What was the point of maintaining a youthful appearance when one only had a few years left? It was more profitable to use the remaining time to settle any lingering matters before departing from the world.
"I'll make sure to do the best I can to spread the word about your store," Van said, hesitating. "However, apart from those of my clan, others might find it difficult to believe what just happened. They would doubt my words, so I can't guarantee it will do any good."
Jonathan nodded in understanding. "You don't need to worry about that. Just do the best you can and forget about the rest," he responded.
He understood Van's concern but didn't think it through. After all, he would feel the same way if a friend told him they grew taller by drinking a Koka Kola, rather than admitting they had gotten surgery.
Clan or not, all that mattered was that Van brought people, and that they had money to buy something. To him, any publicity was good publicity.
Van nodded. "I would like to purchase another Ko… Ka Ko… la." He turned toward the other Koka Kola on the counter.
After just advancing to the next realm, he didn't dare drink another can immediately. Instead, he planned to buy one to save for later use when he returned to the clan. By then, he could also show it to them, making it easier for them to believe him when he explained what had happened.
The fact that he had broken through to the Grandmaster Realm was already enough evidence, but he feared they might think he practised some evil technique to achieve the breakthrough instead.
And that was a situation he desperately wished to avoid, especially when the Mountain Cloud Clan was currently in a desperate state.
"You can only purchase one item per person per day," Jonathan responded, shaking his head and pointing in a direction on the wall.
"Those are the rules."
Van turned toward where he pointed, seeing a thick flyer on the wall beside the sitting area. The flyer was white, and the black ink merged neatly with the white marble walls. At the top were the words: 'Dimensional Convenience Store Rules.'
1. All transactions are final. There are no refunds, returns or exchanges.
2. One customer may only purchase one item per day.
3. All items may be purchased as long as the customer offers something of equal value.
4. Items purchased must be used at the customer's own risk.
5. No stealing, threatening, or damaging the store...
There were a total of ten rules. With Van's sharp eyesight, he quickly read through them. His brows twitch upon reaching the fourth rule. He sighed, turned to Jonathan, and nodded.
"Since that's the case, then I'll return tomorrow. And not only that, I'll bring the referrals I promised," Van said.
Jonathan nodded. Just like Van, he had hoped customers could purchase more than one item a day, as that would allow him to complete tasks faster and fill up his Dimensional Energy.
However, upon learning about the extraordinary effects of the items, Jonathan agreed with the system's caution. After all, what would stop Van from selling everything he had, or committing robbery, or using other vile methods just to buy his items in bulk? Nothing.
Jonathan could change the rules or add more when he had enough credits, but unless he wanted to destroy this world or face an army waiting for him outside the next morning, the rules were carefully crafted for the good of all.
"I'll be taking my leave, senior.. I mean, Store manager Jonathan," Van said, quickly correcting himself as he gave one last nod. His eyes lingered on the Koka Kola once more before he turned away with slumped shoulders and walked toward the door.
It wasn't until he stepped outside, the soft 'ting' of the bell fading behind him, and was met with the scorching sun, its mana far denser and purer than that within the store, that he finally unleashed his aura.
Feeling the familiar power of a Grandmaster Ascendant surge through him, he realised everything that had transpired was neither a dream nor an illusion.
Instantly, Van's expression brightened, and he recovered his composure.
Suddenly, Van turned to the side. Seeing that his aura had stunned a few passersby, he swiftly retracted it and nodded gently at them to show he wasn't trying to start a fight. After meeting Jonathan, he no longer dared look down on anyone, regardless of appearance, because one's senses could be deceiving, and he might accidentally offend another hidden expert.
Without waiting for them to respond, Van walked past them and vanished into thin air in an instant. He needed to return to the training centre to inform the rest of the clan elders about what had just transpired and to bring along their younger generation as soon as he could.
As for getting a spot to join the Heroic Institute, that could wait. After all, who knew how long that expert was willing to remain in this rundown area, or when he might appear next?
Van wasn't going to take any chances.
Meanwhile, inside the store, Jonathan summoned his status sheet.
[ Dimensional Convenience Store Tycoon System – Host Status ]
Host: Jonathan Park
Age: 20
Occupation: Dimensional Convenience Store Tycoon
Store Level: 1
Current Income: 10 Credits
Store Reputation: 1 (Unknown)
Dimensional Energy: 0.2/100
Current World: Elendor
"Progress is progress," Jonathan muttered.
Suddenly, a golden line of text appeared before him.
[ Main Task:
Sell 30 Spicy Dragon Flavour Instant Noodles (0/30)
Sell 20 Koka Kola (0/20) ]
[ Reward:
Unlock a new product- Mystic Energy Bar.
Upgrade shelf capacity +1
Double Store's reputation. ]
[ Side Task: Attract 10 Referals. ]
[ Reward: Discount Coupon unlock. ]
"Another task. Fortunately, there's no deadline this time around," Jonathan sighed in relief. "I'll have to wait and hope that Van delivers on his promise. Still, I need to find a way to attract customers. This rundown area isn't an unfavourable place for running such a business. I think the system might have done this intentional."