After Arin finished admiring his brand-new store, he opened the system window again. His eyes fell on a new section titled Products.
There were three options listed:
Coffee – Unlock Cost: $300
Bread – Unlock Cost: $500
Cake – Unlock Cost: $1000
Arin sighed. "So even products need money to unlock, huh…"
He thought for a while. His balance wasn't much. The cheapest option was Coffee, so he decided to start there.
"But what about the other products?" he asked aloud.
[When Product 2 unlocks, you can buy it again.]
"Alright then," Arin nodded. "Let's start with coffee."
He chose it, and a new message in bright blue letters came up:
Coffee Generator Purchased
Coffee Generator (Level 1)
Produce: 1 Coffee / 2 Hours
Max Storage: 12 Coffee
Just then, a hot cup of coffee appeared in the glass cabinet on the counter.
Arin's eyes lit up. "It can't be… it's actually here!"
The cup was steaming, and the smell of coffee was spreading in the shop. For a few seconds, Arin just stood there, mesmerized by the magic before him.
"So this machine… or system… will produce one coffee every two hours," he muttered. "That's twelve per day."
Then SA spoke again.
[It's not a normal coffee, Host. Try using your ability on it.]
Arin turned on Value Eyes, and he got a new display:
Item: Coffee
Manufacturing Value: $3
Selling Value: Not Decided
Effect: Helps Concentration and Reaction Speed Rise by 15%, Sleep Debuff Removed for 3 Hours
"What the..." Arin said in disbelief.
The coffee actually had effects — like something straight out of a fantasy world!
[Each cup costs $3 to produce. The amount will be deducted automatically.]
Arin frowned. "So I'm losing money before I even sell anything…"
[You'll receive your income daily once the product sells.]
Arin rubbed his chin, thinking. "If I sell each cup for $5, I'll earn $60 a day. But I'll spend $36 to make them. That's only a $24 profit…"
He sighed. "At this rate, I won't even make enough to pay next month's rent, let alone live comfortably."
As he was lost in thought, he noticed the counter had three cups of coffee now, freshly brewed and glowing softly under the light.
Just then, the doorbell dinged.
Arin looked up. A tired-looking young man entered — around his age, maybe a college student. He had messy hair, drooping eyelids, and dark circles under his eyes.
"I've never seen this store before," the boy said curiously. "Is it new?"
Arin blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected a customer, especially so late in the evening.
"Yeah," Arin said with a small smile. We just started selling today." The boy was
looking at the coffee which was steaming in the glass display.
That smells so good... Can I get one?"
Arin beamed,"Sure." He got a cup from the display and handed it to him.
The kid took the cup, smelled the coffee deeply, and tasted it.
He got his new vision straightaway, being shocked, "Wow... it's so good!"
A warmth flowed in his body, the weariness that was there a moment ago disappeared totally. His brain was more cofnitive, his eyes more focused.
This… this is nothing like regular coffee! " he was amazed. "How did you make it?"
Arin just gave a cheating smile. "Our coffee beans are special. They're imported from outside the country. It helps you focus and stay awake for hours."
He had just made that up, of course.
The boy nodded in amazement. "It really works. I really feel the energy to stay awake during a whole night study now!"
After that, he asked, "How much does it cost? It can't be cheap, can it?"
Arin was silent for a moment. Then he smiled and said, "Why don't you be the one that sets the price? After all, you are the one who has tested it, so tell me what you think it is worth."
The boy paused for a moment and then frankly said, "$10 at the very least. It is that great — and the effect is also instant."
Arin was shocked and amazed. He was planning to sell it at $5… but $10? That was even better!
With a cheery voice, he replied, "Okay then, $10 will be the price."
The boy drew out a $20 bill. "I'll buy one for later," he said with a grin.
As quick as he could, Arin gave him another cup and said, "You don't have to pay for the one you've just taken the drink — you're my first customer."
The boy's smile broadened. "Thank you for the hospitality. I will certainly let my friends know about this place!"
"Don't hesitate," Arin said, while waving to say goodbye. "Next time, bring them along."
The doorbell rang one more time as the boy walked away.
Then a new notification popped up on Arin's screen:
Your Daily Income is now $10
Store Rating +10
Arin looked at the glowing blue text for a short moment without moving. Then a big smile emerged on his face.
His first sale. His first customer. His first income.
He glanced around his empty store that was still covered with the subtle blue light from the system.
"It's only the beginning," he murmured, still excited. "I'm so curious to see how far I can go."