709 Chapter 709

Picking up each of the skill orbs presented to him, Marcus allowed the prompt from the system to read out the skill and ask whether he wished to learn it or not, before denying the option and moving on to the next one.

This allowed him to check each and every one, and as he went down the line, he became more and more surprised.

Most of these skills were powerful and staples of any high-level entity.

There were some that were a bit lackluster like heightened smell, but the ones that were the strongest or rarest were among the best out there.

“I have checked through all of them, and I have identified six with which I would consider as means of payment.” Marcus said as he passed the twelve skill orbs he was less interested in back.

A look of relief came over both Alard and his father’s face when they heard this.

Had Marcus simply refused, their chances of having the amethros ingot turned into a weapon would have been quite low. Since if Marcus rejected the job, it was likely Thabon would as well.

“I see, so which one would you like as payment?” Count Vendrick soon asked.

However, Marcus raised an eyebrow, and said, “Just one? I want them all.”

Mouths agape, neither Alard nor Count Vendrick could believe what Marcus had just said.

He did not want just one skill orb but all six. Each of which contained skills that at an auction would cost several tens of thousands of gold coins to buy.

And while the commission of having an amethros weapon made would cost quite a bit, as just running a furnace capable of heating the metal used thousands of cold coins worth of magic cores. Marcus’ price was definitely over inflated.

“Lady Irene, I understand that your skills are impeccable, but please be reasonable. While I am not sure which of the six skill orbs you have taken a liking to, each one is an incredibly valuable treasure. At best for taking this commission and completing an exemplary work we could offer you two of these skill orbs. Depending on which skills reside within.” The Viceroy of Lethallan said.

Naturally he did not get to his position by rolling over and accepting whatever deal was presented to him. Especially one that was so one sided.

If perhaps they were paying for the amethros ingot as well as the creation of a sword it would have been a fairer trade. But since they already owned the ingot, it was quite the ludicrous price to pay.

“Hm, I am really hoping to obtain all six of these.” Marcus said while contemplating how to take the negotiations.

He then came up with an idea and turned his attention towards Alard who he figured to be easier to push in the direction he wanted.

“Could I see your current gear? I would like to see what you use so that I have a better idea of what I am going to make.” Marcus said, sidestepping the current negotiations.

Looking a bit confused, Alard turned towards his father, but the man shrugged his shoulders and gave his permission.

‘I figured he would have an item box.’

Keeping a close eye on Alard, Marcus watched him open up the spatial rift created from the item box skill and pull out an ornate adamantine falchion. Followed by a set of heavy adamantine armor and an adamantine kite shield shaped like an upside-down tear drop.

Seeing this, it was clear that Alard was a straightforward shield and sword fighting knight. Which made sense with his personality.

‘All of it is pretty good. But it was not made with the absolute best materials and likely by someone with only a level five forge skill. For a fighter of Alard’s level, this gear is probably only just barely able to keep up.’ Marcus thought while examining Alard’s current gear.

Once he was satisfied, he placed it down and handed it back over.

“I can see that your weapon and armor is well used. No doubt seeing plenty of combat in the Great Gome Woods Dungeon. But it seems that you not only could use a new weapon, but also a new shield and set of armor.”

This seemed to get Alard’s attention and he looked quite excited at the prospect.

However, before Marcus could make a decisive blow, Count Vendrick got involved. Seeing what Marcus was trying to get at.

“Lady Irene, while I am sure it would be great for my son to receive upgraded armor, we only have the one ingot of Amethros to use. It would be impossible to make him a full set of armor and a new shield. I believe that we should only stick to the matter at hand which is the creation of a weapon.”

Smiling, Marcus turned his gaze towards the viceroy and prepared to give his next argument.

“Yes, you are right that this is all the amethros that you have. But that does not mean that your son has the highest quality armor he could. I imagine that what he currently uses was made many years ago by Edzard, the best forgmaster in your city. I have seen his skills, and while he is very impressive and a man that I respect, the materials used in your son’s current armor are not the best. It is simply old and will not be good enough for him to continue using. But I can promise that I can create for him a system recognized adamantine shield and a set of armor to match.” Marcus said with a confident grin.

Then to hammer home that he could do it, he took off the bracer on his left arm and the pendant around his neck.

Placing them both on the table, he garnered both Alard and his father’s attention.

“These here are my own personal armor and shield. Allow them to serve as examples of what I can create.” Marcus said as he activated his equipment and had it take its true form.

In an instant the pendant unfolded out into a set of full scale mail armor, and the bracer became a circular adamantine shield.

Of course, both were system recognized top tier pieces of equipment that were pretty much stuff of legends.

“You really made these Lady Irene!?” Alard said in disbelief.

Being a high-level fighter, he could instantly see the vast difference between his current gear and what Marcus had presented here.

“Yes, these are some of my finest creations. I originally learned to become a forgemasters so that I could make gear for myself. At my heart I am an adventurer and making sure that I have the best weapons and armor was paramount for me. I am sure being a warrior yourself you understand how difficult it is to get quality equipment.” Marcus said in response to Alard.

Except while his adamantine equipment that had been accepted by the system as top tier was impressive. Marcus decided to finish things off by showing what he was really capable of.

“Now I am proud of these, but my true masterpiece happens to be my very own weapon.”