Trying to take on a subjugation quest unarmed would have been the height of idiocy. Therefore, I decided to make trip to the weapon store after departing the guild.
I took the north street and eventually another glaringly obvious logo on a signboard came into view. Just as one might expect, this one was of a anvil and hammer.
Then again, just as one might expect, I could decipher the name of the shop printed below the logo.«Weapon Shop Eight Bears» ...Did everyone in the town share this bizarre naming sense?
Opening the shop door made a small bell tinkle, announcing my arrival. The noise caused a massive, bearded old man to spawn from within the depths of the store. He was huge. In fact, I almost mistook him for a bear."Welc'm. Lookin' for something? "
The bear-man appeared to be the store's owner. Goddamn he's massive. He had to have been at least two meters tall. He is no doubt but strong.
"I'm looking a weapon for myself. Mind if I take a look around?" I asked in a clear attempt to stroll around the shop.
"Go right ahead. Feel free to pick up anythin' that catches yer eye. Linne go an' help that kid will'ya." Mr. Bear responded with a gentle smile.
What a nice bear... I mean person. What a nice person. I wondered if he would like some honey...
The shop was packed from floor to ceiling with weapons. There were all kinds up on display as well. Everything from swords to spears, bows, axes, even whips. So many weapons...
"Any weapons you're good with mister?" asked Linne.
"Hrmm... Nothing particular comes to mind, but... Well, I have been trained with swords. Just a little, though." Bullshit! What I ever had learned is kendo. Though only 2 months.
Negative thoughts formed in my mind as I answered shopkeepers question. I said swords, but I'd only ever held one in kendo classes.
I have never actually received any proper training. I probably knew some of the basics of swordplay, at best. I was pretty much a rank amateur.
"...In that case, I think a sword would be the best fit. You kid seems like more of an agile fighter than one who uses brute force, and you are also carrying a wooden sword so, I think, maybe a one-handed sword..." Linne pointed out a section of the shop where one-handed swords were on display.
I picked up one of the swords, still in its scabbard, and held it by the hilt with one hand. It was too light. I felt that maybe a slightly heavier sword would suit me better.
Just then, one sword in particular caught my eye. Actually, that was no mere sword... It was a katana. A slim, curved blade with a masterfully crafted circular handguard. A black sheath with a belt-like cord. Upon closer inspection, there were parts which differed from the Japanese katanas that I was familiar with, but it was still remarkably similar.
"Oh, you're looking at that Eashen sword? I suppose it makes sense that you'd be drawn to a weapon from your homeland." Noticing my fixation on the katana, Linne called out to me as he can see my so called 'Eashenese features'.
Ah, so this sword was from Eashen, apparently. Not that it was actually my homeland... But, well, it did seem that Eashen and Japan had a lot of common points. The more I heard about it, the more interested I became in this Eashen.
I took the katana down and carefully removed it from its sheath. The pattern on the blade shone beautifully in the light, captivating me for a moment. The blade was a bit thicker than I'd assumed, so the katana itself was fairly heavy. Not so heavy that I wouldn't be able to swing it properly, though.
How much is this one?" Mr. Bear's head popped out suddenly from farther back in the store as soon as those words left my mouth.
"Err, that one, eh? That'll be two gold, aye. Thing is, though, it ain't exactly the easiest weapon ta use. Definitely ain't something I'd suggest fer a beginner."
"T-Two gold?! Isn't that a little expensive?" I argued as the price is really expensive.
"Well, it ain't like I usually get 'em stocked often, and even when I do there's hardly anyone who can use the dang thing. Of course it's gonna be pricey!" I frowned at Mr. Bear's words, but he remained steadfast.
Thinking it over, that price probably was reasonable. Even I could tell that a weapon like this had intrinsic value.
"I'll take it. You said it cost two gold?" I returned the katana to its sheath and pulled two gold coins out from my wallet, placing them on the store counter.
"Pleasure doin' business with ya. Interested in any protective gear while yer at it?" Heh, wanna try to dupe me again?
"Nah, this'll do for now. I'll come back when I have a bit more cash on me." I'll never come back even it's necessary.
"Gotcha. Well then, here's hoping that sword helps ya earn a boatload." The bear heartily laughed as he spoke. Yeah I think so too.