The Greatest Sinner

"А?"

Sitreg was surprised at Evan's words. He wasn't interested in the money, but he was getting pretty fed up with the daily grind. Moreover, he wanted to remove the smug smile from Evan's face and teach him a lesson. So, after a little deliberation, Sitreg, though with difficulty, agreed.

"All right, brat, have it your way. Tell me your idea, but if I don't like it, you'll do whatever I say for the next three months."

Evan nodded and headed for the anvil. Of course, Sitreg could have fooled Evan by saying that his idea wasn't interesting at all. Evan was well aware of that, but he was sure that wouldn't happen.

If Evan's idea sparks interest in Sitreg, then the blacksmith won`t want to pass up such a chance for the sake of not having to do the chore for a few months. Naturally, Evan was taking a big risk, for if he lost, he wouldn't even be able to go to the Mage Academy. Nevertheless, he was a hundred percent sure of his idea. There wasn't a shadow of doubt on his face, just a determined look and a cocky smile.

"Well then listen old man, you won't be disappointed I assure you"

...

"Yeah, boy... what demons you have in your head, how did you even manage to think of such a thing. I guess this generation isn't completely lost yet." Sitreg said thoughtfully, pondering Evan's words in passing.

Hearing what kind of weapon the young man wanted, Sitreg forgot all about their argument and thought only of how he could forge one.

"Old man, you better tell me, can you do it?" Evan asked calmly.

Sitreg nodded and muttered slowly: "Yeah, I think I can, but I don't have the materials. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I've been living in this crumbling forge for the past few years and haven't forged anything worthy. I have nothing but the cheapest iron, and even that is running out."

This was a serious problem for Sitreg. After all, without the right materials it`s impossible to make decent weapons, but he had no money for them.

"Don't worry, old man, I'll buy everything, just tell me what you need and in a couple of hours and it'll all be here." Evan said confidently.

In response, Sitreg looked at him thoughtfully and asked: "Kid, how much money do you have? The materials for quality weapons are very expensive."

Evan answered quickly, "Practically five hundred gold coins, you don't have to worry about money."

Sitreg looked at Evan with disbelief and said grudgingly: "Boy, don`t talk such nonsense. You have an interesting idea, but you don't seem to have any idea how much money you`ve just named."

Sitreg did not take Evan's words seriously. In his opinion, Evan was talking nonsense.

Evan said nothing and simply took a black card with a gold border out of his pocket and showed it to the old man. Sitreg's eyes went wide with surprise, and he muttered uncertainly: "Kid, so, you're a magician...but why are you asking me to make a regular weapon and not the Catalyst"?

"I don't need it, I need what I`ve told you. The weapon must fit the wearer both in appearance and in spirit, that's even more important than its characteristics." Evan said calmly.

Sitreg should have named Evan the necessary materials, but for some reason he was silent. Moreover, it was evident that Sitreg had doubts about something.

"Hey, Old Man, have you fallen asleep?"

After Evan's words, Sitreg came out of his musings and said: "Kid, I think you know very well that the better the materials, the better the quality of the weapon."

Evan nodded in response.

"I didn't expect you to have so much money. It really shouldn't be too hard to buy everything you need for your order. Still, that doesn't mean it can't be done better."

"What are you talking about, Old Man?" Evan asked seriously.

Sitreg sighed and said slowly: "As far as I know, tomorrow there's going to be an auction in Mossy Vulture. There will be many interesting things for sale, including materials."

"So, you want me to participate in the auction and buy some rare material?"

"That's right, but five hundred gold coins probably won't be enough. You'll need to buy the "Cave Troll Crystal" and the "Horn of the Sacred Deer". These are very expensive materials, but their quality is beyond praise. There's hardly anything better in Mossy Vulture."

Sitreg's voice was dejected, for he was well aware that Evan had no money for such things. The old man really wanted to work with such materials and create a true masterpiece, but his options were limited.

Evan also understood the difficulty. However, unlike Sitreg, he was not going to pass up such a rare opportunity.

"Old man, maybe I can get some more money. Tell me what you need to buy and get ready in the meantime."

Evan himself only had the five hundred gold coins Marcel had given him. Nevertheless, he was sure that if he asked Zak for some money, he would not be refused.

Sitreg wanted to argue something, but when he saw Evan's confident look he decided to believe him. Then the blacksmith began to list the materials needed for the weapon.

"Well, that's all we need. If it doesn't work out with the auction, don't worry, I can make a decent weapon out of these materials either."

Evan smirked in response: "You shouldn't hope for the worst, you should aim high no matter what. Speaking of which, old man, I see you're pretty good with rare materials."

"Well... I really know the names of some rare things." Sitreg quickly replied.

Evan smiled and reached into his pocket.

The next second he had a square wooden case in his hand, the reward for winning the fight against Fien that Marcel had given him.

Click.

The young man opened it carefully and showed the contents to Sitreg.

"Do you think you can use this in making my weapon?"

"Hmm, not bad kid, not bad. Let's see what comes out of it. However, if I add this component it will take longer to make." Said Sitreg looking at the thing in the case.

"That's not a problem. Then, I'm off to get the materials, I'll be back in a couple of hours." After these words Evan quickly left the forge and headed for the nearest gun store.

Sitreg didn't say anything back. The blacksmith closed the case Evan had left him and put it aside. Sitreg looked around and muttered quietly: "Eh, it's time to tidy up this totally unworkable place."