Chapter 63: Five Hundred Sets of Gear

  Chi Yongqiu’s other hand gripped the second knight sword at his waist.

  This was a combat style he had stumbled upon by accident—all because Kael had refused to give him a refund. To avoid letting a perfectly good weapon go to waste, he had forced himself to practice with both, eventually unlocking a brand-new way to fight.

  "Twin-Blade Style—Brave Claw!"

  CRACK!

  The long blade in Ghostface’s hand was snapped clean in two by the sheer force of the strike. Simultaneously, the [Ice-Crystal Knight Sword’s] special effect triggered.

  A wave of crystalline frost surged forward, seizing Ghostface’s joints. The counterattack he had been visualizing in his mind was instantly rendered impossible as his body turned stiff and sluggish.

  "Impossible!"

  Ghostface was sent skidding across the ground. Chi Yongqiu didn’t let up; he kicked off the earth, his silhouette blurring as he pursued. Just as Ghostface hit the dirt, the knight sword whistled through the air, pinning itself into the ground mere inches from the senior's eye.

  "Checkmate!"

  The combined might of the high-grade weapon and the alchemical pill was undeniable. Chi Yongqiu yanked his sword from the ground and calmly walked back to the freshman ranks.

  "We won! We actually won!" "Incredible! You guys are heroes! The heroes of the freshmen!" "Our points are safe! Thank you, seriously, thank you!"

  After a moment of stunned silence, a roar of jubilation erupted from the newcomers, echoing across the plaza. Amidst the deafening cheers, the second-year students could do nothing but tuck their tails and slink away in disgrace.

  "Not bad," Ke Minglang remarked, leaning in. He was the only one who knew the truth. "You actually brought back the pills from the Boss’s shop."

  "Save it. Do you have any [Healing Pills] left? Bai Fengyun looks like he’s about to pass out over there."

  Cloud Mist City, Kael’s Shop.

  Kael had no idea that his merchandise was currently turning the power dynamic of a prestigious academy upside down a thousand miles away. He was busy in the Training Room, standing before the crystal ball.

  He spent the entire night battling the four Arena Guardians over and over again. The Swordsman’s guile, the Lancer’s relentless charge, the Archmage’s calculated stability, and the Guardian Knight’s immovable defense—each represented the pinnacle of their respective class and level.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  Kael pushed himself to ensure his own combat techniques surpassed them all. It was a matter of professional pride: as the manager, he had to be the strongest user of his own products.

  He wasn't entirely sure what the Training Room upgrade would look like, but he knew one thing: it would be better than what he had now.

  "Yaaaawn..."

  Watching the faint morning light filter through the storefront, Kael let out a long yawn. He had played all night. I really need an assistant, he thought as he walked back to the general store and opened the front door.

  "Big Brother! It’s beef today! It’s really, really tasty!"

  The moment the door opened, a large chunk of roasted beef—steaming hot and glistening red—was thrust into Kael’s face. Behind it stood the members of the Lanye Squad.

  "Thanks. Come in. Grab whatever you need," Kael said with a smile, accepting the gift from Lan Zier before turning back into the shop.

  "The Manager is as cold as ever today," Lan Qing’er teased with a giggle. Kael just raised an eyebrow and remained silent. A professional manager didn't let a little teasing get under his skin.

  "Kael, is that Skill Crystal still here? I want to reserve the [Frost Grip] crystal," Nalan Qinqi said, running up to the counter.

  "Sure," Kael replied. While he looked indifferent, he was dancing on the inside. His small-item reward was finally selling—and that was pure profit that went directly into his own pocket.

  "Alright, look around and then gather next door. Your combat techniques need serious work," Lan Ye said sternly to her team.

  Yesterday, after being thoroughly thrashed in the Arena for four hours, Lan Ye had felt a breakthrough in her combat intuition—her grasp of forms, the timing of her skills, and her control over the battlefield’s flow had all improved. It was a revelation. She realized the Arena wasn't just a game; it was a way to sharpen one's strength even when your level was capped.

  After seeing the Lanye Squad off to the Training Room, Kael sat behind the counter, eating the beef Lan Zier had given him for breakfast.

  "Boss, eating meat first thing in the morning isn't great for the health."

  Next through the door were Ying Xue and Ying Feng. Ying Xue set her crystals on the counter and offered a playful jab.

  Kael calmly set down the beef and wiped his mouth. "Meat is nutritious."

  "Seems you're missing someone today."

  "Ling Xiao went back," Ying Xue explained. "He only came to check on the weapons. Finding the armor and pills was a bonus."

  "Boss, get us set up! I’m hitting the Arena first today," Ying Feng added, eagerly handing over his payment.

  Shortly after, Blood Wolf and his squad arrived for their daily routine. All twenty slots in the Training Room were now filled to capacity.

  I hope the room stays this full even after the upgrade, Kael mused, glancing through the connecting door.

  Yesterday, the moment Qin Ming returned to the manor, he began mobilizing the City Guard. Every soldier not currently on duty in the forest was summoned to the parade grounds for a grueling selection process.

  After hours of group matches and individual duels, he had selected the top five hundred—the elite "Sharp Blade" unit of Cloud Mist City. Qin Ming hadn't slept a wink. He arrived at Kael’s shop the next morning looking exhausted but determined.

  "Good morning, Manager," Qin Ming greeted him.

  "Hello, City Lord. What can I help you with?" Kael knew the "big fish" had arrived. The success of his quest rested on this negotiation.

  "I spent the night organizing the units. I’ve finalized the numbers," Qin Ming said, his voice raspy. "I need five hundred sets of equipment."

  Kael knew he was talking about Excellent-grade gear. Even a small city like this had more than five hundred guards, but these were for the elites.

  "No problem. As long as you can transport them yourself, I have enough in stock," Kael nodded.

  He didn't mention discounts. As a merchant, he never brought up lower prices first—especially since the System forbade them. Any discount he gave would have to come out of his own share of the profits.