Okay, so let me get this straight.

This guy swaggers here.

Then intimidates all the others.

By offering way less gold…and adding a membership to that?

Isn't that just trying to poach me forcefully?

Then they can put me to good use if I turn out to be strong.

In case they find that I was simply lucky to find the sword they probably won't care.

Except the actual situation is worse.

The sword is fake.

There is no way I can accept that invitation.

No matter what.

Chances I would be bound to them afterward.

Let's just end this farce.

[Actually, I have no wish to sell it anymore. I will have to apologize to you all.]

There, fixed it.

Most seem disappointed.

Still, they understand.

Something about me not wanting to get rid of such a magical sword.

They seem to be under the misunderstanding that I somehow just discovered the power of the weapon when I was testing it.

Thus changing my mind about wanting to sell it.

The extravagant merchant scoffs.

"Oh? You want to keep it? It seems to me like you are biting more than you can chew. Wanting to keep such a fine sword."

What's up with this guy? I already said I do not wish to sell.

"Tell me, boy. You seem extremely arrogant. Not even giving our group face. Are you a rank 4 or above?"

[That…no way.]

Just looking at my defense levels I may actually be.

Everything else…actually, I am getting good at bluffing.

This ought to count for something, right?

"Then, let me advise you. You will lose this sword if you stubbornly try to keep it. Only to be left with nothing."

Is this a threat?

Except if they trick me somehow, the system should prevent that.

[This city is supposed to be mostly crimeless no?]

"Hehe, if there is a will there is a way."

I feel like that should be a sentence used for motivational purposes.

Not to threaten people randomly.

"Let me offer you this. I will give you 50 gold coins. I will also give you a chance to join the group as an inner member. That is if you hand over the sword right now. Should you refuse, you will be making a powerful enemy out of us too."

His offer already downgraded.

Because I refused him once?

This guy is also threatening me.

I can see from the reaction of the other bystanders that they are pissed too.

Yet none make a move.

Until…

"*Scoff* Your arrogance knows no bound as usual. How about this, young one? Hand over the sword to us and the iron guardian sect will assure your protection. We will also welcome you in our midst and properly compensate you."

Wow. That guy is actually nice.

He may be trying to profit, but he leaves me a path for survival.

Let me confirm just in case.

[What if I refuse?]

"We are no thugs. Refusing is your right. Honestly, if you do you should definitively accept the golden lion group's offer. Still, we are your best bet."

I see.

This is kind of an ultimatum.

I turn to the arrogant guy.

[I understand, hand over the money and the sword is yours.]

He throws it over.

"Now I will send you a list of things you must do to join us and…"

[Not interested.]

"W-what did you say?!"

[Not interested in joining. At all. I'll just settle for the gold. It has been a pleasure doing business with you.]

I truly mean it too.

This asshole just bought a sword barely worth a few silvers for 50 gold.

I promptly leave the area.

They can deal with the aftermath.

I don't care about the destroyed dwarven sword.

I don't care about what happens to the random sword either.

I don't even look back.

I keep walking until I reach an alley.

I feel like there are probably people that will try and follow me.

Especially after the shitshow in there.

Bluffing time!

[You can come out now. I don't mind talking for a while.]

*Sound of footsteps*

"What gave me away?"

It's the iron sect guy.

[The answer should be obvious, no?]

He nods understandingly.

I have no clue what conclusion he reached.

"Why did you sell the sword to them? I would have bought it for a better price."

[Hehe, you seem like a decent guy enough. I prefer selling it to that other asshole haha.]

"Wait, don't tell me there are people looking for that sword? Don't tell me some kind of insanely powerful faction?"

How did he come to this conclusion?

There is only one way to answer such a thing.

[Who knows.]

Yep, be as vague as possible.

"Wait, no. This doesn't make any sense. We could gain favor by handing them said sword."

I guess that could work too.

"The way you grabbed the gold hurriedly shows that you are in need of financial assistance. Why would you refuse us then?"

What should I …?

"What is the most surprising is how you didn't hesitate in the slightest to throw over such a legendary weapon."

Imma just wait, I guess.

"This could only mean that you have seen countless legendary swords in your life and weren't fazed by that one!"

What?

"No, in such a case you could have still traded with us. Ah, don't tell me. Could the sword be …no this is impossible!"

This is endless.

[Can I go now?]

"Oh my god! I remember you saying you tried selling the sword for a few silvers and they wouldn't buy it. Is that true?!"

[That? Yeah. What of it?.]

"Then the sword you sold…it was worthless?!"

[Pretty much.]

Now I guess he won't be impressed anymore he'll…

"This is amazing! How did you do it?! How could you show such power with such a lousy weapon?!"

[That? I had a good swordsmanship teacher you see.]

"There is such a legendary being on this continent?! Does he still accept disciples?!"

[I guess he does?]

"Please enlighten me! What is your respected teacher's name?! Where can I find him?! What faction does he belong to?!"

[Guy, that is a lot of information you are asking for …]

"I swear on my soul that I do not wish any harm and only wish to learn!"

That …was a soul oath, wasn't it?

Wow, he's motivated.

He doesn't seem like a bad guy.

[His name is Zero, Zero of The Unnamed God Sect. Remember it.]

On that note, I make my exit.

Leaving a dazed guy and a legend in my wake.

Now, time to use this newfound wealth for phase A of my world domination plan.