As more people came to the manga shop, the place grew livelier.
Some were chatting excitedly, some were slapping the table at a particularly thrilling scene, and others were completely lost in the stories.
Zhongli belonged to that last group.
At first, he had only been curious about what these "other worlds" were like.
But soon, he was drawn in — fascinated by the diverse nations and colorful characters within.
What impressed him the most were Demacia and Ionia — their cultures reminded him greatly of Mondstadt and Liyue.
Aside from that, the world-building intrigued him deeply.
Especially the constant mention of the mysterious Void!
In Zhongli's eyes, it bore a striking resemblance to Teyvat's Abyss — a dark, corrupting force attempting to invade other realms.
"Hmm… perhaps Liyue could also have its own hero someday?"
He mused quietly to himself.
The tales of the manga's heroes had left a deep impression on him — each one filled with courage, tragedy, and glory.
Now that he was already planning to retire and entrust Liyue's future to its people, perhaps such heroes could serve as new symbols of hope.
"Yes… perhaps that would be a good idea."
"Finished already? How was it?"
Venti asked with a grin as he saw Zhongli close the book.
"Enlightening. The story was quite brilliant,"
Zhongli replied calmly, a rare look of satisfaction on his face.
Just the storytelling alone had made his visit worthwhile.
"Of course! Boss Han's comics have never disappointed anyone."
Venti laughed proudly.
He had already finished three manga himself:
Digimon (Season 1), Yu-Gi-Oh!, and One Piece: East Blue Arc.
All of them had been absolutely amazing.
His success in storytelling and performing outside the shop was proof enough of that.
"I just finished mine too! Come on, let's go see what reward Boss Han gives you!"
Venti said excitedly.
"A reward?"
Zhongli raised a brow.
That piqued his curiosity.
And so, he followed Venti to the counter.
"Boss, what kind of reward will my friend here get?"
Venti asked eagerly.
Han Feng glanced at the system — and sure enough, the message had already refreshed:
[Customer: Zhongli]
[Manga Completed: "Runeterra"]
[Reward: Rune of the Future Market]
[Future Market – A rune from Runeterra, part of the Inspiration Path.
It allows you to buy items on credit.
Your available credit increases with repeated use.]
[Note: Loan fee: 100,000 Mora.
Initial credit limit: 500,000 Mora, repayable within 5 days.]
"...This reward really suits Zhongli perfectly."
Han Feng's lips twitched slightly.
Was the system aware that Zhongli was always broke?
And now it was giving him something like… a magical credit card?
Borrow up to 500,000 Mora, repay within five days, plus a 100,000 Mora "service fee."
And the more you used it, the higher the credit limit.
Han Feng couldn't help thinking — this was basically a credit card from his previous life.
Just… with slightly worse interest rates.
But then, a question occurred to him.
"System, what happens if someone can't pay it back?"
It wasn't a rare issue, after all.
[If repayment is not made within five days, the Future Market Rune will automatically initiate collection procedures.
It will first seize valuables from the debtor.
If those are insufficient, it will proceed to other forms of repayment — such as time, life force, or strength.]
"...That's even more brutal than my previous world!"
Han Feng's expression turned strange.
At least back then, debt collectors only harassed you with phone calls.
But this rune?
It would literally drain your life, time, or power.
Terrifying.
Still, as long as you didn't overuse it — or paid on time — it should be fine.
Surely Zhongli would manage, right?
"Boss Han, is something wrong with the reward?"
Zhongli asked, noticing the peculiar look on his face.
"No, no — in fact, this one suits you perfectly.
Hmm, actually, it suits Venti too."
Han Feng smiled faintly.
Because honestly, this rune suited anyone who was always broke.
There's always a market where there's demand — wasn't that how lending worked in his past life too?
"Eh-heh~? It suits me too?"
Venti perked up immediately.
What kind of reward could possibly suit both him and Zhongli?
Han Feng didn't keep them waiting.
A brilliant blue light descended from above, wrapping Zhongli in its glow.
Moments later, the light faded, and a blue rune appeared in his hand.
"So this is what you meant by something that suits me?"
Venti leaned in, studying the glowing rune curiously.
What on Teyvat was this thing?
And what could it do?
Even Zhongli looked at Han Feng, puzzled.
The manga hadn't gone into much detail about runes, so he wasn't entirely sure either.
"This is called the Rune of the Future Market," Han Feng explained.
"You can use it to borrow Mora to buy things — up to 500,000 Mora at once.
You have five days to repay it, with a 100,000 Mora borrowing fee.
And the more you use it, the higher your credit limit grows."
"(⊙_⊙)"
Venti blinked, realization dawning.
Now he understood perfectly why Han Feng said it suited him.
It was… a borrowing tool!
"This actually sounds kinda great!"
Venti's eyes sparkled with temptation.
Sure, the interest was a little steep… but if it meant he could always have money on hand—
He'd never have to worry about running out of wine again!
"From a rational perspective, it is indeed convenient,"
Zhongli said thoughtfully, resting his chin on one hand.
He instantly grasped the idea — after all, he himself had invented Mora.
No wonder Boss Han had said it suited him.
He was infamous for "forgetting" to bring money, often having his bills sent to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor or the Northland Bank.
"Boss Han, and if one fails to repay?"
Zhongli asked calmly.
Every advantage came with its downside, after all.
And as expected, Han Feng's next words confirmed his suspicion.
"If payment isn't made on time, the rune enforces repayment automatically — starting with your belongings, then… other things."
Han Feng didn't hide it.
He told them the truth.
(Venti immediately held the rune a little farther away.)
"Ehh… maybe I'll, uh, stick to paying cash after all."
—------------------------------
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