"At least, she didn't cry this time," Emma muttered, a breath of relief escaping her lips.

They were wandering through the market near the academy. Spending time together like this—walking without a fixed destination—was never strange for them. They enjoyed each other's company enough that simply being side by side felt purposeful on its own. Still, this time, the walk had an actual goal.

On their way back earlier, William had mentioned that he wanted to buy a weapon.

Because of that, they were now heading toward what the locals claimed to be the best shop in the market. Whether the claim was true or not remained to be seen, but it was popular enough that nearly everyone pointed them in the same direction.

"Yeah, thankfully," William said as he held Emma's hand and gently pulled her to the side when a carriage rolled past a little too close for comfort.

Emma smiled at the gesture, warmth spreading through her chest, before she heard him add, "Maybe it was because of the pancakes?"

She shook her head lightly. "I think it's because she's gotten used to living there now. The last time, the Tower was completely new to her. Everything felt strange."

William nodded in agreement. "You're right. I was glad to see her getting along with Miss Venessa too."

Emma tilted her head and looked at him. "Why are you so formal with her? She's like my sister, you know."

William gave a small, wry smile but didn't answer right away. Venessa's words echoed clearly in his mind.

*If I ever hear you make Emma cry again, I'll make you go bald.*

The warning itself wasn't intimidating, but the intent behind it was unmistakable. Venessa didn't trust him—not fully. And William couldn't blame her. She knew about his past. She knew he had hurt Emma once.

"There it is," William said instead, changing the topic as he pointed across the street.

Emma followed his gaze and spotted the shop. She let out a quiet sigh and didn't pursue the earlier question.

They crossed the street and entered the shop with the bold sign hanging above the entrance—*Iron Bollock*.

The moment they stepped inside, a wave of warmth hit them. The air smelled strongly of iron and heated metal, mixed with something earthy and sharp. From somewhere deeper inside the shop, the faint rhythm of hammering echoed, steady and methodical.

Weapon racks lined the walls, displaying swords, axes, and polearms of different designs. Several counters stood around the room, holding smaller weapons and pieces of armor. Armored shells, gauntlets, and half-finished equipment were neatly arranged, making the shop feel both busy and organized.

William's eyes wandered for a moment before he looked directly at the shopkeeper behind the counter. The man met his gaze, and the two exchanged a brief nod before William and Emma began exploring on their own.

Emma glanced at him and asked, "What do you think suits you best?"

William hummed thoughtfully. "I'm not really sure. As far as I remember, I've always used whatever I could get my hands on. Sometimes borrowed. Sometimes taken. I've never actually bought a weapon before."

Emma blinked in surprise. "Four years of hunting, and you never bought one?"

He shrugged. "Didn't I tell you? Because of my age and my experience back then, they rarely gave me enough responsibility to feel like I needed one."

That had been true once. But things were different now.

William was eighteen. The people around him had grown stronger, more skilled, while he had been struggling under the weight of his curse. The gap had become noticeable, even if no one said it out loud.

He needed to improve. He needed options. Relying on a single approach was no longer enough.

"Hmm," Emma murmured as she studied the counters. "Let's break it down then. There are four main options—close range, mid-range, long range, and ranged."

William nodded. "Short-range weapons aren't ideal for me. And long weapons like spears might become a headache. I'd probably end up throwing them."

Emma chewed her lower lip before saying, "If you're going to throw your weapon anyway, wouldn't throwing daggers or lances make more sense?"

"I thought about that," William replied. "But I can't carry too many. And some monsters wait for exactly that—me throwing my weapon—so they can force me into close combat."

Emma understood where this caution came from.

The Prism Ape.

The only monster that had truly pushed William to his limits. A creature infamous for being a sorcerer's bane. Facing it alone had nearly cost him his life. Against something like that, magic alone wasn't enough.

It made sense that he was being more careful now.

It saddened her slightly, seeing this shift in him. But she also knew it was necessary. Being cautious wasn't weakness. It meant he had something to protect. Someone waiting for him.

"How about I show you something that might satisfy your needs?"

The voice came from so close that both of them stiffened.

They turned to see a middle-aged man standing there. He had thick eyebrows and dull grey eyes, his thumbs tucked casually into his belt. Neither of them had sensed him approach.

"Excuse me?" Emma asked after a brief pause.

The man smiled faintly. "I have a weapon that might suit what you're looking for."

William exchanged a glance with Emma before nodding. "Show us."

They hadn't come here just to browse. If there was something that truly fit his needs, William was prepared to spend all the savings he had.

The shopkeeper gestured for them to follow him toward the inner part of the shop.

Naturally, both William and Emma stayed alert. Even though the man didn't seem suspicious, years of experience had taught them never to lower their guard completely.

They soon entered what appeared to be the workshop. The heat was stronger here, and a large furnace glowed softly in the background.

"I don't usually put these on display," the man said. "Most people who come here already know what they want."

He paused and motioned for them to stay clear of the furnace before continuing. "But you two looked uncertain. I overheard your discussion."

He stepped forward and placed his hand on a black box resting carefully at the center of a table.

"So here it is."

William studied the box for a moment. "And what exactly is it?"

"This," the man said as he slid the cover aside, revealing what would soon become William's new combat partner.

°°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Have you guys played Shadow Fight 2 before? If yes, then this weapon is inspired from that game. Thanks for reading.

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