Another World’s Versatile Crafting Master c1-1074

by Zhuang Bifan

  "Well, that's difficult to say…" Barov hesitated. "Depends on your luck…"

  "Oh?"

  "You see, Mage Felic, somewhere not far ahead there is a Consignment Bank that has been around for centuries. Many Adventurers who are short on cash like to put their things up for sale there, and it became a small marketplace after some time. If an Adventurer wanted to, they could also sell their things to the Consignment Bank and have them sell it for them…"

  "…" Lin Li brushed his nose. Wasn't this the place they said you would be guaranteed to earn a profit at as long as you had good taste—a pawnshop?

  "Let's go take a look!"

  Lin Li had never seen anything like a pawnshop after being in Anril for so long, and he could not help his excitement, dragging two Undead creatures and a Bandit along with him as they rushed to the shop.

  The place Barov mentioned was not too far indeed. After they rounded a couple of streets, they saw a low-rise building situated at the corner of a street. A busy junction was at the door of the building, and passersby often glanced in the direction of the shop. Lin Li could see marble steps and two open doors from where he stood; many Adventurers went through that door. Some of them looked quite strong, at least from what Lin Li could tell. They were around level-15, and while not nearly as strong as Jason, they were rare talents amongst normal Adventurers.

  The group only stepped in when a man in his forties welcomed them warmly.

  "Good evening, distinguished guests, anything I can do for you? Let me introduce myself, I am Brook, one of the people in charge here at the Time Consignment Store. You guys are Adventurers, right? If you're looking to increase your powers, you're in the right place. We sell all kinds of weapons, armors, and magical equipment here at the Time Consignment Store…"

  "We don't need the magical equipment for now, but my friend here is lacking a weapon…" Lin Li pointed at Norfeller who stood next to him. "I wonder if Mr Brook has anything to recommend?"

  "Weapons? Of course… of course I do!" Brook's smile widened comically as he led the group in while rattling on. "We had a new shipment of weapons these few days. I'm sure you've heard of the Marathon's Forging Workshop? These weapons are masterpieces from them. Should I bring you to take a look?"

  "Marathon Forging Workshop?" Lin Li stopped when he heard this, and his expression darkened. "Mr Brook, you're kidding me, right? The weapons from them might be good enough for city guards, but it will be a disgrace for my friend. They can cut open magical beasts, but are they good enough to shield him against magical attacks?"

  "Well…" The middle-aged man could not help being embarrassed after Lin Li's remark, and realized he met people who knew their stuff. The Marathon Forging Workshop was well-known throughout the Felan Kingdom, but not many knew that the best of their weapons were for the Three Great Armies, and they usually sold inferior goods to others. While they were not merely good enough for city guards like Lin Li had said, they were definitely not enough for an Adventurer above level-10…

  However, the middle-aged man was experienced, and while he knew he had been exposed, he did not panic, and merely smiled apologetically with a bit of sheepishness, intending to let this matter rest. Seeing as he had smiled an apology, Lin Li decided not to pursue the matter, and was waiting for him to explain himself when he heard a sarcastic voice from behind.

  "The heck, which bastard dares to be so arrogant? Even the Marathon Forging Workshop's weapons are only good enough for city guards? I wonder what is good enough for you, why don't you enlighten me?"

  "…" Lin Li froze for about 10 seconds as he found the situation amusing and ridiculous. He had been in Anril for about a year, and had made many enemies, but not once had he encountered somebody who spoke so haughtily without reason…

  No… no, he had…

  Lin Li turned around and realized he was wrong.

  There was a young man around 20 standing behind him, short and fat, but he just had to wear a glittery silver armor too. His helmet was in his right hand, so he looked like a big disco ball carrying a small disco ball from afar…

  "Bloody hell, so it's you, idiot!" Lin Li did not have the chance to speak before Lasorick had started shouting away. "Alright, no wonder I could not find you in Doland City, you're hiding away in Roland City now, aren't you? Why, you realized how powerful I am that you know to hide first, huh? I'll tell you what, there's no use hiding, you… you people over there, catch this bastard now!"

  Lasorick shouted away at the top of his voice, but he secretly took a few steps back…

  Unfortunately, his followers were not dumb, either. They had clearly heard Master Garza say that the black-cloaked fellow was a level-17. What a joke, you want us to die? Why don't you go ahead instead?

  "Damn it, never mind, I'll let you go this time…" Lasorick had been shouting away, but none of his followers made a move. Even a fool would have realized that something was not right; hence, he could only yell away while taking back what he said about catching him…

  "Shut up…" Lin Li gave him a glance and could not be bothered to deal with the glittery disco ball any longer. He laughed and turned back to Brook, apologizing, "I'm sorry we were interrupted by that fool. Well, Mr Brook, any other recommendations for my friend?"

  Chapter 338 - Bloodl.u.s.t Mageweath

  Now, Brook was not as direct as before…

  Brook worked at the Time Consignment Store for over 20 years. Throughout the years, he rose from a minor receptionist to one of the major executive committee members. Having met many kinds of customers, he knew that the young mage before him was not to be trifled with.

  Furthermore, Brook did not have the guts to challenge him, either.

  Other people might not know who that sparkly melon was, but definitely not Brook. That man was one of the VIPs of the Time Consignment Store—Young Master Lasorick! From the conversation between them, it was obvious that Lasorick was really reserved when he interacted with that young mage. Hence, how could Brook belittle that mage? He would not want to lose his future by offending Lin Li!

  Brook hesitated for quite a while. "Indeed, we have a batch of good magical equipment. However, their prices are much higher as well. If you are keen to see them, I can bring you to take a look…" Brook said.

  "I hope Mr. Brook will not disappoint me this time…" Lin Li replied as he nodded. He called Norfeller and the others, and followed Brook along the long walkway. After reaching the third floor, Brook stopped in front of a tightly locked door.

  He fished out a bunch of keys from his pocket and opened the door. What came into the view of everybody was a huge showroom with all kinds of weapons and armor on display. Some of the weapons were emitting vigorous magical waves. Lin Li found at least 10 sets of magical equipment with just a casual glance.

  "Please follow me…" Brook said. While he led the people through columns of shelves, he described the features of the different weapons patiently. "Look at this double-edged sword. It was made from real thunderbolt adamantine. If its user summons the force of thunder when he uses it, he will be able to break through any magical shield. A firm and tough skin of a beast would be like a thin sheet of paper when it comes into contact with this sword!

  "Erm…"

  Lin Li tried to imagine Norfeller with the double-edged sword. He could not help but feel awkward at that thought of it.

  "Mr. Brook, do you have other recommendations?"

  "What about this…" Brook responded promptly by directing Lin Li's attention to a machete beside him. "Have you heard of Doland's Guild of Blacksmiths?"

  "Yeah." Lin Li smiled, not saying more. He'd definitely heard of Doland's Guild of Blacksmiths. In fact, he even nearly had Norfeller get rid of their president…

  "This machete was created by Doland's Guild of Blacksmiths. Being the brainchild of over 10 high-ranking blacksmiths, it even involved the consultation with a real Smithing Master, Mr. Garza, in some vital areas. Despite its black color and unappealing appearance, it was made f
rom the most valuable Abyss Fiendish Iron. Once it tears the skin of the enemy, the power of the curse will infiltrate their body at once. Under the corrosion of the curse, the ability of a sword sage would have been greatly affected."

  At this, Brook paused. Then, he took the machete before Lin Li. "There's this mageweath here too…"

  "Bloodl.u.s.t?" Lin Li recognized the mageweath on the machete immediately. The striations on the weapons were all in the color of blood. From how the 27 striae were entangled like a menacing monster, it had to be a high-ranking mageweath by the name of 'Bloodl.u.s.t'.

  "Mr. Mage has a sharp eye indeed…" Brook flattered Lin Li with a thumbs-up.

  "Hehe…"

  The Bloodl.u.s.t Mageweath did not have a complicated construction. With such an obvious characteristic, not to mention a Guru like Lin Li, any low-level Inscriber would recognize that mageweath easily. Hence, Lin Li only smiled, and did not take Brook's compliment to heart.

  But, Lin Li indeed had some interest in that machete.

  It was not common to find weapons made of the Abyss Fiendish Iron. Those sold in the markets would easily cost up to 10 or 20 thousand gold coins. On top of that, the Bloodl.u.s.t Mageweath was definitely suitable for Norfeller. Among the high-ranking mageweaths, the principle behind the Bloodl.u.s.t Mageweath had to be the most evil. Although it did not have much of a special feature during normal use, if it were to come into contact with blood, its d.e.s.i.r.e for blood would be activated. It would seek to absorb the blood of its enemies and convert it into the purest force, turning the user of the weapon into a bloodthirsty beast…

  To a Guru Inscriber, it was not hard to summon the Bloodl.u.s.t Mageweath. In fact, Lin Li had already mastered the skills to create the Bloodl.u.s.t Mageweath many years ago. Yet, he did not have the chance to create it. The evil nature within the Bloodl.u.s.t Mageweath required the warm fresh blood of humans. This meant that in order to create the Bloodl.u.s.t Mageweath, one to two humans had to be sacrificed for it. A hypocrite like Lin Li certainly would not want to do such a thing. I'm not bored enough to kill people just for a darn mageweath!

  He would rather do less of such ill-natured deeds. Yet, if someone really wanted to do it for him, he would definitely accept the offer.

  It was like the situation now…

  Since someone had already created the Bloodl.u.s.t Mageweath for him to purchase it with his own money, both parties would stand to benefit.

  "Mr. Mage, I know you have great knowledge of these things. Since you know the difference between the Abyss Fiendish Iron and the Bloodl.u.s.t Mageweath, I'm not going to say anything further."

  "Yeah." Lin Li nodded. At the same time, he was trying to predict the price of such a good weapon.

  Just when Lin Li was still thinking if he should bargain with Brook, he felt a thin sense of cold air coming from the corner of the wall. Being a man with s.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e mental strength, Lin Li could absolutely catch it without a mistake.

  It was normal for the different magical equipment placed in the showroom to emit magical waves. However, that feeling the chill gave off was too familiar, In fact, he had felt it in the ruins of Syer Town.

  That was the purest death aura ever.

  "Mr. Mage, I will just sell it to you at the lowest price: 40 thousands gold coins."

  "Wait…" Lin Li stopped Brook. He did not catch the price Brook offered the weapon for. His attention was all diverted to that death aura. He pushed the machete away and made his way towards the corner of the room…

  "I knew it…" Lin Li exclaimed upon seeing a pair of daggers leaning against the wall. They were covered in a thick layer of gray dust, and he could not tell what they were made of. If one did not look properly, he might not spot them.

  But, there was something the mage was certain of. That chilly death aura had to be emitted by the pair of daggers. When Lin Li held onto them, he could sense a familiar wave of death energy flowing within. Although it was not very strong, it was extremely pure. Lin Li had seen a similar force in Syer Town, when they were having a battle with the army of Undead soldiers. Similarly, when he was at the ruins of Syer Town, he felt it when the Humerus Wyrm came down from the sky. However, even if it was the Legendary Lich, Ujfalusi, none of them carried a death aura as pure as this.

  "M-Mr. Mage…" Seeing that Lin Li did not reply when he disclosed the figure, Brook actually thought it was due to the huge cost of the weapon.

  When he was silently regretting, that young mage asked, "How much do these two daggers cost?"

  "Huh?" Brook gasped in shock. His gaze towards Lin Li was filled with perplexity. Was that young mage kidding? How would he be interested in these two pieces of scrap leaning against the wall when he showed no interest in weapons created by the Marathon Smithy?

  "I was asking about the cost of these two daggers." Lin Li had to repeat his question.

  This time, Brook finally heard the question clearly. Yet, that didn't mean that he formed the answer to it. For a long period of time, he was looking at Lin Li with a weird expression…

  "…" Lin Li did not know if he should laugh or cry. When he was about to repeat his question, the door of the showroom was pushed open.

  "Bloody hell!"

  The man who entered resembled a silvery winter melon. Apart from the usual followers, Lin Li could spot an unfamiliar young man behind the melon too. He looked younger than 30, and was very handsome. His appearance was great, but his slightly thin lips and small eyes made Lin Li not very comfortable. Especially when his eyes were closed, Lin Li felt as though he was stared at by a snake.

  "Sir Lasorick, what brings you here?" Brook greeted Lasorick promptly upon his arrival.

  "I'm just here for a walk, and to meet the person who had no interest in weapons created by the Marathon Smithy," Lasorick replied, and glared at Lin Li challengingly.

  Chapter 339 - Legendary Assassin

  Lin Li looked at the two people in the distance quietly. He could not help but feel suspicious at how familiar they looked.

  "So, Brook. Do you not welcome us?" Lasorick asked menacingly after he brought his men into the showroom. He stared at Lin Li challengingly before looking at Brook.

  "Hehe, Sir Lasorick, y-you… you really like to tell jokes…" Brook's smile froze. A blind man would have been able to sense that there had to be a deep grudge between Lasorick and that young mage. Now that the former brought a group of men into the showroom without warning, he had to be seeking trouble.

  In fact, Brook was not really welcoming of Lasorick now. He was in the middle of a highly promising transaction! Now that Lasorick barged in so recklessly, he knew that the deal had to be put off. Unfortunately, he did not have the guts to show any hostility. Lasorick was the son of the castellan of Doland. If he were to offend him, he might be unable to stay in the Breezy Plains anymore.

  At this moment, Brook could only squeeze all the smiles on his face.

  "You are a really rare guest. How would I not welcome you…?"

  "That's more like it…" Lasorick said as he nodded in satisfaction. He and the young man walked to one of the shelves and started discussing the different weapons. Then, their gazes landed on the pair of daggers in Lin Li's hands…

  This time, Brook really misunderstood him…

  Lasorick had no intentions to create any trouble. He knew that Lin Li was not an easy opponent. That young mage might still be alright to deal with, but the attendant beside him might not. Garza told him clearly in the carriage the other day that the fella donned in black robe was at least level-17. Lasorick knew he wouldn't be a match for him…

  Since he was not in Doland, and he only had the usual attendants who could only bully normal people, it meant death if their opponents were above level-15. Although Lasorick was not a bright man, he was not that dumb. He knew he could not seek death like this.

  Actually, if he did not chance upon a friend on his way back, he would have left the Time Consignment Store. While they chatted, Lasorick talked ab
out what had happened previously, and couldn't help but feel angrier. Then, he reasoned out that he should not leave the matter as it was…

  Honestly, the way Lasorick liked to vent his anger was excusably cute.

  Didn't you want to buy weapons and armor? Weren't you uninterested in those manufactured by the Marathon Smithy? Good, I'm going to beat you with my wealth!

  "Brook, how much does this pair of daggers cost?"

  "Huh?" Brook was pleasantly surprised. The pair of daggers had been placed in the showroom for at least a century. Nobody had inquired about them at all. What made the two men interested in this weapon? Could it be that all the assessors of the weaponry in the shop failed to see its value before this?

  "I'm asking you a question. What, do you not think I can pay for it?"

  "N-no, no… Sir Lasorick, please don't misunderstand me. I didn't mean it. I wanted to tell you that this mage beside me had already showed interest in this pair of daggers. You might want to look at other weapons instead…"

  "I say, Brook. Did you turn stupid? Why can't two customers be interested in the same thing in your shop?"

  "Erm…"

  "Why are you hesitating?"

  "15 thousand gold coins…"

  "15 thousand gold coins? Damn, that's cheap…" Lasorick commented as he reached for his pocket. He took out a crystal card and placed it on the table. "There's 50 thousand gold coins inside, and I'm buying both daggers."

  After Lasorick entered the showroom, Lin Li had been standing there quietly. He only smiled when Lasorick took out his crystal card.

  "I say, Lasorick, you are not playing by the rules, are you?"

  "Phew, what broken rules? Since the Time Consignment Store is open for business, my money is the rules. If you are unhappy, use your own money to set the rules yourself…"

  "You're right…" Lin Li nodded. He did not say anything more. Lin Li fished out his crystal card and said, "Mr. Brook, I'm not sure how much money I have in there, you can check it out yourself. I'm buying that pair of daggers."