[321]

Staring at the points he was left with, Jinn sighed inwardly. 'Why is everything so alluring? I have to save points, but everything I bought can help me on the mission.'

Despite his earlier statement, Jinn had already forgotten about some of the items he purchased, which he had already tossed into his easy-go bag.

Now he was on his way to the last shop, which sold weapons and armor. After his close encounter with the beasts, Jinn realized he could rely on his claws forever.

More so when he had to take missions with others present and witnessing his fight.

While walking, he noticed the bustling street across from the main stalls. It was a perfect copy of the city market with luxurious shops and several stalls.

But unlike these main stalls, these shops used the currency of the mars kingdom.

Since they only sold food and simple clothing items, their items did not give any student an unfair advantage, just some luxury.

"Welcome! what are you looking for today, sir?" An enthusiastic young man stood up from his seat and greeted Jinn with a big smile.

"We have all sorts of weapons, from knives to broadswords to even nails. We also provide custom work, but it would be worth a little extra."

Without stopping to take a breath, the boy explained everything to Jinn in one go.

'What should I go for?' Jinn looked at various types of weapons across the table, on the wall. Each had its own price tag, starting with a staggering 100 points.

The cheapest weapons were the smallest and the most basic ones.

But more defined and well-crafted works were equally costly. These weapons could cost up to an unbelievable 1000 points.

Shockingly, this was not even the costliest weapon.

Jinn had yet to start his formal training with a weapon. Even if he had done it, there was no way he would get proficient enough to use one flawlessly.

'So, I have to get a weapon that I already have skills to use.'

Jinn recalled how in his previous life he had foregone proper training with a bow and an arrow for various competitions.

Although those skills did not amount to much in this life, they were still better than nothing.

'But won't it be troublesome to carry such a huge weapon? Besides, arrows break, and they are difficult to take along as well.'

The young merchant observed Jinn as he examined each weapon, remaining silent while deep in thought.

'This new student is really putting his thoughts into his choice, while the rest just pick the flashiest weapon and waste their points.'

His appreciation of Jinn only grew the longer the boy took.

…

…

….

'Please, hurry up! I cannot stand for much longer.' After almost half an hour the merchant was reaching his limit, but Jinn was still going through weapons one by one.

He first tried a bow and arrow, then put them back before moving to swords, which felt awkward in his grasp.

Finally, after trying the short sword, Jinn looked at him and asked, "Do you have daggers?"

"Indeed we do." The merchant pointed at the table with a specific kind of weapon, ranging in size and variety.

There were small knives, kunai, shurikens, and even a morning star.

"I want something I can wield in close combat and also throw when needed." Looking at the weapons of all sizes, Jinn did not know which one to choose.

"…hmmm." Facing the specific request, the merchant looked thoughtful before approaching the table.

A second later, he showed Jinn two types of weapons.

"From what you told me, these blades would be best for you." The merchant placed both daggers on the table before Jinn and introduced them, "This beauty here is a Dirk Dagger. Thrusting, stabbing, throwing—this does it all."

The blade he pointed at was thin, about 15 inches long. It was a double-edged dagger with a thick and firm grip.

As his finger moved to the second blade, he continued, "This is a Seax dagger. This beast is a relic of the past. Not many use blades like this these days. You can use it for daily tasks besides killing as well."

The man adored the blade like it was his wife.

"Although these blades are not meant to be thrown, their designs allow you to make some desperate shots."

Jinn nodded seriously, listening to everything he said.

'Hmm?! Are you sure that is possible?' Yet, at the same time, he was conversing with the imp in his mind.

He did not mean to multitask, but the creature had said something that made him unable to wait.

'I can use soul points to master the technique of throwing weapons and using blades?'

Jinn could really not believe it. It was one thing getting knowledge and items in exchange for souls but another obtaining something as complex as ingrained combat knowledge.

'Full mastery requires roughly thousands of souls, while just the theoretical engraving of knowledge will be done in a hundred or so points.'

Understanding the logic behind the ridiculously high prices, Jinn decided to think more deeply later.

"How much is this one?" satisfied with the Seax dagger, Jinn asked for the final price.

After some haggling with the merchant, they finally decided on a price of 125 points. Jinn also purchased a Quillon Dagger for 150 points.

It was a long dagger that could almost be considered a short sword. With the double-edged blade came a cross guard that could help him deflect or defend against some attacks.

Along with the blades came their leather sheaths that Jinn tied around his waist.

Not only did it not restrict his movement, but it also made it easier for him to draw the weapon when needed.

"Thank you for your patronage, sir. Do come back if you need your weapon repaired or altered."

Left with [46] points, Jinn walked towards the meeting point Evelyn had told him.

Even though there was still half an hour before the meeting time, Evelyn was already there, waiting for him.

"You are early."

Dressed in the same uniform as him, she shook her head. "I came out to buy some materials I was out of."

Apparently, she had the same idea as him about buying supplies that could help them on the mission.

'Even though the reward of the mission is nowhere compared to what I have spent, I have made a sensible purchase today.'

Jinn nodded in satisfaction. Then both of them took the same carriage as yesterday that happened to be free again.

"Can we move around the city after reaching the Gloria city?"

The driver looked surprised seeing Evelyn suddenly speaking to him and replied after some hesitation.

"You cannot interact with people who have nothing to do with the mission. I will be there to take care of your transportation needs."

After a pause, he said, "I am surprised your teacher did not explain this. They usually do this on the first day to make sure students don't get their hopes up."

'That woman is a lost cause.' Both Jinn and Evelyn thought at the same time, recalling the lost expression of love on their professor's face even in the middle of the class.

The ride to the city of Gloria was two hours long, but it went without a hitch.

The moment their carriage arrived at the city gates, not even the guards stopped to inspect it, seeing the identification insignia on the carriage.

The ride only stopped when they arrived at the Herbert Mansion.

"Aura of death is thick in this place." Evelyn climbed down the carriage with Jinn's help and spoke with a dark tone.

Her eyes had turned completely black, as a thick, gloomy aura appeared in them, blazing around the building.

They did not have to stand on the gates for long since a servant was waiting for them there. "Welcome, young lord and young lady. The priests from the order asked me to bring you to the hall where they are already gathered. I am Maya, the head maid of the house."

Jinn had heard about Maya and other staff members from Agnes before. He silently followed the maid inside the mansion along with Evelyn.

Unlike Evelyn, he was merely looking around without using his powers.

"Ah, you must be the students of the Nightshade—Jinn?" Hearing the familiar voice upon entering the hall, Jinn paused and looked at the three priests sitting on the sofas.

"Father Augustus." Showing an appropriate amount of surprise, Jinn greeted him. "I did not know you were the one who posted the mission."

"Wait… You are first-year students. What are you doing here?" As if thinking of something, the lazy priest gasped in shock. "This is not something you should be handling."

"You know these students, Father Augustus." The two priests beside him finally asked, seeing the man react so strongly.

Father Augustus nodded and explained how he knew Jinn to the other two. Once they understood, their faces turned grim as well.

"Indeed, this is not something you should be handling. The demon possessing Lady Herbert's body is quite strong. Now is not the appropriate time for first-year students to gain experience. We need real experts."

The man was not mincing his words. The expressions on his face told how much anger and annoyance he was feeling.

Before Jinn could say anything, Evelyn spoke up first.

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