Chapter 29

“Now that I think of it, do you even have a proper weapon at hand?”(Renya)

Renya turned around, giving Nabila a meaningful stare. To which Nabila replied by staring back before weakly shaking her head from left to right.

“I see, let’s see if we can find you a good weapon then.”(Renya)

With that, the three of them headed towards the nearest blacksmith. As to why Renya didn’t give Nabila a weapon from his collection, he felt it’d wrong to give her a ridiculously strong weapon right off the bat.

Along the way, they discovered the amount of people in this city were quite numerous, showing the ability of this city to sustain itself despite being in the middle of the desert. However, after giving it some thought, Renya realized that this is probably due to the abundance of rivers flowing through this country.

Passing by multiple streets and alleyways, the three of them arrived before the blacksmith store. As they did, the figure of a topless and small but burly man appeared, a dwarf. The first one he’s encountered at that. He wore a baggy set of brown trousers and on his waist were a variety of tools.

He was currently laughing as he chatted with a few people who wore hunter like equipment. The people he was talking to appeared to be all smiles and praise. As Renya and the others approached, they heard the burly dwarf’s voice.

“Hahahaha! You won’t be able to find anything like this in this desert! I, Stravo, am the greatest blacksmith around!”(???)

Stravo said as he flexed and flaunted his upper body, causing Renya to freeze on the spot. Looking at his shop, it appeared to be an open kind, meaning the store itself is outside. All around it were rows upon rows of intricately designed weapons and armor. To Renya’s surprise, the amount of people who’re viewing these equipment were numerous.

However, upon closer inspection, he discovered that these weapons and armor are no different from average, if not mediocre, equipment. Not only that, but the people who are viewing the equipment are relatively weak as well. Snorting in disdain, Renya said.

“Let’s look for another blacksmith…”(Renya)

He tuned and left as he realized that the Stravo’s level was a mere 15 and his skills in terms of forging are nothing more than average. Apart from a few skills that make the weapons he creates look pretty, the rest of his skills are pretty average.

However, before the three of them could leave, Stravo has already noticed them.

“Ah! Hello there! Did you come here to have a look at my weapons? I tell you, my weapons are the best of the best! Guaranteed!”(Stravo)

Stravo said as he ran after Renya, carrying a sword in hand causing Renya to send a glance back.

“Uhm, no. We were just about to leave.”(Renya)

He said, turning around as he continued on his way. But Stravo was persistent, Brandishing the sword in his hands, he rested it on his shoulder before shouting at them.

“What? I could’ve sworn that you were searching for a blacksmith! Fear not, I have no shortage of weapons and for a low price, I’ll even forge custom weapons if you so desire! But for a reasonable price of course!”(Stravo)

Feeling a bit annoyed, Renya pretended not to hear Stravo and so did Nabila. Even Little White’s interest towards him was almost nonexistent. Apart from sparing him a glance, Little White did the same as Renya and Nabila did.

Seeing that they aren’t interested in what he has, he felt as if his pride had just been prickled. Feeling a tinge of anger, he quickly said.

“Peh, not like you can afford my equipment to begin with! I mean, look at your pathetic armor! That dainty bow, that sword as well! Quite miserable.”(Stravo)

He said in disdain. However, deep inside, Stravo was regretting his actions. After giving Renya’s equipment a more thorough look, he was baffled to see that their grade was something he was unable to discern.

Renya, being the calm person that he is, did not mind his words. Apart from pausing briefly, he turned his head back, giving Stravo a look that contained the might of a transcended being. With one glance, Stravo froze in place, not daring to move at all.

Getting a bit fed up, Renya and the others continued on their way to the second nearest blacksmith.

Leaving Stravo in the dust.

“(What… what was that…. A monster?!)”(Stravo)

As he was left in deep thought, the group of hunters from before walked up to him. A male hunter tapped his shoulder, before asking.

“Hey, Stravo? Are you okay?”(Male Hunter)

“Yeah, you look a bit pale?”(Female Hunter)

“Ah?! Ah! Yes, I am fine hahaha!”( Stravo)

He said as cold sweat dripped form his forehead.

“Is that so? Then about the armor you told us about.”(Male Hunter)

“Ah yes, right this way!”(Stravo)

He said as he guided the hunters to his shop. As he did, he made a small reminder in his thoughts.

“(Never cross with that man again… He’s too frightening!)”(Stravo)

-•••••-

While Stravo was busy with his shop, Renya and company had already reached the next blacksmith. Looking through the windows, Renya managed to discern the equipment inside. Compared to Stravo’s store, the store in this one was a lot more humble with their equipment. Although the amount of customers this one gets is fewer, they look like the kind who’ve been baptized through no few number of battles and skirmishes. In short, experienced warriors.

Entering the store, what they saw was a tall brown haired middle aged man at the counter. Walking directly towards him, the man greeted them.

“Welcome to my store! What can I do for you?”(Man)

“Hmm, well I was looking for a decent store that sold weapons since this little girl is in a need for a good one.”(Renya)

Renya said as he looked behind, gesturing at Nabila to come forward. Doing as Renya said, the man looked a bit surprised, but he hid this well as he asked a question.

“What are the little lass’s preferences?”(Man)

When the man asked, Nabila stood still as she looked around before landing her gaze upon a sword that hanged on the wall. The sword had dark green blade while its hilt had the plain color of dark steel. It looked a bit dull as it didn’t really have much design, but it was a weapon after all and not some fancy decoration. Giving the sword a closer look, it appeared to be taller than Nabila herself. Even the width of the blade is thicker than her limbs.

“Oi oi, you’re not thinking of using that weapon now are you?”(Renya)

Renya said as he gave her a worried look. However, her usually calm and emotionless face didn’t have a hint of change. As if she wasn’t affected with Renya’s worries. The man on the other hand looked relatively calm. After looking at Nabila in the eyes, he gave a slight nod before picking up the sword from the wall.

Seeing that he won’t be able to change her mind, all Renya could do was watch from the sidelines. He watched as the man handed Nabila the large sword, to which she grasped by the hilt. A few moments later, the man let go of his grip on the large sword. But to his surprise, Nabila was able to hold the large sword, that looked to be around a meter and a half long, properly.

“Lass, you’re quite strong!”(Man)

He said as he gave a small chuckle as cold sweat started forming on his forehead. Renya on the other hand became wide eyed, but he quickly hid his shock as he observed Nabila’s aura.

He soon discovered that she should have a level that neared around the 90s. Quickly, questions started appearing one after another, although he was suspicious before, his suspicion became even more evident now.

Holding the sword for a while, Nabila went to a more spacious area of the store as she began to make slow and simple swings as to not hit anything by accident. However, as time went on, the swings became evidently faster and faster until it came to a point where the sword started to become a blur. Even Renya became surprised of her showcase of skill, let alone the man.

She swung the sword around for a full 5 minutes before finally stopping and casting her gaze onto Renya’s, as if she was pleading for something.

“Fine, how much for that sword?”(Renya)

He said reluctantly as he walked over to the man who froze in place, tapping his shoulder to wake him from his trance. This action by Renya caused Nabila’s blue eyes to shine a bit brighter.

“Ah! Yes. The sword is.. 30 gold, but for the lass here, it’s 25 gold.”(Man)

“Hmm, that expensive?”(Renya)

Although the price was something Renya can afford, he was still curious as to why it was priced this way. After all, when he turned in the reward for hunting down a monster like a Necrotic War Beast is 120 gold and 150 at most

“Well, the sword itself is actually priced at 50 gold, but since the number of people who prefer large weapons like these are few in number, we decided to decrease its price in the hopes to increase its sale. Not only that, but the materials we used in this sword includes the crushed bones of a Sand Behemoth. ”(Man)

He said proudly as he set his gaze on the sword on Nabila’s hands.

“Is that so?”(Renya)

Giving the sword a glance, he confirmed that it was indeed forged with the crushed bones of a Sand Behemoth, and the amount they used is no joke. Confirming that his words we’re true, he grabbed 28 gold pieces from his small bag, placing them on the counter.

Seeing that Renya paid a bit more than what the man asked, he just smiled and accepted the payment.

“Consider the sword yours. Please, feel free to look around our store more! After all, people like you are hard to come by.”(Man)

“We’ll do so then.”(Renya)

Looking around the store, Renya and Nabila ended up settling for a sturdy chest plate and gauntlets that fitted Nabila’s small stature. After paying for them, the two of them left the store. Realizing that night was soon to fall, the three of them headed for an inn.

However, a sudden uproar happened on the streets. Turning his head to see, he realized a large number of people in hunter like equipment arrive in groups. They appeared to be heading towards the city gates. Feeling a bit curious, Renya decided to head towards the nearest Hunter’s Guild. As he did, he noticed that it wasn’t just that one group heading out. There were numerous group heading towards the city gates.

Finally arriving at the Hunter’s Guild, the three of them entered and as they did they became greeted by the sight of a near empty building. Apart from the guild staff, the guild building was devoid of any hunters.

Walking over the the counter, Renya asked the man behind it.

“Hey, what’s with the sudden disappearance of people here?”(Renya)

Asking that question, the male receptionist made a face of surprise.

“Oh? You didn’t know? Then you must’ve arrived here today then, I haven’t your face like yours around before, same goes for the girl and owl.”(Male Receptionist)

He said, giving Nabila and Little White a good look.

“Well, recently there have been a sudden increase in attacks on the city at night. Sometimes at day even. We’ve been trying to figure out the cause but the amount of monsters that show up are increasing by the day. They’re just way too many! You’ll need a full party of high ranked hunters just to be able to leave the city in once piece at this rate.”(Male Receptionist)

The receptionist sighed as he ended his sentence.

“Is that so? By the way, how common are Sandstorm Hunters here, specifically on the path from here to Ostwald City.”(Renya)

“You got attacked by those on the way here from Ostwald City?! That shouldn’t be! There shouldn’t even be any Sandstorm hunters on that path! At most there’d be desert wolves and snakes, but that’d be it! You’re lucky to even survive the attack!”(Male Receptionist)

The man said in a frantic manner, making Renya realize the severity of the situation.

“You’re a registered hunter right? Can I borrow your Guild Card for a while.”(Male Receptionist)

Naturally complying, Renya gave the man his card. He accepted it and took it near a crystal orb that was on his desk. After a short while, he returned the card.

“Sir Renya? I’ve received info from the main quarters that you’ve been promoted to [Rank: A].”(Male Receptionist)

“Really? That’s good then. Though I’d like to know more about the recent happenings.”(Renya)

Seeing his rather nonchalant reaction towards the promotion, the receptionist became a bit disdainful, but he decided to keep these thoughts to himself and began to explain the recent events.

“Well, it happened a couple months ago with the event of a strong earthquake together with an attack by a sandstorm hunter in the middle of the afternoon. It was sudden, so we weren’t able to prepare for it. The amount of casualties that day weren’t all that much, but it was quite the horrific event still.

Since then, the city began increasing the guards on watch duty. However, the following day another earthquake occurred. Although it was weaker, what came next was an attack of a few Sandstorm Hunters as well as a few Great Sand Beetles. After that, the earthquakes became weaker and weaker but the amount of monsters that attack became more and more. Although the sturdy walls are able to keep them out, I doubt they’ll last at this rate.”(Male Receptionist)

“Then do you know the cause of all this?”(Renya)

Hearing his question, the receptionist’s face turned dark. It took a while before he could be able to reply.

“Well… no, and so far things aren’t looking all that well. The last group we sent to search for the cause was able to return but they were missing a few people. As for the ones we’ve sent before them, they’ve yet to return. As to what the last group discovered, it was just a silhouette of an enormous figure.”(Male Receptionist)

”Enormous figure?”(Renya)

“Yes, although it was vague due to the sandstorm, they were able to make out the figure.”(Male Receptionist)

“I see. Well, that’s all I need for now. I’ll pay another visit tomorrow to take a quest.”(Renya)

Turning around to take his leave, he noticed that Nabila stood in a trance behind him. Tapping her shoulder, he shook her a bit to wake her up.

“Something wrong?”(Renya)

“No- no.”(Nabila)

“Is that so? Okay then, let’s go take a look at what’s happening near the walls.”(Renya)