The day after the festival ended, everyone returned to their daily routines. The hero characters who had come out to enjoy from the dungeon's base camp were no exception.
Kellibey, Hannibal, the Holy Grail Seekers, and even the Penal Squad had all returned.
Late in the afternoon, following lunch, I visited the base camp. I was a bit tired from staying up all night organizing the plan for what came next, but there was work to be done.
"Heading to the base camp?"
"Let's go together, senior!"
Lucas and Evangeline naturally joined as my escorts. That worked out since I was planning on making equipment for them anyway.
As we passed through the teleport gate and arrived at the base camp, it was noticeably more lively than before.
NPCs moved about in the brightly lit area, thanks to the torches.
I didn't sense any hostility from the glances directed towards us. NPCs not yet familiar with me seemed wary, but after all, I was the one who had rescued many of them from captivity.
"Guys, unload everything over there."
"Yes, my lord."
I instructed Lucas and Evangeline to place the festival foods they were carrying in the center of the base camp.
They stacked the foods next to the biggest bonfire. It was a thoughtful gesture for those who hadn't attended the festival. They could eat or not; the choice was theirs. Hopefully, enjoying the food would build some goodwill towards our front.
"Grandma Coco, try some of this."
I offered some food to the NPC in charge of teleportation, Coco the Severer.
"Well, at least you remember this old lady."
Accepting the food without hesitation, Coco casually pointed to a corner of her workshop.
"I finished the teleport gate. Just install it."
To my surprise, there lay the familiar stone chunks haphazardly piled on the ground. Those were expensive items! They were tossed aside as if they were mere road-side rocks!
"I finished it a few days ago. You lot were too busy with the festival to come get it."
As she poured the foods I gave her into her witch's pot (?), Coco chuckled.
'If it took about three days to complete... Does it take about a week to craft one teleport gate?'
I examined the completed teleport gate, pondering. Even though Coco was quite impulsive, the gate's crafting seemed to take some time. I'll need to place a lot of orders in advance so she can work non-stop.
"Ah, Your Highness! You're here!"
Right then, Kuilan and the Penal Squad appeared.
After briefly acknowledging their enthusiastic greeting, I gestured towards the pile of teleport stones.
"Pick those up."
"What?"
"Pick them up. Those stones. We have to install them."
And so, the Penal Squad found themselves struggling under the weight of the teleport stone chunks, grumbling as they followed me.
They seemed quite heavy. Good. This would be a nice strength training for you, Kuilan!
Our next stop was Kellibey's workshop, where I found him busily crafting equipment. His assistant, Hannibal, was fervently aiding him.
"Looks like you're busy already, Kellibey. And the festival just ended yesterday."
"Who do you think is the reason for all this work?!"
Kellibey glared at me, his big eyes flashing with annoyance.
The day after the festival, Kellibey was adjusting the 11 pieces of equipment I had procured from Nameless.
Given that I had purchased 11 pieces of equipment ranging from SSR to SR grade, there was a ton of readjustment to be done.
"Why the hell did you hand over 11 pieces for adjustment? Hand some of this over to your local blacksmiths!"
I reminded him, "Didn't you say to entrust you with all equipment-related requests? That others would mess it up?"
He retorted, "That was just a figure of speech! From now on, leave the minor adjustments to others!"
THUD!
Kellibey slammed something onto the table.
"I mean, bring me high-end stuff like this! Only a master magical blacksmith like me can handle it! Got it?"
Before me lay a silvery-red fur cloak. Even at first glance, it was obviously a top-tier item.
I chuckled, "When did you even find the time to make this?"
"Obviously, I prioritized this one. Put off the boring adjustments for later."
After a brief laugh with Kellibey, I looked around.
"Hey, Kuilan!"
Kuilan, who was huffing and puffing from carrying the teleport stone chunks, looked at me with a puzzled expression.
"What now, Your Highness? Want me to carry something heavy again?"
"No, I want you to wear something heavy."
I playfully waved the cloak.
"Come try it on."
"Wait... is that for me?"
Yes, considering the gear you're already wearing, you're the most expensive kid in the monster front. And this cloak? It's your equipment too.
Upon closer examination, Kuilan's face stiffened.
"...Don't tell me, this cloak..."
Right on the money. I nodded slowly.
This was equipment crafted using the magical core of the Wolf King Lunared, the boss monster we fought during the last defense. It's the third 'Nightmare Slayer' equipment we possess, and the first piece of armor.
[Moonlight Massacre (SSR) Lv.55]
- Type: Auxiliary Equipment
- Defense: 25-50
- Durability: 24/24
- Stats: Health +10, Strength +10, Agility +10
- Increases attack speed by 5% with each attack. Stacks last for 10 seconds, up to 10 times.
- At max stacks, all attacks inflict additional magical damage.
- At max stacks, receive reduced damage from all enemy attacks.
- ??? (Unlocked based on the number of enemies defeated with this equipment's effect)
- ??? (Unlocked based on the number of enemies defeated with this equipment's effect)
Its features were perfect for a melee damage dealer. As long as one could maintain the attack speed stacks, the additional damage and defensive bonuses made it an outstanding item.
'If you can't maintain the stacks, it's just an ordinary cloak.'
Even with conditions attached, its bonuses were stellar, especially for an auxiliary piece of equipment.
"..."
Kuilan hesitantly took the cloak, a mix of emotions on his face. He might've been thinking of his brother and ancestors.
Without much delay, he draped the cloak over his back, its luxurious sheen reflecting his resolve.
The cloak of silvery-red wolf fur cascaded down the back of the towering, muscular figure, shimmering like moonlight.
Everyone watching let out an impressed sigh, myself included.
'Clothes really do make the man, huh?'
Until now, Kuilan had always paraded around in ragged clothes, wearing things like sleeveless shirts.
Though titled a "Mountain King," he sometimes resembled nothing more than a giant hobo.
But now, with this distinguished cloak, he seemed entirely transformed. A newfound dignity seemed to radiate from the cloak itself.
"You're starting to look the part of a Mountain 'King', aren't you, Kuilan?"
As I playfully patted his shoulder, Kuilan grinned, "I'm not a Mountain King anymore, Your Highness."
"Oh?"
"I'm the Commander of the Penal Squad now."
Would you look at that, the rascal's growing a backbone!
"Well, considering all the equipment I've showered upon you so far, it's high time I maxed out my affection for you..."
"Affection...? I don't know what you're talking about, but thanks, Your Highness."
Kuilan brought his fists together in a salute, paying his respects, "For the fate of my people and the rest of my life, I will wear this cloak."
The seriousness on Kuilan's face was undeniable. I nodded in acknowledgment.
I couldn't pinpoint exactly what had shifted in Kuilan's attitude since our last defense battle. But it was evident that the once rash Mountain King was maturing.
'He's still a bit of a brute, though.'
I tried to erase the memory of him getting knocked out in a single blow during a recent tournament. I have big plans for you, Kuilan.
Next, I handed out the adjusted weapons and equipment to the other four members of the Penal Squad. All were of SR grade.
'Considering these guys are the current backbone of our front line...'
It's best to invest generously.
Their eyes widened with excitement as they clutched their new gear, hoping it would give them an edge against the monsters.
I then pulled out two sets of armor from the newly adjusted gear and placed them on the table. Each set, consisting of an upper and lower piece, was covered with cloth to protect against dust.
Turning around, I saw Lucas and Evangeline, their eyes shimmering with anticipation. I couldn't help but chuckle.
"Here are your new armors. The ones you had are pretty much trash now."
"Yahoo! I've been waiting for this!" Evangeline cheered, hopping excitedly.
Lucas, however, looked disheartened. He ran his hand over his current worn-out [Phantom Armor].
"I'm sorry, Your Highness... This too was a gift from you. I intended to wear it for a lifetime..."
"Why are you acting so down lately? There's no need to apologize. Gear is meant to be expendable."
He looked more disheartened than ever. I realized I'd been too hard on him. I'd need to be more gentle...
In any case, onto the new armor. I presented Lucas's first, unveiling the cloth.
[Midnight(SSR) Lv.49]
[Twilight(SSR) Lv.49]
The upper armor, [Midnight], and the lower armor, [Twilight], combined to make a two-piece medium plate armor set.
True to its name, the armor was pitch black, and its design was absolutely striking.
In the game, users who obsessed over looks often referred to this set as the "Rebla (Real Black) Armor". Many had their eyes bloodshot, vying to obtain this set.
It boasted impressive physical and magical resistances, and the set bonus wasn't half bad.
> Set Bonus: Midnight's Twilight (2/2)
- Upon equipping the entire set, for 12 hours after sunset, attack power increases by 10%, defense by 10%. For 12 hours after sunrise, movement speed increases by 20%.
While it didn't have any mind-blowing capabilities, it was a powerhouse in terms of basic stats. And with armor, it's more about the specs than special abilities.
"..."
Lucas silently removed his current armor and donned the new set.
Kellibey and Hannibal assisted Lucas, adjusting the armor to fit him perfectly. Once Lucas was fully armored, he resembled a dashing knight.
His previous armor had been quite stylish, but after extended use, it had worn down. Now, clad in new armor, he looked magnificent. It was as if he was wearing a bespoke suit.
"...I will wear this armor for the rest of my life," Lucas solemnly vowed.
Enough with the dramatics. That armor isn't your endgame gear anyway. Wear it, wear it out, move on.
Next, I handed over a new set of armor to Evangeline.
"Evangeline, here's yours."
"Finally!"
Evangeline eagerly unveiled her armor.
But the very next moment, she screamed, "Whaaat?! What the hell is this?!"
Jumping back in horror. Really, that much of an overreaction?
The armor I had prepared for Evangeline was the rare...
[Bone Armor Upper(SSR) Lv.49]
[Bone Armor Lower(SSR) Lv.49]
The Bone Armor series!
But not just any Bone Armor. An SSR-grade Bone Armor! Made from the bones of mythical monsters, no less!
The armor boasted overwhelming durability, immense health stat boosts, and extraordinary physical resistance. For a pure tank like her, there wasn't a better armor at this stage.
"From Golem Armor and now to Bone Armor?!"
Regardless of its grade or capabilities, it's just... bone armor to Evangeline.
She confronted me with a grievance written all over her face, "You promised the next one would be pretty! Does this armor look beautiful in your eyes?!"
"Yeah. Looks super nice."
For the record, I'm a practical gamer, not into aesthetics.
If the gear's stats are good, I don't care if my character is dressed in a loincloth and wielding a wooden club!
Which is why, when I streamed another MMORPG in the past, my viewers were screaming.
Begging me to wear something less painful to the eyes. And to stop obsessing over that primitive caveman look.
Hey! Do looks pay the bills?! It's the equipment stats that keep your character alive! Ugga ugga!
Anyway, from that perspective, this Bone Armor is stunning.
Sure, in terms of appearance... It might look like the Golem Armor where only the gloves were made of bone. But it's almost 1.5 times better in performance!
"This, this, this..."
Evangeline, so disappointed she was almost in tears, hit the armor and then yelled at me.
"If you like this old, worn-out looking armor so much, why don't YOU wear it?!"