Equipment

It was already morning, Though Kouki didn't know what exact time it actually was since there was no clock. He was heading to the Adventurers guild to accept a quest, along to ask Est directions for a blacksmith. On the way there he had gotten the usual stares from last night, though it didn't bother him as much as it did before. Making way inside the building and heading for the receptionist desk. Spotting Est as she notices Kouki and smiles as he walked up to her.

"Good morning Est, I was wondering if you could give me directions for a blacksmith? I need to buy equipment as I can't stay like this."

She put her finger up to her lips as she thought about the place.

"You could head to Lorenz's place, he's definitely the best blacksmith in this Kingdom. He charges a hefty price but his skill in making equipment is certainly without a doubt the best. His place is on the same street but all the way to the end of the road. To put it simply turn to the left once you head out the guild and continue straight. You'll know where it is once you see it as he'll have a sign."

"Thank you for the directions, now, if you'll excuse me I have to also choose a quest to take on."

"Remember to choose one with the same ranking!"

He smiled at her remark giving her a nod to not worry. As he walked towards the bulletin board to look at the quests, some other adventures were also looking at them so he made sure not to hog all the space. Kouki looked at all the quests carefully and only focused on the ones that had the E-rank marking. One caught his eye that read out 'Eliminate Goblins that have been spotted in Allertos Woods to the South.' The rewards seemed not too shabby, 5 silver coins. E-rank of course.

'Allertos Woods? It seems there's a forest to the south of here. From yesterday's tour of the Kingdom I got to know that there is three gates, one on the West, another on the East and then the last one is on the South. The castle itself is in the North. I assume I would have to go through the South gate and the forest would be visible.'

Information from yesterdays tour came to mind.

 Kouki took the quest to Est and she looked at him strangely.

"Goblins? Hm I guess it's alright, please be careful though. You can't underestimate monsters, not even Goblins."

She stamps the paper and puts it away. Nodding and waving goodbye as he left the building, heading towards Lorenz.

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The door creaked as he opened it. It was quite devoid of people for the so called best blacksmith. Kouki had expected it to be busy but it turns out that it was not. Taking notice as he saw a tall looking buff man with dark hair sitting down, which turned around as he came in. He had on a white shirt along with a leather rap over it. He looked very dirty, as one would expect someone working in the blacksmith area.

"Welcome!"

Kouki greeted him in return as he got closer.

"Hello there, would you happen to be Lorenz?" Kouki asked as he was unsure.

He got up from the seat and greeted him nicely. Taking off the gloves and placing them on the table.

"What can I help you with...oh, you're a Forgotten are you not?"

Still hearing being called that weirded him out.

"--yes, yes I am. I came to buy some equipment because my current stuff isn't going to cut it. I've already thought about what I wanted to be exact. For now I just wanted leather armor so I could move freely as it wouldn't hinder my movement capabilities. As well as a knife because a sword would hinder me with its weight."

'I can't be too careful as I don't know what and when exactly my weapon will spring forth from the Affinity orb so I'll be looking for a knife in the meantime.' Kouki thought as he looked around.

"You really came prepared huh? C'mere, you're lucky that I had already had those two ready to sell."

He lead Kouki to the back of the room where all types of equipment and weapons were displayed on the wall. Noticing the leather armor right away; the brown and black color was nice to look at and even the touch felt smooth but durable.

'I guess it was really true that he was the true expert of the blacksmith class.' Kouki could tell that even as this was something new to him.

"How much is it?"

"It'll cost you 2 gold coins, as for the knife...15 gold coins since it's special material."

He brought him to the knife display and the one that he was showing Kouki was the most noticeable than the rest. It was beautiful, nothing more nothing less. It's blue steel felt strange to look at but as it glared it was more amazing than ever.

"This...is one of my prized possessions, it's made from the tears of the Siren Queen, Scylla. It's very light and even if it's a water based elemental knife it can burst into flames as its infused with a special S grade fire monster. Don't ask me how I got the materials, I had to sacrifice a lot to get them. This is without a doubt an S tier knife."

Kouki couldn't stop admiring the knife. Once he held it the feel was like swimming in the sea, the calm waters. It was truly difficult to really describe it.

"I'll take them."

He grabbed the pouch and took exactly 17 golden coins and handed it to him. Then asking if it was possible to change into the armor right away and he agreed. It fit perfectly and it didn't bother Kouki at all. He put the knife in its hilt and wrapped it around the waist. 

"Wow it does look good on you!"

Chuckling and appreciating the compliment.

"By any chance i'm not to familiar with storage devices if there is any in this world, would you happen to have one?"

"Oh I do happen to have one, they're usually rings that take in items and store them inside. They're expensive though the one im selling is 20 gold coins but I can give it to you for 10 gold coins. It has pretty good storage, you just hover it over what you want to take it and tap the ring which it'll then store it inside."

He ended up giving him the 10 gold coins and put on the ring. It glowed a brilliant green.

"I like it, definitely. Thank you Lorenz, in the future i'll be sure to buy from you again. I'll be heading out now."

"It was a pleasure, take care mate!"

Kouki make his way out the building and began heading towards the South gate. 

"I want to get the hunt started!"