The things I obtained by [Reversing] junk weren't limited to potions alone.
Weapons and armor, too. After reversing them,
Dark Steel
swords and
Light Armor
was what some of them became.
However, perhaps because their previous owners had been bigger, they were all too large for me.
So I went to the blacksmith and asked him to reforge them to fit my size.
That set me back ten gold coins.
But man, a full set of Dark Steel equipment just looks so cool.
In my past life, I'd definitely get labeled an edgelord for this, but in this world there are adventurers walking around in flashy golden armor all the time, so it doesn't really stand out.
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After buying a few things I needed, my money had run a bit low, so I stopped by the Commerce Guild to have them buy back some more Elixirs.
"Huh? You can't buy them back?"
"I'm terribly sorry, Lord Alan."
When I approached the buy-back counter, the receptionist noticed me and immediately contacted the Guild Master, and I was summoned to the Guild Master's office.
And this is what I walked into.
"Um, why is that...?"
"Well, it's... an adult matter, so to speak. Lord Alan — haven't you previously brought Elixirs to the Rest Company and then had the buy-back cancelled?"
I had heard of it, but could it really be...? Could it possibly be...?
"The Guild's largest member pays a substantial fee to the Rest Company. And moreover, they are... on close terms with Baron Momentum."
Ah, so that's how it is.
So the Company knew all along that those were Elixirs.
"...I understand. Then I'll return the Guild Card as well. It would only cause you trouble if I held onto it."
"A wise decision. I had hoped, if possible, to continue our transactions and build a good relationship, but..."
"You bought from me without gouging me, even though you had no idea who I was or where I came from. You never asked how I obtained any of it. I was grateful for that. Staying here much longer probably isn't good for either of us. Well, then—take care."
If I didn't cut ties with him here, the people at the Commercial Guild would end up in a difficult position.
And having a lord backing me would only make things worse.
Well, one way or another, it would probably work out.
◇◇◇
"Huh? You can't make black steel equipment anymore?"
When I went to the smithy where I'd left my equipment, the owner greeted me with a sheepish look.
"Sorry about this, but someone said the gear you brought in might be stolen goods. The Rest Company said they'd look into it, so they took it away."
The Rest Company again.
I won't let this slide.
But setting that aside—
"Then please return the money I paid in advance."
"Same deal—they took that too, citing the same reason. Sorry, man. You picked a really bad time to be doing business."
Seriously? You've gotta be kidding me.
I inadvertently let out a burst of killing intent at the shopkeeper in front of me.
"Hiii, kid, c-could you dial back that killing intent?! I can't breathe!"
Oops, I accidentally scattered a bit more coercive pressure than intended.
The shopkeeper, the staff on hand, and even the other customers were either frozen in place, trembling with ashen faces, or had outright fainted.
Realizing that these people were, in a sense, innocent victims—some of them having nothing to do with anything—I relented and withdrew my pressure.
Then I left two gold coins on the counter as compensation and walked out of the blacksmith's shop.
◇◇◇
When I returned to the inn I was currently staying at, the front desk told me to leave immediately.
They said they'd refund my money.
Yeah, yeah, I get it.
A three-hit combo of harassment, huh?
I was too sick of hearing their excuses to bother, so I left without a word.
Of course, every other inn turned me away as well. The only place left was a ramshackle dump that could barely be called an inn, situated near the pleasure district.
It was the kind of room that practically screamed, "Hey, at least it's got a roof, walls, and a floor."
It was picking a fight with the very concept of what an inn should be.
At this point you'd wonder whether sleeping outdoors would be better, but at least it was within the city walls, so I wouldn't have to worry about monsters.
And then I got attacked by a person.
While I was sleeping, I sensed a faint killing intent and jolted awake to find a man dressed in black raising a dagger aimed straight at my heart.
I rolled to the side to dodge, then gave chase as the man realized his assassination had failed and tried to flee.
Just as he ducked into a dark alley, I launched a flash of sword energy aimed at his waist.
His left foot was cleanly severed, and he toppled over.
"Now then — why don't you tell me who sent you?"
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Skills: [Reverse][Divine Eye][Sword God]
Thank you as always for reading!