All in Charisma (A LitRPG/Isekai Adventure)

Justin awoke to an unexpected notification.

[1,000 experience gained. Your experience stands at 26,825/29,000.]

He contemplated the message. Yesterday had been eventful—his first day of business, multiple successful sales, and several entrepreneurial milestones. Perhaps the System granted experience for business activities in daily chunks rather than piecemeal rewards.

At this rate, he'd reach Level 21 soon. It felt like an eternity since his last advancement, though only a couple of weeks had passed. Level 21 would grant him a new boon if he remembered the progression correctly.

The Jester's Roulette activated, providing +6 to Spirit and an enchantment called "Spirited" that boosted his Spirit by another 6 points. Justin suspected the magical jester was growing lazy with its naming conventions—the abilities seemed increasingly random and disconnected from his circumstances. He might have consulted Master Aliendro to deconstruct the cursed cane, but it had proven invaluable during the assassination attempt, so for now, he was content to hold onto it.

Morning preparations proceeded more smoothly now that they had experience. Rinna looked particularly bleary-eyed; she still hadn't cracked the mirror enchantment despite working late into the night. She left after breakfast to purchase additional bronze charms for experimentation. Apparently, she had reached Level 7 since joining their enterprise. She hoped her new skill, Thaumic Insight, might help her overcome the enchanting barriers that had previously eluded her.

Two charms had activated overnight, so Ilsa left to handle the deliveries, with Alistair providing security. This left Justin and Lila to continue their street marketing efforts.

They returned to Saint Muriel's Plaza first. While people remained receptive, Justin noticed subtle changes in their expressions—a wariness suggesting they hoped this wouldn't become a daily occurrence. Still, Murgha Silverwrist flagged them down and purchased a silver energy tonic immediately.

"I can't believe how quick you are," she said, counting out payment. "I just summoned you, and here you are!"

Justin smiled. "Happy coincidence. We were already in the area; though normally, there would be a slight delay."

"Even so," she continued enthusiastically, "I told several friends about your service. They were intrigued but laughed, saying it would never work."

"New concepts always face skepticism," Lila interjected, introducing herself properly. "I'm Lila Fairwind, the Songbrewer Justin mentioned. We appreciate early supporters like you who are willing to try something innovative."

"Well, results speak for themselves," Murgha replied. "Good day to you both."

Seeking to expand their market reach, they decided to try the Waterfront district. The crowd here was noticeably rougher, and despite Justin's persuasive pitches, few showed genuine interest. Before long, two unsavory-looking men approached, firmly suggesting they "move along." Not wanting confrontation, Justin created some distance and observed the men entering a nearby potions shop. The establishment's sign bore a distinctive symbol—three overlapping circles surrounding a mortar and pestle, rendered in deep blue paint.

"Guild marking," Lila identified grimly. "They're warning us we're in their territory."

Justin considered all the flyers they had distributed, making their headquarters location common knowledge. Unlike his previous world, legal protections here were minimal, and he worried about leaving their shop undefended while Alistair and Ilsa were away on deliveries.

"We need permanent security at headquarters," Justin decided. "Let's return immediately. Atlas can provide protection."

"Smart thinking," Lila agreed.

The return journey took fifteen minutes. Thankfully, nothing had occurred in their absence, though Justin's caution felt justified rather than paranoid.

He summoned Atlas directly inside the shop, the construct's red optical sensors regarding him attentively.

"I need you to remain here and monitor from the back hallway," Justin instructed. "If trouble arises, escort any threatening individuals out. Follow Tammy and Rita's instructions."

Atlas beeped in acknowledgment.

"Are you expecting trouble, Mr. Talemaker?" Tammy inquired.

"Preparation rather than expectation. We're in a somewhat isolated location, and competing shops are taking notice. Better safe than sorry."

"Of course," Tammy nodded. "Oh, Ms. Fairwind, that archer returned and purchased several Rhythmic Barrage potions. He tested one yesterday at the archery range—said his sixth consecutive shot split a training dummy completely in half! The range owner nearly expelled him until he explained the enhancement. Several other patrons overheard and requested our shop information." She brightened considerably. "Plus, he bought a silver membership! He lives just outside our normal service area, but I made an executive decision. Hope that's acceptable."

"Absolutely," Lila confirmed. "At this stage, flexibility serves us well."

"Six members total," Justin calculated. "Real progress! I hope you've brewed plenty of those Rhythmic Barrage potions."

"Only a few remain," Lila admitted. "I should focus on production. Songbrewer potions take rare ingredients, generally speaking."

"What specifically do you need?" Justin asked.

"Thornwood Glory is abundant—it's native to the Thornwood region where Eldrin lives, so it's readily available. The bottleneck is Crystalline Heartstone. Not impossibly rare, but scarce enough to limit production. At least, according to Ardabel."

"What do these potions sell for?"

"Two silvers each. Ingredients cost about one silver per dose."

"Solid margins. How long to craft each one?"

"About twenty minutes per potion." She sighed. "I should focus on brewing rather than sales. Door-to-door marketing isn't my strength."

"I can handle street work solo," Justin said. "The real issue is staffing. With Ilsa and Alistair on deliveries, Rita monitoring charms, and Tammy managing the shop, we have no backup for additional orders."

"We only have a handful of members currently," Lila observed, "but scaling will definitely create challenges."

"Didn't Alistair mention a local courier seeking work? Someone with adventuring experience?"

"Pallas," Lila recalled. "His solo operation failed, but an experienced courier with combat training could handle deliveries independently without needing protection."

"Worth investigating," Justin agreed.

Rita called from the back room. "Another activation!"

"By the Six," Lila muttered. "We can barely manage current demand!"

As if summoned by her words, three hardened adventurers entered—an orc and a human carrying longbows, followed by a varkiss with javelins. All were between levels 12 and 16.

"Summon & Supply?" the varkiss inquired. "The shop with Lila the Songbrewer?"

"That's me," Lila said confidently. "How can we assist you?"

"We're preparing for a Vault run," the human explained. "Varis told us about your Rhythmic Barrage potions. We'd like to purchase your entire stock."

Lila's eyebrows shot up. "All of them?" She reached into her pack. "I have six remaining. Twelve silvers total."

"Sold," he replied without hesitation. "Also, what healing and stamina potions do you carry?"

"Do you stock grim?" the varkiss added with a sibilant hiss.

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

"We don't carry grimroot extract," Lila clarified, "but we have excellent energy tonics and standard healing potions..."

By the time the adventurers departed, they had spent nearly sixty silvers as casually as pocket change.

A moment of stunned silence followed as Justin and Lila processed what had just occurred.

"We need to brew more of those potions right away," Justin said urgently.

As they walked to the workshop, Justin hurriedly stashed the morning's receipts into his income purse, which jingled cheerfully at his belt.

"Lila, I think we're drastically undercharging for those potions. Are you sure they cost one silver to make?"

"I thought I calculated correctly, but let's double-check with Ardabel."

"If they really are that cheap to make, these things could print gold. We could have every archer, crossbowman, and javelin-thrower in the district here within days, all wanting their own supply."

"Not yet!" Lila said. "I'm not ready for that."

They found Ardabel bent over his workstation, carefully bottling a shimmering azure liquid. He looked up as they approached.

"Mr. Talemaker, I managed to complete the scale-shine elixir, though the formulation proved more challenging than expected..."

"Excellent work," Justin said. "But we have an urgent situation."

Lila quickly explained their morning's sales, and Ardabel's eyes widened before breaking into a grin.

"This is wonderful! And terrifying," he said, setting down his equipment. "We have enough Thornwood Glory for about fifty potions. But Crystalline Heartstone? We're completely depleted."

"Where can we source more?" Justin asked.

"Meridian's Mystical Components, in the Golden District. Expensive, but if you're confident we'll see continued demand for this particular brew, I'd recommend purchasing substantial quantities of both ingredients."

"How many potions should we prepare?" Lila asked.

Ardabel considered this carefully. "I'd aim for one hundred doses initially. That means two pounds of Thornwood Glory and five pounds of Crystalline Heartstone. That ratio should yield the proper concentration."

"About pricing," Justin interjected. "Those adventurers purchased our entire stock without hesitation."

"What did you charge?" Ardabel asked, his expression growing serious.

"Two silvers each."

Ardabel coughed, clearly startled. "Two silvers? For what duration and effect?"

"One minute of active time, or until their sixth consecutive shot. Each arrow gains increasing damage based on their Coordination attribute."

"By Arion's hammer, Lila! You should be charging at least five silvers for that. At your current price, you're barely breaking even—possibly operating at a loss when factoring in brewing time and skill requirements. And there is a heartstone shortage these days. Some component wholesalers think they charge double what it's normally worth!"

"Then I misjudged the market completely," Lila admitted sheepishly.

"This is partially my oversight," Ardabel said. "I didn't see this potion in our inventory list."

"I brewed them last night after hours," Lila explained. "Rinna was working here too. There's something deeply relaxing about singing while brewing—I probably didn't get to bed until nearly two in the morning."

"Impressive dedication," Ardabel nodded approvingly. "But yes, adjust your pricing immediately. Much higher."

"Change of plans," Justin decided. "Let's secure those ingredients now. I can negotiate favorable terms."

"The summoning charm!" Lila suddenly remembered. "We have an active delivery request."

"Right. Which customer?" Justin paused thoughtfully. "Also, did Mr. Martinale's mother receive her morning delivery?"

"Yes, Ilsa handled it perfectly!"

"Excellent. Let's check the active charm first."

They found the glowing charm belonged to someone named Zahira Nasrin. Justin made sure he had a properly stocked delivery pack before they left.

Navigation proved straightforward. A few minutes of walking and occasional directions from passersby led them to the correct address. Justin appreciated experiencing their delivery process firsthand; it would help identify potential system improvements.

When Zahira answered the door, she purchased three bronze energy tonics, one healing potion, and cough suppressant medicine for a total of five silvers, barely speaking before closing the door firmly.

"What is happening today?" Lila asked in bewilderment. "Everything feels... surreal."

"Sometimes market conditions align perfectly," Justin replied, grinning. "Let's see if we can reach a full gold crown in daily receipts."

They continued toward Meridian's Mystical Components in the Golden District, Justin's mind already calculating profit margins and expansion possibilities.

At Meridian's counter, they encountered a bored, impeccably dressed Snow Goblin who regarded them with the characteristic disdain his species seemed to cultivate as an art form.

"You want five pounds of Crystalline Heartstone and two pounds of Thornwood Glory," the proprietor—presumably Meridian himself—said with barely concealed condescension. "For what purpose?"

"Potion-making," Justin replied curtly. The specifics weren't his concern.

"I see. It's just that I'm unaware of any established formulas combining those ingredients in meaningful proportions."

"They could be for separate brews," Justin said evenly. "Does it matter?"

"It matters considerably. Heartstone isn't easily procured, and I prefer not to see it squandered on amateur experiments by dilettantes masquerading as serious alchemists."

Justin bit back his initial response about why customer intentions should matter as long as payment was rendered.

"What's the total cost?" Lila interjected diplomatically.

"For both quantities," Meridian stated with theatrical gravity, "two gold crowns."

Justin's eyebrows shot up. "And what justifies such an astronomical price?"

"Astronomical? Heartstone crystals are extraordinarily difficult to source, especially with current supply shortages. Belmora teems with high-level alchemists who see themselves as Vesperis's gift to hapless adventurers, creating unprecedented demand. The Thornwood Glory accounts for merely fifteen silvers of that total. However, I cannot predict when more Heartstone shipments will arrive, and if you decline, someone will certainly purchase it within the fortnight."

Justin studied the Snow Goblin's expression carefully. While his claims contained some truth, he was clearly inflating the urgency for profit.

"One crown, twenty silvers," Justin said, channeling all his charisma. It was a slight premium compared to its usual market price.

The Snow Goblin laughed. Lila looked at Justin helplessly, about to step in to accept the deal.

But he raised a hand. Suddenly, a memory from his college days surfaced—standing on a sweltering car lot in Norman, Oklahoma, desperately needing transportation for his freshman year. The salesman had been a sweaty, gold-toothed man named Rick, dressed in polyester suits and reeking of cheap cologne.

Justin had detested everything about him—the invasion of personal space, the blatant lies, the manipulation tactics. Yet, Rick had an undeniable talent for reading people and exploiting their needs. When Justin hesitated over the overpriced, beat-up Chrysler, Rick had smoothly mentioned how "your mother would want you safe on those long drives home," and "college kids need reliable transportation—can't let your education suffer over car trouble."

Justin had ended up with a lemon that died two months later, but he'd witnessed masterful salesmanship in action. Rick might have been a snake, but he was a snake who fed his family by convincing people to buy things they couldn't afford.

As much as Justin hated to admit it, sometimes you needed to fight pomp with grease.

He activated his Dazzling Display ability, channeling that odious car salesman's persona.

The effect was instant as he channeled the slimy gravitas of Rick the used car salesman. His posture shifted—leaning in slightly, hands spread on the counter, voice taking on a practiced, overly familiar tone that suggested they were old friends making a deal.

His voice came out gravelly, smooth, and too familiar.

"Meridian, my friend—and I can call you a friend, right? Because that's what we're gonna be after today—let me tell you something. I can see you're a smart businessman. Really smart. And you know what smart businessmen understand?" Justin leaned forward, mimicking the act of puffing out a cigarette and flashing a gold-toothed smile. "Cash flow, baby. Moving inventory."

Meridian's eyes narrowed suspiciously as Justin's accent shifted to something more common, more street-level.

"Now, I'm gonna level with you here because I respect you. Two crowns? That's your asking price, and hey, I get it. You gotta start somewhere. But between you and me..." Justin lowered his voice conspiratorially, "we both know you've been sitting on this Heartstone for what, weeks? Maybe months? Every day it sits here, it's costing you money. Opportunity cost, lost sales, tied-up capital."

The Snow Goblin cleared his throat nervously. "I maintain that the price reflects current market—"

"Market conditions, absolutely!" Justin interrupted smoothly. "But here's the thing about markets, friend—they're all about timing. Right now, today, I'm standing here with gold in my pocket, ready to take this inventory off your hands. One crown, twenty silvers. No, twenty-five silvers. That's not just a sale, Meridian, that's liberation. Liberation from dead inventory."

The Snow Goblin watched him closely, not liking what he was saying, but listening. Perfect.

Justin leaned back slightly. "Look, I could walk down the street, hit three other shops, and probably find what I need eventually. But I like you. You've got class; you run a clean establishment. The kind of place I want to do repeat business with. And you know what repeat customers are worth? Way more than holding out for an extra seventy-five silvers on one transaction."

The Snow Goblin's expression wavered between irritation and grudging interest.

"Your... approach is rather unconventional for someone of your apparent breeding..."

"Breeding?" Justin chuckled. "Friend, money doesn't care about breeding. Money cares about results. And the result I'm offering you is this—" he tapped the counter "—immediate payment, immediate inventory turnover, and a satisfied customer who's going to remember where he got fair treatment when he needs more supplies."

"Hmm. Maybe so."

Justin spread his hands wide. "Tell you what, because I can see you're a goblin of discerning taste—throw in some decent measuring scales, the good ones, and we shake hands right now at one crown, twenty-five silvers. You move product, I get what I need, everybody wins. What do you say, partner?"

Meridian stared at him for a long moment, clearly trying to process this bizarre negotiation style.

"Your sales technique is... disturbingly effective," the Snow Goblin admitted grudgingly. "One crown, twenty-five silvers. No precision scales. Though I feel compelled to mention that I've never been called 'partner' by a customer before."

"There's a first time for everything, friend. Pleasure doing business with you."

Lila shot Justin a look of pure bewilderment, clearly wondering what had just possessed him. Within minutes, they were out the door with the crate of supplies after Lila inspected them and they were weighed to her satisfaction.

[500 experience gained. Your experience stands at 27,325/29,000.]

"That was... something," Lila said. "It was kind of creepy but also..."

"Also what?" Justin asked in his normal voice.

"Never mind. Let's get back to headquarters."

As they walked back toward Copper Lane, Justin couldn't shake the feeling that success in this world might require more compromises than he'd anticipated. Channeling grease against a snooty Snow Goblin was one thing.

The question was how many more compromises he could make before losing himself entirely.