Chapter 8: The Rise of Alliances

Lin Chen stood behind the counter of his store, calmly observing as a steady stream of customers trickled in and out. Business was booming, and his reputation as the store owner who didn't tolerate any nonsense had solidified. His recent upgrade had boosted his confidence, but the growing complexity of the world outside his store walls couldn't be ignored.

Over the past week, he had heard snippets of conversations from customers, whispers of alliances forming among the survivors. Today, as he handed over supplies in exchange for crystals, he overheard a particularly intriguing discussion.

"Have you heard about the new alliances?" one man said to another as they picked out supplies.

"Yeah, it's getting intense out there," the second man replied. "Snake Hunter, Mutant God, and Revolution Army are the big ones right now."

Lin Chen's ears perked up at the mention of these names. He leaned forward slightly, pretending to organize some items on the counter, but his attention was fully on the conversation.

"They say Snake Hunter is led by a Tier 4 kid, only 19 years old," the first man continued. "Can you believe that?"

"No kidding. But have you heard about the leader of Mutant God? She's a 28-year-old woman, tough as nails."

"And then there's the Revolution Army," the second man added with a tone of reverence. "Their leader is a 29-year-old man with an SSS-level talent. People say he's unstoppable."

Lin Chen processed this information carefully. The formation of these powerful alliances was both a good and a bad omen. On one hand, it meant he could potentially sell more weapons and supplies if conflicts between the alliances broke out. On the other hand, if any of these groups saw him or his store as a threat or a valuable asset to control, it could spell trouble.

He continued to mull over this new information as the customers approached the counter with their items. The first man placed a small pile of supplies in front of Lin.

"How much for these?" the man asked.

"50 Tier 1 crystals," Lin replied, his mind still partially on the alliances.

The man handed over the crystals, and Lin quickly counted them before nodding and passing over the supplies. As the two men left, Lin couldn't help but think about the implications of these alliances.

---

#### **System Interface: Wealth of God System**

- **Host:** Lin Chen

- **Level:** 2

- **Experience:** 1100/2000

- **Crystals Collected:** 3000 Tier 1 Crystals (30 Tier 2 Crystals)

- **Store Inventory:** Basic food, medical supplies, ordinary weapons

- **Store Upgrade:** Complete

- **Current Abilities:**

- **Spatial Storage (Tier 2)**

- **Enhanced Strength (Tier 2)**

**Store Status:**

- **Defense:** Active (Immune to outside attacks)

- **Inventory:** Infinite

- **New Features:** Lounge Room (Allows customers to eat and drink)

**Upgrade Options:**

- **Strengthen Powers:** (Requires 80 Tier 2 Crystals)

---

Lin knew that increasing his strength and abilities was crucial, but with only 30 Tier 2 Crystals at his disposal, it wasn't enough to pursue the upgrade. He glanced at the system interface, considering his options carefully. Strengthening himself further would have to wait.

The store continued to buzz with activity throughout the day, customers coming and going. Lin's attention was split between serving customers and monitoring the situation outside. Rumors of alliances had sparked curiosity among the survivors, and more people were discovering his store by the day.

As evening approached, Lin closed the store for the night. He retired to his newly upgraded lounge room, where he could relax and strategize for the days ahead. The alliances posed both opportunities and threats, and he needed to tread carefully.

The next morning, Lin woke early and checked the system interface again. The crystals collected remained the same, and the option to strengthen his powers continued to tempt him. However, he knew he had to prioritize the store's operation and security.

Throughout the week, the flow of customers remained steady. Lin noticed an increase in customers discussing the alliances, and some even mentioned their leaders with a mix of awe and fear. It was clear that the balance of power outside was shifting, and Lin's store was becoming a focal point in the survivors' minds.

One afternoon, as Lin was assisting a customer with their purchases, Mei approached the counter. She looked troubled, her usually confident demeanor tinged with uncertainty.

"Lin," she started hesitantly. "Have you heard about the alliances forming outside?"

Lin nodded, his expression neutral. "Yes, I've been hearing about them."

Mei hesitated for a moment before continuing. "I've heard rumors about you," she admitted. "They say there's a man who runs a store and stands up to the Awakened Ones. Some say you're like a god in here."

Lin's gaze sharpened slightly, but he remained composed. "Rumors are just rumors," he replied calmly.

Mei looked around cautiously before leaning in closer. "I wanted to ask... do you think we should join one of these alliances? For protection, maybe?"

Lin shook his head firmly. "No alliances," he stated firmly. "I work alone, and I intend to keep it that way."

Mei nodded, understanding his stance. "Alright," she said softly. "Just thought I'd ask."

She turned to leave, but before she could, Lin spoke again.

"Mei," he said, his tone softer. "Be careful out there. Don't trust anyone too easily."

Mei nodded again, a hint of gratitude in her eyes. "Thanks, Lin. I'll keep that in mind."

As Mei left the store, Lin returned to his duties with renewed focus. The alliances were growing in strength and influence, but he had made his choice. His store was his domain, and he would defend it—alone, if necessary