Unsafe Working Conditions : A He Who Fights With Monsters 6+ Companion Story

Chapter 17 - I Like a Challenge

 Liam did not go directly to the tailor as he initially planned. Now that he had comfortable shoes and a lack of coins he could take his time searching for Henri. He passed through some of the areas he had previously been and this time there were fewer vendors who tried to entice him. This made it easier for him to see the wares that were on display.

He was amazed by the selections, there many things he recognized like shirts and pants. There were melee weapons like swords, knives, maces and staff weapons. Nearby them there were stalls that contained different talismans and accessories that would magically benefit those wielding them like sheaths that imbued paralytic toxin or talismans that would allow the user to engulf the blade in frost energy. There was an entire section that was dedicated to ranged weapons, there were bows, throwing knives, pistols, rifles and other items that he did not recognize. Like the melee weapons there was a dedicated area of accessories for these weapons, specialty ammo or sheathes that would impart an effect.

One vendor caught his eye, there were what looked like charms covering his display. If not for the fact that he was sandwiched between a magic arrow salesman and an enchanted utility bullet vendor, he would not have attributed them to weapons.

"What are these for?" His voice drew the attention of the small man that was behind the table.

"What you want? Why you so dirty? What happen to clothes? You have money?" His hair was the color of glowing charcoal to match with his eyes. The rapid fire questions hit Liam like a physical blow, rocking him back onto his heels he felt his new shoes grab the floor.

Liam was taken aback, he had been pestered by people on and off throughout his time here. Many of them had been pushy, some had been rude but none had been outright hostile like this one.

"Ummm yes," Liam responded. He was already off put by the initial response.

"You show," the little man stared at Liam with suspicion.

"They are with my friend..." Liam said, he was sure that the vendor was going to drive him away. He wouldn't even blame him, he did look like a vagrant.

With a flurry the little man came around the table and got right up into Liam's personal space. With him being so close Liam could see that his eyes were not just the color of embers but they were actually glowing a dull orange. After staring him in the eye for an uncomfortable amount of time the little man took a step back and scanned Liam from the crown of his head down. His eyes widened and eyebrows rose as he reached Liam's feet.

"Fred shoes! You friend of Fred? I Rohon work with Fred long time! Come! Come! Tell me what you want learn. I teach! You buy!" Liam had whiplash from the change in attitude.

"Uh... What are these?" Liam again asked what was the items were on the display.

"Yes. Yes. This Amulet. Make all fight more special." Despite the translation power the mans speech was broken and difficult to understand.

Liam pointed to one of the amulets that looked like a helmet on the end of a chain, "What does this do?"

"Ah this very good. Make bullet, arrow, go much sharp. Armor like paper." The man was very animated as he explained through his broken speech.

Liam continued to ask the man what various different items did. Some were like the small helmet keychain, others were pins for a vest or collar and some looked like they were clips for hair. Rohan was very passionate about his craft; each piece was something that he was proud of and cherished, many were accompanied by stories.

Liam was listening to the explanation of a charm that looked like a star constellation made from seven gems held in position by silver wires. "This for gun. Not bang gun. Boom gun." Liam's expression must have expressed his lack of understanding for Rohan paused and frowned in thought. "I no know word for Boom gun."