Volume 2 - CH 1

Chapter 1 – New Equipment and the Slave Firm

In the tavern of the Adventurer’s Guild, Eto was thinking about the future. Of course, he definitely wanted to make a name for himself as an adventurer, but besides that, he also wanted to prove the value of support magic to the world.

Eto’s support magic was branded as useless by Hero Ronaldo, and its usage was banned for a year. And he couldn’t forget his frustration then. Hence, the reason why he wanted to strengthen his support magic other than to gain more strength as an adventurer was also Eto’s stubbornness to make Ronaldo understand how wrong he was.

Although he is now capable of defeating a Wyvern alone, as long as he continues being an adventurer, there is more danger awaiting him. For example, if many enemies attack him at once, it would be beyond Eto’s power to handle them as an adventurer who acts as a solo. And if he is dealing with a large monster, such an Ogre, his current equipment definitely isn’t enough.

“Yosh, let’s solve those problems one by one. Uncle, thanks for the meal.”

“Ou, please come here again!”

After leaving the guild, Eto went to the craftsman district, where weapon and armor stores gather.

For about a year in the Hero’s party, Eto’s equipment was neither new nor maintained. Although the sword he used was a one-of-a-kind item made of high-quality steel and produced by a highly skilled blacksmith, and his armor was a high-class item made of Wyvern leather, which was provided by the kingdom, Eto has been doing the maintenance himself and kept using them despite their quality that keep degrading for the past year.

But since it seems the equipment doesn’t need to be returned, Eto thought it wouldn’t be a problem even if he keeps using it. However, the fastener of the armor is now loose, and the tip of his sword was chipped, causing it to sometimes make a strange sound when hitting something. Yes, the sword was most likely cracked.

Eto knew that if he is going to continue being an adventurer from now on, then properly preparing armor and weapons will become a pressing need for him. But he doesn’t need a good-looking sword like those nobles used. What Eto wanted is a durable sword that could protect his life even if it has a rugged appearance, and also a set of armor that suits his fighting style.

After looking around the stores, Eto decided to purchase the weapon in Garm Weapon Store owned by a veteran dwarf blacksmith and armor from Sylpheed armor store run by a dwarf and half-elf couple. Although both stores aren’t that big, they have a good reputation among adventurers, and they listened to Eto’s requests, even though he was still young and inexperienced.

“Garm-san, can you somehow lower the price of this Mithril Sword? Are you going to extort all the money of this young and innocent adventurer? I smell corruption-”

Eto jokingly asked.

“No way! Don’t say stupid things! As an adventurer who defeated a Wyvern alone, if you don’t have enough money, go make more money outside the town!”

It goes without saying, Garm just brushes off his joke.

“How about a discount?”

“…”

“Maybe a bonus?”

“Eei, you’re noisy! Fine, I’ll make the dagger for dismantling cheaper. If you make more money, don’t forget to come here and buy something again!”

“Of course, thank you, Garm-san!”

Eto bought a Mithril one-handed sword, a dagger for dismantling, and some throwing knives at the Garm Weapon Store. Then, at Sylpheed Armor Store, he ordered a set of armor made from the Wyvern materials he possessed and a sturdy adventurer’s combat uniform to wear underneath the armor.

The set of armor was actually relatively cheap, mainly because he provided the materials. But the Mithril sword alone made him lose one-third of his savings. As expected of a sword forged with a high-class material, Mithril. Needless to say, he kept trying to haggle with the owner, but it seems it was impossible.

Mithril sword, which has a good magic conductivity, definitely will significantly increase the combat power of Eto, who is good at imbuing magic into the weapon. Because enchanting Mithril sword, rather than steel sword, could increase the attack power of the magic sword and additionally save his magic power.

Eto was very exhilarated by the excitement of expensive shopping and the anticipation of equipping those weapons and armors.

The next stop is the Slave Firm. After he finished buying equipment, Eto was thinking of buying slaves to add to his party.

Eto knew that only with party members that the true abilities of support magic, which is his specialty, could be manifested. As long as he raises the ability of his party members with buffs, he believed they will be able to deal with dangerous monsters beyond the level of his party. Besides, most escort quests were in fact taken by a party rather than alone.

However, after having a hard time in the Hero’s party, Eto became reluctant to form a party with other adventurers. But if it’s with a slave contract where their status was certain, Eto thought it would be possible to reduce troublesome friction between party members while ensuring his own safety.

“Still, whether we could develop a relationship or not is up to the other party, though”

As he walked to the Slave Firm, Eto muttered, thinking about the future.

In fact, there are some adventurers who are active with slaves as their party members. However, most of them treat the slaves as if they were disposable.

And Eto, who was unjustly treated at the Hero’s party, had a hard time seeing such scenes. Because, it’s like he was seeing himself a few months ago.

“I guess let’s start with meeting and talking to them first.”

The Slave Firm that Eto is heading to is the shop recommended by the Guild master. Eto thought that if it’s the guild, which has built an information network in the royal capital by buying and selling materials and the movement of the adventurers, they would definitely recommend him a healthy store. Besides, since the Guild is also aware of Eto’s money situation, they surely won’t introduce a store that wasn’t suited for him.

However, when he arrived, the Slave Firm that stood in front of Eto was just like the mansion of a noble itself. The entrance is equipped with a large iron gate, and there are two strong guards with spears on both sides of the gate. Eto then nervously handed a letter of introduction from the Guild Master to one of the guards.

After waiting there for a while, a man who wore a butler’s clothes appeared and bowed his head deeply to Eto. Then, guided by the guide, Eto went inside the firm. And after passing a beautifully arranged garden, he saw a mansion made of brick in front of him.