REIWA JIGOKUHEN - Chaotic Disturbance of Reiwa Era

Chapter 121 - In a Stagnant World

Hino City, Tokyo: Shopping Mall

"Mina, how did the smartphone lottery go?"

"Aah, it was a complete failure. The odds were too high."

When asked by her coworker Honoka, Mina, a fellow cat lover, answered with a disappointed look.

She had attempted to participate in a smartphone lottery held at an electronics retailer. The lottery gave participants the opportunity to buy a high-end model that was released from the government stockpile just before a temporal and spatial disaster, at a price that reflected the increased value of the phone. However, as the results show, she was not successful.

"I'll have to keep using this old phone for a while longer."

"It's been five years already, hasn't it?"

"Yes, and just when I was thinking of getting a new one. Even if I go to the store, they say this one is still usable, and if I can buy one, it's only refurbished. It's really frustrating."

Mina lightly tapped her worn-out smartphone with her finger and let out a small sigh. She had been deceiving herself by using the device past its service life, even replacing the battery. While Honoka sympathized with her, the truth was that almost all Japanese citizens were in the same situation. New phones were rarely available in stores. There was news that a certain factory had started production again not too long ago, but it would take some time for the supply to stabilize. Although many years had passed since the end of the war, and there was no longer any uncertainty about food or energy, things were far from being back to normal.

"Well, let's cheer up and go get some sweets or something."

"Sounds good."

They agreed on this and made their way down the crowded escalator. They looked at the selection in the 500-yen shop that had replaced the previous store and checked out the outlet clothing store that had returned to its original purpose. At the imported furniture store, they saw the term "freshly made antique" being used, and couldn't help but laugh at the strange phrasing.

The problem is that everything is expensive and things are constantly sold out. Even though rationing is still partially in effect, can't something be done about the hyperinflation? Salaries are increasing, but they can't keep up. As they complained about these trivial matters, the two walked towards the restaurant district.

Then, a fragrant smell filled the air, and they couldn't help but look toward the source.

"Oh, it's homemade apple pie."

"It's a little expensive... but should we buy it? Hide-kun also said he likes it."

"Speaking of which, are things going well between you two?"

"Yeah. My Chori and Hide-kun's Hana are good friends, and we've even talked about getting together."

"Oh, I'm jealous. You have to invite me to the wedding."

"Of course," Mina said with a slightly jealous tone, and Honoka nodded with a smile on her face.

There are still many difficulties, but the world is gradually calming down. It's best to believe that things will be better by the time they get married and have children.

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London: Publisher

The raised head pierces through the sky, and the widely spread wings cover even the sun. Together with the Leviathan of the sea and the Behemoth of the land, the mythical bird Ziz is said to rule the sky. Attempting to describe the world's political situation with such words, Walburg couldn't help but be amazed.