Max and Derek got to the second floor and here the equipment was a lot better than on the first floor. The swords had +10 attack damage on average and the shields had around +10 defense stat as well. This equipment was already equal to the bronze equipment a player could get from the goblin crypt. That was not really impressive, but it was better than nothing.
The second floor was sure a VIP zone. The different citizens that were present were of a high status from their attires. Also, most of the blacksmiths here were no longer on a level of an apprentice. The difference in the level of the equipment, personal, floor decorations and other smaller things were apparent to the naked eye.
Max saw the prices and his jaw dropped from the inside. He did not show it on his face, but he was shocked. The price for such equipment was around one gold coin with the weapons cost a little higher than the armors. Max understood that he could crush the market prices of those weapons and armors when people will start get equipment from his game mode. He affirmed in the second time the fact that only people that would kill the bot of the first level could potentially get the equipment. If everyone could get it the market prices will go down in flames. Derek looked at the weapons and armors with interest. He did not see such high-level equipment every day. In the past he did not have the authority or status to see such good stuff. Now he had a chance to see or even buy something good for himself. There was one problem. He did not have a gold coin on him. Even if he got back to the gaming club and took all his coins, he could not afford such weapon. Derek scratched his head and said: "Boss, can you please lend me some coins please? I want to buy some equipment from here. It is not easy to see such high-level weapons."
Some of the blacksmiths around nodded with appreciation. It was not a rare sight to see a servant ask from their superiors for some funds to get a good weapon and armor. Good equipment increased the chance of survival in a life and death battle.
Max looked at Derek and said: "There is no need for that. This equipment is subpar. You could get equipment of a similar level or higher if you win the level one bot and then get through the goblin crypt in the simulation. It will be just a waste of recourses to buy stuff from here. I have a big amount of such stuff, but I don't want to give you the equipment for free. You need to get it by yourself. By your own efforts."
Derek sighed and then nodded. He got the point. The other costumers and blacksmiths did not like what they heard at all. Some of the blacksmiths wanted to say something but a calm and relaxing voice interrupted and silenced them: "Really? I would like to see mister to show a worthy equipment for us blacksmiths to examine. Not every day there is a chance to see a good weapon or armor shown in public."
Max turned around and saw an elderly man with white hair. From his attire you could see that he was in a really high status. Despite looking old there was a fire in the eyes of the old man. Max could tell that this guy was not trying to taunt him for no reason. It was genuine interest. It was a rare case. Also, there was a big guy behind him. To Max's surprise this guy was a rank 1 knight. Max saw both the names and levels of the two people that came from behind and he asked just for show: "Sure thing, I can do that. What it your name? Also, can you show me a weapon or an armor you produce? I could pick a worthy equipment to show you and maybe broaden your horizon."
Before the old man could answer the knight level warrior lost his temper and said coldly: "Master Wilfred is already showing you a lot of face. Don't mess around."
The old man waved his hand to the knight and said: "Bernie how many times I told you to treat other people with the respect they deserve?" After that Wilfred turned around to Max and said: "My name is Wilfred and I'm a pretty known blacksmith in our country. I came here to auction a weapon I created not long ago. It should be a good piece of equipment for reference. Please excuse Bernie. He is a little impulsive."
Bernie snorted at the two unknown people before turning his head away. He did not understand why his master would go for such lengths to please those people. If not for Wilfred not letting him act, he would smash those two ignorant country bumpkins.
Wilfred got the weapon from Bernie. It was carried by Bernie this whole time. When Max saw the weapon, he was pleasantly surprised. The attack damage was at +20. It was on a silver weapon level. That was really not bad.
"Not bad. How much it should cost?" Max asked.
"Well, the starting price should be around 10 gold coins. The final price is really unknown. I estimate it to be from 30 to 50 gold. Something like that. Can you please enlighten me with your own equipment?" Wilfred said with a smile.
He old guy had nothing to lose. If this person before him really had a high-level equipment it will be a good chance to learn something new. If it was a lie Bernie will take care of the duo. It was a win-win situation.
Max did not care much. He did like the old guy personality. This was a high leveled blacksmith, but he was not arrogant. It was a rare case. Max answered sincerity with sincerity.
"Alright. Feels good to me." Max said and then he got a weapon out of nowhere.
Wilfred face changed drastically. What the hell was that?