Amber Sword

In Brando’s memory, he hasn’t visited the Ampezel Workshop District many times. What stands out most in his mind is the rusty sign swaying in the sea breeze at the pier in Gray Wind Harbor, the cluttered room seemingly devoid of fire for ages, and the old dwarf reeking of alcohol.

It’s not that ’Red Nose’ Odoc’s craftsmanship is particularly impressive, but with just a small barrel of strong liquor, the old dwarf would help you manage your equipment—provided he’s not too drunk to function.

Ampezel is different.

After the carriage passed a fortress, the road became narrow and crowded with houses, as the salty sea breeze from memory faded away, replaced by a thick, smoky atmosphere. The reddish sign is made of brass, with bold and unique text, carrying a cultural vibe unique to port cities.

The carriage passed by an old dwarf leaning on a hammer and smoking tobacco at his door, his beard adorned with shiny iron rings. Or a Wind Elf draped in a luxurious robe, possibly from Luzik or the forests further north, wearing a ring that covers the entire third knuckle to show their identity as an enchanter.

These people are mostly elites from various fields, carrying a subtle arrogance in their demeanor and are usually quite wealthy. To most people, the Ampezel Workshop District signifies expensive luxury matched by corresponding service quality.

Just like the noble aura ingrained into the essence of this port city.

The history of the Ampezel Workshop District is older than the port city itself, originating from trade markets between Erueins and the southern mountain people. It later developed from a market into Eck’s garrison and then evolved into the Deep Water Anchorage, eventually reaching today’s scale. Even to this day, there are moss-covered stone pillars along the roadside, standing in the sea breeze, telling tales of history.

The carriage slid into a mysterious alley, with the sound of pottery or textile workshops’ wheels spinning becoming distant. Then the unique black wood sign of ’Lusitania’ came into view, the Magic Black Wood hanging between an ornate gilded bracket, not physically connected, but magically suspended and gently rotating.

Although magic in the Vorn World is common, the use of a constant spell on a sign indirectly indicates the shop’s exclusivity. Yet, it’s not a shop related to magic items, but just an ordinary weapon and armor shop.

The carriage slowly stopped at the front door of the ’Lusitania’ Weapon and Armor Shop, with no one coming out to greet them. Normally, people wouldn’t set up shop in such a secluded place, but according to the princess’s explanation, it’s simply because the shop owner enjoys solitude, elves being a peculiar race to begin with.

Brando and Princess entered the shop, finding the spacious interior elegantly decorated, with rows of black wood emitting a distinctive fragrance forming numerous counters, each displaying a bright weapon. Covered with glass, with brass plaques inscribed with the weapon’s name, from the most common thin swords to long spears and armor.

What secretly astonished Brando was that almost all the items in the shop were magic equipment. Not the crude creations of an alchemist’s glow, but real magic items, including some antique items. Brando recognized the horned heavy axe—’Cutter Caesar’. This giant axe ignores ten percent of armor with each attack, capable of piercing through up to half the armor. A divine artifact under the element category, quite a good item. Brando initially intended to buy it back for Batom of the Red Copper Dragon Mercenary Group—the only axe user under his command, a rough big man himself. But upon seeing the price, Brando pretended he never had the thought.

Cutter Caesar is priced at fifty-five thousand Thor.

Brando instantly felt that the merchants in past games were exemplars of integrity, no wonder the shop caters only to nobles. Who else would patronize with such outrageous prices, except those who don’t regard money as money?

He shifted his gaze, noticing the princess also curiously examining the store’s decorations. Her attention mostly lingered on the display showcasing various longswords, Brando following her gaze even spotted an Azure Light Piercing.