Chương 115: Money Flows Like Water

Zelier simply stood to the side, watching Grey and Brown with a blank expression. This guy really acts like a complete slacker everywhere he goes...

"Alright, I'm done messing with you." Grey wrapped an arm around Zelier's shoulder.

"I came here today because I wanted to help him pick out a new weapon." Brown's gaze swept over Zelier. He had some impression of him.

"Did the sword I sold you before get damaged?"

"If there was a problem with the quality, just tell me. I'll refund you."

"That's not it." Zelier shook his head.

"I just want something that fits me better."

"Alright, Brown. You get back to work. Zelier and I will take our time choosing." Grey casually slapped Brown on the backside before leading Zelier into the weapon display room. Compared to last time, there were several more newly forged weapons and pieces of armor displayed on the racks. The most eye-catching item was a complete steel breastplate hanging on the wall. The cold metal surface was polished so smoothly that it could even reflect a person's image. Beside it stood a double-headed battle axe.

Its wide blades carried a brutal, savage beauty. However, Grey didn't even spare those weapons a glance. He led Zelier straight past the lightweight and ornate rapiers and short swords near the entrance, deeper into the room. The swords here were far simpler in design. But their blades were thicker and sturdier overall, clearly made for more intense combat. Grey carefully examined the rows of weapons. Sometimes he drew a sword to test its balance.

Sometimes he tapped the blade lightly with his knuckles, listening to the vibration. Zelier also began searching. Finally, Grey's gaze stopped on a longsword hanging at the very back.

"This one."

"Brown's craftsmanship has improved again." Grey took it down and handed it to Zelier. It was a longsword with a plain and practical design. The blade was slender yet sturdy, roughly 1. 2 meters long, forged entirely from high-quality fine steel through countless hammer strikes. Starting from the broad crossguard, the blade followed smooth, powerful lines. It gradually narrowed toward the tip, forming a reinforced point designed specifically for thrusting attacks.

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. The surface of the blade had been repeatedly acid-washed and polished, reflecting a deep, restrained metallic sheen. A simple cross-shaped guard protected the wielder's hands. The pommel at the end of the grip provided excellent balance. But the most unique feature was the section of the blade closest to the guard. About twenty centimeters of the blade had not been sharpened.

Instead, it was carefully wrapped with a layer of non-slip leather, allowing it to be held firmly.

"This sword has a thicker blade, making it far harder to damage."

"And see this part?" Grey pointed at the unsharpened section.

"This is the true genius of this weapon."

"When facing heavily armored enemies, or monsters like Earth Lizards with extremely tough scales, simple slashing won't work. You won't be able to break through their defenses." He demonstrated. One hand gripped the hilt. The other held the unsharpened section of the blade. With a simple adjustment of his grip, the longsword instantly transformed into a short spear.

"You need to hold it like this, using both hands, and concentrate all your strength into the sword tip."

"Don't focus on wide-area damage."

"Focus on one precise strike."

"Break open their armor or pierce through the gaps between their scales!" As he spoke, Grey changed his grip again. He reversed the sword and pointed at the crossguard and pommel.

"When necessary, this part and this part can also be used like a hammer."

"You can smash an enemy's joints or helmet."

"This style is extremely flexible."

"Come, try it." Zelier accepted the longsword. A steady, heavy feeling immediately traveled into his palm. It was much heavier than his previous rapier. But after his physical abilities had improved, the weight felt completely manageable. In fact, it felt perfect. He swung it a few times. The blade tore through the air with a deep, powerful whistle. Completely different from the light "whoosh" of his previous sword. Zelier recalled the principles behind thrusting. He stepped forward sharply and drove the sword out!

"Whoosh!" The heavy blade carried the strength of his entire body as it surged forward. Then Zelier copied Grey's previous movement. His left hand gripped the unsharpened section of the blade. His right hand held the hilt. Sure enough. This grip greatly increased the sword's stability. With his left hand guiding the blade forward, his thrust could now deliver force precisely in the direction he intended. And the explosive power was also significantly greater.

Against armored enemies or monsters covered in hard scales, this method of wielding the sword would undoubtedly pose a much greater threat. Zelier could confidently say: Even if there were two versions of himself— One holding this longsword, and the other holding his previous rapier— The one with the rapier would definitely lose.

"It really is much better." Zelier sincerely praised it. This sword was practically made for him. The previous rapier, when compared to his current strength, felt like a fragile branch. It always made him hesitate to use his full power, fearing that he might accidentally break it. But this longsword was different. Solid. Reliable. It could withstand and transmit all of his strength without reservation. This was the one. After making his choice, Zelier and Grey went to find Brown and ask about the price.

"Hey! You two actually have pretty good taste." Brown wiped the sweat from his forehead with a towel. Crossing his thick arms, he spoke in a straightforward manner.

"This sword is one of the finest pieces I've forged recently."

"If you maintain it properly, it'll serve you well for many years."

"Then... how much is it?" Zelier asked carefully. Usually, when someone described something like that first, it meant the price was going to hurt. Brown grinned. He raised one hand.

"Not going to cheat you."

"Five gold coins."

"Hiss..." Zelier instinctively sucked in a breath. This sword really was a little expensive. But after thinking about it carefully, the price was completely justified. The quality was genuinely excellent. This was a weapon that could accompany him for a long time. After only a brief hesitation, Zelier didn't even try to bargain. He nodded.

"Deal." He took five gold coins from his pouch and handed them to Brown. Compared to the hundred gold coins he had spent on Nightfall Rest, this amount was nothing. But after the transaction was complete, Zelier weighed the now much lighter pouch in his hand. For some reason, he felt an invisible sense of urgency chasing him from behind. He calculated. Originally, he had 115 gold coins saved. Buying the wand cost 100 gold. Failed potion experiments cost another 3 gold. Now the sword cost 5 gold.

And that wasn't even counting his usual expenses for food and lodging... Before he realized it, he only had 6 gold and 20 silver left. Sigh... Zelier quietly sighed inwardly. Making money was like pulling silk thread. Spending money was like water flowing away. He had originally planned to buy more potion materials and continue practicing Extraction Spell. But now... It seemed he would have to put that idea aside for the time being.