As Kaiser stepped into the shop, the sharp whistle of a blade sliced through the air, narrowly missing his shoulder. The source of the near-miss was a young man, probably in his early twenties, who had just completed a reckless swing with a cutlass- a type of sword with relatively short, but thick upper blade. The sword’s tip stopped mere inches from where Kaiser stood. Ethan, visibly startled, unconsciously stepped back. While Cia and Ariella remained calm, the former couldn't see the threat and the latter were a goddess.

'Is this guy an idiot? Why the hell is he swinging a sword near the entrance?' Kaiser thought, his mood darkening. If he had been inches closer, warm would have accidentally fallen on him.

Instead of showing remorse, the young man clicked his tongue in annoyance and glared at them. "Can't you see I'm testing my new blade here!? You folks are lucky I didn't accidentally cut you," he snapped, as if blaming them for his lack of caution.

Kaiser’s gaze darkened as he recognized the arrogant guy—it was the bastard, the same boisterous member of the hunters who shamelessly claimed the green, crawling snake kill earlier. The irritation he’d tried to shake off returned tenfold.

Before Brick could continue his rant, a deep, rumbling voice cut through the tension.

"Brick, apologize this instant."

The voice belonged to a towering figure, a man with bulging muscles that looked like they could bend steel. Without warning, the man hammered his fist down on Brick’s head, not hard enough to injure but definitely enough to knock some sense into him.

Yet the bastard remains indignant.

"Huh? Why should I apologize to them? They’re the ones who got in the way! It’s not my fault they walked in without watching their surroundings," Brick protested, his face twisted in indignation.

The big man, who seemed like he had infinite patience, let out a heavy sigh before bringing his fist down on Brick’s head again—this time with a bit more force. The impact made Brick wobble, momentarily dizzy, and finally, his arrogance seemed to deflate just a little.

With a grunt, he finally apologize after a while of lingering. Well, he tried.

"It... My... Mistake," Brick mumbled reluctantly, his voice barely louder than a whisper. "Tsk, why the heck am I doing this? They’re at fault too—"

Another sigh, deeper this time, escaped the big man's lips. Without another word, he grabbed Brick by the back of his head and forcefully shoved him into a bow, making Brick’s face flush with both anger and embarrassment. To Kaiser’s surprise, the big man also bowed his head slightly, a gesture that spoke of genuine humility.

"I apologize for my disciple's carelessness. I should have never let him swing his sword in such an inappropriate place." The big man said, his tone sincere.

"There's no need for that, Mr. Alfred," Ethan interjected with a humble smile, clearly trying to ease the tension. "It was an accident. We really don't mind, right, guys?" He shot an awkward look at Kaiser and the girls.

Kaiser gave a curt nod, though his mood was far from forgiving. Brick's attitude had soured his enthusiasm, but he wasn't the type to let petty grievances turn into a pointless argument. If the situation didn’t cross his line, he’d rather just move on. But if they did, then they should prepare to see hell.

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Despite the irritating encounter, Kaiser couldn’t help but feel a silent respect for the man named Alfred. He had assumed Alfred to be the leader of the hunters—the strongest person in the village. And yet, despite his obvious authority and experience, Alfred’s humility stood in stark contrast to his disciple's arrogance.

Looking at Alfred now, Kai took in the seasoned hunter's appearance. The man was tall and solidly built, his muscles rippling under his brown skin. His short, dark hair framed a face that was stoic and composed, the face of a man who had seen his fair share of battles and hardships. His eyes were sharp and steady, giving off a sense of unshakeable calm in the face of danger.

Brick, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. With his spiky orange hair styled in a way that seemed more about appearance than practicality, he exuded an aura of impatience and impulsiveness. His exaggerated expressions of annoyance made it clear that he lacked self-control, but his eyes were always full of unwavering confidence—bordering on cockiness. He was definitely a talented fighter, but he still had much to learn from his mentor. Hopefully, he will soon, because Kaiser was starting to view him like how he sees the bandits.

Ethan, ever the peacemaker, deftly steered the conversation away from the awkward encounter and into lighter topics. He engaged Mr. Alfred and Brick in casual banter, slowly dissolving the tension and easing the group's mood.

Meanwhile, Kaiser turned his attention to the grumpy-looking store owner, who had been watching the entire scene with an air of indifference. The blacksmith studied Kaiser from head to toe for a moment, then raised an eyebrow.

"Searching for something?" the store owner asked, his gruff voice laced with a hint of challenge.

Kai’s lips curled into a small smile. "Definitely. Let’s see what you’ve got."

The blacksmith responded with a smirk.

After leaving Ariella and Cia on the waiting corner under Ethan's watch, Kai followed the owner to the armory. Once there, he was asked.

"Aren't you the new guy in town, what are you looking for kiddo, an armor? Hmm... your sword seems flaky, I advise getting a new one, that flimsy thing won't serve you well in dire battles, trust me. I know if the blade is about to break with just a glance."

He can't deny the blacksmith keen judgement on weapons. The sword in his possession came from the bandits, mundane and probably mass produce, therefore, lacks quality just like the others he discarded. His taste can't be satisfied by a second hand weapon anymore, Kai wanted something new with greater quality, durability and sharpness.

"But before that, let's get you an armor first. A defenseless warrior won't last long on the battlefield." The man casually joked, though, it's not that funny to Kaiser.

"So, what are your preferences? Full gear or just partial parts, I doubt many of my armors here would fit you though, you really gotta pump up that body of yours."

He scratched the back of his head, confused on the type of armor he desired. Kai never considered needing armor one day, nor being transported into another world. So purchasing a clad is like shopping for an outfit without knowing the style that suit him best. Actually, do an immortal really required armor? Because no matter how severely inflicted his body is, nothing could kill him.

However, although the concept of death are gone. Agony brought by each injury was there and will always be tormenting him. Pain isn't pleasant, and Kaiser isn't immune to physical suffering. So if adding another layer of protection would reduce the torments on battles, he won't shy away from getting an armor.

"I'm not really sure on what to get, uh, could I look up the displays first?"

Hearing his uncertainty, he was then Introduced to the available clads. The blacksmith was even considerate enough to filter his choices, only offering armors that would suit his lithe frame, lessening his already few options. Kaiser listened as the store owner described the specs of suitable suits, ranging in light and medium armor. Light armor offered flexibility but lesser defense, medium played the middle and heavy clads had robust platings, overtaxing defense. Something he can't wear.

By the end of it, Kaiser picked a full set of light, metal clad. Aware that medium grade would hinder his movement too much.

The blacksmith assisted him in putting it on, however, Alfred's deep voice distracted them, as he walked closer.

"I wouldn't recommend a full set if I were you."

Alfred indifferently eyed Kaiser's body, and added.

"Kaiser, right? No offense, but judging by your movement and posture, you're a rookie, aren't you?"

His a bit reluctant to admit, but aside from battling the bandits and crawling python in which he died multiple times. Kai had no fighting skills worth bragging about or ever received any combat training, deeming him a rookie with some experience.

He nodded.

"Quite a bit. Yeah."

Alfred gave the blacksmith a disappointed look and shook his head, before tending to the rookie's aid.

"I suggest not purchasing a full set if you're just starting. Although, it's true that it would give you better protection. However, the greatest defense of a fighter isn't his armor, it's his ability to dodge, know that kid. Those platings are only there for the inevitable, not to block every strikes. If you haven't mastered your own body first, donning a full armor that would hamper mobility would likely doom you. Furthermore, once that plating concave after receiving impact, can you still focus despite that pain?"

Kaiser shook his head, digesting the hunter professional advice.

"A full suit isn't for rookies, understand?"

He hesitated for a moment.

"Does that mean I can't have an armor, for now?"

"No, get yourself a chest plate or shoulder guard. Some leathers, perhaps, adding more is up to you, it's your life kid. Just take my advice on full armors, I've seen many naive men die in that mistake."

In the end, Kaiser left the store donning a dark leather suit. Couple with a chest plate, shin and arm guard. Prioritizing flexibility above all, yet armed important with protection, though, not excessively.

"I'm starting to look like an adventurer, don't you think so too, Ariella?"

She gave a thumbs up.