The Sapphire Swordsmith Blade. That was the name of the sword in the auction. It caught lots of attention since its structures looked durable and potent. But even so, it had only stories that supported the blade that made it look less potent. When Gavin bid a high price for the sword, the other participants dared not to bid higher. Furthermore, the auction held in the dark alleys was illegal. Clients like Gavin, do not have a record attending black auctions led by the association.
The Dark Alleys is full of mysterious things..., also, more illegal happenings. It is also the quarters of the poor and the base of various mercenaries. But there are also occupations and businesses held in the dark alley, one of them was connected to the blacksmith who wielded and created the sword. The sapphire blade is a craft of a known blacksmith-warrior on the east side of the continent. Or so the auctioneer informed.
Gavin handed the sword covered in cloth to Lawrence, excitedly hiding his expression. "Here you go, Lawrence."
Lawrence receives the sword, staring curiously at Gavin. "So... how much did it cause?"
"You don't have to pay it back," Gavin said. "Just think of it as my present," he added.
Lawrence frowned and stared intently at Gavin. "I'm still asking." he pushed.
Gavin sighed and scratched his head, "It was about ten platinum-gold. It was affordable," he excused.
Lawrence's eyes widen at the shock, immediately took out his money. "Here! There's no way I'll let you pay something this expensive!" Lawrence argued, handing Gavin his ten platinum-gold coins back.
"You don't have to," Gavin replied.
"I insist! I've already informed you that I'll pay the right amount of how much the sword value." Lawrence stubbornly handed Gavin.
"If you insist..." Gavin answered.
Lawrence sighed in relief and returning his focus to the sword. He laid the object on a table and immediately removed the covering cloth. His excitement rushed all over his body as his hands took over to peek at the shining sword. The bright blue turquoise suddenly shone at the exposure of dim light. The grip is a dark-colored wood, the pommel is structured with gold a zigzag form, and in the middle of the pommel is aura quartz of pink and blue.
The guard had its unique carves and a symbol of a dragon in the middle. At both ends of the guard is a diamond shape, and in the middle are sapphires. The blade is thin and sharp, created with a strange metal with a blue gradient on the edges. The weight of the sword was mediocre. Enough to be handled and carried by someone like Lawrence.
"It looks like a toy..." Lawrence mumbled in disappointment.
"I..., I thought you would've liked it. It seemed proper for a sword, and its weight was ordinary for it to be called a sword." Gavin explained.
Lawrence looked at Gavin, "I'm disappointed. To think a professional chivalry knight, close to becoming a captain knight, would make a mistake this low." he sighed. "Let me point out the mistakes you've made thinking it was a sword. First, weighing lesser than a long wooden sword. I mean, this is light as a feather! Second, the blade is thinner than an ordinary thin sword. It's obvious how easy it will break. Third, a sword shouldn't look too outstanding. Look at the colors on this one! If ever people will start naming me, it'll probably something embarrassing like, The Moon Swordsman. Thinking about it irks me. And fourth, I would understand no one bid higher, considering the lousy information given by the auctioneer. This sword is too low graded for it to have a price of ten platinum-gold!" Lawrence snapped at Gavin.
Gavin looked away, "I thought it would serve as a good present for Lawrence...," Gavin answered.
"You can't just think that because I'm a kid that I enjoy stuff as silly as this! Anyways, what was the minimum bid?"
"The minimum bid was one platinum-gold coin. But someone dared to challenge my four and a half with seven platinum-gold coins, to ensure my win, I bid ten coins. Lucky enough, the challenger didn't mind," Gavin said.
Lawrence sighed and ceased his complaint. 'I know he wants me to receive something luxurious and expensive, but it doesn't mean he should be thinking credulously and foolishly. To believe that a sword that gives a first good impression would be as good as an ordinarily made sword is foolish for a knight with a close promotion to becoming a captain. I must prevent giving Gavin bad habits that will cause his disruption in the future.'
"Well then! Since you've finished checking this sword, shall we proceed to the underground?" Gavin asked.
"Let's go."
Just like that, the two of them passed by the twelve histories and into the training grounds. There was a trapdoor hidden in the main training grounds. Inside that trapdoor is a hidden sewer that leads to a door that contains the secret base of this manor. It wasn't like it was something special, but it was used as a base back in the Holy War.
A few minutes later, some of the knights came down with the two of them and greeted Lawrence. Everyone was just too intrigued by the young man's presence and wanted to be acknowledged by him. Although, Lawrence prefers to mind his own business, concluding that he does not have any idea about the knights' desires.
"Many of the knights are very interested in you, Lawrence. Why don't you try talking to them? It might help enhance your experience." Gavin suggested.
'Interesting. But I might say..., as a reincarnated Auror Legion Commander, I believe I know more of the battlefield experiences than they do. But it won't hurt to ask.'
"Then I shall," Lawrence replied.
Before receiving a reply from Gavin, Lawrence marched forward towards a knight called Iris. He gave a smile before he spoke, "Hello. I'm Lawrence Sage. You must be Iris, am I correct?"
Iris flinched and fidgeted his hands, "I-I am..., your highness. It's an h-honor to be known by your highness!" he exclaimed, his voice cracked.
"Don't fret too much. I don't bite," Lawrence joked.
Gavin laughed a little, while the other knights giggled. "So I was wondering, since I am here training, it would be useful to have some insights of those who had experienced in caliber. May I ask sir Iris for advice?" Lawrence added.
Iris' eyes widened, he hesitantly paused before beginning to give a reply, "I-I'm not as skilled as others, your highness. I may not be of any help...," he said with a sad tone.
Lawrence shook his head in disagreement, "I don't think that's true. Your complexion is too good for an 'inexperienced' knight. I see scars on your fingers and calluses on your hands. If I were to give a deduction, I would say you've been working for years in swordsmanship and obtain a promotion to become a chivalry knight because of your hard work. So if you could, it would increase my knowledge about swordsmanship." Lawrence said.
Gavin stared in awe, smirking at the deduction show Lawrence put up, 'That's my master. Smart and deductive. He's observant and always wary, which gives him the best trait to become a knight assigned to an imperial elite.'
Iris stood there in awe, blushing like a ripe red apple. "Oh! Your highness! I must thank you for your kind, charming compliments! Then if I must, I would like to give your highness some of the teachings and experiences I've learned throughout my journey as a chivalry knight!" Iris, with his excitement, turned confident over the compliments given to him. Lawrence smiled at him, and so his stories and lectures began.
Lawrence appreciated the effort Iris showed, giving him lectures about techniques and master, with sorts of different things. Although Lawrence thought that the knowledge he would ask for would mayhap be useless. But Iris - intelligent and insightful - provided a great understanding of what he would need in the future.
In swordsmanship, there is a general difference; Weapons, Senses, Statistics. Three different things one can learn. Weaponry Enhancement, to magnify weapons and become a key to their strength. Sensical Enhancement,' to magnify/improve your senses to inhumane. Statistical Enhancement, increasing your demographics for a division of time, making you a formidable opponent.
There are different swordsman who also relies on amulets, relics, runes, and some other options. These relations have unique qualities that increase, magnifies, or improves the user's capabilities. Those that rely on talent, or techniques, while some others rely on training and martial arts.
Having a mentor is essential to your training and growth. That said, many heroes and acknowledged prodigies are known to have instructors with good reputations. To have an acceptable mentor would possibly give you good connections with other associations or instructors. Because in this world, relationships with other associations or families, would greatly benefit someone.
One of the lectures Iris gave to Lawrence was martial arts...,