Dungeon Core (Shop)Keeper [System-Lite Shop Management]

Convi finally gave his heart to the corporate grind. Literally. It turns out that working back-to-back intensive shifts fueled entirely by awful energy drinks is a fast track to the afterlife. Now, lacking a heart—or any organs left to fail during a double shift—he finds himself bound to Athenia, a glowing white crystal and Dungeon Core with a soothing telepathic voice. Her request? Be her Keeper. Help her grow. Protect her domain from rival monsters and greedy adventurers. There's just one problem: Convi was a retail manager. His resume definitely did not include 'building a slaughterhouse' or 'harvesting human life energy' for his employer. [Don't worry!] Athenia chimed cheerfully in his mind. [Instead of harvesting mana by killing them, let us engage in fair commerce! We will build a trade sanctuary!] Thus began Convi’s post-retirement career on Floor 13 of the Dead Keep—an active death trap nestled deep within a subterranean Labyrinth. Now, donning a black canvas apron just to hide the fact that he is a floating, invisible ghost, Convi hovers behind his brutalist stone cash register. Outside his pristine, well-lit storefront, a wet crunching sound, frantic skittering, and a distant, terrified scream echo through the dungeon corridors. "C—could we really grow a customer base here, Athenia?" Convi projected, staring into the blood-stained abyss. "Because the foot traffic seems heavily skewed toward 'man-eating arachnids' and 'impending doom.' This is a demographic nightmare." [Don't give up, Keeper!] his glowing boss chimed happily. [We are immortal! We can wait here as long as it takes! Patience is the key to victory!] Convi glanced down at the expiration dates on his organically-sourced inventory. They absolutely did not have forever. The dormant instincts of a veteran retail manager snapped into focus. If he wanted to avoid bankruptcy in the afterlife, he couldn't wait for the market to come to him. He was going to have to conquer the Labyrinth's economy himself. What to Expect: Chaotically Cozy: The gritty world outside makes the silly moments inside the shop feel truly precious. Run by a stressed corporate keeper and a kind, highly dramatic dungeon core! Dark Laughs & Real Stakes: A quirky cast using humor to survive. Actions have actual consequences here. Character-Driven: A focus on deep character arcs and worldbuilding. System-Lite Shopkeeping: Blue boxes are strictly for the magical ledger! No combat stats, leveling, or stat-screens. Schedule: 2 chapters a week on Fridays and Saturdays at 5:00 PM Eastern Time (ET).