I’m not Goblin Slayer Chapter 021

Gauss walked out of the blacksmith’s shop with a joyful heart.

He had reaped a rich harvest from this trip, not only gaining valuable knowledge about professional occupations but also fattening his previously meager wallet.

After selling the pile of machetes, daggers, and other spoils of war, his current savings amounted to 31 silver coins and 12 copper coins.

It should have been 41 silver coins and 12 copper coins, but it was 10 silver coins less because he had taken a liking to a rapier before leaving.

Thinking that his dagger was severely damaged from the fierce battle near Birch Village, he also needed a new weapon for self-defense.

And adhering to the famous “since you’re already here” principle, he gritted his teeth and splurged, spending a “fortune” to buy that well-maintained second-hand rapier in full.

10 silver coins, although a significant expense for Gauss, was an extremely cheap price for a long weapon.

The reason it was so cheap was that the rapier’s form required far fewer iron ingots than ordinary swords, resulting in lower costs and naturally a relatively lower selling price.

Coupled with the shop owner likely giving him a favor price, the final transaction was made at 10 silver coins.

Holding the rapier in his hand, Gauss carefully examined it, liking it more and more the longer he looked.

The blade was straight and slender, the posture of the sword was erect, both elegant and sharp, about 1 meter long, with a blade width of about 3cm, less than two fingers wide.

The surface of the blade had a raised rigid spine running through it, reflecting a silver-gray metallic luster, and the three-edged tip gleamed chillingly.

The hilt was wrapped in leather, without a complex guard, yet it added a simple beauty.

Gauss held the sword in front of him, and his satisfied emerald eyes were reflected in the mirror-like blade.

Compared to ordinary swords, rapiers had both advantages and disadvantages, and he had indeed thought it through before purchasing it.

Ordinary broad-bladed swords were more versatile, suitable for facing a variety of opponents, and possessed armor-piercing capabilities. Some greatswords could even destroy and smash the joints of chainmail.

But broad-bladed swords were too heavy, requiring significant physical strength and power from the user.

Although his physique had reached 6 points, his strength was still only 5 points. Prolonged use of overly heavy weapons would place a considerable burden on his body.

Secondly, broad-bladed swords were not suitable for use in confined spaces. For a while, the enemies he would face would likely be low-level monsters.

What common characteristic did these low-level monsters have?

They were weak in individual combat power, so they naturally liked to stick together.

Unless they were out hunting, most of the time they would huddle in their nests in groups.

In such a situation, a broad-bladed sword was naturally unsuitable.

However, due to its lightweight design, the rapier was lighter, allowing the user better control and possessing superior speed and precision.

Rapiers could both slash and thrust, performing excellently even in narrow terrain.

The disadvantage of rapiers was that they were almost useless against armor, especially heavy armor, and were prone to breaking. But how many ordinary low-level monsters possessed decent armor and weapons? Probably very few, so a rapier was sufficient for self-defense.

Right, he also needed to find an opportunity to learn some formal sword techniques and moves later.

Although small monsters like goblins didn’t understand any weapon usage techniques, he could outmatch them in skill by figuring things out on his own.

But he couldn’t fight goblins his whole life; he would always encounter more formidable opponents. Besides, even goblins had strong individuals like Big Goblins and Two-Headed Goblins.

As for why he would bother practicing swordsmanship if he was already planning to pursue the mage profession?

The reason was simple.

Naturally, he didn’t want to be utterly defenseless and at the mercy of enemies when they got close.

Especially after the last battle, he became even more convinced of his idea: he couldn’t have obvious weaknesses.

Combat in reality was ever-changing, and no one knew what unexpected events would happen next. He had to master a certain level of close-combat ability.

If any enemy thought his mage profession made him soft and weak in close combat, harboring the idea of “squeezing a soft persimmon,” he would take out his sword and give them a harsh lesson.

Let them know that the mage’s sword was not necessarily without its edge!

After dealing with the spoils, the adventure commission was temporarily concluded.

Gauss planned to give himself a few days off and also practice the newly learned spell, Magic Missile, for a while.

“Ah, so comfortable.”

Gauss, stepping out of the hot bathhouse, comfortably squinted his eyes.

His muscles, tense for many days, seemed to relax under the soothing warmth of the spring water, and his fatigue vanished.

“Bathing cost 5 copper coins.”

Small change.

With more money in hand, Gauss felt more confident spending it.

Money was for enjoyment; there was no need to save these 5 copper coins and then have to carry a small wooden bucket to pitifully wash with cold water after a tiring journey.

“Eh, did I grow taller?”

Putting on his everyday linen clothes, he noticed that his top had become a bit short. The shirt that used to fit perfectly now exposed his waist, no longer fitting well.

Was this a change brought about by adding points to his physique?

Gauss felt even more pleased upon realizing this. Growing taller was a good thing.

His original height was just over 1.7 meters, which was a bit short compared to other adventurers. If attribute improvements could lead to his body re-developing and growing taller, that would naturally be ideal.

After bathing, Gauss felt a little hungry again.

Since things had come to this, he should eat first.

…….

Coral Tavern.

This tavern was quite an upscale eatery in the small town, at least more expensive than the Nightingale Tavern, where Gauss had chosen to treat himself after his first adventure.

Last time, Hailier had treated them at the Coral Tavern.

Returning to the familiar place this time, he couldn’t help but think of the three of them again.

Hailier and the others should have reached Barry by now.

He wondered how Bell and Mia’s injuries were recovering.

Thinking of Bell and the others, Gauss entered the tavern.

The environment inside the tavern was different from the rough town streets, decorated quite exquisitely.

Warm yellow oil lamps cast flickering halos on the mottled red brick walls, and behind the bar, a bartender in a tuxedo was performing skillful cocktail mixing.

Behind him, oak wine barrels were stacked into a wall, and the rich aroma of aged malt wine subtly wafted through the gaps.

Under the metal chandeliers suspended by iron chains from the ceiling, in the tavern hall, a dozen elm square tables were scattered, surrounded by mostly armed adventurers, making it very lively.

There were more customers in the tavern than Gauss had expected, but then again, the nature of adventurers’ lives and work meant they had no concept of day or night. Even during the day, if they felt like drinking, they would eagerly come to drink their fill.

Being under long-term psychological pressure naturally required alcohol to release accumulated stress.

So, it was common to see many adventurers who had completed their commissions spending days and nights enjoying meals and drinks in the tavern.

Adventurers in the hall sat in groups of two or three at tables, young adventurers gesticulating wildly and boasting, while waiters skillfully navigated between their flamboyant movements with trays of food; burly men, clinking glasses and drinking heartily, ate meat in large bites, raising their cups for more, the wine spilling from the edges of their glasses onto the floor with their swaying movements, making one wonder whether more went into their mouths or was wasted.

Seeing the scene inside the tavern, Gauss felt even hungrier.

The lingering aroma of food in the air stirred his appetite, and his tongue continuously secreted saliva.

He didn’t like drinking, detesting the sour taste of alcohol, but he was very passionate about good food.

Especially after spending several days roughing it outdoors, he felt like he could eat a whole cow right now.