CHAPTER 14: ENCHANTED IRON ARMOR

"I see. So that’s why its blood and meat are so costly," Ray couldn’t help but laugh at the vanity of man.

Selena continued her explanation, speaking in a smooth, professional tone that was pleasant to hear. "Under the hammer of an experienced blacksmith, its scales can be crafted into a Level 1 Iron Armor. A Level 1 Iron Armor provides ample defense. If such an armor is enchanted with a demonic core, it could become even more fearsome. Furthermore, there should be a demonic core inside it, as it is a physical-type mutated demonic beast of the intermediate-stage Iron Rank."

She determined it was mutated because the average height of a fully matured HarpoonHead was two-thirds the size of the one Ray had brought.

"A Level 1 Iron Armor is worth 100 silver coins, and a demonic core of this stage is worth 50 silver coins. I’ll buy its scales and core for 130 silvers."

Blacksmiths don’t craft for free, they charge an enormous fee, so even though its scales could be crafted into a fine piece of armor, they weren’t worth 100 silver coins.

"In total, I can pay you 154 silvers for your product."

It seemed like a lot. However, Ray understood that the cost of a product was determined by its supply and demand. Because its was in high demand but its supply was limited, its price was so high it could be compared to the full corpse of some peak-stage Iron Rank demonic beasts.

"Can I exchange it for an enchanted iron armour and some silvers?" Ray asked.

When he had hunted in the wilderness, it had become clear that his defense was quite lacking. To many demonic beasts, he was an easy kill, he could be one-shotted. That’s why he sought to increase his defense.

"Only for you, I will agree," Selena replied.

"Thank you." Ray expressed his gratitude, fully aware she was doing him a favour. After all, finding a blacksmith and having him craft an enchanted iron armour didn’t just cost money, it also took time!

"You are welcome."

Selena snapped her fingers.

With a puff, a chibi demon with red skin and an equally red tail that ended in a heart shape appeared. Two black-like wings sprouted from its back, both black like ink. It was dressed in a tuxedo and wearing eyeglasses, resembling a nerd.

"Sel, why have you summoned me?" it asked, staring at Selena.

"Red, show our guest around the store for me. Help me get the enchanted iron armor he wants," Selena said.

Hearing what she called her tamed beast, Ray’s expression turned a little strange. ’Selena’s naming sense is... pretty unique,’ he thought.

"Hah, I won’t do it!" The chibi demon refused her command outright, puffing up its cheeks.

It was a warlock — a living arsenal of strategies and sorceries, capable of locking down battlefields and turning the tide of wars in its master’s favour.

It was made for battle and war, not to run errands!

’It can talk? She must be someone special.’ Demonic creatures with intelligence surpassing humans were the hardest to tame. So Ray became certain her identity was extraordinary.

"If you agree, I will feed you strawberries," Selena tempted.

Red froze mid-protest. Strawberries were its favourite. So it fell for her temptation. "I-I will do it!"

Ray, watching all of this, realised Red was like a dog who becomes all excited at the mention of a treat.

***

Red hovered in the air, eyeing Ray with open disinterest.

"Alright, human, what kind of enchanted iron armour are you after? Hurry up and give me the specs."

It wanted to finish the job quickly so it could go back and eat strawberries.

"I need something that can help me force my way past attacks without effecting my speed. Is there an enchanted iron armour like that?" If he could get something like that, then killing water slimes would become a walk in the park!

"Hmm..." Red tilted its head, thinking for a moment before replying, "I think Deep Blue will suit your needs."

Ray raised a brow. "Deep Blue?"

"Yeah. The armor’s core enchantment lets it channel your magic power to create concentrated magic shockwaves that can deflect attacks, or solid magic shields to block them. Since it runs on the user’s own magic, its defense depends almost entirely on how much magic power you’ve got."

Red moved around Ray in a circle, staring at him intensely, its tail flicking like a cat’s. "And judging from the way your niwan palace is practically overflowing, you’ve got more than enough. The material it’s made from isn’t low-grade either. It can withstand the full-power blow of an advanced-stage iron rank beast. For someone like you, It’s perfect."

"It does sound perfect for me. Alright, I will settle for it," Ray said after thinking for a good few moments.

"Good. Come. Let’s inform Sel of your decision."

"Lead the way."

Red and Ray returned to Selena, who looked at Ray as she said, "Looks like you have made your choice. What did you settle for?"

"Deep Blue," Ray replied.

"A good choice." Selena couldn’t sense magic power like Red, but she knew from rumors that Ray had perfect innate magic power. Deep Blue would greatly enhance his ability, making hunting easier.

The trade came to an end.

Ray was greatly satisfied. In exchange for the corpse, he had received several silver coins and an enchanted iron armor.

Selena felt the same for an entirely different reason. Her boring morning became a pleasant experience thanks to Ray.

Red was the most overjoyed, munching on strawberries. He looked refined, but when eating, its demonic nature showed, juices splashing all over its face.

"There’s a favour I want to ask of you," Ray said. "But before that, I want to know if it’s possible to procure a beast tamer seal."

"It’s not impossible," Selena said with a smile. "What favour do you want?"

"I hope to buy a beast tamer seal," Ray revealed.

"If you’re thinking of refining a seal to become a beast tamer, I’d advise you to give up on that thought. Seals can’t be refined. They can only be used by the people who awaken them," she said.

"I’m not that stupid. There’s another reason why I want it," Ray replied.

"I can put the word out for you. Spread the news that there’s someone interested in buying a seal. How much are you willing to pay for it?" Selena asked. She didn’t press him for the reason, as it went against professional ethics, and she didn’t want to dissatisfy a potential lifelong customer.

Selena was a very business-minded person, and Ray liked this quality of her.

"How much do you think is suitable?" Ray asked.

"In my eyes, it’s not even worth a copper coin. At least a copper coin has some value and can be exchanged for goods," Selena replied. "But you could offer a silver coin to show your sincerity. That will make it easier to attract people desperate enough to sell the seal of their dead family members."

"I will do as you say," Ray agreed as the advice of experts shouldn’t be bad.