That didn't go well.

What now?

I have a few copper coins. A tamer emblem. A necklace. A sword.

Surprisingly, I didn't lose the last one yet.

This is fine.

Time for plan B.

I just need to get a small capital.

Just enough to get someone to clean my outfit, make me presentable.

Then I can go back to job hunting.

Hopefully successfully this time around.

Yep, time to get rid of the sword.

I'd say it looks to be quite well made.

It should fetch me a nice sum.

Right, I should probably learn about the value of money here.

Why didn't I do that earlier?

Thus I start going around.

Asking random people random questions.

Here are the results of my investigation.

A pie cost about 10 copper coins.

That is all the information I need.

I can extrapolate the rest on my own.

This means that I spent about 500 pies worth to pay the mercenaries.

Actually more since I overpaid.

I guess it doesn't matter that much.

They were pretty nice.

Also, they did say something about joining my faction.

Even with how half-imaginary it is haha.

Maybe I should stop recruiting everyone I meet.

Since I don't have any actual real organization.

On the other hand, if I manage to convert enough people war could be avoided.

At least in this little part of the world.

In gaming terms, I would that one priest that goes wolololololo.

If you don't know it, look it up.

God, I miss the internet.

Anyway, I need to find a blacksmith and…

Maybe a normal weapon shop would be better.

Yeah, chances are their margins are better.

Either way, avoiding getting ripped off will be a pain.

Good thing is that weapon is just looted.

No big loss either way.

I ask a nearby kid to guide me in exchange for a few copper coins.

Direction the coolest armament shop.

I get brought to one filled with people.

To the brim.

It looks lively. The business seems great.

The signboards are golden and resplendent.

I make my way through the crowd trying to reach the counter.

Well-dressed attendants are talking with customers.

I holler at one.

[Hey there, do you guys buy swords here?]

"Sir, this is a shop. We are the ones selling things to customers, not the other way around."

[What about this one? Can't you guys buy and sell it for a profit?]

He scoffs. Seemingly looking down on me.

"Sir, it seems as if this sword has never been properly maintained. What were you even doing with it?!"

Carrying it around like a trinket is probably not the answer he's expecting.

Is this a tactic to lower the price?

Then again it does sound logical.

Should I try and sell it nonetheless?

[How about buying it for a few silvers?]

"Sorry, but the best I can do is a few coppers. The wear and tear are intense on that item."

[Are you kidding me?! That is the price of simple food! We are talking a fully forged sword here!]

He looks condescendingly at me.

"Sorry Sir but we won't buy your junk. Please leave this store."

That's so rude!

That's when I hear a voice.

"Thank you all for gathering here today for this special event!"

A well-dressed man is showing off a weapon that looks like a work of art.

Yet it appears as deadly as beautiful.

Not overly fancy either.

Oh? I guess that explains how packed the store is.

"Today, as many of you know, we will be auctioning a weapon of wonder. One forged by a dwarf master himself!"

That's good to know.

Fantasy races are a thing.

I have never seen any here, however.

"This blade right here is one able to cut through metal, flesh, and bones like butter! Bring this on the battlefield and any rank 4 will instantly become invincible. Or close anyway."

I like the disclaimer at the end.

Marketing done right where customers can't complain.

I mean the way I see it a godlike weapon has its drawbacks too.

Sure a rank 4 can become really strong with it.

But what happens if he gets slain?

The enemy could just pick it right up and then you are screwed.

The good thing is that as long as you manage to retrieve it many experts can use it.

Even if the first one dies the second could use it too.

I guess the other alternative is to invest in training resources.

The disadvantage is that there is the risk of your investment dying on you.

The good thing is it's harder to steal people than weapons.

Actually, poaching is a thing too.

The more I think about this the more I realize I have no clue how to lead a sect.

I'll have to somehow learn that before my half-fake faction becomes bigger.

"Who wants to bid on it?!"

A rich-looking guy raises his hand.

I'd describe him as the powerful ancestor type.

One that seems experienced and authoritative.

"Before bidding, how about we test how sharp it truly is?"

The announcer looks confident.

"No problem! If anyone manages to even leave a scratch on it, not only will we not hold him accountable, but we will even reward such an individual!"

The authoritative man moves forward.

He takes out a sturdy-looking scimitar.

Just judging from the looks the scimitar should easily destroy the target.

He takes a swing with incredible momentum.

*KACHA*

As expected, the scimitar breaks in half.

An extremely clean cut.

Would have been hilarious if the dwarven sword got destroyed.

Could you picture the face of the auctioneer?

He is now showcasing it.

The product raised high up in the air.

Clear for everyone to see that it is intact.

Completely so.

I wonder exactly what explains this.

Is it the base materials?

Is it the alloy itself?

For example, a combination of metals in the perfect ratio will usually end up sturdier.

Perhaps it is the skills of the craftsman.

Perhaps even his magic proficiency.

For all I know, this weapon could be choke-full of mana.

You know the thing that is invisible to me.

Everyone is nodding impressed.

After this display, no one will try to contest it.

That is the logical reaction of course for …

Wait a minute.

What if this is all a ploy?

My friends did warn me about the deviousness of people here.

He did say there was a reward for making a scratch, didn't he?

"Now we shall proceed with the…"

I may as well try my luck.

[Wait a second! Let me try too!]

*Gasps of surprise*