Spirit Taming

Chapter 83: Simple Is Best

"That store there?" Maria spotted a store that seemed to be slightly busy. It had some flashy weapons outside but that was all.

"I don't see why not. I'm just worried that the things there won't be the nest. Everything is just for show. It's all polished and carved. They don't actually look like they are made for practicality." One sword in particular that Clark spotted had additional spikes on it that would make slashing harder.

"I guess you're right. I don't think I could hold those curved daggers without cutting myself too." Maria tried to imagine moving through any dagger technique with the ones she saw. "Maybe they focus on ceremonial weapons. We can move on. I just liked the way they looked."

The way a weapon looked was always a focus of those that didn't realize how to get a proper weapon. They would go to a store and see something that would draw attention or find something beautifully forged. There was nothing wrong with that, but they came with underlying weaknesses or were hard to actually use. It was the same betting on a wooden weapon over steel.

"That show looks a little more like a working man's shop." The reason that Clark said that was simple. There were tools on display that crafters could buy other than just some weapons and armors.

"Oh, that looks like it gets a lot of business from everyone. I wonder if it's orders only." Maria tried to read the name of the shop but found that it was a little too faded. So much so that there may have even been some letters that had fallen off the sign over the years.

"Let's stop there then. It looks old. Old can mean a lot of experience." Clark hated to follow the stereotype, but found it true. Most of the shops that had been on the same street as his parents growing up had been passed down from generation to generation. That led them to have more refined skills and knowledge when it came to their profession.

The store had some basic hammers and wood working tools out front. The swords and shields on display next to them were the most basic designs. Yet, when Clark looked at them he found that they had very clean cuts and edges. The sword's sharpness was much better than what one could normally find.

"I wonder how this will compare to burning smith blacksmith." Clark could have gone to the shop he recognized but didn't want to push it. He wanted to check everywhere else out so he could develop a few good relationships with good people. The skills they had may be more focused on specific places.

For example, the burning smith blacksmith seemed to be better at ordered items with unique materials. They had a creativity that could forge something that one would not even know how to ask for. Whereas, a blacksmith like this was good at the basics. Could make a near perfect basic weapon every time that someone could rely on no matter what.

Having both would let Clark make unique weapons but always have the old reliable weapons he might need if something else doesn't work.

"Look at those daggers in the window, they are the perfect length and only cost eight copper. I am going to get them." Maria was very low on funds and was glad that she and Clark had the crystals from the slimes to trade for things.

"Hm? Did I hear you right kid? You want daggers?" The middle aged man that sat on a chair near the entrance looked at them questioningly.

"Yes sir. If that is for sale I want to take it." There was a long look from the man before he walked inside and beckoned them to follow.

"You are a little too short for those. You can grow in to them but use these ones first. They are slightly shorter and would allow you a better range of motion. Also, buy this sharpening stone and guide to self sharpening. If you are going to fight with them you will need to do more maintenance than you think." This was the value of an expert.

The man had been taught how to evaluate someone's body and how it would move with the weapons he forged. These skills only came from those that spent many hours forging tools used every single day.

"Thank you very much. I will take your advice. How much would you like?" Maria worried it would be too much but the man took the very same eight coppers from her while giving the guide to sharpening and the sharpening stone.

"And you?" He saw that Clark was still glancing around.

"A spear or two. I need one that is dependable and sturdy with one that is easy to recognize." This was not an unusual thing for anyone to do as a blacksmith. People wanted multiple weapons. Ones to walk around with and show off while others were for real battles in the wild.

"That one is made from folded steel. It is ugly and lacks shine. But it will stop most things from getting near. This one next it is made with forged cedar. The cedar tree it comes from is unique and grows over iron veins. Therefore it can be used similarly to metal and bends under heat.

Tough but flashy."

Clark picked both up and tested them out. He felt that the forged cedar spear was a little heavier than the basic steel spear. Something that was a little unexpected but not an issue. "How much for them and a few interchangeable spear heads?" Clark noticed that the spear heads were made to be detached and attached. The method would be tough due to the mechanics but they would hold under great force.

"One silver and six copper for both. Then add another silver for a set of ten spear tips. Five for each spear." Clark didn't have any issue with this price. The weapons were nothing fantastical. They were perfect for what they needed.

"When you come again, if my old man is watching the hop, tell him that Rick helped you last time." Clark and Maria gave the assurance that they would before the blacksmith sat down and they left.

"A simple shop with good things. It looks old and I am sure that those rich families could never set foot inside. That's perfect. We can always go there for decent items." Clark felt that they had found a hidden gem. It was nothing shiny but dependable. And in a life or death situation, dependability was all someone needed.

Clark intentionally carried the forged cedar spear. The basic spear was stored away. He wanted people to recognize the forged cedar spear as Phantom's weapon. "Daggers equipped…perfect!" Maria was happy with the feel of her basic daggers. They even felt more comfortable than the ones she had before.

"They do look good. He suggested the two that matched my height as it is now. I wouldn't be surprised if they don't even do personal orders. They might just make tools every day. One of the best places." Clark and Maria were happy to have what they needed with simplicity. Something that many people in life would overlook.