Upon their arrival in Middenheim, Avi and Airen found themselves met with unfriendly glances from nearly every passerby on the streets. Thankfully, Airen's mastery of the Middenland accent and archaic grammar, combined with Avi's ability to translate his words seamlessly into the language and accent of the listener, ensured they encountered no significant obstacles along the way.

"Despite our awareness of the Middenlanders' extreme aversion to outsiders and foreign cultures, I must admit, I didn't anticipate encountering such pronounced hostility in Middenheim," Avi lamented to Airen as they strolled into a secluded alley. "It appears that almost everyone we've encountered on this journey regards us with suspicion. Their stubbornness knows no bounds, does it?"

"As the saying goes, 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do,' Your Excellency," Airen offered a reassuring nod. "While I personally admire the character of the people of Middenland, their disdain for the great Sigmarite faith may pose a challenge to our rapport with these followers of Ulric."

"Well, fortunately for us, Rafe is a rugged individual who isn't easily fazed by such matters, wouldn't you say?" Avi quipped, "But speaking of origins, aren't you of Nordlander descent? I've heard Nordlanders have half Norscan blood, so I assumed you might possess a more brash and uncouth demeanor."

"Your Excellency, people from any region are hardly homogeneous, and besides, I'm not originally from Nordland," Airen explained with a gentle smile. "However, the intricacies of my background are a tale best saved for our return journey."

"Indeed, for now, let's attend to matters at hand as promptly as possible."

Their exploration of Middenheim presented numerous challenges. Unlike other settlements that expanded primarily horizontally across the landscape, this fortress, perched upon cliffs, rose vertically—after all, a bottomless chasm lay beneath their feet. Navigating the city required the use of lifts, a mode of transport that proved taxing for Avi, who suffered from acrophobia.

Fortunately, their Middenland accents facilitated acceptance among the city's residents. Guided by several locals, they eventually located the market where weapons and equipment were sold.

In compliance with the recent decree of Elector Boris, Middenland refrained from selling bows, crossbows, and firearms to ordinary mercenaries or civilian militias, deeming these weapons too cost-effective and efficient; even an untrained farmer armed with a firearm could pose a threat to seasoned warriors.

Furthermore, the owner of the equipment shop, in accordance with Boris's decree, permitted Avi and Airen to select equipment freely. During this process, Airen exercised restraint in his appreciation of the merchandise, assisting Avi in choosing a selection of high-quality, cost-effective gear.

The halberd, with its hook blade, emerged as the most cost-effective melee weapon, boasting considerable combat effectiveness with relatively modest user requirements compared to the greatsword.

Nevertheless, the greatsword, favored for its capacity to dispatch enemies efficiently at close range, remained indispensable. Additionally, a plentiful supply of iron armor featured prominently in Avi's plan, as did horses to equip twelve attendants.

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Lastly, the most crucial acquisition: firearms to arm ten men.

Despite bows offering superior firing rates and crossbows boasting greater armor-piercing capabilities, Avi ultimately opted for firearms. The potency of gunpowder and lead bullets promised more efficient lethality, while the straight trajectory of firearms facilitated easier aiming and use.

Weapons offering greater lethality undoubtedly held the advantage, especially considering the uncertain composition of their potential adversaries. Although expensive, the superior effectiveness of firearms made them the preferred choice.

Moreover, they needed provisions for camping, tools for construction, and some morale-boosting alcohol... Their shopping list was extensive, but fortunately, Avi had a substantial amount of gold coins this time. The selection process was time-consuming, yet deemed worthwhile. With Avi boasting a level 2 in trading and Airen's exceptional eye for equipment despite his level 1 proficiency, they managed to procure high-quality items.

"I've been running this shop for so long, and you two are only the seventh group of people to come in for selections!" The shopkeeper, a dwarf, wore the typical dwarven traits of pride and gloominess, with a deep-rooted stubbornness evident in his demeanor. Yet, Avi and Airen, being humans, seemed to align with his preferences. It wasn't just their courteous mannerisms but also the inherent affinity between blacksmiths and equipment enthusiasts that resonated with him.

Their total purchases amounted to five hundred gold coins. Avi had salvaged four hundred from the abandoned campsite, and the proceeds from selling some animal skins provided just enough, with some change left over.

"Uh... Lord Durinbar, we have an unusual request, I wonder—"

"Just spit it out!" Lord Durinbar, the dwarf shopkeeper, impatiently interjected, "As long as you cough up enough gold, you can negotiate anything with me, unless I have no intention of selling it in the first place."

"I hope to acquire a wagon to transport these goods back to my camp," Avi cautiously broached the subject, "Any assistance you could provide would be greatly appreciated."

"And how much gold are we talking about?"

"Um... I only have ten gold coins."

"Ten gold coins?!" Lord Durinbar's sudden outburst filled the room, "Are you jesting, ten gold coins! You want a wagon to cart all this equipment from Middenheim to the wilderness and back, yet you're only willing to part with ten gold coins!"

With a disgruntled snort, the dwarf returned to his counter, beginning to tally up the equipment Avi and Airen had selected, evidently preparing to leave them to their own devices.

In dwarven society, age, wealth, skill, and reputation were highly esteemed. For a dwarven craftsman, receiving gold equivalent to the value of his goods was non-negotiable.

This principle often led outsiders to perceive dwarves as miserly and insatiable, but such judgments held little sway over them.

"But we truly have no more funds," Avi persisted, "This mission is of utmost importance; we intend to eradicate the beasts lurking in the forest."

"Your Excellency, let it go," Airen whispered urgently to Avi, "Dwarven stubbornness—"

"What did you say?" Lord Durinbar suddenly raised his head, his keen gaze fixed upon Airen.

"Uh—"

Airen found himself momentarily at a loss for words, fearing he had spoken aloud.

To earn the ire of a dwarf was a grave matter, far more consequential than provoking a horde of beasts. Dwarves held grudges for generations until they were settled.

Sensing the tension, Avi hurriedly interjected, "We are—"

"You're planning to confront those filthy beasts roaming the forest?"

Lord Durinbar slammed his hand on the table and approached Avi, scrutinizing him intently, "Is that the gist of it?"

"Yes," Avi and Airen breathed a collective sigh of relief, confirming in unison.

"Then wait here; I'll fetch what you need!"

"But Lord Durinbar, we lack the necessary—"

"Ah—no worries!" Lord Durinbar waved dismissively, "Those filthy creatures once left hoofprints on my wagon, and I'd be delighted to see someone wipe them out once and for all!"