The Dawn of the New World Chapter 1472

After several minutes of thorough investigating, Hao Xuan decided to move on since there was not much to go on. His next destination was the abandoned Beast Market near the front deck but he decided to stop by a weaponsmith on the way, one that would be willing to sell to a slave like him.

Of the 7 weaponsmiths, only one had the white mark indicating that slaves were allowed in. This also happened to be the biggest shop that dealt in all kinds of strange and unique armaments, even making some on order.

When Hao Xuan stepped inside a slave quickly ran up to him with a wide smile. He was dressed rather fashionably and without any of the telltale marks that others in his position would have.

But upon seeing the white mark on Hao Xuan's chest a deadpan expression swiftly replaced the slave's enthusiasm.

"Welcome dear customer," he pointed at the two rows of counters on either side with stark indifference, "Left is for armor, right is for weapons. Go to the back if you want to make a special order," he threw out the words without giving him a second look and went back to his station.

Both counters were further divided into five sections, each with its own slave manning the counter.

There were already a few people inside browsing around despite the late time, so Hao Xuan didn't stand on ceremony. He went up to one of the two demihuman slaves on the right counter and struck up a conversation.

"Hello friend, I am looking for a sword- something simple but sturdy."

The slave was polishing a pair of crystal daggers that had a strange glow about them. He looked up with a raised eyebrow, his long giraffe-like ears lightly flapping with the slow movement.

There was even a name tag on his chest which was only now visible. It read something like "T'wil".

He craned his long neck left and right, letting out a heavy sigh upon noticing that all other counters had one or more customers standing in front of them.

"I guess it's my turn," he muttered under his breath while standing up.

Without asking for any other details he walked to the other end of the counter and took out three different swords tied together by a loose metal string.

"Here," he slid them over to Hao Xuan while explaining a little about each blade.

"This one is for close quarters, light and quick. This one is good for longer engagements-" he glanced up at Hao Xuan's arms before following it up with, "-it is good for amateurs but you won't like it. This one would be best for you," he pushed the fattest blade forward.

"Heavy, powerful, if you know how to swing a little this will do well."

Hao Xuan held each one and got a good feeling from them thanks to Midas Touch. They were well-made. Nothing to boast about but would do well in a pinch.

"Great, I will take this one," he pointed at the one T'wil had suggested, "How much?"

T'wil pointed at the numbers inked on the sword's handle.

"100 gold?? For this!?"

"It's the cheapest one we have."

"...."

They both stared at each other in silence, knowing full well that Hao Xuan was probably going to walk out of here empty-handed.

'Damnit, I need a weapon! There is no telling what kind of creature is waiting for me there. It managed to injure me without so much as a warning, I cannot risk going in unarmed...'

He contemplated stealing it for a few hours and then returning it later but, this was the only shop willing to deal with slaves so pissing them off wasn't probably a good idea.

"Are you sure there is nothing cheaper? It doesn't have to be as high quality as these."

T'wil sighed again, his gaze turning rather pitiful but that was all he could do.

"No, these are the cheapest ones we have."

'For fuck sakes, Invoke!'

The lights dimmed for a moment as Hao Xuan activated the marks without a care in the world, opening the ability 'Beast Charmer' that had already been upgraded twice before.

His gaze lingered on the 'Bless' option again which would cost 18,000 Favour.

'I don't have much left but this could prove to be a good investment in the long term. Demihumans are very common here and doing business with them would be a lot more lucrative,' or so he told himself before selecting the option.

The total Favour fell from 67,221 to 49,221, one of the bigger hits he had taken. He wanted to cry after seeing it fall so low so quickly but maybe, just maybe it was worth it.

He looked T'wil in the eye, "My friend, I am new here and have not had the time to get used to things. Unfortunately, I have already been ripped off by some bad men so there is not much left in my wallet."

He took out the pouch and discreetly placed it on the table, "There are about 43 gold coins in here, and it is all I have left. I need a sword, any sword will do because my life depends on it."

For a few seconds T'wil couldn't even respond.