"This skeleton here is Ying Zhu. The plant in my hand is Sylvan. Both of them are my summon and follower."
Sylvan swayed and Ying Zhu put his hand on his chest as a greeting.
"Whistle! What was that? That's so cool!" Rex whistled in amazement.
"Sigh... That entrance was really amazing." Kelvin said.
Astelle shook her head seeing how the two boys act. She then observed Argus's two summons.
'A plant monster? The other one was an undead? But its not leaking any death aura like other undead. Elemental being? That's also unlikely. Probably a mutated undead.' Astelle deduce.
'There are no Unique marks on any part of their body. But I felt dangerous feeling between this two even they hadn't form their core. Special Class summon? To think he had already make contract two Special Class summon within this month. And to think he was casually letting them out. This guy...'
Astelle knows that Argus didn't buy his two summon. She knows that Argus really was in the wild this past week, meaning he had found the two of them on either the wild or on dungeon. Monster found in lower rank dungeon has no soul so it is impossible to tame them. In other words they are fake or artificial monster that was created by dungeon. Boss monster in dungeon was different though as they are real being. They make contract on dungeon. The dungeon would have them power in return the monster need to guard the dungeon. An equal Contract so to say.
Astelle knew that Argus hadn't bought his two summons. She was aware that he had spent the past week in the wild, meaning he must have found them either in the wilderness or within a dungeon. Monsters found in dungeons had no souls, so it was impossible to tame them. In other words, they were either fake or artificial creatures created by the dungeon. Boss monsters in dungeons were different, however, as they were real beings. They made contracts with the dungeon: the dungeon would grant them power, and in return, the monster had to guard the dungeon. An equal contract, so to speak.
"Let's go down."
Astelle was pulled from her thoughts when Argus spoke. The group then descended into the lower levels of the shop.
***
"You have so much free time that you came to visit me?" Vulcan said, shaking his head as he eyed Argus's group. He noticed a new face among them but didn't ask who she was. Seeing this, Argus let out a quiet sigh of relief in his mind. Still, a question popped into his head.
'He can't tell that Astrea is my summon? Is it because he's not using his real powers, or maybe it's due to Astrea's skill? Or maybe he's feigning ignorance?'
Argus wasn't sure if Vulcan was pretending not to notice or genuinely unaware, but either way, he was relieved the old man didn't mention anything about her.
"Are you here to ask me to forge her a weapon? Forget it… I'll be leaving this city by evening. I don't have time for that," Vulcan said bluntly.
"We're not here for that," Argus replied, brushing aside the assumption.
"Old man, what kind of weapon did you forge for us? Why does it feel like it can upgrade on its own, as if…" Argus paused before continuing, "…as if it's a Soul Armament."
That was the same conclusion the others had reached after using the weapons Vulcan had crafted. They had come to confirm so they didn't stopped Argus for being straightforward.
From what they knew, no one in Vesmir could forge a Soul Armament—there were no records or legends of such a feat.
When they realized the possibility, it sent chills down their spines. They had wanted to confront Vulcan right away, but decided to wait for Argus so they could ask him together—which was exactly what they were doing now.
Argus wasted no time and got straight to the point. The atmosphere grew tense. Astelle and the others turned serious, fully aware of what such a revelation could mean. If Argus was right, it could shake the very foundation of the Vesmir World.
Vulcan stared directly into Argus's eyes. Argus met his gaze calmly. Seeing that he was serious, a wide smile suddenly spread across Vulcan's face.
"Bwahahaha!"
Argus's face twitched at the sound of Vulcan's laughter.
"So it isn't, huh? Well, I guess that's to be expected."
Vulcan kept laughing even after hearing Argus's question. After a while, he finally stopped.
"What do you think?" he said with a teasing smile.
Seeing that smirk, Argus rolled his eyes. "If you're not going to answer, then just say so. Why do you always have to act mysterious?"
"Stop that. You're being disrespectful to Mr. Vulcan. We owe him a great debt, and you know it," Astelle cut in.
"Tsk."
Argus clicked his tongue but didn't refute her. He liked the scythe the old man had forged for him. Still, he didn't apologize. Not that Vulcan would care either way. Vulcan just brushed it off.
"I've changed my mind," Vulcan suddenly said.
Astelle and the others perked up, eyes bright with curiosity—except for Argus, who remained calm.
"I'm leaving now."
Astelle, Rex, and Kelvin's expressions turned to disappointment. They had thought Vulcan was about to answer Argus's question. But it seemed Argus had known he wouldn't, so he wasn't too disappointed—just a little.
"I've left some armors and weapons upstairs. If you like any of them, take them."
Vulcan paused, his gaze sweeping over each of them. From Kelvin, to Astelle, to Rex, to Astrea, to Sylvan. He even glanced at Argus's shadow before locking eyes with Argus himself. A wide grin appeared on his face.
"You guys choose an equipment you want. It's my advanced gift for your successful enrollment."
"Is that so?" Rex excitedly said.
"Thank you for you generosity!" Kelvin's eyes also started to twinkle.
Astelle on the other hand bowed slightly as a sign of gratitude. All of them then went above the shop.
"Stay here for a second brat, I have something I forgot to tell you."
Argus brows stayed with Vulcan nonetheless.
"Astrea, Ying Zhu, you also choose an equipment on your own."
"Yes!"
The two also went up. This includes Sylvan on Astrea's hand. After a while Argus looks at Vulcan.
"So what have you forgotten to tell me, oldman?"
***
"He said to choose from this equipments, right? Shall we start looting this place?" A devilish grin spread across Rex's face.
When Kelvin heard that, he grinned back. The two locked eyes and nodded in silent agreement.
Astelle opened her mouth to stop them, but a hand landed on her shoulder. She turned to see her brother, Kelvin, shaking his head. She could only open her mouth in protest, unsure what to say. Argus noticed.
"Fine! But don't break anything while you're at it!"
Hearing this Rex immediately went to search.
***
An hour past but Argus and Vulcan was still below the shop. All of them has already chosen an equipment of their own.
"Why are they taking so long?" Astrea muttered.
"It's probably that important, base on that oldman's personality he wouldn't talk trivial things without us." Rex said after he heard her.
"Still, what do you think are they talking about?" Astelle joined as she was also curious.
"Concern are, we sister?" Kelvin smirk looking at his sister.
Astelle's eyes darkens, "Do you want to be sliced with this sword?" As she holds the hild of her katana.
"I was just joking, calm down." Kelvin said while still smirking.
Astelle saw this as she takes a deep breath to calm herself.
'Why am I getting irritated this easily.'
She mused. Suddenly, as if she realize something.
'Maybe... It's because I still lack training. That's it!'
Is Rex and Kelvin read her mind they would probably shook their heads. Not long after they heard footsteps coming from below.
"It looks like their talk has finished." Rex said.
Astrea's eyes lit up as she immediately approach Argus. He was in a deep thought while following Vulcan because of their talk but when he felt Astrea, Argus put aside what he was thinking.
'I should organize it later, I guess.'
"How do I look, Master?" Astrea asked, wearing a white battle dress she found in the shop. Argus wasn't sure if Vulcan had really forged it, but it adjusted perfectly to her figure.
He stared for a moment, genuinely amazed.
"You look strong… and honestly, beautiful. That dress suits you," he said with a small smile. "And the best part? We don't need to buy you armor for now."
Astrea's tail began wagging as her smile brightened. The two boys nearby leaned closer to whisper.
"Hey, does Argus always do that?"
"Yeah, without even trying. A natural-born humanizer. He didn't need to say that last part though."
They exchanged a knowing nod. Argus just rolled his eyes.