Porto looked confused by John's initial, sweeping request for "lots of swords."
"Does master have a specific sword in mind?" Porto asked.
John smiled, realizing the armorer had taken him literally. "It was just a joke, Mr. Porto. Show me your best short swords or knives." John had quickly concluded that speed was more important than the crushing force of a claymore.
"Follow me, young master," Porto replied, happy to oblige.
While Porto was leading John to the short sword and knives section, they bypassed all kinds of formidable weapons, including spears, maces, and massive shields. Then, while they were walking by a cabinet full of flasks and vials, something caught John's eye. He saw a flask full of a thick, viscous yellow liquid.
"Porto, wait up. What is this yellow substance?" John asked, pointing.
Porto carefully picked up the flask with the yellow substance. "This is poison from the Silvereye Spider, Master. This particular formula causes paralysis that would last up to eight or more hours for a normal human being."
John was astonished at how effective this poison was. "Does this poison also work on vampires, Mr. Porto?"
"Yes, Master. This poison works on vampires but would probably last up to four hours at most, depending on the vampire's strength and how potent the specific spider is, as not all Silvereye spiders' poison are the same."
"Damn, Porto, you know a lot. Let's get going to the knives section."
When they got to the knives section, John was looking through all the blades, but none immediately caught his eye.
"If I pick a knife, can I keep it, Porto?"
"Yes, Young Master," Porto replied.
John then thought for a moment. He lacked the expertise to pick the best quality. "Then I want one dagger and one knife. I don't know a lot about knives and daggers, but I want you to pick for me. I trust your judgment."
Porto could not believe what John said; being entrusted with such an important task by a member of the Crimson family made him feel immense pride. "It would be an honor to choose the young master's weapons."
Porto then expertly selected a set. He picked a dagger with a red hilt, a small crossguard, a pointed end, and both sides sharpened for maximum cutting and thrusting utility. Next, he gave John a handsome fixed-blade knife with a comfortable leather handle and a simple guard.
"Wow, Porto, this knife and dagger looks awesome. I'm finna cut somebody," John exclaimed, gripping the dagger.
"Please be careful, Young Master, those weapons are truly sharp," Porto said, chuckling nervously at John's excitement.
"I know, Porto, don't even worry 'bout it. Also, do you maybe have a small brush that I can use?"
"Here, Young Master." Porto quickly handed John a small, clean brush used for detailing weapon handles.
John then carefully opened the flask with the Silvereye Spider poison. He dipped the brush into the thick yellow liquid and meticulously coated the dagger's blade.
"Why are you smearing the poison on the dagger, if Young Master doesn't mind me asking?" Porto asked, watching with curiosity and a little apprehension.
John giggled. "For emergencies, Porto. You never know what might happen." After coating the dagger with poison, John sheathed the dagger, being careful not to touch the poisoned blade, and stored both the dagger and the clean fixed-blade knife safely in his storage ring.
After leaving the weapon room, John headed for his room to rest a little when he heard someone call his name.
"Hello, John."
When John turned his head, a beautiful woman was standing behind him with long black hair tied neatly into a bun, wearing elegant, traditional clothing.
"Hello, Miss. Who might you be?"
"My name is Reina. I am the wife of Zeno. Nice to meet you, John."