Strength of an Elden Wolf (Preview)

“So,” Cassidy resumed her polite, business smile, “Is there anything in particular you're looking for? I don't mind waiting, but there is a lot here and you could go on for a long time.”

Rachel sighed. “I know, but… I'm honestly not sure what I want. Sometimes, I just need to browse until something jumps out at me. I'll know it when I see it.”

“I understand. Traci is watching the front, so take as long as you need.”

Rachel smiled. “Thank you and thanks for letting me in “behind-the-scenes”.”

“Of course! Always a pleasure to help a frequent customer and friend.” Cassidy smirked. “Though, maybe come to the front door next time or just call instead of peeking over our fence and yelling at us.”

“Heh, will do!” Rachel blushed. “Sorry, it's just so easy to do when I can see over the fence there.” The two ladies chuckled.

The blue-haired woman continued searching then. She moved past the aisle full of clothes and robes and into the next one, one that held many plushies and stuffed critters. Let's see, Hawk the Pig, Po, King from Owl House, Scooby-Doo, there's a chocobo, and… oh!

Her eyes drifted over the top of the shelves and into the next area, catching something that excited her greatly. She hurried past the witch and over to the next aisle. There was a large rack filled with swords of all kinds from the Master Sword to the Nail of Hollow Knight to even a replica of Excalibur from Soul Eater.

However, her eyes locked onto the largest sword there, the one that wasn't up on the wall. It was a sword so large that all that it could be done with it was to lean it against the rack. It was a greatsword, silver for a blade and gold trimming around the base and handle. It looked beautiful as it did powerful.

Blaidd's Royal Greatsword! Rachel's eyes widened as she walked up to it. She leaned in. Or is the sword from Berserk? …probably the Royal Greatsword. It had been awhile since she read the manga.

Either way, Rachel felt nothing but wonderful and awe at the sight of it. “Now this is cool!” She ran her hand against the handle of the weapon, taking in its subtle, accurate details. The witches continued to impress. It looked just like the sword from the game!

She reached forward and grabbed it by the handle. She instantly felt resistance, the sword barely budging. What the…

She grabbed it with two hands and managed to move it a bit. However, she nearly lurched forward and fell trying to do so, letting go of it and watching it fall to the ground with a loud thud. It was incredibly heavy!

Maybe Cassidy should tone down the realism a bit. Rachel frowned, bending down and grabbing the handle again with both hands. She summoned all of her might, slowly lifting it from the floor.

Her face scrunched up, the “prop” rising above her waist as her arms ached. God, why would she make it weigh a ton?!

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“WAIT!” The witch had finally joined her in the aisle. Her expression had dropped and worried flooded in, her eyes almost bugging out as she screamed. The shout nearly made Rachel drop the sword, but she clung to it for life.

“Put that down!” Cassidy begged, eyes widening. “The effects kick in-”

There was a low rumble, Rachel's arms trembling. She felt her cheeks warm up followed by the rest of her body. Everything jerked as a “surge” went through her. That sensation felt very familiar to her.