Chương 37: Armor Set Part 2

The Trigger Finger Wraps came next. ••••• Name: Trigger-Finger Wraps Type: Gloves Tier: 0 Level Requirement: 0 Stats: None Quality: Standard Special Effect: Textured Palm – The inner lining features a rough, cross-hatched pattern that gives the user a slightly more reliable grip on their weapon when their hands are sweaty. Description: Thin fingerless gloves made of repurposed linen.

They offer no protection from impact, but they prevent the user's palms from slipping against the wooden stock of their firearm during repetitive firing. •••• I slid my hand into the repurposed linen, feeling the rough, cross hatched pattern on the palms. It felt like holding onto a cat's tongue, which was exactly the kind of friction I needed to keep my new guns from sliding out of my sweaty palms. I hoisted the Trainee's Soft Steps, turning the leather boots over to check the soles.

••••• Name: Trainee's Soft-Steps Type: Boots Tier: 0 Level Requirement: 0 Stats: None Quality: Standard Special Effect: Silent Tread – The soles are capped with soft felt, allowing the user to step slightly more quietly when moving across hard surfaces. Description: Simple leather boots with minimal padding. They are designed for comfort during long hours at the firing range rather than combat, but they provide a clean, light feel that won't distract the user while they focus on a target.

••••• The felt capping was a nice touch, promising the kind of silent movement that would let me sneak up on a monster or, more likely, sneak away from one without sounding like a tap dancing elephant. Then came the shiny stuff. I picked up the Copper Sight Ring, rolling the thin band between my thumb and forefinger. ••••• Name: Copper Sight-Ring Stolen story; please report.

Type: Ring Tier: 0 Level Requirement: 0 Stats: None Quality: Standard Special Effect: Glint Focus – The polished surface catches a tiny amount of light, giving the user a clear visual point of reference that helps them align their hand with their eye slightly faster. Description: A thin, adjustable band of copper. It's a common lucky charm among trainees, believed to help the wearer find their "natural aim" before they move on to more advanced equipment.

••••• The polished surface caught the dim shop light, creating a tiny glint that I could see being very handy for aligning a shot in a hurry. I grabbed the Spent Casing Pendant, giving the leather cord a little jingle.

••••• Name: Spent Casing Pendant Type: Necklace Tier: 0 Level Requirement: 0 Stats: None Quality: Standard Special Effect: Rhythmic Click – The pendant makes a soft, rhythmic sound against the user's chest while running, helping them maintain a steady pace and slightly reducing stamina drain during long sprints. Description: A simple leather cord holding a hollowed-out brass casing. It's a common trinket for beginners, serving as a lucky charm to remind the user that every shot counts.

••••• The hollowed out brass casing made a soft, rhythmic clicking sound against my knuckles, a weirdly soothing noise that felt like a tiny mechanical heartbeat for a budding sharpshooter. Finally, I picked up the Gunsmith's Stud. ••••• Name: Gunsmith's Stud Type: Earring Tier: 0 Level Requirement: 0 Stats: None Quality: Standard Special Effect: Echo Dampening – The dense metal stud helps the user slightly tune out the sharpest cracks of gunfire, making it easier to stay focused on the target's movements.

Description: A single, unassuming metal sphere that sits snugly against the ear. It isn't expensive or magical, but it provides a minor psychological comfort to a new Gunner getting used to the noise of the battlefield. ••••• It was just a small, unassuming sphere of dense metal, but as I held it up to the light, I appreciated the idea of having something to dampen the literal eardrum shattering cracks of my own weapons. I let out a slow breath, looking over the full spread.

It wasn't legendary plate armor or enchanted silk, but for a guy who was still basically a Level 2 scrub, it felt like I was finally putting together a look that said I actually belonged in Eteria. Hekter leaned over the counter, his lone tooth practically vibrating with excitement as he watched me finish my inspection of the budget friendly pile.

"This ensemble is the answer to your prayers, my discerning friend!" Hekter chirped, gesturing broadly at the mismatched collection of leather and cloth.

"It is the perfect destiny to replace those strange, drab garments you currently inhabit! Even if they are clean enough to sparkle, they lack the spirit of a true pioneer of the path!" I looked down at my gray hoodie. Thanks to the innkeeper's magical laundry service, it was actually the cleanest thing in the room, but Hekter had a point. It stood out in this medieval fantasy world like a neon sign in a dark alley.

I might have been the freshest smelling guy in Inizio, but I still looked like a confused college student who had taken a very wrong turn on his way to the library.

"You know, Hekter, I have a sneaking suspicion that I am being taken for a ride here," I said, offering him a dry, lopsided grin as I poked at the padded jacket.

"This feels like a classic case of paying a premium for things you probably found in your attic. But honestly? I am tired of the tourist look. I will take the whole lot." Hekter didn't just clap this time; he actually did a little vertical hop, his spindly legs springing off the floor in a moment of pure, unadulterated capitalist joy.

"A magnificent decision! A triumph of style over circumstance!" he cackled, his bald head gleaming under the shop's flickering light.

"Eighty gold coins for the complete set! A fair trade for a brand new life!" I let out a theatrical sigh and shook my head, my hand moving to flick the golden interface into existence one last time. I watched the final balance of my wealth shimmer in the air before I reached in and pulled out the remaining eighty gold coins. I placed them on the counter, the clinking sound of the metal echoing through the dusty shop as my bank account officially hit zero. Hekter didn't wait for me to change my mind.

He moved with the speed of a hungry lizard, his hands darting out to scoop up the pile of gold coins before I could even blink. He clutched them to his chest like they were long lost children, his face twisted into a mask of pure, giddy satisfaction.