Chereads / COINED: The darkness within... / Chapter 15 - The dull blade: Ben

Chapter 15 - The dull blade: Ben

As the figure petted the kitten, other figures approached the hero. One was a burly man, with pointed ears and a tail with a sword at his side. Another was a small, wizened man, with a staff in his hand,he was a dwarf. And the last was a woman, with long, dark hair and a bow on her back. "We saw you sitting here, and we couldn't help but notice your feline friend," the man said. "We were just about to set off on an adventure, and we were wondering if you would like to join us?"Ben was reluctant but considered the offer. He was not sure what to expect. Ben knew that this could be a chance to make some new friends, and perhaps even find a new purpose. He looked at the figures before him, and he nodded. "I would be honored to join you," he said.The figures smiled, and the burly man clapped Ben on the shoulder. "Excellent!" he said. "Let's head out and prepare then, shall we?"They turned and headed towards the door, and Ben followed them. He looked down at the kitten, still curled up on his shoulder, and he smiled. He felt a sense of excitement and anticipation, as he set out. The group agreed to meet at the city gates at dusk, giving Ben time to register with the adventurer's guild. He went to the guild hall, a large, imposing building, and he entered. Inside, he was met by a man in a red robe, who asked him his name and business. Ben told him his name and that he was interested in joining the guild. The man looked him over, and then nodded. "Very well," he said. "We will need to take your measurements and issue you armor that you will pay per percentage from your missions. Once you wear this, you will be an official member of the guild."The man led Ben to a room with a large crystal in the center. "This is a magical crystal," he said. "It will measure your power level. Please step into the circle."The hero did as he was told, and the crystal began to glow. A beam of light shot out from it, and it passed over the hero's body. The crystal glowed brighter and brighter, until it was almost blinding. And then, the light faded, and the crystal went dark.The man studied the crystal, and then he looked at Ben. "Your power level is quite impressive," he said. "I have never seen a score this high before, you must be a very powerful individual. You need the black crystal...I have heard of it. It is said to be one of the most powerful magical crystals in existence. Do you know of it."Ben shrugged. "I have heard many stories, and read many books," he said. "I have a thirst for knowledge."The man nodded, and he led the hero to another room, where a tailor was waiting. "We will need to fit you for your armour," the tailor said, taking out a tape measure and approaching the hero. "We have to make sure it fits properly, so that you can move easily."The tailor began to take his measurements, and he tried to stand still. It was not easy, as he was not used to standing so still. But he did his best, and the tailor soon finished."Now we just need to pick out a design," the tailor said. "Would you like something simple, or something more elaborate?"Ben thought for a moment. He wanted something that would make him look like a true adventurer. He wanted something that would show that he was not to be taken lightly. "I would like something that is both practical and impressive," he said. "Something that will make people take notice."The tailor nodded, and he led Ben over to a set of clothing racks. "I think I have just the thing," he said. He pulled out a set of armor, and Ben could see that it was made of sturdy fabric, with intricate designs sewn into it. It was the perfect combination of practicality and elegance. As he looked through the rack, he spotted something in the back. It was an old suit of armor, covered in dust. It looked old and worn, but there was something about it that drew the hero's eye. He took it off the rack and examined it.The armor was made of a dark metal, and it was covered in intricate designs. It was light and flexible, and it looked as if it would fit him perfectly. He put it on, and it felt like it was made for him. It was as if the armor was alive, and it moved with him."This is perfect," "Do you fix broken or chipped swords?" Ben asked the tailor.The tailor smiled. "Of course," he said. "I can fix any sword, no matter how badly damaged it is. I can make it look as good as new."Ben nodded. "I have a sword that is very dear to me, but it is badly chipped," he said. "Can you fix it?""I can certainly try," the tailor said. "I would need to see the sword, to assess the damage."Ben pulled out his sword, and he handed it to the tailor. TheThe tailor took the sword, and his eyes widened when he saw it. "This is no ordinary sword," he said. "This is a legendary sword, one of the most powerful weapons in existence. It is in bad shape, but I think I can fix it. However, I will need some special materials to do so."Ben nodded, he had just stolen the sword during his escape but unfortunately got attached to it. "I will get you whatever you need," he said. "I will not let this sword be destroyed.""Thank you," the tailor said. "I will need some dragon scales the stronger the dragon the better, a vial of goblin tears, and a fragment of a dungeon wall from the upper quarter of a dungeon."The tailor studied the sword, running his hands over the blade. "This sword has seen many battles," he said. "It has been through a lot, but it is still strong. I believe that if we can fix it, it will be even more powerful than before."Ben listened, fascinated. "What do you know about this sword?" he asked."It is said that this sword was forged by a great smith, using magic and the power of the elements," the tailor said. "It is said that it can only be wielded by one who is willing to fight for justice, and who is willing to put the needs of others before their own," the tailor continued. "They must be strong of body and of spirit, and they must be ready to face any challenge that comes their way."Ben's eyes widened as he listened. "I doubt I am that person," he said. "I am ready to do whatever it takes to restore this sword though."