Master Tanaka’s instruction had accelerated his swordsmanship development beyond anything solo training could achieve.
The Demonica plants had provided constant enhancement to his mana sensitivity, creating optimal conditions for his magical development. Hours of meditation surrounded by their amplified emanations had refined his control over mana.
Unfortunately, his Mana Control skill stubbornly remained at Level 5 despite his intensive practice. Whatever barrier existed between competent manipulation and better mastery, Noah hadn’t managed to break through it yet.
Even more frustrating was his complete lack of elemental affinity discovery. Every visualisation exercise, every meditation session, every attempt to resonate with fundamental forces had yielded identical results—absolute silence from the magical spectrum.
Maybe I don’t have any elemental affinity. Maybe some people are just... magically neutral.
The thought carried troubling implications for his future development as a mage. Without elemental specialisation, his magical capabilities would remain limited to basic mana manipulation rather than the devastating spells that he had imagined.
Lola’s absence over the past two days had eliminated his best source of instruction and information. The succubus had vanished as mysteriously as she’d appeared, leaving no explanation for her sudden disappearance.
Probably dealing with whatever injured her.
But her timing couldn’t have been worse. Just when he needed expert guidance most, his primary magical mentor had evaporated into whatever shadows spawned powerful succubi.
Noah’s gaze fixed on the shop’s point total that represented weeks of effort finally bearing fruit.
5,010 points were enough to unlock the next tier of his shop.
Time to see what Level 2 actually offers.
"System, I want to upgrade my shop to Level 2."
[Upgrade requirements met. Initiating Shop Level 2 transformation. Please stand back.]
The familiar space around Noah began to shimmer with energy that made the air itself feel alive. What started as gentle vibrations quickly escalated into full-scale shop reconstruction.
The walls stretched outward with smooth expansion. His modest shop doubled in floor space within seconds, creating more room; the ceiling rose higher.
This is incredible. It’s like watching time-lapse construction in real time.
The cramped quarters that had been his early business days quickly evolved into a spacious shop.
Where he’d once squeezed between shelves and furniture, open walkways now provided room for multiple customers to browse without colliding.
His simple wooden shelves evolved into elegant display units with built-in lighting that his products deserved.
Glass panels appeared to protect inventory while maintaining visibility.
This is a professional presentation. My shop is finally getting the decor it deserves.
One of the most dramatic changes involved his beverage storage.
Sleek and modern refrigeration units appeared along the expanded wall space, their stainless steel surfaces gleaming.
Digital temperature displays showed optimal cooling.
His uncomfortable stool vanished, replaced by a proper chair with an ergonomic design.
But the most startling addition was structural—a staircase leading to a second floor that hadn’t existed moments before.
An entire second level. What am I supposed to do with all this space?
[Shop Level 2 upgrade complete. Showcasing new features and capabilities.]
Production Rate: 2 Iced teas every hour
Production Rate: 4 Loaves every hour
The production doubled, alongside the Stock capacity. This upgrade has just doubled my revenue.
Within hours, his inventory would reach levels that could satisfy even the most enthusiastic demon shopping sprees.
[New feature unlocked: Apprentice Management System]
Apprentice management? I can finally hire help.
[This feature allows the recruitment of individuals to assist with basic shop operations. Apprentices can handle customer service, inventory management, and routine maintenance. The apprentices hired would be able to sleep on the second floor. They would also be transported to new locations.]
[New feature unlocked: Dimensional Item Transfer]
Noah’s attention sharpened as the implications hit him like lightning.
I can bring shop items to Earth? I can finally help my father improve.
[The host may now transport purchased inventory between dimensional locations. Items bought with shop points can be utilised in the host’s original world for personal usage or gifting purposes. It can’t be used for commerce. Otherwise, the system would be revoked from the host.]
I can use magical products on Earth.
The possibilities exploded through his consciousness. Enhanced bread for his father’s recovery. Mana-boosting drinks to accelerate his magical development regardless of location. The ability to share supernatural benefits with people who mattered most.
[New feature unlocked: Expanded Shop Slot Products]
Item 1: [Protein Enhancement Bar]
Effect: Increases Strength attribute by 50% for twenty minutes. Permanently increases Strength attribute by 10 upon first consumption.
Oh my god! A permanent attribute increase, not only for me. But for all users! It’s so high, too!
Noah’s jaw dropped as he processed the protein bar’s description. Fifty percent temporary boost plus permanent enhancement that would push his strength into insane limits.
The price will deplete three-quarters of my assets, but the effects...
"System, why can’t I see the other items? Do I need to level up to level three...?"
The thought of levelling up the shop for every item nearly made him choke. It would take an eternity for him to get new products at this rate.
[Product visibility follows progressive unlock mechanics. Purchase one item to reveal the next available option. This system encourages strategic investment while maintaining discovery incentives. Your current limit for your shop level is 10 items.]
Noah studied the protein bar’s details with growing excitement. Three hundred thousand dollars represented a significant chunk of his wealth, but permanent attribute enhancement was beyond price.
Ten permanent strength points. That’s half of what I currently have.
The temporary boost alone would attract most demons.
’I need to think of a good price for this item...I also need to check its production rate.’
"System, I’m purchasing the Protein Enhancement Bar."
[Purchase confirmed. $300,000 deducted from current assets. Protein Enhancement Bar added to inventory.]
[Current Assets: $168,240.21]