CHAPTER 100: AUCTION

The carnivorous flower clicked her teeth in what appeared to be eager agreement, her vine-tendrils swaying with anticipation.

Even his plant wants permanent strength enhancement.

"I must ask," Vex continued, his tone shifting to serious business discussion.

"What price range should I prepare for? This level of enhancement surely commands premium compensation."

That’s the million-dollar question. Or in this case, the several-hundred-thousand-dollar question.

"Still finalizing details," Noah deflected. "Check back tomorrow for availability and pricing. But definitely not early morning, you would just be wasting your time. I will most likely decide in the evening."

Vex waved his hand dismissively. "It’s okay, I will come for my daily purchase anyway, you don’t have to worry about it."

...

Noah settled into his ergonomic chair, appreciating the upgrade from his previous uncomfortable stool.

Four loaves and two iced teas per hour. This is going to be good...

An hour passed, and true to the system’s promise, four golden loaves and two crystalline bottles appeared on his shelves. The sight of accelerated inventory generation filled him with satisfaction that transcended mere money success.

Double production means double shop points. If demand stays consistent, I’ll be looking at close to a thousand shop points. This will help exponentially as the second upgrade isn’t cheap.

After checking the requirements upgrade for level 3, Noah decided to forget about it for the time being and focus on the tasks at hand.

The familiar sound of confident footsteps approached his entrance, accompanied by an aura that made the air itself shy.

Lola’s back. Finally.

The door opened to reveal the succubus in her usual glory—midnight hair cascading over shoulders, ruby eyes sparkling with mischievous energy, and that smile that suggested she had bad plans.

"Hello, my favourite mysterious shopkeep—"

Her greeting died mid-sentence as her gaze swept across the transformed interior.

Her ruby eyes widened with genuine shock as she glanced all over the doubled floor space, elegant display cases, and professional lighting that had replaced his modest original setup.

"What in the Seven Circles happened here?" Lola’s voice carried disbelief mixed with obvious admiration.

"Did you expand overnight?"

Her reaction is even better than Vex’s. They are all asking about expansion overnight...heh.

"Business growth required operational expansion," Noah replied with a deliberately casual tone.

"Business growth?" She circled the interior with feline grace, her tail swishing as she examined every detail.

Lola’s attention shifted from aesthetic appreciation to more pressing concerns. "Speaking of progress, how’s your elemental affinity discovery going? Any breakthrough since our last conversation?"

Noah’s expression darkened slightly. "Still nothing. Every element I’ve tried remains completely unresponsive."

Two days of intensive meditation with zero results.

Lola frowned with genuine concern rather than disappointment. "That’s... unusual. Most people show at least marginal resonance with something by now."

Thanks for the confidence boost.

But her frown transformed into shock as her gaze landed on the protein bar’s display case. The new product sat prominently on its shelf, its description visible through the protective glass.

"Permanent attribute enhancement," she whispered, approaching the display with reverence typically reserved for legendary artefacts.

"Actual permanent enhancement. This works across all ranks, right? Just like your other products."

Lola’s assumption was incredibly bold; things that increased the attributes of Master-level mages were far and few. But the shopkeeper in front of her had always surprised her, and it wasn’t an impossibility, considering that it was Noah.

Noah nodded with a smile. "Of course."

"Noah, do you understand what you’re selling here?"

"I know it increases strength permanently by ten points," Noah replied carefully.

"Ten permanent points plus fifty percent temporary boost." Lola’s voice carried awe that made her usual confidence seem subdued. "This isn’t just valuable—this is a treasure that brothers would wage wars to possess."

Brothers would wage wars. This seems like it’s as valuable as the crown; royal brothers are always fighting for it.

"What would be a good price for something like this?" Noah asked, genuinely curious about the market value for permanent enhancement.

"Price?" Lola’s laugh carried disbelief. "Noah, you shouldn’t ask for mere gold coins. You should ask for something rare and useful in return."

Beyond monetary compensation. That’s a different level entirely.

"Set up an auction tomorrow," she continued, her business instincts overriding her initial shock. "I’ll help you announce it throughout Sin City. Every powerful demon will want to bid."

Her expression shifted slightly, carrying what might have been disappointment.

"Although I would’ve wanted to buy it myself."

She genuinely wants it, but recognises that an auction will help me more.

Seeing her helpful attitude despite personal desire, Noah felt a wave of appreciation for her assistance over the past days. Training, instruction, business advice—she’d contributed significantly to his development.

"Don’t worry," he whispered, leaning closer with secrecy. "I have a few more on the way. I’ll give you one when they arrive."

"REALLY!" Her ruby eyes brightened as she ran to hug him, but he stopped her, placing his palm on her head as she tried to comically go past it.

"But in return," he continued in the same whisper, "I want you to help increase auction prices. What do you think?"

Lola’s smile transformed into something approaching predatory satisfaction. Her ruby eyes sparkled with the kind of mischief that suggested she had excellent ideas about auction manipulation.

"A mutually beneficial arrangement," she purred, extending her hand with formality. "I accept your proposal."

Business partnership with a master-level succubus. This should be interesting.

They shook hands, sealing an agreement that would probably revolutionise his product pricing while ensuring Lola received one too.

"I know exactly how to generate maximum bidding enthusiasm," Lola continued, her voice carrying the confidence of someone who had done it before.

"Scarcity, exclusivity, and just enough demonstration to prove authenticity."

She’s going to turn this into a spectacle.

"When should we schedule the auction?" Noah asked.

"Tomorrow evening. Gives me time to spread word among the right people—nobles, wealthy merchants, anyone with resources worth acquiring." Her tail swished with anticipation.

"This will be the most talked-about event Sin City has seen in months."