Even before setting foot in the Blacksmith Shop, he had already mentally prepared himself.
However, when Xia Nan heard that the Chain Armor, for which he had once spent 50 Gold Coins, was declared beyond repair, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of distress.
Seemingly noticing Xia Nan’s lingering gaze on the Chain Armor, the burly man in front of him, "Rock Hammer" Barn, gave a comforting smile.
"A true blade never fears breaking, only fears never having tasted blood."
"No need for regret."
He extended his thick arm, which was as thick as an ordinary man’s thigh, and patted Xia Nan’s shoulder firmly.
"Standing here steadily is proof enough of its value."
It was never a collectible to be displayed in a showcase, nor did it need any lavish decoration.
The very purpose of armor is to shield the body from harm that would otherwise be suffered.
Every spark from the Forging Hammer, every glint reflected from the chain links, was born for this reason.
Having absorbed damage far exceeding its own defensive capacity, the metal structure gave way, yet it transformed what could have been a nearly fatal injury in fierce combat into a mere superficial wound.
Be it 50 Gold Coins or 500.
The Chain Armor fulfilled its mission.
"If you’re willing, you can sell it back to me."
Barn held the Chain Armor in one hand and shook it a few times in the air.
The links rubbed and clanked against each other, producing a light metallic sound.
"15 Gold Coins, the parts that remain in decent condition will be repurposed into other Equipment, continuing to serve."
Completely scrapped, no longer worth repairing.
This particular Chain Armor certainly wasn’t going to stay on his person.
Barn’s proactive offer to buy it back saved him another trip to the "Pecan Furnace."
As for the price, considering the current condition of the Equipment, the offer wasn’t particularly generous, but it was within a reasonable range.
"Alright." Xia Nan nodded in agreement.
He glanced towards another piece of Equipment on the counter.
That same Light Plate Armor, pierced by a Bone Spur, taken from the corpse of someone else.
"If it needs repairing, how much would it cost?"
Due to the influence of forging techniques and materials, armor of the Heavy Armor type is generally more expensive than other types of armor.
Although this armor was modified from the sheriff’s standard-issued equipment, resembling a cuirass in size and type, covering only the upper body’s critical areas.
In terms of both intrinsic value and defensive capability, it surpassed any Equipment Xia Nan had ever owned.
If it can be repaired, it should definitely be repaired.
"Hmm... let me see." Barn’s thick palm brushed over the scars on the surface of the armor, carefully observing and contemplating.
A moment later, he slowly spoke again:
"The internal metal plates need to be completely replaced, and the joints must be welded for reinforcement, otherwise, there’s a risk of them falling apart."
"At least 40 Gold Coins."
After speaking, without waiting for Xia Nan’s response, Barn tapped the metal surface of the armor lightly with his knuckles and added:
"Although I’ve said this already, I still need to remind you again."
"With such penetrating damage, even I can’t guarantee that after repair it will have the same defensive strength as before."
"And if it suffers another attack of the same level at the same spot, its remaining durability will be completely exhausted."
"I suggest you think it over carefully."
Barn’s sincere attitude, backed by a good reputation built over years, inclined Xia Nan to believe what he said was true.
Involuntarily considering his suggestion seriously.
As an adventurer not known for defense, with only a hastily made flimsy Arm Shield and no other active defensive Equipment or Battle Skill.
His margin for error mostly depended on his armor.
Based on this premise, the stability of Equipment, whether it can provide long-term and reliable defense.
Is what he values now.
Light Plate Armor, although expensive, was in need of extensive repair.
According to Barn, even spending over forty Gold Coins couldn’t guarantee its subsequent durability and defensive strength.
Wearing it would be nerve-wracking, requiring extra care in using it.
He certainly didn’t want to be distracted during battle, having to watch the angles to avoid the opponent’s attacks landing on the patched-up areas of the armor’s metal.
Having made up his mind.
Xia Nan slightly raised his head to look at Barn behind the counter.
"If I sell it back, how much can I get?"
"You’ve been coming here every few days, so you’re quite a regular now. I’ll make a bit less; how about 35 Gold Coins?"