A customer came in, and Karl waved him forward before realizing that it was the man who had commissioned the blades.

Blades that were currently sitting on the counter.

"Well, this is awkward. I was going to make you wait a day for dramatic effect, but I got them finished just a few minutes ago." Karl greeted him.

"Half a day? That is impressive, even if you devoted every minute to improving them. They're a set now? That is an interesting technique. However, the stats on them are crazy. Even if you tried for two separate weapons, this would be beyond what most Epic Weapons could achieve.

That looks like the [Devastate] Epic Grade Skill on them as well. With that and backstab, which grants me bonuses to the first strike, I think that this should be just what I needed."

"The internal damage is also challenging to heal, as many will not realize they have taken it until they try to move. It doesn't leave an external wound, and the strike just needs to land to apply it.

It's one of the few effects that can reliably bypass most basic barriers. However, it doesn't do anything if your strike is parried, and it doesn't bypass damage reduction." Karl explained.

"So, it will damage through an energy barrier?"

Karl nodded. "Most types of them, yes. You can test it if you would like. I will refund you if it isn't satisfactory."

Elder Socrate laughed. "Even without that, it's already worth the price paid. Agility and strength on a scaling weapon with Devastate? That's pushing the limits of luck to get from a standard drop."

"True, and they're exactly the weapon style that I wanted, so I really can't complain. Now, I just need to bond with them, and the base damage should begin to increase. I will return to my rooms, and see you all in a few days, when I come to stock for the next outing."

The moment that the man left, another Ascended Rank Elder of the Clan came in with a suspiciously bright smile on his face.

"Craftsman Karl. Good evening."

Karl nodded politely. "Elder. I suspect that you are not here for alchemical reagents."

"Indeed. I also have a pair of weapons, and a most curious chest plate made of the same materials. It isn't well suited to my frame, but it might fit your wife well."

He placed the three items on the counter, and Karl saw that the chest plate was actually made of tiny interlocking scales. It created a vest more flexible than chain mail, and incredibly light, but solid enough that it would block any sort of attack with decent efficiency.

"Oh, I think that she might like that. It's well suited to her fighting style."

The Elder nodded. "Yes, I watched her match, and her agility is incredible, far beyond most battle mages. So, when I heard that you were able to do these sorts of upgrades, I immediately thought of this piece."

"Very considerate. I like customers who keep my needs in mind. Now, what can I do for you? Do you have a preference for your weapons?"

The Elder sighed dramatically. "Unfortunately, these are not for me. I have an ancient Divine Weapon, a Demigod Ranked blade. These are for my personal disciples, a pair of Paladins."

"Oh, Paladins are perfect. I have quite a few options that are perfect for them. Tell me, are they designated tanks for group outings, thanks to their class?"

"You say that like Paladins have a choice. They're the tanks for boss fights, the champion designate for access challenges, and the guardian for clueless newbies that we have an interest in keeping alive."

Karl smiled, and the Elder winked at him. "Folks like you and your Dana Mage. Or those brats from the Academy. Their parents get all huffy if they get wounded, like being born here makes the world less dangerous for them."

"Alright, if they're defenders in the broadest sense, I will specialize their weapons for the purpose.

I have been informed that most people don't go out fully armoured here, so putting defensive skills on the weapons shouldn't be too outlandish."

The Elder looked curious. "What do you usually wear in your mortal world to go travelling?"

Karl shrugged and activated [Bestial Raiment] to equip a set of armour.

"That is impressive, I will give it that much. An Epic Grade Immortal Rank armour set. Or is that a skill? But the moment that anyone saw you, they'd assume that you were there to cause carnage, and they would team up against you.

Have you ever heard of the concept of playing the pig to kill the tiger?"

Karl shook his head. "Not the saying, but I think I get the idea. Make yourself look like prey, then slaughter them when they least expect it."

The Elder smiled. "Not usually that bloodthirsty, but yes. Though they don't restrain their aura, everyone puts on their friendliest expressions, and dresses well, but not too well. It makes everyone else guess what their intentions are, and just how well equipped they are."

Rae liked this man, he understood how the world worked.

Karl thought about reminding her that she was not exactly subtle about her appearance. But she did apply the standard to the equipment that she made for everyone else, so Rae did at least understand the concept.

She just didn't agree with following it for herself.

"The two theories of success. Stealth or Heavy Stealth." Karl joked, relaying Rae's thoughts to the Elder.

"Heavy stealth?"

"If there are no survivors, you were not detected."

The Elder's laughter made a few of the Alchemists look out from their rooms on the upper floors. That sort of loud laughter rarely ended well for whoever it was directed at. But this time it sounded genuinely amused.

Karl stared at the pair of swords, and began to sketch ideas for the Paladins.

"What do you think about giving the blades something like [Blessed Item] to buff a [Consecrated Ground] effect? For Paladins, that's the all-in-one super ability. But on a sword, it can be effectively passive when you're in combat.

If I just add some bonus damage and life leech to it, that gives them everything that they could possibly ask for, all in one spot."

"What is [Consecrated Ground]? I'm not familiar with the effect."

Karl took out a copy of the skill book that had been made to bribe clerics and Paladins with. It was both Thor and Tessa's favourite spell, after all.

{Consecrated Ground} Epic Grade Holy Defensive ability. Reduces damage taken by 30%. Increases all damage done by Holy attacks by 30%. Deals constant holy damage to targets in range.

"Oh, now we're talking."

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