The Compound

<Author's 100 Thoughts: This is an extra chapter for finally reaching more than collections. Thanks the support, guys!> 

Vivian entered the blacksmith shop located within the compounds where the members of the Temple of Priests live and was carrying her broken poleaxe on her arms.

When she turned to the counter, it was a woman behind it.

Based on what Vivian remembers, there are 2 clerks in this shop -- a man and a woman.

And every time she came here, she would talk to the man, not to the woman.

The reason behind that is that, although Vivian doesn't really care about gender and race, whether she likes it or not, there are just some things that gender and race really play a vital role.

And based on her experience, when it comes to tools and equipment, men tend to be the more knowledgeable.

I guess I can trust this woman…?

Lord help me...! 

She went over to the woman.

"Hello sister, how may I help you?" asked the woman.

"I'm here to have this repaired."

She placed the broken poleaxe on top of the counter.

The woman gave the broken weapon a quick glance and immediately answered.

"Of course! The price would be 3 silver coins and it would take 1-2 days."

"I see."

Vivian took out some coins from her coin pouch and placed 2 silver and 10 copper coins.

The woman gathered the coins and placed them on the cashier before returning her gaze to Vivian.

"Anything else, sister?"

"Last time I was here to check my physical strength -- or force? To determine what's the appropriate metal grade I should use. Can I do another check?"

"Of course."

The woman took out an item underneath the counter.

"What was this item called again?"

"Power Force Crystal. But its technical name is Physical Force Crystal."

Huh...?

Why...?

Nevermind...

The Power Force Crystal looked like the Class Crystal, at least when it comes to its shiny metal-like texture. The only difference was that it was shaped into a rod about 10 inches long. 

"I see. And I just have to hold it and then cast a Physical Art on it, right?"

"Yes, but you don't have to cast a Physical Art with it, you just have to imagine casting a Physical Art."

"Oh, okay."

Vivian picked up the rod and imagined activating a skill.

[Power Fist].

The rod made a white glow.

Seeing the glow, Vivian's brows knitted together.

Do I have a bad memory or does it look like the glow is brighter compared to last time…?

Vivian put down the rod or crystal and it stopped shining before turning to the woman.

"So sister, what is my physical force?"

The woman thought about it for a moment.

"Sorry, but can you do it once again?"

"Sure."

Vivian picked up the rod once more and imagined herself activating a skill.

The rod emitted the same white glow.

She looked at the clerk.

"You can put it down now, sister."

Vivian put the rod down and waited for the answer.

"Based on the glow, I feel like it's mithril grade."

So my power did increase…

What was my stats again when it was silver grade…?

I seriously can't remember…

Regardless, it means there's no point of me in using silver-grade weapons anymore…

The only mithril weapon I have is that sword that Marie gave me…

My money isn't catching up with my strength…

Instead of getting richer, I'm only getting poorer that I even ended up getting a 60-gold-coin loan for my earring…

This is just stupid…

Vivian thought about the clients and adventurers she rejected.

No, they can't help me…

Our goals, schedules and strength doesn't match…

"Sister, I have a question. Since there's a Physical Force Crystal, is there also a Magic Force Crystal?"

"Yes, there is."

"Can I try it?"

"Sure."

The woman took out another rod underneath the counter.

The Magic Force Crystal looked exactly like the Power Force Crystal except for one thing: The rune engraved on it underneath which will shine once the proper skill is applied.

Vivian picked it up.

"And I just have to imagine that casting a Magic Art spell, right?"

"Yes."

[Lighting Arrow].

The rod emitted the same glow as the Power Force Crystal.

It looks the same I guess…

Does this mean it's also mithril grade…?

When Vivian turned to the clerk, she was surprised to see that her face was painted in shock and her eyes were locked to the crystal.

"Sister?" Vivian asked and her brows knitted together.

The female clerk turned to Vivian.

"Your Physical and Magical Force are both mithril grade?"

Vivian brows knitted even deeper.

"Is that not normal?"

"I mean, it is normal. But I'm confused. You're a Brown Cloak and you're also Copper I Rank. Who are you, sister? What is your background?"

Vivian didn't say anything.

The woman quickly raised her hands.

"I'm sorry, sister, I didn't mean to pry. It's just that, for someone of your strength, you'd be a seasoned White Cloak."

Tch!

Vivian clicked her tongue mentally.

Dammit…!

I slipped again…!

Wait...!

I'm 24 years old... 

So why is this bitch surprised...?

Whatever...! 

Tch…!

What should I do…?!

What should I fucking do…?!

I can't afford to let more of my secrets leak out just yet…!

I'm still too weak…!

An image of the former Supreme Captain Ronaldo's quest paper flashed inside Vivian's head.

Vivian wore a serious and worried expression.

"Sister, can you keep a secret? I'm actually a secret agent on a secret mission working for the Temple of Priests to fish out if there are demon worshipers and traitors inside our holy Temple."

A worried expression appeared on the woman's face.

"Demon worshipers and traitors… like heretics? So you're part of the Inquisitory Division?"

"Yes, those damn and filthy heretics," Vivian said and ignored what the Inquisitory Division meant.

The woman swallowed and then she held her pendant tightly.

"I know, it's unbelievable," Vivian continued. "But even the former Supreme Captain Ronaldo is currently being hunted down for colluding with heretics and there have been rumors that there are extremely influential and powerful people helping him."

"Yes, I heard about it..." replied the woman.

Vivian nodded gravely.

"Unfortunately, I can't tell you exactly who among the higher-ups I'm working for because it is a matter of utmost secrecy. But just know that I am working for our Temple to make sure that there are no heretics -- and I really hope there aren't any, I really do because I really love this Temple and treat everyone like family. So I hope that you will keep this a secret between us only for the time being."

A serious and determined expression appeared on the woman's face.

"I swear to the God of Light that not a soul will know, sister."

"Thank you, sister," Vivian said and then wore a pained and guilty expression on her face before bowing. "And I'm very sorry for getting you involved in such a dangerous mission! Please forgive me!"

"No, sister! It's okay! Just like you I love everyone in this Temple and treat them like family! I've also been in 2 Holy Crusades!"

Vivian slowly raised her head and she still wore a pained and guilty expression.

"I see. That's very admirable. Thank you so much for your dedication. What was your name again? I don't think I've heard it."

"Sister Grace."

"I'm Sister Vivian," Vivian said and flashed a very warm and kind smile as she offered her hand.

Grace reached out and they shook hands.

"Allow me to thank you again, Sister Grace. And let us pray to the God of Light that I am wrong and there are no heretics within our dear and holy Temple."

"Yes, Sister Vivian."

"By the way, how much is an orichalcum-grade weapon?"

"Normal ones are usually around 100 gold, while the magical ones start at 500 gold."

"Ah… I see…"