Chapter 9: Preparation

After a few minutes of trailing behind Reimei and Lily, we came to a stop in front of a shop.

The display was lined with various sets of armor and garments, each one neatly arranged to catch the eye.

As Janbo padded forward and stopped at the door, the shop owner quickly opened it for him.

Unlike in my old world, it seemed spirit wolves were warmly welcomed here.

I couldn’t help but wonder if they even made equipment specifically for them.

Still, I noticed how the shopkeeper’s gaze lingered on my armor, curiosity written all over his face.

“So, what are you looking for, young adventurers?” he asked.

“We’d like a set of light armor and a magic garb,” Reimei replied.

“I assume those are for the two of you,” the shopkeeper said, glancing at Reimei and Lily.

“Yes, you’re right,” Reimei confirmed.

“And what kind of light armor do you need, young lady?” he pressed further.

“Do you have one with some resistance against taintment?” Reimei asked.

“I do,” the shopkeeper answered, his eyes flicking back to me, “though not nearly as impressive as your companion’s armor.”

He excused himself and disappeared into the back room.

Seems he knows his craft well, I thought.

The fact that he could recognize the properties of my armor was surprising.

Moments later, he returned carrying a gleaming set of silver armor.

“This here is the Halfmoon Light Armor,” he explained.

“The metal parts are forged from a blend of moon ore and silver ore, while the cloth is woven from enchanted white fabric crafted in Ashfae, the lands of the fairies and elves.”

The armor shimmered faintly under the shop’s lantern light, radiating a quiet, dignified beauty.

“So, how much for this light armor?” Reimei asked, holding the gleaming set with obvious admiration.

She looked like she already wanted to claim it.

“It normally sells for four gold,” the shopkeeper said, his eyes flicking toward Janbo.

“But since you’ve brought along a gray spirit wolf, I’ll let it go for half the price.”

Janbo sounds like a discount coupon now.

“Bau! Bau! ”, Janbo barked happily.

“Really!?” Reimei’s eyes widened, her voice full of surprise and delight.

It was clearly within her budget.

“Can I try it on, first?” she asked eagerly.

“Of course. You can use that room to change,” the shopkeeper replied, pointing her to the side.

A few minutes later, Reimei stepped out wearing the Halfmoon Light Armor.

The silver plates complemented her blue hair and eyes so well she looked almost ethereal.

She paused in front of the mirror, hesitating for just a moment before deciding to take it.

The shopkeeper, clearly enjoying the reactions, turned his attention to Lily.

“I believe you’ll like this magical garb,” he said, placing a neatly folded robe and hat on the counter.

It was a light red set, faintly shimmering under the lantern light.

“This is the Flame Rose Magic Armor. It enhances resistance to all elements, especially fire magic,” he explained.

The sparkle in Lily’s eyes said everything.

“You’re welcome to try it on,” the shopkeeper encouraged.

Without hesitation, Lily went to the changing room and slipped into the robe.

The crimson fabric matched her ruby eyes and scarlet hair so perfectly it looked like it was made for her.

“That one’s two gold,” the shopkeeper said.

“Already discounted?” Lily asked, raising a brow.

“Yes, of course,” he replied with a small smile.

“Why are you giving us discounts in the first place?” I finally asked, curious.

“One of Doctor Eve’s patients is my daughter,” the shopkeeper answered quietly.

“I can’t thank your group enough for saving my daughter and the other patients,” the shopkeeper said earnestly.

“So that’s the reason,” I replied with a nod.

“Mind if I ask something?”

He gestured for me to continue.

“Do you have armor made for a spirit wolf?” I asked, glancing at Janbo.

The moment the words left my mouth, Lily, Reimei, and the shopkeeper all stared at me like I’d said something ridiculous.

“There isn’t any armor sturdier than a gray spirit wolf’s fur,” the shopkeeper explained.

“Really?” I asked, caught off guard.

“If I remember right,” Lily spoke up,

“when that Sword Ghoul attacked at Janbo, one of its claws shattered the moment it touched his fur.”

“Exactly,” the shopkeeper confirmed.

“Spirit wolves are blessed with divine protection. Their very presence can purify miasma.”

“Bau bau!” Janbo barked proudly, chest puffed.

So Janbo really is a walking cheat code, I thought.

“May I take a closer look at your armor, young man?” the shopkeeper asked.

“Of course. And you can just call me Raki,” I replied.

“Then call me Uncle Jin,” he said with a warm smile.

He examined my armor closely.

“This is pure moonsteel… no doubt about it.

Forged in Ashfae, though by the design and engravings, I’d wager it’s an ancient piece.”

He tapped lightly against the plates.

“Still, be cautious. Unlike the Halfmoon set, this armor offers little resistance to magic.”

“Thanks for the warning,” I said.

I thought about asking if he carried anything with stronger magic resistance, but with our budget already four gold lighter, it could wait.

Reimei and Lily both looked a little uneasy after their big purchases, but I could tell they knew it was worth every coin.

As I scanned the displays, a pair of unusual daggers immediately drew my attention.

“Uncle Jin, can I take a look at those?” I asked, pointing at the set resting on the stand.

“Of course,” Uncle Jin replied, carefully lifting them down. He handed them over with a practiced hand.

“These are Azure Daggers, forged from the talons of a sky dragon,” he explained.

“They resist taintment and are a favored choice among seasoned adventurers.”

I tested the balance, admiring the faint shimmer of the blades before sliding them back into their small scabbards.

“How much for the pair?”, I asked.

“One gold each,” Uncle Jin said.

“But since it’s you, I’ll let both go for a single gold.”

Pricey, but worth every coin, I thought.

“I’ll take them,” I said, placing a gold coin in his hand.

Turning to Reimei, I held the daggers out.

“Reimei… sorry about your daggers yesterday.

I know nothing can replace a memento from your father, but I hope these will at least keep you safe”

Her eyes widened.

“How did you know?”, Reimei asked

“The fit was off. Those daggers were too big for your hands,” I said gently.

“And one of the hilts bore the name Hio Silversky.

That’s your father, isn’t it? Reimei Silversky.”

She looked stunned.

“I never told you my full name. How did you…?”

“I asked Lily’s mother this morning, before heading to the Guild,” I admitted.

“I see…” Reimei glanced down at the Azure Daggers, hesitation flickering in her expression. “But isn’t this too expensive as a replacement?”

I shook my head.

“Honestly, nothing can replace something so precious.

But I still want you to have them.”

Reimei’s lips curled into a small smile.

“Then I’ll gladly accept them.”

She equipped the Azure Daggers, and in her hands, they looked like they truly belonged.

“You look cool, Mei!” Lily said with a grin.

Uncle Jin suddenly turned his attention to me.

“And what about you, young man? Not planning to buy a weapon?”

“I already have one,” I replied.

“Black Steel Katar,” I commanded, and in an instant, a sleek black weapon materialized in my right hand.

Uncle Jin’s eyes widened.

“Where did you get that…?” His voice carried a mix of awe and disbelief.

“I’ve only ever seen a weapon like this once,” he murmured.

“Guildmaster Rion’s Blacksword,” Reimei said softly.

“That’s right,” Uncle Jin nodded.

“In the Seres region, where our town Elira belongs, there is only one weapon known to be forged from Darksteel.

Rion Skyfrost’s Blacksword.

No one knows how to make or find Darksteel.

Except the dwarves who mastered that craft, and they alone can forge it into a weapon.”

So this Black Steel Katar [R] I drew from the Divine Gacha is actually a rare treasure in this world… I realized, listening to Uncle Jin’s explanation.

“Sorry, Uncle Jin. I can’t tell you where I got it,” I said.

He gave me a warm smile.

“It’s okay, Raki. I’m just glad I got to see one up close.”

“Um… not to cut the mood short,” Lily interrupted, “but we still need to finish our shopping.” Her timing saved me from further questions.

I glanced at Reimei. “What about arrows? Don’t you need to restock?”

“Her bow generates magical arrows,” Uncle Jin explained, “but it still uses physical ones as well.”

So they’re a backup, something to fall back on when her magic runs dry.

I remembered her shooting a flaming arrow at a Sword Ghoul; that must’ve been a magical shot.

“I actually do need some arrows,” Reimei admitted.

“What kind, young lady?” Uncle Jin asked, leaning forward with interest.

“One dozen Blessed Arrows, please,” Reimei requested.

“That’ll be twenty-four silver… half off for you,” Uncle Jin said.

“That’s a lot of expensive arrows. Are you planning to take down a Lich King or an Undead Lord?” he asked, half-joking but clearly curious.

“The Guildmaster tasked us with slaying some Zombie Dragons,” Lily explained.

Uncle Jin froze.

“Eh!? … Then take another dozen Blessed Arrows, on the house.”

He hurried to the shelves. “And here, a dozen bottles of Blessed Water, free of charge.”

“Are you sure it’s okay for us to accept this?” I asked, looking at the item's prize tags.

“Of course. Just promise me the four of you will come back safe,” Uncle Jin said firmly.

“We will,” I replied.

“Thank you, Uncle Jin.

Once the Guildmaster pays us, we’ll make sure to come back and buy more supplies,” Lily added as we stepped out the door.