After Isaac opened the door and flipped the sign until it said open, he returned to the counter as the customers swarmed the store with excitement visible on their countenances.
They were well aware that they were shopping in a store that was good enough for Goddess to visit. As they walked past the couch that was used by Khione, they felt important as a person.
Isaac was quite busy as the shopkeeper for the next hour. As more and more customers crammed inside the store, it was getting harder to move.
But, the customers gladly understood to quickly pick up a book and rent it.
As more time passed, Isaac's wealth increased by an astronomical sum, and a relaxed smile was seen on his face.
After the store's rush hour was over and only several customers were left, the door again opened, and a fragrance of delicious scent wafted through the store.
The customers inhaled the scent with red faces, blush spreading across their faces, and thirsty looks on their countenances.
Tap… Tap… Tap…
Khione's soft footsteps went past the drunk-looking customers, grabbed a book while stepping, and placed it on top of the desk. The customers finally were jolted off their drunken state and looked embarrassed at the way they acted.
"Sorry, Goddess." They bowed respectfully, dropped the books they were holding, and ran out of the store. The streets were again crowded with fervent-looking people.
"I am back…" She said with her eyelashes slowly moving up and down. Her long white eyebrows looked delicate to the brim, and her ample body was fused with a perfume that made it difficult for everyone to stay calm.
"Yes… You are back…" Isaac massaged his temple with his left thumb and middle finger. Then, he tried to erase his annoyed look, took the money Khione owned and placed the pouch in the drawer.
Khione's face showed an innocent smile, her cold countenance was somehow replaced by a gentle demeanor, and her eyes were curved into a smile.
"You have something… On your cheek." She said while showing a spot on her soft-looking left cheek.
"Hmm?" Isaac moved his hand across his left cheek and afterward checked his palm. It was stained with black ink, and it seemed to come from the blank ink he used to write with.
"Ah, excuse me." Isaac wiped the blank ink off his cheek and quickly went to the bathroom to clean it up.
Khione, with a smile, returned to her couch. Took a comfortable spot on it and opened the book.
As her delicate finger slowly tapped against the cover, the time slowly passed.
Soon, Isaac returned from the back room and saw the prying eyes coming from outside. Even though many were kowtowing, they used every chance to peek at Khione to show their everlasting love and loyalty.
With a sigh, he closed the curtains and flicked the switch on the mounted lanterns to give even the slightest bit of light to the now-dark room.
Khione didn't seem to care about the closed curtains. She continued flipping through the pages, her eyes quickly moving past the paragraphs.
Isaac returned to the counter and plopped down on the chair. Even though he didn't sleep even a wink last night, there wasn't even an ounce of sleepiness visible.
'For some reason, I don't feel tired anymore… Is it the Mythical Helmet? Maybe it takes off my sleepiness and injects me with energy.'
An hour later, Khione straightened her legs and stood up from the couch. She returned the book to the bookshelf and suddenly asked, "Do you like the cold?"
With a side-glance, she saw Isaac's gray eyes looking at the wooden ceiling.
Isaac shrugged his shoulders, not taking his eye off the ceiling, "I like cold more than hot."
"I see…" A silent smile found its way to Khione's face. With her ring finger, she drew circles on the air, and suddenly all the cold air left the store, and the sun's warmth spilled through the slightly open door.
Isaac's brows furrowed slowly, turning his gaze to Khione's retreating back. He could see her smile from the window's reflection, and he wasn't sure why, but he had a bad feeling coming from that innocent smile.
"See you… Tomorrow." She waved and stretched her hand out while putting enough force into her palm to push the door wide open.
"Is it just me… Or is it hotter here?" Isaac touched his forehead and felt beads of sweat clearly forming. After checking out his palm, it was drenched.
"Damn… Where did all the cold air leave? It's so hot!"
…
The next day.
"Whew…" Shirtless Isaac was leaning against the counter. Beads of sweat trailed down his body as he flapped the paper against his face, trying to send breezes of wind at him.
The windows were tightly shut, curtains draped over that stopped any sunlight from inserting inside the store.
Since yesterday, he tried finding out the reason for such a sudden increase in heat and only came to one conclusion: Khione did something.
Ding! Ding!
Isaac's interface beeped, signaling that several messages had arrived. He checked them out, and even though the heat was melting him, he still let out a soft chuckle and smile.
Luna sent him a message, and it seemed like she was doing very well. She was level 100 already and was about to enter Spring Realm.
A few days ago, more people started making their way over to the City of Priesthood or some other major cities.
The stronger players already found a way to push past the obstacles, and it didn't take long for those theories to spread across the Internet.
There was, however, one place where no one, except one, managed to pass the test. It was the infamous place called Rainwell Village.
The forest was the source of nightmares for many, and they thought it was basically impossible to pass without being level 150.
Isaac hoped that Luna would arrive in a place where people had managed to pass the test.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
Isaac's body flinched, and he could see a tall looming shadow on another side of the door. Behind the curtains, he could see the beautiful Khione, patiently waiting for the door to open.
The area around her was freezing cold, while the sun's dangerous heat didn't affect her even the slightest.
