Chapter 11: You Want to Give Me a Sword?
"I mean no offense, but most hedge knights do have a poor reputation." Eton shook his head. He always insisted on using the proper term hedge knight rather than derogatory slang. "You're still so young—I believe there are still plenty of opportunities for you."
"No," Ian was a little puzzled as to why the old blacksmith would turn down a good sale to instead try to counsel him, but he didn't want to get drawn into a long conversation, so he interrupted. "I've made up my mind. I'll go to the Wall and join the Night's Watch. That's the only place where I can find honor. Becoming a black brother is my destiny."
"A destined path," the old blacksmith murmured, lost in thought. Tears welled in the corners of his eyes. He didn't try to persuade Ian anymore, but said, "Good lad, may the Seven bless you."
"The Seven bless us all," Ian replied.
Old Eton examined Ian's armor again: "This armor can fetch 450 silver stags."
"And this sword," the old blacksmith picked up Ian's longsword again and checked its wear. "This sword can fetch 180 silver stags, but... honestly, I don't recommend you sell the sword. Although the Night's Watch will provide all the equipment, it's never as reliable as your own weapon. What do you think?"
I think you're really nosy!
"I think you misunderstood," Ian quickly improvised a new excuse. "I'm not selling my equipment because the Night's Watch will provide gear—I'm not trying to take advantage of them. It's mainly because once I join the Watch, I won't be able to stay and support my parents. I want to leave them as much money as possible so I can leave with peace of mind."
"Your parents aren't nobility?"
"Obviously not."
"No offense meant," the old blacksmith shook his head. "Since this is money you plan to leave for your parents, I won't charge you the usual commission. I can give you 550 silver stags for the armor, and 200 for the sword."
"Thank you, sir." Ian was genuinely pleased. He hadn't expected a random excuse to earn him an extra half gold dragon.
"And," the old blacksmith paused, as if hesitant for a moment, but then he made up his mind. "Since you're short on funds, I have a job for you."
The old blacksmith's words surprised Ian. He didn't understand why a blacksmith from Harrenhal would ask a stranger—a hedge knight—for help.
Of course, no matter what the task was, he had no interest in it.
But because he had just profited over a hundred silver stags from the man's generosity, a flat refusal would seem too callous, so he gently reminded him, "I'm no longer a hedge knight."
"Of course, I know, of course," the old blacksmith nodded quickly. Ian's refusal gave him even more confidence in the story about joining the Night's Watch. "I'm not hiring you to fight for me. But since you're going to the Wall to join the Night's Watch anyway, why not do me a favor and deliver something?"
What? You want me to deliver something? Ian's eyes lit up.
He was busy planning to stake out Saltpans, so of course he wasn't interested in random quests.
But delivering something was different—once it was in his possession, it was his.
"Tell me more," Ian replied with interest.
"After you reach the Wall, I want you to find a ranger named Dovel at the Shadow Tower and give him a castle-forged sword for me."
So you want to give me a castle-forged sword? You're quite the generous fellow! Ian nodded eagerly.
"So you agree?"
"Of course, since it's on my way, I have no problem with it."
The old blacksmith nodded, turned, and disappeared through a door.
"Ding! Optional quest updated." Annie's voice echoed in his mind, and Ian quickly closed his eyes and accessed the system interface.
[Discovered Trigger Quest: Shadow Lion
Quest Description: The old blacksmith has a castle-forged sword. He wants you to bring it to Ranger Dovel at the Shadow Tower.
Quest Reward: Unknown
Additional Reward: Unknown]
[Accept (costs 1 point)] [Reject]
Seeing this quest, Ian almost instinctively moved to click Accept.
Because a player's initial point could only buy a small purse in the Points Store for 300 silver stags, and something like a castle-forged sword would be worth at least 3 gold dragons. Trading one point for a castle-forged sword at the start was clearly a good deal.
But just as he was about to click, a bold idea struck him.
What would happen if he clicked "Reject" on the quest?
After all, according to the organizers, this was a real world, and the old blacksmith was a real person. Whether he assigned the quest shouldn't be influenced by the system at all!
If the old blacksmith suddenly turned hostile because of his rejection in the system, then this old blacksmith would not be a living person, but an NPC with AI!
Thinking of this, Ian moved his cursor away from the [Accept] option and clicked the [Reject] option instead.
After a while, the old blacksmith emerged carrying a castle-forged sword.
"This sword is made of fine steel and the craftsmanship is excellent," Eton explained as he handed the sword to Ian. "It was my friend's sword from when we were young. Let's not talk about him." The old blacksmith shook his head.
Sure enough, he didn't turn hostile! Ian was thrilled. Although he hadn't discovered a bug this time, he'd saved a point anyway.
Ian took the sword from the old blacksmith's hand. The first thing he noticed was its weight. It was the same length as his own sword, but noticeably heavier.
He drew the sword from its leather scabbard. The blade was slightly darker in color, and there were also some small nicks on the edge, but they were much smaller than those on his own longsword. He touched the blade lightly with his fingers and clearly felt its sharpness.
"Remember, give this sword to Ranger Dovel of the Shadow Tower," the old blacksmith instructed. "He has blond hair like you and is about 35 years old." The old blacksmith paused and chuckled. "Considering that he's been on the Wall for more than ten years, he may look older."
"In any case, you must hand this sword to him personally. If he happens to be on a ranging when you arrive at the Shadow Tower, take the sword back and wait for another opportunity. Don't give the sword to other brothers of the Watch casually," the old blacksmith emphasized.
"Can I know why?" Ian felt a sense of caution. "Do you have some message that you need me to convey to him privately?"
The old blacksmith had obviously not expected Ian to ask this. He looked at Ian in surprise and shook his head. "No, there's no need. He'll understand everything when he sees this sword."
(End of Chapter)
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