Chapter 232: The Walking Forge

    Oh? Alanah said, seeing Derek lean forward, turning all of his attention onto the current auction. I dont think Ive ever seen you quite so anxious.

    You wouldnt understand, Derek replied. Im a glaive user by trade, but dont have a glaive that can withstand my skills. Every fight I get into its like Im fighting with one hand behind my back. This is what I wanted the auction for.

    Well, it was one of your first conditions in your contract. Its no wonder you would be so anxious, Alanah said. So youre saying youve been fighting basically crippled without your weapon?

    Not crippled, just not at full power, he answered.

    I see. With that, Alanah pulled out a red crystal from her storage. When Derek looked at her in confusion, she said, So Stella can know if the offer is good enough. Another reason Im in your booth instead of my own.

    And here I thought I was special. Derek chuckled as he turned his attention back to Stella and the auction.

    Must the weapon be a glaive? One bidder asked.

    Alanah looked at Derek for his confirmation.

    Glaives first, but if there are none, or none of good enough quality, I could settle on a very good halberd. But the halberd would have to be exceptional. I much prefer the blade on a glaive to the axe on a halberd. Though, I understand a halberd is most likely more common for some reason that Ive never been able to get my head around.

    Alanah nodded at Derek and poured mana into her communication crystal. On the stage, Stella flicked her wrist and an identical crystal appeared in her hand. She closed her eyes for a moment before continuing.

    I have been informed that the glaive with take priority, but if there arent any of high enough quality, we can accept an exceptional halberd in its stead. Stella informed the crowd. If you have a weapon that you are willing to part with for this extraordinary opportunity to gain stats, please rise and form a line in front of the stage. We will examine the goods then.

    Derek watched with anticipation as a handful of people rose from their seats. After a few minutes, a line of seven individuals formed in front of the auction stage. Derek clinched his fists as Stella stepped forward.

    City Lord Savannah. She announced. If you would be so kind as to help us with the examination.

    The door to Natalies private booth opened up and the petite woman walked out, back to the stage. Soon, she was standing next to Stella in front of the bidders.

    The first person, a dwarf with a full beard and long salt and pepper hair tied in a bun, stepped forward. Alanah leaned closer to Derek and began telling him about the bidder.

    That is Mr. Gregory. He is a prominent smith in the capital. Though he is one of the best smiths around, I am afraid the weapons he makes are more standard, as he is one of the smiths who outfit the army. He doesnt take many custom requests, so I do not know if he will have anything worthy of you.

    I guess were about to find out, Derek said.

    Soon, the dwarven smith presented Natalie with two halberds, both identical. I do not have any custom halberds or glaives, but these two halberds are sturdy and durable. I am willing to offer both of them for the Void Beast meal.

    Natalie took the two halberds, one in each hand, then, as she examined them, a white glow covered both of her eyes. Finally, the glow faded, and she shook her head. I am sorry. I cannot deem either or both of these weapons worthy of this item. She handed the weapons back to the smith.

    Mr. Gregory bowed his head. Thank you for your consideration. Then, turned and walked back to his table.

    What do you mean?

    From what I can gather, his class is both a combat and crafting class. He doesnt rely on anyone else for materials. He has no problem going out and getting them himself. He is one hundred percent self-sufficient.

    Sounds like a hell of a guy. Derek commented.

    Indeed.

    Still, why is it tricky to get him to do it?

    That would be because of the new raid dungeon that recently appeared. He has decided to join in as the blacksmith on the mission. He cant pass up the opportunity to obtain materials from such a dungeon.

    I see Derek said. So he will be away and not able to create the weapon any time soon.

    Precisely.

    Derek sighed and watched as Mr. Gregory stood back up from his seat.

    I am willing to sign such a contract. I can guarantee a quality weapon within two months. It will, of course, take me some time to gather the proper material. The smith announced.

    Thank you for your offer, Mr. Gregory. We will take it into consideration, Stella said. Now, is there anyone else who would like to make an offer? As she said the last sentence, her eyes landed on Mr. Blacksteel. What about you, Mr. Blacksteel? Im sure you have the ability.

    Soon, the giant man stood from his seat. Derek was correct, he was at least seven feet tall. With a deep voice, he said, Of course, I would love to make such a contract. However, I do not believe I have the time to do so. As Mr. Gregory has said, it would take time to gather such materials, time that he looked around. Due to certain circumstances, I will not have. It would most likely be a few years before I am able to complete the contract.

    Stella nodded at the man. That is unfortunate.

    Unfortunate indeed. Mr. Gregory said with a big smile. Does that mean I may have the honor of this contract? he asked with greed in his eyes.

    However. Smith Blacksteel continued. I would like to make an offer, nonetheless. The giant walked to the stage and presented Stella with a grand halberd. It was at least eight feet long and thick very thick. The smiths hands fit around it perfectly, like it was made for him. This is a halberd I once made for myself when I was but level 220. I do not believe it to be worth the Void Beast meal, so I did not present it earlier.

    I see, Stella said. If you do not believe it worth the meal, then

    I offer this halberd, plus a contract, the man explained. The halberd with be a down payment, and when I become available once again, I will create a glaive to the best of my capabilities. What say you?

    Alanah gave Derek a questioning look. Mr. Gregory or Mr. Blacksteel? Its your choice.

    Derek chuckled. Isnt it obvious?

    To me? It is. Alanah smiled back. Mr. Blacksteel?

    Mr. Blacksteel, Derek nodded.