Transaction

Beyond increasing his strength, another question had always bothered Renard: his current stats were almost three times what they were originally, yet his strength didn't seem to have increased threefold.

He pondered for a long time without an answer, then directly asked, "System, I have a question."

Before he could even ask, the System directly provided an answer: "Everyone has their own stats. If you take the average, a normal adult's base stats are about one hundred. The stats you see now are only the parts that exceed the average."

Perhaps it was the effect of his Eidetic Memory skill, but Renard immediately understood what it meant. "You mean my current Strength is only twelve percent higher than a normal adult's?"

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

So it was a percentage bonus. Renard's thoughts gradually cleared. While it might not seem like much, it was actually terrifyingly powerful.

In the early stages, it might not be apparent, but in the later stages, when all stats reached one hundred, he could easily crush any ordinary person. This wasn't a simple case of one plus one equaling two.

If someone else could punch with a force of 100 kilograms, he could punch with 200 kilograms. If someone else ran 10 meters per second, he could run 20 meters per second. Such a gap was simply heaven-defying.

If the martial arts masters of Huaxia Nation in the past had possessed such physical prowess, beating dozens of people at once would have been effortless.

Moreover, based on the current situation, there was no upper limit to this stat bonus. If he was willing to work hard on missions, he might reach 200, or even 300 or 400 in all stats.

Imagine having several times the Strength, Speed, and Intelligence of others. Such a person couldn't even be called human; they should be called a superman.

Perhaps sensing his inner excitement, the System couldn't help but scoff, "What's the point of mere physical strength? You'll know what true power is when you learn Battle Qi and magic later on."

Battle Qi and magic? Countless memory fragments suddenly surged through Renard's mind. They were scenes of mages and Battle Qi warriors in action, and the visuals were spectacular.

After a long while, Renard emerged from his deep memories, a wry smile of helplessness on his face. Comparing oneself to others truly could kill you!

He didn't know when he would be able to reach that level, and it probably wouldn't be soon. Of course, one thing was certain: he needed to work tirelessly to achieve his goals.

The road ahead was arduous, and the journey was long.

After buying the potions, Renard was left with only 350 dinars. Fortunately, there were no other essential items he needed to purchase.

He had already prepared enchanted weapons and defensive equipment. If anything was missing, it would be ranged weapons and a mode of transportation. However, the standard bows and arrows from Saint Brieuc Fortress could serve as substitutes.

Although obtaining a warhorse would be difficult, he figured Baron Hamilton wouldn't be stingy about providing him with one.

Renard suddenly realized he had nothing he wanted to buy with his 350 dinars.

Just then, the System made another suggestion: "You could buy a few active defense scrolls. They can save your life in critical moments. After all, danger is everywhere, and survival is paramount."

Renard pondered for a moment and found it reasonable. He then typed "active defense scroll" into the mall's search bar, and dozens of interfaces popped up.

Triggering Elemental Shield Scroll: A one-time consumable item that grants immunity to all beginner-level magic and Battle Qi attacks for one minute. Price: 50 dinars.

Compared to the beginner-level Insight Scroll, the Triggering Elemental Shield Scroll was more than twenty times more expensive. Of course, the price was understandable. Renard didn't hesitate and gritted his teeth to exchange for four scrolls.

Money is a bastard, but if it's gone, I'll earn more.

With everything ready, Renard's emotions became noticeably excited.

Seeing his expression, Selina couldn't help but show a hint of sadness. "Is Young Master preparing to return to Constantinople?"

"That's right!" Renard didn't hide it. He walked up to Selina, put his arms around her waist, and inhaled the faint fragrance of her hair, saying entranced, "Although I hate to leave my precious Selina, I must. I'm going to reclaim my lost dignity."

Only he knew what Scum Renard had experienced in Constantinople. Of course, Baron Hamilton probably had some inkling.

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

Renard felt as if he were floating on air. The feeling was indescribably wonderful. He was lost in it, unable to extricate himself. If he didn't have important matters to attend to, he would have definitely engaged in some conjugal bliss.

He patted her perky backside and said with a wicked smile, "Wash up and wait for your Young Master tonight."

Selina's face immediately flushed crimson. She playfully punched him twice and scurried out of the bedroom. As she left, she softly replied, "I know."

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

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

Old Walker's shop had regained its former liveliness, and there were even more customers. Rumor had it that he had climbed onto Young Master Renard's high branch and had strong backing.

Therefore, many adventurers and mercenaries were willing to buy and sell items at his shop, essentially fencing stolen goods.

Old Walker offered no explanation and was quite happy with the situation.

When Renard arrived, several mercenaries were just leaving after selling their goods. Upon seeing him, they immediately whispered to each other and quickly departed.

It was likely that before long, the rumor of Old Walker colluding with him would spread even further.

Renard's sudden visit did not seem to fluster Old Walker, perhaps revealing his true nature.

Renard sat on a chair by the counter, watching Old Walker organize his items. After a long silence, he spoke first, "I hope to gain the friendship of the Blood Knight Mercenary Group."

Old Walker stopped his work and remained silent for a long time before replying, "The Blood Knight Mercenary Group also longs for your friendship, Young Master Renard. However, there's no such thing as a free lunch. What do you wish to gain?"

"Support. When the time comes to compete for the position of heir, I hope the Blood Knight Mercenary Group will stand completely by my side," Renard said with a serious tone.

Old Walker showed a wry smile. "Young Master Renard overestimates our Blood Knight Mercenary Group. In the words of the Nobles, we are just a mob and cannot influence the Lord's will at all."

Renard tapped his fingers on the table, seemingly lost in thought.

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

"Deal, sir," Old Walker replied almost without hesitation. "You will have the friendship of the Blood Knight Mercenary Group."