After scrolling through the entire Archmage skill tree, Kael could only describe the spells as "standard."

  To put it simply, they were exactly what any average Archmage should know. The System had merely taken these common spells, added descriptions, quantified their power and effects, and plugged them into the New World Mode interface.

  "And here I thought there’d be some exotic new magic to learn."

  Thanks to his unique class skill, Magic Mastery, Kael possessed an exhaustive knowledge of every spell available to the mage classes. He could see at a glance that this skill tree contained no high-level magic, let alone any of those overpowered, custom-made spells the System was usually capable of.

  Everything here was "off-the-shelf" common magic. Kael wasn't sure if it was like this for everyone, but his own skill tree felt remarkably stingy.

  "I think the System might be playing me again," the thought crossed his mind.

  But he let it go. Being able to play an MMORPG in this world was already a luxury he couldn't complain too much about. The System had upgraded the training room based on his concepts, but to stay within the laws of this world, it naturally had to incorporate existing local elements. The skill tree was just one example.

  As for the gear, the System had also quantified the equipment effects. Kael looked at his current Novice Set:

  Novice Robe: Physical Defense +2, Magic Resistance +2

  Novice Boots: Physical Defense +1, Magic Resistance +1

  Novice Staff: Magic Power +3

  The stats were laughably simple—completely incomparable to the high-end gear he sold in the shop!

  The potion system followed a similar logic, drawing from this world's alchemy. Whether crafted or dropped as loot, the results would be standard alchemical mixtures whose effects paled in comparison to the shop’s divine pills.

  "Well, one step at a time. For the people of this world, this is already an incredibly sophisticated 'game'."

  Kael rubbed his forehead, feeling a slight headache. But stats were secondary; the real charm of an MMORPG lay in the social aspect—gathering a crowd on the same map, forming parties, and raiding dungeons together.

  With these thoughts in mind, Kael began exploring the village at the foot of the mountain. He wanted to get a feel for this first major map.

  The village was fully furnished, but the NPCs he had imagined were nowhere to be found. The New World Mode operated on a "World Map + Instances" hybrid. This meant that besides running dungeons, players would encounter enemies in the wild.

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  The first map was titled The Goblin Mountains. It was fairly obvious: the range looming above the village was the updated hunting ground, and deep within those peaks lay the entrance to the Goblin Dungeon.

  Being a veteran gamer, Kael quickly mastered the mechanics. The enemies on this map were, predictably, various types of Goblins. These green-skinned, sharp-toothed little creatures didn't exist in the outside world; they were species the System had conjured from Kael’s imagination.

  Wild enemies provided experience points for leveling and dropped small amounts of low-grade potions. If you wanted gear, you had to clear the dungeons.

  With a casual Fireball, Kael sent a wooden-club-wielding Goblin flying. He let out a long yawn. Having seen enough of the New World for one night, he decided to log off. An MMORPG wasn't much fun when you were the only player online.

  "I’ll get some sleep. It'll be more interesting tomorrow when the shop is full."

  Kael exited the New World and stood up, stretching his limbs. He habitually glanced toward the counter and his eyes instantly went wide.

  Behind the counter, a small blackboard had appeared out of nowhere. On it, written in bold, eye-catching characters, was a price list:

  Combat Strength Enhancement Training Room: 2 Spirit Crystals per hour.

  Activate 'New World Mode': One-time fee of 20 Spirit Crystals.

  'New World' Hourly Surcharge: Additional 2 Spirit Crystals per hour.

  In other words, playing in the New World cost 4 Spirit Crystals per hour.

  "I really don't know where you get the nerve to call me black-hearted," Kael muttered, almost wanting to applaud the System’s talent for extortion.

  [System: Rest assured, Host. Products from this System are always worth the price!]

  Kael fell silent. Had this eccentric System fried its circuits after peeking into his brain? Then again, the System didn't actually have a brain.

  "Fine, four crystals it is. But System, I have a small suggestion." Kael shook his head, deciding not to overthink it. At the very least, the System never lied about its products being "worth the price."

  [System: Please proceed, Host.]

  Kael composed his thoughts before speaking. "The current payment model is too tedious and hard to track. Why don't you create a pre-paid system?"

  This was a lesson learned from his previous life. Pre-payment was a masterstroke for business; not only was it convenient, but it also boosted customer loyalty. Once customers had a balance at the shop, this would be the first place they’d think to spend it.

  [System: Upon careful consideration, the System has decided to accept the Host’s suggestion.]

  As the voice faded, a translucent card—looking as if it were carved from pure crystal—dropped into Kael’s hand.

  This was the Membership Card. It was beautifully designed, virtually indestructible, and came with a soul-binding feature. In the center of the card, a small display showed the balance of Spirit Crystals.

  On the counter, a small square crystal block appeared, made of the same material as the card, featuring a thin scanning slot. This was the terminal to activate the cards. Swipe once a day, and the system would handle the billing automatically.

  "Now this is what a good system should do," Kael said, giving the System a mental thumbs-up.

  With these chores out of the way, Kael felt the exhaustion hitting him. Today had been incredibly productive. His only lingering worry was that the shop’s direction seemed to be drifting. He had started out selling pills and weapons, so why did it now feel like he was running a high-end internet café?

  "Oh well... as long as it makes money."

  Consoling himself with that thought, Kael quickly drifted off to sleep.

  The Next Morning.

  Kael woke up early and roused Shier. He had a lot to explain today: the launch of the New World Mode, the rules for the Membership Cards, and a new batch of equipment he had pulled last night.

  As for the fifty additional training slots that had appeared overnight, Shier was smart enough not to ask.