Chapter 133 - A New Sword

All of us left the inn and went straight to the adventurers' district, where the blacksmith shops are.

Well, when I say blacksmith 'shops', I literally mean that there are plenty of shops here. Also, one street was occupied by different blacksmiths.

What do people expect? This city is an adventurer's haven. That's why these types of shops populate the city.

We just didn't mind choosing the cheapest shop since we don't need to save money. Ellena still has money that seems to be unlimited as a budget for adventurers.

"This is a luxurious shop," Selena remarked after seeing the shop before her. It was an average-sized shop with a wide-open window glass to display some products inside. It even feels like a weapon shop to me, not a blacksmith shop.

Without wasting any minutes, all of us entered the shop and were greeted by a female staff member.

"Welcome to our humble shop, esteemed customers. How can I assist you?"

That's a nice question for a blacksmith shop. Well, I don't care. It's the most appropriate thing I can think of too.

"We're here to buy some equipment and a sword. As for the sword, I want to see the blacksmith finish making it since I don't want to destroy my sword again." Ellena responded.

"You want to see the blacksmith finish it? Is it a customized sword you are asking?"

The question made Ellena think for a moment. Though she wasn't heavily confused, she took a moment to decide.

"If it is a customized sword, how long will it take? I was thinking of an average sword only, but since you mentioned it, I am interested."

"Customized swords are also custom-made. It depends on the quality and materials. Only the blacksmith can answer it, but since you are looking for an average sword freshly made by a blacksmith. Please follow me." the staff said.

Ellena just shrugged and followed her. She just told Thalia to find some gears. Both Selena and Rosellete presented themselves to help Thalia.

"Thank you," Ellena said before finally entering the workshop.

When we entered the workshop, I immediately noticed the extreme heat because my vision was slightly disrupted. I can see things being wavy.

Also, I saw plenty of blacksmiths working on their jobs. Noting that they aren't dwarves, as most fantasy novels have them.

The both of them talked for a moment while explaining things to Ellena. I find it professional since the staff didn't discriminate, even though it wasn't a promised profit. I guess it's in the mindset.

I think people already know the reputation of this shop since it is one of the most luxurious shops. And just because of that, the staffs should think that every customer that enters the shop is coming from an established background.

After some minutes, Ellena decided to take an average sword that one of the apprentice blacksmiths had made and request a customized sword from the master blacksmith. I thought there was less time to talk with the blacksmith. Ellena summarized her preference.

She wanted the sword to be light but durable. I think that came from the idea that she'll practice fighting techniques that use swords in the future. And also, her technique right now is based on swordplay, and it's incredibly fast, so it needs the sword to be light.

The blacksmith just mentioned some materials that he needed, though Ellena doesn't need to produce it, it was for the purpose of tallying the price of the service.

Then, both of them agreed to a deal.

And finally, we left that unbearable workshop. It was so hot that even if I couldn't feel the heat, it was still disrupting my senses. 

I could only wonder why I didn't leave the room. Maybe I wanted to see how the blacksmith forged.

"We're finally done," I said after Ellena received the freshly forged sword. It was an average sword but made with the finest quality of iron. It didn't have many impurities that made it more durable than common swords that are sold in weapon shops.

I know for sure why Ellena wanted to see it for herself since she wanted to make sure it was durable and not just a display. Even though we came to a reputed shop, her trust issues are still disturbing.

"I have already chosen what I want," Thalia said just after arriving on Ellena's side. Ellena just nodded and prepared the money.

I looked at what Thalia picked and I noticed that it wasn't an average piece of gear. Instead, it has a fine design and is supposed to be light armor. It is mostly grey in color because of the iron, but there is a thick leather strap around the gear.

Maybe it was a suggestion from both veterans that assisted Thalia.

"It was fine equipment. Maybe way better than mine." Rosellete remarked.

"Yup. I agree with Rosellete. I also helped Thalia." A smile came from Selena.

Ellena just smiled and looked at them with some gratitude in her eyes.

"Thank you."

After that, she finally paid for the sword and Thalia's gear and secretly put the order slip into her inventory.

***

Finally, we are outside the city. 

The place was just calm and had minimal trees nearby. People don't usually come here. That's why we chose this place.

"Ellena, can I challenge you first?" Selena asked, dumbfounding Ellena.

"Why? You want to try my sword? Or me?" Ellena jokingly retorted.

"Both, I guess. I was hoping to see you in action, fighting with me. It's an honor anyways since you'll become a greater person in the future." 

"Don't jinx it. And it's not honorable since I can always grant you a request for a duel."

Selena giggled as she prepared her speech on her side. "Thanks. You're the best, Ellena." Selena said before looking at Ellena intently.

"This is going to be fun," Rosellete mumbled.

Thalia just nodded and returned her eyes back to them.

Ellena prepared her sword and positioned herself in a ready stance. Both of them nodded as a sign, but it seems like no one had made the first move.

"You want to see my move first?" Selena mumbled and a smile curled up on her lips.

Ellena nodded and waited for Selena's attack. But the attack was unusual. It appeared to be a unique movement. 

Selena made a few sidesteps and swayed her body like those movements of boxers. Her sword was horizontally held in front of her by her right hand.

This is interesting.