C3 CHAPTER3

After much deliberation, bolstered by the empowering sensation the walnut had bestowed upon him, he mustered his resolve and refrained from consuming them.

"Selling them individually would be the wisest and most astute move," he mused.

Yet, this novel item was a windfall from the lottery. There was no established price in the shop, and the system had expressly stated he lacked the authority to set one.

Upon inquiry, he was met with an astonishing revelation.

"Ding! Level-3 item, 100,000 spiritual coins!"

Sam swelled with pride for having resisted the urge to gobble them up in one go.

Selling just a few could transform his life; he could relocate to the city's heart, perhaps even purchase a modest home.

Humming a nostalgic tune, he joyfully arranged his new stock in the display window when a young couple approached.

The woman was striking, with luscious crimson lips and an air of elegance. Her companion, towering and robust, was swathed in a luxurious fur coat, a stunning Crystal Nucleus necklace adorning his neck, signaling his affluence.

"Good morning, Boss. What treasures do you have for sale?" the woman inquired, her voice soft and inviting.

Before Sam could answer, the man, after a cursory glance at the steep prices, interjected:

"Let's try elsewhere, Chloe. Nothing catches the eye here. Whatever you desire, I'll fetch from the city's central store," he declared, his smile brimming with assurance.

"Humph! You always say that. I want to look around here first... Strength-enhancing pill? Energy pill? Walnuts? Boss, what are these curiosities? They seem intriguing."

Observing the woman's eyes light up at the sight of his modest inventory, the young man's spirits deflated.

"This greedy shopkeeper... 1,000 spiritual coins for a mere pill, 100,000 for a walnut? He's lost his mind," he silently fumed.

"The strength-enhancing pill offers a temporary boost in power, the energy pill replenishes spiritual vigor, and the walnut enhances genetic potential," Sam explained.

"Each item comes with a brief description for your perusal," he added, noting the young man's expression souring intermittently.

"I get that times are tough for a small shop like this, but Boss, 1,000 spiritual coins for a single pill?"

"Don't you think you're jacking up the prices?" The young man received only a dismissive gesture and a contemptuous glance in response.

Sam, without realizing it, had started to make judgments and decisions based on the system's standards. With the insight he'd gained over the past few days, he could tell the couple was unlikely to make a purchase, so he remained indifferent.

"This Energizing Pill is a better fit for me since I'm a Water Awakened. The strength-enhancing pill seems more your speed, Ivan. Why not give it a try? It looks tempting!"

Despite Ivan's best efforts to steer the young woman to other shops, he was confronted with the stark reality that reasoning with a woman set on getting her way was futile, particularly when she's met with resistance.

Left without any further arguments and seething with frustration, Ivan reluctantly placed a pile of coins on the counter, fixing his gaze on Sam. In a hushed, barely audible voice, he inquired, "Any discount for buying two?"

Sam, spotting Ivan's predicament, flashed a mischievous grin and cleared his throat. He announced loudly enough for bystanders to hear, "No discounts, no credit, no loans, no exchanges—strictly the official price in spiritual coins."

"Humph! Who asked you?" Ivan retorted with a forced smile, adding under his breath, "We'll take both... damn extortionist." The last words were muttered to himself.

Sam offered a warm smile as he packaged the two pills and, looking at the young woman's beaming face, remarked, "You've got yourself a real gem there—he seems to adore you."

The young woman exited the shop with joy written all over her face, while Ivan managed a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

After five days of business, Sam had sold a total of two strength-enhancing pills, one godly speed pill, and one energizing pill. His total revenue amounted to 4,000 spiritual coins. As a level-1 supplier, he was entitled to a 10% profit, netting him 400 spiritual coins.

For Sam, a newcomer to the supplier trade, this was an encouraging beginning. Though his shop lagged behind others in the central area, he was confident the gap wouldn't last.

"At this point, saving is pointless. It's wiser to keep reinvesting in the store's inventory. Seeing it nearly empty except for a few pills is just... disheartening."

"System, activate the supply channel for 10 level-1 pills, please."

"Ding! You've received a 100 spirit coin discount! You've obtained:

3 Level-1 Strength Enhancing Pills.

3 Level-1 Energizing Pills.

2 Level-1 Godly Speed Pills.

1 Level-1 Blood Replenishing Pill.

1 Level-2 Experience Pill."

"Huh? Why's there a level-2 pill when I only requested level-1 supplies?" Sam inquired, puzzled. Was the system glitching? Or was it finally yielding to his will?

The system, detecting his skepticism, retorted in a sardonic tone.

"Ding! Host, let's not get ahead of ourselves with ego. This is simply a bonus for consecutively activating 10 supply channels—you're guaranteed a superior item!"

Sam, now used to the system's snark, focused on what mattered.

"Level-2 Experience Pill: Consumption will grant you a substantial experience boost, potentially leveling you up!"

Overcome by the allure, Sam popped the pill into his mouth without a second thought, only to feel as if he'd gulped down nothing but air.

"What just happened?" he questioned, stunned, feeling for any signs of transformation.

"Ding! The Level-2 Experience Pill costs 10,000 spiritual coins. You're eligible for a 10% discount, which means 9,000 spiritual coins will be deducted..."

"Ding! Insufficient spiritual coins. You cannot consume the Level-2 Experience Pill."

With a heavy heart, Sam faced the bitter truth: he had an incredible opportunity right before his eyes, yet it remained just out of reach—even with the discount.