Chapter 63

Chapter 63

The underground market seemed to go on forever. We walked for about 20 more minutes, every new merchant stand looked the same to me. Every 100m or so there were doors and hallways that lead off of the main path, but they all either lead up to the surface or were private property.

Bernard finally stopped in front of another small merchant shop and smiled at an old bald man that was half asleep sitting on a small wooden crate.

"Morning Tom!"

The old merchant shook his head and stood to his feet immediately in a startled fashion.

"O-hoo! It's you! Good morning to you too Bernard. How can I help ya?"

"Have any extra lives in stock? The kid needs at least a D grade for his fight today in the Rumble Dome."

The old man grinned.

I just looked at them both in confusion for a few seconds and spoke up.

"An... extra life? What do you mean by that?"

They both ignored my question.

The old merchant started to dig through a box full of junk items for a bit longer than I had the patience for.

I became antsy and started looking around his small shop examining random items that I had no intention of buying. Most of the stuff in here is just old E Class potions and used gear... Honestly, every shop looks like this down here. I guess you really have to get to know your sellers to find the good stuff.

Finally, Tom pulled a small cube-shaped piece of metal with a long black string tied around it from under his pile of scrap items.

"Here she is. It's probably got a day or two left on it, a mid-level D Grade I reckon. You know I make em' cheap, but it'll definitely save your life in a pinch. 3 silver and it's yours."

Bernard nodded and turned to me.

"You heard him, 3 silver."

I squinted my eyes and looked at the cube of metal on the end of a ragged string.

"3 silver for what? A good luck charm? What am I even buying here?"

Bernard rolled his eyes.

"Just buy it. I'll explain on the way back."

I'm really getting pushed around here... It's starting to get annoying.

"Fine."

I handed the old merchant 3 silver coins and he took them while handing me the odd magic item.

"Pleasure doing business with ya! Try it on kid."

I let the metal cube sit in my hand for a few seconds. A very light hum came off the item. The only reason I even noticed is because of the slight vibrations it gave off in my hand.

"Could the sword really be done already?"

He nodded while we approached the first floor.

"Probably yes, but we will not enter the office until I'm given the signal. Please follow me, I'll entertain you on the 2nd floor while we wait."

"Oh, okay."

Once we climbed the staircase to the 2nd floor I noticed the two women working on either side of the room again. I didn't get a close look at them before. They're both plugging away at some busy work in silence. Bernard stepped forward into the room motioning for me to follow.

"These are my assistants. Please introduce yourself."

They looked up from their seats and both stared me in the eyes. I couldn't tell them apart at first glance. They both wore light blue dresses, had matching blue eyes, tied up their bright blond hair in a bun, and stood around 160cm.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Jay."

The two of them both got out of their seats and simultaneously bowed while replying.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Chloe."

"Nice to meet you, I'm Zoe."

I blinked twice and rubbed my eyes then looked at them both again. They smiled and bobbed their heads back and forth before going straight back to work in unison.

Bernard walked over to his desk and offered me a seat in a flimsy-looking wooden chair he must use for guests.

"They're great aren't they?"

I looked at him with a bit of concern.

"Uhh, yeah I bet they are."

Bernard sat down and pulled out a book from the small pile on his desk.

"It shouldn't be too long now, please pick any book you'd like in the meantime."

He crossed his legs and adjusted his glasses before opening the book to where he'd left off previously. I began to sift through the pile to see if there'd be anything worth reading. They're all old science and math books... These look like they were written before the dungeons even showed up over 80 years ago. I guess he enjoys the classic fundamentals. I for one, get bored out of my mind reading books like this.

I kept awkwardly shuffling through the books and reading the back covers for a solid 20 minutes. I couldn't find a single fantasy, or even a history book of some kind to cure my boredom for the time being.

I just decided to give up and stare at the ceiling.... After just 5 minutes of counting the specs of dirt I saw an orb of white light sink through the solid floor above me. Looks like I've been saved by the bell!

Bernard looked up from his reading.

"That's our cue. Ms. Briana is ready for us."

I grinned with excitement.

"Finally! I get to see my finished sword!"