Chapter 41 - The Disgruntled Blacksmith (1/2)

Evan needed quality and decent weapon. He was sure that the money Marcel had given him would be enough for even the most expensive one. Evan was going to visit the places Fien had advised him.

”There are many terrific blacksmith stores and gun stores in Mossy Vulture. However, first you have to decide what you want. Do you want a regular weapon or a ”Catalyst”?” Fien said calmly.

Evan answered quickly and confidently, ”Regular, I don't need the ”Catalyst” right now.”

During the dinner with Marcel, Fien, and Zak, Evan had learned a lot about the ”Catalysts”. First, Catalysts come in many varieties. There are ”Catalysts” that enhance a spell, but as a price for such a service, the magician spends much more mana than usual.

The ”Catalysts,” similar to the Fien rapier, were quite common. They could be used as a regular weapon and still cast spells, losing only a fraction of power. Some wizards used special ”Catalysts” that allowed them to cast a spell, using less mana. Of course, in that case the spell itself would also be quite weak.

Evan didn't know what type of magic he was prone to, so he didn't see the point of looking for the right ”Catalyst”. He could cast Creation Magic and Summoning Magic spells with his hands, but Amplification Magic spells required a sturdy weapon. In fact, Evan had an interesting idea for a weapon. But he doubted there was anyone in Mossy Vulture who could make what he wanted.

Upon hearing Evan's answer, Fien nodded: ”Okay, I see. Wait a minute, I'll be right back.”

Fien quickly left leaving Evan alone.

...

A moment later, Fien returned with a small parchment scroll in her hand.

”Here, take this. It lists all the best forges and gun stores in Mossy Vulture”. The girl put the scroll on the table and was about to leave when suddenly Evan called out to her.

”Wait a moment, the map is certainly good, but maybe you know some unique place that is not marked on this scroll?

Just because a forge was the most prestigious and its services were the most expensive didn't mean it was the best one. It guaranteed a high quality product, but it wasn`t the best. Evan, on the contrary, wanted not just a good weapon, but the best possible one.

Fien was surprised by Evan's question, but after a while thoughtfully replied, ”There is one place. But... they'd rather kick you out than make a weapon.”

”Never mind, just tell me where it is. At the very least it sounds extremely intriguing.”

Fien nodded and pointed her finger at a point on the north side of Mossy Vulture. The building was fairly close to the center, so Evan could easily get there.

Evan nodded, took the scroll in his hands, and quickly left ”Berry Paradise”. He was so curious about what weapons was possible to find in these forges and stores that he completely forgot about the bill.

Fien wanted to say something, but before she did it, Evan had already slammed the door. She looked at the bewildered waiter and said with annoyance in her voice: ”Write down this order at the expense of the restaurant.”

...

”So... it looks like I`m in the place. I think my expectations were overstated regarding this forge.” Evan came to the place Fien had pointed him. Hammer strikes on the anvil were heard from the forge. Evan had ignored all the prestigious forges and stores marked on the scroll and headed here first. According to Fien it was a very unique place with a not particularly friendly owner.

From the outside, the forge looked rather plain. A dilapidated building, an old wooden door, and a nearly broken sign. To put it mildly, the appearance was extremely unsightly. Evan headed for the door and quickly stepped inside.

Bang. Bang. Bang.

He turned toward the sounds and saw an elderly man standing at the anvil. The man's name was - Sitreg Stormfall.