Hulio's mouth opened to speak but no words came out, his expression bewildered, the situation bizarre.
"The tier 4 Cursed beast, we're here for it.
With your sword our chances of surviving the encounter and killing it will massively increase."
Balake wanted to continue speaking but he noticed Hulio's forehead scrunch up.
"What tier 4 beast?"
Balake was taken aback but looking at the blade in his hand quickly understood.
"You must have been working in the forge the past days.
Three days ago, news leaked that a tier 4 cursed beast was spotted in the Black Plains.
The information has caused a stir throughout the region and several warriors have already set out to capture it. There are reports of heavy casualties and multiple deaths."
"So that's why they're here," Hulio muttered within.
To reach the Black Plain, for those coming from the west and North, Riverest was on the way, serving as a border town into the bad lands.
"The fortress hasn't dealt with it yet?"
Though cursed beasts were the lowest ranked beasts, one at tier 4 was still a force which could wipe out a town and cause massive destruction in a city.
After the border towns, much closer to the badlands, a place occupied by beasts, fortresses had been built, Knights of the Empire stationed there.
For the appearance of a tier 4 beast, the knights should have made a move.
"No, and warriors are using the opportunity to get it for themselves."
Balake was clearly one of the greedy warriors and Hulio didn't blame him, the profits to be made from killing a tier 4 cursed beast was significant.
Hulio's gaze subtly strayed to the other three members of his team who had moved closer and were now staring suspiciously at the weapon in their leader's hand.
Balake looked quite capable but he wasn't sure of the others, it would be a shame for the world to lose the two beauties.
"To be honest, I had come here hoping your father to have advanced and crafted a mortal grade weapon.
I never expected to meet this."
"Be that as it may," Hulio shook his head, "I can't sell you that sword.
Wait and I'll forge you another one."
"Like I said, I can't, the tier 4 beast isn't a prize that would just sit waiting.
Whomever kills it first, claims it, I need to be that person."
The desperation from Balake surprised Hulio as while a tier 4 cursed beast would bring a windfall, he had studied the man and his team, clashing with the beast shouldn't be so important to him.
From their armor, the silk dresses of the women who had come in, he could say that they were at least wealthy.
Also seeing that this was not his first time in Reverest, there was a big chance that he was coming from the regional capital which was to the west.
Hulio went into thought and the answer clicked.
"You're hoping to break through?"
Balake's mouth slightly opened in surprise and with a sigh he nodded.
Given that he had not been knighted, it was clear the man was still at the awakened stage and considering his age, Hulio could imagine the frustration in his heart.
Hulio was about to give his condolence and ascertain his stance on maintaining ownership of his weapon, but Balake spoke first, placing the weapon on the counter.
"I understand the value this weapon holds to you but you just now spoke about being a blacksmith and being true to your profession.
But by denying me this weapon, aren't you denying the blade the chance to fulfill its rightful purpose.
Instead wishing to preserve it as a trophy."