Borin, a sturdy, broad-shouldered man with a bushy beard and sharp, kind eyes was the owner of a weapon shop in the snowy city of Glacia. Moreover, an old acquaintance of the boy, Borin greeted him warmly as he invited him inside.
As the boy stepped into the shop, he marveled the artisanship on display: swords, shields, armor, and countless other weapons lined the walls.
Borin, noticing his interest, chuckled and said, "Ha-ha, like what you see, kid? Well, I've got something special to show you." He guided the boy over to a new set of armor and presented it proudly.
"This here is my latest creation— I call it 'Barbarian Armor.' Tough, rugged, and built to withstand just about anything."
The boy studied the armor with a thoughtful, slightly uneasy expression.
Borin laughed and asked, "So, what do you think kid?"
The boy responded, "It's impressive, but… it looks a little too fierce for me."
"Hah! You've got a point," Borin agreed, scratching his beard thoughtfully. "Besides, this one's a bit too big for you. Maybe we'll find something better suited for you next time."
The boy smiled a bit more at ease. "Thank you, Borin."
"By the way," the boy continued, "how's my sword coming along?"
Borin's eyes twinkled as he led the boy over to the main counter. "Ah, that beauty? It's coming along just fine, but I am still working on it. I'm goanna need a bit more time to make it perfect."
"That's alright Borin. Please take all the time you need," the boy replied. "In the meantime, I'll just keep on using my bow and dagger."
"Speaking of that bow of yours…" Borin gestured with interest. "You mind if I take another look at it?"
The boy laughed. "Again? You always ask to look at it every time I come here!" Nevertheless, he summoned his bow and handed it to Borin.
Taking the bow, Borin admired it with a gleam in his eye. "Hahaha, that's because it's a work of art!" He slipped on a monocle and activated an appraisal spell, his brow furrowing in concentration as he examined the weapon.
"Each time I look at this bow, I learn something new," Borin remarked, admiring the details.
The boy smirked and asked, "Oh yeah? Like what?"
"For one," Borin replied, "the materials are something special. I can tell this bow wasn't crafted with just any old wood or metal. It is… almost enchanted, though I cannot quite figure out how.
And as for the string…" He paused, pulling it lightly, his face betraying surprise. "Even a small pull on this string saps a bit of my mana! You'd never expect something like that from a normal bow."
The boy shrugged. "I guess it just needs the right person to wield it."
Borin burst out laughing. "Is that so?" He studied the boy closely and asked, "Kid, just to be sure— you can't use any magic, can you?"
The boy shook his head. "No, and I'm sure you already know why."
"Really? Hmm, that's interesting," Borin, murmured, more to himself.
The boy tilted his head, puzzled. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Borin just smiled, waving it off. "Nothing, don't worry about it. But about this bow… at a glance, it looks like any other one, yet I can sense a powerful energy within it, something even my appraisal magic can't fully reveal." He paused, meeting the boy's eyes. "Where did you say you got this bow?"
The boy's gaze softened as he recalled a familiar face. "It was a parting gift from my father."
Borin's expression turned warm and reflective. "Then be sure to take good care of it," He said, handing the bow back to the boy.
"I will," the boy promised.
"And don't worry, I'll take great care of your sword," Borin added with a reassuring grin.
"Thank you, Borin."
"No, thank you, kid," Borin replied. "It's not every day I get to see something so intriguing… and get a visit from an old friend."
Borin rubbed his beard, looking curious. "So, how's the adventurer's life been treating you?"
The boy gave a small chuckle. "Well, between dodging monsters, surviving harsh terrain, and trying not to freeze to death, I'd say it's… an experience."
Borin laughed heartily. "Hahaha, an experience indeed! It is exciting, no doubt. But it's not all glory, there's plenty of hardship and regret, too." His expression grew serious as he continued.
"As a former adventurer myself, I've seen plenty of folks chase after fame and treasure, only to find misfortune instead. Some of them never recovering."
The boy looked thoughtful. "Is that why you stopped being an adventurer?"
Borin nodded, a nostalgic smile crossing his face. "Aye. I used to be a mighty adventurer back in my day." The boy grinned and quipped, "Back in your day? You make it sound like you're ancient!"
Borin laughed a rich, hearty sound. "Cheeky! However, I did discover my true calling after some time. The art of forging, it is something that felt like a part of me, you know. Creating something from nothing is a wonder on its own."
The boy nodded, listening intently. "It really does sound incredible."
"And my grandfather was a blacksmith too," Borin added proudly. "A renowned one, in fact. His name was Thorin, the Alchemist."
The boy's eyes sparkled. "Wow, that's amazing!"
"Hahaha, it is, isn't it?" Borin chuckled. "Thorin created the finest armor, the sharpest blades, and the sturdiest shields. He would tell me stories of his travels and the people he met along the way, many of whom did not accept him because of who he was… different. But he always told me something important."
Borin placed a fist gently against the boy's chest, looking at him with a smile. "There's no shame in being different. You are special in your own way for being different.
As my grandfather used to say, 'The strongest steel is forged in the hottest fire.' So keep your head up high, kid."
"Thank you, Borin," the boy said, a quiet but heartfelt gratitude in his voice.
"Don't mention it kid. You're always welcome here, kid," Borin replied warmly.
As the boy left the shop, a young woman stepped out from behind a nearby shelf. She had bright green eyes; short brown hair tied back in a small ponytail, and wore a leather apron over her tunic. She crossed her arms, looking at Borin with a raised eyebrow.
"I really don't get you, old man," she said, shaking her head.
"Oh? And why's that, Elira?" Borin asked, chuckling.
Elira was Borin's assistant and apprentice, a talented but fiery young woman. She had a sharp wit and a knack for weapon artisanship. "I mean, I just don't get how you can be so nice to that guy. You know… him being a Null and all."
Borin sighed, a patient smile on his face. "Elira, how many times have I told you: A weapon's worth isn't in its shine, but in the steel beneath it."
Elira rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, you've told me that like a million times already. But still…"
Borin's face grew thoughtful. "That kid may be a Null, but he's got spirit, more than most folks I've met before. And besides, his already saved my life."
Elira looked surprised. "Wait, really? You never told me that."
Borin chuckled, glancing back towards the door where the boy had left. "Really, well it was about two years ago, that I came across an extraordinary adventure."
End of Chapter 12.