So, moving away is a must. Hopefully, I can be relocated to an area with wealthier customer bases or significantly increase demand somehow.
Despite the extended timeline, Noah found himself surprisingly unbothered. His shop was already exceeding his wildest expectations, providing daily income that supported a comfortable living while funding personal development through systems like the idle room.
Noah was patient, he was in no rush to level up his shop. Sustainability mattered more than speed. Better to finish the race strong than to sprint at the start and burn out halfway.
Besides, he knew that numerous shop items remained locked behind purchase requirements, suggesting that unlocking the complete product would take time, and each item would add more to his daily revenue, making him even richer.
Each new product type could accelerate my revenue through multiple income streams.
Most importantly, his upcoming relocation might solve the premium customer shortage by transporting his shop to locations with different economic structures.
New worlds, new economies, new opportunities.
Noah leaned back against Leo’s warm fur, his companion’s steady breathing providing comfort as he contemplated their uncertain but exciting future.
"Father, where do you think we’ll go next?" Leo asked with curious anticipation rather than anxiety about the unknown.
"I have no idea," Noah replied honestly, "but that’s what makes it interesting."
The system had consistently chosen locations that challenged him in different ways: the medieval human kingdom with its political complexities, the demon realm with its cultural misunderstandings and extremist threats. Each destination had forced him to adapt while providing unique opportunities to grow.
Two days remained to prepare for departure, finalise any remaining business in the human kingdom, and ensure his friends understood that his absence didn’t represent abandonment but rather necessary evolution.
Change was never easy, even when it led toward better outcomes. But growth required leaving comfort zones behind.
Noah decided to check up on his next item to purchase before going out on a hunt with Leo. Lola had been clear, Leo was never meant to be a pet kept in a small room. For him to grow properly, Noah had to take him out on hunts where the young lion could develop his combat instincts and natural abilities.
Opening the shop slot interface, Noah’s eyes moved toward the next available purchase. The fifth item in the progression sequence, positioned after the rice cakes he’d just introduced to his inventory.
What appeared on the screen made Noah’s breath catch in his throat.
[Item 5: Instant Coffee]
[Effects: Dramatically accelerates all recovery rates by 100% for thirty minutes. Grants enhanced focus, stronger immunity to mental attacks and doubled comprehension speed for the thirty-minute duration. Permanently increases Intelligence by 30 upon first consumption.]
Noah stared at the display for several long seconds, his mind struggling to process the sheer magnitude of what he was reading. The effects listed weren’t just improvements; they represented a complete transformation. This was exactly what he had been looking for since he saw Alissa’s talent.
Thirty permanent intelligence points.
The number hit him like a physical blow. His current intelligence sat at sixty points. His attributes were approximately 1.5x normal apprentice-rank practitioners, and he was about to increase that even more.
The thirty additional points would bring him to ninety total, a 1.5x increase to his current intelligence, which would have a noticeable effect on his magic power.
But the permanent enhancement was only the beginning of the coffee’s incredible effects. The temporary benefits read like a wishlist of every advantage a practitioner could desire.
Enhanced focus and stronger immunity to mental attacks.
Noah’s mind immediately grasped the benefits. Mental attacks were among the most feared abilities in magical combat, capable of incapacitating even powerful warriors through confusion, fear, or direct mind control. Stronger immunity would make him untouchable against entire categories of enemy techniques.
This doubled comprehension speed effect alone would revolutionise his development.
Learning new skills, mastering complex techniques, understanding magical theory, everything would occur at twice the normal rate.
The thought of doing the same work for twice the result sent excitement coursing through his body. His friends, Kip and Alissa, had the advantage of natural talent, but the new doubled comprehension speed could close the gaps between them. Especially with his Idle room, too.
One hundred percent recovery rate acceleration for thirty minutes.
Whether it was physical recovery, mental fatigue, or any form of exhaustion, every form of restoration would double in efficiency. Training sessions that normally required hours of rest could be repeated immediately.
After consuming the instant coffee, the person would have thirty minutes of peak efficiency.
Noah found himself standing up from his comfortable position on Leo’s warm fur. This wasn’t just another enhancement item, it was a complete shift that would elevate him beyond anything he’d thought possible.
He was still around $178,000 short of the price of the item.
Despite his inability to currently buy it, Noah felt that the item was worth every penny.
Even after Lola sells the night batch of bread and Iced tea, I would still be unable to purchase it today. It seems like I would have to wait till tomorrow. Noah thought with a wry smile.
He had hoped that he could buy it today, so when tomorrow rolls over, he would have a couple of them on the shelf.
Leo watched his father’s agitation with curious concern, the young lion’s senses detecting the excitement and amazement radiating from Noah’s emotional state.
"Father, you seem very excited about something. What did you discover?"
"Something incredible," Noah replied, his voice carrying awe that made Leo’s ears perk up with interest. "Something that could make me significantly more powerful than I am now. And something that you would like to drink."
"Really! What is it, what is it!" Leo jumped up from his resting spot with an excited expression. If his father had said that it’s a drink that he would like to try, then he definitely would.
"It’s called Instant Coffee, Leo. I can’t give you it now because I still don’t have it. I will make you try it in a few days, okay?"
Leo’s expression did not falter, despite his inability to try the mysterious drink. "Yes, father!"