Riven turned his gaze away from the boy to the wooden mannequins holding up a wide variety of armor, built with different materials.
He walked over to them, his finger pressing against one made of steel. Its design felt solid, and the body was very smooth.
"That's a semi-magical armour," the boy suddenly said, leaning on his counter and looking at Riven. "It seems like a normal armour, but it has a semi magical ability," he explained.
Riven knew what a semi-magical armour was. Many warriors and adventurers chose it because the cost of magical armours was very high.
Magical armours were pristine pieces of craftsmanship that held a magical core, capable of storing mana and using it to create a magical defense or an attack from the armour.
They were extremely hard to craft, and only the true masters of blacksmithing could make one. As for the semi-magical armour, they held the ability to transfer magic from the body of the user and use it to create an added defense for a brief moment before having to cool down.
What Riven didn't understand was what an armour like this was doing in a town like this.
"I doubt anyone can buy this type of armour in this town," Riven said.
"That's true. My master doesn't make them for this town, he has buyers from beyond this town—major cities and nobles," the boy said. His tone dropped as he said that. "My master could become one of the greatest blacksmiths to walk Vermillion, but for some reason, he is tied here. He refuses to leave, no matter what," the boy said.
"I guess sometimes money and fame isn't what matters. If he has chosen to stay here, then the reason must be something very important," Riven said.
"What do you mean money and fame isn't everything? That's what all humans look for," he argued.
"That's narrow-minded. Money is the most important to a normal person on a normal day, but sometimes, events happen that become more important than even money.
Like when you find solace inside of a book because the screams of your parents arguing and fighting reach your ear.
And it becomes so much that the reading becomes an addiction you use to escape the world and be free from it—to save yourself from shattering," Riven said. His voice quivered as he said the last part.
The boy looked at him with a raised brow. He didn't get how Riven came up with such a scenario. Riven, realizing what he had said, immediately spoke, "But my example is an extreme case, nothing to really worry about," he said, letting out a nervous chuckle and turning back to check out the armors.
As he stared at it, a drop of tear fell from his eyes and hit the ground.
"I'm crying? Really? I guess I'm not over it yet," he muttered with a small chuckle.
"So what exactly are you looking for? Just a sword or do you want an armour too?" the boy asked.
"I need an armour, but I'm not strong enough for all this heavy armour, and I feel they'll slow me down drastically.
I need something light, but it still offers some protection for me—maybe a leather armour," Riven said, looking at the leather armour section.
"No, no, no, I think we have something better. Come with me," the boy said and walked out from behind the counter.
Riven followed him to the back of the armors. There were some crates at the back, filled with different armour—broken and fictional.
"One time, a noble wanted his son to have an armour made by my master, a year back I think. The boy should be around the same size as you.
Sadly, the boy decided to be a full mage rather than learn to fight, so the noble didn't come for his armour. My master had already completed it, so he simply stored it away," he explained while pulling out a crate.
He dug through the crate and brought out the full armour, laying it on the ground. "It was a new style my master made—light armour that gives you the best mobility and protects your vitals even more."
Riven looked at the armour—the sleek black light leather armour with polished steel parts that covered the important parts: the chest, the back, the arms and forearms, the thighs and the legs.
Riven immediately fell in love with the body armour vibe. He picked it up from the ground, his eyes shining with happiness.
"This... this looks great," Riven said. He turned to look at the boy. "How much does it cost?" he asked.
"Back when it was made, I recall it going for ten silver coins, but I feel my master wouldn't have an issue if I sold it at half that. After all, it's been lying here for so long without use," he responded.
Without even waiting a second, Riven pulled out his pouch and dug out five silver coins. He handed them to the boy, who took them with a shocked expression. He didn't expect for Riven to pull it out without an issue.
But Riven knew what he was doing. He knew the prices of armour in the story, and he was for a fact certain this was a good bargain.
'I'm getting everything that I need free and at a reasonable price. My luck is out of the roof today,' Riven thought.
"Hey, kid," the man suddenly called. Riven got up on his feet and saw the man standing in the store. In a rush, he walked out and met the man.
The man looked down at the armour in Riven's hand. His gaze lingered for a few seconds. "Is that your pick?" he asked.
"Yes, it works well with how I want to fight," Riven said.
"Alright then, you can try it on here. I'll make adjustments if needed, but before that, here is your sword," he said and presented the sword to Riven.
The polished black leather scabbard immediately pulled Riven's attention. It looked so beautiful and carefully made. Even though it had been just a few minutes, he slowly stretched out his hands to receive it, allowing his armour to fall to the ground.