Zelir stood by, silently watching Gray and Brown, his face expressionless.

’He really has that devil-may-care attitude wherever he goes...’

"Alright, I’ll stop teasing you. I came over today because he and I want to pick out a new weapon." Gray slung his arm around Zelir’s shoulder.

Brown’s gaze swept over Zelir. He remembered Zelir.

"Did the blade of the sword I sold you get nicked? If it’s a quality issue, just come find me. I’ll give you a refund."

"That’s not it."

Zelir shook his head. "I just want to get one that’s a better fit."

"Okay, Brown, you can get back to your work. Zelir and I will just take our time picking one out."

Gray unceremoniously slapped Brown on the butt and led Zelir into the room where the weapons were displayed.

Compared to last time, the weapon racks in the room now held a few more newly forged weapons and pieces of Armor.

The most eye-catching piece was a complete Plate Armor chestpiece hanging on the wall, its cold steel surface so polished it could reflect a person’s image.

Beside it rested a double-bladed War Axe, its wide blade exuding a wild beauty.

But Gray didn’t even glance at those items.

He led Zelir straight past the light, ornate Short Swords and Foils near the entrance, heading to an area deeper inside the room.

Although the swords here were simple in design, their blades were broader and thicker, clearly more suited for high-intensity combat.

Gray carefully examined the rows of weapons, occasionally drawing one to feel its balance or flicking the blade with his knuckle to listen to it ring.

Zelir looked along with him.

Finally, Gray’s gaze landed on a Longsword hanging at the very back of a row of weapons.

"This is the one. Brown’s craftsmanship has improved again."

Gray took it down and handed it to Zelir.

It was a Longsword of plain, unadorned design.

The blade was long and slender, about 1.2 meters, forged and tempered a thousand times from the finest Fine Steel.

Starting from the wide crossguard, the entire blade presented a smooth, solid line, tapering evenly toward the tip to form a sturdy point, reinforced specifically for thrusting.

The surface of the blade had been repeatedly acid-washed and polished, reflecting a reserved, deep metallic luster.

A simple cross-shaped handguard effectively protected the hand, while the pommel at the end of the hilt ensured it had excellent overall balance.

The most unique feature was that a roughly twenty-centimeter section of the blade near the handguard was not sharpened.

It was carefully wrapped with a layer of non-slip leather for an easier grip.

"This Longsword’s blade is thicker and less prone to chipping. It can handle greater Power."

"And see this part?"

Gray pointed to the unsharpened Strong Sword Body. "This is its most ingenious feature."

"When you’re facing a heavily armored enemy, or a Demon like an Earth Lizard Beast with tough scales, just slashing is useless. It’s hard to break through their defense."

He demonstrated by gripping the hilt with one hand and the unsharpened part of the blade with the other.

With a simple change in grip, the Longsword instantly became a Short Spear.

"You need to hold it like this, with two hands, and focus all your body’s Power onto the very tip of the blade."

"You’re not trying to cause widespread damage, just one precise strike to pry open their Armor or pierce the gaps between their scales!"

As he spoke, Gray changed his stance again, holding the sword in a reverse grip and pointing to the crossguard and pommel.

"If necessary, this part, and this part, can be used like a hammer. You can strike an enemy’s joints and helmet. The techniques are very flexible and versatile. Here, give it a try."

Zelir took the Longsword. A steady, heavy feeling immediately spread from his palm.

It was much heavier than his previous Foil, but with Zelir’s enhanced physical condition, it didn’t feel cumbersome at all. The weight was just right.

He tried a few swings. The blade cut through the air with a deep, powerful WHOOSH, completely different from the light SWOOSH of the Foil.

Zelir recalled the essentials of a Thrust, took a sudden step forward, and lunged with the sword!

"WHOOSH!"

The heavy blade surged forward, carrying the full Power of his body.

Then, Zelir copied Gray’s earlier move, gripping the unsharpened Strong Sword Body with his left hand and the hilt with his right.

Just as he thought, gripping the sword this way greatly increased its stability.

With his left hand guiding it, the force of his thrust could be precisely directed where he intended, and the resulting power was much greater.

Against an armored enemy or a Demon covered in tough scales, this grip would undoubtedly pose a much greater threat.

Zelir dared to declare that if two versions of himself were to fight, one with this sword and the other with his old Foil, the one with the Foil would absolutely lose.

"It really is much better," Zelir praised sincerely.

This sword was practically tailor-made for him now.

Compared to Zelir’s current Power, the old Foil felt like a fragile twig. He always had the sense that he couldn’t use his full strength, afraid he might break it.

But this Longsword was sturdy and reliable, able to withstand and channel all of his Power without reservation.

’This is the one!’

After making his choice, Zelir and Gray went to find Brown to ask for the price.

"Hey! You two have good taste."

Brown wiped the sweat from his brow with a towel.

He folded his sturdy arms and spoke frankly.

"That sword is the finest piece I’ve forged recently. If you take good care of it, it’ll last you a good few years, no problem."

"So... how much?" Zelir asked cautiously.

’Usually when someone says something like that, you’re about to get fleeced.’

Brown grinned and held up his hand, fingers spread.

"No tricks. Five Gold Coins."

Zelir let out an involuntary hiss of breath.

’That sword’s a little pricey.’

’But thinking about it, it’s definitely worth the price.’

’The quality of this Longsword is truly excellent. It’s a reliable partner that could stay with me for a long time.’

After only a moment’s hesitation, Zelir didn’t even haggle. He nodded.

"Deal!"

He took Five Gold Coins from his money pouch and handed them to Brown.

Compared to the One Hundred Gold Coins for the Magic Wand, this was a small sum.

But after the transaction was complete, Zelir weighed the much lighter money pouch in his hand and felt an inexplicable sense of urgency nipping at his heels.

He did the math.

’I originally had a deposit of one hundred and fifteen Gold Coins.’

’I spent one hundred gold on the Magic Wand, lost three gold from failed Alchemy, and now spent another five gold coins on the Longsword, not to mention the high cost of daily food and lodging...’

’Before I knew it, I only had six gold and twenty silver left on me.’

’Sigh...’

Zelir sighed quietly to himself.

’Earning money is like pulling a thread, but spending it is like a flood.’

’I was planning to buy more medicinal herbs to practice the Extraction Skill, but I guess I’ll have to put that idea on hold for now.’