Chapter 211: Perfect Apprentice, 5 Skills at Level 10 This approach would allow him to sell everything at once instead of being stuck behind the counter for extended periods throughout the day. Efficiency over constant availability. Use time more productively rather than playing shopkeeper all day, talking to the same people. This way, he could use his time for training, hunting, and personal development while still maximising revenue through concentrated sales periods. The kingdom’s stronger practitioners had already heard about his impending departure, creating urgency that guaranteed high demand for his products. Everyone wants to stock up before I leave. Perfect market conditions. Naturally, with his dramatically increased production rates, supply shortages were no longer a concern. Everything was progressing smoothly according to his expanded business model. After purchasing the instant coffee and securing it on his shelf for future use, Noah decided it was time for their daily adventure. He called Leo, who bounded over with the enthusiasm of a predator eager for action. Time for some combat training. Noah fed Leo a loaf of bread and a bottle of iced tea before departing, ensuring his companion would operate at peak performance during their hunting expedition. It was also his daily feed. ... An hour later, Noah and Leo made their way back to the shop, both feeling satisfied with their productive expedition. They had warmed up against some smaller creatures before encountering two normal minotaurs this time—not mutated specimens, but still formidable adept-rank opponents. Standard minotaurs are much more manageable than that mutated monster we fought yesterday. They had engaged both creatures in coordinated combat, honing their teamwork while testing their individual capabilities against known opponents. The battles served as excellent skill practice without the life-threatening aspect of their previous encounter. "Thank you, Father. It was fun hunting with you," Leo said with genuine affection, his voice carrying a grateful tone. Noah ruffled his companion’s golden fur as they made their way back toward the shop. "Same here, buddy. We’re getting better at working together." Our coordination is improving; it’s cool. After returning to the shop, Noah made his way to his estate. He wanted to practice his swordsmanship productively using the Tier 4 manual that contained techniques beyond normal human martial arts. Advanced techniques require space and concentration. Can’t practice these indoors. As he worked through the complex forms detailed in the manual, Leo simply sat nearby and watched with obvious admiration for his father’s dedication to improvement. Another hour passed as Noah lost himself in the flowing movements that combined physical power with magical energy manipulation. The advanced techniques demanded integration of his swordsmanship, aura control skills simultaneously. This was no longer just about swordsmanship; it was about controlling his mana to become a better swordsman. To do things that the normal human body cannot do without help from mana. ... This is what true martial artistry looks like. Not just sword technique, but complete magical integration. Noah wiped sweat from his face as he concluded the training session, feeling the satisfying burn of muscles pushed to their limits through demanding practice. [Your skill Body Tempering has reached level 9!] The idle room avatar is making excellent progress. One more level to go. Despite an hour of intensive swordsmanship training with the advanced manual, Noah didn’t feel like he had gained significant advancement in that particular skill. The techniques were clearly much more challenging at higher levels, requiring extended practice to achieve meaningful progress. Adept-level techniques demand patience. Can’t rush this kind of development. Noah decided to stop training swordsmanship for now and focus on his wind manipulation skill, which was tantalizingly close to reaching level 10. He retrieved his wind orb and settled into a meditation position. One more skill to balance before we relocate tomorrow. Two hours later, Noah’s eyes opened as he felt dual notifications appearing in his consciousness. He stared at the wind orb, which no longer contained the concentrated essence that had powered his training. The tier 5 magical orb had given everything it had to offer. It served its purpose perfectly. Time to retire this one. [Your skill Body Tempering has reached level 10!] [Your skill Wind Manipulation has reached level 10!] Noah stood up with power coursing through his body. The dual advancement represented the completion of his apprentice rank foundation across all primary skills. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦 His combat power has once again jumped by another notch, making him more confident in tackling adept-rank monsters at just the apprentice-rank! He was fighting over his rank of power. His wind manipulation had reached the same level as his swordsmanship, mana control, aura skills, and body tempering skill, creating perfect harmony across his magical and martial capabilities. Five skills at level 10. That’s a perfect apprentice-rank practitioner. I’m rounded across all attributes, and my attributes are better than other practitioners, considering that I’m using my items to improve my body from the foundational stages. The body tempering advancement would boost his vitality to sixty points, finally eliminating the vulnerability that had concerned him during recent combat encounters. ... Four hours later, the time for his grand opening had finally arrived. Noah peered through the shop window and felt his eyebrows rise at the sight before him. An immense crowd had gathered outside his shop, their numbers far exceeding his expectations. He counted carefully and estimated around one hundred or so people, though there could easily be more scattered throughout the nearby streets. The assembled crowd represented a cross-section of Esta’s population, adventurers in worn leather armour, mages in flowing robes, common citizens clutching coin purses, and even several figures whose expensive clothing marked them as minor nobility. Noah officially opened the store doors, but despite their obvious eagerness, nobody immediately flooded inside. The crowd maintained respectful order, understanding that they couldn’t afford to upset the viscount who controlled their access to these miraculous products. In this place, his word was absolute law. Those who violated his rules could only curse themselves for years to come, knowing they’d lost access to items that could transform their lives.