"As for the weapons in between the two tiers, the quality just gets better."
Nine tiers. That’s interesting.
"For someone just beginning their hunting career, I recommend Tier 1 or Tier 2. Tier 0 works fine for practice, but actual monster combat requires something more substantial."
Korgan moved toward a rack of weapons.
"These Tier 1 swords carry minor enchantments, like improved durability, slight sharpness enhancement, and so on. It’s perfect for newbies, it facilitates learning without overwhelming a novice with complex properties."
Noah examined the offered blade.
Holding it in his hand, its balance was indeed remarkable; he could feel that it was crafted with care.
The steel felt different from his wooden practice weapons; it was heavier, designed for actual combat rather than training exercises.
"Tier 2 includes better weapon enhancement," Korgan explained, retrieving a sword whose blade was incredibly sharp in Noah’s eyes.
"It has better self-maintenance properties, improved cutting power. But at the cost of being more expensive, but it’s significantly more effective against tougher opponents."
The price difference probably matters less now than it would have a week ago.
"How much for Tier 2?"
"Fifty golden coins for a quality Tier 2 blade. The purchase includes a basic scabbard and maintenance instructions."
Fifty coins. That’s... actually reasonable considering its properties.
Noah nodded toward the glowing weapon.
Korgan’s smile suggested that he approved of his choice.
"Excellent decision. This particular blade is very well made; it’s at the top of its tier, it’s what you call, the pinnacle of tier 2."
The moment Noah’s fingers wrapped around the handle, text flashed across his vision.
Attribute bonuses. The sword actually makes me faster and stronger just by using it.
Noah thanked Korgan and stepped out of the forge, the weapon’s weight settling naturally against his hip.
The scabbard’s leather felt smooth and well-crafted, designed for someone who will need to draw quickly.
Time to see what I’m actually carrying. Whether Korgan scammed me or not...
Estimated Value: 50 Golden Coins
He really didn’t rob me... huh? I’ll come back to him when I need more equipment. Interesting that a demon wouldn’t try to overcharge a human.
The blade itself demanded closer examination from him.
Noah drew it partially from its sheath, revealing steel that shone in the afternoon sun. The weapon’s design was extremely similar to those from the East, a single-edged curve that promised devastating cutting power, balanced for swift strikes rather than heavy chopping.
The handle wrapped in midnight-black leather provided a grip that felt moulded to his hand.
A subtle guard separated blade from hilt, the steel itself held a faint blue tint, adding to the weapon’s elegance.
It looks like a katana designed by someone who understood both form and function.
Noah sheathed the blade.
The Zealous Quickblade disappeared into its scabbard with barely a whisper of steel against leather.
The attribute bonuses were already taking effect. Noah felt lighter on his feet, more coordinated in his movements. His grip strength had increased noticeably—not enough to dramatically make him a superhero, but sufficient to provide improvement.
Level 4 swordsmanship with this sword. I might actually do well with whatever I encounter in those mountains.
Other demons moved about their daily business, but several glances lingered on him.
A human in demon clothing was surprisingly interesting. Noah, with his void black hair and eyes, was made incredibly handsome when he wore the clothes.
A group of young demons clustered near a message board caught his attention.
Their equipment suggested that they were novice adventurers; they had leather armour that looked new, weapons still shiny with lack of use, and expressions mixing excitement with nervousness.
Perfect. Other beginners are heading toward the same destination. Perhaps I could join them.
Noah approached with a smile on his face.
Nobody hates a smiling man.
"Excuse me, fellow adventurers, are you heading to the Crimson Mountains?"
A female demon with small horns and an oversized backpack turned toward him with surprising friendliness.
"Yes! It’s our first monster-hunting expedition. Are you going there too?"
"That’s the plan." Noah nodded.
"Mind if I join your group? Like they say, there is safety in numbers"
The demons exchanged glances before nodding in agreement.
Their leader, a young male with confidence that probably exceeded his actual experience, gestured toward the city gates.
"The more the merrier. I’m Drakth, these are my friends Yira and Kellin. We were just discussing strategy."
Upon hearing that the demon group were discussing strategy, he suddenly felt inadequately prepared.
And here I was thinking of just going there with just a sword. This group was creating a whole strategy..
"Nice to meet you guys, my name is Noah," he replied, falling into step with the group.
"What kind of monsters should we expect? Do you guys know?"
"Slimes, Grass Beetles, maybe some Fire Wisps if we’re unlucky," Yira explained, consulting notes written on a parchment.
"Nothing above Tier 1 threat level in the outer ranges. However, most of these monsters should be at Tier 0."
Tier 0 was monsters that had not yet advanced to the novice rank, just like Noah.
The city gates loomed ahead of the group, marking the boundary between civilisation and whatever adventures awaited in the wilderness beyond.
Noah’s hand rested comfortably on the Zealous Quickblade’s hilt, feeling more prepared for actual combat than he’d ever expected.
Time to discover what monster hunting actually feels like.
The Crimson Mountain range opened before them like a natural amphitheatre designed for novice combat training.
Rolling hills covered in grass stretched toward distant peaks, while scattered groves and trees provided shade and tactical cover.
This actually looks... like a good training ground.
Other demon groups dotted the landscape in various stages of preparation and practice.
Some sat in circles on the grass, discussing their recent hunt and their next plans. Others engaged in active combat against creatures that bounced and scuttled across the terrain with determined persistence.