Chapter 74

"Cut it out! I said I want to cancel it! The match isn't over yet!"

After the duel, as expected, Hilde was causing a commotion in the blacksmith's shop.

"It's because you didn't stop! I had no choice but to admit defeat!"

"You only said it because you had no choice."

I continued the duel with a steel resolve precisely because I knew that if I had stopped there, it would have been left ambiguous.

"... Hilde, the guild does not recognize requesting a duel cancellation after seeing the opponent's skills and realizing it's a bad situation as a valid reason. Both parties need to agree. As witnesses, if you don't comply, we will lose face. The guild will have to take the necessary measures."

Mardita explained this to Hilde.

"Of course I know that! Do you think I would say such a petty thing and go back on the duel now!"

Indeed, that was exactly what I was thinking. As I wondered, Hilde suddenly bowed deeply to me.

"... Listen, Elma. I said I want to cancel it. Can you consider this and make it twenty million gold? Thirty million is too much. You should understand as an adventurer, right?"

"Petty... I understand your feelings, but..."

Luca sighed, looking at Hilde's small back.

"I absolutely need a weapon that matches my level. The growth of a high-level adventurer can save the city from crises and reduce the number of victims from monsters. I have a mission to aim for the top by any means necessary. Elma, you should understand as an adventurer. I admit my methods weren't good, and I caused trouble for the blacksmith. I swear I won't do this again."

"Fine. I understand the frustration of not getting a weapon that matches your level. I've felt it many times myself."

I nodded vigorously.

In *Magic World*, it's common to not get the weapon you want. It's the most frustrating time for players, but that's why getting the desired weapon is so enjoyable. The emotions in this world are far more intense than in the game era. I've experienced this myself, so I understand.

"Can you make it twenty million gold?"

"No. Money is important to me too. I was prepared to lose the mithril sword if I lost. That's a separate issue from your good or bad behavior and your reflection."

Hilde's shoulders slumped, and he looked like a soulless person.

I was also numb, but thirty million gold is a significant amount. It's the amount Hilde, who had become successful as an adventurer, had saved up for a new weapon. I don't want to take it all, but it was a bet from the beginning.

Changing the terms because I lost is a childish request that won't be accepted. If Hilde had won, he would have taken the mithril sword without mercy.

"Hey, kid. I was a bit hesitant to say this, but..."

Berga interjected.

"What is it?"

"Well, about this sword... its market value isn't thirty million gold."

"Huh? Really?"

I thought it would be around that price because the main material, the *mithril ingot*, costs twenty-five million gold.

"Could it be a fake!"

Suddenly, Hilde became lively.

"Anyway, the market value can be confirmed, so you can check it yourself..."

Berga moved to the back of the shop and returned with the emerald-green sword in both hands. It was a beautiful blade. Just thinking about it becoming mine made me feel elated.

But what does it mean that it's not thirty million gold?

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*Mithril Sword* [Recommended Equipment Level: 70]

[Attack Power: +46]

[Market Value: 55,500,000 gold]

A magic sword with a strong mana glow. Owning mithril equipment alone is enough to earn respect as an adventurer. It also has the *Destruction Sigil Stone* embedded.

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The attack power and price are both astronomical. I forgot to add the cost of the *Destruction Sigil Stone*.

"I was careless. Hilde, it's 55,500,000 gold."

"F-f-f-fifty-five million gold!? Are you kidding me! There's no way I can pay that! What kind of ridiculous price is that!"

Hilde's face turned red with anger.

"There's no way I can accept this! Please, can you make it forty million gold!"

He couldn't decide whether to be angry or submissive.

"Even if you say to pay, it's impossible! This... up to this point! What a shame! No adventurer can just come up with fifty million gold!"

"Actually, for B-rank adventurers, we can lend money. Since you have sufficient repayment ability. However, for twenty million gold, we would need collateral and some restrictions on your actions."

Hilde's face turned pale at Mardita's words. Red one moment, blue the next, like a heavy knight.

"I, I'm starting to feel sorry for him..."

"Yeah... I said a lot, but honestly, the main reason was to teach him a lesson."

I said it didn't matter whether Hilde was good or bad and whether he reflected, but that was a lie. I wanted to prevent him from causing trouble for the blacksmith.

"Let's settle for 55,500,000 gold, losing 1,500,000."

Hilde hung his head deeply.

"Elma, that's not much of a loss..."

"Luca, you're becoming numb. 1,500,000 gold is a significant amount."

"Yes, but... I understand that, but..."

I wanted to have some money on hand for *The Reaper's Killer*, but it seems I don't need to worry about that. With a reserve of fifty million gold, I should be able to negotiate with greedy people like *The Torn Magic Book Hall*.