Chapter 9: Inflation and Energy Drinks
Once the drama finally simmered down, Team 7-A began to properly take in their surroundings.
It didn't take long to realize the social dynamic of the lobby had permanently shifted. Everywhere Pink walked, other magical girls actively averted their eyes or froze dead in their tracks like frilly, terrified statues.
Scanning the bustling concourse, Maya’s eyes locked onto a glowing storefront. Her face lit up with a smirk. "Look! An upgrade shop!"
Riley glanced at the high-tech storefront, then turned back to Maya, raising an eyebrow. "We don't have any multiversal currency..."
"Hehehe!" Pink puffed out her chest proudly, digging into her dress pocket and pulling out a crisp bill. "I actually have a hundred magical girl dollars from that delivery girl we bumped into!"
The team gathered around to inspect the strange cash before looking back out at the plaza. A bit further down, another shop caught their attention, but its entryway was blocked by a faint, humming red energy barrier. Mounted directly above the archway was a glowing neon sign: MAGIC SUPPRESSION BEYOND THIS POINT.
Peering through the red haze, they could see dozens of magical girls walking around entirely in their mundane civilian forms. Some were sitting at tables sipping coffee, others were browsing shelves stocked with bright energy drinks, and a few were casually hanging out or petting their respective team mascots.
Pink’s eyes narrowed as she locked onto a display near the front counter. It was a bright, neon-pink can labeled Pink Lemonade Power-Boost.
Her mouth practically watered. Without a second thought, she began marching straight toward the red barrier.
"Pink, wait!" the squad yelled in unison.
It was far too late. Pink crossed the suppression field... and absolutely nothing happened. Her frills, twintails, and magical form remained entirely intact.
Inside the breakroom, the entire room went dead silent. Dozens of civilian-clad girls slowly turned their heads, staring at Pink in absolute, wide-eyed horror.
Unbothered by the stares, Pink walked straight up to the counter. Behind the register stood a girl wearing a blue shirt, denim overalls, and a pair of dark, angular anime sunglasses—the kind reserved exclusively for people who meant absolute business. Her blonde hair was dyed bright blue at the tips.
The vendor offered a wide, albeit profusely sweating, smile. "Wow... you're kinda terrifying, aren't ya, Pink? Can I call you Pink? You really look like a Pink..."
Pink blinked, tilting her head. "How do you even know my name!?"
The vendor’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second before snapping right back into place. "Well... that was actually just a lucky guess, hehe..."
Pink furrowed her brow, studying the girl through her shades. She then lowered her gaze back to the pink lemonade energy drinks.
The vendor followed her eyes, her confidence returning. "See something you like? They're five SP each."
Pink tilted her head. "Is five SP... considered a lot?"
"We're living in heavy inflation times," the vendor sighed, leaning over the counter. "So five SP is considered mid-range for a consumable."
Pink pondered this for a moment as the rest of Team 7-A finally crossed the barrier to join her—except for Riley and Pigeon Chad, who stayed outside, citing something about small spaces and too many people.
Slapping the hundred-dollar bill onto the counter, Pink grinned. "I'll take six!"
The vendor blinked, staring at the bill. "Okay... but seriously, be careful with this stuff," she warned, handing one can over to Pink while packing the remaining five into a brown paper bag. "I heard some people can literally taste colors when they—"
CLICK.
Before the girl could even finish her sentence, Pink popped the tab and took a massive, greedy gulp.
The vendor’s sunglasses slid sideways down her nose in sheer shock, though her retail smile remained glued to her face.
Pink’s entire face immediately scrunched up into a tight, sour pucker.
Alice rushed up beside her, looking worried. "What is it?! Is it super sour?!"
Pink aggressively nodded, smacking her lips. "Yeah... but it's absolutely delicious!!"
The vendor adjusted her crooked sunglasses, staring at Alice. "Your friend here is... really something else..."
Alice let out a long, fond sigh, looking at the frantic pink gremlin. "Yeah... she always leaps before looking."