Chapter 8: Buying a Sword
Bruch entered the weapons store, which was filled with a variety of arms.
The store offered controlled items such as guns, as well as numerous types of cold weapons, including knives, axes, and staffs. Among the most unusual was an object resembling a fire stick.
Curiously, Bruch observed the charred marks on the black stick and felt a slight warmth emanating from it, leading him to wonder if it had just been used.
Shifting his attention to the store owner behind the counter, Bruch inquired, "Hello, do you have any good swords available? "
The store owner, with a slightly flushed nose, lifted his drooping eyelids, glanced at Bruch, and gestured towards the impressive selection of swords on the wall before returning to his slumber.
Bruch couldn't help but feel bemused: "Is the owner not concerned about potential theft while he sleeps? "
He examined the swords displayed on the wall and, finding one that caught his eye, he picked it up for inspection. However, he noted that while the swords were decent, none surpassed the quality of his navy standard sword.
Approaching the counter, Bruch rapped on it, rousing the owner once more. "Excuse me, do you have any swords of higher quality? These appear subpar. "
The owner, again blinking away sleep, replied, "For the navy, I have a rare item, but it comes at a high price. "
He then retrieved a long sword sheathed in black with a gold grid, approximately one meter in length. Upon drawing the sword, Bruch observed its T-shaped design with a decorated blade.
"This is the Quick Sword Snow," the owner announced. "Though my shop may not be well-known, this is the most expensive and finest blade I offer. "
He added, "The price is just one million berries. "
While Bruch was impressed with the sword, the price left him bewildered. He contemplated how long it would take to save one million berries without essential expenses, realizing this sword was beyond his reach.
Noticing Bruch's shock at the cost, the owner cautiously inquired, "How much money do you have? "
Bruch held up his fingers to indicate seven.
Observing Bruch's gesture, the owner pondered, resting his chin on his hand, and frowned slightly.
"Seven hundred thousand Berries? Although it represents a slight loss, an additional amount would bring it to eight hundred thousand. "
Bruch felt a flush rise to his face. Interrupting the weapon shop owner, he said, "Excuse me, but it's not 700,000; it's actually 70,000 Berries. "
Afterward, he glanced at the weapon shop owner, feeling a bit embarrassed.
The shop owner glared at Bruch and retorted, "You expect to find a quality sword for 70,000 Berries? There are options for 50,000 over there. Choose one and leave me be."
The owner hastily put away the sword, covered his head, and resumed sleeping, resolved to avoid any further conversation until payment was made.
Feeling a bit uncomfortable at the owner's behavior, Bruch approached the swords displayed in the barrels.
Suddenly recalling a well-known sword from the original novel that was valued at fifty thousand Berries, he began to search eagerly.
He soon touched a sword emitting an unusual scent, pulled it out, and inspected it briefly.
While it appeared ordinary, an intriguing aura lingered in his hand.
Then, he unsheathed the sword.
A soft sound echoed, and an oppressive atmosphere enveloped the room.
The blade, adorned with a purple flame pattern, emanated a chilling aura.
"This is it."
The scent roused the weapon shop owner from his slumber.
He looked up at Bruch, or more specifically, at the sword he held, his expression turning to one of horror.
"No, I cannot sell you that sword!" he exclaimed.
Bruch, noticing the owner's alarmed face, inquired, "Why not? "
The shop owner replied, "That Sword is a demon blade. All who have possessed it met with death. It carries a sinister fate. You may choose any other Sword, but not this one."
Bruch's curiosity piqued, he asked, "What is the name of this demon sword? "
After a moment of thought, the owner responded, "This blade is known as the demon sword of the Tetsu series. The first generation Tetsu ranks among the 12 most powerful swords, while the second generation Tetsu is one of the 21 renowned swords. The third generation is a ghost. "
"The Third Generation Ghost Tetsu! "
Bruch ran his fingers along the flame pattern of the knife, appreciating its feel and beauty.
"Then let me see if I am worthy of being your master. "
As he spoke, a crimson mist engulfed his right hand, and his intense aura caused his long hair to billow wildly. The entire blade of the third generation Kitetsu was soon shrouded in a layer of red mist.
"This navy exudes an overwhelming sense of killing intent. "
The weapon shop owner regarded Bruch with a hint of surprise.
After a moment, Bruch reverted to his previous demeanor, resembling an ordinary boy.
The blood color on the blade of the Sandai Kitetsu gradually returned to normal.
At this point, the shop owner gazed at the Sandai Kitetsu in Bruch's hand, astonished.
"It has changed. "
Indeed, the purple flame pattern on the blade transformed into blood red, and the entire sword's aura dissipated, no longer exhibiting the unusual presence it had before.
The shop owner, still surprised, addressed Bruch: "You actually allowed Kitetsu to recognize its master; I have never encountered such a phenomenon. "
As he spoke, the shop owner emerged from behind the counter, his short stature reaching only Bruch's waist.
He scrutinized Bruch and the Sandai Kitetsu closely, then appeared relieved.
"You are truly the most exceptional swordsman I have ever encountered. I will not charge you for this sword; consider it a gift. I hope you treat it well. "
Following this, the shop owner retreated behind the counter.
Bruch looked at the owner with surprise. Fifty thousand Baileys is a significant sum in this world, sufficient for an ordinary family to live for half a month. It was indeed generous to offer it to him without charge.
"Thank you, sir. I will take my leave now. " Bruch stated to the shop owner, who was beginning to drift off again. The shop owner, now drowsy, waved and said,
"Ah, welcome next time, Navy. " With that, Bruch exited the weapon shop, satisfied, with the demon sword Sandai Kitetsu at his side.