Chapter 2 (2/2)

I shrugged.

“I didn’t save you for money.”

His eyes flickered.

“You are like my father. He also used to own a weapon shop.”

“What happened?”

Even though I knew it was not a good story, I thought that it was still better to understand it.

“There was a huge fire. Everyone died; only I was able to escape.”

Nord’s whole body tightened.

I gently patted him on the back.

“That d.a.m.n demon race.”

At hearing the harsh words, Elan was shocked and shrank back, clutching my legs.

“Was it demons who started the fire?”

Norld nodded. I almost thought that Elan had been discovered.

“Can I see the swords you make?”

“Go ahead, although the quality may not be up to your father’s.”

In truth, I was being modest. Few people on the entire continent could match the quality of my forged weapons. However, even if I had the skills, I didn’t have the best materials.

“That black sword is better than what my dad makes.”

He pointed to the sword in the left corner behind the counter.

Hey, kid. Do you even know what’s good?

I gently took down the sword that he had pointed towards.

Nord solemnly took it with both hands. He immediately ran his thumb along the edge and watched the fresh red blood well up. However, Nord acted like nothing happened.

“The advection is very good. My father has made similar swords, but his skill cannot compete with your’s.”

He looked a little unhappy. This child probably considered his father’s casting level as the best in the world.

When he returned the sword, there was no trace of reluctance.

“I’m leaving tomorrow.”

He didn’t meet my eyes, as if he didn’t know whether he was saying it to himself or me.

“You’re not staying any longer?”

Although I couldn’t say I wanted him to stay, if he was going somewhere, I couldn’t just not care. Almost as if he read my mind, he answered the unspoken question clearly.

“No, I want to bring down the demon lord.”

“Really.” I noncommittally replied.

I liked how he didn’t repeatedly p.r.o.nounce his determination. Unlike him, some youths would be infuriated at my att.i.tude and raise their voice against me before rus.h.i.+ng out in fury.

His determination wasn’t only just talk.

The next day, we rose with the sunrise and the early birds.

“Are you leaving now?”

“Yes.”

He paused for a moment then said, “I’m very sorry, but can you give these clothes to me?”

I nodded. Suddenly, he kneeled on the ground, setting his body down.

“Thank you very much.”

I grunted, then turned and placed the black double-edged sword in front of him.

Nord gazed at it in disbelief, then looked at me, hesitating before finally saying,”I do not have money.”

As I walked back towards the shop, Elan smiled cutely at me.

I pulled open the shop doors.

“I already said so; I don’t want your money.”

Shall we call him Hero no. 576? No, most of the others were ordinary. This child is much more interesting. Then, is he just Nord? What about the next one then? Would he be Hero no. 576 or Hero no. 577? Ah, how troublesome.

I leaned against the doors, thinking of some irrelevant matters.

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