In the Aetheron Empire, the majestic Cloud Mist mountains stood shrouded in eternal veils.

  This name was derived from Cloud Mist City, so called for its proximity to the vast Cloud Mist Forest. The forest teemed with low-tier magical beasts, acting as a natural magnet that drew countless mercenaries to the area.

  Across the Empire, numerous academies also utilized the Cloud Mist Forest as a proving ground for their students, both green and seasoned alike. This constant influx of people fueled the city's prosperity, making it a bustling hub of commerce, culture, and martial strength.

  Yet, in a desolate corner of this flourishing city, there stood a small, unremarkable shop.

  The shopkeeper was currently slumped over the window frame, staring wistfully at the empty street with a look of profound boredom.

  Ding. The Shopkeeper System update is complete. Host, would you like to activate the system?

  A cold, synthetic voice suddenly echoed in Kael’s mind.

  Kael froze for a moment before his eyes welled up with tears of relief.

  "A whole month... I’ve waited a whole month! Finally, the standard-issue 'Golden Finger' for transmigrators has arrived!"

  In his mind’s eye, Kael could already see the scene: himself, backed by the System, ascending to the pinnacle of life with a single domineering stride.

  But wait... what exactly was a "Shopkeeper System"?

  Despite his confusion, Kael muttered the command in his heart: "Activate!"

  [Shopkeeper System activation command received. Issuing Initial Quest.]

  Initial Quest: The First Shop Objective: Own a shop of your very own. (How can a Great Shopkeeper not have their own establishment?) Reward: System Activation. Time Limit: None.

  Kael blinked. "Wait, doesn't this shop I’m in count?"

  [System: This is a doghouse, not a shop.]

  ...

  Stung by the System’s bluntness, Kael pulled himself up from the windowsill. Looking around at the cluttered, messy interior, he had to admit it was time for a cleanup.

  He had already sold off the leftover herbs from the previous owner at a low price. The remaining wooden shelves and counters were old and battered. After some deliberation, he kept a few salvageable pieces and tossed the rest into the trash.

  By the time he finished, the sun had already begun to set.

  The shop was now spotless, though a bit cavernous. Rubbing his aching lower back, Kael called out to the System.

  "Well? Does this qualify as my shop now?"

  [System: Barely acceptable. Initial Quest completed. The Shopkeeper System is officially online!]

  Immediately, a beam of brilliant white light swept through the shop, scanning every inch of the structure.

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  [Scan complete. Shop renovation finalized. Permission to open the first shop granted. Defense systems are now active.]

  Under Kael’s astonished gaze, the entire interior began to transform.

  The old furniture vanished. A sleek, rectangular counter now stood directly facing the main entrance, partitioning off a small back room. The walls were finished in a pristine, snowy white. The street-facing side was no longer a simple window but a large, seamless glass wall.

  Further back, the partitioned area had been converted into a warehouse, with a soft, compact bed tucked neatly into the corner.

  [System: The first shop has successfully opened. Host, please draw your initial merchandise.]

  Before Kael could react, a heavy CLANG echoed as a massive circular wheel slammed down beside him.

  The sudden noise nearly made him jump out of his skin.

  "Could you give me a little warning next time?!" Kael gasped, his face pale as he looked at the wheel.

  Spirit Beasts. Divine Artifacts. Immortal Familiars. God-tier Combat Techniques...

  The list of legendary items made Kael’s eyes gleam with greed.

  [System: Please spin the wheel, Host.]

  "Alright, let's do this!" Kael figured that if he was lucky enough to transmigrate, his luck couldn't be that bad.

  With a forceful yank, the wheel began to spin in a mad blur.

  "Immortal Familiar! Give me an Immortal Familiar!" Kael chanted frantically in his mind.

  But as the wheel slowed, the pointer cruelly slid past the "Immortal Familiar" section and clicked to a stop on a different segment.

  [Pills]

  While it wasn't a legendary beast, alchemical pills weren't a bad start. Kael was just beginning to console himself when the System’s next words made him want to curse out loud.

  [System: Alchemical Pill supply channel unlocked. Host's Shopkeeper Level is insufficient. Opening the 'Common Grade Gacha Pool.']

  "System, I think I need an explanation," Kael growled, his face darkening as he roared in his mind.

  The System didn't respond with words. Instead, it projected a status panel.

  Host: Kael Shopkeeper Level: 1 Shops Owned: 1 Supply Channels: Common Alchemical Pill Gacha Pool Evaluation: Novice Shopkeeper. (A shopkeeper who barely owns a single shop. Frankly, there is no lower title available.)

  [System: Please note: Your Shopkeeper Level determines the tier of your supply channels.]

  "Then how do I level up?" Kael asked, doing his best to ignore the insults in the evaluation.

  [System: When procurement and sales volume meet the upgrade criteria, a Level-up Quest will trigger automatically. Completion will increase your Shopkeeper Level.]

  Kael smacked his lips. "Fine. Open the Common Alchemical Pill Gacha Pool."

  In an instant, an altar-like interface appeared in his mind, listing the available pills and their drop rates. However, the most infuriating line was at the bottom: Every 10 pulls guarantees one 'Superior' grade pill.

  "What kind of trashy mobile game did this Gacha system crawl out of?!"

  Suppressing his rage, Kael looked at the cost.

  1 Gold Coin per pull.

  "System, you’re telling me my 'supply channel' is just a gambling mechanic?" Kael asked in disbelief.

  [System: If the Host wishes to top up, simply state the amount in your mind. The System will automatically deduct the corresponding fee.]

  It really was a mobile game come to life. Kael reached into his pocket and felt his last five gold coins—the very last of his savings.

  Gritting his teeth, he muttered, "System, top up five gold coins."

  [System: Fee deducted.]

  The five gold coins vanished instantly, and a "Pull 5" button appeared on the interface. Kael resolutely pressed it.

  [Qi Recovery Pill] [Qi Recovery Pill] [Qi Recovery Pill] [Healing Pill] [Healing Pill]

  Five common-grade pills.

  Qi Recovery Pill: Rapidly restores a small amount of Mana/Qi upon consumption. No usage restrictions.

  Healing Pill: Rapidly restores a small amount of Health/Vitality upon consumption. No usage restrictions.

  "Aren't these just the lowest-tier red and blue potions from a video game?!"

  "System," Kael asked seriously, "are these actually safe to eat?"

  [System: System products are guaranteed to be of superior quality!]

  "Slogans don't help me at all!"

  Kael looked at the five small porcelain vials that had manifested in the warehouse. He had no choice but to believe. Resigned to his fate, he placed the vials on the shelf and sat down to wait.

  By the third day, not a single customer had walked in.

  Kael looked back at the price tags he had set on the shelves.

  One Pill: 10 Spirit Crystals.

  Spirit Crystals were a currency far rarer than gold, produced only in specialized mines. A single Spirit Crystal was worth a hundred gold coins, and even then, few people were willing to trade them away. To put it in perspective, one gold coin could support a family of three for an entire month.