Chapter 21: Rapier
Gauss walked out of the blacksmith shop with a joyful heart.
This trip had been quite rewarding; not only had he gained valuable knowledge about being a Professional, but he had also fattened his previously empty wallet.
After selling off that pile of machetes, daggers, and other spoils of war, his savings now totaled 31 silver coins and 12 copper coins.
It should have been 41 silver coins and 12 copper coins, but he had spent 10 silver coins on a rapier he had taken a liking to before leaving the shop.
Considering that his weapons had been severely damaged during the brutal battle near Birch Village, he needed a new weapon for self-defense.
Moreover, adhering to the famous principle of "since I’m already here," he gritted his teeth and indulged himself, spending a "large sum" to purchase the well-maintained one-handed rapier outright.
Ten silver coins was a considerable expense for Gauss, but for a long weapon, it was already extremely cheap.
The reason it was so inexpensive was because the rapier's design required far fewer iron ingots compared to regular broad-bladed sabers and greatswords, resulting in lower production costs and, naturally, a cheaper price.
Additionally, the shop owner had probably given him a friendly discount, which allowed the transaction to be completed at 10 silver coins.
This weapon was chosen after he tried several options; it could continue the thrusting attack style of a spear and, when paired with a wooden shield and his accelerated thinking ability, would make his movements even more agile.
It just required practice.
Holding the rapier in his hand, Gauss examined it closely, growing more fond of it the more he looked.
The blade was straight and slender, its form upright—both elegant and sharp, about one meter in length, and roughly three centimeters wide, less than two fingers across.
A raised, longitudinal rigid ridge ran along the blade’s surface, reflecting a silvery-gray metallic sheen, and the triangular-pointed tip gleamed with a chilling light.
The hilt was wrapped in leather, and while the guard wasn’t extravagantly decorated, it added a touch of minimalist beauty.
When Gauss held the sword before him, the mirror-like blade reflected his emerald eyes filled with satisfaction.
Compared to ordinary broad-bladed swords, the rapier had its pros and cons; in fact, he had thought carefully before buying it.
Regular broad-bladed swords were more versatile, suitable for a wide variety of opponents, and had armor-breaking capabilities—some greatswords could even smash through the joints of chainmail.
But such swords were too heavy and required considerable physical strength and stamina to wield.
Although his Constitution had reached 6 points, his Strength was still just 5 points—an average level.
Using a heavy weapon for long periods would put a significant strain on his body.
Moreover, broad-bladed swords weren’t suited for combat in tight spaces, and for the foreseeable future, he would likely be facing low-tier monsters.
What common trait did these low-tier monsters share?
They were individually weak and thus naturally preferred to group together.
Unless they were out hunting, they typically huddled in their lairs in groups.
In such scenarios, large broadswords were clearly inappropriate.
The rapier, being relatively lightweight, wasn’t overly heavy, allowing for better control, as well as offering excellent speed and precision.
The rapier could both slash and thrust, and it performed well in narrow spaces.
Its disadvantage lay in being almost useless against armor—especially heavy armor—and prone to breaking, but how many low-tier monsters actually had decent armor or weapons? Probably very few.
Therefore, for someone like him who relied on spellcasting, a rapier was enough for self-defense.
Ideally, he should also find a chance to formally learn some sword techniques.
Though goblins and other minor monsters didn’t know any weapon skills, he could easily outmatch them with just his own improvisation.
But he wouldn’t be fighting goblins for the rest of his life; tougher opponents would inevitably appear.
Even among goblins, there were stronger types like the Large Goblin and the Two-headed Goblin.
As for why he was bothering to practice swordsmanship when he was already committed to pursuing the mage profession?
The reason was simple.
He believed that while melee self-defense might not be necessary, it was still essential to have.
He didn’t want to be helpless if an enemy got close, left at their mercy.
Especially after the last battle, he had become even more convinced that he couldn’t afford to have any glaring weaknesses.
Real-life combat was ever-changing; no one could predict what accident might happen next. He had to master some close-combat skills.
If an enemy underestimated him just because he was a mage and assumed he was weak in melee, he’d show them otherwise—with a sword to their face.
Let them know that the mage's sword could also be sharp!
With the spoils of war dealt with, the current adventuring commission came to a temporary end.
Gauss planned to give himself a few days off and also take time to practice the newly learned spell, Magic Missile.
“Ah, that feels great.”
Gauss squinted his eyes in comfort as he stepped out from the hot bathhouse.
The tension in his muscles, tightened over the past few days, seemed to melt away under the warmth of the spring water, washing away his fatigue.
“A bath, cost me 5 copper coins.”
Pocket change.
With his purse much heavier now, Gauss felt more confident when spending money.
Money was meant to be enjoyed—there was no need to save these 5 copper coins just to end up splashing himself with cold water from a little wooden bucket after a tiring journey.
“Eh? Did I get taller?”
After changing into his usual linen clothes, he noticed that his shirt had become a bit short.
The once perfect fit now exposed his waist and didn’t fit properly.
Was this a change brought on by increasing his Constitution?
Realizing this made Gauss even happier.
Growing taller was a good thing.
He had originally been just over 1.7 meters tall, which was a bit short compared to other adventurers. If improving his attributes could help his body develop and grow taller, all the better.
After bathing, Gauss also started feeling a bit hungry.
Since things had come to this, he might as well eat first.
.......
Coral Tavern.
This tavern was considered a rather upscale eatery in the town, at least more so than the Nightingale Tavern where Gauss had treated himself before setting out on his first adventure.
Last time, when Hailier treated them to a meal, the location had been Coral Tavern.
Now, returning to this place again, he couldn’t help but think of the three of them.
By now, Hailier and the others should have reached Barry.
He wondered how Bell and Mia were recovering from their injuries.
Thinking about Bell and the others, Gauss stepped into the tavern.
The interior was quite refined, a stark contrast to the rugged town streets.
Warm yellow oil lamps cast flickering light onto the mottled red brick walls, while the bartender in formal attire performed skillful mixology behind the bar.
Behind him, oak barrels were stacked like a wall, and the faint aroma of aged malt liquor wafted from the gaps.
Under the iron-chained metal chandeliers on the ceiling, in the tavern hall, more than a dozen square elmwood tables were scattered about.
Nearly all the seated guests were adventurers armed to the teeth—it was bustling.
There were even more patrons than Gauss had expected, but it made sense.
The nature of adventurers’ lives and work meant they didn’t follow day-night cycles.
Even during the day, if they wanted to drink, they would come and indulge immediately.
When one lived constantly under mental pressure, they naturally needed alcohol to relieve their built-up stress.
So it was common to see many adventurers who had just completed commissions spending days and nights enjoying food and drink in taverns.
The adventurers in the hall sat in small groups, some gesticulating wildly and bragging loudly.
Waiters carrying trays weaved skillfully through their animated movements; burly men drank with arms slung over shoulders, eating meat in large chunks and downing wine, the drinks sloshing from their cups and spilling freely onto the floor. One couldn’t help but wonder—did more go into their mouths or get wasted?
Seeing the lively scene inside the tavern made Gauss even hungrier.
The lingering aroma of food in the air stirred the cravings in his belly, and his tongue kept producing saliva.
He didn’t like drinking—he hated the sour, astringent taste of alcohol—but he had a great passion for delicious food.
Especially after spending several days outdoors eating in the wind and sleeping in the open, he felt like he could devour an entire cow.