Kael didn’t bother nitpicking the System’s attitude and got straight to the point: "Can I offer some suggestions for the upgrade direction of the Combat Simulation Room?"

  [System: "Not now. There will be opportunities in the future."]

  Kael understood immediately. Translation: You need to complete more tasks to earn the right to speak.

  Sure enough, his System was different from those "Obey or Die" systems in other stories. At least he was given the chance to offer input. It was enough to bring a tear to his eye.

  "Do I have to wait until the current upgrade task is finished?" Kael asked, recalling the prerequisite.

  [System: "Correct. Until the upgrade task is completed, the System will not issue any further tasks."]

  Kael scratched his head in frustration. "Fine."

  Popularity wasn't something he could rush. It seemed transforming the Combat Simulation Room into the MMORPG of his dreams would be a long and arduous journey.

  In the general store next door, Shier was tending the counter.

  Even though Kael had started gaming in the Arena during the day, Shier’s work couldn't be skipped since the main entrance was on this side. Kael considered that if he ever tore down the wall between the two shops, Shier’s life might become a lot easier.

  "Good morning, Manager Kael!"

  "Ling Xiao, it’s well past morning."

  The door swung open as Ling Xiao and Ying Xue walked in. A dozen guards followed them but remained outside, standing at attention near the entrance.

  "Welcome, guests. How can I help you?" Shier greeted them. Hearing them use Kael’s name, she knew they were regulars. Not many people knew his actual name; most just called him "Boss" or "Manager."

  "Wait, did the Boss hire someone new?" Ying Xue’s reaction was identical to her brother Ying Feng’s. They truly were siblings.

  "No way. With how 'black-hearted' Manager Kael is, he wouldn't sell the shop even if there were zero customers," Ling Xiao chimed in.

  Ling Xiao had a vivid memory of the prices in this shop. In the entire Huangyuan Empire—even in the Imperial Capital—he had never seen such highway robbery. At these prices, Kael wouldn't find a better deal anywhere else.

  "The Manager is in the shop next door. I am Shier, the shop assistant. If you need anything, you can tell me first," Shier explained, feeling a bit defensive. At least in her eyes, Kael was a very kind boss.

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  "Well, Shier, I’ve come to discuss a big business deal with Manager Kael. You might not be able to call the shots on this one."

  Ling Xiao didn’t care much for the assistant. He had come for something of grave importance.

  Shier felt a twinge of indignation. Why does everyone want the Manager the moment they arrive? Am I that useless?

  Just as she was about to speak, Kael’s voice drifted in from the side door.

  "It's alright, Shier. The goods on the shelves aren't enough for what he wants. Go over to the Combat Simulation Room for now."

  "Oh, okay." Shier nodded obediently. If the stock on the shelves wasn't enough, she really couldn't handle it. Kael hadn't given her access to the warehouse yet—and he likely never would.

  "What do you need this time?" Kael asked, turning to Ling Xiao after Shier left.

  "Let's put that aside for a moment," Ling Xiao replied. "Manager Kael, I assume you know who I am?"

  Kael stared at Ling Xiao for a long moment. Ling Xiao puffed out his chest slightly, waiting for a look of realization or awe.

  Finally, Kael shrugged. "If you want the truth... I have no idea."

  In reality, Kael didn't care about Ling Xiao’s status at all. The answer nearly caused Ling Xiao to choke on his own breath.

  Ying Xue couldn't help but chuckle. "Alright, Ling Xiao, just get to the point. Knowing the Boss’s personality, he’s not going to give you a discount no matter who you are."

  "Fine," Ling Xiao sighed, waving a hand. "Manager Kael, I want to reserve ten slots in the Combat Simulation Room for my personal guard. That includes a full set of equipment for all of them."

  "Apologies, but this shop doesn't accept reservations," Kael answered flatly. "If you want to use the Arena, just come early like everyone else."

  Ling Xiao frowned. As the Third Prince of the Huangyuan Empire, he had come to make a massive purchase with gold in hand. He just wanted a few reserved spots, and the man wouldn't even give him that much face?

  If it weren't for the fact that his secret guard couldn't be sent to the front lines for training, he wouldn't have bothered coming here. Moreover, after he returned to the capital last time, he had the equipment he bought here analyzed by the most famous Master Blacksmiths. The conclusion was always the same: it was impossible to replicate. The forging techniques were unheard of and beyond imitation.

  Despite his annoyance, Ling Xiao’s temperament was deep; he wouldn't blow up over something like this. He was the one asking for a favor, after all.

  "In that case—"

  "Sister? Brother Ling Xiao? You're here too?"

  Before Ling Xiao could finish, the door burst open. It was another familiar face.

  "Ying Feng? Instructor Zhong? And... Dean Gu! Dean Meng! Dean Wu!"

  Ying Xue was a student of Brilliant Academy and recognized the newcomers instantly. She was stunned. What were the three Deans of Brilliant Academy doing here together?

  "Dean Gu!" Ling Xiao also recognized the man leading the group.

  Gu Pingchuan. The head Dean of Brilliant Academy and a Hero Rank Mage. Even in the entire Huangyuan Empire, he was a legendary powerhouse.

  Why would such a person come to this tiny shop? Was the background of this place really that terrifying? No wonder Manager Kael didn't care about his status as a Prince. If he had this kind of backing, he truly didn't need to.

  Shock flickered in Ling Xiao’s eyes before he quickly masked it with a respectful bow. "Greetings, Dean Gu."

  A Hero Rank powerhouse was the foundation of any nation. The more Hero Rank experts a kingdom had, the more powerful it was. Even as a Prince, Ling Xiao’s status was arguably lower than Gu Pingchuan's.

  "Oh, if it isn't the third son of the Ling family," Gu Pingchuan remarked, stroking his beard and chuckling as he looked at Ling Xiao. "How is that old fellow doing these days?"

  'Ling Ao,' known to the world as the Fire Emperor, was the current ruler of the Huangyuan Empire.

  "Dean Gu, thank you for your concern. My father is in good health and often speaks of you," Ling Xiao replied humbly, not daring to show even a hint of arrogance.