That night, after Yuki had fallen asleep by the hearth, full of food and visibly healthier, I sat at the counter reviewing my status with the system.
"Alright, let's see where I stand," I muttered quietly.
[Host Status: Kazuki Yamamoto]
[Level: Mortal Innkeeper (Rank 1)]
[Cultivation: None]
[System Points: 1,100]
[Skills: Advanced Customer Service, Guest Insight (Passive), Rapid Meal Preparation, Negotiation, Silver Tongue (Passive), Basic Maintenance, Aura of Sanctuary (Passive), Spiritual Cooking (Intermediate)]
[Completed Quests: 2/10 for Special Mission]
[Inn Status: Decent Quality]
[Reputation: Unknown (Local Area)]
Not terrible for someone who'd been in this world less than two weeks. I had skills, some money, and most importantly, I was still alive despite making enemies of a major cultivation sect.
"System, you mentioned a System Shop would unlock after I serve ten guests. Is there any way to access it early?"
[Negative. System Shop unlocks upon completion of Special Mission: The Inn's True Potential.]
[Current Progress: 2/10 guests served successfully.]
[However, Host has accumulated sufficient System Points to access the Basic Exchange Menu.]
"Basic Exchange Menu? That's different from the shop?"
[Correct. Basic Exchange Menu offers limited items and upgrades using System Points. System Shop will provide extensive catalog with rare and unique items.]
"Well, something is better than nothing. Show me what's available."
A translucent menu materialized in front of me, displaying various options organized by category:
[BASIC EXCHANGE MENU]
[INN UPGRADES]
- Guest Room Restoration (per room): 200 Points
- Kitchen Enhancement: 300 Points
- Basic Barrier Formation: 500 Points
- Hot Spring Construction: 800 Points
- Storage Expansion: 150 Points
[PERSONAL SKILLS]
- Combat Basics (Unarmed): 400 Points
- Alchemy Introduction: 500 Points
- Formation Study (Beginner): 600 Points
- Language Comprehension (All): 300 Points
- Spiritual Sense Awakening: 700 Points
[SUPPLIES]
- Premium Ingredient Box (Weekly): 100 Points
- Basic Healing Potions (x5): 150 Points
- Cleaning Supplies (Unlimited, 1 month): 50 Points
- Quality Furniture Set: 200 Points
[SPECIAL ITEMS]
- Emergency Escape Talisman (Single Use): 400 Points
- Truth-Detecting Tea Set: 350 Points
- Guest Attracting Incense: 250 Points
I studied the menu carefully, weighing my options. With 1,100 points, I could afford several items, but I needed to be strategic.
"The Basic Barrier Formation would be useful with the Phoenix Sect watching the inn," I mused. "But 500 points is expensive..."
[Recommendation: Consider Host's immediate vulnerabilities and future needs.]
[Current threats: Phoenix Sect surveillance, potential combat encounters, financial debt.]
[Current weaknesses: No combat ability, limited defensive options, dependence on negotiation.]
The system had a point. I'd talked my way out of two confrontations now, but eventually, my luck would run out. I needed either better defenses or the ability to protect myself.
"What does the Basic Barrier Formation actually do?" I asked.
[Basic Barrier Formation creates a defensive perimeter around the inn that can:]
- Detect hostile intent from approaching individuals
- Alert Host to danger
- Provide minor resistance to forced entry (can slow down Foundation Establishment cultivators)
- Prevent spiritual sense scanning of inn interior
That last point was crucial. If Phoenix Sect disciples couldn't scan the inside of the inn, they couldn't detect Yuki or any other guests I was hiding.
"Alright, I'll take the Basic Barrier Formation. That's 500 points."
[Purchase confirmed. 500 System Points deducted.]
[Remaining Points: 600]
[Basic Barrier Formation will be installed overnight. No action required from Host.]
Golden light began flowing through the walls of the inn, spreading outward in intricate patterns that reminded me of circuit boards. The light was subtle, barely visible, but I could feel the energy settling into the building's foundation.
"That's... actually really cool," I admitted.
With 600 points left, I had more decisions to make. Combat Basics would be useful being completely helpless in a fight was terrifying. But the Premium Ingredient Box would improve my cooking quality, which was my primary skill.
Then I noticed something I'd initially overlooked.
"System, what does Spiritual Sense Awakening do exactly?"
[Spiritual Sense Awakening grants Host the ability to:]
- Perceive spiritual energy and cultivation levels
- Detect hidden presences and illusions
- Sense emotional states and intentions
- Basic scanning ability (100-meter radius)]
[Note: This is a foundational ability for all cultivators. Highly recommended for Host's survival.]
That would be incredibly useful. Right now, I was completely dependent on the system telling me when someone was dangerous. With spiritual sense, I could assess threats myself.
"But it's 700 points, and I only have 600," I said, frustrated.
[Quest available: Swift Completion]
[Objective: Fully heal Yuki within 48 hours]
[Reward: 200 System Points]
[Accept quest?]
I glanced toward the kitchen where Yuki was sleeping. She was already healing well thanks to my cooking. Two more days of careful care should do it.
"Accepted."
[Quest accepted. Timer begins now.]
I turned back to the menu. "Alright, let's get the Premium Ingredient Box and Guest Attracting Incense. That's 350 points total."
[Purchase confirmed. 350 System Points deducted.]
[Remaining Points: 250]
[Premium Ingredient Box will be delivered weekly to kitchen storage.]
[Guest Attracting Incense can be burned at entrance. Increases likelihood of travelers stopping at inn.]
A wooden box materialized on the counter, along with several sticks of incense in an ornate holder. I opened the box to find it filled with ingredients I'd never seen before spiritual herbs, premium cuts of meat with faint energy signatures, exotic vegetables, and various seasonings that smelled incredible.
[Premium Ingredient Box (Week 1)]
[Contents: Cloud Rice (spiritual grain), Phoenix Tail Mushrooms (rare), Spirit Beast Meat (Grade 2), Jade Vegetables (various), Premium Seasonings (complete set)]
[Note: Cooking with these ingredients will produce Excellent or Superior quality dishes.]
"This is going to make a huge difference," I said, examining the ingredients with growing excitement. With these, I could make meals that would significantly accelerate Yuki's healing and attract higher-quality guests.
I placed one of the incense sticks in the holder and lit it, then positioned it near the front entrance. A pleasant, subtle aroma filled the air not overwhelming, just inviting. Like the smell of home cooking on a cold night.
[Guest Attracting Incense activated]
[Effect will last 24 hours per stick]
[Likelihood of travelers stopping at inn increased by 40%]
With my purchases complete, I had 250 points left enough for either another room restoration or various smaller items. I decided to save them for now. Better to have emergency funds than spend everything immediately.
[Wise decision. Resource management is key to successful innkeeping.]
"You're surprisingly helpful when you want to be," I told the system.
[The Supreme Innkeeper System wants Host to succeed. Your success is the system's success.]
That was... oddly touching? Maybe I was just tired.
I was about to head to bed when I heard soft footsteps behind me. Yuki had woken up and was padding toward the counter, her nose twitching.
"What is that incredible smell?" she asked telepathically.
"Premium ingredients. And incense that attracts guests." I showed her the ingredient box. "Tomorrow, I'm going to make you the best breakfast you've ever had."
Her tail wagged excitedly. "You're going to spoil me, Kazuki."
"That's the plan. The faster you heal, the better." I didn't mention the quest; no need to make her feel pressured.
She hopped onto the counter, sitting near the box and examining the contents with obvious interest. "This is Cloud Rice. This is worth ten gold per pound in major cities. And Phoenix Tail Mushrooms? Those are sold in auction houses for fifty gold each. Kazuki, this box contains a fortune."
"Really?" I looked at the ingredients with new appreciation. "The system just... gave me this for 100 points?"
"Your system is either incredibly generous or preparing you for something significant." She paused. "Probably both."
That was a sobering thought. The system had been helpful, even protective, but Yuki was right it was investing heavily in my development. Why?
"Questions for another day," I decided. "Right now, let's focus on getting you healed and keeping the Phoenix Sect from causing more trouble."
"Agreed." Yuki yawned, showing tiny fangs. "Though I have to say, for someone who claims to want boring, peaceful days, you're remarkably good at handling chaos."
"Hidden talent, I guess." I scratched behind her ears, and she leaned into the touch, making a pleased sound. "Get some sleep. Tomorrow's going to be busy."
As I watched her pad back to her bed by the hearth, I felt a strange sense of contentment despite all the danger and uncertainty.
I had a home, a purpose, and now a companion.
The inn was slowly becoming something special.
And somehow, I was becoming someone capable of protecting it.
[Daily Assessment Complete]
[Host's growth rate: Exceptional]
[Continue current trajectory for optimal results]
I smiled at the notification, then headed to my room. Tomorrow, I'd make the best food this world had ever tasted.
Tonight, I'd rest.
[End of Chapter 10]