Chapter 11. You want to give me a sword?

"I don't mean to offend, but most hedge knights do have a bad reputation," Ayton shook his head. He always insisted on using the proper term instead of the contemptuous title. "You're still so young. I believe opportunities remain for you."

"No," Jon was confused why the old blacksmith ignored good business to lecture him, but he didn't want to engage further, so he interrupted directly.

"I've decided to go to the Wall and join the Night's Watch. That's the only place where I can gain honor. Becoming a brother in black is my destiny."

"Destined..." the old blacksmith trailed off, lost in thought. Tears formed at the corners of his eyes. He ceased his persuasion and said, "Good lad, may the Seven bless you."

"The Seven bless us all," Jon responded.

Old Eton examined Jon's armor again: "This armor can fetch 450 silver stags."

"And this sword, 180 silver stags, but..." the blacksmith picked up Jon's sword to check its condition, "Actually, I don't recommend selling the sword. Though the Night's Watch provides equipment, nothing serves a man better than his own weapon. What do you think?"

I think you're far too generous!

"I believe you misunderstand," Jon quickly fabricated a new reason. "I'm not selling my equipment because the Night's Watch will provide replacements. The truth is, once I join the Watch, I can no longer support my parents. I want to leave them as much money as possible so I can depart with a clear conscience."

"Your parents aren't nobles?"

"Obvious, isn't it?"

"I mean no offense," the old blacksmith shook his head, "Since this money is meant for your parents out of filial duty, I won't shortchange you. I can give 550 silver stags for the armor, and 200 for the sword."

"Thank you, good sir." Jon felt genuinely pleased, not expecting his excuse would earn him half a gold dragon more.

"And," the blacksmith paused, hesitating momentarily before continuing, "since you need coin, I have a task that might interest you."

Jon was surprised that a Harrenhal blacksmith would seek help from a strange hedge knight.

Of course, whatever the task, he had no interest in it.

But having just benefited from the man's generosity, refusing outright seemed ungrateful, so he reminded him tactfully: "I'm no longer a hedge knight."

"Of course, I know," the blacksmith nodded quickly, Jon's reluctance seemingly confirming his story about joining the Watch. "I'm not hiring you to fight. Since you're headed to the Wall, perhaps you could deliver something for me."

What? You want to give me something? Jon's eyes brightened immediately.

He was focused on reaching Saltpans to hunt players, with little interest in side tasks.

But a delivery was different. Once in his possession, it became his.

"Could you elaborate?" Jon replied with interest.

"After reaching the Wall, please find a ranger named Dovill at the Shadow Tower and give him a heraldic sword."

So you're giving me a heraldic sword. How generous. Jon nodded eagerly.

"So you agree?"

"Of course. Since it's on my way, I have no objection."

The blacksmith nodded, turned, and disappeared behind a door.

"Ding! Optional mission update." Annie's voice echoed in his mind as Jon quickly closed his eyes to access the system interface.

[Discovered trigger mission: Shadow Lion

Mission description: The old blacksmith has a heraldic sword he wants delivered to Ranger Dovill at the Shadow Tower.

Mission reward: unknown

Additional reward: unknown]

[Accept (consumes 1 point)] [Reject]

Seeing this task, Jon almost instinctively wanted to accept.

A player's initial points could purchase only 300 silver stags from the points mall, while a heraldic sword's minimum value exceeded 3 gold dragons. Exchanging 1 point for such a sword seemed an excellent deal.

But just as he prepared to click, a bold idea struck him.

What would happen if he rejected the mission within the system?

According to the organizer, this was a real world, so this blacksmith was a living person. Whether Jon accepted his task shouldn't be influenced by the system at all!

If the blacksmith suddenly turned hostile because Jon declined the mission in the system, then he wasn't truly alive but an AI-driven NPC!

Considering this, Jon moved his cursor from [Accept] and clicked [Reject].

Moments later, the blacksmith emerged holding a heraldic sword.

"This sword is crafted from fine steel with perfect workmanship," Eton explained, handing the sword to Jon. "It belonged to a friend from my youth." The old smith shook his head wistfully.

Indeed, no conflict arose! Jon was delighted. Though not exploiting a bug, he'd saved a point nonetheless.

Taking the sword, Jon's first impression was its weight. Though the same length as his own blade, it felt heavier.

He drew it from the leather scabbard. The steel was slightly darker, with many small nicks along the blade, though smaller than those on his longsword. Running his finger gently along the edge, he clearly felt its sharpness.

"Remember, deliver this sword to Ranger Dovill at the Shadow Tower," the blacksmith instructed. "He has blond hair like yours and is around 35 years old." The smith paused, smiling sardonically. "Considering he's been on the Wall more than ten years, he may appear older than his years."

"You must give this sword to him personally. If he's ranging when you arrive, keep the sword and wait for another opportunity. Don't entrust it to any other brother of the Watch." The blacksmith emphasized.

"May I ask why?" Jon felt suspicious. "Is there something you want me to tell him that others shouldn't hear?"

The blacksmith clearly hadn't expected this question. He glanced at Jon with surprise, then shook his head: "No, none needed. He'll understand everything upon seeing this sword."

------------------

You can read the advance chapters here : patreon.com/Vigilante04