The group approached the floor guide directory. This commercial facility was massive.

As a rule of thumb, it was safe to assume they carried just about any product a typical shopping mall would have. There was even a home improvement center attached to the building; since it was structurally connected, it likely fell within the accessible range.

For now, they needed to get a rough idea of what was available...

"For starters, why don't we just say whatever we want without overthinking it?"

Deciding they needed a jumping-off point for their discussion, I made the proposal.

"Okay. Condoms."

At Chiyu’s remark, I let out a choked "Gofuh!"

The other girls’ faces turned bright red.

"Sousuke, as much as you’re a total breast-man, you must be wanting to do it soon. Or rather, I want to do it."

Chiyu was blunt. However, even she seemed to feel some bashfulness, as her cheeks were slightly flushed.

"I-I mean, I’m incredibly happy to hear that, but don't you think choosing those as things to bring back is a waste?"

Of course, the act of doing that with Chiyu was worth more than a thousand gold pieces to me. I was strictly talking about the value of the contraceptives themselves. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

"Y-Yes. I mean, if we can find a rubber tree, Sousuke-san should be able to produce latex from the sap... so let's wait until we've explored the island a bit more, okay?"

Minori backed me up while blushing furiously.

"...Fine. I just thought I'd mention it."

Chiyu backed down, looking somewhat reluctant.

"Ch-Chiyuchi, you’re such a lecher... Oh, I want cosmetics! And new underwear! And clothes!"

Shouko raised her voice exaggeratedly, trying to change the atmosphere.

"In terms of beauty and fashion, I honestly really understand Shouko-chan’s feelings. But I have a suggestion: wouldn't it be better to memorize the ingredients for the cosmetics, and the materials and designs for the clothes, and then ask Sousuke-kun later? Provided he's up for it, of course."

I nodded at Shion’s words.

"Yeah, of course. For cosmetics, as long as I have the materials, my 'Crafting Ability' will guarantee the quality. But I don't know the first thing about clothing design, so it actually helps if you have specific references in mind."

Since we could only bring back one item per person per day, we were free to browse as much as we liked. In that regard, this place had great synergy with my "Crafting Ability." Being able to learn what materials made up a product was a huge plus.

"Ah, right, right! We just have to memorize that stuff, take notes when we wake up, and ask Sousuke once we have the materials. So, we should use our picks here for things we definitely can't get on a deserted island?"

"Exactly. I'd like to go to the supermarket and look around, too. I don't necessarily know every single ingredient that goes into certain seasonings, for instance."

"In 그 case, it might be better to look it up in a book."

"Oh, you're right! Plus, we could read recipe books. What about you, Minori-chan? Textbooks, maybe? I think some bookstores carry them."

"Yes, the bookstore here is quite large, and it should be a designated textbook retailer. Though... I suppose it's not a high priority."

Minori had wanted to study on the island; if she chose textbooks or reference books here, that wish would come true.

"I get what everyone wants individually. Next, let's think about what the party needs."

"Okay. Condoms."

I got the feeling she wasn't just joking; she was implying that Chiyu wanted them personally and that the party needed them.

"L-Like I said, that’s on hold."

It was a word that made my heart race no matter how many times I heard it. Was it because it came from my childhood friend? I wouldn't feel a thing if it came up in a conversation between guys.

"Hmm... but isn't this tough? We’re actually pretty well-off on that island."

"That’s true... Oh, um... I often find myself wanting a refrigerator. Things don't rot because of Sousuke-kun’s 'Inventory,' but we can't chill or freeze anything."

Shion made a modest suggestion.

"I’ve thought the same thing. I've wanted to drink chilled fruit juice or milk."

If I put things in "Inventory" immediately after chilling them, they would stay cold. The fridge would never get full, and nothing would rot because we forgot to eat it.

"True, I want a fridge."

"I mean, I totally want one too, but if we just buy a fridge, won't it lack power?"

"...How about we include something that can generate electricity?"

At Minori’s remark, everyone’s eyes snapped to her.

"For example, if we introduced a solar power system, we might be able to use electric appliances at the base. However, setting up a full-scale one might require too many 'items'..."

Even a single panel would count as 'one item.' If we needed ten, that alone would take two days. Depending on how long our life on the island lasted, it might be better in the long run, but...

"Oh, come to think of it! My uncle loves camping, and I think he mentioned there are solar panels for outdoor use. They’re portable-sized."

"...! If that's the case, there are likely models that have all the necessary functions built-in, so 'one item' might be enough."

"I see. Since we just need to run a fridge and some simple electronics for now, that might be a great idea."

The sun was certainly shining on the deserted island.

"Yes. Though we’ll need to check the actual product and the fridge we want."

"Right. If no one objects, shall we settle on 'two items' being a fridge and a portable solar panel?"

No one objected.

"Me, me! If we’re talking about 'things everyone uses,' don't you want a hair dryer?"

At Shouko’s words, the other girls nodded in unison. Apparently, the "hair-after-a-bath" issue was a vital matter for them.

"Wouldn't [N O V E L I G H T] we need an extension cord for that...?"

If we placed the solar panel right outside the kitchen, the fridge might work as is. But the distance to the changing room was a bit far.

"So that’s 'four items' for the solar panel, fridge, hair dryer, and extension cord?"

Shion summarized.

"What about the last one?"

I asked if there was anything else for everyone to use, but...

"I think the last one should be something Sousuke wants."

"I agree. This was originally a bonus for Sousuke-san, after all."

"Sounds good!"

"Yeah, definitely."

With that, four pairs of eyes turned toward me.

Something I want, huh...?

I loved games and manga, but they weren't my top priority in this situation.

I did want the contraceptives Chiyu mentioned—and frankly, it seemed like these four would accept it—but since they were consumables that we might be able to get on our own, it felt like a waste.

I wanted something that would be difficult to get myself, and something that would help everyone...

After thinking for a while, an idea struck me.

"Oh, in that case—let's make it a second hair dryer."

The four of them wore blank expressions, so I continued with an explanation.

"I mean, I’m the only guy, so one is enough for me, but there are four of you girls, right? If you have to share one, the people at the end of the line will probably have their hair get cold."

I felt like we could manage by staggering our bath times, but it wasn't like having another would hurt.

However, the four of them had faces that said, "That’s not it."

"Sousuke, we understand that."

"Yeah. We’re just surprised because there's absolutely no benefit for you. I mean, you're too kind."

"When told to pick something for yourself... you chose something for us. And Sousuke-kun, you're saying it with total sincerity."

"...I think the way you can worry about others as if it’s the most natural thing in the world is quite wonderful."

I didn't think it was that big a deal for just a hair dryer, but I was starting to get it.

They weren't reacting based on how much the item would cost in Japan or anything like that. They were placing importance on the fact that I had done something with them in mind.

It was the same when they thanked me for things I’d crafted, and it was the same now.

"A-Anyway. Let's go with those 'five items' for today. We can come back here starting tomorrow, too."

"You're right. And since we only have three hours here, it's probably best to discuss what to bring back while we're awake."

"Then should we head to the electronics store right away? We can get everything there."

"Hmm. If we know what we’re buying, I feel like it’s better for a few people to go to the electronics store while the rest go exploring..."

"Okay. I’m not picky about the products, so I’ll leave the electronics store to you. I want to look around for future reference."

"Then I shall head to select the products. Shion-san, the kitchen is your domain; may I leave the refrigerator to you?"

"Fufu, you're right. I’ll take the lead on that one."

"Then I'm gonna go look at cosmetics and clothes."

"I think I’ll wander around too. For now, let’s meet back here fifteen minutes before the time is up."

By the way, we couldn't take items back unless we "selected" them, but apparently, all I had to do was visualize it in front of the item.

Once Shion and Minori "selected" the solar panel and fridge, and then returned here with the remaining "three items" in a cart, the others would just have to "select" them and we'd be done.

After explaining the flow to everyone, we temporarily disbanded.

The deserted shopping mall was eerie, but at the same time, it was exciting.

The escalators and elevators were running, and in stores with monitors, the same footage played on a loop.

I tried using the devices in the shops, but neither the phones nor the internet worked.

Also, the windows wouldn't open. The toilets flushed... but where did the water go after it was flushed?

And apparently, I couldn't go out to the parking lot. I thought I might be able to since it was part of the facility, but... well, it’s not like there were any "products" there.

At most, there were vending machines, but those were elsewhere in the facility too.

On the way, I found a car on display, seemingly for an event.

"We have Mashiro and Micron, so we don't need a car."

Plus, there was the issue of gasoline.

"...Hm? No, wait. Could I bring back some mixed fuel, 'Itemize' it, and then just separate the gasoline?"

I remembered the lawnmower at my grandfather's house and its fuel. I wasn't an expert, but I recalled mixed fuel was gasoline with something added to it. If so, I could buy it at a home improvement center, so I could get it here too.

"I guess I still don't need it."

However, there was no guarantee this bonus area was exclusive to us. Thinking about the future, considering various things wouldn't be a waste of time.

By the way, just like in the white room, I couldn't use my abilities here. If I could, I'd be able to store everything.

That would be a total game-breaker, so I had no complaints.

"Sousuke."

As I passed a pharmacy, Chiyu, who was inside the store, called out to me.

"Chiyu. Were you looking at ingredients for shampoo or cosmetics?"

Maybe I should take a look too.

Chiyu replied with her usual expressionless face.

"I was looking at condoms."

"You're way too interested..."

"I'd be too embarrassed to do this in a pharmacy with customers."

"T-That’s true..."

For someone used to it, it might be nothing, but for a high school boy who hadn't even had his first time, it was heart-pounding stuff.

"Besides, the recipe might not unlock unless I understand how they work."

"That’s... also true."

I didn't want that either, so strictly for the sake of study, I stood beside Chiyu and looked at the products.

"Okay. Let's look closely."

I picked up several items and was surprised by the sheer variety.

"...Companies are really dedicated to thinness."

"Y-Yeah..."

"I wonder if thinner feels better."

"P-Probably...?"

"Sousuke, make them as thin as possible."

"...O-Okay."

"Also, the first person you use them with is me."

"————. A-Ah."

I thought I understood her feelings, but knowing she accepted me that much sent a warm surge of joy through my chest.

Or rather, was my excitement just a guy's nature?

"Let's head back soon."

"Right."

As I stood up, Chiyu took my hand. I squeezed hers back.

When we returned to the hall, everyone was already there.

Shion and Minori had already "selected" the fridge and solar panel inside the electronics store.

In the cart they pushed back, there were two hair dryers and an unfamiliar extension cord. It was a drum-shaped unit with the cord wrapped around it, apparently called a cord reel.

Shouko and Chiyu "selected" the hair dryers, and I "selected" the cord reel.

With this, our life on the deserted island would become a little more convenient once again.

I didn't know how long it would take until we could all return home.

But I was sure that, together, we would be okay.