Lark Began Smashing
Nikos stood behind the counter of his new shop, watching with satisfaction as customers moved in and out, their arms is filled with potions, weapons, and magical items. It had been three days since they opened, and the business was booming.
Their earnings had tripled compared to their old stall, and the influx of customers was a testament to their hard work and quality products.
Not only adventurers but also townsfolk had started visiting the shop more often, drawn by the reputation they were quickly building.
Marielle and Liriel worked tirelessly, their efficient and friendly service making the customers feel welcomed and appreciated. Jarek, with his imposing figure, provided a sense of security that reassured everyone who stepped through the door.
"Another successful day," Nikos remarked, counting all the coins and put it to his inventory. "We've made a name for ourselves in a very short time."
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> Main < | Merchant System | Class | Inventory
Nikos Aarav – Lv. 26
Race: Human – Class: Intermediate Support
Gold: 35424 (↑16062)
System Credit: 102
---- SC Converter
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Marielle nodded, her face glowing with pride. "It's all thanks to your leadership, Master."
Liriel, ever alert, added, "Yes sir, with your guidance and our hard work. We've all put in a lot of effort to make this store succesfull."
"Right," Jarek said, his deep voice resonating through the shop. "We must remain vigilant and continue to provide the best service possible."
Nikos nod agree with them.
Meanwhile in the other part of the town, on the bustling market, a government official stood before the remains of Nikos' old stall. The wooden structure had crumbled, leaving behind a pile of debris. The official turned to his subordinate, a young clerk with a notepad in hand.
"Who rented this spot?" the official asked, his voice stern.
The clerk flipped through his notes. "I think it was a new merchant sir, we need to check it the registration on the office first. "
"Search the person and track him down," the official ordered. "We need to ensure all proper procedures are being followed."
"Yes, sir," the clerk replied, jotting down the instructions.
Back on the store, Nikos walked into the warehouse at the back of the shop, a large, well-organized space where they stored their ingredients and supplies, the vast array of ingredients they had painstakingly gathered over the past few weeks.
We've come a long way, he thought, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Each of these items is a result to our hard work and perseverance.
The shelves were lined with rare herbs, exotic minerals, and other magical components, each one representing hours of dangerous labor. He sighed, allowing himself a moment of satisfaction.
His thoughts wandered back to the numerous expeditions they had undertaken. They had braved treacherous terrains, faced off against formidable monsters, and navigated labyrinthine dungeons and some monster area to secure these ingredients.
Each mission had tested their limits, but they had emerged stronger and more united as a team.
Marielle's healing skill help us more times than I can count, he mused, thinking fondly of the empathetic healer who had grown so much since their early days together.
Liriel has proven herself time and again, with her alertness, persistence self. Nikos thought, admiration filling his gaze.
Nikos carefully placed the recently acquired ingredients into a sturdy box, securing them safely. Each item represented a hard-fought battle against monsters, and their value was immense.
And Jarek's honor and loyalty make him the backbone of our team, he reflected.
Nikos' gaze shifted to his magic inventory bag, which held a limited capacity not like his system inventory that could hold and infinite amount of things thanks to the unique system he possessed.
No one knows about this advantage yet, he thought. I don't know how people will react if they know I had this type of skill. Nikos tried to be cautious not to let people know of his system power. It's my secret weapon, and there's many features I'm not yet tested.
Nikos continue to strategically placed around 50% of their gathered ingredients from the inventory bag into the warehouse, leaving the rest safely stored in the magical inventory bag.
He meticulously sorted the ingredients, making sure they were organized and easy to access. Each item had its place, categorized by type and potency.
This level of organization was crucial for their operations, especially given the growing demand for their products.
This is just the beginning, he vowed silently. We'll continue to grow, to thrive. No one can stand in our way.
In other part of the town. Inside a dimly lit office, Lark an half-elf sat behind a cluttered desk, his face twisted in anger, his green eyes stare with intensity.
The 'Alchemist Association' shop, once bustling with customers, was now nearly empty. The reason for this downturn stood out clearly in his mind: Nikos and his new store.
A staff member approached cautiously, knowing Lark's temper. "Sir, I've found Nikos' new shop. It's been bustling with customers, a stark contrast to our current situation."
Lark's eyes glared with hatred, and a sinister smirk spread across his face. "Finally. So, he thinks he can undermine my business and get away with it?"
The staff member shifted uncomfortably. "It seems their products are drawing a lot of attention."
"I know, I know, you're dismissed," Lark snapped, his mind swirling with dark thoughts. I'll make sure this person regrets ever crossing me.
The staff hearing it immediately goes away as he don't want to be target of Lark fury.
As evening fell, Nikos gathered his team in the main room. "Tonight, we need to gather more ingredients to keep up with demand and stocking more of it for the upcoming monster waves. We'll head to outside the town into some monster area and do some grinding."
Marielle smiled, her nurturing nature evident. "I'm ready, Master Nikos. Let's stock up on what we need."
Liriel nodded, her eyes gleaming with determination. "The monster area is dangerous, but we'll manage."
Jarek, ever cautious, added, "I'll ensure we stay safe."
The group geared up and headed out, their spirits high despite the looming dangers of the situation outside the town.
As midnight approached, Lark that been stood in the shadows, watched from a distance as Nikos and his group left the shop. His heart pounded with anticipation, and a malicious grin spread across his face. Perfect, he thought, his smile widening. Now is my chance.
Slipping through the shadows, he approached the shop and quietly picked the lock on the front door.
As he approached the shop, he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. The thrill of causing chaos, of undermining someone else's hard work, filled him with a dark sense of satisfaction. You think you're so clever, stealing all my customers. He'll soon learn the consequences of crossing me.
With practiced ease, he picked the lock on the front door and slipped inside. The shop was silent, the only sound the faint creaking of the floorboards beneath his feet. He looked around at the neatly arranged potions, weapons, and magical items, all a testament to Nikos' success.
A wave of envy washed over him, fueling his resolve.
Look at this place, he thought bitterly. So pristine, so organized. It makes me sick. Nikos thinks he can just walk in and take over, but he's about to get a rude awakening.
Lark began smashing display cases, the sound of shattering glass echoing through the shop. He overturned shelves, sending items crashing to the floor. Each act of destruction felt like a personal victory, a way to reclaim the power he felt he had lost.
You think you're so smart, huh, he mused, his eyes gleaming with hatred. But you're nothing. Just a thief who got lucky.
Moving to the back of the shop, he found the door to the warehouse. He forced it open and stepped inside, his gaze sweeping over the neatly stacked ingredients.
For a moment, he paused, taking in the sight of all Nikos hard-earned stock. Then, with a sinister laugh, he began his real work.
He pulled out several acid potions from his bag, the bottles clinking together ominously. All this hard work, all these precious ingredients... they're about to be nothing but sludge.
He started throwing the acid potions onto the stock, the corrosive liquid hissing and bubbling as it ate through the valuable items. The acrid smell filled the air, and Lark reveled in the destruction he was causing.
Nikos will come back to find everything he worked for ruined, he thought, a twisted sense of joy filling him. He'll see what happens when you mess with someone like me.
As the acid continued to eat away at the ingredients, Lark's mind raced with thoughts of vindication. This is what you get for thinking you can outdo me. For every customer you've stolen, for every coin you've made, you'll pay tenfold.
He imagined the look of despair on Nikos' face when he discovered the damage. The thought made him laugh, a dark, resentment sound that echoed through the warehouse. Enjoy your success while it lasts, Nikos. Because when I'm done with you, there will be nothing left but ashes.
Finally, he stood amidst the wreckage, surveying the destruction with a sense of triumph. This is just the beginning, he vowed silently. I'll ruin you, Nikos. And then everyone will know who truly holds the power in this town.