Kays Translations

Chapter 21: Shopping

"So this is the West District..."

Following the directions given by the mohawk-wearing young man, we arrived in the West District of Baden. The area was characterized by rugged stone buildings, a stark contrast to the flashy South District we had been in earlier.

It seemed that the information about adventurers’ supplies was accurate. The streets of the West District were filled with adventurers clad in various types of gear. I heard that the Adventurers' Guild is also located here in the West District, which makes sense why so many adventurers would gather here.

"Are we going to buy items here?"

"Yes, that’s the plan."

I nodded in response to Celia’s question.

Glancing into a few shops, I noticed that the items here were more reasonably priced and practical compared to those in the South District. It seemed that the South District was mainly home to high-end shops and souvenir stores. Considering we need items for dungeon exploration, it’s better to shop in the West District.

"It looks like we can get more practical items here. The other area seems to be focused on souvenirs that look good."

I guess the South District sells souvenirs that reflect the dungeon city’s theme.

When I saw the shield with pure white wings in the South District, I wasn’t sure what to make of it, but I’m relieved to find proper stores here in the West District.

"Let’s buy what we need."

"Yes."

First, we should get MP potions. And, of course, we need equipment too, right?

"Let’s go into this store."

Celia and I entered a shop specializing in adventurer’s armor. As soon as we stepped inside, the strong metallic and oily smells hit us. It seemed to be a store that primarily dealt in metal armor.

Since I’m going to be on the front lines, having some armor would be nice. The question is whether to go for metal armor or leather armor.

Unlike in the game, I can’t just blindly put on the highest defense gear. Armor has weight and can restrict the range of motion in your limbs. It’s something that needs careful consideration.

Generally, metal armor offers higher defense than leather armor.

However, it also significantly restricts movement and is very heavy. I picked up a pair of gauntlets on display, and they were indeed quite heavy. Wearing these while swinging a sword would likely be exhausting.

The dual-wielding swordsmanship I’m learning from Eugen relies heavily on speed. It’s a martial art that embodies the principle of avoiding attacks by being fast.

Leather armor seems like the better choice over metal armor.

But rather than making a judgment on my own, let’s ask a professional.

"Shopkeeper, can I ask you something?"

"Huh? What is it? Have you decided what you want to buy?"

"I have a question. I use dual swords—do you have any light armor that doesn’t restrict movement?"

"Hmm..."

The shopkeeper looked me up and down and nodded.

"Alright, let me show you something. Wait a moment."

With that, the shopkeeper went to the back and brought out something that looked like metal clothing. The metal’s shine was unusual. Although it appeared silver like iron or silver, it shimmered with a rainbow-like iridescence.

"That’s..."

"Celia, do you recognize it?"

"Yes. That is probably..."

"Look at this! It’s a chainmail made of mithril!"

The shopkeeper proudly revealed the nature of the armor. Mithril chainmail, huh? That’s quite a nice piece of equipment.

But mithril actually shines in rainbow colors when you see it in person? Amazing!

I’m really excited about the appearance of this quintessential fantasy metal!

"This was made by a dwarf craftsman. Its defense is top-notch. And also, kid, hold it for a moment."

"Uh, sure... Huh?"

I took the mithril chainmail handed to me by the shopkeeper. But I was shocked by how incredibly light it was.

The sensation in my hands was clearly metallic. However, it felt as light as if I were holding cloth. The difference in sensation was so stark it almost felt like my brain was malfunctioning.

"Amazing, right? Mithril is known for being light and hard, but with a craftsman’s touch, it turns out like this!"

"Yeah... It’s incredible..."

"This should be perfect for the armor you were describing, right?"

"Absolutely!"

"But it’s ridiculously expensive. So, kid, work hard in the dungeons and earn—"

"I have the money. Just sell it to me."

I placed a leather pouch full of gold coins on the counter. A few coins spilled out with a clink and rolled around, making a clear, crisp sound.

"Huh...?"

The shopkeeper’s face was so comically surprised that it was hard for him to keep from laughing.

　◇

"This is amazing. It feels as if I’m not wearing anything at all."

My outfit looked the same as before—just my usual clothes with a cloak over them—but that was only in appearance. My defense had dramatically improved thanks to the chainmail worn underneath.

"Um, Leon-sama? Was it alright for me to have you buy one for me as well?"

I heard Celia’s hesitant voice from behind.

"It’s fine, it’s fine. This shouldn’t interfere with your concentration on magic, right?"

Indeed, mithril chainmail also had the effect of increasing MP maximum, which is beneficial for a backline caster like Celia.

"Yes. But..."

"But nothing. I won’t skimp on the things needed to protect Celia."

"Th-thank you..."

"Don’t mention it. You’ll earn plenty while exploring dungeons anyway."

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