Chapter 45

Chapter 19: The Blacksmith

Shake stood at the entrance of the Dolphin Bar, where the demon hunter was being toasted by a group of newly appointed apostles. The events that had transpired earlier were unexpected by everyone. When the stern-faced man returned, he brought back only a light and casual message: Apostle Ye Qi was at fault, and Apostle Jagus was also at fault, but neither side would pursue the matter further. This message glossed over the demon hunter's arena battle with Jagus. Naturally, the demon hunter and the new apostles had no objections. Although the demon hunter still harbored some doubts about the decision from the headquarters, he could only suppress them after being warmly welcomed into the Dolphin Bar by the big man.

...

The demon hunter was puzzled, and so was the stern-faced man who delivered the order.

"Teacher, why did headquarters let Ye Qi off so easily?"

In a room filled with books, the stern-faced man asked his teacher, voicing his inner doubts.

"Power, to set the rules!"

The calm voice carried an unmistakable hint of age, but under the moonlight, it was clear that the teacher did not look as old as his voice suggested. His long, purplish-black hair fell over his jade-like face, cascading down his shoulders. His star-like eyes gazed up at the night sky, and the most distinctive feature was the light blue water pattern on his smooth forehead, adding a touch of mystery to his already striking appearance.

"Could Ye Qi's potential really be that outstanding?" The stern-faced man, facing his teacher, spoke with less coldness and more warmth: "But there are a few apostles with similar talents every year..."

"It's not him, but the people behind him!" Peder Nang shook his head, looking at his disciple, as if giving a reminder or a warning: "Try to get along well with Nofa and Ye Qi! It will benefit your future!"

"Yes, teacher..."

...

"Linda, here! Here!" A group of students, dressed in various outfits, stood outside the Dolphin Bar, exclaiming in surprise: "I didn't expect to find a bar in such a remote place! Linda, how did you know about it?"

"Hmm..."

The restless girl was recalling the fleeting figure she had seen at the street corner, with no intention of answering her companion's question.

Why is he here? Did I see wrong?

The girl's mind was completely occupied by the re-emergence of the black figure, and her previously calm heart was once again filled with turmoil...

...

"Ye, don't worry!" The big man, holding a large barrel of wine, pointed to a shop ahead and reassured the demon hunter beside him: "Blanc is the best blacksmith in Shake, he will definitely make your short sword as sharp as ever!"

"I hope so!"

The successful completion of a C+ level mission without any punishment had left the demon hunter in a good mood, but the sight of his rusted short sword quickly dampened it. At this moment, the big man informed the demon hunter that he knew a blacksmith who might be able to repair the short sword.

Although logically he thought it was impossible, a glimmer of hope still made the demon hunter temporarily leave the celebration with the new apostles and follow the big man here.

Holy Hammer Weapon Collection?

The demon hunter glanced at the sign and followed the big man into the shop.

"Darlan, the boss is in the back!"

"Got it!"

Clearly, the big man was a regular customer. After greeting the clerk behind the counter, he led the demon hunter through the corridor and into the back of the shop.

"Scrape! Scrape!"

As soon as they entered the back room, the demon hunter heard a familiar sound of sharpening, a rhythmic and steady sound that immediately caught his attention. He saw a short, muscular middle-aged man with a dark complexion, holding a one-handed sword and carefully grinding it on a whetstone in front of him.

The one-handed sword was simple, with no ornate decorations on the blade or hilt, but the cold, clear light on the blade's edge made the demon hunter marvel.

What a sharp sword!

The demon hunter compared it in his mind. Although he was disheartened, he had to admit that the one-handed sword in the blacksmith's hand was sharper than his short sword. Moreover, as the demon hunter's gaze roamed, he noticed that every sword and knife hanging on the walls of the back room was as simple and deadly as the one-handed sword. What surprised the demon hunter even more was a covered item in the corner. Even with the canvas covering, the demon hunter immediately recognized it.

Vulcan!

The metal storm, the infantry's nightmare, capable of firing 3,600 rounds per minute.

Is this something a blacksmith should have? Or is he also in the arms business?

The demon hunter couldn't help but twitch his lips.

"Blanc, I've brought a gift!" The big man placed the wine barrel on the ground and pulled the demon hunter over, introducing him directly: "This is my friend Ye Qi. His weapon was corroded during a duel. Can you help my friend repair it?"

At the big man's gesture, the demon hunter took out his short sword and placed it in front of the blacksmith.

"About the money for fixing your chainmail last time? When will you pay?" The blacksmith picked up the wine barrel and placed it in the cabinet behind the whetstone, then extended his hand to the big man: "Settle the last bill first, then we can talk about this one! The total for last time was 22 gold ponts. My time is valuable, so with interest and my special skills... it's 40 gold ponts! Thank you for your patronage!"

The demon hunter couldn't help but feel that the greedy smile of a merchant appeared behind the rough blacksmith...

"Can it wait a few more days..." The big man, embarrassed and red-faced, explained: "I spent all my money drinking with friends last time... I'll definitely pay next time..."

"Then bring your friend back next time..." The blacksmith waved his hand. Before he could finish speaking, he saw the demon hunter put away his short sword and head towards the cabinet with the wine, shouting: "Kid, what are you doing?"

"Getting the wine!" The demon hunter calmly picked up the wine barrel and placed it in the big man's arms, pulling him towards the door: "Sir, we'll bring you more when we have enough money next time!"

"Wait, come back!"

The blacksmith shouted.

"Sir, do you have anything else?" The demon hunter's lips curled into a teasing smile: "I'm very sorry, but our time is also valuable... Of course, if you have a different answer, we would be honored to stay as guests!"

Compared to the honest big man, the demon hunter, who had been influenced by merchants for a long time, was clearly more adept at dealing with people like the blacksmith—this was evident from the blacksmith's stunned expression.