Shoupan's Story

Head Priestess! Here's your delivery! A delivery!

I'm busy! Come out and sign for it, quickly!

Argh, if you don't come out, I'll come in!

Open the door now! If you don't, I'll break into your home... not!

Huh? ...Oh, wait, are you the Master?

I owe you one for last time! Ugh, I really thought I'd be stuck there for eternity!

No, no. Never mind, it's our first time meeting.

I'm Shoupan the courier you pardoned before!

Tch, of course. That's what you should do if you have any conscience.

Hmm... Normally, I don't have time for such things...

But I can't refuse the offer from someone who ended my miserable imprisonment!

Still, first, sign for the package!

Let's see... "A dozen of Strong and Durable Broom Sticks from Monatium."

That's what the Head Priestess said. "Shoupan wants a lot."

No, I don't want a lot, there is just one thing I need: severance pay!

But I got Bean Logs instead! I just want sugar for my own, not Chestnut Bean Logs!

Master, we've only known each other for less than an hour, but I feel you.

We're comrades. Victims, exploited by the cold-blooded Head Priestess!

Open your eyes, Head Priestess! Take responsibility and compensate us for everything!

Stay strong, Shoupan! Stay strong, Master!

Yeah, Master. Let's get together often!

Hmm... But something feels off.

I feel like there was something else I had to give you, besides the package...

Something... dark, and unremarkable for some reason... What was that?

You're so cool, Master! So generous of you!

Alright then, Shoupan is off on delivery duty again, see you later!

Go go, Shoupabolt! Whooosh!

Master? Why are you standing by the door?

Why are you so surprised? Were you badmouthing me? Did you finish your work?

...Urgh, the table is a mess. And it seems like you weren't alone. Did you invite a friend over for some juice?

You're also only halfway through your work, right?

Master... what do you say in your defense?

Master, I'm glad you brought it up.

The clothes you're wearing, the food you're eating, the room you're sleeping in. where do you think all that comes from?

You know what? Humans are big, so it takes twice the effort to make things. It's all bespoke, hand-made!

I thought you would've understood by yourself...

Didn't a package arrive earlier? I might need it now.

Counseling you said, well, I don't know what you two talked about...

But it would've been nice if you had cleaned up a bit while chatting.

I'll have to ask Shoupan what the conversation was about.

Anyway, didn't Shoupan leave something for me? I might need it now.

It seems you intended to take a break and then come back ready to handle things. Then. I can let that slide.

No idea, I got dragged here suddenly.

What about Marie?! She's just pretending to be stable...!

Why does the Master have to do it? Shouldn't an outside expert take care of these things?

Why is there no money? Nonsense. She keeps seizing my collectibles and secretly selling them.

Is she raising some money guzzler or something?

Stop lying. You were just whining that life here is exactly the same as your office worker routine on Earth.

Anyway, I won't accept this! Are you saying I'm on the same level as that paranoid obsessive sprite?

You're just the same... Shoupan...

Breaking other people's packages every day? How is that stable?! Do you not have a conscience or did it go to the Weekend Farm?

Then try delivering packages yourself! Think you can do it without throwing any?

Because it's true! Life is meant to be enjoyed!

Hehe... If I know, I say I know.

Unique stones, all part of my collection. It's worth remembering every collectible.

Got it, understood!

Understood.

Check if the sprite is hurt.

It is what it is, if my collection gets broken. It's the fate of the collection.

Renewed. The history of my collection has been rewritten. New collection value.

It means, the sprite who broke the collection also becomes my collectible.

The health of my collectibles always...

Wait, pass?

Ugh... What's wrong?

*Sigh* Mayo, didn't you hear the Master say to answer normally?

Come on, Master! I'm ready!

First, I have a question!

The sprite lying on the road, is that Queen Erpin?

Then I'd drive full speed toward the sprite!

Because it'd be pity to leave her lying on the ground!

I'll accelerate Shoupabolt and swoop her up! I'm friendly neighborhood Shoupan after all!

Well, it'd be a bummer.

Other sprites would be okay, but if I crashed into Her Majesty, my Shoupabolt would be destroyed!

What?! That's not fair! The question wasn't even normal!

Then I'm supposed to drive off the cliff, is that so?!

Stop forcing couriers to sacrifice themselves! Service jobs are hard enough as is!

...Fine, I'm sitting! I'm thinking now.

Shoupan... Definitely not stable...

You... want to be stuffed?

Speed... What? Aren't those made for jumping?

Yahoo! Whoosh! Go, go, Shoupan!

What? I'm not ON, I'm ONE with Shoupabolt!

Shoupabolt's energy consumption is my energy consumption! So weak, Master!

Stop whining, Master. Just keep running forward!

Oh, wow. This eternal snow... This wide-open sky... And the summit?

Are we really at the summit of Elemental Mountain?! It's my first time here!

I can see all of Elias! And it's wide open, I can dash around as much as I want!

This is... really amazing! Hahaha!

Master-!

Master! Come here, I have something to show you!

What do you take me for? Shoupabolt and I are one flesh...

From here, you can see all of Elias, right?

And... you can see what's beyond Elias too.

Yes, beyond the forest, that area covered in mist.

It's strangely separated...

What kind of world lies beyond that?

Genius? What are you talking about?

Aaaagh! Why are you suddenly pinching my cheek?!

Paradise, huh? It must be an easy life as the Master.

What? Match the mood? How boring.

Pfft...! Shoupan wants to drive more!

Elias is too small for Shoupan and Shoupabolt!

At this rate, my desire to dash around can't be satisfied!

Someday, the land outside Elias beyond that mist, I'll make it my track too!

Huh? Scared of what?

Urgh... Master, you've got a talent for ruining the mood.

But that kind of thinking can't discourage my dream of driving!

If it's moderately dangerous, it'll be even more thrilling!

And besides, no one knows after all! Let's think positively!

For example, imagine a candy kingdom, where everything is made of candy!

Whoosh! Wouldn't that be awesome?!

What?! Is it wrong for a sprite to like sweets?

Umm... Fine! Even if it's just make-believe I'll race once more!

I'm going to simulate a race to the outer world! Don't disturb me!

Hmmm... I can see the lines...! Whoosh-whoosh!

I love the roads of Monatium, I can drive full speed here!

Whoosh-whoosh! Let's dash at max speed, Shoupabolt!

Huh, a Sprite in Monatium?

Catching up with our speed... she seems like someone who knows racing?

Huh? Elves? Are they speed maniacs too?

Pfft, no way! Look at what she's riding! It's an absolute relic!

What?! A Thunderbolt 4.1 Alpha version? They just announced the 9 Beta will be released yesterday!

I had a hunch, but I was right. This is why Elias natives are no match for us! Hahaha!

What, a relic? Did you just insult me and Shoupabolt?

Why... why are they so fast?! ...Ugh, so irritating. Stop right there!

StOoOp RiGhT tHeRe! Hahaha!

Urgh...!

Oh, please! Isn't there any way to go faster?

I'm Sorry, ma'am, but the 4.1 Alpha is an old version and doesn't support the latest modifications.

To achieve speeds on par with the 9 Beta, you'll need to buy at least the 7.1 Beta.

If you purchase 7.1 Beta and trade-in your old Thunderbolt, you can receive an 80% discount in return.

T-Trade in... Shoupabolt...?

Thank you, have a nice day...!

Shoupabolt, don't worry! No matter what, I won't abandon you.

I promised you we'd keep driving together!

Speed... It's a bummer, but it can't be helped. *Sigh* Maybe I should visit Vana.

Ashur, here's your regular flour delivery. Sign here.

Yes, yes? Shoupan? Please, wait a sec!

Oh, you've lost your appetite? Then sweet and sour is the best! How about a fruit tart?

You mean, a loaf of bread? The second basket has milk bread! The smaller basket next to it has special chocolate bread.

Ashur, you are always busy.

Ah, sorry. Today's a pretty busy day. Customers keep coming.

It's okay... I'm taking it slow with deliveries today anyway.

...Hey, Shoupan.

Feeling down and hopeless because you can't seem to resolve an internal struggle between your values and the world around you?

Wh-What?! Yes, I am... How did you know so precisely?

Oh, it's easy. Your face looks just like mine when I look at myself in the mirror every morning.

Uh... Is that so?

If you have any worries, feel free to talk about them. I can't give you a solution, but just whining about it helps a little. That's why I always yap on about Magic School!

Well... actually...

In a nutshell, you're worried because you need to get rid of Shoupabolt in order to drive quicker, isn't it?

Correct, I really want to keep driving with Shoupabolt, but...

Hmm... Well, it's not like there's no solution.

Wait, what?! There's a way? What is it?!

But... the side effects are pretty serious, so I'm not sure if it's okay to recommend it to an innocent sprite like you...

I don't care! As long as I have Shoupabolt and speed, nothing else matters!

I want to get faster!

No, I need to get faster!

Hmm... Alright, wait just a moment.

Here, this is the solution.

Isn't this... a magic tool?

Yep, this is an Ashur-special magic item, 'Budgevistan'!

Umm...? 'Budgevistan'?

It's based on an idea I stole from the elven books. Using magic instead of engineering keeps the budget low, and the results are pretty convincing!

So, it's a knockoff? It's safe, right?

Do you mean you can trust the elves but not me, a sprite like you?

No, no! It's not that! Let me give it a try!

Put it like this on your upper body...

Ugh! It's way too tight! It hurts!

Tough it out! Where's the Shoupan from earlier, full of determination?

Done! Now, focus like you're casting an acceleration magic spell...

Huh? What's going on?! Ashur is slowing down!

N-Not only Ashur is slow... Everything around me is...?

It feels like I'm the only one who can move!

And you can move at crazy high speed!

This is awesome!

So exciting!

Shoupan! Stop! I said there were side effects!

What? Now that you mention it, I feel a bit dizzy... *Huff* I'm out of breath... *Huff*

Because you've already used it four times! Acceleration magic drains both your magical energy and stamina!

The faster you go, the more it drains your energy like a battery.

Using it twice in a row knocks most sprites down because they don't exercise enough, but you seem to have decent physical strength, don't you?

*Huff, huff* Who do you think I am? I'm Courier Shoupan! It's natural to have good stamina.

This is amazing! I love it!

Thanks, Ashur!

Then I'll ring you up.

...Huh?

You know magic items aren't something everyone can make, right? Pay up!

Ugh... So expensive... I have to take more delivery orders this month...

Ugh... Since I paid good money for this heavy thing, I can't help but wear it...

But there's no reason to use it and it's just hard to move around in...

This is no different from the exercise equipment I bought on a whim.

Plus, Ashur kept warning me not to use it recklessly...

Aah! I really want to try it out with Shoupabolt!

What the heck?! I'm already feeling bad as is, who's honking at me?!

Wait, those are...?!

Hehe, look at the dumb face of that sprite!

Even after all that humiliation, you're still riding that junk?

Hey, hey! You don't even know what embarrassment is?

Hey! I wouldn't pick a fight with Shoupan for no reason! When I get mad, I'm unstoppable, got it?!

I even graduated Monatium Academy even I'm a sprite, you know!

Pfft, much ado about nothing! Well, I think you need to be put in your place!

Those... Why have they overtaken me and gotten in front? What're they planning?

Ahh! Oh my eyes!

How's that? It's my LED mod I got yesterday! A sprite in Monatium? How dare you!

Get away with your junk!

...I've had enough! I can stand insulting me, but not insulting Shoupabolt!

Remember, Shoupan! Never use it impulsively!

If you get a kick out of using it recklessly, you won't be able to control it later!

Only use it when absolutely necessary for your work!

And for more information, please pay an additional fee...

Urgh, nagging again and again! How could I possibly stand this?!

Hey! You are in big trouble now! I'm really mad!

I aAm rEwWly maAaAd!

Grrrgh...!

I think she said focus like I'm casting an acceleration magic spell, right?

It works! Now everything's slowed down!

Great, let's overtake them!

Let's see how you like it is I turn you lights on YOU!

What was it? LED? EDC or whatever, enjoy my bright light!

Huh? Where'd the sprite go? Did she give up and turn back?

Ahhh! My eyes! My eyes!

What happened?! How are the headlights shining on us?!

Hey, elfies with your fancy gear! Surprised?

Wh-when did you get to the front? That kinda speed is impossible?!

Stop talking and turn off the lights! I can't see ahead!

S-sorry! Hey, watch out, there's a speed bump! Aghhh~!

Easy peezy, it was just noise!

Ahh, I feel so much better! And absolutely no side-effects, I should've just used it sooner.

Ashur is such a wimp! That's why she's still just running a bakery!

I bet Ashur's never even tried this herself.

Now Shoupan is the real 'Budgevistan'-Expert!

Shoupan uses it when Shoupan wants! Shoupan is always right!

Delivery's here!

What?! Already?!

Here already? Just placed my order from Monatium an hour ago!

Physically impossible! So strange...!

...Honestly, happy it's early. Method is not my business.

Wait up!

Hurry! I've got another delivery!

I'm running! Wait up!

Ugh, everything seems to move so, so slowly!

Too slow, too annoying, it's making me angry!

Ahh! I can't take it anymore!

W-what's wrong? Lost your mind?! Why are you throwing package?!

Too slow! So slow! Everything in Elias is just too slow to see!

Shoupan wants more speed! I want to get much faster!

Running at that speed is d-dangerous!

What's wrong with her? Even less normal than usual...!

Aaaahh! How can she be that fast? I can't even see her!

Out of my way! Get away, slowpokes!

I deliver beyond time and space!

Eeek! Move out of the way! She's going to hit us!

Hehehe... Faster than anyone, different from others...!

I did not believe it when I was called for backup... It can't be "that", right?

But judging by its performance, it's military-grade gear. How did a sprite get her hands on it?

I don't know. Shoupan's always been interested in elven gear.

I didn't expect it to be a big deal, so I came alone, but we might need more support to stop her.

Can't we talk her out of this?

I'm not sure. She's still listening, but her responses are nonsensical...

To put it bluntly, she seems to have gone insane...

Right now, Shoupan is in a state of 'Speed-psychosis'.

Ashur? Do you know anything about this?

I warned her so many times, but... she ended up like this.

She's hooked on her own speed. Plus, her mental health is taking a hit because she's worn out from using it all the time.

We'll have to subdue her by force and get her treated.

But how do we subdue her? Unless we use the same gear, it's impossible.

Moreover, since she's adapted to it quite well... It might be hard to approach her, unless a specialist does it.

I have an extra 'Budgevistan'. With that...!

Wait... why do you have a spare?

Ashur... Was it you, who turned Shoupan into this?

No, no! I gave her proper warning. And I didn't buy elven gear, it's a magic item I made myself!

We will talk about your responsibility later... For now, we need to find someone who can subdue Shoupan.

Someone with strong physical strength and good mental health, just like...

Hey, Ashur! Why isn't the bakery open yet?

*Sigh* Why does the kingdom feel so unsettled?! Is this how it should be managed?!

.........

.........

.........

We're all thinking the same thing, right?

So, you want me to catch Shoupan and bring her back here, right?

That's right. Please, just do as I say. Got it?

Hehe. Promise I will get Ashur's special strawberry cream cake!

Y-Yes.

Alright, hold on just a sec! Your queen will make fix it all!

...She got this, right?

We have no other choice. Let's just pray.

...Canna, why are you suddenly lying on the ground?

I heard sprites sleep to pray, is that not right?

...Get up.

Yes, ma'am.

Hehehe... this is amazing! I've never felt such intense speed before!

Hey, Shoupan! Stop now, it's enough! Don't you see the kingdom is all messed up?

Your Majesty?! How could... are you using the 'Budgevistan' too?!

For your queen, using a magic item like this is easy!

It's not my fault! The others are just too slow!

My average delivery time is now 20 times shorter! This is what everyone wanted, isn't it?

Don't interfere with me. Now that I'm a freelancer, I won't go easy on you, even if you're the queen!

Come to your senses! Can't you see the sprites are panicking, running all around?

I won't go easy on you either! Ner said it's fine to be a little tough!

Ack! My head! Why are you suddenly hitting me?!

You really thought I'd bring you back nicely? Stop right now and come with me!

That hurt so much! There's no way I can beat the queen with power.

For now, running away and looking for an opening would be better.

The queen isn't riding anything. That means she can't catch up with me on Shoupabolt.

If I speed up to the max and slip through quick, no one can stop me!

Sorry, Your Majesty, but Shoupan's journey can't end here.

There are still so many places left to go! See you later!

Where are you going in the middle of our conversation? Don't you have any manners?

W-what?! How did you catch me?! I must be several times faster than you!

Did... did she predict all my escape routes?!

I saw you and just grabbed you. What, like it's hard?

Wait, are you calling me stupid?

Irritating, naughty Shoupan, you deserve another hit!

Aaagh!

Ah... She's just completely outclassed when it comes to physical ability...!

Natural-born talent... How terrifying...

I can't believe the Sprite Queen actually did it... That's surprising.

Her Majesty gets things done when she puts her mind to it.

Hehe, when do I get my cake?

It'll be right up! Canna, can you arrange for Shoupan to receive treatment in Monatium?

Ah, yes. Usually Hilde, our medical officer handles this sort of incidents.

But since she's not an elf, the hospital bill will be quite high.

Don't worry, Ashur will pay the costs.

S-Sorry?!

Why are you so shocked?! You did create all this mess!

Rather, be thankful I'm cutting you some slack, considering the queen often teases you!

*Sigh* This is going to plummet me into the red... what do I do about this month's rent...!

Shu-shu... I won't be able to ride Shoupabolt for a while again...