Chapter 160: [159] Lack (2)
Ren stood before the matte-black steel capsule, his eyes locked onto the elegant yet brutal shape of the Techno Armor Mark 3 sleeping inside. The armor’s surface, forged from Damascus Steel, reflected the soft light from the cave’s ceiling—like a relic from a future that hadn’t yet arrived.
But Ren merely let out a quiet sigh.
"This time... I can’t use it."
Ultro’s deep voice—now fully integrated into the base and all of Ren’s combat systems—came from the main speaker to his side.
[A logical decision, Master. As you previously stipulated, this armor must be forged manually, without assistance from your transmutation ability. And due to Damascus Steel’s unstable nature under alchemical manipulation...]
"Yeah, I know," Ren cut in, raising a hand toward the capsule, then pulling it back as if resisting temptation. "I made a promise to myself. I can’t keep relying on Transmutation. Not just because of the risk... but because the more I use it, the duller my creativity becomes as a designer."
He glanced at the metal gauntlet already equipped on his left arm—the latest model of the Plasma Gauntlet Enhanced-Type, developed after a technical failure in a prior battle. Not as powerful as full armor, but far more flexible.
"This upgraded version hasn’t been tested in real combat," he muttered quietly.
[Risk factor stands at 17%, but plasma output has increased by 220% compared to the previous prototype. This is currently your only viable option.]
Ren clenched his fist, and the blue lights along the gauntlet’s edge lit up, pulsing slowly like a mechanical heartbeat. A gentle warmth spread along his arm—a sign the mini-reactor within was online and ready.
"In that case," he said, taking a deep breath, "I’ll make every strike count."
Ren turned to the weapons rack, grabbing a lightweight chest plate made from mithril composite and nanofiber—a blend of modern technology and fantasy-grade metal. Though not as durable as his full combat armor, the gear was enough to withstand one or two fatal blows from mid-tier monsters. He then suited up in an all-black combat outfit made of flexible Kevlar, fitted with light armor across vital points.