In truth, Cloud Mist City was nothing more than a border outpost.

  Even though the presence of the Cloud Mist Forest attracted merchant caravans and stimulated economic growth, its prosperity was fragile. Like a soap bubble on the surface of the water, it looked magnificent and colorful, yet it could be burst by the slightest touch.

  Surveying the desolate surroundings, Zhong Lingyun’s brow furrowed as she turned to Ying Feng.

  "Are you certain it's really here? In a city like this?" She gestured toward the empty streets, where nine out of ten shops remained shuttered.

  Ying Feng scratched the back of his head. "I heard a beast tide struck Cloud Mist City recently, which is likely why it’s so quiet. When I visited with my sister before, this place was incredibly bustling."

  "Is that so?" Zhong Lingyun looked at him skeptically.

  "Of course, Instructor Zhong. If you don't believe me, just follow me. But... the Boss is a bit aloof, so please don't take it personally," Ying Feng added, unable to resist a small jab at Kael.

  Strictly speaking, Ying Feng had never really received a "warm" reception from Kael. Then again, he had never seen a "cold" one either. Kael’s face was like a sculpture—eternally expressionless.

  "It’s fine. If he truly has the talent you claim, he’s entitled to a bit of a temperament," Zhong Lingyun replied dismissively.

  Secluded experts often harbored eccentricities. In fact, if a hidden master didn't have a unique personality, it almost felt as if they weren't the real deal.

  Kael’s shop was located in a rather remote corner of the city. Ying Feng led Zhong Lingyun through several winding streets before they finally reached the intersection.

  The moment they arrived, Zhong Lingyun spotted the two conspicuous ice sculptures.

  "Wolf-Kin? Why are they frozen here?" She was taken aback.

  No city would use such things as ornaments; they weren't aesthetic, and they served no practical purpose. Furthermore, the Wolf-Kin were not a weak race. For a small border city, offending them was a dangerous gamble. Leaving frozen Wolf-Kin on display like this served no end other than provoking the tribe into a retaliatory bloodbath.

  It was also Ying Feng's first time seeing them. He wondered when these statues had appeared, but he managed to say, "The Boss probably did it."

  "He did this? He’s that strong?" Zhong Lingyun’s surprise deepened.

  Even a conservative estimate would place these two Wolf-Kin at the mid-Class rank, around Level 50. Yet, observing their frozen states, it was clear they hadn’t put up any resistance. They hadn't even had time to react before being encased.

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  The caster's control over mana was terrifying. Moreover, the person who cast such a spell had to be at least one full major tier higher in strength than the victims. Otherwise, they could never have achieved such an instantaneous freeze.

  At Brilliant Academy, Zhong Lingyun was an instructor specializing in magic, though she studied other disciplines as well. She was confident her assessment was correct.

  "I honestly don't know the full extent of the Boss's power," Ying Feng answered truthfully.

  "Judging by this, the 'Boss' you mention is at least a Grandmaster-rank expert, if not higher," Zhong Lingyun said, casting aside the last remnants of her skepticism.

  A person of such caliber was a powerhouse worthy of respect, no matter where they chose to reside.

  Hearing this, Ying Feng felt a surge of awe. He had never imagined Kael was that formidable. Grandmaster-rank... that was a level he would be looking up to for a very long time. For such a powerhouse to open a shop in a quiet corner of the world without a hint of arrogance was truly admirable.

  "Perhaps you're right. These reclusive masters always have strange hobbies, like opening shops in remote locations. It's not that unusual when you think about it."

  Zhong Lingyun had already begun rationalizing Kael’s behavior for him.

  If Kael had known, he would have likely given her a look of profound gratitude. Did she think he wanted to open a shop in this god-forsaken corner? It was just that the System had spawned him here!

  As for the ice sculptures that so impressed her? Kael would have told her that if City Lord Qin Ming hadn't hauled away the later Wolf-Kin and the Orc assassins, there would be seven statues blocking the street right now—each one stronger than the last. Having too many would just cause a traffic jam; it was better to clear them out.

  Inside the shop, chatting idly with Shier, Kael had no idea someone was looking for him. He was currently preoccupied with thoughts of expanding the Combat Simulation Room.

  Twenty seats were simply too few. It was a bottleneck for the new Multiplayer Mode and detrimental to the shop's overall growth. More importantly, every time Blood Wolf brought his team, Kael couldn't find a seat for himself. That was the real problem.

  "System, let me ask you something. When can I add more crystal balls to the Simulation Room?"

  When in doubt, ask the System. Kael had always upheld the virtue of "not being ashamed to ask."

  [System:] Although I sense the Host is harboring some disrespectful thoughts toward me, I will ignore them for now.

  "No, that’s just your imagination," Kael retorted immediately.

  He’d noticed that as his Store Manager Level increased, the System's responses had begun to show a hint of personality. He wondered if its intelligence would continue to grow alongside his level.

  [System:] Once the Store Manager Level reaches Level 4, random quests will be issued to expand the Combat Simulation Room.

  Kael focused and glanced at his Popularity Points. "Looks like I still have quite a way to go."

  For some reason, his popularity had spiked recently. Thinking back, it was likely thanks to the Orc tribes. The System defined 'Popularity' as any sentient being knowing the shop's location and its inventory. This included humans, demi-humans, and beast-kin.

  It was a pity those Wolf-Kin hadn't actually reached the shop before being dealt with on the street. Otherwise, his popularity would have jumped even higher.

  Just as he was pondering this, the door was pushed open.

  A woman of elegant grace entered first, dressed in mage robes and clutching a leather-bound book etched with magic runes. Following behind her was a familiar face.

  "Hello, how can I help you today?" Shier immediately performed her duties.

  "Long time no see, Boss! This is... wait, who are you?"

  Ying Feng hurried forward to stand beside Zhong Lingyun, but before he could introduce his instructor, he stared at Shier in total confusion. He then turned to Kael.

  "Did this shop get a new owner?"