Chapter 22: Gray Sword

Facing Barn’s kindness, I didn’t refuse.

I hadn’t decided yet, so looking around wouldn’t hurt.

“Don’t worry, they’re second-hand, but if I’m selling them, they’re quality—durable!” Barn’s gruff voice echoed in the shop as he patted his chest confidently.

Before me were several worn-looking weapons.

They didn’t have dedicated racks, just piled together, clearly not prized by the shop owner.

But their metallic sheen and occasional glints of cold light as I shifted my gaze showed Barn wasn’t lying.

Second-hand, sure, but well-maintained.

I crouched, patiently pulling them out one by one, examining them closely while asking:

“Do high-level adventurers use weapons like these? Not second-hand stuff, but plain… uh, non-magical items, you know.”

Barn stroked his beard, his voice rough:

“Often, newbies like you—no offense—have all sorts of fantasies about seasoned pros with class ranks.”

“But they’re human too. They need money for food, fall out over loot, save for months for a prime piece of property.”

“Magic items show up more with high-level pros, but only a rare few are decked out head-to-toe in them.”

“What about your shop?” I kept my tone casual, as if chatting while browsing. “Got any of those legendary magic items for sale?”

Barn didn’t answer, just gave a mysterious smile.

Having gotten key info, I didn’t waste time, brushing dust off my hands and standing.

As expected, second-hand was just second-hand—no suitable options after checking them all.

With over a hundred gold coins, not a fortune but enough for a brand-new plain weapon.

If possible, I’d prefer…

Buzz—

A gray glint flickered in the corner of my eye.

My gaze instinctively followed.

In a few breaths, I paused, stared, frowned, then calmed.

The translucent panel faded as my focus shifted.

…

[Sturdy Beheading Longsword]

Type: Two-Handed Sword

Grade: Common (White)

Effect: Durability +50%, Beheading Damage +5%

Description:

A fine piece from the “Rockhammer” forge. A small accident during crafting seems to have given this longsword a peculiar quality.

Note:

“One, two, three… wait, how many times did I hit it with the hammer?”

—“Rockhammer”·Steelbeard Clan 492nd Forging Contest 105th Place·Barn Steelbeard

…

It was a two-handed longsword buried in shadow.

The hilt, about nine inches long, had spiral metal patterns and protruding rivets, enhancing grip friction and feel;

the steel crossguard didn’t extend far, barely stretching half a finger past the blade, clean and minimal;

the blade, roughly four feet long and three fingers wide, was thin, sleek, and razor-sharp.

Its simple, practical style was consistent throughout, the blade unadorned, only flashing cold light as decoration.

Unlike other weapons in the shop, this sword was an odd iron-gray, as if cloaked in mist, making it far less eye-catching.

I kept my face neutral, but my heart surged.

Pretending nonchalance, I asked casually:

“Why’s this sword’s color weird? A defective piece?”

Barn looked slightly embarrassed, scratching his head.

“Heh, a couple days ago, I was forging a two-handed sword and got distracted while sharpening…”

!

I was just saying, but it’s really being sold as a defect!?

I pursed my lips, forcing my expression to stay steady.

Barn didn’t notice, still muttering:

“Such a pity, those dozen pounds of gray steel. My clan cousin sent it from Flameforge Peak to try out. No idea how I’ll explain this.”

“Oh?” I raised a brow, following his lead. “It just looks oddly colored. Where’s the flaw?”

Barn, caught in his regret, didn’t catch my subtle tone shift.

Stepping forward, he picked up the sword, pointing at the blade:

“Normally, gray steel gear should be a light limestone gray. See how this one’s darker?”

“That’s because I got distracted and hammered it too many times, dragging out the whole process.”

He sighed, his face full of regret.

“It looks no different from other weapons aside from color, but there might be issues in the blade. It could snap in battle—you can’t test for that.”

“You know ‘Rockhammer’ gear is known for toughness and durability.”

“For a piece with uncontrolled quality due to forging errors, I wouldn’t sell it as a regular item.”

“I can’t risk our reputation for a few dozen gold, as my clan always says.”

In that moment, I felt the convenience of my golden finger again.

Information advantage!

Barn’s forging mistake made him doubt the sword’s quality, fearing it could harm “Rockhammer”’s reputation.

But with my attribute panel, I knew clearly.

His small error not only didn’t ruin the sword but made it sturdier and added unique traits.

I had to have it!

I decided inwardly.

Since he’d explained why it was a “defect,” I didn’t hide my intent, saying bluntly:

“I want this sword. How much?”

“Didn’t I explain?” Barn blinked, surprised. “It’s flawed from forging; quality’s uncertain.”

“I think it suits me. This one!” I insisted.

Seeing my resolve, Barn stared at me for a few seconds.

Then, helplessly said:

“Fine, but if something goes wrong, don’t come to me, and don’t say this sword’s from my shop, got it?”

“Of course!” I nodded earnestly. “I found it in a goblin cave.”

“35 gold, cost price.”

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