength. It was rougher, yes, but no less well-made. If the regalia belonged at a reception desk or in front of customers, this set was built for the back rooms — the kind of uniform meant for rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty.

Jeremiah examined the pieces more closely. Earthy, practical tones replaced crisp black and white. The trousers, cut from tough, flexible fabric in deep slate gray, were double-stitched and reinforced at the knees and shins, meant for climbing, crouching, bracing against a struggling beast. The cut was unmistakable; he'd seen similar designs on college classmates assigned to wrangle larger animals during field studies, though none had ever boasted this kind of quality.

A long-sleeved tunic lay folded atop the trousers, soft to the touch yet shimmering with a subtle resilience, each layer catching the light as if hinting at hidden protection. The high collar could be buttoned up to guard his neck or folded down for comfort, and the elbow patches blended seamlessly into the design. It looked ready for wrestling manticores or cleaning up after a magical disaster, and somehow still promised to come away unscathed. A thick leather farrier's apron completed the outer layers.

A pair of sturdy, slip-resistant boots completed the ensemble, their soles thick and ridged for traction on slick tile or muddy ground alike. At first glance, they looked like any other work boots, but runes etched into the leather whispered of hidden enchantments.

There were other small touches, too: a wide utility belt with rune-clasped pouches for treats or tools, reinforced cuffs that cinched tight to keep out brambles and bites, and a faint hex-stitched pattern tracing the shoulders and back—a detail almost invisible, but lending an understated authority to the whole set.

Somehow, these little details stood out to him even more than those of the Regalia. Maybe it was familiarity with this sort of uniform, or maybe the practical purpose behind each feature made their value instantly obvious.

Jeremiah drew a steadying breath and summoned a scan.

A new window appeared in his field of vision.

——————❇——————

Caretaker's Vestments

Rank: B - (Growth)

Quality: Epic

Keywords: Soulbound - Growth - Paired - Faewear - Self-Repair

Description:

Expertly crafted from enchanted Faewear, the Caretaker's Vestments are designed for comfort, durability, and resilience in the face of claws, fangs, magical mishaps, and messy situations. This flexible, multi-layered uniform features reinforced trousers, a long-sleeved tunic, and slip-resistant boots—all tailored to adjust perfectly to the wearer's movements. The ensemble is resistant to stains, bites, scratches, and corrosive substances, keeping both wearer and beasts safe. When worn, the Caretaker's Vestments radiate a gentle, calming presence that soothes even the most agitated creature.

Set Bonus:

While in the Mystical Menagerie, or any place recognized as your 'Domain':

Aura of the Tamer:

All beasts (tame, wild, or visiting) instinctively sense your authority and reassurance. Aggression and fear responses are diminished, while trust and curiosity are heightened. Your ability to soothe, tame, and safely interact with creatures is greatly enhanced. You are immune to all forms of mundane or magical animal fear effects and can sense the emotional state of any beast within your domain.

Mess-Proof:

Automatically cleans and refreshes itself and the wearer, shedding dirt, fluids, fur, and magical residues. Uniform repairs itself overnight from all but the most catastrophic damage. The accompanying boots ensure that you retain your footing even in unfavorable conditions and can seal to prevent anything from slipping inside.

Caretaker's Awareness:

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Grants the wearer total awareness of all creatures within the shop's boundaries. Instantly alerts you to changes in health, mood, or agitation, and warns you of potential escapes, magical illnesses, or dangerous behaviors.

Steady Hand:

While performing animal care, cleaning, or feeding tasks, your dexterity, steadiness, and reaction time are greatly increased. All actions are performed with professional efficiency, and accidents are significantly reduced. You are resistant to fatigue and can work for extended periods without error.

Beastkeeper's Attunement:

While wearing the vestments, you intuitively know the needs, dietary requirements, and current status of all animals in your care. [System Scan] is greatly enhanced for all biological or magical creatures, revealing hidden ailments, growth potential, and taming opportunities. Automatically renews any ongoing Attunement-level bond. This renewal remains active for as long as the beast remains in The Mystical Menagerie, even when you are not present.

Defend the Den:

Within your shop, you radiate a steady, protective authority. While protecting beasts in your care or responding to emergencies, +5 Physical and Mental to your current grade (G). Once per week, you can gain an additional +5 Physical and Mental of this uniform's rank (B) for 1 hour. If your current grade is lower than this uniform's rank, you will suffer from a period of extreme exhaustion equal to the difference (5 Hours).

Growth (Paired):

This is one-half of a matched set. As two sides of the same coin, "Shopkeeper's Regalia" and "Caretaker's Vestments" may be worn together, allowing you to swap between them at will, though only one set's effects can be active at a time.

System Note:

Respect is earned not just at the front counter, but in every pen, tank, and backroom. True caretakers nurture, protect, and understand — and even the wildest beast knows who wears the Keeper's coat.

——————❇——————

Jeremiah sucked in a breath. He wasn't surprised that the enchantments woven into the Caretaker's Vestments echoed those of the Regalia, but with every aspect tuned toward working with beasts instead of charming customers.

That wasn't to say he was disappointed. If anything, the thought of having not just one, but two uniforms with such powerful enchantment made him a little woozy.

But something about the description nagged at him.

He squinted at the interface, brow furrowing. "What does it mean by 'may be worn together'?" he asked, glancing at Mero. "I can't exactly wear both at once. Unless I want to look like an idiot."

Mero's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Try touching both at the same time."

Jeremiah hesitated, skepticism flickering across his face, but curiosity won out. He reached out and laid a hand on each uniform.

Light flared, sharp, and dazzling. When the afterimages faded and he blinked the last of the stars from his eyes, he realized both uniforms were gone.

No, not gone. He could sense them now, faint presences hovering at the edge of his awareness, like a shift in air just barely brushing his skin. One felt crisp, poised — refined and cool, like sunlight streaming through spotless glass. The other radiated quiet sturdiness, gentle but unyielding, like grass beneath his bare feet.

He had no words for the sensation, but somehow he knew he could reach for either at any time. Instinctively, Jeremiah stretched out for the sensation of light. It surged, wrapping around him like a sunbeam.

Between one blink and the next, his old jeans and faded hoodie were gone. In their place, the Shopkeeper's Regalia fit him as if tailored by some invisible master — crisp white shirt hugging his shoulders, black vest cut close to his frame, and slacks that somehow managed to be both formal and effortless. The fabric shimmered with understated magic, refusing even the dust motes drifting through the morning sunlight. Even the shoes gleamed, perfectly fitted, their leather impossibly soft beneath his feet.

Jeremiah glanced to the side, blinking in disbelief at his own reflection in the shop's window.

For a heartbeat, he hardly recognized himself. The Regalia lent him an unmistakable air of composure and presence. Spine straight, jaw set just so, his reflection radiating a confidence he seldom felt. He looked… legitimate. Like someone who belonged behind the counter, ready to welcome customers with a steady smile and a handshake that closed deals. The uniform seemed to settle around him, sharpening every movement and lending weight to even the smallest gesture. He felt the room itself responding — subtly quieter, more orderly, as if the shop were waiting on his word.

Curiosity prickled. Jeremiah reached inward, feeling for that other presence — a sensation of warmth, textured like earth and fresh air. With a silent nudge, he let it rise.

The Regalia melted away in a soft shimmer, replaced by the Caretaker's Vestments.

At once, everything shifted. The tailored lines gave way to sturdy comfort, deep slate trousers flexing easily with his stance, reinforced at the knees and shins as if built to weather storms. The tunic lay against his frame, supple but tough, the high collar brushing his neck and sleeves perfectly cuffed at his wrists. When he shifted, the uniform moved with him, a second skin ready for sudden motion or messy work. The boots grounded him, solid and sure, their weight promising a grip on any surface. The faintest gleam of rune-stitched leather at his belt caught the light.

Even his bearing changed. The Caretaker's Vestments didn't invite refinement or respect — they invited trust and a sense of assurance. Jeremiah felt anchored, capable, as if he could calm a stampeding beast with a word or clean out the nastiest pen without breaking a sweat. There was a gentle confidence in the set, a quiet assurance that ran deeper than appearance. If the Regalia made him a proprietor, this uniform made him a guardian.

Jeremiah grinned. He reached again, willing the shift, and in a blink, he was back in the Regalia: crisp, immaculate, every movement precise. Another pulse of intent, and the Vestments returned, earthy and strong, sleeves rolling up without a wrinkle.

He cycled back and forth, laughter bubbling up as the magic responded instantly. Impeccable shopkeeper, seasoned caretaker, back and forth, as easily as drawing a breath. For the first time in a long while, Jeremiah felt the pure, unburdened joy of discovery, like a kid trying on costumes, but knowing each one fit something true inside him.

When he finally settled on the Regalia, Jeremiah couldn't help the wide grin that spread across his face as he turned back to Mero.

Mero answered with an even cheekier grin, while Billy clung to the rim of his bowl, two tentacles clapping in delight, his eyes shining with excitement.

Jeremiah's grin faltered for a moment. He felt warmth creep up his cheeks and quickly coughed into his hand, trying to regain his composure.

"Ah… ahem, yes. I think this will do just fine," he managed, perhaps leaning a little too heavily on the Regalia's enchantments for poise.

Mero's laughter rang out unrestrained. "Well, glad to hear you like them, kid. Now, how about we wrap this up?"

With a small nod, Jeremiah turned his attention to the final pedestal, absentmindedly adjusting the crisp cuff of his new sleeve as he approached.

Resting atop the last pedestal were only two items.

The first was a catalog — if it could even be called that. The cover boasted a gaudy, over-the-top title in bold, glittering print:

"The Bargain Bin Bazaar: A Savvy Shopkeeper's Guide to E-Rank Wonders!"

The artwork featured a winking cartoon chicken draped in a feather boa, flanked by shelves groaning under the weight of suspiciously cheap-looking merchandise and sparkly stickers that promised "LOWEST PRICES IN FIFTY STAR SYSTEMS!" in bubble letters.

Jeremiah blinked, unsure of what he was really looking at, or why the System felt like it was an appropriate reward. He reached for the catalog, but the moment his fingers brushed the cover, it broke apart into a flurry of sparkling motes that danced upward and vanished. A new message popped up across his HUD, rendered in festive, confetti-laced letters.

——————✴——————

[System Notice: Congratulations! You have unlocked access to the E-Rank & Below System Store.

Stock up on shop furniture, merchandise, and fixtures — everything a growing business needs, now just a click away!]

——————✴——————

Mero cackled from behind him. "How about it, Jerry-boy? Feeling like a real shopkeep now? Even got yourself yer own wholesaler. Don't worry, though, kid. Like I told ya before, even System's trash is top-tier."

Jeremiah could only shake his head, a reluctant smile creeping in.

He reached for the second item, this one more straightforward: a small, glossy coupon stamped with the same cartoony chicken from the catalog and a glimmering gold border. In a big, friendly script, it read:

REDEEM FOR ONE (1) FREE E-RANK SHOP FIXTURE — NO STRINGS ATTACHED!

Mero floated down from the plaque and landed on the pedestal.

Jeremiah looked away from the coupon and stared down at the fairy.

Mero's grin grew wider. "Well, Jeremiah, what do you say?" he asked with a wink. "Ready to do some shopping?"

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