Seeing that Shade did not answer, Old John did not press the matter further:
"But you know as well that several hundred pounds may sound like a lot, but in reality, that is only the entry-level threshold for crafting Alchemy Weapons. If you truly possess a powerful Relic Arrow, then just as last time, I advise you to use your savings to acquire a truly powerful Alchemy Item for yourself."
Because relic weapons were often expensive and difficult to find, most Ring Arcanists proficient in using weapons relied on Alchemy Weapons. Old John was not making this suggestion because he wanted to earn Shade's Gold Pounds. He was genuinely offering advice:
"Gold Pounds are meant to be spent once you earn them. Listen to me, young man, spending tens of thousands of pounds to make a crossbow that can be used for over a decade is very worthwhile. Of course, having me make it for you would be even more worthwhile."
He said so with a smile. Shade knew that Old Dad John was right, but the problem was that he could not spend all his money at once:
"An expensive weapon definitely cannot be made in a week like this one."
Shade put the small crossbow back into its box:
"But I might need that arrow soon, so I'll use this as a substitute for now. As for a new crossbow, I'll think about it later."
In truth, he wanted to save up enough money and materials before asking Priest Augustus for help.
After the priest fused with more fragments of the Deathbringer Angel, he had gained more knowledge. Among the Alchemy Items on the list he had given Shade was the "Holy Angel Hand Crossbow (Degraded Version)." Since Shade could buy cheap materials in Coldwater Port, and Priest