The Game Rune System

One's looks had much more influence than people could ever imagine.

It was not only the handsome man who would get better treatment in various shops or during the meetings, but even a man with a proper hairstyle or beard would be far more believable than a mercenary who struggled to get coins for meals.

The clothes, equipment and strength also could help with one's appearance and sow trust within the receiver's heart.

Of course, it was a rough comparison between noble and mercenary and one would need to speak more about it, but crux was that the appearance was crucial in business before anyone had any fame.

Tetsuya used to bring a lot of charm and attention with his good looks and ego speech, but it was all non-existent with seal within him.

The merchant who just glanced at him felt like nicely shooing him away, "My carriage is already full, so it's better if you look for someone else." Indeed, the handsome looks were gone and Tetsuya had nothing to support his words. Even if he said that he had talent or strength to keep this carriage safe, the merchant wouldn't bother much, but instead ask his already established guard for someone else.

It was all pointless and saved much time.

"Let's say that I am a normal mercenary then." Tetsuya has changed, but he wouldn't give up that easily. The thought of going to another merchant didn't appear with his mind and he also felt like it would waste time for him.

He refused any carriage and help from Thera Household to disguise himself the best, but Tetsuya also didn't want to fail any task on his new adventure.

His eyes went up and a wooden sword made an appearance, "A normal mercenary that seeks work. If my sword manages to bring down one of your guards, then you will give me a spot in the carriage. It won't last longer than a minute and you will get a reliable connection which is me."

While Tetsuya didn't seem like a reliable connection, but a mercenary who used any kind of bullshit to enter the carriage and get some free meal, the merchant indeed felt like Tetsuya had something within.

Was it his eyes that bloomed with confidence totally not known by the merchant so far?

Nonetheless, the agreement was made and one of the common guards stepped forward, a smile on his face.

He was smiling because this spar just got him some silver coins and he surely would spend these well! His body was clad in known and popular high armor manufactured in Mystic Academy for mercenaries with not high income.

Mystic Academy took the route to support many not so popular and known mercenaries and often changed prices depending on the world's situation.

Right now, they got a small competitor called Redemption City!

"I will be your opponent." The nameless guard smirked, his sword up.

Answering this, Tetsuya's sword also positioned itself before the new opponent, then both men rushed forward.

Immediately by this movement, both the merchant and his guard leader realized the difference between Tetsuya and the nameless. First of all, the nameless guard was a mercenary who took and raised his abilities through the hard work and self-teaching method.

He has fought a lot in this brutal world and certainly didn't lack experience.

But his movement was rash and full of holes. Even the ladies from noble households that never grasped the sword would comment that this movement was 'vulgar' and this alone would be enough to classify him as 'brainless commoner'.

On the other hand, Tetsuya's sword was held beautifully. He moved along with his weapon as if dancing with gorgeous beauty. He and his weapon were in constant 'eye contact' and this could make the noble ladies scream with jealousy.

So how did the guard leader and merchant react?

"Fuck." Both of them uttered this known which conveyed their emotions clearly to the world.

Once the noble and vulgar swordsmanship reached each other, their eyes could see Tetsuya shifting his hilt to the side. An immense weight then pushed down the nameless' sword and his eyes went wide from the shock.

The same applied to them, but the merchant quickly coughed, "You got the skill…"

Indeed.

If not the looks, then one's fame or abilities.

Tetsuya immediately changed everyone's opinions about himself through his sword and hid it within his sheath. He then smiled at the merchant who just rummaged through his pockets.

On the other side, the nameless mercenary was looking at his hand with wide eyes.

While he couldn't understand how Tetsuya's sword that easily bypassed his own, his eyes let out a bright glint when the silver coins landed on his spread palm.

He turned his eyes to the merchant then happily returned to his initial place.

No longer shock or pain could be seen on his face, but that was just a merchant who wanted to live by his sword. He would rather fight people on a similar level to his, not the monster in disguise such as Tetsuya!

"What's your destination?" The merchant asked first.

"Tonghen Province… I just want to get to the closest city to the border, then I will manage from that." Tetsuya replied.

"And is there a reason why you have chosen our carriage?" It was an important question as one could guess.

From within, Ashley's voice rang out loudly! She told him to not mention that Tetsuya also didn't want to waste time by asking others! She literally told him to not mention anything related to ego and just work his way through it.

"Each carriage would treat me the same. If not, then I would be suspicious instead." His answer still was somewhat similar 'to not waste time', but the merchant agreed with Tetsuya and introduced him to important people.

There were four carriages here.

The first was like a merchant's home where he and his daughter lived. The other three had his goods that he wanted to sell in various cities all the way to Tonghen Province.

Tetsuya introduced himself as 'Narashi' to everyone and spoke briefly, then exchanged some pointers with the guard leader.

His beginning was rather easy at first, but Tetsuya learned how appealing and impressive his real appearance was.

He also questioned himself, "If this merchant didn't give me a chance to prove and I got forced to meet every other merchant with the same result, then what would I do?" This question was also about his destination in Tonghen Province.

If one of Yuhi's descendants or his people just straight ignored Tetsuya, then he would be forced to go through the ladder yet again.

How long would it last? One year? Two years?

"You have already changed and got a lot of good features. And with Milady Yuhi's descendants, I feel like you can be a little forceful if they were to refuse you. I mean, won't you be like their father later in the future? Hehe." Ashley added and laughed at the end.

"How naughty. Nothing is set in stone yet." Tetsuya also laughed with her, his words bringing a wide smile out of her.