Chapter 239: Ten Million — Host: Noah Carter Age: 28 Shop Level: 2 Daily Revenue: $736,500 (or equivalent) Current Assets: $10,566,840 Shop Points: 23,190 Attributes: Strength: 60, Vitality: 60, Intelligence: 60, Agility: 60 Skills: [Level 11:] Swordsmanship [Level 10:] Mana Control, Aura, Wind Manipulation, Body Tempering [Level 3:] Surviving on Ramen, Cooking, Finance, Gaming [Level 2:] Programming — With his daily assets crossing the ten million dollar mark in a single afternoon, Noah felt genuine delight coursing through his body. He had achieved a financial milestone that he’d kept at the back of his mind for weeks, never quite believing it would happen so quickly. The transformation from struggling debtor to multi-millionaire entrepreneur was something that he thought he had gotten used to, but every time he crosses a large milestone like this, it still feels surreal. Where would he be if he hadn’t gotten the system? Would he still be getting chased by debt collectors, surviving on ramen cups, and watching his dad’s health slowly wither away? Noah let out a thankful sigh, the sound breaking the silence in the shop. Lola watched him from behind the counter with obvious amusement at his satisfied expression, her ruby eyes sparkling with warmth, witnessing his happiness. "It seems like you’re really pleased with this new location," she said with her teasing tone. "Everything is going so well—you’re selling everything at the prices these items truly deserve. You are really a kind soul, helping your fellow humans evolve their lifestyles and powers. I have seen you save hundreds of lives in the short time we were together." Noah turned to face her with a bitter smile. She doesn’t know that it’s not exactly charity, I’m really not a ’good’ person, I’m just a regular guy trying to help out whilst still focusing on my benefits. Whilst a small part of me wanted to help them improve their kingdom, the one where my friends lived. A large part of me also did it for the progress. Whether it’s the shop points, the money or the auto maker EXP. The thoughts made me think deeper. I’m really not as good as people around me thought. I could help out much more, but sigh. This is human nature, it’s not necessarily wrong for me to want more...or is it? Noah dispelled the thoughts with a headshake before saying. "Yes, I’m extremely pleased with how everything is developing. And a significant part of this success is due to your knowledge about proper pricing strategies in this place." Lola shook her head with modest dismissal of his praise. "To be honest, you would have figured out appropriate pricing eventually. It’s not particularly difficult to guess that elven kingdoms possess substantial wealth reserves." Noah somewhat disagreed with her assessment, understanding how easily he could have made costly pricing errors without her guidance. "That’s not entirely accurate," he corrected with honest self-reflection. "In fact, with warfare raging between them, I would have instinctively lowered prices, assuming that prolonged conflict had depleted their financial reserves." "Your insight about wartime economics in magical kingdoms was helpful, nonetheless. I could have missed significant revenue opportunities without your advice. Yes, I would have figured it out eventually. But I would have lost thousands of golden coins by then," Noah continued with sincere gratitude. Lola smiled at his praise while maintaining her humility about her contributions to their business partnership. After reflecting on their current success, Noah’s thoughts turned toward potential security concerns that might arise from their prominent position between two hostile factions. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺 "I want you to try and gather information when possible," Noah instructed with growing seriousness. "Listen to the subtle things that the light elves or dark elves say, observe their behaviour, pick up on any intelligence about their intentions or strategic plans." Lola nodded with understanding. "Also," Noah added with protective concern, "if either faction attempts anything threatening or problematic, you’re fully authorised to defend yourself and the shop. Don’t hesitate to use whatever force necessary." "Of course," Lola replied with confidence that spoke to her combat capabilities. "I won’t allow anyone to threaten your shop or Leo’s safety." Noah felt warmth flush his heart at her words. Then, Noah turned toward his system interface with a practical question about shop security protocols. "System, does Lola have the authority to remove customers from the shop if they become problematic?" [Affirmative. As an authorised employee, Lola possesses ejection privileges when granted by the shop owner. This authority extends to physical removal of disruptive or aggressive customers and enforcement of shop policies.] "Good," Noah said with satisfaction. "Lola, I’m officially granting you full authority to eject any customers who cause problems, violate our policies, or threaten the neutral status of our establishment. You would not need to use your normal power; simply think about it, and they will automatically be kicked from the shop." Lola’s eyes glinted slightly as a memory resurfaced. She remembered when she had pushed her teasing too much, and it led to her own self being kicked out of the shop by Noah. At that time, she had pondered on how a human with seemingly novice power was able to remove her from the shop before she could even realise. The authorisation would provide an additional layer of security while ensuring that no harm befell Lola, Leo or the shop. It would also show both kingdoms that he wasn’t someone to mess with. Before leaving, Noah’s expression grew serious before saying. "I don’t need to remind you, but be careful. Both kingdoms are at war, and they are very desperate for advantages. They might make stupid decisions, whether they try to get in your good books or do something else. Always stay fair, no matter what. Half of the stock for them after deducting your daily salary and an equal portion for myself." Lola nodded at his words, with an equally serious expression on her face. "You don’t have to worry about this. I’m simply here to sell; I have no reason to take sides. I’m just here to follow my boss’s orders~" Seeing her serious expression and teasing tone, Noah couldn’t help but shake his head in disbelief. "You...never fail to throw one out of nowhere, do you?" Lola pouted, her cheeks puffing. "Nowhere? This is coming straight from my pure, maiden heart. You are so mean~"