Chapter 86

The store was dim due to the lack of a small window for light. In the narrow earthen floor, there was only a shabby table and a small wooden chair. A few weapons were hung on the stone walls, barely indicating that this was a weaponsmith's workshop. From the back of the room, which seemed to be a workshop, came the sound of a hammer striking rhythmically, accompanied by a stifling heat.

Toll called out, but receiving no response, he decided to pass the time by looking at the weapons on the wall. His eyes moved to a sword with a reddish blade, and he immediately noticed the difference. It was clearly thinner and the edge was sharper. Toll almost reached out to touch it but turned his head quietly at the sound of someone approaching.

"Oh, a customer. I'm sorry for keeping you waiting."

The owner, who emerged from the back, was a man slightly older than Toll. He had a round face with gentle eyes and wore an apron the same color as his reddish-brown hair.

The blacksmith-like man quickly moved his gaze from the sword at Toll's waist to his arms, shoulders, and face, finally confirming the adventurer's badge around his neck. He then nodded slightly, took off his thick leather gloves, and extended his burned and calloused hands. The arm that firmly shook Toll's hand was much thicker than that of a typical novice adventurer.

"Welcome to my humble weapon workshop. I'm the master, Throok."

"My name is Toll. The armor shop owner at the end of the alley recommended me to come here."

"Yes, from Master Ramon. What brings you here today?"

While clothing and bags might be the first things that come to mind, leather is also commonly used for weapon sheaths, covers, and handles. The armor shop at the end of the alley receives many such orders, which is why they have a good connection to weapon workshops.

"I'm looking for a one-handed sword with a good edge."

The moment Throok heard this request, his eyes narrowed, and his customer-friendly expression momentarily disappeared. However, he quickly returned to his gentle demeanor, gestured for Toll to sit, and sat down opposite him.

"Let's hear more about it, then."

During the recent exploration of the wilderness, Toll often faced too many monsters, and the remaining uses of <Restoration> were frequently strained. Especially in prolonged battles, it was necessary not only to improve the sword's edge but also to recover magic and stamina. Additionally, he needed to reserve at least one or two uses of <Restoration> for unexpected injuries.

Considering all this, he thought of carrying a spare weapon as a means to maintain his offensive capabilities even when he couldn't use <Restoration>. However, when he tried a red iron sword at a large weapon shop, it wasn't particularly good. Toll, who had a strong preference for armor, had used wooden swords for 25 years simply because they were cheap. He could tell the quality of a wooden sword the moment he held it, but he was clueless about other types. So, he consulted Ramon, who recommended this workshop for finding a good sword.

At Throok's urging, Toll explained the weapons he had used and his struggles in the wilderness. The blacksmith, nodding slightly, listened intently. When Toll mentioned cutting off a rock lizard's head, Throok's eyes became slightly sharper again.

"May I see that sword?"

"It's not a particularly good one, but sure."

After carefully examining the cast iron sword, Throok shook his head with a smile.

"I wouldn't believe it if it weren't for Master Ramon's recommendation. Yes, this is interesting."

Standing up, Throok took a red iron sword from the wall and placed it on the table. The difference was clear. The red iron sword was about a fist longer but narrower by a finger's width. The blade was thinner and lighter than the cast iron sword, but it felt just right in weight.

Swinging it a few times, Toll was surprised by the feel.

"This is quite different from the one I saw at the neighboring shop."

"The neighboring shop only deals in cast iron. We only have forged weapons here."

The blacksmith explained the difference in simple terms. Casting involves pouring metal into a mold to form the shape, which is cheaper and allows for mass production but results in a thicker and heavier weapon due to lower strength. Forging, on the other hand, involves hammering the metal to form the shape, resulting in a harder and sharper blade.

"We call it a blade steel. However, the process of making it this way is quite labor-intensive and time-consuming, which is why the price is, well, quite high."

"I see, that makes sense."

While the performance of a weapon made from blade steel is clearly superior, cast iron weapons are more common due to the skill tree. The martial arts of the six major gods, which are imbued with the power of spirits, often endow weapons with elemental powers like fire and lightning. This causes weapons to degrade faster and have a shorter lifespan compared to regular use. Of course, a sharper and better-edged weapon is advantageous in combat. However, as long as an attack lands, the spirit energy will build up, and releasing a martial art can deal significant damage. The difference in performance during this process is minimal.

In essence, for users of the six major gods' martial arts, weapons are disposable items, which is why cheaper options are popular. This is especially true for low-rank adventurers.

As adventurers advance to higher ranks and earn more, discerning adventurers start to invest in better weapons and armor. Even a small difference can change the outcome of a battle.

This workshop seems to thrive on such discerning adventurers. Ramon's comment that they only deal with white hard-grade materials and above is quite reasonable. The red iron blade steel sword he was allowed to touch cost 24 silver coins, three times the usual price.

However, in Toll's case, once he bought it, he could use it almost forever. But the thought of the reward from the lizard hunt being entirely spent on one sword was a bit concerning. He also needed to save money for the leather armor, which would be ready in two weeks, and the custom leather boots.

Facing the contemplative Toll, the shop owner smiled gently again.

"Right now, it's the Broken Wind Wilderness, isn't it? How about using white hard copper?"

"Yes, I believe the materials are found there. That might make it a bit cheaper..."

"Yes, if you bring the materials, I can reduce the price from 36 silver coins to 30."

"...Alright, I'll go with that."

While it was more expensive, a good-edged sword would likely help him earn more. Additionally, he was genuinely curious about how sharp the sword would be.

With his next goal set, the blacksmith asked Toll with interest.

"By the way, what shape would you like for the sword?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, from your movements earlier, I thought you might be better suited to this type of sword."

The blacksmith took a peculiar black sword with a curve from the wall and handed it to Toll. Interestingly, it had a blade on only one side.

"This is a katana, right? I've seen it before."

"Ah, you know it well. It's a weapon commonly used by the Redtail clan, but we don't see many users around here."

Recalling the hawk-like red eyes of Deputy Director Sacco, Toll unconsciously scratched his chin. He had sparred with him a few times in the past, and the sharpness of his strikes was still etched in his mind.

Swinging the katana, Toll tilted his head slightly. While it was clearly optimal for cutting, the center of gravity was too far forward, making it difficult to use as he normally would. Especially in the transition from a rising cut to a downward cut, it was challenging to end with a thrust.

"Ah, to thrust with this, you need a bit of a knack."

"The thickness of the blade also makes me uneasy. It might be hard to thrust with a single-edged blade."

"Hmm. How about this, then?"

The shop owner's suggestion made Toll nod in agreement. The tip of the blade would allow for various maneuvers.

"Once I gather the materials, can I request this?"

"Of course, I'd be delighted. Please leave it to me."

Toll shook hands firmly again, satisfied with the transaction, and left the shop.