Chapter 197: Growth, and departing "Your products continue to amaze," Elara said with genuine appreciation for what she’d witnessed. "The kingdom’s strongest warriors have all been strengthened thanks to your items and generosity, to lower the price of such valuable treasures. No matter how many times we thank you, it won’t be enough to repay you. Thank you, Noah. You are one of the best people to ever step foot into this kingdom." Valeria nodded in agreement. "More than half of the kingdom’s Adept and master-level practitioners just became significantly more powerful thanks to your inventory. That’s going to shift the balance of our war with the extremists." ... Before Valeria and Elara left, Noah informed them that he would be moving once again in two days. When he would return was unknown, but he hoped that everything would go well for them during his absence. The duo tried to persuade him to stay, their expressions carrying genuine disappointment at losing their reliable friend before being their supplier. "You’ve become integral to our kingdom’s defence," Elara argued with concern for the safety of the people and her own personal reasoning. "Your products have strengthened our forces beyond what we thought possible." Valeria nodded in agreement. Despite their persuasion, Noah still shook his head with gentle firmness, his decision already made despite their arguments. "I really can’t," Noah said with an apologetic smile on his face. Staying in the human kingdom, while it would be nice to be next to friends, it would limit my progress significantly. I need to explore the world, discover new opportunities, and continue growing The realisation had crystallised during his time in the demon kingdom. Each new location brought unique challenges, customers, and experiences that expanded his capabilities in ways that remaining stationary never could. Comfort is the enemy of growth. Back when he first became the shopkeeper of the idle store, he was nothing but a scared man. Afraid of even stepping outside for fear of experiencing the pain of death three times over. But now? He had grown, not only in strength, but in confidence. He no longer feared every shadow, afraid that his death was drawing near. Both women sighed with resignation, recognising the determination in his voice that indicated no amount of persuasion would change his mind. "At least you’re giving us proper notice this time," Valeria said with wry humour, remembering his sudden disappearance during the last time he had left. "We’ll be here before you leave," Elara promised, her composure cracking as she tried to mask the personal sadness at another farewell. "Thank you for not giving us short notice like last time." He had given them two days to prepare mentally and practically for his departure. They departed reluctantly, leaving Noah alone with Leo in the shop that had become their temporary sanctuary. Leo nestled next to his father, the young lion’s high intelligence allowing him to sense the mixed emotions surrounding their impending relocation. "Father, are you sad about leaving them?" Leo asked with curiosity about human emotional complexity. Leo no longer called Noah papa; his growth had also started affecting his personality and the way he spoke, not just his strength and potential. "A little," Noah admitted, stroking Leo’s mane gently with affection. "But growth requires change. Staying comfortable would mean staying weak." "I understand. New places mean new adventures and new food!" His perspective is refreshingly simple. Adventure for more food. Noah smiled at his companion’s optimistic outlook before checking his updated status to assess their current position. — Host: Noah Carter Age: 28 Shop Level: 2 Daily Revenue: $355,000 (or equivalent) Current Assets: $828,640 Shop Points: 10,160 Attributes: Strength: 60, Vitality: 30, Intelligence: 60, Agility: 60 Skills: Swordsmanship(Level 10), Mana Control (Level 10), Wind Manipulation (Level 8), Aura (Level 8), Body Tempering (Level 6), Surviving on Ramen (Level 3), Cooking (Level 3), Finance (Level 3), Gaming (Level 3), Programming (Level 2), — The numbers reflected more than just the premium sales. During his four hours of idle room training, the auto-makers had continued their steady production, generating thirty-two loaves of bread and sixteen iced teas that had sold to the same customers who had bought the premium items. His assets had nearly reached the million-dollar threshold once again, providing financial freedom. Most importantly, his shop points had crossed the crucial 10,000 mark, fulfilling one of the two conditions required for the Shop Level 3 upgrade that would unlock new features and opportunities. Half the requirements complete. Progress toward the next tier. The second condition, however, presented a significantly greater challenge that would require sustained effort and patience. [Auto-IceTea Maker] Level: 4 Production Rate: 4 Iced teas every hour Max Stock: 96 Progress: 180/400 — [Auto-Baker] Level: 4 Production Rate: 8 Loaves every hour Max Stock: 96 Progress: 288/400 — [Auto-ProteinBar] Level: 1 Production Rate: 1 bar every 2 hours Max Stock: 12 Progress: 27/100 — [Auto-EnergyDrink] Level: 1 Production Rate: 1 Energy Drink every 2 hours Max Stock: 12 Progress: 24/100 — [Auto-BeefJerky] Level: 1 Production Rate: 1 Beef Jerky every 2 hours Max Stock: 12 Progress: 24/100 — [Auto-RiceCake] Level: 1 Production Rate: 1 Rice Cake every 2 hours Max Stock: 12 Progress: 10/100 — The premium auto-makers are making the same normal progress, it will take me about 9 days to level all of them up to level 2, from there it should pick up speed, hopefully, my next destination is well off. The bread and iced tea makers were approaching Level 5 with steady advancement, their progress reflecting consistent sales to customers who could afford their reasonable pricing. But the premium enhancement items remained stuck at Level 1, their astronomical costs having previously limited the customer base to royalty and master-level practitioners. He had solved the issue two days ago, which started helping. At this rate, it would take a few weeks or perhaps a month to achieve Level 4 across all categories. The reality was sobering. Each premium auto-maker needed to complete four level upgrades, requiring hundreds of total sales per category. If he stayed in the human kingdom, reaching Shop Level 3 through auto-maker advancement alone would take at least half a year’s worth of operation. Check AUTHOR’S NOTES! IMPORTANT!