Chapter 4 - Plan

It's almost sunrise already and here I am building a house.

The whole area was covered with golden rays from the rising sun.

I wonder if they would like this? Well I'm not an expert but even I'm amazed! I did get up to intermediate level in my world's standards for architecture so surely it is durable.

I smiled while looking at my creation. I started daydreaming about all sorts of things. Fantasizing about my greatness. Aaah, is this what you feel when you do something that even you yourself got surprised by it. My confidence rose sky high! These kinds of feelings are the real poison since it makes you feel all giddy due self-praise.

"Amazing, just amazing" Rita said sarcastically.

"Hey now I gave my all to creating this. Not to mention I did all this alone within five hours! I'd say this is one of the most amazing damn thing I ever achieved"

A simple two story house, with four rooms, a kitchen, dining hall, and a bathroom. Unfortunately this world doesn't have a toilet. So they will need to clean it every time they do their business for sanitary purposes.

I went back to the inn after resting. As usual, I went through the window.

"Hey, are you two ready to move?" I ask.

I caught the two off guard so they were surprise.

"Ready to move?" Alfred ask.

I explain them that they should follow me since I have a big surprise for them.

"Oh, I haven't gotten your name yet!" I said to the girl.

"My name is Nrowe" She said as she bowed lightly.

Their condition is a lot better now compared to last night but they can only walk in their current condition. Alfred was only pushing himself yesterday so he still needs to recover.

I told them that I'll be waiting outside so that they can get ready.

"What are you planning?" Rita ask.

"Well gathering competent people obviously. An incompetent ally is worse than a clever enemy. And let's just say that I'm putting up a good character in front of them.

When a person is at their lowest point, they get desperate. And when a light suddenly appeared in front of them, people would unconsciously feel indebted to that person who brought forth that ray of hope. That is what I am doing if you want me to be specific"

Whether you are an omnipotent or omniscient individual, all people have their own weaknesses, no matter how strong he or she may be. No one is immune to psychological manipulation unless you yourself knew and avoid it with no problems, that will be the time where you can actually say that you are invincible to all. No matter how hard you build and fortify your walls, there will always be cracks and holes because we all are full of flaws yet perfect at the same time.

We then went to where I build the house. The house was near a certain noble a bit far from the palace so we are now riding a carriage.

After three hours we arrive at a hill, on top was a house made of logs. It was also near a small village. A perfect spot!

"From now on you two will be living here!" I said merrily.

The two were shock from what I said. Dumbfounded expressions were visible to see.

Hahaha, I'm enjoying how they are reacting right now!

"W-we can't possibly live here!" Alfred said frantically. "We do not have any money to pay for something like this"

"Of course you will. I just made it you know, also there is a pave ground behind. I thought that a little training ground is also idle" I replied. "It's for free, and I insist"

"You said that you made this? When exactly d-did you do it Sir?" Nrowe ask nervously.

"Earlier. I cut some logs, bought(Stole) some tools and equipment, put them altogether, and voila, that is the final result."

Hehehe, I'm sure they are curious on how I was able to that.

"I was able to do it because of this"

I then show them my aura. My aura which is color white.

A novice have a white colored aura. It then turns into gray when that person is about to get enlightenment. Afterwards, a different color that represents that person's personality will show. For me who still possess a white colored aura despite being a master already brought shame to my family.

One of the reasons why they were so brutal to me.

After going inside, I explain them the mechanics of aura and ki and was able to persuade them to live here.

They are worried about the noble that rules over this land but I'll take care of that later on. After all the Earl is a decent man.

Giving someone a house tour that you personally made and seeing their amaze expression just feels so good. I left so that the two can familiarize themselves in their new home.

Now I just need to pay the Earl a visit.

Sneaking in his house is rather a hassle. If it weren't for Rita's help I would have already been detected by those magic sensors. Like what the hell are those things? Those mana detector crystals are even harder to avoid than a radar with a heat sensor.

Argh, I just barely made it.

I then entered the place as if it was my own. Looking as if I don't care a thing. A maid saw me walking around and was shock to see me, or rather she was shock to see the mark in my hand. She was flustered not know what to do.

She told me to stay comfortable in a chair and wait so that she can call someone. Pretty sure she's going to inform someone like the head of the maids.

Minutes later, the Earl showed up with a dashing attire. His fast. It hasn't even been ten minutes yet. Was he perhaps doing something already?

"Please follow me, I believe we have something to discuss" He said.

I then followed right behind. Only to know that he was nervous. Rita said that he was putting up a brave front and that he was extremely surprise that I was able to get in in broad daylight without getting detected.

He led me to a room where there are already tea and snacks prepared. The two of us entered the room alone, leaving behind the butlers and the maids.

"This is a room inscribed with runes so that any and everything we talk about won't be leak" He said.

Now that is what hospitality truly is!

"Let us cut to the chase. I would like to talk to you something that might pique your interest." I said.

I need to finish this as soon as possible after all. I still have things to do. Meanwhile Rita will be telling me whether he is lying or not. This way I'll be able to discern if he is worthy of my trust.

"And that is?" He ask with stern expression.

"As far as I know, you want to expand your land not because of any ill intentions but so that you can protect more people. Am I wrong?" I ask.

"No, you are not"

"There are also many nobles who are against the idea, they then team up against you leaving you alone with no ally. For that reason, if there were a way to remove them, will you take part into my little plan?"

"And that would be?" He ask.

"Simple, I will tell you all the names of those nobles who do such as illegal activities. If they are now arrested, half of their influence will be scattered. And so you will be the one collecting it. Your desire to help people will be achieve even faster."

"Meaning that you want me take control in the surface while supporting you in the shadows?" He ask.

I tilted my head a bit. And slightly sip on my tea.

"That's right! Of course, everything that happened today will be treated as our little secret" I replied happily.

"I never thought that the 'Hero' would be such a guy like you. Ah, I meant that as a compliment." He said.

So far, according to Rita, everything he said just now were all true. We then reach to an agreement regarding what we talk about just now and that he will continue to help other people as well no matter who they are. I ask a favor if he can take care of the protection of Alfred and Nrowe who are in his land. He accepted it easily, after all it is a request from me! I ask for some mana stone that were the same as the detectors earlier. Since it was a bit expensive and his current wealth weren't that much he was able to give me three pieces.

After finishing my business here, I went back to the siblings so that I can create a protective barrier. Since the two are from beast clan, they also have sharp senses therefore putting a detecting equipment would be simply wasting valuables.

"Rita, I'll use my question today. However instead of a question I would like to have knowledge instead." I said as I run.

"And that would be?" She ask.

"Knowledge about runes; All kinds of it"

"Are you crazy? Why would I do that?" She said.

"Then what if I sacrifice my privilege of asking questions?" I ask.

"Well... I will have to confiscate about three months. If you want a more advanced knowledge of it then I'll take seven instead"

"Deal!"

As I run using aura to go to the hill where the two are, knowledge about runes entered my head as if a dam burst apart. I did said that I want a more advanced knowledge about it but, to put all of it into my head just like that was rather cruel of her.

[Title "Rune master" acquired.

Effects:

-Constructing runes are three times faster

-Runes now consumes less amount of mana

-Runes effects are now two times stronger]

[You have leveled up]

Hey, it said that I leveled up right?! How come there are no stat points? This is the first time I leveled up in this world. This is a game base system and your telling me that there are no stat points? This system must be rigged somehow!

"Rita, what is the meaning of this?" I ask furiously.

"That's because, stats are just numbers that represents a certain information of an individual which is numerically programmed to the system. Based on your race, your stat will also differ. A good example is the beast race, they possess greater physical power but lacks talent in magic. While the elves are known for their accuracy and precision in the usage of mana, they are also known for their weak and fragile bodies.

The system doesn't have the power to raise one's power. You need to work for it. If you train your body your physical stats will increase if you meditate your magic proficiency will increase. Surely you know that humans can only reached a certain level in terms for the physical part, right?"

"Then why did you not told me these important parts then?"

"Because you never ask! Hmph"

I did ask! The moment I came here I ask her all about it and yet leave the important parts aside.

When the hill was in sight. I saw a lot of people there raising some kind of weapons and pointing it at the house I made.

Now what are those guys doing?

I put more aura in my feet and got even quicker. I'm definitely not mad that those flies are trying to destroy the house I made!

After landing near, I heard those flies(the villagers) talking trash to Alfred and Nrowe.

"What the hell is happening here?! Huh, what do you all do you think you are doing?!" I shouted.

"Wow, you really are angry at them for pointing their weapons at the house you made" Rita said.

Of course I am!

They kept on causing a commotion and ignored me. Ignore? Me?!

"Get out of the way! We are going to get those two criminals!" A villager said.

These guys are getting on my nerves. Perfect, you all are going to be my guinea pigs for the skill I just got.

I put my hand into the air and activated . The villagers who were yelling are now on all fours on the ground, barely able to move. I didn't think that it would be this powerful. Right they don't have any kind of resistance against attack to the soul, I'm so stupid.

I then ask them kindly about why they were out here causing such a commotion and why they were yelling, accusing that these two are criminals.

I ask the village mayor to talk and so we went inside to have a talk. He said that a man saw the two setting the warehouse, where the food were being kept. I then ask where this 'man' is and ask him if what he said was the truth. After answering my question, Rita said that he's lying and that he is the real culprit. As for why he did that was because he lost his daughter to a psychopathic beast man. And so I ask him again with the same question, this time using and he reluctantly confessed. The other villagers didn't believe what they heard, saying that I manipulated him into saying it. So I revealed the my true identity by removing the the glove I was wearing. Seeing that the mark of a hero was in my hand they didn't have much of a choice but to believe. The mayor the apologize to me and to Alfred and Nrowe, so did the others.

So many hindrance!

"Thank you for the help" They said in unison.

They must have a hard time what to call me.

"From now on just call me Mike, okay?" I said.

They nodded in agreement.

Since I'm busy, I immediately started creating a protective rune by inscribing the land around the whole house. Tiresome job, nevertheless the end result was worth it. Because of the effect of my title "Rune master". The rune I made is at least twice stronger than my original goal.

Alfred called me saying that food was ready. But before I got to respond May came saying she has urgent news.