Chapter 126: The Black Visage The pouch landed on Noah’s counter with satisfying weight, its contents representing both successful crisis resolution and substantial profit margin. Payment in full. No haggling, no complications, just royal resources backing royal decisions. Noah retrieved the energy drink with ceremonial care, handling the container like the legendary artifact it essentially was. The liquid inside pulsed with contained power that made the air itself seem more responsive. Prince Malphas accepted the energy drink with obvious appreciation, immediately transferring it to his personal storage ring rather than consuming it immediately. The magical container vanished into dimensional space. The moment the transaction completed, Noah’s system responded with immediate recognition of another major business milestone. [Level 1 Auto-EnergyDrink is now in effect] [New daily income stream: $235,000 (or equivalent)] Two hundred thirty-five thousand dollars daily. My passive income just doubled. The notification blazed across Noah’s consciousness with numbers that redefined his understanding of wealth accumulation. Between the protein bar and energy drink production, his daily passive income was approaching half a million dollars. "A pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Noah," Prince Malphas declared with royal satisfaction. "This arrangement resolves all previous concerns." "Likewise, Your Highness. Thank you for your understanding." The prince’s entourage prepared to depart with the coordinated movements of people accustomed to royal schedules. As the royal entourage left his door, Noah checked on his new auto-maker capabilities. Just like the protein bar, the auto-maker had a production rate of one energy drink every two hours, with a maximum of twelve per day. "Not bad, this is pretty good," Noah muttered with satisfaction. BOOM! A thunderous explosion erupted outside his shop, the sound so powerful it felt like it would puncture his eardrums. The entire building shook from the magical impact. "What the hell is going on?" Noah whispered to himself. Leo’s golden fur stood completely upright, his juvenile instincts screaming danger warnings. The little lion’s blue eyes darted toward the door with obvious alarm. Even Leo knows something’s seriously wrong. Noah immediately rushed to his window, peering through the glass to identify the source of magical violence erupting in his peaceful plaza. The scene that greeted him defied comprehension. A figure draped in oversized black cloth engaged Prince Malphas and his four royal guards in furious combat. The mysterious attacker’s identity was completely concealed, but something about their mask made Noah’s blood run cold. "This mask..." Prince Malphas’s voice cut through the chaos with royal authority tinged by genuine concern. "Black Visage... you have been quite active recently, I must say." Black Visage. That’s not a random street criminal. The cloaked figure laughed with a hoarse voice that carried disturbing amusement. "Have I, Your Highness? I just missed your company." Clang! Clang! Steel met steel as the figure engaged all four guards simultaneously. Each royal bodyguard was a pseudo master-level warrior whose combined strength should have overwhelmed any single opponent. Yet Black Visage moved between them like deadly smoke. Whoosh! Fire erupted from the figure’s free hand while a short dagger danced through the guard’s defensive formations. The combination of magical and physical assault created chaos that even those royal guards struggled to contain. Four pseudo-masters versus one opponent. And they’re losing. Clang! Sizzle! The dagger parried sword strikes while flames forced constant repositioning. Black Visage’s combat style was brutally efficient—every movement served multiple purposes. Lola...What are you doing... Prince Malphas watched his bodyguards falter with royal frustration that overcame tactical wisdom. His pride demanded action despite obvious personal risk. "Your Highness, escape while we hold them!" one guard shouted through gritted teeth. Crash! Another fire explosion sent two guards stumbling backwards, their formations completely disrupted. Black Visage pressed the advantage with relentless aggression. The prince’s guards are outmatched. But instead of retreating, Prince Malphas reached for his storage ring with determination. Royal dignity was at stake—he couldn’t flee forever. His royal family had been constantly targeted by this black visage. He’s going for the energy drink. He’s actually going to consume it mid-combat. The container materialized in his hands, and without hesitation, the prince drained its contents in a single gulp. The transformation was immediate and dramatic. His agility increased rapidly as the content of the energy drink flooded through his physique like liquid lightning, multiplying his speed and reflexes beyond his normal capabilities. The fifty percent boost stacked atop his already formidable base attributes. Black Visage’s eyes widened with obvious surprise as they sensed the prince’s dramatic power increase. For the first time since combat began, the mysterious attacker seemed genuinely shocked. Lola clearly didn’t expect the agility enhancement. The prince just gained a significant advantage. Those hidden eyes swept toward Noah’s shop with unmistakable recognition before snapping back to the enhanced prince. Damn it, Lola! I didn’t know you were going to attack him, right after he buys my energy drink! "Interesting development," Black Visage murmured with that disturbing hoarse voice. Whoosh! Clang! The prince joined combat with supernatural speed. Enhanced agility allowed him to match Black Visage’s previously overwhelming tempo alongside his guards. Noah pressed against his window, torn between fascination and terror. The battle raged directly outside his shop, with magical forces that could easily destroy his entire establishment. Should I help her? But...how? How am I meant to help this succubus? Leo whimpered beside him, clearly sensing his Papa’s distress while struggling with his own protective instincts. Sizzle! Clang! Boom! The battle intensified as enhanced royal forces pressed their temporary advantage. But Black Visage adapted quickly, their tactics shifting to account for improved opposition. Noah watched in growing horror as the battle escalated beyond anything his current abilities could handle. This was completely above his pay grade; even if he wanted to help Lola, it would be suicide. He’d basically be asking to get himself killed. Four pseudo-masters plus an enhanced prince versus one opponent. I’d last about a millisecond in that chaos. People began fleeing the plaza in panic, their screams adding to the cacophony of magical combat. In the distance, more guards could be seen approaching at a run, their armor glinting as reinforcements rushed toward the battle.