King of Games C26 Opening a grocery store and Tiny World progressed

Shinro took a deep breath as he approached the grand entrance of his uncle Jirokichi's opulent residence. The security guards eyed him suspiciously, but after a quick identity check, they allowed him in. He made his way to the lavishly decorated office where his uncle spent most of his time.

"What do you want, brat?" Jirokichi barked as soon as Shinro entered the room. "Make it quick, I don't have all day."

"Uncle," Shinro began, his voice firm, "I've come to ask for your help."

Jirokichi raised an eyebrow, a rare show of interest flickering in his cold eyes. "Help with what? You know I'm not one for small talk."

"I want to open a grocery store," Shinro blurted out, deciding to get straight to the point. "I've already secured the resources to stock it, but I need your guidance."

Jirokichi leaned back in his leather chair, steepling his fingers under his chin. "A grocery store, huh?" His frown deepened, revealing his disapproval. "You do realize the risks involved, don't you?"

Shinro nodded, his determination unwavering. "I'm aware that the market is competitive, and there are already established players. But I believe I can offer something different. I've done my research, and I'm confident I can make this work."

"Oh, you have, have you?" Jirokichi scoffed. "Let me enlighten you, then," Jirokichi said, leaning forward. "The grocery business is cutthroat, Shinro. Margins are razor-thin, and the competition is fierce. You'll be up against not only the big chains but also the local mom-and-pop shops that have been around for generations. What makes you think you can compete?"

Shinro couldn't help but chuckle softly, remembering that although his uncle Jirokichi was obsessed with Kaito Kid, he was also the financial advisor of the Suzuki Group and had his own successful businesses.

"I know it won't be easy, but I've done my research," Shinro said, his resolve unwavering. "I plan on offering a selection of organic and locally sourced products that the other stores in the area don't carry. I've also identified a gap in the market for specialty imported goods from around the world. I've already secured a few suppliers who are willing to work with me exclusively."

What Shinro didn't mention was that these "suppliers" were from his "Tiny World," a miniature world he had access to, where time flowed differently. The livestock and crops he planned to sell were cultivated for thousands of years due to the accelerated time inside the world, despite the ancient humans there not knowing how to farm properly yet. The produce, however, was still of high quality thanks to the unpolluted environment.

Jirokichi raised an eyebrow, a glimmer of interest in his eyes. "Imported goods, huh? That might just give you a fighting chance. But it's not enough to simply have a unique product line. You'll need to invest in marketing and advertising to make sure people know about your store."

"I've thought of that as well, Uncle. I've set aside a portion of my budget for a targeted social media campaign and flyer distribution in the surrounding neighborhoods. I also plan on hosting in-store events to build a sense of community and encourage word-of-mouth promotion."

Jirokichi steepled his fingers again, considering Shinro's proposal. "And what do you want from me?"

Shinro met his uncle's gaze without flinching. "I need your help with the paperwork and permits, Uncle. I know you have connections in the business world and in politics. With your assistance, I can establish my store much more quickly than if I were to do it on my own. And... I also want to open a charity branch of the store."

Jirokichi raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A charity branch? Care to elaborate?"

"I want to provide discounted or even free groceries for those in need," Shinro explained, his voice filled with determination. "I've been fortunate in my life, and I want to give back to the community. I believe that by helping others, we all thrive."

Jirokichi leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers under his chin as he considered the proposal. "Interesting. And what do you expect in return for this... charitable endeavor?"

"Nothing, Uncle. I just want to help people. I've been blessed with more than I could ever need, and I want to share that with others."

Jirokichi narrowed his eyes, studying Shinro closely. "You're sure about this? Once you start down this path, there's no turning back. People will expect more from you, you know."

"I'm aware of the responsibility, Uncle, and I'm prepared to shoulder it. I don't expect anything in return, except maybe the chance to make a difference in someone's life."

Jirokichi hummed, tapping his fingers on the table. "Very well, I'll help you. But don't come crying to me when things get tough. Especially with this charity business, it might have its advantages, but it will definitely cost you in the long run."

"I won't, I promise," Shinro chuckled, knowing that the endless supply from his "Tiny World" would cover any losses from his charitable venture.

"Don't thank me yet," Jirokichi said, his expression hardening. "This is a cutthroat business, and you're about to enter the lion's den. You'd better be prepared to fight for every inch of ground you gain."

"I know, and I'm ready for it," Shinro replied, his determination unwavering. "I won't let you down, I swear it."

"See that you don't," Jirokichi said, standing up and extending his hand. "We have a deal?"

Shinro stood up as well, and the two men shook hands firmly. "Deal."

And with that, the wheels were set in motion for Shinro's grocery store venture.

---

Back in his office that became his place, Shinro was all smiles, he went to his bedroom just adjacent to his office, he looked at the progress of his "Tiny World", and he saw that time actually already passed so much inside that the humans was already started to become more coordinated— the house isn't just woods and leafs now, it became rocks, and the hierarchy was more evident.

Shinro continued to watch as he saw a human that's wearing been ordering more humans around.

Shinro watched around before going to sleep.

In the past few days, the video game "Minecraft" turned out to be more popular, and Asia was also started to know the video game, except that instead from official KiShin download, the "Minecraft" was cracked that they can download for free, so it didn't contribute to KiShin's money, or increased Shinro's system points.

Either way, because of the pirated version, it increased the popularity of "Minecraft".

---

As the sun rose and set in the "Tiny World", time seemed to fly by in the blink of an eye.

The world, already in its "Bronze Age," continued to spin on its axis, oblivious to the passage of time. Meanwhile, in "Small World," which had more time acceleration than "Tiny World," the days and nights passed by at a swifter pace. Although "Small World" had been in existence for a much shorter period than "Tiny World," it was catching up in terms of time progression. The "Small World," still in its infancy, with only thousands of years having passed since its creation, was gradually drawing closer to the timeline of the "Tiny World."

[Tiny World]

In a small village, a young boy named Hirok watched as the adults bustled about, preparing for the upcoming sacrificial ceremony. He had heard whispers from the elders that the ceremony was to appease their God, whose symbol was a hand. The tradition, they said, had been around for thousands of years, passed down through generations.

Hirok's curiosity piqued, he followed the villagers to the edge of the forest, where a crude altar made of stones stood tall.

A sense of dread filled the air as the village shaman, adorned in feathers and animal bones, emerged from his hut. The villagers bowed before him, believing him to be the chosen one who could communicate with the God.

"People of our village," the shaman boomed, his voice echoing through the clearing, "tonight, we gather to appease the God. We offer our most precious resource, our livestock, so that he may bless us with a bountiful harvest this year."

Hirok's heart raced as he realized the true meaning of the ceremony. They were going to sacrifice an animal to their God. He had seen the ritual many times before, but this time, it felt different.

As the villagers brought forth a young bull, Hirok couldn't tear his eyes away. The shaman, sensing the boy's unease, knelt down and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "This is our way of showing gratitude to the God. Without His blessings, we would perish."

The ceremony commenced, and the shaman raised a meticulously sculpted hand made of bronze, the symbol of their one and only God. "We offer this sacrifice in your name, Great One," he intoned, "so that you may look upon us with favor and grant us a plentiful harvest."