Free Web NovelChapter 98: Chapter 82: Home
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"Well, that’s the situation."
The Blacksmith Shop owner spread his hands, speaking helplessly.
"Can’t you go any lower?" Little John pursed his lips and asked seriously.
"25 Silver Coins is already a bargain. I’m only giving you this price because of the large quantity you’re ordering, and out of respect for this sword." The owner forced a smile, even reaching out to nudge the Longsword resting near his neck.
"Alright, I guess that’s that." Little John sheathed his Longsword. "5,000 Iron Shells. When can you have them done?"
"That’ll take a fair bit of time. As you know, we’re rather short-staffed ourselves right now."
Hearing this, Little John asked, puzzled, "Short-staffed?"
"It’s all because of the Brotherhood." The owner sighed and pointed a finger toward the noisy street. "Ever since they arrived, all the Adventurers have started spending money to maintain their swords and armor. Some are even buying new equipment. The Blacksmith Shops in Yangjiao Town have been forging nearly around the clock."
"That’s insane." Little John glanced at the street outside. The clamor was indeed much louder than when he had arrived.
"But isn’t this insanity more profitable for you?"
"Huh?" Little John paused at his words. Then he saw the man’s sleazy grin and immediately understood—the owner still thought he was some vicious, fledgling Reaper.
"Profitable. Very profitable," he said, no longer bothering to explain.
Then, Little John took a piece of paper from his leather pouch and slapped it on the counter. "Here’s the purchase order. Tally up the cost."
The owner picked up the list, scanned it, and looked at Little John in shock. "You people are even crazier."
Little John frowned but didn’t reply.
"Are Reapers this diligent nowadays? Are you planning to group up and ambush Adventurers in the forest?" The owner sized up Little John. "I didn’t expect you to become a Reaper leader so quickly. I really misjudged you. In that case, I’ll just tell my craftsmen to skimp on the good materials later."
Little John’s mouth twitched. He reached for his sword again.
"No, no, don’t!" The owner quickly pressed his hand down. "I won’t say a word, I swear! I’ll get the items on the list ready for you right away. I’ll have them made for you."
Seeing that the man was already begging for mercy, Little John had no choice but to stop. "You said the Adventurers are heading into the forest in large numbers again?"
"That’s right. In case you didn’t know, the Storm Brotherhood’s recruitment standard is the number of goblin ears turned in over the last three months." The owner explained with a smile, "Of course, you probably don’t need that many ears. But some of them are falling short, so they’ve been going in and out of the forest lately."
"Why is everyone so desperate to join the Brotherhood?" Little John muttered. Shire had told him before not to get involved, that there was too much shady business going on. Little John considered it. ’I’m really not cut out for joining some Brotherhood.’
"The Brotherhood provides free armor and weapons, supplies its members with potions and other logistics, guarantees every member is skilled, and has no Reapers in their ranks. Of course they’d be scrambling to get in," the owner said with a broad smile.
"That makes sense when you put it that way." Little John thought for a moment, then pointed at the purchase order. "Just get this done for me as soon as possible."
"Yes, yes, yes, as soon as possible." The owner bowed and scraped as he watched Little John walk out of the shop.
’Ten Hand Crossbows... that’s for ambushing a group. But why is all the Chain Armor so small? Have the Reapers started recruiting from childhood now?’
"Did you meet the quota?" one of two Adventurers asked as they walked into the Blacksmith Shop.
"I’m still a few short, but I heard you can find more goblins if you go deeper into the forest. I’m thinking of checking it out," his partner said.
"Then you’d better hurry." After speaking, the Adventurer called out to the owner, "Hey, Boss! Got any good Great Swords?"
"Coming right up! How about this one? 4 Gold Coins," the owner introduced, his face wreathed in smiles.
