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Chapter 7 - 7

"Are you sure?" Robert's brows rose, slightly surprised by Fyar's choice.

"Yes." Fyar reached for the long sword with its slightly curved blade. He drew it slowly from its black wooden sheath, turning the weapon over in his hands. The reflection of light danced for a moment on its sharp surface before he gripped it with both hands.

"You two should step back a bit," Fyar said.

After Robert and Rasie had taken a few steps back, Fyar lowered his body. He settled into a stance unfamiliar to them, one foot forward, knees slightly bent, with his gaze fixed straight ahead. Robert and Rasie exchanged a glance they had never witnessed such a ready posture in their lives.

The air around them hissed sharply as Fyar swung the sword in three quick, controlled movements. Each slash cut through the wind with frightening precision. He then returned to his initial stance, his breathing steady.

A sharp hiss sounded again. This time, he launched two swift swings with only his left hand, displaying extraordinary strength and balance.

When he was finished, Fyar lowered his sword and let out a long breath. He turned to face Robert and Rasie, who were still silent.

"Did you feel its magical energy being drawn out?" Robert asked, his eyes still fixed on the sword.

"I didn't feel anything," Fyar answered flatly.

"Perhaps that's because you don't have magic," Rasie interjected. Her gaze shifted from the sword to Fyar's face. "I've never seen a sword style like that before. What style is it?" She then turned to Robert. "What about you, Robert?"

"Neither have I," the old man replied, stroking his beard. "In the eighty years I've lived and traveled, this is the first time I've seen such a technique." He fell silent for a moment, his eyes studying Fyar intently. "Your style is a perfect match for that sword, Fyar. Are you familiar with that weapon? And also, where do you come from?"

Robert's curiosity was piqued. Fyar's strange clothes, his unique sword style, and his knowledge of a bullet he had never seen before it all felt out of place.

Fyar was quiet for a moment, his gaze distant as if he were trying hard to remember something. "I forgot," he then said, his tone deliberately a little sad.

"You forgot?" Rasie's eyes narrowed. "But you can use that sword as if you've been training with it for years. If you truly forgot, your movements wouldn't be that fluid."

Fyar knew Rasie's objection was valid. He had to cover his lie with another. After a moment's thought, he found his answer.

"There are things I remember, and things I don't," Fyar explained. "What I remember is how to use weapons, my name, and a little about my culture." He sighed again, this time sounding heavier. "What I don't remember is where my homeland is, why I was suddenly in the forest, and how I lost my memory and my powers."

Is he lying? Rasie thought, suspicious. If so, what for?

However, she decided not to press him further. "I see. Alright," Rasie finally said, though her gaze showed she was not convinced.

"Yes, that's how it is," Fyar affirmed.

He quickly changed the subject and turned his attention to Robert. "Robert, Rasie, I found an artifact on the bandit I killed." Fyar reached into his pocket and showed them the small object. "I'd like to know what this thing is for and what its side effects are."

 

"An artifact?" Robert repeated the word, his curiosity piqued.

"Yes, and also a weapon. Look at this." Fyar took a small stone out of his pocket. It was the stone he had found on the body of the bandit he had killed.

Robert took the stone. He observed it very closely, turning it between his fingers and weighing it in his palm. The old man then placed a hand on his chin, lost in thought.

Is it just an ordinary stone? Why is he taking so long to look at it? Fyar wondered.

Suddenly, Robert let out a soft chuckle. "Not bad. This artifact can provide an anti-magic effect. It's a fairly high-level artifact." He looked at Fyar seriously. "Why did that bandit have it? As far as I know, an artifact like this would never be entrusted to a low-level member. It's quite suspicious."

"How do you use it?" Fyar asked, not particularly concerned with its origin.

"There are various ways. Its main specialty is that anti-magic effect. The stone is immune to magic that attacks it. For example, if someone used fire magic on you, but your armor was fitted with this stone, the magic would have no effect," Robert explained. "Of course, physical attacks will still get through. Also, this item is incredibly rare. Its price is probably around 609 gold coins."

Six hundred and nine gold coins? For a stone this small? Fyar's mind reeled. Damn, should I sell it? But this stone seems like it would be very useful for me against magic users. Fyar weighed his options. It's too small to be set into armor as a ward. So, how do I use it?

"Just have it made into a bullet, Fyar," Rasie suggested suddenly.

"Yeah.. that i Will be nice " Fyar. Agree

Rasie nodded. "The stone's effect is anti-magic, and you're someone without magic. It can't be forged into your sword and it's too small for your armor. So, the best option is to make it into a bullet because of its small shape."

But this is still suspicious, Rasie mused to herself. Why would a high-level artifact be on a low-level member? Did the bandit steal it, or find it? If so, then it was an incredible stroke of both luck and coincidence for that idiot Fyar.

"Makes sense," Fyar said, breaking from his thoughts. "How much would it cost to make this stone into a bullet?"

"Mm, since you're providing the material, it will only be twenty gold coins. With a stone that size, you could probably make about seven bullets," Robert answered.

"Alright," Fyar agreed immediately.

"Heh, if I recall, you said 'and also a weapon.' What about that other weapon?" Robert asked, remembering Fyar's earlier words.

"No, don't worry about it. It was probably just an ordinary weapon," Fyar said dismissively.

"I see. Very well," Robert replied, not pressing further.

Rasie then handed the payment to Robert. After that, the two of them left the blacksmith's workshop.

"Where to now?" Fyar asked as he walked beside Rasie.

Rasie sighed. "We're going to the association to get your adventurer's card made. After that, you can go home."

Fyar nodded silently. His mind began to form a plan. I've bought a katana, regular bullets, and ordered bullets made from the artifact. Robert said the artifact bullets will be ready in three days, which is pretty fast. Alright, now I just need to get the card, then eat and sleep. Tomorrow I have a training session scheduled with Zaefal.

An interesting thought crossed his mind. I wonder, can a hitman like me beat him in hand-to-hand combat? Fyar couldn't wait to find out. The corners of his lips unconsciously curved into a thin smirk.

Rasie, who happened to glance at him, shuddered.

"Ugh, what kind of stupid expression is that?"

 

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