Chapter 40: System Shop

After a heartfelt conversation with Edward that lasted for about 15 minutes, Max expressed his gratitude and took his leave.

His thoughts now turned to the merging process that the system had mentioned earlier.

According to the system, once he successfully merged with all his professions, it would go offline. Max was eager to initiate this process as soon as possible, so he made his way to his room to embark on this new and exciting phase of his journey.

Before embarking on the merging process, Max wanted to ensure he wouldn't face any unwanted disturbances. So, he descended the stairs to meet with Ana. After walking for a few seconds, he spotted Ana taking orders from customers.

"Hi Ana, good afternoon," he greeted her with a warm smile.

"Good afternoon, Max," Ana replied with a positive and friendly attitude.

Over the last month, Max and Ana's relationship had grown very close. They treated each other like real friends. Max had learned from Edward that Ana, too, had been in an orphanage before Edward adopted her. Their shared experiences had brought them closer together.

Ana's caring gaze fixed upon Max, and she inquired, "Is there anything you need, Max?"

Max, his weariness evident in his eyes, replied, "Nothing much. Since today marks my final day at the inn, all I desire is a peaceful nap. If possible, please ensure no one enters my room until tomorrow morning." He maintained direct eye contact with Ana, emphasizing the importance of his request.

Ana, with a warm and assuring tone, responded, "FuFu, it's absolutely fine. I understand your need for rest, and it shall be done."

With a nod, Ana gracefully made her way toward the kitchen, ready to protect Max's privacy and serenity.

Max, grateful for her understanding, headed to his room. The inn settled into the calm of the evening, guarding his tranquility until the dawn of a new day.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

As Max settled onto his bed, a wide grin adorned his face. To an outside observer, it might have seemed odd, perhaps even lunatic, but for Max, it was a moment of pure, unbridled joy. The source of his excitement? The anticipation of what lay ahead.

Inside the comfort of his room, Max called up the system. He had questions swirling in his mind, and he needed answers. His voice, tinged with both excitement and a touch of anxiety, rang out as he posed his queries.

"How long will the merging process take this time?" he asked. His previous experience had been a painful and challenging adaptation to his new physique, and he hoped for a smoother transition this time.

[Host, The process will last for 18 hours, ensuring that you will be completely prepared for your journey tomorrow, and any discomfort or pain will be completely alleviated thanks to your exceptional physical condition.]

The system's response came, and Max hung on to every word. He yearned for a satisfying answer, one that would soothe his apprehensions and fuel his enthusiasm.

The words that followed reassured him, dispelling his worries, and reinforcing the sense of purpose that had brought that bright smile to his face.

With the information he needed in hand, Max lay back on the bed, his thoughts filled with the possibilities that the merging process held for him. Despite the unconventional nature of his circumstances, he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of anticipation, knowing that the future held new experiences and challenges waiting to be embraced.

The second reply from the system reassured Max, [But the host will be unconscious throughout the entire event, so the host doesn't need to think much about it.]

Max nodded, feeling a mixture of anticipation and curiosity about the upcoming merging process.

He was ready to embark on this new stage of his journey, even if it meant temporarily losing consciousness.

 "Status window" Max mutters.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

[Status Window]

Name: Max Aldwell

Age: 25

Level: 10 (EXP: 0/12000)

Chef Points: 8500

Shop: Unlocked [Click here to visit]

Skills: 'God of Cooking' [Divine](Passive)(Rank-beginner)

Physique: Perfect Divine Physique [Divine]

Main Quest: Fulfil David's Dying Wish [Click for more details]

Special Items- Blueprint of Divine Restaurant [Divine] [Click for more details]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Max stood in front of the status panel, his eyes widening with excitement as he scanned the two significant changes that had just occurred.

His heart raced, and a wide grin stretched across his face, as he realized that his efforts had not been in vain.

The first change he noticed was the unlock symbol next to the shop. He had dedicated himself to unlocking the shop before leaving for Dani Village, and his hard work had paid off.

A surge of happiness coursed through him as he contemplated the possibilities that lay within those virtual walls.

Max's determination to gather enough Chef Points had been successful, and now, he could finally reap the rewards. His mind raced with all the items, tools, and upgrades he could acquire to enhance his journey.

The prospect of browsing through the shop and choosing what he needed filled him with anticipation.

However, it was the second change that left Max utterly astounded. His mouth gaped open as he read the message that declared his rank in the Divine Skills category had shifted from Novice to Beginner.

He had not expected this at all. The benefits remained a mystery, but Max's keen intuition told him that this upgrade could only work to his advantage in the grand adventure that lay ahead.

Max knew that Divine Skills were not to be taken lightly. They held the key to unlocking extraordinary abilities, but the journey from Novice to Beginner was significant progress.

The possibilities were endless: increased power, more precise control, and perhaps even entirely new skills he could master. His heart swelled with pride, and he felt a surge of motivation to continue honing his skills.

Max couldn't help but ponder the events that had led him to this moment. The countless hours of training, the challenges he had faced, and the people he had met along the way all played a part in his progress.

With the shop now at his disposal and his Divine Skills taking a step forward, he felt more prepared than ever to face the unknown. The road to Dani Village seemed to beckon him with new adventures and untold opportunities.

With a newfound sense of purpose, Max closed the status panel and took a deep breath. His journey was about to take a thrilling turn, and he was ready to embrace every moment of it.

"System, initiate the merging process" Max instructed the system.

The system responded in its robotic voice, [The merging process will commence in 3, 2, 1.]

Then, in the same emotionless tone, the system added, [The system will be offline for the next 10 hours. I hope the host will achieve success in his advancements.]

As Max's consciousness slowly faded away, these were the last words he managed to hear.