Familiar Yet Unknown

SYSTEM NOTIFICATION

Identification: Familiar weapon detected.

---

"What does that mean, Mel?"

~It means the system has detected familiarity with this weapon, but I don't have much more information beyond that.~

"So, I should take it, right?" I asked, examining the sword closely.

~I strongly recommend it. If the system considers it special, there must be something unique about it.~

"Understood," I said, taking the sword and bringing it to the counter.

"Let's see what this blade is worth," I thought as I carefully unsheathed it. The blade was crafted with the typical care of a rapier, sharp at the point with a double edge. But its appearance was unsettling—the blade had several cracks, and pieces seemed to be hanging by a thread, making its integrity surprising.

As I observed the weapon, I heard footsteps approaching from the back room. Gueulfor reappeared, holding two rapiers as I had requested. When he noticed the sword I'd placed on the counter, he looked at me with confusion.

"You chose this… piece of junk? I mean, it could make a nice decoration once restored," he said, raising an eyebrow.

"It intrigued me. I'll see what I can do with it," I replied with a smile.

"It's your choice, kid. Do you still want my two best rapiers?"

"Sure, show them to me."

"Alright, let's start with the training one," Gueulfor said, placing a rapier on the counter. "This blade is made of mystic steel, thicker to withstand repeated training blows and blunted to prevent injury. The handle is comfortable, with a green magic crystal to balance it and reduce fatigue during practice."

He then unveiled the second rapier, a sleek and deadly-looking weapon. "This one, I call it the Onyx Shadow. It's a real gem," he said, revealing a blade with a pattern reminiscent of Damascus steel. "The blade is extremely sharp, forged from star steel—a rare, nearly indestructible material found outside the city.

The integrated shadow stone was enchanted by Sophia Reyes, making the weapon incredibly fast and light. The camouflage enchantment makes the blade almost invisible in shadows, difficult to detect even in the light."

"The whole package, with the rapier you brought in, will be 500,000 credits, including everything needed for maintenance," he added, placing the rapiers back on the counter.

"Half a million?! No wonder he asked if I was sure…" I thought, realizing just how expensive quality weapons were, which explained the scarcity of fighters in lower-level cities.

Gueulfor, noticing my hesitation, spoke up. "You told me not to worry about the price, so these are my best pieces. It's your call."

"Do they shrink?" I asked, just to be sure.

"Of course they do! With a 10,000-credit rapier, most weapons have runes engraved during their creation to make them lighter and more stealthy," he explained.

"Okay, I see. I'll take them, then. Just show me how to shrink and enlarge them," I said, handing over my card.

After validating the payment, Gueulfor explained the compression function. There was a tiny fingerprint-activated button on the top of the guard to prevent accidental activation during combat.

"They're all yours," he said, handing the rapiers to me.

"By the way, do you take apprentices to teach the blacksmith's trade? I'm willing to pay."

"Sorry, Arthur, I don't do that anymore. But I can put you in touch with a teacher."

"I'd appreciate that."

After exchanging contact information, he gave me his teacher's number. I thanked him and headed to a sports store to buy some new running clothes.

Back home, I changed into my new gear and made my way to a high school with a large track. With Mel's guidance, the training was highly effective, though she constantly reminded me not to push too hard to avoid negative effects.

Sitting on a bench after completing the daily mission of running to exhaustion, I checked my progress on the daily quests.

---

Daily Quests

1. Practice your weapon of choice until you are exhausted. [Select].

2. Run to exhaustion. [Pass]

3. Work on a non-combat skill for one hour. [Select]

---

An idea struck me, and I asked Mel, "Would intensive reading on a subject like blacksmithing count towards Quest 3?"

~This method will only work for the beginning of a skill. Once you reach a certain level, you'll need hands-on practice.~

"Perfect, I can complete the daily quest," I thought as I got up to take a shower at home before heading to the library.

After cleaning up, I made my way to a small but charming library with a rustic style. The librarian helped me find several books on blacksmithing, and I settled in to read for an hour.

After completing the daily quest at the library, Mel informed me that reading could only validate a quest five times per skill before requiring actual practice.

Wanting to complete the weapon practice quest as quickly as possible, I went to a dojo that offered classes in various weapons. A secretary greeted me at the reception desk:

"Hello! For free rapier lessons, you'll find Professor Griselli in the right wing. Anyone can attend to learn sword fighting, but the teacher isn't always present. However, classes with the teacher are held every day at 16:00, except the fifth day of the week, for 200 credits."

"How long do the classes last, and how many people usually attend?" I asked.

"Griselli's classes are prestigious, so there's a limit of 20 people. Would you like to enroll?"

"Yes, please," I replied, searching my pockets for payment.

"You're in luck; there's one spot left. How many classes would you like to sign up for? We offer a 20% discount for 10 classes."

"Let's go with 10 classes," I nodded. "I'm going to have to watch my spending at this rate," I thought with a laugh.

"Alright, the classes have just started, so you can head in. Follow the signs, but don't forget to remove your shoes and use these slippers while moving around the building."

After following all the instructions, I found myself in front of a set of double doors, which I eagerly pushed open.

A beam of sunlight blinded me, and as I took a few steps with my hand shielding my eyes, a shout rang out to my right.

"WATCH OUT!"