Chương 38: Ready Perfectly

I reached out and gingerly poked one of the leather boots Hekter had tossed onto the pile. The moment my finger made contact with the grain, the solid material shuddered and dissolved into a mesmerizing flurry of sapphire blue light. It was like watching a block of ice shatter into glowing diamonds, each particle swirling in a miniature cyclone before being vacuumed into the invisible abyss of my pocket dimension.

I felt a subtle vibration in the back of my skull, a digital hum that usually preceded the voice of my favorite invisible roommate. Right on cue, the interface flickered into my vision, and that familiar, robotic, yet somehow feminine voice echoed in my head. [Your newly acquired equipment has been relocated to your personal sub-dimension. Is it your wish to don these items now, substituting them for your current garments?]"Sure," I said, giving a casual shrug to the empty air.

"Let's see if I can pull off the post-apocalyptic scavenger look without looking like I fell through a thrift store." Suddenly, I was the center of a localized light show. A soft, white radiance erupted from my chest, washing over my gray hoodie and jeans. I felt a weirdly pleasant tingling sensation, like a thousand tiny static shocks dancing across my skin as the molecules of my cotton sweatshirt were forcibly evicted and replaced by something much more rugged.

When the glow faded, I stood there smelling faintly of old wool, tanned hide, and Hekter's general lack of hygiene. I caught my reflection in a dusty, cracked mirror leaning against a stack of crates, and I couldn't help but let out a dry, self-deprecating chuckle. I looked like a complete disaster. The jacket was a bit bulkier than I expected, and the breeches were so light I felt like I was wearing fancy pajamas to a knife fight.

Between the bandana across my forehead and the copper ring catching the light, I was a walking advertisement for the "I Found This in a Bin" collection. It was a mismatched, cobbled together mess of survivalist chic, but it was my mess. I gave an experimental wiggle of my fingers in the wraps, feeling that weird cat tongue friction against my skin. I definitely looked stupid, but in a world that wanted to eat me for lunch, being a fashion victim was a small price to pay for not being a literal victim.

••••• EQUIPMENT: MAIN WEAPON: Revolver— Training Prototype-7 (T0) SECONDARY WEAPON: Flintlock — Practice Piece (T0) HEADGEAR: Squint-Guard Bandana (T0) ARMOR: Padded Gambit Jacket (T0) LEGGINGS: Scout's Breeches (T0) GLOVES: Trigger-Finger Wraps (T0) BOOTS: Trainee's Soft-Steps (T0) RING: Copper Sight-Ring (T0) NECKLACE: Spent Casing Pendant (T0) EARRING: Gunsmith's Stud (T0) ••••• I watched as my cozy Earth-made hoodie, those reliable jogging pants, and my poor, beat-up sneakers hit the floor in a final, pathetic heap.

It was the end of an era. We had been through a lot together, including a literal cross-dimensional kidnapping, but their service had finally reached its limit. I stared down at the pile of cotton and rubber, feeling a genuine, if slightly ridiculous, pang of grief for my civilian life.

"This is it, boys," I whispered, giving my old wardrobe a somber look.

"We have reached the end of the road. It has been a pleasure being comfortable with you, but I think it is time we see other people." I was about to offer them a moment of silence when a blur of movement disrupted my mourning. Before I could even process the loss, Hekter had lunged across the floor like a starving raccoon spotting a discarded sandwich. He scooped up my laundry with a terrifying level of enthusiasm, his eyes practically spinning in his sockets.

He didn't just take them; he practically performed a celebratory dance as he slapped three shimmering gold coins onto the counter with a flourish. One for the top, one for the bottom, and one for the footwear.

"I am truly humbled by this secondary trade!" Hekter chirped, his voice reaching a pitch that probably only dogs and very nervous bats could hear.

"These strange, soft relics shall find a most prestigious purpose within the walls of this establishment!" I stared at the three gold coins, then back at the man who was currently clutching my hoodie to his chest like it was a holy relic. A cold shiver ran down my spine as I imagined the possibilities.

"I am deeply, truly terrified to ask what that purpose might be, Hekter," I said, backing away toward the door to put some distance between me and his laundry fetish.

"Let's just keep that secret between you and whatever junk gods you pray to, shall we?" A familiar chime resonated in my ears, and the system's cold, feminine voice cut through my existential dread to give me a much-needed financial update. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. [Your total wealth has been updated. You are currently in possession of three gold coins.] I turned my attention to Dimitri, who was currently browsing the racks with the focused intensity of a man choosing the finest ingredients for a gourmet borscht. Since he was already lugging around enough weaponry to arm a small militia, he bypassed the sharp toys and went straight for the heavy duty protection. Watching him negotiate with Hekter was like watching a golden retriever try to buy a bone from a very caffeinated vulture.

Once the transaction was finalized, Dimitri stood in the center of the shop, still rocking his iconic black and white Adidas tracksuit. It was a classic look, a timeless tribute to squatting in alleyways and pumping hard bass, but it was apparently time for an upgrade. [A transformation of your outward appearance is available. Do you wish to integrate the Guardian equipment now?] Dimitri beamed at the empty air, his face radiating a warmth that could probably cure seasonal depression.

"The old must give way to the new so that the spirit may grow stronger, my mechanical friend. Yes, let us begin this transition." A familiar shimmering glow enveloped him, but while my transformation felt like a light static shock, his looked like a heavy industrial welding session. When the light died down, the tracksuit was gone. In its place was a collection of iron and hide that made him look like he had been swallowed by a very angry blacksmith's workshop.

He was now sporting the Dented Iron Pot on his head and stomping around in those Mud-Stomper Sabatons, looking less like a track star and more like a walking fortress that smelled vaguely of a damp basement. True to form, Hekter didn't let the tracksuit hit the floor before he was on it. He snatched up the polyester relic with a shriek of joy that suggested he had just found a legendary artifact.

He quickly pressed a few gold coins into Dimitri's massive, gauntleted hand, his face twisted into a mask of pure greed and glee.

"A generous exchange! A truly magnificent garment for my collection!" Hekter cackled, clutching the Adidas jacket as if it were made of spun gold.

"Your contribution to the House of Hekter shall not be forgotten!" Dimitri just chuckled, the lead stud in his ear catching the light as he nodded kindly at the old scavenger.

"It is the joy of the giver that makes the gift truly valuable, little friend. May those stripes bring you much comfort in your labors." I didn't wait around to see if Hekter was going to try on the tracksuit right then and there. I started backing toward the exit, my new boots thudding against the floorboards while Dimitri clanked along behind me like a haunted kitchen cabinet.

As we crossed the threshold and stepped back out into the dusty air of Inizio, I glanced back one last time to see Hekter standing in the doorway, his single tooth gleaming as he waved his spindly arms at us with a terrifyingly wide grin. ••••• —[AUTHOR'S NOTE]— For those curious, this is Dimitri's gear setup.

••••• MAIN WEAPON: Name: Notched Iron Slab Type: Sword Tier: 0 Stats: None Special Effect: Guardian's Resolve — The user feels a faint sense of duty while holding this blade, preventing them from feeling discouraged by its poor quality. Description: A discarded hunk of metal shaped vaguely like a sword. It is completely blunt and covered in nicks, but the user finds it just sturdy enough to practice basic blocks and stances.

••••• SECONDARY WEAPON: Name: Rotting Barrel Lid Type: Shield Tier: 0 Stats: None Quality: Standard. Special Effect: Brace for Impact — The user instinctively grips the makeshift handle tighter when under pressure, making it slightly easier to maintain a defensive stance. Description: A circular piece of weathered wood salvaged from a discarded shipping container. Two fraying leather straps have been nailed to the back, allowing the user to strap it to their arm.

It offers very little protection against a real blade, but it provides a sense of security for a beginner. ••••• HEADGEAR: Name: Dented Iron Pot Type: Headgear Tier: 0 Level Requirement: 0 Stats: None Quality: Standard Special Effect: Wide Brim – The slightly flared edge of the helm helps deflect minor debris or falling grit away from the user's eyes during a scuffle. Description: A primitive, bucket-style helmet hammered out of low-grade iron.

It is heavy, smells faintly of rust, and has a few pre-existing dents, but it provides a solid layer of metal between the user's head and an enemy's club. ••••• ARMOR: Name: Reinforced Canvas Hauberk Type: Armor Tier: 0 Level Requirement: 0 Stats: None Quality: Standard Special Effect: Brace Padding – Extra layers of wool under the shoulders make it slightly more comfortable for the user to lean into their shield while blocking.

Description: A heavy, multi-layered cloth tunic reinforced with thick leather patches at the joints. It isn't strong enough to stop a direct spear thrust, but it offers a basic layer of protection for a Guardian just starting their training.

••••• LEGGINGS: Name: Iron-Cuffed Greaves Type: Leggings Tier: 0 Level Requirement: 0 Stats: None Quality: Standard Special Effect: Anchored Weight – The thick leather is reinforced with heavy iron cuffs at the ankles, helping the user resist being pushed back slightly when in a defensive stance. Description: Rugged trousers made of thick hide with crude metal plates strapped to the shins.

They are stiff and make a fair bit of noise when walking, but they provide the essential weight a Guardian needs to hold their ground. ••••• GLOVES: Name: Rough-Hide Gauntlets Type: Gloves Tier: 0 Level Requirement: 0 Stats: None Quality: Standard Special Effect: Sure-Grip Palms – The palms are treated with a tacky resin, helping the user keep a firm hold on their weapon or shield even when the leather gets wet. Description: Thick, heavy-duty mittens made from cured animal hide.

They are bulky and make fine finger movements difficult, but they provide the basic hand protection needed to keep a Guardian's grip steady during the heat of battle. ••••• BOOTS: Name: Mud-Stomper Sabatons Type: Boots Tier: 0 Level Requirement: 0 Stats: None Quality: Standard Special Effect: Deep Tread – The thick, notched soles provide extra traction, making the user slightly harder to knock off balance on slippery or uneven terrain. Description: Heavy leather boots reinforced with flat iron plates over the toes.

They are clunky and leave deep footprints, but the solid construction helps a Guardian keep their feet planted when facing an oncoming charge. ••••• RING: Name: Dull Iron Band Type: Ring Tier: 0 Level Requirement: 0 Stats: None Quality: Standard Special Effect: Centering Weight – The unusual heaviness of the ring provides a constant tactile focus, helping the user regain their composure slightly faster after being staggered. Description: A thick, unpolished ring carved from a single piece of scrap iron.

It lacks any shine or elegance, but its solid presence on the finger serves as a grounding tool for a Guardian in the thick of a fight. ••••• NECKLACE: Name: Heavy Link Chain Type: Necklace Tier: 0 Level Requirement: 0 Stats: None Quality: Standard Special Effect: Neck Brace – The thick, interlocking metal links provide a bit of rigid structure around the collar, making the user's neck feel slightly more supported when wearing a heavy helmet. Description: A simple, chunky chain made of cold-rolled steel.

It's too short to be flashy and too heavy to be comfortable for most, but for a Guardian, it's a rugged accessory that matches their iron-clad resolve. ••••• EARRING: Name: Soldier's Lead Stud Type: Earring Tier: 0 Level Requirement: 0 Stats: None Quality: Standard Special Effect: Balance Bead – The slight, constant weight of the earring helps the user maintain their equilibrium, making it slightly easier to stay upright when traversing narrow ledges. Description: A simple, heavy bead made of dull lead.

It isn't pretty to look at, but it serves as a grounding point for a Guardian who needs to keep their head level while encased in heavy gear. •••••