I waited for a little over an hour. At first, other sales folks and attendants tried to approach me, but when I told the third that Eric was attempting to set up an impromptu meeting with the owner they stopped pestering me. After about fifteen minutes, I let one of them know I’d wait outside so as to give other patrons more space to look around. The room was large, but with all of the equipment it was pretty full. Then, as the day wore on I knew it’d fill up with more and more adventurers. So, I stepped outside, went to a nearby bakery and got a couple of meat pies before returning and sitting with my back leaned against a post near the forge area.

  Before I sat, I saw Eric speaking with a grizzled man who was hammering away at what looked like a spear tip. It was leaf shaped and very early in the forge process but I could already tell it would be beautiful when finished. Each of the mans hammer strikes were intentional and directed. It was a fair assumption that he was the owner.

  After about forty minutes of being outside, an hour after Eric left me to speak to the owner, that same grizzled man stepped out of his forge and approached me. As his shadow passed over me, I stood up and turned to face him, looking up a bit to gaze into his eyes. I held out a hand.

  “Hello, sir, my name is Alexilios. Lios for short. I assume Eric told you my request?” He took my hand, his grip firm and powerful from years on the forge. I didn’t flinch despite the grease and ash covering his hand or his grim glare when he looked down at me.

  “Lios, is it? Eric told me but I’d prefer to hear it from you. Why my smithy, and why should I provide a competitor with the tools to work?” His voice was every bit as deep as I expected. He would make a great baritone in an acapella group. It was a touch gravelly, likely from breathing in the ambient heat and soot of his smithy.

  “Right, I have no desire to waste your time so I’ll make it quick. I’m in town for, as you might assume, the tournament. My sword was recently taken from me and I need to level my smithing class. I have rented forge space at the adventurers guild. I have no intention to sell my works, at least not commercially, and I’d prefer to keep my smithing abilities a secret from the populous for the time being. If I do decide to sell, I’d prefer to sell through a reputed retailer such as you on either a commission basis or sell it to you to then sell on a mark up.” I took a deep breath after speaking quickly, maintaining eye contact with him to convey the seriousness of my request.

  “So, a business partnership then? Hmm. what level is your class? Do you have any samples of your work?” He stroked his frayed graying beard, shaking metal shavings from it.

  “No metalwork samples, sadly, but I did make the clothes I am wearing. Wait!” My eyes widened for a moment when I remembered my [Ephemeral Forge] skill and the tools I had within it. I activated the skill, forming a glowing orange hammer in my hand before pulling it from my subspace and into the real world. “Here, I made this. As for my class level. Its still rather low, at twenty one.”

  The bear before me took the hammer in his large hands and began inspecting it. He used some sort of appraisal skill, I could tell because his eyes focused on something in front of him that wasn’t there as he read the description of the item. With his eyes flicking back and forth reading the meager information, I watched a tad warily. I hadn’t shown many people my enchanted gear. His expression didn’t change in the slightest.

  “Decent work, for your age. Enchanted too with multiple enchantments but I don’t see any runes on it, how did you do it? Bah. Don’t answer that, trade secrets and all. Fine. You have a deal. But if I see your work anywhere else the deal is off. No need for a contract until you intend to sell.” He handed me back the hammer and crossed his arms. “What metals do you need? I’ll sell it to you at only a minor markup, probably the best price you will see. I’m not trying to boast, and I don’t need your patronage to stay afloat, so keep that in mind. Do you have a specialty?”

  “A specialty? I suppose I’m a better weaponsmith than an armorer. And thats perfectly fine, I wasn’t exactly expecting distributor pricing.” I reached out to shake his hand again. “Should I come to the store attendants for my orders or you?”

  “My attendants. Orvack, by the way.” He shook my hand twice before letting go, his hand wrapping around mine completely. “Come with me, I’ll bring you to Eric. He can be your point of contact. When you have something to sell, let him know and we can discuss rates.”

  I nodded and followed him into the building where eric, the boisterous teen, was chatting with an adventurer duo, trying to convince them to pay a pretty penny for a set of plate armor. “Is there a price too high when your life is on the line? This set was made personally by THE Orvack, and comes with a protection guarantee of up to level one-sixty-five. Meaning, any average beasts up to that level should be unable to penetrate the armor. They may still dent it though, but it comes with a maintenance contract as well.” His eyes flicked up to Orvack as we stepped behind the adventurers. Orvack simply indicated to complete the sale and Eric nodded.

  “I’m sorry but, what makes this set worth twice as much as Alten’s plate set?” The male of the duo, the one who this set would likely be for based on the sword and shield he wore, asked Eric. I assumed that Alten was a competitor and not an associate of the smithy based on the frown that briefly crossed Erics features. His practiced smile quickly returned.

  “Ah, an excellent question. Number one, the materials used are of a much higher quality. Second, Orvack’s has been here twice as long as Alten’s. Lastly, as far as im aware Alten doesn’t offer a maintenance contract for repairs nor do they offer a protection guarantee. Should you still suffer a grievous injury from an enemy within the specified levels, we offer healing services as recompense as well as a partial refund and a full repair of the armor. Should the enchantments fade or be destroyed from frequent wear and tear, we will remake it. Thats why we cost more. We provide extra insurance and reliability.”

  I glanced up at Orvack to gauge his reaction at his attendants sales pitch before catching both adventurers slowly nodding. With a large sigh, the swordsman pulled his coin pouch from his hip and opened it up. “Forty Eight gold? Gonna bleed me dry here but... you make a compelling point. Take my damn money.” There was humor in his voice, letting me know he wasn’t dissatisfied but complaining to complain. Eric chuckled and led the man to the counter, counting out the money and filling out a work order and maintenance contract.

  As soon as they finished, and the duo left with their goods, Eric came over to speak with us. He looked a little bit prideful over making the sale and was beaming as he sauntered over.

  “Eric. Good work. You’ll be taking point on the selling of materials to Lios here. 25% markup from our purchase price, no higher. We’ll recover the lost profit when he makes enough arms to sell to us. I can vouch for his potential.” Orvack spoke loudly, as though his voice had only the one volume. Eric only grinned wider at the declaration.

  “Yes sir, of course. Would you like me to manage his commissions as well?” There was a hopeful and ambitious glint in his eyes.

  “No, I’ll set those prices myself. But we will be looking at a thirty percent increase on those most likely. Does that seem fair to you, Lios?” The man was decisive, I had to give him that. Mere minutes from our conversation and he already had it all figured out. Must come with experience.

  “Yessir.” Was all I had to say. He nodded, then dismissed himself and strode back to the forge to continue working on the spearhead. I could imagine him being done with it within a few hours.

  After that, Eric pulled me aside and toward an empty spot at the counter. “So, Lios, what materials do ya need?”

  “Okay, Im trying to make weapons with highly mana conductive metals that can, when enchanted properly, amplify my spells. Before I had used orichalcrum and mana steel in an alloy, but I’m open to other suggestions.”

  The other man seemed to think for a few minutes, tapping his chin. “If you were higher level I’d suggest mythril and not just so we could get extra coin... High mana conductivity? Any specific type of mana? Theres some metals that conduct, say, fire mana more easily.”

  “Hmm... I wouldn’t be opposed to specific mana types for wind, lightning, fire, water, and earth manas. But would need a couple ingots of each, enough for probably three swords of each type so I could get some practice before making the final product. After that, I probably still want some that are just generally good for mana conduction.” My heart humped excitedly, I’d finally be able to work on my second class soon. I’d be able to make a new sword, or several. In the back of my mind I imagined walking around with a half a dozen different swords serving different functions. A wry grin turned my cheeks as I thought about how ridiculous that would be.

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  “In that case, I’ll get you... hmmm... enough for a total of fifteen weapons? Lets say two five pound ingots of each type, along with two orichalcrum and a dozen mana steel? I assume you’ll want to make it with mana steel for the durability at least. Electrum and the like are powerful but brittle after forging. You wont be getting the starmetal equivalents as, a) you probably cant afford it no offense, and b) you probably couldn’t work it just yet. Again, no offense.”

  “None taken. Also, some mana conductive wood for the handle and scabbards. How much for all of the material together? And is there any possibility that I could have the ingots either held here until I’m ready to use them or delivered to my room at the adventurer’s guild?” I felt myself jittering with excitement. I was finally going to make some progress in my smithing! Something that I had fantasized and planned for since I was a kid. Hell, something I’d wanted to do in my other life even.

  “We can probably hold them here and have you purchase them at the time of need. How much would you like to purchase at this time?” I could tell he was already thinking about what to buy with the coin he earned today and couldn't help but chuckle at his eagerness.

  “Lets say six mana steel ingots, and the infernal iron as well as enough wood for three swords. Oh wait. I forgot one thing. Would I also be able to purchase Lumina stones of those various elements when I purchase the metal? Say, nine of each pending the cost? About this size?” I showed him with my fingers, it was a bit smaller than a chickens egg but I figured I could imbed them in the pommel or crossguard to store some emergency mana.

  “That’ll ramp your bill up pretty quick but we can do that. We will take a few days to source them. Is it okay if you get three of that size and six half that size per order? If I’m reading your intentions the large one could be for the pommel, the small ones for the scabbard or crossguard.”

  “That works. Okay, for the order today, how much would it cost?” This was the part I dreaded. Sure, I had a recent windfall of coin but it was still not a comfortable amount now that I was purchasing materials. Things would get expensive quick.

  “Lets see. We get mana steel at twenty eight silver each so it'll be thirty two for you times six is... one hundred and ninety-two silver. The infernal iron is eighty silver for us, so one gold per at three is three gold. Lumina stones...” He pulled out a book with a price guide for the store, taking a few moments to sift through it. “Okay, for three large and six medium stones that’ll run you six gold even. They’re eighty silver for a large from the distributor, and around fifty silver after the roundup for the mediums. And lastly, wood for the handle and scabbard. Let me go back to see what we’ve got. I’ll bring everything up as well if the prices are agreeable.” He didn’t wait for an answer before bolting through a door.

  I mentally added everything up and sighed as I waited. Eleven gold already, and the wood wasn't going to be particularly cheap either. I hoped that some of the dungeons would provide some smithing materials as well, but didn’t hold much hope. I still needed to do some research on them. I knew some metals could be found in the wastes, it was a vast space after all, but I probably wouldn’t be capable of surviving long within it until both of my classes were at their peak. I grumbled to myself about these limitations as I stood in the bustling shop for a little over fifteen minutes. Then, Eric returned.

  “Ah! Yes I found them all. I got permission to sell you the fire based lumina stones right away, we carry a very limited supply of them but they aren't particularly rare so we can restock later in the week. As for wood, I found several pieces of cured Entoak and we can order more when you are ready to make more blades. They will be seventy silver each, each should be enough for two scabbards. Pretty big pieces but not particularly expensive for us since Entoak comes from a local dungeon. Total then, would come to thirteen gold if I’m not mistaken.” He had come out with a hefty looking crate filled with the promised ingots. After making the damascus billets I could see there being enough material for up to five swords with a fire affinity and I grinned at the glittering red metal next to the bluish manasteel.

  I did not feel like grinning over the price but, c’est la vie. I pulled out the coin, counted it out, and handed it to him lamenting the fact that only seven gold and a spattering of silver and copper remained in my purse. At least there was a fair amount left at the guild. Afterwards, I bid him adieu and hoisted the crate with long pieces of wood dangling dangerously out of it onto my shoulder, careful not to drop it. My companions followed me out as we made our way back to the guild and dropped off our prize. Now, for another adventure. I asked the bartender, Garth, where I could find a good bookstore that may have books on magic and he provided some directions to a magic item and component store instead, claiming they’d be the best bet for what I sought.

  I thanked him, of course, still not over how poorly his voice matched his stature. Pretty soon, still before midday, I found myself standing before a stereotypical ramshackle storefront tucked away a street from the city square. The buildings all around looked a little bit dingier than those in the middle of the city, but they were still leaps and bounds nicer than what I had seen on my journey so far. I entered the dimly lit store, “Krickets Bits and Bobs and Magical Jobs”, and took a quick look around. A bell rang to announce my entrance.

  Contrary to the outside, the inside was immaculate and spotless. I activated [Runesight] and saw arrays and runic circles all throughout the building. I easily identified a cleaning array, using Lexico runes in a circle similar to the one I used for my clothes. The lights were made with rune circles as well. I smiled as I glanced all around, not at the items but at the dozen or so enchantments laid throughout the building. There were, of course, many awesome items scattered within the building on the shelves. Tons of spell components locked away in jars behind a locked glass cabinet. A shelf full of books, well, a few of those once I started looking.

  My admiration was interrupted by a clearing of a throat. I turned toward the sound and sheepishly deactivated [Runesight]. My attention fell onto the purveyor of this establishment, who I assumed was Kricket himself. A goblin shaman was standing behind a marble countertop, tapping long slender fingers rapidly and impatiently, glaring up at me from beneath his crooked pointy hat. “My apologies, I was admiring the runework in the building.”

  “So, you would steal Krickets arrays?” His voice was like a hiss and scratched at my ears. With narrowed eyes he slowly walked out from behind his counter and I saw he was wearing a tattered robe but despite its appearance of being in disarray I could tell, even without skills, it was enchanted to the brim.

  “Not at all, it was simply curiosity. I deal in runes myself although not so much for this sort of application at the moment.” I tried to assuage the fierce looking goblin. I was trying hard not to fall back on my predisposition to goblins, given that I’d killed dozens of their kind at this point, and I felt I was doing a good job. If he was feral I had no doubt the guards would have removed him. Actually, him being a goblin was likely the reason there were no other patrons. “I’m looking for books on Lexico and Frith runewrit, I have the first editions of each but need some higher level runes to advance.”

  “Hmm. First, you come to Krickets store and attempt to steal Krickets proprietary arrays, then you threaten to put Krickets business out of business?” The glare intensified.

  “What, no, I enchant the things I make thats all... Well, and I use spells too, but I don’t have any aspirations as an enchanter for hire.” I frantically and nervously started to explain, just before the goblin burst out in a cackle.

  His eyes lit up and his mouth spread into a wide, clean, sharp smile. Three of his teeth were made of gold, and I was certain that they likely somehow had a rune circle on them as well. “Kricket... how do you humans say? Kricket fucks with you, boy! Ha! Kricket got your ass.” The sudden switch up of personality threw me for a loop, it was confusing and yet amusing too. I started laughing alongside him.

  “You had me going there, Kricket. Goodness, you sure you aren't an actor?” I laughed a bit more, shaking my head from the inane goblins behavior.

  “I am not, I am not. But Kricket does have what you seek. Krickets Bits and Bobs was the correct store young adventurer. As sure as it must suck to have only a single arm, Kricket will surely have whatever magical bobs or bits you need human!” he pointedly glanced at my severed arm and I winced. “I do ask that you leave animals outside, however. There is much within the jars Kricket fears they will attempt to devour.”

  I nodded, and opened the door causing the bell to ring a second time, both foxes left without much complaint. They were much less interested in the fact that a goblin ran a magic shop in the largest city I had ever seen. There was a brief moment where they both expressed concern with leaving me alone, but they knew even swordless and without an arm I could probably fight and protect myself.

  “So, books on Lexico and Frith. Why combine?” His head tilted as soon as the foxes exited and the door slammed close.

  “Oh, uhm, they were the only rune books I had access to and the Lexico runes I had only went so far as the first circle of the array. Similar for the Frith runes, but they are usable up to the fourth layer of the array.”

  The goblins eyes lit up in a familiar way, he was using a visual skill. They narrowed as he did a once over on my tunic and trousers, and pursed his lips. “Where did you get dwarven made clothes? There are few dwarves in the kingdom, and fewer still who Runeweave.”

  “Ah... Well, I made them. Using primarily Frith runes...” I felt a bit wary sharing that with the goblin, the fact that I could use dwarven techniques, even sloppily, could be dangerous to spread. Many smiths and tailors traveled to Marthis, the kingdom of dwarves, to learn their techniques but few ever returned with the skill.

  “Kricket understands and will ask no further questions. For the books, it is two gold for each set. Each set will provide three books of each language with only runes. If you would like to also purchase a book of enchantments using those languages the price will increase, is this satisfactory?”

  “Yes, thank you.” I sighed relief internally, glad the goblin did not press for more information. Unlike my trip to the smithy, this one was quick. After confirming the price was acceptable, the goblin showed me the books to confirm they did not contain runes I already knew, wrapped them up in parchment paper, bagged them up and I left.

  Soon, I found myself in the guild hall once more, unsure how to proceed. I decided to start studying the runes and withdrew my notebooks. There were already a few half complete enchantments that I hadn’t had the appropriate runes to finish, so I hoped to be able to finished them with the new ones. I settled down and started to scribble as Garth sent me a tankard of ale and a plate with some food, the foxes curled at my feet. I was sitting at the bar again, the room much more empty now that breakfast time had past.