The Omnistore System

Chapter 481:  Gifts

"These young squirts made me spend way too much," Qela muttered as she paid the final amount. Being the richest alchemist among them, she had no intention of losing, even though some had wealthier backers. However, they knew better than to push the limits, except for a few who drove the final price of the alchemy furnace to a staggering 23.3 million units—equivalent to 233,000 Omni tokens.

With this, his total saved Omni tokens now exceeded half a million. He had just under six months left to gather the remaining amount before returning to the den. Fortunately, He had plenty of resources, including herbal essences and pure ores processed through ore processor, which should make the task easier.

Repelinium ore was in high demand as products made from it started flooding the market. Taking advantage of this early trend, he and the Demtia family were raking in millions of units. However, this lucrative opportunity would only last for a month or two, as other sharp businessmen would soon discover the source, or the Loviatro Emporium, which owned the mine, would solidify its monopoly.

Before that could happen, Keyara and Kevin were stockpiling the ore in large quantities. Cassian wasn't in need of units since they could only buy basic items like weapons or other low-tier goods, so he had quite a lot to spend which he spent on buying the self fixing ore. He just wished the system would introduce a more useful currency, like Qi stones, as units were far too weak to be of real value.

He hoped the system might allow him to add that feature when he upgraded it. Until then, he could only accept payments in units. Smiling as he received the auction payments, he handed the furnace to the old woman. Without any reaction or admiration, she simply placed it in her space ring. Kevin continued, "As the winner of the first-ever auction held by Omni store, you have the priority to purchase this one liter of herb essences now or whenever you like."

Kevin had made the offer to keep them satisfied. He wanted to give it away for free, but the system wouldn't allow it. So he just gave the priority as the gift and she might understand, since he was already selling it at a lower price. However, Qela didn't seem to share his sentiment, her tone surprised as she asked, "I have to pay for it?"

Kevin forced a smile, replying, "As you know, we're already selling it at a dirt-cheap price. We wouldn't make anything if we gave it away for free. Please understand, Miss Qela." n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

The old woman smiled amusedly as she paid for the various herb essences he had reserved for such occasions. Pleased with her purchase, she said, "Next time you come across another alchemy treasure like this furnace, contact me first before putting it up for auction. I won't offer you less than its value."

After saying this and storing the essences in her ring, she went on her way. Only a few of the alchemists who participated in the auction remained in the store, among them the three most renowned: Simu Teyan, Rami Rivla, and Rufina Liamr. All three were students of senior alchemists in Lucima City. He had a good relationship with Simu, and the other two also visited his store occasionally to buy herb essences since he introduced them.

As they approached to greet him, Rufina smiled and asked, "I saw you giving some essence to Miss Qela. If you have any more, would you be willing to sell it to us?"

As she spoke, the other alchemists perked up, eager for a chance at the essences. Unfortunately for them, it was all the stock he had saved up for now. Shaking his head, he replied, "Sorry, miss, that was all the essence I had reserved. But you can come back tomorrow morning if you want to buy more."

Their smiles faded as they returned to their business, but Simu Teyan asked, "Then could you let us know first if you get another furnace, preferably one that's at least immortal grade? I really need one."

"I'll keep that in mind," Kevin said, "but I can't be sure if the next one will be auctioned or sold normally." He wasn't certain how the system decided these things, so he wanted to be cautious. Despite this, the three young alchemists remained enthusiastic and nodded in agreement.

Each of them took out two small bottles from their space rings and said, "Take these as gifts for letting us participate in the auction. Just don't forget about us next time."

Kevin hesitated, unsure whether he should accept them, but when he sensed the high Earth-grade Qi in the potions, his greed got the better of him. With a wide smile, he accepted the gifts and nodded. "I won't, I promise."

Satisfied with his promise, the three alchemists left, and the remaining alchemists, inspired by their actions, also presented Kevin with Qi potions while making the same request: "Please keep us in mind too."

Kevin accepted their gifts with a smile, though he couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed that only five out of the twenty or so alchemists had done this. He wished the three young alchemists had made their gesture when everyone was present—he could have ended up with a lot more potions. Still, with sixteen high-grade potions in hand, he was content.

As the alchemists left, Kevin was alone in the store with his five female employees, who eyed the potions with smiles and a bit of greed. Kevin guessed what they wanted. He didn't really want to part with the potions, but he knew how much they contributed to the store, even if his big deals were the ones bringing in the most money. These potions were worth it. With a sigh and a helpless smile, he said, "Take one each, and Amy, take an extra one for your mom."

All the girls smiled happily as they took the potions, thanking him with wide grins. Kevin, however, couldn't help but feel a bit of a sting. He had hoped to sell some, give a few to his family, and keep a few for himself—after all, even this high-grade potion would have some effect on him, which was better than nothing.