Ch.253New Equipment (1)

After a full two weeks, the good news arrived that all the equipment for the intermediate-level members was finally complete.

I first attended to a visitor who had come to the village to handle a matter of relatively higher priority.

This guest had casually come to “permanently lend” the incredibly valuable armor from the Pantheon—armor they had even promised to send as a special barding exclusively for Pegasus when I asked.

“…Is this it?”

“Yes! Indeed it is.”

As I gazed with my own eyes at the gleaming orichalcum-mixed horse armor brought directly by the esteemed guests from the Pantheon, my sparkling eyes took in the brilliant, radiant golden armor.

This armor, designed to protect a horse’s vital areas, generously used the precious mythril (true silver) and was even mixed with orichalcum (divine metal), not stopping at mythril alone.

The three metals commonly referred to as the world’s three great metals: black iron (adamantium), true silver (mythril), and divine metal (orichalcum).

This metal called orichalcum, as its alternate name “divine metal” suggests, has an appearance similar to gold while possessing numerous distinct characteristics that clearly set it apart from other metals.

First, being a magical metal derived from gold, it’s the rarest of the three great metals. Second, it possesses high receptivity to divine energy, commonly known as holy power.

If adamantium is considered the hardest metal in the world, and mythril the lightest and most magic-sensitive metal, then orichalcum is the most divine metal.

Honestly, when the cheapest of the three great metals is about twice as expensive as the same weight in gold, the value of orichalcum, the most expensive, is simply immeasurable.

This special barding not only uses a considerable amount of orichalcum but also contains various divine powers befitting its mythril base with orichalcum enhancement.

It can condense divine power and release it like a rocket for high-speed maneuvers, and can deflect projectiles—the greatest enemy of flight—through magical protective forces.

Additionally, it can gather the naturally emitted divine light and aura at the forehead of the helmet to fire beams, or even grow a horn like a unicorn for bold close-quarter combat.

It even incorporates rare and powerful special abilities, such as enabling the use of several general divine spells based on the Pegasus’s slight divine magic capability.

Despite incorporating all these functions, it remains true to its primary purpose as armor, and being made of mythril, its lightness makes it optimal as barding.

“…My gratitude to the Pantheon.”

“Oh, no. You’re too kind.”

After bowing my head in sincere thanks, I left Gus happily prancing about, clearly delighted with his splendid new equipment, and headed to the next location.

I wanted to see Corin and his chimera, who should be testing the new equipment prepared for them by now.

※ ※ ※

Meanwhile, at the same time.

Sir Corin Lanster, a knight who had just donned his complete set of equipment with the help of a boy who served as both apprentice and assistant to Lord Malachi Falten, was slightly elated by the power these magical items bestowed upon him.

No, it would be stranger to remain calm while wearing such equipment.

The most striking item he wore was his custom armor with its impressive streamlined gauntlets, designed with an ergonomic structure that made it extremely comfortable.

The double-layered structure—countless tiny metal pieces joined together with plate armor overlaid—ensured durability, while the magic imbued in each piece enhanced physical abilities and corrected movements with subtle force.

Beyond its high durability from the double-sealed structure, its flexible design allowed for unrestricted movement, and this armor worked in conjunction with other parts to demonstrate its true capabilities.

The undergarment maintained body temperature despite wearing metal in the blazing summer sun, while the helmet uniquely transmitted all manner of information directly to the mind in real-time.

Special boots with magically activated adhesion allowed wall-walking, and a rod-shaped prototype magical cutter (similar in principle to a plasma cutter) at his waist was an added bonus.

But what truly shared power with this armor was likely the modular cold weapons distributed throughout his body in liquid metal form.

The liquid metal clung quietly to the inside of the plate armor, concealing itself. Each metal part naturally adhered as if it had always been part of the armor.

And its true power was realized through transformation according to his will.

On his wrist was a whip that connected with a naturally extending wrist blade. It could combine with parts to form a mace-like blunt weapon, or form various shields that integrated with the arm section.

Moreover, combining the distributed parts could create massive polearms, and the rod-shaped magical cutter, similar to a plasma cutter, offered overwhelming penetration power at the cost of efficiency.

Additionally, flexible operations were possible, such as forming claws by adhering to the fingernails, or creating auxiliary arms extending from the back to assist with maneuvers.

Honestly, considering just the transformation capabilities, it was practically a vastly superior version of my own armor, and he also possessed the set of magical accessories I had bestowed upon him.

A “Telepathy Headband” that connected to the telepathic communication network; a “Belt of Power” with strength and stamina enhancement functions.

Half-gloves imbued with the “Spider Grip Spell” that forcibly adhered weapons to prevent dropping them; two “Rings of Spell Storage” that each allowed one-time use of simple low-level spells.

Overall, the magic imbued was modest for the sake of quick production, but considering how they reduced variables, they were certainly worth employing.

‘…Are you alright?’

[[[Grr, growl.]]]

In addition, the chimera wearing its exclusive armor initially recoiled but soon seemed quite satisfied with its appearance.

Since the chimera was already considered complete as an entity, most minor functions were discarded from its equipment, which was unified as armor with “metal regeneration” to allow for rough handling while maximizing defense.

Spikes protruded throughout to prevent enemy approach and add supplementary damage during physical charges, and additional parts were attached for the rider’s convenience.

Most notably, a lance holder and a sword that could be held in the mouth, allowing for solo charges in case of emergency.

Additionally, it wore accessories that enhanced the output and range of each head’s special abilities. Corin, satisfied with these changes to his mount, briefly looked at the magical reins used for communication.

And then…

“L-Lord Alzar?!”

“Yes, it’s me.”

Corin, who had been secretly pleased with the equipment that largely recreated the form he desired, couldn’t hide his embarrassment at the sudden appearance of his lord, Camille de Alzar.

How awkward to be caught in a narcissistic moment, admiring his fully armed reflection in a full-length mirror, especially by his superior!

Because of this, Corin was fidgeting and watching Camille’s reactions, but Camille, paying no attention to this, simply asked cheerfully:

“So, Sir Corin, how’s the equipment?”

“…It’s excellent. I dare say I might be about twice as strong as before.”

Corin’s claim of being twice as strong was certainly an exaggeration, but that didn’t mean the combat enhancement was insignificant.

The overall improvement in weapon conditions and equipment optimization, combined with the myriad of processed weapons provided for him—how could this possibly be received negatively?

Therefore, although somewhat exaggerated, Lord Alzar responded to Corin’s sincere words with a satisfied smile before pulling a bracelet from his pocket and tossing it to him.

“Take this.”

“…What is it?”

“A ‘Bracelet of Protection,’ usable once per charge. When activated, it forms a shield made of magical energy.”

While dismissing it as a test item, Lord Alzar handed over the shield-accessory that clearly looked expensive, regarding Corin with a steadfastness that seemed incongruous with his very young age.

As if he could become a pillar and support for all people.