The Handsomer You Are, the Stronger You Become

"Finally...!!"

The system message glowing in my vision confirmed it.

I clenched my fist in triumph as Support Quest 12: Achieve +5 Appearance Power through outfit changes was completed.

The transformation was undeniable.

The outfit, curated by Han Sungbin, was truly impeccable: a luxurious navy suit with a subtle diagonal stripe tie, polished black dress shoes, and a gleaming gold watch. The ensemble exuded sophistication, so much so that it seemed to enhance my entire presence.

But the transformation went beyond just clothes.

[Support Quest 12 completed.]
[Rewards granted:]

• Charisma +15
• Trait: Physiognomy upgraded from D to C rank.
• Appearance improved slightly.
• Title upgraded: 'Ordinary Swordsman' → 'Charming Swordsman.'

[Title: Charming Swordsman]

• Effects:
  • Appearance Power +20
  • Sword Attack Power +18%
  • Attack Speed +18%
  • Movement Speed +18%
• Additional Effect:
  • Monster kill experience increased by 4x.

I stared at the title in disbelief.

"'Charming Swordsman'? Me?"

If the system had said "Ugly Swordsman" or "Mediocre Swordsman," I would have nodded in agreement. But charming? That didn’t feel like it fit.

Sure, I had reluctantly accepted the previous "Ordinary Swordsman" title, but this felt like a step too far.

Yet, as I glanced at the full-length mirror in the store, I couldn’t deny it any longer.

“……!”

My reflection had transformed.

The slightly rounded jawline had sharpened into a more refined contour. My skin was clearer, the bridge of my nose more pronounced, and my eyes seemed to sparkle with a clarity that hadn't been there before.

If my appearance before had been rough and unpolished, it was now leaning toward refined elegance.

The upgrades from the Physiognomy trait and Charisma boost had done their work.

“Congratulations, Master!” Swallow chirped from its perch atop the store counter. Its sunglasses gleamed as it clapped its wings in delight.

The store clerk and Han Sungbin joined in, offering applause and praise.

“Wow! That’s incredible, sir! The saying ‘clothes make the man’ has never been more true!” the clerk exclaimed.

“You’re even more impressive than I expected, Hyung! You could walk straight into a magazine photoshoot!” Han Sungbin added with enthusiasm.

Their words, while genuine, missed the mark slightly. My enhanced appearance wasn’t just the result of the outfit, but they didn’t need to know that.

Still, I couldn’t help but marvel at how quickly the quest had been completed, thanks to Han Sungbin’s sense of style.

‘If it weren’t for him, this would’ve taken forever.’

I turned from the mirror and looked at Sungbin, his face hidden behind a cap, mask, and sunglasses.

“Thanks, Sungbin. But seriously, what’s the difference between this outfit and the others? I know I look better, but I can’t figure out why.”

“It’s all in the details, Hyung,” Sungbin replied confidently.

“Details?”

“Yes. I had the pants hemmed to match your leg length exactly, added a belt and watch for emphasis, and swapped the shoes for ones that complement the suit better. Fashion is all about the fine details—just like in a raid, small adjustments can make all the difference.”

His explanation made sense.

Even in high-level battles, minor differences in stats or a single skill could decide the outcome. The same principle clearly applied to fashion.

The system had recognized these meticulous changes, which turned a +4 Appearance Power boost into a +5.

Swallow added its own observation, a smug tone in its voice:

“By the way, Master, I followed Sungbin earlier. That wristwatch he got you? It costs two billion won. Hoo-hoo! It’s no wonder you look incredible.”

“…….”

A two-billion-won watch?

I knew luxury watches were expensive, but this was beyond anything I’d imagined.

For a moment, I looked back into the mirror. Somehow, knowing the price made the outfit look even better.

“Details, huh? I guess I get it now,” I murmured, adjusting my cufflinks.

The middle-aged clerk, who had been watching silently, suddenly gave me a thumbs-up.

“Sir, you’re the most impressive customer I’ve seen in a long time! Honestly, you look even better than Han Sungbin himself!”

“...Han Sungbin?” I stammered.

“Yes! That rising ‘face genius’ everyone’s talking about.”

Twitch.@@novelbin@@

Was this the definition of cluelessness?

Even though Han Sungbin stood right there, only partially obscured by his mask and sunglasses, the clerk didn’t recognize him.

I glanced over at Sungbin.

He shook his head slightly, silently asking me not to reveal his identity.

It made sense.

“Hey, should we check out that other store?”

“They mentioned a sale, didn’t they? Let’s go before it’s too late!”

The bustling crowd around us made it clear—if his identity was revealed, chaos would break out immediately.

But was he really okay with this? Didn’t it sting to hear someone say I looked better than him?

Apparently not.

Sungbin stood calm and collected, completely unbothered by the clerk’s comparison.

In fact, he leaned into it.

Sungbin removed his sunglasses slightly, letting his eyes crinkle into a playful smile above his mask, and chimed in:

“You’re absolutely right. Hyung here is far more dashing than that Han Sungbin guy. If he heads to the party dressed like this, there’s no doubt he’ll steal the show.”

His words weren’t just meant to reassure me—they carried a sincerity that caught me off guard.

For the first time, I felt a surge of confidence rise within me.

I took one last look at my reflection in the mirror, fully embracing the transformation.

“Yeah,” I said, a faint grin tugging at my lips. “This will do.”

The Charming Swordsman was ready to make an impression.

***

“Wow, I never thought I’d end up at a winner’s party like this…”

“Can we really eat all of this? It looks amazing.”

“Man! I always wondered what these exclusive parties were like, and it’s even better than I imagined!”

<3rd Rising Star Hunter Competition Award Ceremony>

Underneath a large banner celebrating the event, over 30 hunters roamed the banquet hall, marveling at its splendor.

Classical music played softly in the background, complemented by the glittering chandeliers, vibrant floral arrangements, and tables laden with gourmet food.

It was the kind of sight that left most attendees in awe.

But not everyone was smiling.

“Damn it… How the hell did I set a record and still not take first place?!”

Hwang Wonchang, team leader of the second-place finishers, clenched his jaw so tightly that the muscles in his face stood out.

Having shattered a record early in the competition, he had assumed victory was a given—until an unknown team swooped in and claimed the top spot.

Even a full day after the competition ended, his anger hadn’t subsided.

“Come on, boss. Cheer up. Second place is still impressive.”

“Yeah, it’s not like the prize money was anything to write home about anyway.”

His teammates did their best to placate him, but the scowl on his face remained.

Still, his rage didn’t last long.

“Well… in the end, what really matters is impressing the president.”

Taking a sip of water, Hwang Wonchang calmed himself.

After all, the title of “winner” wasn’t everything. If he could catch the president’s eye, he could secure government-backed perks for his guild, far outweighing the prestige of victory.

‘Just wait, Kang Hyunsoo… I’ll steal the spotlight at this party.’

Setting his glass down with a determined thud, he silently vowed to dominate the social stage, if not the competition.

Years of attending gatherings had honed his networking skills to a razor’s edge. He’d spent enough on drinks to buy a couple of mid-range cars and was confident his charm would outshine Kang Hyunsoo’s lack of social connections.

Hyunsu, as far as he knew, was a loner with no significant allies or guild ties. Unlike most rookie hunters, who cultivated networks alongside their skills, Hyunsu seemed to have neglected that aspect entirely.

And then there was the matter of style.

‘He can’t even compete with me in terms of appearance.’

Having prioritized personal grooming and style, Hwang Wonchang frequently visited dermatologists and spared no expense on his wardrobe. The combined cost of his current outfit—a tailored shirt, trousers, and accessories—was more than enough to buy a mid-range car.

Kang Hyunsoo, on the other hand, had shown up to the competition in a plain shirt and slacks. The contrast couldn’t have been starker.

‘The president should be arriving soon… This is going to be easier than I thought.’

His confidence soared as he poured himself another glass of water. Hyunsu was nowhere to be seen, and with the party about to start, it seemed like he’d already won this round.

But then, just as he was about to toast to his assured victory…

“Whoa, check that out. That guy’s really handsome.”

“Yeah, who is that? He looks amazing.”

A murmur spread through the banquet hall as someone entered.

All eyes turned toward the entrance, where a striking figure stood, commanding attention with his tall frame and sharp appearance.

Even Hwang Wonchang found his gaze drawn to the newcomer.

‘Hmm… I don’t remember any hunter like that among the winners. Maybe he’s one of the performers?’

Standing just under 180 cm tall, with a polished look and wearing an immaculate suit, the man exuded confidence.

Still, Hwang Wonchang dismissed him quickly. If a hunter that remarkable had been in the competition, he’d have made an effort to connect already.

That’s when his teammates spoke up, shattering his assumptions.

“Wait… Isn’t that Kang Hyunsoo?”

“Now that you mention it… Yeah, it’s definitely him.”

“……What?!”

Snapping his head back toward the figure, Hwang Wonchang froze as realization struck.

The dashing man now strolling into the banquet hall, the one turning heads left and right, was none other than Kang Hyunsoo—the very hunter who had snatched first place from him.