Chapter 334: Swindling Hratli
There is no traffic congestion in Diablo. Even the Three-No Princess wouldn't get lost. Therefore, just as she calculated, after about two hours, we arrived at the largest Blacksmith's Shop in Kurast Docks and met the most famous Blacksmith Master.
Speaking of which, do all famous people in Kurast have such unique personalities in their attire? It's like the existence of a parallel plane. Could it be that after that Storm, I accidentally transmigrated to some strange plane similar to Sanctuary?
Hratli was a man who looked about thirty years old, tall and thin, wearing a red Mage Robe. His physique and attire would generally make people think of a Sorceress, and in fact, his Class was indeed Sorceress. Therefore, he seemed to deliberately want everyone to realize his identity as a Blacksmith, so he put a little thought into the red Mage Robe.
First, he cut off the wide sleeves of the Mage Robe, making it into an awkward-looking sleeveless wide robe, exposing two thin but strong arms. As if this wasn't enough, he continued to cut and cut, cutting off half of the left side of the sleeveless Mage Robe, exposing a small part of his solid Chest. Perhaps thinking that this combined the "elegance" of a Sorceress with the "roughness" of a Blacksmith, containing the Man's highly personalized Charm within a contradictory Temperament, Hratli tied his Long Hair behind his Brain into a very abstract little braid, and flicked it hard. Thus, the new generation of strange Blacksmiths in Kurast was born.
Ugh, seeing the Sorceress's unique effeminate Temperament that couldn't be removed from Hratli's Expression, coupled with that disgusting attire, I couldn't help but feel a chill. I suddenly thought of the muscular big men with thick Body Hair in the Shemale Bar wearing bunny girl outfits, or perhaps wearing oversized magical maiden costumes and shouting loudly, "As long as you remain a virgin until thirty, you can become a Mage!" My stomach immediately churned.
This Blacksmith brother, who looked like the madam of the Shemale Bar, stood outside the Blacksmith's Shop like a poet, with his hands behind his back, looking up into the distance. His Eyes seemed to hold an unspeakable sense of the vicissitudes of life, and even the Air around him became gloomy, causing the Adventurers passing within ten meters of him to shiver. Only the Apprentice inside the Blacksmith's Shop behind him seemed long used to it, calmly swinging his hammer.
"Guest, since you've come, why not come in and see if there's anything good in our shop?"
Just as I was planning to sneak away, Hratli maintained his posture. He suddenly spoke. Damn, he could even spot me like that. You're a master, a true master, your whole family are masters.
Helplessly, I had to stop. I laughed and entered Hratli's Blacksmith's Shop.
"Guest, you're a Druid, right? Take a look at this Crystal Sword. It's definitely an essential Weapon for home travel, killing monsters, and clearing camps!" Hratli said from the side, taking out a Magic Grade Crystal Sword and introducing it with clicking sounds.
I took the Crystal Sword and examined it.
Swift Crystal Sword
One-Hand Damage: 5-15
Durability: -
Required Strength: 43
Sword Class: Increased Attack Speed
10% Increased Attack Speed
Oh, oh. Not bad Stats. The Increased Attack Speed Stat usually only appears on Gold Equipment at least. It seems Hratli really has some skills, and he also knows that our Druid Class pursues Attack Speed more. As a Blacksmith, he is indeed not unqualified.
However, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. This rare-stat Crystal Sword was actually selling for forty-five thousand Gold Coins or thirty Chipped Gems. Damn, this price is quite solid. Initially, I estimated it would sell for at most thirty thousand. The title of "money-grubber" is indeed well-deserved.
"It is indeed a good sword. Unfortunately, I don't need it."
I held it in my hand and weighed it a few times, then handed it back to Hratli, shaking my head. To prevent him from mistakenly thinking I was just a pauper who couldn't afford it and was trying to save Face, I took out my own Gold Grade Crystal Sword and waved it in front of him a few times. The golden glow emanating from the sword body turned Hratli's Eyes golden as well.
"Gulp—"
Hratli's Eyes widened. He swallowed hard. It took him a great effort to swallow the words "How much does this sword sell for?"—Anyone who would sell it to you would be a fool.
Reluctantly watching me put the Gold Grade Crystal Sword back, Hratli somewhat dejectedly put away the Magic Grade Crystal Sword. As long as it was Gold Grade, no matter how junk the Stats were, it couldn't compare to his carefully crafted Magic Grade piece.
After a while, he came out again, dragging a heavy Chest with both hands. Judging from the size and shape of this Chest, it was either a huge Two-Handed Axe or a thick set of Armor.
"I was truly disrespectful just now, taking out such goods to show off. For an Adventurer like you, Lord, only the Shop's Treasure of this shop is presentable."
Strength is Status. Equipment represents Strength to a certain Degree. So, after seeing my Gold Grade Crystal Sword, Hratli's Attitude immediately became several points more respectful. At this time, his Expression was quite confident, seemingly having great Confidence in the Shop's Treasure he mentioned.
Hratli moved the lid on the Wooden Box aside and lifted it. The blue glow revealed from the fine Gauze Cotton covering it immediately made me feel—disappointed. Magic Equipment, huh? If it's Magic Equipment, unless it's an Amulet or Special Item, I really can't be bothered to look at it.
Hratli coughed a few times solemnly, building suspense, before pulling away the Gauze Cotton. Lying quietly inside the Wooden Box, an exquisite, shimmering Armor appeared In Front of me.
"This is..."
My Eyes widened. Graceful curves, a sleek design, full steel armor as thick and hard as a fortress. Just imagining the person wearing it made me feel like it was a mobile fortress. This... could it be the Full Plate Mail?
Don't blame me for making a fuss, because just like how Large Healing Potions can't drop in Rogue Encampment, such High-Level clothes simply can't drop in Lut Gholein. Even in Kurast, clothes of this Level are rarely seen. It would be more normal for them to drop in Harrogath or Harrogath.
"That's right, this is the Full Plate Mail, famous for its low Required Strength and solid Defense. Look, such sturdy steel, such high Defense, yet it only requires 60 Strength Requirement. It's most suitable for a Druid Class like you, Lord."
Seeing my surprised Appearance, Hratli immediately revealed a satisfied smile and introduced it to me loudly.
"It's indeed good. Did you make it? You truly surprise me." I didn't hide my praise. Being able to make something like this in Kurast is indeed commendable.
"Haha, I occasionally forged it a few days ago. I didn't expect the person most suitable for it to come. This is my Luck, and also your Luck, Lord. How about it? Won't you try it on?" Hratli crossed his arms and laughed heartily in a rough manner, yet he didn't forget the humility of a Sorceress. He really managed to balance both.
"Then I won't be polite."
My Eyes showed some eagerness. There was nothing I could do, this Full Plate Mail looked too magnificent. Wearing it would definitely make me look imposing. In my opinion, among all clothes, only High-Level Armor and Ancient Armor could surpass it in Appearance.
With nearly 80 Strength, I easily picked up the Full Plate Mail. Habitually, I first checked the Stats.
Sturdy Spiked Full Plate Mail
Defense: 125
Durability: 48-48
Required Strength: 55
Required Level: 18
+21% Enhanced Defense
Attacker Takes Damage 1
It's still a double-stat Magic Equipment. No wonder Hratli was so confident. I estimate that if it weren't for the reserve of a Sorceress at play, he would have boasted to everyone he met, for fear the world wouldn't know.
I happily put on the Full Plate Mail. My Body immediately felt heavy. I pulled open the Cloak I was wearing outside. At this moment, Hratli thoughtfully brought out a large Mirror from somewhere and placed it In Front of me.
Damn, it's true that clothes make the man. After coming to Diablo, although my Body has been transformed and constantly trained, my Muscle is already as solid as can be, but my Appearance still looks somewhat slender. Now, wearing this set of Full Plate Mail, there's only one word: tall and imposing!
Alright, please forgive the small math error I made. Because I didn't go to kindergarten...
Hratli was also vigorously boasting on the side, saying things like wise and mighty, War God descended. It felt like everything he could think of In One's Head, whether appropriate or not, he had already said it once. Actually, I estimate that even a female Sorceress wearing this set of Armor could look imposing.
Twisting left and right in front of the Mirror, showing off for a while, although the Stats of this Armor weren't outstanding, its advantage was that it looked good. Just wearing it made me look several points more handsome. If I took it back for Lars and Doug to wear, wouldn't they be comparable to the tall and imposing Paladins and armored fortress Barbarians in those Novels?
No, it would be even more show-off.
"Not bad. How much?"
"A grand total of one hundred fifty thousand Gold Coins..."
"..."
I silently took off the Armor and handed it back to Hratli. One hundred fifty thousand Gold Coins, that's enough to buy a decent piece of Gold Equipment. Do you really think I'm a Sucker? With this spare money, I'd rather donate to help children who dropped out of school!
"Wait, Lord, let's talk. Although it is indeed a bit expensive, it is the Shop's Treasure of this shop after all." Hratli quickly stopped me as I was about to leave.
Shop's Treasure? Do you think your shop is some brand name store? Let me tell you, what I hate most are those brands that put a brand name label on something worth twenty or thirty yuan and sell it for ten or twenty times the price.
"Boss, it's not that I don't want to buy it, it's just too expensive. And honestly, I'm not buying it because I'm interested in its Stats," I said, shaking my head.
"Impossible! I don't believe there's any equipment in the entire Kurast with higher Defense than this Armor of mine!" Hratli roared loudly, as if my words had provoked him.
Boss, it's not that higher Defense is always better. And perhaps what you said is indeed true, if it were before I came to Kurast Docks...
Smiling faintly, I held my Main Equipment, the Gold Grade Chain Mail, in my hand and handed it to Hratli.
"This... This is impossible, how could..."
Hratli clearly didn't expect me to have another piece of Golden Equipment, and such High-Level Golden Equipment at that. The Defense of the Chain Mail was only three Levels lower than the Full Plate Mail. It could be said to be mainstream equipment in Kurast. And the Gold Grade Chain Mail, due to its Stats exceeding its Level, had a Defense Level only two levels lower than the Magic Grade Full Plate Mail. Coupled with the Golden Tier Stats, surpassing his Full Plate Mail in Defense, although difficult, was not impossible.
He stared at the Gold Grade Chain Mail with both Eyes and didn't let go, gently stroking it for a while before trembling as he checked the Stats.
Gale's Hidden Chain Mail
Defense: 135
Durability: 45-45
Required Strength: 48
Required Level: 21
5% Faster Hit Recovery
+50% Enhanced Defense
+5 Strength
+3 Dexterity
+10 Life
Cold Resistance +25%
It surpassed it, perfectly adding ten points of Defense, and also had decent other Stats. Excellent Grade. This is an Excellent Grade Gold Grade! Hratli's hands began to tremble. Here, having one piece of Gold Grade Equipment was already considered a High-Level Adventurer. Having two pieces, and one of them being an Excellent Grade Gold Equipment, how should he be called? Who exactly is he? What is the background of his Team? How come he has never heard of such a Powerful Adventurer Team?
Actually, in my opinion, the Stats of this Chain Mail cannot be considered Excellent Grade. And if Hratli knew that I could assemble a whole set of Gold Equipment gear, what would he think?
"How is that possible..."
Hratli kept muttering. Compared to this Chain Mail, his Full Plate Mail was indeed not worth mentioning. No wonder the other party looked down on it.
"That's how it is. So I cannot accept the price of this Full Plate Mail," I said, putting away the Chain Mail and shrugging my shoulders, then turned and left.
"Wait!!"
Hratli, who had come back to his senses, stopped me again. Rubbing his hands together, the Expression on his face already showed a hint of fawning. For a Sorceress who is outwardly humble and polite but inwardly arrogant, it's truly not easy to reveal such an expression.
"Lord, please stay, please stay."
"Is there anything else?"
I looked at Hratli, confused. Does he have another Shop's Treasure?
"No, no, no. I mean, I no longer have anything worthy of you, Lord. But I still want to make a Transaction with you. I wonder if you, Lord, have any other Gold Equipment on hand? No, no, no, I'm not referring to that Chain Mail. Anything is fine, as long as it's Gold Equipment..."
Hratli spoke incoherently. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to buy Gold Equipment. Although there is already Unique Equipment Trading in Kurast Docks, it is very few. And even if there is a Transaction, it is absolutely impossible to sell for money. Want it? Show your Gold Equipment. So, no matter how rich Hratli was, he hasn't managed to get a single piece of Gold Equipment until now.
Buy my Gold Equipment? I looked at Hratli in surprise—Do you really think Gold Equipment can be bought with money in Kurast? However, he really asked the right person. In the entire Kurast, perhaps only I would consider how much Gold Equipment should be sold for.
"Yes, yes, Lord, if possible, please be sure to fulfill this small wish of mine." Hratli saw my hesitant look and nodded like a chick pecking rice.
"Boss, this can no longer be considered a 'small' wish," I joked.
"Hehe..." Hratli scratched his head and smiled foolishly. In the face of the temptation of Gold Equipment, even his shrewd IQ was lowered.
"I do have some useless ones here, but I'm afraid they're too Junk, and you won't be interested in their Stats," I said hesitantly. I have dozens of pieces of Gold Equipment on my Body, and of course, not all of them are Excellent Grade. Junk definitely exists.
"Oh, my god, Junk Gold Equipment? Perhaps only you, Lord, dare to say that," Hratli said with a surprised tone that didn't seem fake.
"Is that so? Alright then, take a look at this."
I searched in my Inventory, feeling a bit puzzled. Although I knew Gold Equipment was indeed very precious, it wasn't precious to this Degree, was it? Could it be that I couldn't keep up with the times? After searching for a while, I finally picked out the most junk piece of Gold Equipment and threw it to Hratli.
Wild Rose Forehead Skull Cap
Defense: 24
Durability: 24-24
Required Strength: 15
Required Level: 12
+30% Enhanced Defense
Cold Resistance +10%
Lightning Resistance +15%
+5 Mana
+5 Life
Replenish Durability 1 point per day
This Skull Cap dropped when I first arrived at Rogue Encampment from Corpsefire. Its Stats can truly be described as neither high nor low. Although it has double Resistance bonuses, they are generally low. The double bonuses to Life and Mana are also pitifully small. Only the slightly higher Defense and Replenish Durability are presentable Advantages.
Hratli, who took the Skull Cap, immediately couldn't move his Eyes away. Perhaps the extremely junk Stats in my eyes were just average for ordinary Adventurers. There was no dissatisfaction in his gaze. After looking at it for a while, he carefully put it away and began discussing the price with me.
"Let's just trade for that Full Plate Mail," I said casually, pointing to the Wooden Box behind him.
"This..."
Hratli's Expression immediately became difficult to look at. Although Gold Equipment was Rare, the value of this Skull Cap was still incomparable to his Full Plate Mail.
"I'm not very good at doing business, so I stick to my word whether I lose or gain. Anyway, I'm not short on Money."
Secretly laughing, seeing his infatuated look just now, I knew this Transaction could definitely be done. I didn't expect that I would also use the bluff of a "brand name" to rip someone off.
"Alright then..." After hesitating for a while, Hratli gritted his teeth and agreed, as if a piece of his heart had been cut out. Although the Shop's Treasure was precious, compared to fulfilling his Gold dream, it was slightly lacking.
"Lord, if you have any Equipment to sell in the future, please be sure to consider this shop first."
Watching me eagerly put away the Full Plate Mail, Hratli said this. It seems he has determined that I am a big equipment owner.
"No problem. As long as you can offer a price that satisfies me." Taking the Three-No Princess, under Hratli's gaze as he watched me leave, I waved my hand from a distance with my back to him.
"Oh, by the way. Little Molly, what level are you?"
Only now did I remember that it was fine that Velas and Sarah hadn't Class Changed yet, but the Three-No Princess had clearly Class Changed long ago, yet I had forgotten to give her Equipment. They are different from Lars and the other two. I don't need to worry about their Adventurer dignity and give them the best Equipment. Even if they resist, it won't work, unless they don't go out for Trials and adventures. This can be considered my little Family dictatorial style.
"22."
The Three-No Princess's veil slightly trembled, uttering a simple yet surprising number that shocked me.
"How is that possible?"
Over a year ago, when I first met the Three-No Princess, she was just a Level 15 Young Mage, while I was a Level 22 Druid. Over a year later, I only leveled up (of course, this was because continuous events took up a lot of time, otherwise it would definitely be more than this Level). But this Little Squirt shot up 7 levels in one go. How did she do it?
"First, Mercenaries require less leveling experience than Class Changers." Seeing my surprised Appearance, the Three-No Princess indifferently stated the first reason.
Indeed, perhaps because the Strength of Mercenaries is a bit weaker, the required leveling experience for Mercenaries of the same Level is much less than that of Class Changers. Alright, I accept this first reason.
"Second, disregarding the Practice of Techniques during the Trial process, using some special methods, this Speed is not surprising."
"..."
I seemed to be convinced again. Adventurers in the First World undergo Trials to hone Techniques, with Level being secondary. If one ignores the honing of Techniques and chooses to rush levels, for example, a team of a dozen Wizards hiring a few Tank Mercenaries, wouldn't that be equivalent to Grinding Monsters? This might allow one to level up from Level 1 to Level 24 in just one year, but what's the use? Training like this will sooner or later lead to a miserable death.
However, the Three-No Princess is an Exception. Her Brain is too Smart. The lack in Techniques caused by Grinding Monsters style leveling can be completely made up for by her computer-like Brain.
"That is to say, when I usually go out for Trials or return to Rogue Encampment, you are training alone?"
She nodded: "Hiring Mercenaries is very simple."
This is how rich people level up. But why is she leveling up so desperately? When I first met her, she clearly showed boredom with leveling. But now... Could it be for...
I gazed seriously at the Three-No Princess's large and beautiful Eyes. For the first time, after looking at me for a few seconds, the Three-No Princess chose to avoid my gaze, gently tilting her head away, avoiding my Line of Sight. I also don't know what color her face under the veil is showing right now.
"Truly a good child, good girl."
I affectionately hugged her tightly, rubbing against her face repeatedly and patting her head repeatedly. This Little Squirt, if you want to follow me, just say it. Why be so shy? It's not like your Personality at all.
"Wuwu~~"
The Three-No Princess, whose face was being rubbed by my stubble, kept making soft whimpering sounds, but she didn't resist. Instead, like a Kitten, she also rubbed slightly. To Passerby, perhaps our intimate Appearance and the Three-No Princess's Appearance of Act Spoiled looked more like father and daughter than lovers. I'm also a bit Confused now. Logically speaking, the Three-No Princess and I have had contact, so the relationship should be more ambiguous. But what's going on with this warm feelings welling up in my heart that is completely without male-female desire? In the Three-No Princess's Eyes, is she playing the role of a lover more, or a Father more?
What, the role of Master? Do you think it's possible? Has your Brain been kicked by a donkey?
"Alright, let me find something for you."
I started searching in my Inventory. Don't look at how much Equipment I have, but good ones that are suitable for the Three-No Princess to wear are not easy to find. Also Sarah and Velas, they are Sorceress-type classes. I only now realized that my preparation seems not quite sufficient. But it doesn't matter, there's about half a year left until Velas and Sarah Class Change, which is enough time for me to prepare. As for the Little Ghost, hmph hmph, Lin Ya's Family has a lot of Priest Equipment, and getting Unique items when her Level is high enough is not a problem. In this regard, I don't need to worry about her at all.
Soon, I found a set of gear suitable for Sorceresses.
Magic Grade Sorceress Class Equipment—Holy Orb, Required Level 15, +1 Warmth, +2 Frost Nova, +5 Mana.
Gold Grade Chest Armor: Defense 99, Required Level 18, Required Strength 30, +32% Enhanced Defense, +10 Vitality, +3 Energy, +9 All Resistances, Replenish Durability 1 point per day, Socketed (1)
White Item Mage Robe—Apprentice's Sorcerer Cloak: Defense 8, Durability -, Required Level 3, +1 to Frozen Armor, +3 Energy, +14 Mana (Actually, this piece was the first Special Item that dropped from Corpsefire when I first arrived at Rogue Encampment. It is very commemorative).
In addition, there were Rings, Necklaces, Boots, Gloves, and Hats. Anything suitable for Sorceresses, the best I could take out from here, I put on the Three-No Princess. I really didn't expect this Little Squirt to be a Mercenary with the highest level Aptitude.