Chương 111: Bloodhowl Warplate

I looked over at Aiko. Then I blinked. Then blinked again.

"... Huh." Okay. That wasn't what I'd been expecting. Aiko stood before us wearing her newly equipped armor. For a second, my brain had trouble connecting two pieces of information that absolutely refused to fit together. On one hand, there was Aiko. Soft-spoken. Shy. The kind of person who looked like she'd apologize to a chair after bumping into it. The girl who treated every conversation like she was defusing a bomb with trembling hands and polite honorifics. On the other hand... There was this.

I brought a hand to my chin. Then slowly nodded like a self-proclaimed expert who had absolutely no qualifications beyond existing nearby.

"Hmm." I stepped closer. Not too close. Just enough to properly examine it. The armor had a fierce appearance that immediately drew the eye. Dark metal plates wrapped around her body, the steel carrying faint reddish undertones that occasionally surfaced beneath the morning sunlight. It wasn't shiny. It wasn't elegant in the way noble knights were depicted in storybooks. It looked rugged. Aggressive.

Like it had been designed by someone whose preferred method of conflict resolution involved sprinting directly at the problem. The breastplate covered her torso with sturdy protection, angular lines giving it a bold silhouette. Mounted at its center was the image of a snarling wolf. Its exposed fangs and fierce expression seemed to challenge anyone foolish enough to stand in front of it. Protective plates layered around her waist and hips, moving naturally with her body rather than restricting it.

Heavy greaves guarded her legs. One shoulder guard appeared noticeably larger than the other, giving the armor an asymmetrical appearance that somehow made it look even more intimidating. Beneath the steel, a crimson cloth draped from her waist, swaying softly whenever she shifted her weight. The entire ensemble radiated the energy of someone charging into battle while dramatic music played in the background. Meanwhile... The person inside the armor was Aiko. I stared. Then glanced at her face.

Then back at the armor. Then back at her. It felt like seeing a tiny bunny show up wearing the final boss's equipment set. Like discovering your neighborhood librarian secretly wrestled bears during weekends. The contrast was so powerful my brain needed buffering time. Aiko fidgeted under my scrutiny. Her fingers nervously brushed against the fabric hanging from her waist before retreating. She lowered her eyes. Then cautiously peeked back up at me.

"A-Arthur-san..." she said quietly. Her voice remained soft despite the terrifying armor she wore.

"W-What do you think?" This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

"Aiko wants to know if... if it looks okay..." There it was. The uncertainty. The girl dressed like she'd just conquered a battlefield looked one compliment away from apologizing for existing. Honestly, life was weird. I folded my arms.

"You want my professional opinion?" Aiko blinked.

"P-Professional?"

"Absolutely." I nodded with all the confidence of a man who had somehow survived long enough to mistake that for expertise.

"I've watched at least three action movies." I gestured toward her.

"So obviously, I'm qualified." Aiko stared.

"..."

"..."

"... A-Ah?" I pointed at the armor.

"It looks really good on you." I shrugged.

"No joke." Then I looked her up and down again.

"If I happened to be a monster minding my own business and saw a warrior wearing that on the battlefield..." I paused.

"... I'd reconsider my life decisions." I held up an imaginary clipboard."'Dear Monster Resources Department. Effective immediately, I'd like to resign from being eaten by berserkers.'" I nodded solemnly."'Please accept this notice. I've decided to pursue a safer career path.'" I looked back at Aiko.

"It looks intimidating."

"In a good way."

"It makes you look reliable."

"Like someone nobody should underestimate." Then I smiled.

"And if I had to fight someone wearing that?" I placed a hand over my chest.

"I'd definitely think twice before volunteering." Aiko's eyes widened. The tension in her shoulders eased. Then, slowly, a smile spread across her face. Small. Shy. Genuine. Like sunlight peeking through clouds after a rainy morning.

"... R-Really?" she asked. I nodded.

"Really." The smile that followed grew a little brighter. Then June crossed her arms.

"You know," June remarked smoothly, "I've begun noticing a rather interesting trend." I glanced toward her. The elegant woman lifted an eyebrow.

"Aiko only seems interested in Arthur's opinion." She tilted her head.

"Have the rest of us suddenly ceased to exist?" The effect was immediate. Aiko gasped.

"E-Eh?!" Her entire face exploded into color.

"N-No!" She shook her head so quickly I worried she might generate wind resistance.

"A-Aiko didn't mean it like that!" She immediately turned toward the others. She looked mortified.

"F-Fiona-san..."

"D-Dimitri-san..."

"J-June-san..." Her fingers clasped together nervously.

"W-What do all of you think about Aiko's armor?" Dimitri's face lit up instantly. The giant Russian flashed a massive grin before raising an enormous thumbs-up. Fiona immediately began clapping her hands together with obvious delight. June examined Aiko for another moment. Her arms remained folded neatly across her chest. Her posture somehow managed to communicate both elegance and criticism at the same time. It was honestly impressive. Most people needed words to judge others.

June could accomplish it with posture alone. Then she gave a small nod.

"It genuinely suits you," June said. Her voice carried that smooth aristocratic confidence she somehow maintained twenty-four hours a day.

"I must admit, it's a considerable improvement." Her gaze drifted briefly toward Aiko's previous outfit in her memory.

"At the very least, your stomach is no longer exposed." She sighed softly.

"The number of uncivilized individuals who insist upon staring at belly buttons should decrease dramatically." Then June turned her head. Slowly. Deliberately. Her narrowed eyes settled directly on me. Silence. I narrowed my eyes back. Silence intensified. Hold on. I straightened slightly.... Was she talking about me? Excuse me. I would like the court to note that I had been nothing but respectful. Mostly. Probably. Okay, there had been exactly one unfortunate incident involving accidental eye placement. Maybe two.

But in my defense, human eyes weren't equipped with GPS. Sometimes they just wandered into disaster. I stared at June. June stared at me. The fountain behind us continued cheerfully existing. I pointedly chose not to acknowledge the accusation. Because there are moments in life when defending yourself only makes you sound guiltier. I cleared my throat. Loudly. The universal signal for changing the subject before somebody started presenting evidence.

"Anyway." I clapped my hands together.

"Now that everyone's finished showing off their new gear and emotionally bullying me..." I glanced around at the group.

"We're ready, aren't we?" I adjusted my stance.

"We should probably start heading toward the dungeon." There was only so much standing around a fountain a group of adventurers could do before it became a social gathering instead of an expedition. Dimitri immediately brightened. The giant Russian planted a fist against his chest.

"Then let us proceed, my cherished companions!" Dimitri declared enthusiastically.

"There are trials awaiting us and glorious victories yet to be won!" The man somehow sounded like he was leading an army instead of escorting four people through city streets. Honestly, if Dimitri ever asked people to go grocery shopping with him, they'd probably charge into the produce section ready to die for tomatoes. Without another ounce of hesitation, Dimitri turned and began walking toward the dungeon gate. Steady. Confident. Purposeful.

The massive shield at his back only reinforced the image of an unstoppable fortress marching toward destiny. The rest of us naturally followed behind him. And just like that, our little band of financially irresponsible adventurers made our way toward the dungeon. ••••• For anyone who's curious. This is Aiko's armor.

••••• Name: Bloodhowl Warplate Type: Armor Tier: 1 Level Requirement: 1 Stats: +4 Strength, +3 Vitality, +3 Agility Quality: Standard Physical Defense: Medium Magic Defense: Light Refinement: 0/10 Special Effect: Savage Momentum - Increases Attack Speed by 10%.

Description: A formidable suit of armor forged for Berserkers who favor overwhelming offense without abandoning practicality, the Bloodhowl Warplate is crafted from dark iron alloy with subtle crimson undertones that lend it a fierce and intimidating presence.

Its angular breastplate is reinforced with broad steel bands designed to protect vital areas while maintaining the freedom needed for relentless assaults, while the asymmetrical pauldrons serve distinct purposes: the heavier left shoulder guards against incoming blows during aggressive advances, and the lighter right shoulder preserves unrestricted movement for devastating weapon swings.

Reinforced leather padding beneath the steel absorbs impact without adding unnecessary weight, complemented by segmented vambraces and flexible gauntlets that ensure a secure grip on heavy weapons in the heat of battle. Layered tassets shield the hips and upper thighs while allowing explosive lunges and swift repositioning, with sturdy greaves providing dependable protection against the harsh realities of close-quarters combat.

A thick utility belt fitted with iron rings and practical pouches offers space for battlefield necessities, while a torn crimson waistcloth hanging beneath the armor enhances its savage appearance and reflects the fearless nature of its wearers. Mounted upon the center of the breastplate is a snarling iron wolf emblem with bared fangs, symbolizing the Berserker's unyielding ferocity and the instinct to press forward until every obstacle has been torn apart. •••••