Before our kitting out could even begin we swiftly go back to Broderick’s mansion and don our masks and robes, since we are likely going to be buying some standout items, thus it would be for the best if no one sees our faces while doing so.
As we walk down the bustling streets of the city, the sun begins to dip below the horizon, casting a warm, amber glow on the polished cobblestones beneath our feet. The market district is still alive with activity, though the pace has slowed as the day winds down. Vendors call out their final offers of the evening, and the enticing scent of fresh bread and sizzling meat lingers in the cooling air.
We pass by several impressive-looking shops, their storefronts bathed in the soft, golden light of dusk, showcasing finely decorated weapons and armor behind pristine glass windows. But despite the allure, we continue down a narrow, less-traveled path.
I glance over at Ayame, who is leading the way with a confident stride. “Are you sure we’re headed in the right direction? We’ve passed by some pretty fancy places already.”
Ayame smirks, not bothering to look back at me as she keeps her eyes on the path ahead. “Trust your teacher, Quinlan. I did my homework. Those shops might look impressive, but they’re mostly for show. They cater to the wealthy who care more about how their weapons look than how they perform. We’re not here to pay for shiny decorations and smiling salesmen.
There’s a place tucked away in this district that sells the best weapons for their price. It doesn’t look like much on the outside- probably why it’s not swarming with customers- but the craftsmanship is top-notch. I spoke to a few locals who know their way around weapons, and they all pointed me to this shop.”
I nod, there’s no reason for me to argue or doubt Ayame’s judgment. She’s a sharp girl, especially when it comes to combat related topics.
As we continue down the narrow alley, the noise from the main street fades into a distant hum. The buildings here are older, less maintained, with ivy crawling up the stone walls. It feels like we’ve stepped into a different world, away from the bustle of the city. Finally, Ayame stops in front of a nondescript wooden door set into a weathered stone building.
There’s no sign, no display window, nothing to indicate that this is a weapon shop at all. It’s easy to see why people might overlook it.
I wonder why this horrible business marketing strategy is employed here. At least put up a sign…
“Here it is.” Ayame says, pushing the door open with a creak.
We step inside, and I’m immediately struck by the contrast between the exterior and what we find within. The interior is dimly lit, but my eyes quickly adjust to reveal rows of finely crafted weapons lining the walls and displays. Swords, daggers, and axes, all meticulously forged and polished, with a clear sense of purpose in their design.
There’s no unnecessary decoration, no embellishments for the sake of aesthetics. These weapons are built to kill, plain and simple.
A gruff, middle-aged man with a blacksmith’s apron stands behind a sturdy counter, his hands busy polishing the edge of a rather wicked-looking sword. He glances up at us, acknowledging our presence without a word. There’s no welcoming smile, no sales pitch-just the quiet hum of the sharpening stone.
Since he isn’t saying anything I suppose it should be fine to take a look around. It is a shop after all… Right?
Though, to be fair, his unfriendly attitude could be explained by the fact that we are wearing ominous looking robes and masks, so I will cut him some slack this once.
I take a slow breath and glance around, letting my eyes adjust to the subdued lighting. Even with my untrained eyes, I can tell that the items on display are of good quality, which is evidenced by Ayame’s exhilarated state of being as she rapidly scans the room.
She moves toward a display of katanas, her hand hovering just above the hilts as if sensing the energy of each blade. One in particular catches her eye. It’s a sleek, elegantly crafted katana with a dark, lacquered scabbard and a hilt wrapped in deep red silk. The craftsmanship is exquisite, the blade itself emanating an aura of lethal precision.
As she picks it up, the sword seems to meld perfectly with her appearance, enhancing the deadly yet graceful aura she naturally exudes. Holding the mean-looking blade at her side, I have to admit that Ayame looks hotter than ever. A true warrior woman who is not only exuding the air of an unhinged murderer but is also extremely sexy while doing so, just how I like them.
“This one feels right,” she murmurs, mostly to herself, her voice tinged with satisfaction. I can see the way her hand grips the hilt, like it was made for her.
I walk over to examine it.
[Eclipse Fang]
[Rarity: Rare]
[Skills: Lunar Reflection]
Hmm. My eyes show the exact details that are written next to it on a piece of parchment. It probably means that this blacksmith can examine them too thanks to his class. I’m not sure how I should feel right now…
It is what it is. No special advantages for the primordial race this time.
*Sigh*
I further examine the skill and find it to be ideal for Ayame, it’s a blade spell that allows her to defend against an oncoming magical attack that can’t be deflected with a katana, such as a Fireball.
I then glance around the shop and see that the Epic rarity isn’t present at all, but it’s not a big loss since we couldn’t afford it anyways. We will have to go about acquiring such gear differently. Rare rarity is already considered to be a luxury among the local combatants, so I have no reason to be disappointed.