[Next item unlocked in Shop Slot.]
[Item 2: Energy Drink]
Effect: Increases Agility attribute by 50% for twenty minutes. Permanently increases Agility attribute by 10 upon first consumption.
Three hundred thousand for the energy drink, too. They standardised the pricing for the same effect.
Noah’s mind calculated the implications. Both products offered identical permanent boosts to different attributes, suggesting a deliberate balance in the system’s design.
Ten permanent points in either strength or agility. That’s massive development for someone at my level.
The energy drink’s effects would push his reflexes and speed. Combined with the protein bar’s strength enhancement, he’d become much more powerful.
Fifty percent temporary boost plus permanent enhancement. I could probably dodge bullets with that kind of agility.
"System, what happens if I consume both products? I wouldn’t burst, right? It has no bad effects, just like the others."
[Enhancement effects stack without interference, no negative effects will occur. Permanent attribute increases apply independently. Temporary boosts may be used simultaneously for maximum combat effectiveness.]
Combined enhancement. Superhuman strength and speed at the same time.
The thought made Noah’s pulse quicken with anticipation.
His current assets couldn’t cover both purchases, but the future looked increasingly powerful.
Looking at the protein bar on his shelf, Noah suppressed the urge to consume it immediately and claim those ten permanent strength points for himself.
Just one bite. Ten permanent attribute points. I could become even stronger.
"System, what happens if I eat the protein bar? Would it restock at some point?" Noah asked the questions that had been on his mind.
[No, host. It will not restock automatically. You would need to purchase another for $300,000. Restocking only occurs after completing a sale, which unlocks the auto-maker for that product. Once the auto-maker is active, then it will automatically replenish.]
"Every how long would it replenish?"
[That’s for you to figure out, host. Make your first sale from protein bars, and you will know.]
"Tsk. It was worth the try," Noah muttered under his breath. He had tried to outsmart the system by tricking it into telling him the duration before making the sale, but he failed miserably.
Glancing back at the protein bar, Noah ground his teeth, fighting the overwhelming temptation to claim the enhancement for himself.
My plan of waiting for automatic production just got destroyed.
The system’s mechanics had slipped his mind during the excitement of upgrading. He’d forgotten that selling the first unit was required before the production rate became available.
It’s been so long since I’ve gotten a new product that I completely forgot the sequence.
The protein bar sat mockingly on his display shelf, its wrapper seeming to glow with power. Ten permanent strength points, locked behind the requirement to find a customer willing to pay whatever price he set.
Well, I guess I’ll show it to Lola and get her opinion on pricing.
The next few hours brought a steady stream of customers whose reactions to his expanded shop provided entertainment beyond mere commercial satisfaction. Demon after demon entered, only to stop short at the dramatic transformation.
"What in the Nine Hells," breathed a silver-horned merchant, his eyes sweeping across the doubled floor space.
"Did you expand overnight?"
"Recent renovations," Noah replied diplomatically, a smile forming on his face.
The merchant’s gaze lingered on the elegant display cases, professional lighting, and spacious walkways that had replaced his cramped original setup.
"Impressive. Very impressive. I’ve never seen such a design before, ever. It’s truly remarkable....and strange."
"Thank you for your kind words, I highly appreciate it."
Customer after customer expressed similar amazement, their approval boosting Noah’s confidence in his business trajectory. The professional presentation elevated his shop’s perceived value, making even his standard products seem more premium.
Ambiance matters. Even magical bread benefits from proper presentation.
The familiar sound of a dramatic cape billowing in the air announced Viscount Vex’s arrival before the door even opened fully.
His entrance was always hilarious in Noah’s eyes.
Vex’s expression shifted to genuine shock as his eyes devoured the transformed space.
"Noah!" Vex’s voice climbed several octaves. "What sorcery is this? Your shop has... evolved!"
Precious clicked her needle-sharp teeth with what might have been approval, her vine-tendrils reaching toward the lighting as if drawn to its warmth.
"It’s a business expansion," Noah explained, watching Vex circle the interior with obvious fascination.
"Expansion? This is metamorphosis!" Vex gestured toward the spacious layout with sweeping arm movements.
"The elegance! The sophistication! The sheer grandeur! This is spectacular!"
He’s really enjoying the aesthetic upgrade.
Vex’s attention shifted to the increased shelf space, his eyes widening as a thought emerged in his mind.
"Does this mean I can purchase more items? I see additional shelves and more storage capacity. Surely this indicates more purchasing opportunities?"
The hopeful eagerness in his voice made Noah smile with satisfaction.
"Two items per person now."
Double orders. Finally.
"TWO!" Vex practically shouted, causing Precious to click her teeth in startled sympathy. "Blessed expansion! Precious will be absolutely delighted!"
But his celebration paused as his gaze landed on the protein bar’s display case. The new product sat prominently on the shelf, alone.
Here we go. Time to gauge reaction to premium pricing.
Vex approached the display with the reverence typically reserved for sacred artefacts. His eyes scanned the product description with growing amazement.
"Protein Enhancement Bar," he read aloud, his voice dropping to awe.
"Increases Strength attribute by fifty percent for twenty minutes. Permanently increases Strength attribute by ten upon first consumption."
The silence stretched as Vex absorbed the words that challenged his understanding. Precious leaned forward from her perch behind his ear, apparently sensing her companion’s excitement.
"Permanent enhancement," Vex breathed. "Actual permanent enhancement. This is... this is a treasure!"
"Is this available for purchase?" Vex’s voice carried desperate hope mixed with anticipation of disappointment.
"It’s currently on display only," Noah replied carefully. "Maybe tomorrow."
Need to establish pricing before releasing something this powerful.
"Tomorrow!" Vex’s expression brightened with enthusiasm.
"Precious and I will return first thing in the morning! Won’t we, darling?"