Chương 53: Tier 1

I brought a hand to my chin, striking a pose that I hoped looked like a brooding mastermind calculating the variables of the universe, rather than a guy wondering if he'd left the stove on in a world that didn't even have stoves. If I was going to be the official "Guy with the Plan," I figured I should probably start by figuring out what kind of chaotic ingredients I was actually working with in this particular soup.

"Before we go signing our death warrants on some high level monster hunt, let me ask a few tactical questions," I said, trying to make my voice sound authoritative despite the fact that my mismatched gear was still giving a skeptical little jingle with every breath.

"If we want to actually survive the Forest of Doom and Gloom, we need a bit of synergy. First off, June, your highness... what kind of elemental flavor are you bringing to the buffet?" June didn't even look at me, instead choosing to inspect her fingernails as if they were far more fascinating than our impending demise. She tossed her head back, her posh British accent ringing out through the damp trees with the effortless weight of a crown.

"I wield the essence of the flame, darling," she remarked, her voice dripping with the kind of regal boredom that suggested the fire itself was lucky to be invited.

"A truly magnificent and devastating elemental skill, as if there were any other kind suited for someone of my station. Try not to blink when I use it, you might find the brilliance quite overwhelming for your common sensibilities." I gave a slow, appreciative nod, mentally filing away 'Magical Flamethrower' under the 'Highly Useful' column. Fire in a wooden skyscraper forest seemed like a bit of a safety hazard, but at least we wouldn't be cold while the trees tried to eat us.

I turned my attention to our resident shy powerhouse, who was currently trying to merge her iron bound boots with the dirt.

"And Aiko-chan," I said, keeping my tone soft so I didn't accidentally trigger a nervous breakdown right there on the moss.

"May I ask what kind of hardware you're packing? I need to know what you're swinging so I can actually build a strategy that doesn't involve us all running in circles screaming while you carry the entire team." Aiko froze for a heartbeat, her eyes darting toward the damp forest floor as if she were mentally apologizing to the dirt for being noticed. She looked like she was about to provide a very detailed explanation of why she didn't actually exist, but instead, she just gave a tiny, hesitant little shrug.

"I... I... Aiko-san only has this," she whispered, her voice so faint I half-expected a passing breeze to just carry it away entirely. Then, the universe decided to break several laws of physics right in front of my face. With a shimmering ripple of pixels, she pulled something out of thin air that looked like it had been stolen from the personal collection of a very angry giant. It was a massive, terrifying slab of black-iron that was comfortably larger than she was.

My brain did a quick calculation of her height versus the sword's length and came to the conclusion that she should have been pinned to the ground like a butterfly in a display case. I stumbled back a step, my eyes widening until they probably looked like dinner plates.

"What in the name of all that is holy and pixelated is that? Why is it so huge? That thing looks like it was designed specifically to give nightmares to other weapons! It is genuinely the most intimidating piece of cutlery I have ever seen in my life." The sword was a matte, light-absorbing nightmare with a jagged, stepped design that looked like it could chew through a brick wall.

There were circular holes punched through the center of the blade, and just the slight movement of her holding it caused a low, ghostly whistle to echo through the dark trees. It looked less like a weapon and more like a fossilized relic of a war that humanity was supposed to lose. Aiko's face turned a shade of pink that was almost visible in the gloom, and she gripped the mountain-wolf hide wrap on the hilt with white-knuckled intensity.

Her bone circlet gave a nervous little rattle against her forehead as she looked up at me with those big, terrified eyes.

"T-This is... this is a Tier 1 Greatsword," she stammered, her voice shaking just as much as her hands.

"It is called the Spine-Breaker's Reaver. It is... it is all Aiko-san could find." I stared at the "Spine-Breaker" and then back at the girl who looked like she'd apologize to a fly before swatting it. The contrast was so violent it was practically a physical assault on my common sense. Fiona let out a sound that I could only describe as an aggressive, joyful gargle, her eyes widening as she stared at the massive slab of black iron.

Her thick Scottish accent became a total blur of enthusiasm as she gestured wildly at the sword, sounding like a bagpipe caught in a blender but clearly radiating pure, unadulterated amazement. Right next to her, Dimitri stood like a statue of wholesome approval. He was nodding so hard I thought his neck might give out, his face lit up with a grin that could probably cure clinical depression.

He looked like he wanted to give the sword a hug, or at the very least, a very long motivational speech about its potential for greatness. Then there was June. I caught a flicker in her eyes that definitely wasn't admiration. It was a sharp, green tinted glint of pure, high society envy. She looked like a duchess who had just realized the maid was wearing a more expensive tiara, her lips thinning into a line of regal annoyance as she stared at the terrifyingly beautiful weapon.

"A Tier 1 weapon?" I yelped, my voice hitting a pitch that probably only dogs and certain types of woodland monsters could hear.

"Are you serious right now? The rest of us are wandering around in Tier 0 starter trash that looks like it was scavenged from a dumpster behind a medieval theater, and you are casually hauling around a legendary back breaker! How in the world did you get your hands on that?" Aiko winced at my volume, looking like she wanted to crawl inside the hollowed out center of her own blade and hide. She started fidgeting with the wolf hide grip, her bone circlet doing its usual nervous dance against her forehead.

"I... I managed to save up enough over the last three months to buy it," she whispered, her voice barely a notch above a sigh.

"I spent all my time doing the boring non combat quests on the first floor... picking flowers and delivering mail... so it took Aiko-san a very long time to afford the price. Does... does it actually look alright? I worked very hard because I didn't want to be a burden." A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. I looked at the girl, then at the jagged, whistling death machine she was holding, and then back at her sweet, terrifyingly shy face.

"Girl, 'alright' doesn't even cover it! That thing doesn't just look good, it looks absolutely magnificent! You are officially the most over-geared, high-threat member of this entire traveling circus!" Aiko's entire face lit up, a genuine and impossibly sweet smile breaking through her fog of anxiety. It was the kind of smile that made you forget for a second that she was holding a weapon designed to snap spines like dry twigs.

"Thank you so much, Arthur-san," she said, her voice soft but filled with a tiny, precious spark of pride. ••••• —[Author's Note] — For those who are curious, this is Aiko's gear set. ••••• MAIN WEAPON: Name: Spine-Breaker's Reaver Type: Greatsword Tier: 1 Level Requirement: 1 Stats: +4 Strength, +3 Vitality, +3 Dexterity Quality: Standard Refinement: 0/10 Special Effect: Bone-Cracker – Physical impact is increased by 10% against shielded or armored targets.

Description: This weapon looks like a fossilized relic of war. The blade is forged from "black-iron," a matte, light-absorbing metal that feels unnaturally cold. It features a distinct "step-blade" design, where the width of the sword increases in three jagged tiers toward the tip, creating multiple points of impact on a single swing. A series of circular holes are punched through the center of the blade to reduce air resistance, making a low, haunting whistle when swung through the air.

The grip is wrapped in the cured hide of a mountain wolf, and the crossguard consists of two upward-curving iron spikes designed to catch and snap enemy blades. ••••• SECONDARY WEAPON: Name: Scrapper's Hand-Wraps Type: Bladed Gauntlet Tier: 0 Level Requirement: 0 Stats: None Quality: Standard Special Effect: Unbreakable Grip – The gauntlets are lashed so tightly to the hands that they cannot be disarmed or dropped by ordinary means.

Description: These gauntlets look like they were scavenged from a battlefield junkyard. The base is made of stiff, blackened leather strips wrapped haphazardly around the hands and forearms, secured by rusted iron buckles. Bolted onto the knuckles is a jagged, single-edged shard of scrap metal, crudely sharpened and flecked with old nicks. The metal is dull and lacks any polish, showing deep hammer marks where the blades were beaten into a curved, claw-like shape.

Dried salt and grime cling to the seams, giving the gear a gritty, utilitarian appearance that prioritizes function over form. ••••• HEADGEAR: Name: Bone-Bound Circlet Type: Headgear Tier: 0 Level Requirement: 0 Stats: None Quality: Standard Special Effect: Menacing Gaze – The wearer's eyes appear slightly more shadowed, making them look more intimidating to common wildlife. Description: This primitive headpiece is crafted from a thick band of cured, dark-brown leather that sits heavy across the brow.

Stitched onto the front with coarse sinew are two jagged fragments of a bleached animal skull, arranged to resemble broken horns. The leather is worn and stained with sweat, featuring notched edges that suggest it has survived many scuffles. It doesn't offer much in the way of protection, but the way the bone shards catch the light gives the wearer a wild, predatory silhouette. Thin leather thongs hang from the sides, intended to be tied under the chin to keep the circlet from flying off during a frantic rage.

••••• ARMOR: Name: Pit-Fighter's Harness Type: Armor Tier: 0 Level Requirement: 0 Stats: None Quality: Standard Special Effect: Easy Clean – Mud, dirt, and blood slide off the material more easily, keeping the wearer looking battle-ready even after a crawl through the muck. Description: This rudimentary armor consists of several broad, overlapping straps of thick, salt-cured hide that crisscross the chest and shoulders.

The leather is a muddy russet color, stiff and unpolished, with visible grain and the occasional scar from the beast it once belonged to. At the center of the chest, the straps are joined by a heavy, circular iron ring, pitted with rust but structurally sound. The edges of the harness are rough-cut and frayed, while the underside is lined with coarse wool to prevent chafing during frantic movement.

It leaves the midriff and arms largely exposed, favoring the unrestricted range of motion a Berserker needs to swing their weapons wildly. ••••• LEGGINGS: Name: Ravaged Kilt-Breeches Type: Leggings Tier: 0 Level Requirement: 0 Stats: None Quality: Standard Special Effect: Sure-Footed Threading – The soles and cuffs are reinforced with friction-heavy fibers, making it harder to slip on wet stones or loose gravel. Description: These leggings are a rugged hybrid of coarse linen trousers and a heavy leather loin-kilt.

The inner fabric is a faded charcoal grey, heavily patched at the knees with scraps of mismatched hide. Layered over the hips is a tattered, wrap-around skirt made of thick, oil-treated leather that has been notched and scarred by previous skirmishes. A wide, weathered belt made of braided hemp and leather thongs holds the piece together, featuring simple iron loops for hanging trophies or small pouches.

The ankles are bound with frayed fabric wraps to prevent the fabric from snagging on underbrush, giving the wearer a bottom-heavy, grounded appearance suited for a chaotic charging style. ••••• GLOVES: Name: Brawler's Hand-Wraps Type: Gloves Tier: 0 Level Requirement: 0 Stats: None Quality: Standard Special Effect: Calloused Comfort – The inner lining is perfectly broken-in, preventing blisters even during prolonged use of heavy weaponry. Description: These are less of a glove and more of a tactical binding system.

The base consists of long, continuous strips of coarse, tea-stained linen wrapped tightly from the mid-forearm down to the knuckles. Over these wraps sit fingerless leather mitts made from rugged, unshaven cowhide, leaving the fingertips exposed for maximum tactile grip. The knuckles are reinforced with extra layers of hardened leather pads, stitched in place with thick, visible twine.

Small iron studs are embedded into the palms to provide extra friction, and the overall look is grimy, sweat-darkened, and battle-worn, looking exactly like the kit of someone who spends more time punching than talking. ••••• BOOTS: Name: Nomad's Iron-Bound Tramplers Type: Boots Tier: 0 Level Requirement: 0 Stats: None Quality: Standard Special Effect: Silent Tread – The soles are padded with soft moss-fiber, slightly muffling the sound of footsteps on hard surfaces.

Description: These boots are heavy, calf-high footwear built from thick slabs of sun-bleached leather. They appear oversized and clunky, featuring wide toe-caps reinforced with rusted iron plates that have been hammered into a blunt, rounded shape. The shins are protected by additional vertical leather slats, held in place by crisscrossing twine and frayed hemp rope. The soles are carved from dense, hardened rubber-wood, showing deep treads for better traction in blood-slicked arenas.

Dark grease and dried mud are caked into the seams, and the leather is stiff with age, giving the impression of gear that has marched across countless miles of harsh terrain without failing. ••••• RING: Name: Jagged Bone-Hoop Type: Ring Tier: 0 Level Requirement: 0 Stats: None Quality: Standard Special Effect: Pulse Harmony – The ring vibrates very faintly when the wearer's heart rate increases, helping them stay rhythmic during a battle trance.

Description: This isn't a piece of jewelry made by a jeweler, but rather a trophy worn on the finger. It is a thick, circular slice of a hollowed-out animal marrow bone, yellowed by age and polished only by the constant friction of skin. The exterior isn't smooth; it features tiny, natural serrations and a singular, sharp splinter that juts out slightly, mimicking a crude gemstone. Dark, dried resin fills the natural cracks in the bone, acting as both a glue and a decorative contrast.

It fits snugly and looks more like a piece of primitive debris than an ornament, perfectly matching the raw, unrefined aesthetic of a starting Berserker. ••••• NECKLACE: Name: Predator's Fang-Link Type: Necklace Tier: 0 Level Requirement: 0 Stats: None Quality: Standard Special Effect: Warmth Retention – The cord absorbs and holds the wearer's body heat, keeping the neck comfortable even in biting winds.

Description: This necklace is a simple, rugged loop made of braided black horsehair, which is stiff to the touch and smells faintly of smoke and salt. Hanging from the center is a single, large canine tooth from a common forest predator, yellowed with age and featuring a small, jagged chip near the root. The tooth is held in place by a crude wrap of copper wire that has begun to turn green with oxidation.

Flanking the central trophy are several wooden beads, hand-carved into uneven spheres and stained a deep, blood-red. It hangs low on the chest, swaying with every heavy movement of the wearer, serving as a primitive reminder of the hunt. ••••• EARRING: Name: Shrapnel Stud Type: Earring Tier: 0 Level Requirement: 0 Stats: None Quality: Standard Special Effect: Blood-Thrum – Emits a dull, rhythmic hum that only the wearer can hear, helping to drown out minor distractions during a skirmish.

Description: This earring is a jagged, pea-sized shard of dark iron, likely salvaged from a shattered blade or a discarded horseshoe. It isn't polished or refined; the edges are still sharp and uneven, reflecting light in a dull, metallic grey. The shard is pierced through with a simple, thin wire of bent copper that serves as the hook. It looks heavy and crude, hanging lopsidedly from the earlobe.

Tiny pits and scratches cover the surface of the metal, and a faint patina of rust has begun to form around the puncture point, giving it the appearance of a battlefield scrap turned into a grim memento. •••••