“So, the Guild and the Hephaestus Familia arranged this cooperation.”
“The blacksmiths provide gear for the rookie adventurers, creating a win-win situation for both sides.”
“Many adventurers even find their lifelong partner smith right here, working together starting from level one.”
Mizuki was not listening, his mind consumed by the pouch of money Kaguya had thrust into his hands.
Thirty million valis.
He only had a vague concept of that sum before.
It was all because of Bell’s weapon in the anime.
That single weapon cost two hundred million, which made thirty million seem like it could not even buy a fraction of it.
Knowing the lore was one thing, but experiencing it in person was entirely different.
Now, looking at the gear with price tags ranging from ten to twenty thousand valis, he finally understood what an astronomical fortune he held.
Forget about a simple chain mail shirt, even if he bought out all the equipment on the fourth floor, it probably would not total ten million.
The girls of the Astraea Familia…
Just how big were their hearts?
How could they casually hand over such a massive sum of money to a rookie they had known for less than two days?
Alise’s reliable, bustling figure came to his mind.
He remembered Celty’s worried remark about their lack of hands,
And he recalled Kaguya’s feigned coldness that failed to hide her genuine concern when she left.
He understood everything now.
This money was not just some ordinary familia allowance.
It was their way of protecting him when they were too busy to watch over him and Haruhime themselves.
They wanted top-tier weapons and armor to take their place, serving as personal bodyguards for Mizuki and Haruhime.
“No need.”
Mizuki put the chain mail back in its place.
“Miss Eina.”
“I want to check out the eighth floor.”
“The eighth floor?”
The gentle smile on Eina’s face froze.
Thinking her ears had played tricks on her, the beautiful half elf twitched her ears slightly and asked with uncertainty,
“Mizuki, did you say… the eighth floor?”
“Yes,” Mizuki nodded.
“But…”
Eina instinctively wanted to stop him.
The eighth floor?
The items sold there were crafted by the top blacksmiths of the Hephaestus Familia.
There were even divine weapons personally forged by the goddess herself.
A single piece was enough to bankrupt a level four adventurer.
Yet, seeing Mizuki’s hopeful expression, she swallowed her warning.
Who would not want to see the legendary equipment crafted by the Hephaestus Familia?
Especially rookie adventurers.
Perhaps catching a glimpse would ignite a fire in Mizuki and Haruhime.
Not wanting to spoil the mood, Eina smiled warmly.
“The eighth floor has certain entry requirements. A customer must be at least level three or above, but don’t worry, I can bring you in with my credentials.”
Entry requirements?
Mizuki understood that a place selling high tier gear could not simply allow everyone inside.
As for the level three restriction, only adventurers who reached level three possessed the capital to purchase items from the eighth floor.
“Thank you for the trouble, Miss Eina,” Mizuki said with a grateful smile.
“Not at all, follow me!”
Eina led the way.
Nearby,
Lunoire’s trio, who had been softly debating the price of a piece of leather armor, overheard the conversation between Mizuki and the others.
The petite human girl widened her eyes.
“Did I hear that right? Are those guys heading to the eighth floor?”
The male scratched his head in bewilderment.
“Maybe they’re really rich!”
Lunoire turned her gaze toward Mizuki once again.
She looked at the man who had caught her attention earlier.
Who would have thought this man possessed such deep pockets?
“I see.”
He must be the scion of some great human noble, out playing adventurer to experience life.
Lunoire swiftly came to her own conclusion,
A trace of disdain creeping into her eyes.
People from two different worlds had no reason to associate with each other.
Under the gazes of the surrounding adventurers,
Eina led Mizuki and Haruhime into the elevator heading to the upper level.
When the elevator doors parted on the eighth floor, a different atmosphere washed over them.
After Eina spoke with the Hephaestus Familia staff at the reception, they were permitted entry.
Far removed from the noisy bustle of the fourth floor, this level was quiet and dignified.
There were no crowded rows of standard shelves.
Instead, individual weapons and suits of armor rested inside pristine crystal display cases.
Each piece of equipment was bathed in a gentle, warm light.
Only a handful of patrons were scattered across the spacious lavish hall.
They either stood silently before the displays or spoke in hushed tones with the attendants.
Every one of them carried a distinct, commanding presence, clearly identifying them as veteran adventurers.
Mizuki stepped up to the nearest display case.
Resting inside was a sleek black longsword, its blade patterned with faint purple lines.
His gaze dropped to the small price tag.
Thirteen million valis!
A set of light breastplate armor.
Eighteen million valis!
A battle axe engraved with complex runes.
Twenty-five million valis!
A staff embedded with a massive magic crystal.
Sixty-one million valis!
Incredible.
Mizuki caught his breath.
Not a single piece of equipment here cost less than ten million.
Just as Eina had said, every price was astronomical.
Haruhime looked overwhelmed by the numbers, terrified by the thought of wearing something so expensive.
She tugged gently on Mizuki’s sleeve and murmured, “Lord Mizuki, thirty million is enough for you to buy a set of armor and a weapon.”
Thirty million?
Standing nearby, Eina heard her clearly.
Though she had suspected as much, she was still stunned.
How could a young man who had just joined the Astraea Familia carry thirty million valis?
This confirmed that the money had come directly from the Astraea Familia.
She could not help but steal a glance at Mizuki.
Just who was he?
Joining the all female Astraea Familia was already an astonishing feat,
Yet they had entrusted him with such massive financial support as well.
Noticing Eina’s lingering look, Mizuki asked, “Is something wrong? Do I have something on my face?”
Eina snapped back to reality, realizing how rude it was to stare.
Blushing slightly, she waved her hands in a fluster.
“Please forgive me, Mr. Mizuki.”
“While the gear on the eighth floor is undeniably the finest in Orario,”
“I personally advise against buying it right now.”
Eina spoke with genuine concern and sincerity.
“At your current level, it would be difficult to draw out the true potential of such masterworks, which makes it an unnecessary waste.”
Her expression turned grave.
“More importantly, flaunting such wealth invites danger.”
“A rookie adventurer carrying gear that even veteran high level adventurers covet will only draw unwanted malice and trouble.”
“Even with the Astraea Familia’s reputation, there are always desperate people willing to take risks.”
“In the dungeon, monsters are not always the most dangerous threat you face.”
Mizuki nodded, knowing that Eina made complete sense.
In truth, Mizuki had no intention of spending all that money anyway.
He knew Alise well enough to know that even if he blew through the entire thirty million, she would simply laugh, pat him on the shoulder, and say the money had been put to good use.
Even so, his conscience would not allow it.
Just because the money was handed to him did not mean he should spend it recklessly.