"The Manager is too kind," Gu Pingchuan said, paying his Spirit Crystals and finding a seat.

  However, his eyes remained fixed on the counter.

  Obsidian. As a high-grade material used for crafting magic staffs, its mana conductivity was incredibly high, making it exceptionally rare. Most people wouldn't even recognize it, and Gu Pingchuan himself had only learned of its existence by chance.

  To see it used here—as a mere countertop—was staggering.

  What a miraculous shop, he thought. Such extravagance seems to be a common occurrence here.

  Gu Pingchuan didn't for a second believe that Kael was ignorant of the obsidian’s value. Considering the shop sold pills that permanently increased attributes, this was likely just a display of immense wealth—a "don't care because I'm rich" attitude.

  Of course, Gu Pingchuan had no way of knowing that Kael truly had no idea what obsidian was. The System handled all the remodeling; if anyone was flaunting wealth, it was the System.

  "B-Boss..."

  "What is it?" Kael had just finished his Bacon Sandwich when he heard Shier’s voice.

  Ever since the vending machine arrived yesterday, Shier’s "employee breakfast" had shifted to a Bacon Sandwich and Fruit Jelly. Mostly because Kael was too lazy to go out for buns.

  "I feel like my Combat Aura... it seems to have become a bit more refined," Shier said, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

  "Really?" Kael’s brow arched. He stood up, genuinely surprised.

  As established before, a person’s base attributes couldn't be increased except through leveling up or clearing the Trial Space. However, Combat Aura and Mana were different. While difficult, they could be condensed and purified through constant, grueling practice.

  The difference in mana quality between a Hero Rank mage and a Tier Rank mage was more than tenfold, not to mention the massive gap in capacity. But this refinement process was notoriously slow. Unless one had a special bloodline or exceptional natural talent, it usually required years of silent, daily cultivation.

  While pure attribute-boosting items were non-existent elsewhere, there were rare, precious treasures that could purify energy. But for Shier to suddenly feel her Aura become more refined... that was bizarre.

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  Refining energy was a gradual, subtle process. Even if one consumed a celestial treasure, it usually took time to take effect.

  Maintaining his composure, Kael walked over to the counter and used his Manager authority to check the Combat Aura within Shier’s body. No abnormalities found.

  "Manager, did something happen?" Gu Pingchuan, who had been secretly observing the counter, naturally noticed the exchange.

  "Principal Gu, it’s me. I suddenly felt my Combat Aura become purer, so I was a bit confused," Shier answered immediately.

  "How is that possible? Little girl, are you sure you didn't just imagine it?" Gu Pingchuan was well-traveled and knew such a sudden jump was theoretically impossible. His first instinct was that Shier was mistaken.

  "I’m certain," Shier said firmly. If a warrior could misjudge their own Aura, they were essentially a lost cause.

  "How strange." Gu Pingchuan frowned. After a moment, he spoke up. "Little girl, do you mind if I examine the Aura inside your body?"

  Under normal circumstances, probing someone’s energy was a major taboo—it was a move that often led to bloodshed.

  "Go ahead." Shier only hesitated for a second before nodding. Gu Pingchuan was a man of high standing; he wouldn't stoop to sabotaging a mere shop assistant.

  "Give me your hand."

  Gu Pingchuan nodded slightly and placed his finger on Shier’s wrist, sending a wisp of mana into her body. The gentle mana circulated through her veins, checking her condition. Aside from her Aura being unusually refined for her level, there were no issues.

  "Strictly speaking, your Combat Aura is indeed exceptionally pure, but there are no signs of instability," Gu Pingchuan said slowly as he withdrew his hand.

  In other words, even if her energy was superior to warriors of her rank, it could be attributed to high natural talent rather than something harmful.

  But the question remained: why did Shier feel the change now? Even Gu Pingchuan was baffled.

  On a whim, Kael asked in his mind: "System, do you know the reason?"

  [System: Of course I know, foolish Host. Those three snacks all have special effects.]

  [System: Potato Chips refine Combat Aura. Fruit Jelly refines Mana. Bacon Sandwiches refine the Physical Physique.]

  Kael nearly spat out a mouthful of blood.

  He had known the System’s "Value for Money" wasn't just talk, but he had never imagined the price wasn't for the taste—it was for these game-breaking effects.

  "Why didn't you tell me from the start?" Kael demanded, hoping to squeeze some compensation out of the System.

  [System: Snacks belong to the 'Unranked' category of goods. Therefore, the System will not proactively inform the Manager of their special effects.]

  The subtext was clear: You didn't ask.

  So it's my fault now? Kael felt like he had been played by the System yet again.

  [System: It is good that the Host understands. To recognize one's mistake and change is the greatest virtue.]

  "When are you going to stop reading my thoughts?!" Kael snapped in frustration.

  The System went silent.

  "Ahem. Shier, don't worry about it anymore," Kael coughed twice to get their attention.

  "Boss... I'm really okay, right?" Shier was still a bit shaken despite the Principal's assessment.

  "Does the Manager know the cause?" Gu Pingchuan asked, his curiosity piqued.

  "Don't worry, it's nothing," Kael said flatly. Then, with a casual tone—as if he had known all along—he introduced the special effects of the three snacks.

  Shier breathed a massive sigh of relief.

  Gu Pingchuan, however, wore an expression of absolute, unadulterated shock.