Chapter 213: The Gambling Shop - Who Loses, Who Wins? (Part 1)
Seeing a customer arrive, the Old Man and the Old Dog simultaneously narrowed their eyes. An intimidating gleam seemed to flash past, truly worthy of being called Experts. Perhaps even that Old Dog had hidden depths. This further strengthened my inner thoughts.
"Old Man, what kind of things do you sell here?"
I asked with a hint of respect in my Tone.
"Humph, young man, that's a very good question."
The Old Man, who seemed to be an Expert, started laughing mysteriously. Even the Old Dog lying beside him grinned widely, revealing a set of teeth worn down by time.
"On the surface, this is just an ordinary, dilapidated small shop selling Books and ceramics, but in reality..."
As he spoke, his expression suddenly became solemn, and his Voice lowered even more.
"In reality...?"
I swallowed dryly, my mouth feeling parched. My heart was as nervous as the moment before an Opponent reveals their hand in poker. I involuntarily followed his pace and said.
"In reality, this is actually a super shop selling Ancient Equipment and Divine Artifacts!"
The Old Man, who had been lying on the Chair, suddenly glared with wide eyes, threw away the Cane in his hand, and stood up with a 'whoosh', looking imposing. His posture was straight and sturdy, his eyes piercing, and his Tone resonant and powerful. In an instant, he seemed to transform into a colossal deity, tall and mighty, making one unable to help but believe the words he spoke.
"Awoo!"
The Old Dog had also wanted to stand up with its Master and howl at the sky. But before its legs could straighten, it was hit on the head by the Cane the Old Man casually threw away. After letting out a mournful cry, it fell back down, its head tilted. Its tongue hung out long, and it was unsure if it was dead or alive.
"Ancient Equipment? Divine Artifacts?..."
I wiped the drool from the Corner of my mouth. Countless images flashed through my mind in an instant. Sword of Promised Victory? Armor of Infinite Protection? Crown of Eternal Life? Nine Yin Manual? God Creation Art? Three Thousand Six Hundred Transmigration Schemes? Otherworld Guide? How to Become a Man Favored by Beauties? Teach You How to Instantly Become the Protagonist of a Harem Novel?...
"Old Man, please be sure to take me along! To Save this Act and maintain Dark Peace, I need a world-shaking and ghost-weeping Divine Artifact."
I straightened my back and said with a solemn expression.
"Originally, I wouldn't casually let people into this small shop, but last night I observed the stars and suddenly discovered a heavenly phenomenon. With a Finger Calculation, I knew that a distinguished guest would visit today, so I opened the shop early to welcome them. Unexpectedly, it was you, young man. I observe that you have a Full Forehead, extraordinary bone structure, and Wide and Solid Meridians. I can tell at a glance that you are a promising talent. Having searched throughout the entire Dark Continent, only you are worthy of the things in my shop. It seems the Peace of the Dark Continent is just around the corner."
The Old Man turned his head and looked at me with a Gaze as sharp as a hawk's.
"Could it be that Master is also proficient in Astrology?"
I was greatly surprised. Even Akara could only make Prophecies with the Strength of the Great Eye. At this moment, the Image of the Old Man before my eyes instantly grew infinitely taller. He was like a great sage with a white beard fluttering in the wind, leaning on a Cane and standing on the peak of a Cliff with fierce winds, guiding the path forward for Humans. Even the broken slipper with one strap he wore on his skinny thighs covered in leg hair, revealed below his plaid shorts similar to beach shorts, seemed so Holy and unfathomable.
"Humph. Merely an amateur hobby, not worth mentioning."
Leaving this remark, he left me with an aloof Back View full of Vicissitudes and ducked into the dark House. I quickly followed.
This was a dark and dry Small Wooden Cabin. Entering from under the blazing Sun outside, I couldn't help but feel dizzy. It took a while to adapt.
The House was relatively narrow. Even Lysander's dilapidated shop was much more spacious than this. The ground was faintly covered with a thin layer of Dust, especially in the Corners. Incomplete Spider Webs were everywhere. It could be seen that this small shop not only lacked tidiness but also hadn't been visited by anyone for a long time.
After my eyes adapted to the environment inside, I was startled to discover that this small House was actually filled with Weapon Racks, display cabinets, and other displays for Weapons and Equipment. On them were Flying Knives, Daggers, Short Swords, Maces, Greatswords, Spears, Great Axes, large and small Shields, various kinds of Gloves, Boots, Belts, Armor, and Helmets—everything imaginable. Some were even High-Level Equipment that couldn't drop in Lut Gholein. Looking closely again, an inconspicuous small Box actually also contained two Rings and a Necklace. These Weapons and Equipment were piled together without order, making the entire dark House look even narrower, like a messy woodshed.
"What's going on with these Weapons and Equipment...?"
I murmured, Incredulous. According to common sense, as long as the Durability doesn't reach zero, Equipment can never wear out. But these rusty, dirty, and broken Equipment, as if just picked out from a pile of Junk, undoubtedly gave me a great Shock. The already faded Blood and stiff, sharp scratches on them—every mark was a story, as if constantly narrating its owner's History.
"These are the things I was talking about. Very surprised, aren't you? Don't worry, listen carefully."
The Old Man stroked the stubble on his Chin, less than an inch long, shook his head, and sighed as he spoke.
Thousands of years ago, the Desert near Lut Gholein was once a large Battlefield. The Degree of intensity of the War here was not inferior in the slightest to the Blood Moor, said to be piled up with Blood. Countless brave Warriors and heroic and moving Heroes fell on this Desert, and the Weapons and Equipment they used were also buried together in this sand and dust.
But Lut Gholein is not like the Blood Moor. The constant wind and sand often cause Equipment deeply buried under the sand to be revealed. These Equipment and Weapons, after thousands of years of corrosion, have long become tattered and incomplete. Even their original Attributes were Sealed by Time. However, through continuous exploration and research, people were finally able to use special methods to make this Equipment, buried by History, regain its Glow. Of course, not all of them. Some whose age is too ancient and have been completely corroded, even if restored, are just a pile of scrap metal.
"Even the sharpest Weapon, the sturdiest Armor, cannot withstand the ravages of time. The so-called Indestructible is only relative. Even the Divine Artifact Azurewrath, created by the Angelic Race, the Holy Sword known as the Demon Slayer, didn't it also fall Dejected under the continuous battles in Hell?"
The Old Man sighed deeply and continued speaking.
"Among these Equipment, perhaps there are Divine Artifacts, or perhaps they are just a pile of scrap metal. They have been buried under the cold Desert Underground for thousands of years. Their former Strength has long been Sealed by Time. But they are still quietly waiting for a new Master to reawaken their Glory. Young man, if you are truly the one they have chosen, the Savior of Destiny, then please calm your Heart. Listen carefully to their stories. Follow their Summon."
As if gone mad, he gesticulated wildly, raising his hands high. A Fanaticism Expression appeared on his face...
From the moment the Old Man said he could make these so-called "Ancient Equipment" regain their Glow, I had roughly guessed that this should be the Gambling Shop from the Game, just presented with a more realistic and fitting Statement. Thinking of this, my heated mind somewhat sobered up. In my Memory, when gambling in Diablo, I almost never got anything good. Occasionally, a few pieces of Golden Equipment, but their Attributes were as Junk as could be, let alone Unique and Set Items. Combined with the gambling probabilities published by others, I no longer held any illusions about my luck.
What's more, I had already remembered the Old Man's Name. Wasn't he the cunning Mouse Aegis, often muttered by that strange Old Man Lysander? Although Lysander's words weren't very credible, they also somewhat woke up my Spirit.
Unfortunately, this state lasted less than a few seconds. Soon, my illusions were reignited by Aegis's Tone, full of Vicissitudes and passion. Yes, this wasn't a Game. Why should I cling to my past embarrassing History? After all, I also Transmigrated here, so I'm somewhat different. Maybe those Divine Artifacts, driven by Curiosity, would vie to choose me? Which one should I choose then? Choose all of them? That's not good. I must leave a little bit for those who come after, fully displaying the demeanor of a Senior.
Thinking of this, Divine Swords, Sacred Armor, Treasure Crowns, Martial Arts, and Cultivation Manuals flashed through my eyes one by one again, then turned into blazing flames. I felt my Blood was completely boiling.
Usually at this time, according to typical settings... I closed my eyes, carefully recalled for a moment, then suddenly opened them. I only felt a sharp gleam flash past. At this moment, I felt that I had successfully activated Protagonist Mode. Divine Artifacts were waving at me. My Gaze didn't linger at all on the relatively good-looking Equipment in the Weapon Racks and display cabinets. Instead, I focused on the Equipment piled messily in the Corners, especially those places covered in Dust and full of Spider Webs.
My Gaze darted among the various Corners. Suddenly, my Heart felt as if struck by a Lightning bolt. I stood there blankly, unmoving. My Gaze stopped in the depths of a Corner and couldn't move away anymore. What's going on? I pressed my Heart, breathing rapidly. It felt as if it had Life, this feeling of Resonance, like a blood connection.
Can't be wrong! This is what I have always had Expectation for, the Weapon most suitable for me, the King's Sword!!
My Gaze became incredibly firm In an instant. I pointed at the Two-Handed Sword hidden among the Swords, proudly looking down upon the entire Earth.
"I want this one."
"How... how is that possible?" Almost as soon as my words fell, the Old Man also cried out in surprise, looking extremely Shocked.
"Having run the shop for over thirty years, this Sword has been placed there from the very beginning. For many years, its Companions changed batch after batch, but only it, as if transparent, has never been noticed by Adventurers. One time I was truly filled with Curiosity and couldn't help but point at this Sword that I had deliberately placed in the most conspicuous spot and asked others, 'Why didn't you choose that Sword?' But the answer I got Shocked me—'Sword? Where did the Sword come from? Aren't all the things placed there Axes? Boss, you sure know how to Joke!' I was extremely surprised, so I repeatedly asked the same question to each Guest, but got the same answer. Also because of my constant questioning, In the end, everyone gave me another nickname. That. Is.—Ask! Sword! Old! Man!"
The Old Man sighed deeply, infinitely desolate.
"Finally, I confirmed that except for me, unexpectedly no one could see this Sword. Many years have passed, and it has also gradually been buried inside, never seeing the light of day. And now, young man, you have truly given me too many surprises! It seems all of this is the guidance of Destiny, the favor of God!!"
"Is that so? It's not that exaggerated, although I feel that in some aspects I am indeed quite different." I coughed a few times awkwardly and replied humbly.
"It seems my painstaking divination last night was indeed not in vain. This Sword unexpectedly chose you, so there must be a Principle behind it. As its guardian, to be able to personally see it see the light of day again, there is nothing happier than this Matter! Young man, I'm in a good Mood today, so I'll give you a 25% discount and round down the change. Cash on delivery, you only need 4000 Gold Coin to own a Sword of novel style, good quality, and low price. Don't hesitate, act now! What are you waiting for?"
"Oh... oh..., okay."
Amidst Aegis's terrifying Presence that pressed closer step by step, I blankly counted out two Chipped Gems and nearly 1000 Gold Coin and handed them over. However, I always feel like these lines are a bit familiar. Is it an illusion?
While taking the Gold Coin and Diamond, Aegis quickly grabbed the Two-Handed Sword and shoved it over, seemingly muttering supplementary remarks like "cash on delivery, payment and delivery complete, not responsible."
"This is a special Potion. Just pour it on the Sword, and it will naturally regain its former Glow." After handing me a bottle of unknown White liquid, Aegis then busied himself with counting the Gold Coin.
Following Aegis's method, I impatiently poured the liquid from the Bottle onto the Sword. Wherever the liquid flowed, the Blade immediately flashed with White Radiant Light. The remaining rust fell off one after another, and the notches also gradually repaired completely. Soon it was no different from a brand new Two-Handed Sword.
However, there seemed to be no Glow. Could this be the so-called returning to simplicity? Suppressing the Doubt in my Heart, I quickly widened my eyes and examined its Attributes.
Abandoned Two-Handed Sword
One-Hand Damage: 0-5
Two-Handed Damage: 3-9
Durability: 1-1
Required Strength: 35
Required Dexterity: 27