LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 157: The Weapons Hall
It wasn't just any store. It was the heart of the city's economy when it came to arms and armour. Run primarily by the royal family, with stakes held by the four elite families, it was the only place to acquire high-grade gear legally.
Anything better? You'd have to find it in dungeons, buy it in the underground black markets, or pry it from the corpse of someone stronger than you.
Arthur needed to know where he stood.
His reputation value had increased significantly since done the event and protector trial.
he wasn't just another nameless player anymore. But the Weapons Hall had floors separated by status, and Arthur had no idea how high his name carried.
It was time to find out.
...
The building loomed over the marketplace like a fortress. Four floors high, carved from Blackstone, with massive golden doors that gleamed under the city lights.
The insignia was of two swords crossed over each other, and behind them stood a shield were engraved on the entrance.
Two heavily armoured guards stood at either side, their expressions were cold and disciplined.
Arthur walked up confidently, stopping in front of the entrance. The guards' gazes snapped to him instantly.
But they didn't move to stop him.
Arthur stepped inside.
The first floor of the Weapons Hall was bustling with movement, a stark contrast to the silent formality of the guards outside.
The clink of metal against metal, the low murmur of bartering voices, the occasional sharp laugh from a successful deal—it all blended into the natural rhythm of the city's elite marketplace.
Rows of weapon racks stretched across the massive hall, each lined with polished blades, well-crafted bows, and sturdy shields.
Glass cases displayed Uncommon-grade items, their plaques detailing stats that barely interested Arthur.
The prices were laughably low.
Uncommon weapons: 50 to 75 bronze coins.
Back in the village, that would have cost him at least double or triple the price.
Common weapons? Worthless. They were practically being given away for a few bronze coins, meant for training younglings rather than actual combat.
Arthur barely spared them a glance.
Instead, his focus was on a staircase at the far end of the hall.
A passage to the second floor.
Two armored guards stood at the base of the staircase. They were identical to the ones stationed outside—disciplined, silent, and expressionless.
Arthur approached.
Once again, they did not stop him.
He passed between them, stepping onto the winding staircase. A slow smirk pulled at his lips.
'I have enough reputation to reach the second floor…'
That was useful information. It meant his standing in the city was already higher than the average adventurer.
The moment Arthur stepped onto the second floor, the atmosphere shifted.
Gone was the crowded chaos of the first floor. Here, things were quieter. More controlled.
The second floor was massive, just as spacious as the first, but there were only forty—maybe fifty people browsing the merchandise.
Each of them moved differently. They were much more confident and seemed to be of a higher class.
These weren't rookies hoping to scrap together cheap gear.
These were serious fighters, elites, or well-funded nobles.
Arthur's sharp gaze swept across the room.
Instead of open racks, items were placed carefully inside reinforced glass cases. Rare and Very Rare-grade weapons, armor, skill books, and even potions sat beneath glowing runes, their descriptions magically displayed.
Arthur's interest was piqued.
He wasn't in desperate need of new gear—his Chaos Katana and Robe of Darkness were already one of the best items. But, nonetheless. Extra Items were always welcome if they were useful enough.
Furthermore, skills? Potions?
Those were always worth checking out.
Arthur moved toward the row of glass displays where skill books were lined up.
Each book floated in midair, wrapped in a faint aura of energy. The titles shimmered in golden light, each bearing a small plaque that detailed its effects.
His eyes scanned through them quickly.
[Blazing Arc] (Rare)
Description: A sword technique that coats the blade in flames, dealing additional fire damage.
Price: 15 Gold Coins
[Iron Fortress] (Rare)
Description: A defensive skill that increases resistance to physical attacks.
Price: 20 Gold Coins
Arthur decided to buy iron Fortress to increase his defense. His attacking was already incredibly high, and although he had an extra life from Neko's skin and a few other protective measures, it was never too much protection.
His gaze continued down the row.
Then—he stopped.
[Phantom Step] (Very Rare)
Description: A movement technique that allows the user to move like a phantom, avoiding enemy attacks. Grants a 20% increase in agility while active. Drawback: Has a high MPS rate.
(MPS: Mana Per Second)
Price: 99 Gold Coins
Arthur's sharp eyes narrowed.
'20% increase in agility? This is perfect.'
His mind immediately assessed the cost. The drawback was quite strong, a high mana consumption rate would have been a problem for most players.
But not for him.
Arthur had the epic earring. Which slightly negated the issue of a high MPS Rate.
[Mana Earring (Epic)]
Description: An earring imbued with ancient magical energy. Increases the wearer's intelligence stat by 15%.
He also had the passive effect of the ring of darkness.
—
[Ring of Darkness]
Description:
> Increases all attributes by 20%
> Dark-based skills deal 50% more damage
—
His intelligence stat was already insanely high for his level.
Which meant…
The mana consumption? Irrelevant.
Arthur's smirk returned. He was buying this alongside the iron fortress skill.
Arthur made his decision instantly and stepped forward to the sales counter.
A woman in an elegant black uniform greeted him with a polite, professional smile. Her posture was straight, her expression perfectly composed.
"Welcome, sir. How may I assist you?"
Arthur didn't hesitate. "I'd like to purchase Phantom Step and Iron Fortress."
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For a fraction of a second—just a flicker—the woman's eyes widened slightly.
Arthur noticed.
'Interesting…' She thought.
Most customers probably hesitated before making such a massive purchase. 119 Gold Coins for two skills wasn't a small sum.
But Arthur barely blinked.
Regaining her composure almost instantly, the woman nodded.
"An excellent choice, sir. Both of these skills are among the finest in their respective grades."
Arthur simply nodded his head.
The woman turned and moved toward the glowing display cases, unlocking the magical barriers with a faint flick of her wrist. The moment her fingers brushed against the books, the runes dimmed, and she carefully lifted them, placing them onto the polished counter in front of Arthur.
"That will be 119 gold coins," she said smoothly, her tone professional yet neutral.
Arthur gave a slight nod, then reached into his inventory. With a flick of his wrist, an uncommon backpack materialized on the counter. The backpack contained the gold coins.
The woman checked the contents of the backpack, and after a moment she nodded.
"Everything is in order."
Arthur expected no less.
She set the gold aside, then gently slid the two skill books forward.
"Enjoy them, sir."
Arthur picked up the books, and placed them in his main inventory.
Just as he was about to turn, the saleswoman's voice stopped him.
"Sir, would you like to purchase anything else? Is there something specific you're looking for?"
After a moment of thinking, Arthur nodded.
"Do you have a mask?"