As promised, Ryouma went back to the oceanic noise restaurant.
I need to report that my registration has been finished to the hostess.
âOh, itâs you. Have you finished your registration?â The hostess asked joyfully while she put a glass of water in front of Ryouma that was guided towards the counter.
The time is already past 5 oâclock in the evening.
The time is still a bit early for dinner, so not many customers had arrived yet.
âYes. Iâm glad I asked you beforehand.â
When Ryouma said so, a smile spread upon her face.
âIs that so! Then Iâm glad. It was well worth the effort that I had thought you then.â
The hostess turns her eyes toward the clock hanging on the wall before continuing.âBy the way, what are you going to do? Itâs not like much time had passed since lunch?â
It didnât take a lot of time to register a bank account nor getting registered at the guild.
Only little more than one hour had passed since then, and even though Ryouma can boast of himself as a heavy eater, he was unable to eat again only an hour after eating lunch.
âUnn⌠as expected, I canâtâŚâ Ryouma makes vague words and rubbing his own stomach which was still full after having eaten the fish earlierâŚ
âWell~, I guess so ne~.â
While nodding, the hostess paid attention to Ryouma attire, which caused her to have some doubtsâŚ
âBy the way you⌠Do you keep your luggage in the hotel?â
âEh? NoâŚâ
âEh? then are you going to go work as an adventurer like that? What about your luggage? And how about your weapon?â
There are often adventurers with nothing but clothes on their body.
It is safer to wear relatively good armour and not leave relatively expensive accessories at the inn to be sure, that one can cope with an unexpected situation.
Thus it was natural for the hostess to have some doubt regarding Ryouma.
Ryouma then turned his attention toward how he was dressed.
He wore a mantle over his shirt and pants. One could can say that it was very normal clothes. However, that is if he was planning to just live and work in the town.
(I see⌠I was planning to do it barehanded, but I guess that wonât work huh⌠also regarding baggage, since it would take only half a day until next town, I thought that I didnât need to prepare any for the night⌠I guess, itâs better for me to prepare huh?)
âAh⌠about the weapon, I intend to get one later. Originally I didnât have much baggage, the quest that I could take as a beginner will only take me to the neighbouring town, I thought this alone should be okayâŚâ
The hostess looked at him amazed, although she somewhat thought it was reasonable.
âWell, since youâre still newcomer I guess thatâs reasonable huh~âŚâ
âIs it bad?
Toward Ryouma words, the hostess leaked a sigh.
âBeing adventurer is very dangerous you know? what do you think the most common cause of death for an adventurer and mercenary?â
Ryouma looked at her pondering.
âThe thing that usually kills a newcomer is being unprepared⌠indeed requested quest for I rank is not necessarily hard. You might think that even woman or children can do it. But you know, thereâs many unexpected things that could happen out there. You must be prepared for the worst⌠if you donât want to die that is.â
Ryouma listend to her words, and got lost in his thoughts.
(I guess my mind still think that Iâm living in Japan huh⌠Just like she said! I still know nothing anything about this world. I need to deal with the pursuers, but I also still donât know a thing about outside here⌠it was reasonable for the lady here to say that.)
âIâm sorry. I guess, I didnât have the right mental attitude.â Ryouma lowered his head deeply toward the hostess.
âItâs fine!⌠our restaurant makes meals for the neighbourhood residents during the day, but also for mercenaries and adventurers at night. Thatâs why
Iâve seen many new adventurers⌠saying that they will become adventurers and leave, but never coming back. Most of the time their reasoning for not bringing an antidote or a magic potion, is that they donât have to go far⌠that itâs nearbyâŚitâs very unbearable~~~âŚâ
The hostess wipes tears away with her apron.
Until now she has seen many adventurers, and because of that she had experienced losing people she had gotten to know time and time again, that was why she said those words, Ryouma could clearly see that from her expression.
Ryouma decided to prepare various thing, listening to her advice.
(I still donât know anything. Thatâs why I should listen to advice⌠this is a different place than earth after all.)
âThen, I will prepare various thing first, since thereâs still time before dinner.â
The hostess expression brightened up hearing Ryouma words.
âIs that so? ⌠Un! Thatâs great! ⌠Do you know where the shops are? If itâs second-hand magic shop, then itâs on the main street near the guild earlier. You should buy magic potions there⌠if itâs weapon smith then from this restaurant turn right, then you can just walk straight from here. You can just tell the boss there that the hostess of Oceanic Nois told you to go there, he will welcome you warmly.â
Ryouma left the restaurant while the hostess showered him with words, making it seem like a mother giving her child advices.
He found the weapon smith immediately, following the directions that the Oceanic Nois hostess had given him. The appearance was dirty, but the shop front was quite large.
A big chimney is in the back of the shop, and black smoke was come out from there.
When Ryouma entered the store and looking at the spears and swords thatâs being displayed, a bearded old man who sat on the counter called out to Ryouma.
âOi, what do you want?â
âEmm. I would like to buy a moderate weapon.â
Ryouma words did not have any malice.
Since these are weapons created in this store, he said a moderate weapon in the sense that he wanted to buy a weapon that he could handle.
However, listening to Ryouma words, the complexion of the old-man changed.
âOut of all the weapons I have made, thereâs no such thing as a moderate weapon, no such thing would pass my judgment~~! Get out!â The old man angry voice covered the whole shop.
Ryouma quickly answered desperately while being overwhelmed by the old manâs anger.
âI-Iâm sorry. The Oceanic Nois hostess saidâŚâ
After saying that, the expression of the old man eased somewhat.
âOh⌠So you came here after being introduced by the hostess of the
Oceanic Nois huh?â
âY- Yes!â
âThat means youâre a beginner? Well⌠with that face, a beginner, really?â
The old-man question him while looking doubtful.
Well, Ryouma body is quite developed, and his face looks quite old.
Thus itâs normal for him not to believe it immediately, even if it was said that he was a rookie.
However, Ryouma answered the old man words without feeling flustered.
It was usual for him that someone doubted his age.
âIndeed. I just registered at the guild earlier.â
Since Ryouma answered clearly, the old man believes him by nodding while crossing his arms.
There were many traces of burns on his arms, which must be from the sparks that come out during weapons manufacturing.
With that, itâs shown that heâs an experienced craftsman.
âIs that so. Well, if thatâs the case then thereâs no other choice.
However, newcomer, I donât know about other stores, but, donât use a moderate to describe any of the swords in my store!â
Ryouma hold the short sword displayed nearby.
âIs it possibly that there are only a few people who make weapons with forging techniques?â
The complexion of the old-man changed.
âYou! You can tell the difference!?â
âYes⌠To some degree that isâŚâ
Because of the forging technique, that requires striking the steel over and over again, which takes out the impurity from the steel. Which is why the blade edge looks so brilliant.
âIs that so! Oh, this made me happy~. Nowadays blacksmiths adopt casting technique that can produce mass production see. I hate the adventurers who buy those weapons, thinking that any weapon is fine! A weapon thats being created just by pouring iron into a mold is not a good weapon!â
Ryouma saw some pride in the old mans expresson.
Thatâs why, he shouted at Ryouma who wants some moderate handy weapon.
(I see. This is why the hostess made the recommendation. Certainly the weapons is not bad)
Ryouma acknowledged this old man ability; however, he now faced a new problem.
âSo, what do you want? A sword? or a spear?â
Thatâs right, here he can find sword, spear and even an axe, but thereâs no
Katana.
(Damn it. As expected, thereâs no Katana⌠oh well, I did not expect it, since this place has a European like atmosphereâŚ)
However, Ryouma asked the old man.
âIs there a curved sword with a single edge?â
The old man was lost in thoughts for a bit.
âA single edge curved sword⌠by any chance, are you speaking about
Katana?â
(It exists?!)
Ryouma was quite surprised.
Since the town had an European vibe, and the swords were double edge and, they used halberd which fitted the European history.
âNo. My bad, but, this shop does not have it.â
The old-man continue his talk.
âAlthough I know a bit about it. It is a weapon thatâs being used at the Eastern continent. Since the practice needed to handle the weapon is quite different, it was not exported much.â
âI seeâŚâ
âIf somewhere were to have one then, you might find it at the eastern market port town Furuzado.â
âPort town Furuzado is it?â
âIt is the best trading city in the western continent. If itâs there, then you can also find eastern continent item via the central continent.â
Ryouma to be honest felt quite troubled.
(Since thereâs no Katana, so I have to use sword huh? But using the sword is hard after all. If that is the case, should I use a spear? No⌠if I were to use it in the suburbs then it would be fine, but it would be hard to use in the towns. An axe perhaps?⌠I have no problem with an axe but, to use an unfamiliar weapon is like exposing oneself to danger)âŚ
âYou, you feel like the normal weapons is a no good huh⌠alright! If that is the case, I will show you my personal collection. If you can use something in there, then you can take it!â
âEh?â
âWell⌠It is the things that have passed my judgment, some are the things that adventurers broguht in, it is one of the perks of this work, but I must warn you, the weapons are often difficult to handle, which is why they are not popular among ordinary visitors. Thereâs also things that even I was unable to master. Those weapons, I incorporated them into my collection! I know some
Katanas. Among my collection, there might be one or two that usable for you. If there is one, then, I will hand it over to you!â
As he said that, the old man led Ryouma behind the counter and down the stairs leading down into the basement.
A steel door is waiting at the basement, and the old man took out a key from his pants, which he used to unlock the door.
âNow please enter, letâs see whether or not if thereâs something that will satisfy you.â
When they first meet the old man called him a newcomer, but before he knew it, the old man already began to speak to him like they were familiar with each other.
(I guess he already acknowledges me to some degree huhâŚ)
The way the old man talked to Ryouma changed around the time when showed the old man, that he could tell the difference in how they were made.
It seems like artisans are more friendly to customers who can appreciate their work.
The room that the old man shows was quite wide.
Inside the room which was around 50 square meters, there are many shelves lined up.
âThe shelf from the right was filled with a sword, then beside it spears, axes, bows, and so on. All the weapons are clearly masterpieces; they are weapons that choose its masters.â
As he said that, the old man brought Ryouma to the left most shelves.
âWhat I want to show you is, thisâŚâ
As the old man told him, Ryouma turned toward the items on the shelf.
The first thing that appears is a wooden tonfa, following it, thereâs a nunchaku; moreover, thereâs also a gabishi, the last thing there was chakrams and a baton.
(What is this⌠why such unique thingsâŚ)
âHow is it?â
I shook my head to the old man question.
âToo unique huhâŚâ
âAs expected⌠do you not know how to use it?â
Ryouma shook his head.
âIf itâs only using it then, I can⌠but Iâve never practiced using them.â
Ryouma then held the tonfa with his hands.
*Fon*
The tonfa sharply turns and cuts the wind.
âOi oi. So, itâs still no good?â
The old man asked Ryouma while looking at him interested.
Ryouma put back the tonfa and said.
âNo good. I know the basic use of it, but the application is ineffective since this is not suitable for one vs. many battles. I just canât use it in a real fight.â
Listening to Ryouma answer, the old man asked.
âYou⌠youâre not your ordinary newcomer huh? This is the first time meeting someone like you. I thought you were just a mere amateur. However, how you talk is not something normalâŚâ
âOh please old man⌠Iâm really just a beginner you know. It is only because my father brought me to many please; thus I gather a lot of knowledge.â
Ryouma answered while smiled wryly.
âIs that so⌠well thatâs fine. So, how is it?â
He seems not to have been convinced, however, the old man urged Ryouma to decide on a weapon.
âU~nâŚâ
Ryouma advancing toward the inside while replying vaguely.
(I donât mean it that it was unusable for me. But I thought that using something too unique will stand out as wellâŚ)
Each weapon has an advantage.
However, training is necessary to bring out the advantage.
And furthermore, a unique shape attracts the public eye.
And Ryouma thought he does not want to draw attention when he has some pursuers.
âOh!â
And Ryouma who arrived at the edge saw a certain article.
It is a chain with a weight on both sides.
The length is approximately around 80 cm? The chains are thin; thus it can be hidden under the clothes.
âIs it this fellow? Thereâs a saying that this is something that an otherworlder brought, but what do you think about this chains?â
Ryouma answered while the old man looked at the chains on Ryouma hands.
âOtherworlder?!â
âIndeed. The things on this shelf are the things that are said to be brought by otherworlders.â
He was wondering as to why the culture of east and west were being mixed so much, Ryouma now understand after listening to the old man story.
It is because they been summoning various races at random for a long time.
(I see! So thatâs why the culture seems developed in certain areas yet surprisingly low in other areas!)
In other words, they can only use the knowledge that summoned people have, which can be utilized in this world. The bank card is a good example.
Perhaps itâs because a summoned person from the modern era applied a banking network in this world.
Although without PC for Ryouma, itâs impossible for him to understand how they implement it, but, thereâs no mistake.
On the contrary, some people use parchment paper, is it because there are only a few individuals with technique to make paper? Or is the paper expensive?
In other words, some parts of the culture in this world is highly developed, but since they donât have the knowledge of how to implement everything, the society is still medieval.
The old man started to talk to Ryouma whoâs in deep thought.
âWhatâs wrong?â
The old man looked at Ryouma face suspiciously.
âAh! No⌠I just have a bit of concernâŚâ
Ryouma took the chain to hide his thoughts.
(It is not bad⌠since Iâve learned how to use manrikigusari from grandfather.
This is not bad as a hidden weapon HoweverâŚ)
Thereâs no meaning hiding a weapon in this world.
Because one can carry swords or spears and walk on the main street normally here.
After thinking hard, Ryouma choose the chakram as a throwing weapon.
It has a 5-centimeter diameter and the edge are sharp.
One can imagine it easily by imagining a CD with a sharp edge.
There are four reasons why I choose this.
1. Itâs easy to throw since it has an circular shape.
2. I can use iai stance as throwing method.
3. Because the whole surface is a blade, it has a high killing ability rather than throwing a knife.
4. And I can sufficiently use it as shuriken.
Ryouma then took 20 pieces of it
âOld man. Please give me this guy and a sword.â
The old man looked at me surprised.
âI thought you donât like the sword?â
âWell. Because tomorrow I need to do a quest after all, so I think I need one after all.â
âIs that so⌠It canât be helped if youâre in a hurry huh. I will choose something that you can use with one hand.â
âThank you very much.â Ryouma lowered his head calmly.
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