Chapter 391 (2/2)

“What happened here?” Sam said gruffly, stepping forward. At his shoulder was the Ghosthound, looking at the three new arrivals with cool eyes.

“Draw.” Neveah said. Paolo and Kayle nodded in agreement.

****

After taking away Ace and Tykes, and sending the other two towards Mrs. Hamilton, Randidly followed Sam around to the back of the production compound. It was impressive how much the area had been built up in 6 months of Earth time, until it was seriously a whole little town in its own right, where hundreds of people lived and worked, constantly producing and refining the process of producing equipment in a System based world.

“If you see anything you like, just let me know,” Sam grunted, as they walked past several display cases, that were full of different armors. Randidly nodded, but wasn’t sure whether he would actually do that. He didn’t want to just… take armor he needed.

And honestly, he had gotten quite used to fighting with very little armor. Some accessories would be nice, but above all, Randidly didn’t want anything that would be too constricting. His mobility was something that he had gotten used to in his time in Shal’s world. Randidly was confident in his own strength, but he wasn’t sure how easy he could adapt to fighting while weighed down by armor. Better to stick with what he could do.

And god forbid if Sam had made him boots… But based upon other people’s attitude, it was clear that they understood that he wanted to have his bare feet on the ground. While that was true before, it was almost necessary now that he had earned himself the Yggdrasil Skills. Barefoot was his new most powerful style.

Eventually, they crossed a half mile of brick buildings, and arrived at an open area. There, a group of young men and women were clustered around a stone table, talking quietly. Their bodies kept Randidly from seeing what was there, but it was likely that this was what Sam had prepared for him.

“There was a problem with making equipment for you…” Sam said slowly. “Part of it was me; I’m just getting too good, too fast. Halfway through each project I feel myself inundated with better ways of forging things, so I didn’t want to make a spear too early, and then regret not making you the best I could. So I’ll finish that tonight. But I want you to put the other equipment on now, and then show me some of what you can do. Knowing your flavor… will help me make a better spear.”

“But for now,” Sam continued, shoo-ing the milling people out of the way, “These are the base of what I want to give to you. You remember them, right?”

The first object on the table were a familiar set of leather armors. It was the winner of the Production Assessment. To re-familiarize himself, Randidly scanned its status.

Tough Leather Armor (Un) Lvl 41: A very durable and sturdy leather armor. Protects the wearer from damage, and the spirit of the animal it is made from infects the user with a bit of ferocity. Bloody Embroidered Stallion II. Blood Soaked IV. Health +200, Endurance +20, Reaction +5.

Bloody Embroidered Stallion II: Embroidery in the shape of a Stallion dances across the armor. The golden thread to make it has been soaked in the blood of a powerful Monster. Strength +7, Agility +9, while moving gain momentum more easily.

Blood Soaked IV: The leather was produced by long periods of soaking in monster blood. The process was devised by a prodigy in the art of leatherworking. Health Regeneration +100 per hour. Stamina Regeneration +30 per minute. User gains 5% Lifesteal.

Randidly slowly breathed out a long breath. When he had first seen these leathers, and imagined them on powerful fighter, he had been impressed. But imagining them on himself… 200 bonus Health, plus 41 useful Stats, topped off with huge bonuses to Health and Stamina Regeneration per hour. And above all else, that 5% Lifesteal…

Randidly felt a small thrill of excitement at the thought of fighting with these on. But then he came back to himself, and turned to Sam with a questioning expression. “Is it really alright for me to wear these? At least let me pay-”

“Oh, we did,” Sam said, his face twisted and narrow. “What pisses me off more than the amount is that every dollar of it was worth it. This armor is the best, and it suits you. You use mobility and flexibility to overwhelm your opponents; harder and sturdier armors don’t suit you. Plus, with the Regeneration bonuses… as long as you have this, it will be very, very hard to kill you, even if you get caught.”

Nodding slowly, Randidly slid the armor over him, tightening the straps, covering his chest, arms, hips, and upper legs. It was pretty extensive, with defenses in key areas without being bulky. It was slightly strange to wear it, but not overly uncomfortable. After some time spent wearing it, Randidly had no doubt that he would be used to it.

Then he turned back to Sam, who had a sly grin on his face.

“Now… let me show you what I have made for you.”