"Alright, Manager, I won't disturb you further. I need to get back to the grind—I’m definitely taking down that Swordsman today," Blood Wolf declared with iron-clad confidence. After settling the bill, he strode purposefully into the Combat Strength Training Room.

  Kael nodded, watching the retreating backs of the Blood Wolf Squad members.

  This model had effectively turned into a standardized "gold-farming" rotation. Hunt monsters for mana cores, use those cores to upgrade gear and hone combat skills, then hunt even more efficiently. It was a perfect cycle, and Kael’s shop was the linchpin holding it all together.

  Even with a regular like Blood Wolf bringing in crystals every day, the 10,000-crystal goal still feels a bit far off, Kael calculated, tallying his current earnings. He began to wonder if he should take a more proactive approach.

  Just then, two young men appeared at the shop entrance.

  He Xiao looked at Chi Yongqiu with a face full of suspicion, then squinted at the small shop that didn't even have a proper signboard. "Brother Chi, are you sure a place like this has the 'legendary gear' you were talking about?"

  "Absolutely. Don't be fooled by the remote location," Chi Yongqiu promised, patting his chest. "If this shop were in the city center, we might not even be able to get in line to buy anything."

  "Fine, I'll trust you this once." He Xiao stared at Chi Yongqiu for a long moment before finally nodding.

  "That's the spirit." Chi Yongqiu brushed the dust off his clothes and pushed open the door.

  "Manager! I’ve brought you a new customer!"

  He Xiao followed behind, feeling more and more like Chi Yongqiu was a paid shill for the shop.

  Kael looked up, not recognizing the newcomer at first. It wasn't until his gaze landed on the twin blades at Chi Yongqiu’s waist that he remembered—this was the guy who had been the first to ask for a refund.

  "Hello, Manager. My name is He Xiao. I'm a Captain in the Fourth Squad, Second Battalion, Third Regiment of the Cloud Mist City Guard," He Xiao announced, introducing himself with his formal title.

  In Cloud Mist City, the name of the City Guard carried weight. While it didn't guarantee special treatment, it usually ensured people wouldn't try to scam you.

  "Hello. What do you need?" Kael nodded in acknowledgment.

  He had heard much about the City Guard, but this was the first time he had met one in person. Usually, the Guard was tied up in training and rarely had time to wander the outskirts.

  "Manager, Captain He heard that you stock high-quality weapons, so he wanted to see for himself," Chi Yongqiu explained.

  "Weapons? Yes, I have plenty." Kael looked He Xiao up and down.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  A thought suddenly struck him: if the entire City Guard started buying his equipment, wouldn't his quest be finished in no time? At that thought, Kael’s expression became uncharacteristically serious.

  "What kind of weapon are you looking for? I also carry armor and pills—all of which are just as exceptional as the weapons," Kael said with newfound earnesty.

  Chi Yongqiu looked at Kael strangely. Why is the Manager suddenly so enthusiastic? Is it because He Xiao is a soldier?

  "As for weapons... a saber or a sword would work," He Xiao replied.

  The Cloud Mist City Guard didn't have a standardized weapon requirement. Rather, soldiers who used similar weapons were grouped into the same squads. Depending on the squad's function, the composition varied. He Xiao currently led a hunting squad—a standard combat unit typically consisting of a Shield Warrior, a Mage, a Scout, and several Fighters. He Xiao himself was one of the Fighters.

  "Sabers or swords? That’s easy enough." Kael felt a wave of relief. At least it wasn't some obscure, exotic weapon. Sabers and swords were the shop's most stocked categories; He Xiao was bound to find something he liked.

  Following Kael’s gesture, He Xiao walked over to the shelves.

  "Manager! What on earth are these weapons made of that you dare to charge two hundred Spirit Crystals for them?" He Xiao hadn't even looked at three items before he cried out in shock.

  Kael glanced over and realized that the "Common-grade" weapons had already been cleared out by the Blood Wolf Squad earlier that morning.

  "Wait... are these all rare alchemical artifacts?" He Xiao’s heart raced as he kept browsing. When he saw a weapon priced at four thousand crystals, he sucked in a breath so sharp he nearly choked.

  Kael stood silently behind the counter. He was willing to offer advice, but he wouldn't go out of his way to "hard sell." That would be too much work for a lazy man.

  Chi Yongqiu clapped He Xiao on the shoulder. "Captain, don't just look at the price. They are truly worth every crystal."

  To prove his point, Chi Yongqiu pulled a [Flame Great-Saber] from the shelf. As an Excellent-grade weapon, the fiery power within the blade was palpable. The moment it left the shelf, a flicker of crimson light caught He Xiao's eye.

  "This... how can such a weapon exist in this world!" He Xiao’s eyes widened as he stared blankly at the blade.

  Unlike Chi Yongqiu’s [Ice-Crystal Knight Sword], which had a reserved, cold aura, the power of the Flame Great-Saber was explosive and raw. This kind of violent strength was exactly what a career soldier like He Xiao lived for. A single thought consumed his mind: he had to have this weapon.

  "So, do you believe me now?" Chi Yongqiu teased, not missing the chance to rub it in.

  "I believe you. I absolutely believe you. A weapon like this... it truly could change a man's fate," He Xiao muttered, his expression shifting through a kaleidoscope of emotions. Recalling his earlier skepticism, he felt his face heat up with embarrassment.

  Finally, He Xiao gritted his teeth and turned to Chi Yongqiu. "Brother Chi... would it be possible for you to lend me a hundred Spirit Crystals?"

  "What for?" Chi Yongqiu asked, confused.

  "Weapons this valuable... I’m afraid very few in the City Guard can afford them on their own. I want to take this weapon back and petition the City Lord for military funding," He Xiao explained honestly.

  Kael’s eyes lit up instantly.

  If this deal went through, his quest was as good as done. Ten thousand Spirit Crystals might be a fortune to an individual, but for the treasury of Cloud Mist City, it was pocket change.

  However, Kael’s professional discipline as a "Manager" told him to remain poised and indifferent, no matter how excited he felt inside.

  Chi Yongqiu nodded understandingly. Soldiers were different from mercenaries; mercenaries could hunt monsters or take guild commissions whenever they pleased, but soldiers were tied to their training schedules and had little opportunity to earn extra income.

  "No problem. Take this mana core as a parting gift. If you want to pay me back, we'll settle it the next time I visit the city," Chi Yongqiu said with remarkable generosity.

  "Thank you, Brother Chi!" He Xiao cupped his fists in a deep gesture of gratitude.