Chapter 8, Morning Star

To speak frankly, the items sold by Rog are all high-quality products, and they are worth the price. The main profit comes from acquiring the spoils of adventurers at a low price. For instance, this time, that piece of starlit gold mine is a priceless treasure, far beyond the measure of over a hundred thousand gold coins. That bag of magical silver is worth about ten thousand gold coins, and the magical beasts are also worth more than ten thousand gold coins. Moreover, there are other unknown metals and that inexplicable red feather. Intuition tells Rog that the more mysterious the item, the more valuable it often is.

The dwarf Jin, however, did not agree: "This won't do! The chainmail should be wrapped with high-quality steel wire! The most important aspect of armor is protection! Protection! I do not want to ruin my reputation!"

Farlburg is located over 700 miles from the royal capital of Rhine City, making it a large city with a population of 200,000. Due to its strategically significant position, it serves as a secondary military stronghold on the western border of the Rhine Alliance, while also playing a role in preventing the creatures from the Demon Realm Forest from invading the fertile Pas Plain.

At Rog's request, each piece of armor was infused with a touch of magic silver, and Feis once again cast a simple illumination spell upon it. This time, the entire armor began to exhibit a translucent light blue hue, with magical symbols formed by the magic silver radiating a brilliant blue light

Women caught in the desire to shop have lost all reason. Fortunately, although these adventurers possess considerable strength, their ability to discern value is lacking. Rog, sweating profusely, with his flesh quivering (it is unclear when it started, but all of Rog's excess flesh can now shake at will), appeared to be in great pain as he gradually negotiated the price down. After adding two sets of half-armor, four long swords, and thirty armor-piercing arrows, this transaction was finally completed, and the red feather became Rog's trophy.

I am pleased to meet you again, I am Ophirok von William

The knight in dark green armor is Kate, and that armor is the black elf knight's half-armor, which he has taken great pride in for a long time. It was crafted after being soaked in the blood of black elves and enhanced with shield magic, providing excellent defensive capabilities, particularly effective against dark-type spells. After arriving at Falburg, Lord Wennington, the commander of the knight order, took great care of him and allowed him to lead a guerrilla cavalry squad. A squad of Falburg guerrilla cavalry consists of fifty to sixty cavalrymen, while originally, as the captain of the Kate squad, he could lead at most twenty cavalrymen. The guerrilla cavalry is positioned between heavy cavalry and light cavalry, typically wearing half-armor and often wielding poleaxes that are suitable for both stabbing and slashing, hence they are also commonly referred to as poleaxe cavalry. The guerrilla cavalry generally patrols around three hundred miles from Falburg, and each deployment requires them to survive independently in the wilderness for about a week. When encountering small groups of thieves or magical beasts during patrols, they gather to eliminate them, but if they encounter a large enemy force, they return to the fortress to report. However, Falburg has not faced any military conflict for decades, and the guerrilla cavalry has increasingly become a form of training for the cavalry.

Rogge had just put on his professional smile and was preparing to greet them when the leader of the group removed his hooded robe, revealing a head of golden hair that illuminated the entire room. His smile was as radiant as the sun after a rainstorm, and its brilliance even stung Rogge's eyes.

The afternoon sun lazily shone upon the gently flowing Pass River, casting a shimmering layer of golden scales over the broad river surface. A squad of brightly armored axe and spear knights was leisurely patrolling along the riverbank, with the leading knight clad in dark green breastplate, while the others wore the standard beige breastplates of the Falburg Knight Order.

The blue dragon's blood dripped onto the prepared armor plates, quickly absorbed by the entire plate like a sponge soaking up water. Consequently, the armor plates transformed, glowing with a faint blue luminescence. Rog took the armor plate and threw it back into the magical flames. After all the armor plates had been processed, Fes began to chant a spell directed at the magical flames, gradually forming a pair of light blue wind wings that flew towards the flames. The wind wings began to circle around the magical flames, spinning faster and faster, and with a loud "boom," the flames surged like a tide. A flash of white light appeared on the ceiling, and a barrier blocked the eruption of the magical flames. After all the armor plates had been processed, Fes chanted a spell directed at the magical flames, and a pair of light blue wind wings gradually formed, flying towards the flames. The wind wings circled around the magical flames, spinning faster and faster, and with a loud "boom," the flames surged like a tide. A flash of white light appeared on the ceiling, and a barrier blocked the eruption of the magical flames. The firestorm came quickly and left just as swiftly, disappearing in the blink of an eye, leaving a few blue armor plates on the ground. After integrating this wind magic, the weight of the entire armor plate was reduced by 60% due to the constant support of wind magic energy.

Rog and his companions had long adapted to life in Falburg, meaning they had familiarized themselves with the local entertainment venues and taverns. This inevitably involved some skirmishes with adventurers and mercenaries. Aside from Lord Trist, they were not afraid of offending anyone, thanks to their backing from Wellington. In business, several high-quality magical items were sold, particularly after a certain duke's younger son purchased the blue crystal armor for 10,000 gold coins, which quickly elevated the reputation of the "War God's Hammer." Observing that the dwarves were rather idle, Rog even pressured and tempted them to forge some non-magical equipment for sale. The dwarves' craftsmanship was naturally of the highest quality, and each batch of goods was sold out immediately.

Feis carefully used a pair of iron pliers to extract a piece of armor, placing a magical symbol cast from magical silver in a specific position. A flash of flame passed, and the magical symbol was firmly welded onto the armor piece. Rog hurriedly handed over a small vial of blue liquid, which contained the blood of an adult bipedal dragon. Bipedal dragons are fierce, swift, and possess considerable magical defense, making them quite difficult to deal with among mid-level magical beasts. Many parts of their bodies can be used as magical materials, and their blood can slightly enhance magical defense. Due to its excellent ductility and outstanding absorption of magical power, magical silver is an indispensable material for crafting magical tools. However, it is relatively rare and thus quite expensive. The price of magical silver is generally about ten times that of gold of the same weight.

Having finally sent off this group of gullible individuals, a few more strolled into the VIP room, with Luns bowing and following closely behind.

The Falbo Knights Corps consists of 7,000 personnel, including 2,000 cavalry, 4,000 infantry, and 1,000 support troops. As a second-line corps, they have spent more time in peaceful days, which has resulted in the combat effectiveness of this knightly order under Lord Wellington being rather average

Rogge finally understood what it means that "a horse does not grow fat on night grass"

What caught Rog's eye was a bag weighing a full 2 pounds of magical silver, along with some even rarer metals and gemstones. Among them was a piece of ore, deep black with shimmering golden specks. Rog immediately recognized it as a high-grade raw ore of starlight gold. This type of gold is different from ordinary gold; it has a mysterious correspondence with the power of the stars in the sky, making it extremely rare and an essential material for crafting artifacts related to spatial magic. As for the crystal cores and furs of magical beasts, while they are also precious, they are far inferior to these metals. The piece of fiery red bird feather carried by the female mage in the team caught Rog's attention. Through his mental perception, Rog discovered that this feather emitted an extremely obscure yet vibrant wave of fire magic.

Since arriving at Falburg two months ago, this is Kate's third time leading the ranger squad on a mission. The sun is shining brightly, and a few fishing boats drift on the river, with the sound of fishermen's songs occasionally reaching the air. The riverbank is lined with lush green fields, and the distant Demon Realm Forest appears tranquil and serene. Kate feels elated; it is almost like a vacation. The only downside is that not a single shadow of the bandits has been seen, and everywhere is a scene of peace and prosperity. Kate calculates that it has been five days, waves her hand, and calls out: "Brothers, let's regroup!" A troop of axe and spear knights turns around and makes their way back to Falburg.

The "Hammer of the God of War" weapon workshop has been open for a month. The name, rich in dwarven characteristics, was chosen to bask in the glory of the naturally skilled dwarven craftsmen. However, it turns out that there is indeed a dwarven craftsman named Jin working in the workshop along with his four apprentices. The weapon workshop occupies a three-story building located in the most prosperous district of Fal. The ground floor serves as the weapon shop, the second floor is an adventurers' paradise, and the third floor was originally intended by Feis to be used as a laboratory, but it was opposed by everyone and thus repurposed into a VIP room for hosting some important clients, where some exquisite items crafted by Feis are displayed.

Rog insists on selling only high-quality, high-priced products, and the reasoning is very sound: "Those who can afford this equipment do not care about money! As long as the items are good, they are not concerned about a little more or a little less. What kind of people are our best customers? It is not those wealthy adventurers who know the value of things, but rather those rich young nobles who have money to spend, yes, just like Luns. Don't take action! If we don't make money from them, who will we make money from? It is not those wealthy adventurers who know the value of things, but rather those rich young nobles who have money to spend, yes, just like Luns. Don't take action! If we don't make money from them, who will we make money from? Therefore, we do not sell what is right, we only sell what is expensive"

Then wrap another layer of gold wire around the steel wire! This should suffice. In any case, all the chainmail must be covered in gold! The most important aspect of this armor is the money! With this layer of gold, you will have enough for ten years' worth of ale! Tell Luns to pick out a matching cloak for this armor, and it must be the best! Gold! You need to have this armor ready by the day after tomorrow! If I don't see the armor, you won't have any ale to drink! By the way, this armor will be called the Blue Crystal Battle Armor, but for now, don't engrave the name hetushu.com. When the customer thinks of a name, you can engrave whatever name they come up with! One character costs ten gold coins.

Everyone fell silent upon hearing this. From then on, the nickname of the vampire Rog was spread far and wide.

The business of "War God's Hammer" has rapidly flourished. Although only one knight's longsword, one knight's lance, and one set of knight's heavy armor have been sold in the past month (which represents the entirety of Feis's production capacity), not only has the initial investment of 10,000 gold coins been recouped, but an additional profit of 3,000 gold coins has also been made

At this moment, on the third floor of the "Hammer of the God of War," Rog was engaged in a heated argument with a small team of adventurers. This team consisted of 9 members, representing a standard configuration for an adventuring party, including a warrior, ranger, archer, mage, priest, and rogue, with just one or two of each. They had just returned from an adventure in the Demon Realm Forest and were here to exchange their spoils for some equipment.

Hehe, this looks much better. Jin! You arrived just in time; I was looking for you. Make these plates into a half-body knight's armor, yes, just like this year's most popular paladin armor style. The chainmail at the joints must be made of gold! Also, add more golden patterns to the edges of the armor. Go call that kid Franco; he has a knack for art!" Rog exclaimed excitedly. Also, add more golden patterns to the edges of the armor. Go call that kid Franco; he has a knack for art!" Rog exclaimed excitedly.

The adventurers were captivated by an exquisitely crafted magical bow, a common feature of all products from the God of War series, adorned with rose branches woven from platinum and purple gold. Accompanying this bow were three pale green demon-slaying arrows, with two white dragons, entirely forged from magical silver, coiling around the arrows, their four wings spread out to form the fletching. The young female archer's eyes sparkled with excitement as she tightly embraced the bow and arrows, refusing to let go at any cost. The two white dragons, entirely forged from magical silver, coiled around the arrows, their four wings spread out to form the fletching. The young female archer's eyes sparkled with excitement as she tightly embraced the bow and arrows, refusing to let go at any cost.

Secondly, all of Rog's armor places great emphasis on aesthetic decoration and some impractical gimmicks. For instance, this blue crystal battle armor is extremely lightweight, weighing only as much as a piece of heavy leather armor, and it offers decent physical and magical defense, making it a fine example among magical armors. However, the illumination spell, when integrated, merely gives this magical armor a translucent crystal effect, making its glow softer and more alluring, yet it has no practical effect whatsoever. As for the decorations designed by Franco, they do nothing to aid in combat other than adding weight. Yet Rog states: "This armor is clearly meant for paladins. Is it sold to real paladins? Of course not. Which paladin would wear this? We are selling it to the young nobles who aspire to be paladins; do you expect them to actually venture into any dangerous caves? They will only wear it for hunting! Therefore, style and taste are more important, to make them appear as heroes in front of ignorant maidens. The Hammer of War does not intend to become a major arms dealer, but rather to transform into a noble brand like Purple Angel Jewelry or Shangri-La Hot Springs.

The female sorceress was captivated by a magical amplification bracelet. Crafted with the superb skills of the dwarves, the artistic taste of Franco, and the profound understanding of the darker aspects of human nature by Luns and Rog, this bracelet intricately fused the Sky Stone with magical silver. The entire bracelet is a fully transparent deep blue, with twinkling starlight appearing and disappearing under the influence of magic. Wearing this bracelet is akin to adorning oneself with the night sky. The sorceress's eyes became as deep as the night sky. The entire bracelet is a fully transparent deep blue, with twinkling starlight appearing and disappearing under the influence of magic. Wearing this bracelet is akin to adorning oneself with the night sky. The sorceress's eyes became as deep as the night sky. Of course, simple inlay techniques can also achieve the same magical amplification effect.

Not far from the "Hammer of the God of War," there is a small building that serves as Rog's usual lodging, as well as the workshop and laboratory of Feis. The largest laboratory spans over 200 square meters, and at this moment, a vast and intricate magic circle is drawn on the floor, with a rainbow of hues shimmering within it. In the center of the magic circle, azure and white magical flames are erupting outward, and several pieces of fine steel knight armor, crafted by Jin himself, are being heated to a bright red in the flames.

Jin grumbled as he carried his armor down the stairs, ultimately choosing the latter between conscience and beer. Yet, what he cursed were: "Vampire! Cannibal pig! Miser! Human-shaped old dragon!"

He extended a hand and said

The area surrounding Falburg is flat, with the Pas River winding through the city. To the south, over one hundred miles away, lies the Demon Domain Forest, making Falburg a crucial supply hub for many adventurers and monster hunters. The area of the Demon Domain Forest is nearly equivalent to the entire Rhine Alliance, extending west to the Pyrenees Mountains, south to the sea, and covering the entire Red Rock Peninsula to the east, with a total area of nearly one million square kilometers. Due to the scarcity of large magical beasts at the forest's edge and the presence of multiple trade routes passing through, it has also become a paradise for thieves and bandits. The area of the Demon Domain Forest is nearly equivalent to the entire Rhine Alliance, extending west to the Pyrenees Mountains, south to the sea, and covering the entire Red Rock Peninsula to the east, with a total area of nearly one million square kilometers. Due to the scarcity of large magical beasts at the forest's edge and the presence of multiple trade routes passing through, it has also become a paradise for thieves and bandits