A Deal

Besides improving his strength, one question had always troubled Renard. His attributes were now almost three times what they had been before, yet his strength didn't seem to have increased threefold.

He'd thought about it for a long time without finding an answer, so he simply asked, "System, I have a question."

Before he could even ask, the system answered directly. "Everyone has their own attributes. The average basic attributes of an ordinary adult are around one hundred. The attributes you see now are only the amounts by which yours exceed that average."

Perhaps Eidetic Memory was doing its job; Renard immediately understood what the system meant. "So my strength is only twelve percent higher than an ordinary adult's?"

"You can understand it that way for now," the system replied.

So it was a percentage bonus. Renard's thoughts gradually cleared. Although the bonus seemed small, it was actually terrifying.

It might not show much at first, but later on, when his attributes reached one hundred, he'd be able to crush any ordinary person with ease. It wasn't as simple as one plus one equals two.

Someone else might punch with a force of a hundred kilograms, while he could hit with two hundred. Someone else might run ten meters per second, while he could run twenty. That kind of difference was practically defying the heavens.

If the martial arts experts of the Huaxia Nation had possessed this kind of physique, taking on dozens of people at once would've been a piece of cake.

And judging by the current situation, there was no limit to these attribute bonuses. If he worked hard at his tasks, perhaps he could reach two hundred in every attribute, or even three hundred or four hundred.

Just imagine: your strength was several times greater than other people's, your speed was several times greater, and your intelligence was several times greater too. You couldn't even be called human anymore—you'd be a superhero.

Perhaps sensing his excitement, the system couldn't help but scoff. "What's the point of having a strong body alone? Once you learn to use battle qi and magic, you'll understand what true strength is."

Battle qi and magic? Countless fragments of memory suddenly surged through Renard's mind: scenes of mages and Battle Qi Warriors unleashing their power, each more spectacular than the last.

After a while, Renard emerged from those deep memories, a helpless, bitter smile on his face. Comparing yourself to others really could drive you crazy!

He wondered how long it would take him to reach that level. It probably wouldn't be anytime soon. Of course, one thing was certain: reaching his goal would require constant effort.

The road ahead was arduous, and there was a long way to go.

After buying the potions, Renard had only three hundred and fifty dinars left. Fortunately, there was nothing else he needed to buy.

He already had enchanted weapons and defensive gear. If anything was missing, it was a ranged weapon and transportation, but the standard-issue bows and arrows from Saint Brieuc Fortress would do.

A warhorse would be difficult to come by, but Baron Hamilton probably wouldn't begrudge him one.

Renard suddenly realized that he had three hundred and fifty dinars in his hand and nothing he particularly wanted to buy.

Just then, the system offered another suggestion. "You could buy a few active defense scrolls. They could save your life at a critical moment. Danger lurks everywhere, after all, so staying alive should be your top priority."

Renard thought it over and decided the system had a point. He entered "active defense scroll" into the shop's search bar, and dozens of listings immediately appeared.

Triggering Elemental Shield Scroll. A one-time-use item that grants immunity to all beginner-level magic and battle qi attacks. Duration: one minute. Price: fifty dinars.

Compared to the beginner-level Insight Scroll, this Triggering Elemental Shield Scroll cost more than twenty times as much. The price was understandable, though, and Renard didn't skimp. Gritting his teeth, he exchanged for four scrolls.

Money was just a number. If it ran out, he could earn more.

With everything in place, Renard was visibly excited.

Seeing his expression, Selina couldn't help but look dejected. "Is Young Master going back to Constantinople?"

"That's right!" Renard didn't hide it. He went over to Selina and slipped his arms around her waist, unable to keep his hands to himself. Inhaling the delicate fragrance of her hair, he said, intoxicated, "I hate to leave my precious Selina, but I have to go. I'm going to reclaim the dignity I lost."

Only Scum Renard knew what had happened to him in Constantinople, though Baron Hamilton had probably heard a little about it.

"Please take care of yourself, Young Master." Selina pursed her lips, then gently kissed his forehead.

Renard felt like he was floating on air. The sensation was so wonderful that he was completely lost in it. If he hadn't had something important to do, he would've had to enjoy a night of passion with her.

He patted her shapely bottom and gave her a wicked smile. "Wash up and wait for me tonight, young master says."

Selina's face instantly turned crimson. She bashfully gave him two little punches, then hurried out of the bedroom, replying softly as she left, "All right."

After Selina left, Renard quickly collected himself, lit a cigar, and fell into thought.

After a long while, he suddenly stood up and headed outside.

Old Walker's shop had returned to its former bustling state, and there were even more customers than before. Rumors around town claimed he'd gotten in good with Young Master Renard and now had powerful backing.

As a result, many people with special abilities and adventurers were willing to come to his shop to buy and sell items. To put it plainly, they were fencing stolen goods.

Old Walker didn't bother to explain. In truth, he was quite happy to let people think that.

When Renard arrived, several mercenaries had just finished selling their goods and were heading out. The moment they spotted him, they whispered among themselves, then quickly left.

It probably wouldn't be long before rumors of Old Walker and him being lovers spread even further.

Renard's sudden visit didn't seem to alarm Old Walker. Perhaps this was what he was really like.

Renard sat in a chair beside the counter, watching Old Walker sort through the goods. After a long silence, he spoke first. "I hope to earn the friendship of the Blood Knight Mercenary Group."

Old Walker stopped working and fell silent as well. After a long while, he finally replied, "The Blood Knight Mercenary Group would be honored to have your friendship too, Young Master Renard. But there's no such thing as a free lunch. What is it you want?"

"Your support. When the time comes to compete for the position of heir, I want the Blood Knight Mercenary Group to stand firmly on my side." Renard's tone was serious.

Old Walker gave a bitter smile. "You think too highly of the Blood Knight Mercenary Group, Young Master Renard. In the words of the nobility, we're just a rabble. We can't influence a lord's decisions at all."

Renard tapped his fingers on the table, as if deep in thought.

After a long while, he spoke again. "I swear before the gods, in the name of the ancestors of the Duncan Family, that if I successfully inherit the family's lands and title, I'll open up a piece of land for the Blood Knight Mercenary Group to use as its base, free of charge."

"Deal, sir." Old Walker hardly hesitated. "You have the friendship of the Blood Knight Mercenary Group."