As soon as the door cracked open, Jeff and the others were bombarded with the smell of molten metal and the ringing of metal hitting metal. Of course, what he saw was a young female dwarf behind a reception desk looking at some paperwork. That is until she looked up from said papers and saw two senior officers. Far faster than Jeff could himself, she was on her feet and saluting by pressing her right fist over her left breast.
“ Captain Sargent, I was not expecting you. What can I do for you?”
The captain shows the two papers of Jeffs and gives the dwarf a death glare.
“ I have here a receipt and notice of goods completion for inspection. Naturally, since I did not receive a requisition for any project over a gold eagle I am quite curious how this otherworlder is charged over three hundred on a project that is supposed to be at cost.”
The lady dwarf opened her mouth in shock but quickly composed herself and entered a parade rest.
“ Above my paygrade mam, all I know is I am supposed to direct this particular otherworlder to office C.”
With only a nod in acknowledgment, the elf moves to the door to the right and walks through it. Soon followed by the sergeant and Jeff. It was not long till they found the office and walked into it. The few seconds Jeff trailed behind meant he missed why the sargeant bolted into the room and armlocked the corporal whom he met before.
“ ... the gods name did you do? Stuff as much mithril into an auto repair enchantment? Why in the world would a new otherworlder need over a ton of mitril in repairs for his gauntlet? There is only one thing I can think of. You were expecting the naive otherworlder to ogle at the gear and think nothing of it. Then when he finally is out in the world you would have someone kill the kid and claim the prize in metal. It is not the first time some crafter has done something like this you know. I remember...”
She pauses then sighs.
“ Sargent call some guards and personally escort this thieving piece of crap to dungeon six.”
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Sargent Mar nodded as he started talking without saying anything. Jeff could feel some sort of magic was being used but not what that magic was. Captain Lews then turned to the armor stand with the over-stylized suit of military dress.
“ It is decent armor, for a low-ranking officer going to a party. Worth maybe twenty silver. Sword and dagger. Maybe a gold. More ceremonial than functional. If you do not mind I will have some people I trust go over it. No extra expense.”
“ I, yeah, sure. That's fine with me.”
The elf nods and turns to the polished silver-looking gauntlet. From appearance alone, it looked like a giant wing that would cover Jeff’s entire arm. How practical that would be, he had no idea, but it was beautiful.
“ A master definitely made this, measurements are taken precisely to be able to block arrow strikes as you raise the wing to cover yourself, but not too large to be unwieldy. Just enough motion to be effective without excess bulk to slow you down. An item that would take a lifetime to master. And greed ruined its chances of ever seeing its purpose fulfilled. I will have this one melted down to break the auto repair enchantment. You are looking at about a twenty-present loss in returned material, however. The good news is the former corporal will be charged for that. So what do you want to do with the arm brace?”
Jeff looked at the winged armbrace and sighed while shaking his head.
“ Honestly, I have no idea. I like the design, but not the price tag. Is it possible to keep the design...”
Before he could continue the elf shook her head.
“ Maybe to a degree, but it would be an imitation at best. Who did this, did this with plans on seeing you dead. I have no doubt there is a built-in weakness somewhere.”
Jeff, upon hearing that nods sadly.
“ Melt it, make me a functional replica for combat and one for more ceremonial purposes. Then training ones as well. I am also going to need someone to teach me to wield it.”
Captain Lews nods hearing this agreeing.
“ I am sorry this had to happen to you. I did not realize you were the cardmancer that was getting so much attention until I saw you. Normally, I do not take to watching a person’s requisitions personally but in this case, I am going to make an exception. In addition, Sargent Mar will become your personal trainer and will arrange for proper trainers.”
Hearing this Jake shakes his head.
“ Mar is a good guy, probably a great trainer, but what I need is not foot soldier training. It is leadership, tactics, and self-defense. He has been perfect for my cards, but I have no intention of being in the front lines with my summons. Do not get me wrong, I totally understand I will be fighting... just...”
The elf looked at him and smiled lightly.
“ You know your limits and have an idea of your path. I have heard most otherworlders have far superior ideas in war but lack in common sense. I am glad to see exceptions to the rule.”
Jake could not help but rub the back of his head and grinned.
“Yeah, well know yourself is half the fight. I need to learn a lot and get a lot stronger. Because I have no doubt that when I see my first demon. I am going to need every gain I can get before then.”
Captain Lews looked gently at Jake like he was a young child with dreams of grandeur.
“ Yes you will, and a lot of luck as well.”