"So, this is Zeltoble," Motoyasu murmured as he strolled through the bustling market, his eyes scanning the lively crowd and colorful stalls. He turned his head towards Ren and Itsuki who had come with him. They had all donned cloaks to keep hidden.
"What do you guys think of it?"
"It's very lively, I'll give it that much as a first impression," Itsuki said with Ren nodding along.
Motoyasu turns back to the bustling markets. "Well it's definitely a hub for merchants, but let's not get distracted by the… delicious-smelling food we came here for weapons!"
After speaking with several merchants and passing by rows of blacksmith stalls, they finally received the same answer from multiple locals—a renowned shop tucked away near the heart of the city. With their destination set, the group made their way through the crowded streets, politely turning down stall owners who called out to them.
After an hour of wandering and constantly getting lost, they finally found the place. Motoyasu sighed in relief.
"Oh thank the heavens! I thought we'd be walking forever!" He screamed.
Ren and Itsuki could only nod in agreement.
As they stepped inside, the familiar chime of a bell rang out, signaling their arrival. However, instead of rows of finely crafted weapons, they were met with gleaming display cases filled with rings, pendants, and enchanted trinkets. The shop's interior was elegant, with polished wooden counters and a faint shimmer of magic lingering in the air.
Motoyasu blinked in confusion. "Uh… this doesn't look like a weapon shop."
Ren let out a sigh, rubbing his temples. "Looks like we took a wrong turn somewhere."
Itsuki glanced around, intrigued despite their mistake. "Still… some of these enchantments might be useful."
Before they could turn to leave, a well-dressed man behind the counter chuckled. "Looking for weapons, are you? You're in the right place."
Motoyasu raised an eyebrow. "This looks more like an accessory shop."
The merchant smirked, gesturing to a section in the back. "My boss runs one of the finest shops in Zeltoble, but a smart merchant never limits his stock. If you're after quality weapons, you'll find them past those shelves."
Ren nodded, already making his way toward the back. "Let's see if it lives up to the reputation."
As they passed the cases of enchanted accessories, the shop opened into a more rugged section. Weapons of all kinds lined the walls—swords, spears, bows, and even exotic weapons rarely seen in Melromarc. Each piece gleamed under the warm lighting, a testament to its craftsmanship.
Motoyasu let out an impressed whistle. "Now this is more like it."
Ren walked up to a rack of swords, running a hand over the hilts. "The quality is excellent. These aren't just for show."
Itsuki examined a sleek, finely crafted bow hanging on the wall. "Some of these enchantments rival what the royal forges produce."
The merchant walked over a proud smile on his face. "We supply fighters from all over the world, from great champions to mercenaries. If you're looking for something special, and my boss allows it, I might be able to even arrange custom work—for the right price, of course."
Motoyasu grinned, crossing his arms. "Alright, let's see what you've got.
The merchant chuckled, rubbing his hands together. "That depends on what you're looking for. Do you want something standard, or are you in the market for something… extraordinary?"
Motoyasu smirked. "Extraordinary, obviously."
Ren shot him a glance before turning to the merchant. "We need weapons that can handle real combat, not just look impressive. Something durable, powerful, and, if possible, enchanted."
"If that's the case, follow me." The merchant turned and began walking away. The three followed him until they reached the very back of the shop.
At the very back of the shop, the merchant gestured to a section where the best weapons were displayed. Unlike the ones in the main area, these weapons were arranged with extra care, each resting on a polished stand or hanging from reinforced racks. Some were even in glass casings, but one thing was clear: The craftsmanship was on a different level—intricate engravings, rare metals, and an unmistakable aura of magic surrounded many of them.
Motoyasu's eyes gleamed as he stepped forward. "Now this is what I'm talking about."
The merchant steps back, "Look around and see what you like and come to me once you find something." He turns and walks away as the sound of ringing bells is heard once again leaving the three heroes alone.
They all stand there watching his retreating back before turning to each other.
"So we all agree that we're just going to copy all of these," Motoyasu said. Ren and Itsuki nodded. They then spent the next twenty minutes copying everything they could. Once they were done, they made their way back towards the front, where the merchant waited, having just finished with another customer.
"So, did you find anything you liked?" he asked.
"Sorry sir but we just couldn't decide they were all so awesome," Motoyasu said.
The merchant sighs but his smile never leaves. "Don't worry it happens all the time, people just can't seem to decide which weapon they find the best for them. If you guys want I can show you more."
Itsuki waved his words away, "No need sir, we've been here much too long we have to get going."
The merchant hid his disappointment behind a practiced smile. "Well, alright. But be sure to return someday—I'm certain you'll find the perfect weapon then."
The three nodded in acknowledgment before turning and stepping out into the bustling streets, leaving the shop and its treasures behind.
They didn't even make it a few steps before they were interrupted by a voice.
"Hey, you three."
They all turned toward the source of the voice. The man who spoke was tall and striking, with long black hair neatly tied back. He wore an intricately designed greenish-blue robe, draped over his gold and brown armor. The robe was adorned with elaborate golden and red patterns. All of it tied together with the small crown on his head.
"Uh, what's up man?" Motoyasu asked. The man looked up at him.
"You lot looking for quality weapons? Well, you won't find any here."
Ren raises an eyebrow "And why is that?"
The man chuckled in response "Hickwaal is one hell of a merchant. I'll give him that, he sells some damn good metal, but it ain't what you bunch should be looking for."
The three look at each other confused, Itsuki turns to him.
"What should we be looking for then?"
"A smith."
Motoyasu blinks in surprise.
"A smith? There are plenty of smiths and not many can make stuff like that."
"I ain't talking about your regular old run-of-the-mill Smiths that can be found littered across the country, I speak of a specific one."
"And who is this Smith you speak of?" Itsuki asked. The man turned to him with a smirk.
"The best damn Smith this world has to offer."
Itsuki furrowed his brow. "Where can we find him?"
"Hell would I know, he comes and goes whenever he likes."
"Then why tell us of him if you don't even know where he is?" Ren asked.
"To inform you, can't have the cardinal heroes running around without proper weaponry."
The heroes flinched back at his words. Motoyasu pointed to himself.
"You know we're the-"
"Of course, this one's seen better disguises from a crab. Well anyway, I've said my say," He pushes himself off the wall and begins walking away "See ya."
"Wait!" The man stopped and turned around to look at Motoyasu who had called to him.
"What's your name? And the Smith's!"
The man seemed to think, looking down for a few seconds contemplating on how he should answer. Once he found it he straightened up.
"The name's Tianpeng, and the Smith well," He pauses for a second, "You don't need a name you'll know once you find him." He turns and begins walking again, "Trust me he's hard to miss!"
"Where are you going!?" Motoyasu yelled back.
"I'm just trying to find something, you nosey blonde!"
"Wha- hey I'm not nos-"
"Motoyasu, leave the guy alone. You're causing a scene with all your shouting," Itsuki interjected, cutting him off.
Motoyasu blinked, looking around at the crowd that had started to gather. Some bystanders glanced their way with curiosity, while others whispered among themselves. Realizing the attention he was drawing, he cleared his throat and crossed his arms.
"Fine, fine," he muttered, backing off slightly. "I was just curious, that's all."
Ren sighed. "Let's just keep moving."
With that, the group refocused and continued on their way, leaving behind the murmurs of the onlookers.
Amid the distraction, no one noticed Tianpeng slipping into a dark alley. The moment he was out of sight, his form dissolved into a swirling cloud of black mist and crimson light, vanishing without a trace.