I will grab another quest.

  While the Stannum quest before was taxing, it's still noon.

  “Oh.”

  I muttered as I clicked my tongue quietly.

  I chipped my sword.

  I can't do anything.

  Sighing, I walk away from the quest board to find the nearby blacksmith.

  —

  I decided to go to a familiar Smithy.

  Opening the door and walking in...

  I remember arriving here to repair my equipment again and again.

  “Oh! Uncle Pax!”

  Nel walked toward me.

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  “Did you grow taller, Nel?”

  I said with slight sarcasm.

  “It's been a while. I remember you were... this tall.”

  I held my hand out, measuring the air.

  “Why are you here, Uncle Pax? Just curious, is all.”

  He asked me with slight curiosity.

  “May I buy a sword?”

  “Hm… a sword for...?”

  “Fighting maws.”

  I told him, his face scrunching slightly.

  “Are you sure...?”

  He asked me.

  “Yes.”

  “Truly, truly sure?”

  “Yes.”

  He tapped his foot on the floor.

  “You are old, Uncle Pax. Even my dad is struggling with smithing. He's stubborn. I know it's his passion and all, but I think when you're old, you should definitely take it slow.”

  He explained lightly.

  “Oh. Is your old man still working? Can I see him?”

  I was a bit surprised.

  His father was the one who sold me my first sword and repaired my equipment again and again.

  Looks like Nel is taking over for him.

  “He's taking a nap right now… so I can't.”

  He hummed.

  “I'll tell him you came though.”

  He smiled.

  “Thank you, Nel.”

  “Now, Sir Pax. Do you really want a sword?”

  “Yes.”

  By the gods.

  Nel didn’t jump out of his habit.

  I’ve confirmed so many times thus far.

  “Are you... sure...?”

  “Yes.”

  “...”

  He sighed deeply.

  “I understand, Uncle Pax. I just don’t want you to die, you know?”

  He walked to a shelf and started finding a weapon.

  ...

  I understand his frustration.

  However, it was my decision to use my remaining time for something more meaningful.

  Rather than my body withering away as my mind goes numb.

  “Here.”

  He held out a short sword with both hands to me.

  “It’s a sturdy one, quite sharp as well. My father made it a few days ago.”

  I grabbed the sword before unsheathing it.

  I looked at the clean blade.

  It made me feel something.

  “Thank you, Nel.”

  I used my free hand to pat his head.

  “Yeah! No problem.”

  He smiled lightly.

  “… you can have it for free if you’d like.”

  He muttered under his breath.

  “... No, I’m paying.”

  I put a pouch of silver coins on the counter.

  “Thank you again, Nel.”

  I said before putting the short sword on my waist.

  “… Good luck, Uncle Pax.”

  He smiled reluctantly.

  I left the smithy, waving.