CHAPTER 178: THE STEEL-CLEAVING SWORD AND THE ELEMENTAL REAGENT

"Tell me—what do you want to buy? I'm busy right now, I don't have time to chat."

The other side sounded like they really were busy, so Lin Mo didn't waste words and went straight to the point of his visit today: "I want to buy elemental reagents."

"Again?"

Shachel paused for a moment. After all, not long ago Lin Mo had already come to her shop and bought two bottles of basic elemental reagents.

"Yeah, just topping up the remaining elements."

"You're really planning to practice magic for every element..."

Shachel shook her head, helpless. What could she do? When someone has talent, they can be willful.

"Sometimes I really envy geniuses like you."

As she spoke, Shachel pulled a few bottles of reagents from behind the counter: "Ice, Water, Wind... what else do you need?"

"I don't need the ice one. Do you have a light-element reagent?"

"You're something else."

Shachel reached for another bottle—a platinum-colored reagent.

"Light-element reagents cost a bit more: 1,000 gold coins. The other two are the same as last time, 750 each, so that's 2,500 in total."

"Why are light-element reagents more expensive?" Lin Mo asked, puzzled.

"Harder to make."

Shachel's answer was short;

her hands were already busy with other tasks.

Not wanting to take up more of her time, Lin Mo quickly paid for the reagents and left with them.

Unlike intermediate elemental reagents, these basic reagents didn't contain very strong elemental energy, so they posed no burden for Lin Mo.

Back home, he downed them bottle by bottle like drinks.

He had to admit each reagent produced a subtle sensation corresponding to its element: the ice reagent felt cool going down;

the water reagent was especially smooth... ȑÁƝÒᛒÊṤ

But in terms of taste, none of them were pleasant.

After finishing the reagents, Lin Mo opened his status panel and checked his current attributes:

[Name]: Lin Mo

[Professions]: Warrior Level 4, Knight Level 3, Assassin Level 4, Mage Level 4

[Attributes]: (values in parentheses are attributes after profession bonuses)

Strength: 45 (+16 = 61)

Agility: 43 (+20 = 63)

Constitution: 37 (+14 = 51)

Spirit: 14 (+6 = 20)

Mana: 46 (+11 = 57)

Fire Element Affinity: 26% + 13% = 35% (after decay)

Ice Element Affinity: 13% + 16% = 27% (after decay)

Thunder Element Affinity: 12.5%

Earth Element Affinity: 12.5%

Wind Element Affinity: 12.5%

Water Element Affinity: 12.5%

Light Element Affinity: 12.5%

The elemental reagents produced by Madam Shachel were fairly consistent;

most effects hovered around 12.5%.

Still, after supplementing with these reagents, fire and ice affinities were the highest.

Without a doubt, at this stage, judging by affinities, Lin Mo should practice fire and ice magic as his main focus.

Elemental reagents were indeed expensive—the few bottles had cost Lin Mo over 3,000 gold, but he still had 1,516 gold coins left on him. He intended to spend all of it and had already decided how.

He already possessed mithril gloves, a Frost Chill Robe, a Flame Ring, and a Calming Bracelet—four pieces of superior-grade equipment.

But his main weapon, the Black Sword, was only excellent-grade and lagged behind.

It was time to buy a better sword.

Lin Mo hadn't bought a weapon from the local forges earlier. Small shops had advantages when it came to ordinary and excellent-grade weapons, but once you required superior-grade gear, the situation changed.

For dwarven blacksmiths whose craftsmanship wasn't top-tier, forging superior-grade equipment was difficult.

Life professions like blacksmithing and cooking had their own level tiers, which mirrored the tier structure of professional classes.

The first three levels were Novice, Veteran, and Elite. The fourth and fifth professional tiers were Extraordinary and Hero, while life professions had Master and Grandmaster, and the final tier was Legendary.

Most smiths running forges in towns were Novice or Veteran. City smiths were slightly better, but most still only Veteran;

Elite was rare.

Even if a smith reached Elite, in theory they could forge superior-grade weapons, but due to imperfect technique and limited experience, superior weapons from newly Elite smiths often had defects.

This is where Association-purchased equipment had no such worries.

Association gear tended to be pricier, but quality was guaranteed: superior-grade weapons sold by the Association were at least forged by experienced Elite smiths, and some might even be from Master smiths.

If a capital city had many top-tier smiths, there was no need to buy from the Association—private forges or chain shops across kingdoms and empires would offer excellent superior-grade weapons, often cheaper than the Association.

But in Silverstream City, there simply weren't exceptionally skilled smiths.

For example, shop #11's "best smith" was just at Elite, and the foul-mouthed dwarf boss at shop #27 hadn't even reached Elite.

To find a satisfactory superior-grade weapon in Silverstream City, one had to go to the Association.

Lin Mo walked briskly to the Adventurers' Association and soon saw the familiar, imposing building.

He pulled out his Bronze-rank adventurer badge, clipped it to his chest, and pushed open the door. Light pooled around and people noticed the badge at his chest, surprised.

Such a young Bronze-rank adventurer?

"Is that what they call a genius?"

At a nearby drinking table, young people around Lin Mo's age looked on with envy.

"Indeed..."

Beside them sat a youth of about twenty-five or twenty-six, holding a cup and smiling cheerfully.

"He's even better than you think."

"How do you know?"

The young man asked, puzzled.

"Because I used to fight alongside him!"

The youth patted his chest, proud.

"Really?"

The young man looked skeptical. "You're bragging again, aren't you?"

"Don't believe me?"

The youth snorted, stood up, and strode over to Lin Mo.

Lin Mo was a bit taken aback at someone approaching. On closer look, he recognized him—wasn't he that ranger from Alden's team who kept eyeing Alden's daughter? Solan, right?

"Long time no see."

Lin Mo smiled and greeted him.

It hadn't actually been long—Lin Mo had recently helped out at the church and even recruited Solan to act in a play.

"How's it going? Any progress with Bella?"

"Heh heh..."

Solan chuckled but didn't answer;

his expression was smug—most likely he had succeeded.

"Didn't Alden beat you up?"

"He wanted to, but Bella stopped him."

Wow—she hasn't even married him and already intervenes on his behalf.

Lin Mo could imagine Alden sulking.

"I've got things to do—catch you later..."

Lin Mo waved and headed upstairs.

Solan returned to his seat, looking at the stunned young man: "See? I wasn't lying. I'm good friends with him!"

The young man, used to Solan's bragging, was surprised that Solan actually knew a Bronze-rank adventurer. He had to look at him differently now.

Bumping into acquaintances in the Association hall and chatting briefly was a pleasant experience. Lin Mo smiled and climbed to the third floor.

Superior-grade equipment was mainly kept here.

Most of the third floor held excellent-grade items. In a corner that accounted for less than a fifth of the floor were the superior-grade pieces—only thirty or forty items in total.

Some were kept in the president's office on the top floor, which Lin Mo had visited before.

At that time he hadn't had so much money—he'd only bought one superior-grade item because he also needed elemental reagents.

This time his trip to the Secret Realm had earned him plenty of money;

he should have enough for a weapon.

Superior-grade equipment typically cost over 1,000 gold coins. Special items like robes were pricier, followed by weapons, armor, and accessories;

helmets and boots were relatively cheaper and less impactful.

Lin Mo had 1,500 gold now—enough to buy a decent superior-grade weapon.

After browsing the superior section, Lin Mo's eyes settled on three weapons: two one-handed swords and a polearm scythe.

To be honest, Lin Mo was interested in the scythe. Swords were versatile and commonly effective in many situations—short to mid-range combat—so he had used swords by necessity when he first crossed over. Even after switching weapons later, shops mostly offered basic swords.

Now, with professions and skills improved, he could consider other weapon types...

But after thinking it over, Lin Mo put that idea aside.

Scythes have greater range but are heavier and less nimble than swords. Many of his current skills were sword-related;

switching to a scythe might not be impossible, but it would affect his abilities.

If only there were a material that could freely be reshaped into any weapon when needed...

He chuckled at his own thought—if such a material existed, its price would be astronomical.

For now, sticking with a sword was the pragmatic choice.

The two superior-grade swords each had distinct features:

[Steel-Cleaving Sword]

Weapon Type: One-handed sword

Grade: Superior (Crimson)

Attributes: Durability +50%, Sturdiness +70%, Sharpness +30%

Hidden Property: Armor Break III: +20% armor penetration rate against heavy armor, plate, scale, shield armor, and mineral-based structures

Equip Amplification: Cleave Steel: When using attack skills, Strength +5, and deals an additional 20% damage to heavily armored units!

This sword was made for "taking apart" front-line enemies.

Its high sturdiness indicated the smith deliberately focused on that trait during forging.

Sharpness is somewhat lower, but compared to Lin Mo's current Black Sword it's still better.

Moreover, the hidden property and amplification are tailored for heavy-armored foes: increased armor penetration and extra damage when using skills against them. It was a knight's nightmare.

From the description it was also effective against scaled monsters and shield-armored monsters like Rock Armor Pigs or Ice-Armored Scorpions.

In short, it's an outstanding sword for breaching defenses with a clear specialty.

[Frostshadow Sword]

Weapon Type: One-handed sword

Grade: Superior (Azure)

Attributes: Durability +40%, Sturdiness +30%, Sharpness +30%

Hidden Property: Frostbite III: Frostshadow Stone embedded in the blade grants attacks a chance to slow the enemy by 10%

Equip Amplification: Cold Edge: When using attack skills, Strength +4, and applies minor ice-element damage.

This sword had a small magical effect but was not a true magic sword.

The effect came solely from special material—the Frostshadow Stone—added during forging, unrelated to the wielder. It could not be infused with mana to amplify power.

Thus it's an enchanted sword, not a magic sword.

For ordinary warriors this was almost a god-tier weapon: chance to slow and added ice damage—like having a low-level ice-element mage support you.

The slow effect's practicality was high, especially in evenly matched fights.

Compared with that, slightly lower sturdiness, sharpness, and amplification were trivial.

But for Lin Mo, this sword felt somewhat redundant...

To be blunt, useless. Because he could cast magic.

The sword's added effects could be utterly outclassed by a single Ice Crystal Fall, let alone Blizzard.

And this sword was even priced higher.

Without hesitation, Lin Mo chose the first sword—the Steel-Cleaving Sword.

Its original price was 999 gold. With a Bronze-rank adventurer's 5% discount, the actual price was 949 gold.

For a superior-grade weapon that was a bit pricey but acceptable.

The same-quality sword might sell elsewhere for 850–900 gold, but you simply couldn't find such weapons in Silverstream City.

He resolved to raise his adventurer rank. Silver-rank adventurers receive a 10% discount, Gold 20%. At Gold and above, Association items truly become cost-effective.

For instance, if he were a Gold-rank adventurer, this sword would cost only 799 gold—cheaper than outside shops.

Lin Mo paid, bought the sword, and also sold his Black Sword.

The Association's appraiser gave a conservative price of 85 gold. Lin Mo had originally paid 110 gold, but he hadn't used it long and it was still nearly new. Although 85 gold was a little low, the Association didn't haggle. Lin Mo didn't feel like taking it elsewhere, since the difference would be small, so he sold it.

After the transactions, his previous sum of over 4,500 gold dropped to 652.

As always, it's easy to spend and hard to earn...

He shook his head, left the Association, and went to the auction house.

Besides materials, he had obtained two skill scrolls in the Secret Realm—both excellent-grade: "Taunt" and "Frost Guard."

Since he planned to learn them, the scrolls would be useless afterward, so better to sell them.

Having sold items at auction before, Lin Mo knew the process. He quickly completed the procedure and consigned the two scrolls to the auction house.

With that, the gains from this trip were mostly processed.

Theoretically he should rest next, but Lin Mo planned to grind monsters a bit more to raise his strength.

That would be for tomorrow;

at least today he should rest properly.

He checked the time—about four in the afternoon.

Next, he should go home and spend time with the two beast-eared girls...

When he returned to the manor, he discovered Sherfilia had come as well.

This maid had no fixed work hours;

her sole duty was to care for Finnie and protect her. So, in theory, when Finnie didn't need her she could do as she pleased.

Previously Sherfilia rarely did that. Even if Finnie went to the church, Sherfilia would remain on call at the City Lord's Mansion, returning late or staying in the small courtyard with Finnie's mother.

Lately, however, she had been coming back more often.

The three of them were chatting—accurately, it was Ellie and Lena talking while Sherfilia silently brewed tea.

Lin Mo pushed the door open and three gazes—six eyes—turned to him.

"You're back?"

Ellie's greeting was casual. Sherfilia gave a curt nod.

Finally Lena, the cat-eared girl, nervously bunched her tiny fists, psyching herself up, then stood and approached Lin Mo: "Wel...welcome back... would you like to eat first, or shower first... or... or..."

Lin Mo was momentarily stunned. "Where did you learn that?"

He rubbed his forehead. Where else? Only Ellie, who he'd deliberately taught before, knew that routine.

But Ellie was terrible at acting shy;

to her, the correct way was to eat and then—then shower while eating...

In short, she lacked the whole vibe entirely.

But a shy, gentle catgirl—completely different. The effect was devastatingly powerful!

It seemed that during Lin Mo's few days away, Ellie and Caina—those two good friends—had finally been candid with each other. The big-tailed one had a guilty conscience and stopped hogging ideas, helping her friend instead.

Seeing Lena's pure, bashful expression, she probably didn't fully understand the situation;

she only thought of ways to get closer, unaware someone's romantic progress was in the negatives.

Yes—negative distance.

Ruffling Lena's head, Lin Mo looked to Sherfilia: "Then let's eat first."

Why Sherfilia? Because she was the one who cooked.

The manor had staff to clean and replenish food;

opening the freezer always revealed the freshest vegetables and meats of the day. Replaced ingredients weren't wasted—they were used to prepare meals for other maids and employees.

As Lady Bessie had said, Sherfilia was cold-faced and taciturn, but actually a good girl who never cut corners in her work.

Once you became familiar with her—more precisely after earning her approval—having Sherfilia as a diligent, dependable maid felt genuinely gratifying.

A sumptuous dinner was slowly prepared. As always, Ellie invited Alden to sit, and Alden accepted in his usual style.

This wasn't their house but Finnie's family home—yet they kept a certain etiquette. But that was part of their custom, and Ellie had always behaved this way.

Maid was not just Sherfilia's job;

it was her identity.

So they gratefully enjoyed her proper maid service.

After the meal Sherfilia handled the cleanup. Lena wanted to help but was politely refused, then everyone returned to their rooms to rest.

Lena went back to her room, washed up, sat at her desk, and took out a pen to record the day's planting experiments and harvest notes.

She wrote diligently, but mid-entry her hand slipped and she began scribbling down the strange things Ellie had told her—various tips that sounded embarrassingly suggestive...

Would doing this really make Mr. Lin like me?

Uncertain, the little catgirl fretted. Meanwhile, not far away in the next room, a new round of battles had already begun...