NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 18
In my past life, I admired people who dressed up in costumes, but I never expected that my respect for them would grow even deeper through my experiences in this life.
Look, here they are—those skilled artisans who take the time to weave the finest garments and craft full plate armors. I used to commend the spirit of those who participated in summer festivals in such outfits, but…
“Ugh, it’s so hard to move!”
When I first put on the finished armor at the age of twelve, I truly realized how arduous it was beyond my imagination.
“Yeah, well, that’s what armor is like.”
Smith Master, the one who crafted the armor, seemed satisfied with its appearance despite watching me struggle, and he smiled contentedly.
Looking back, I couldn’t find a single fault with the way it fit the wooden mannequin. Leather armor had always given me the impression of being unappealing, but once dyed in dark colors, it turned out impressively heroic, completely changing my perception.
The independently crafted breastplate with thin metal overlays and the torso segment—formed from tubular strips of hard leather cleverly overlapped—were designed for ease of movement. The adjustable woven sections even allowed for growth, making it easy to adjust. The streamlined shoulder pads were reassuring, designed to protect against slashing attacks, and the vambraces that guarded the forearms used the same structure for added security.
The guards for my lower arms had decorative studs on the outer side for enhanced protection, while the inner side featured tightly bound strips that could easily adjust for growth. The fingerless gauntlets, attached by hinges, covered only the backs of the hands, making it easier to wield a sword. This design not only allowed for the use of thick gloves in winter but also made it possible to upgrade with metal gauntlets when necessary.
The belt guarding my waist shimmered with its regularly spaced studs, more than enough to deflect blades. The tassets designed to protect the thighs and groin had skirts woven in, giving me peace of mind for lower body security.
The helmet, shaped like an artillery shell, provided an expansive field of vision thanks to the nose guard. The face mask-style veil covering the lower part of the face acted as a shield against fragments, and its clever design was well-thought-out. The most pleasing feature was the fish-scale droop that protected my neck from attacks from behind, complementing the tear-shaped gorget that guarded my neck from the front.
When paired with shin guards and studded leather boots, it was a suit worthy of an adventurer, radiating an imposing presence. Truly magnificent, though…
Unfortunately, it wasn’t as comfortable as regular clothing.
Of course, if armor was easy to move in, there wouldn’t be any need for military training to adjust to its constraints.
The combination of arm holes, joint designs, overlapping veil, and undergarments all made movement cumbersome. It wasn’t so bad that I couldn’t move, but it was undeniably harder to maneuver. Every action felt awkward and uncomfortable, slightly stiff in a way that was not impossible but certainly irksome.
“Ah, you’ll get used to it. Leather armor doesn’t bend easily—it’s more like light plate. Just keep falling and bumping into things until your body learns to adapt.”
Smith Master chuckled at my predicament. Yes, he was absolutely right.
But I possessed a rather cunning ability—an aptitude for redirecting necessary effort into other areas. I immediately decided to lean on my granted Divine Power. Without this ability to move freely in the armor, venturing into forests and ruins as an adventurer would be impossible.
So, in the “[Martial Arts]” category, I allotted some proficiency points into “[Light Armor Proficiency]” I had already earmarked. Taking the basics first, I instantly felt the awkwardness subside as I started to understand how it worked. Pushing further and leveling up to [Proficient], the discomfort began to dissipate entirely.
I see. It’s all about being aware of joint ranges and interference with the armor. Moving consciously led to optimizing my movement with it, and simultaneously improved proficiency. Later, I’d practice in the forest to get fully accustomed.
“Hey, what are you doing?”
After attempting a few jumps and tests, I began practicing without a weapon and noticed Smith Master watching in surprise. Yeah, anyone would be surprised to see the stiff, oil-deprived robot-like movements from before transform into fluid, regular motions within seconds.
“Damn… this is impressive. Are you by chance the incarnation of a war god?”
“If I was, I’d have already made a mockery out of martial arts competitions or something by now.”
I try to live a normal life, but stories from my previous life did mention some precocious prodigies wreaking havoc from the age of two. Born as such might come with its own troubles.
Considering my parents who raised me, living life in a hurry isn’t necessary. I accepted the armor’s craftsmanship and mobility with satisfaction. Next, I’ll ask Mr. Lambert to train me in the armor, which would also be great for gaining proficiency and researching damage mitigation.
Since I don’t have hit point gauges nor status descriptions visible, I need practical experience to determine how much damage I can take before it slows or incapacitates me. Testing survival through physical rolls in a dire situation would be too terrifying for someone cautious like me.
Speaking of rolls, equipping the armor unlocked many new skills.
Under “[Swordsman]”, there were advanced combat techniques for moving freely in armor. In the “[Knight]” category, skills like “[Heavy Armor Proficiency]” surfaced, and even in “[Scout]”, I found abilities for improving the stealthiness of armor, such as “[Silent Movement]”.
Even in armor alone, it’s evident how different professions adapt it to their needs. For now, I’m satisfied with this set, but eventually, combining cost-effective skills might enhance my combat readiness.
Crafting this armor was laborious, and I intend to take good care of it as it will serve me well over the years.
“Alright, here’s a gift for you, future adventurer.”
“Huh?”
As I considered practicing donning and doffing, Smith Master suddenly announced his gift, placing a box on the counter. It was an armory case, a backpack-sized storage case for armor.
“You’ll need somewhere safe to store your armor. Walking around all the time wearing it wouldn’t be practical.”
“Hey! Are you sure about that?”
The simple yet sturdy case clearly indicated it wasn’t a cheap item. While on long marches, it’s common to store armor, and this was something I had considered for my gear list.
“Of course, a gift isn’t entirely free. Once you become famous, make sure to mention my name. Doing so benefits the reputation of my craftmanship.”
He joked about guild-style factions based on crafting styles, but it’s probably his way of hiding his bashfulness. He winked playfully and handed over the case.
“Alright then, let me teach you how to properly store it.”
“Thank you very much.”
Declining would have been rude. I happily accepted the elder’s good intentions and meticulously learned from his instruction…
【Tip】 Armor significantly depletes stamina. In certain environments, wearing armor may apply a disadvantage. In freezing climates, plate mail could become a dangerous weapon rather than protection.
Coinciding with the completion of the armor, the annual Spring Festival arrived again. It’s been five years since realizing my magical abilities were ineffective, and the ring I carry everywhere still serves no purpose.
“What a lovely day, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, it is.”
Five years have passed, and sometimes patience and acceptance are key. Browsing through the festival’s booths isn’t exactly where miracles happen, but it’s a pleasant distraction.
With Margit by my side, I once again visited the festival where merchants set up stalls annually. Last autumn here brought many memorable events.
Looking back, I’m glad Margit wasn’t there. The spectacle of my “first kiss” would’ve been too complicated had she witnessed it.
As usual, Margit sticks close to me, and an unexpected, light slap comes to my head.
“Muuh…”
The little princess perched on my shoulders was clearly in a bad mood.
“Oh, Eliza, it’s not nice to hit your brother.”
The source of the irritation acts innocent while admonishing her. With her disapproval escalating, Eliza smacks at a faster pace—very troublesome indeed.
Today, Margit clings to my chest instead of my neck, as Eliza has claimed it. Initially intending to bring Eliza out with pocket money, joining forces with Margit seems to have upset her possessive streak, which has been increasing recently.
This possessiveness likely stems from my increased time away from home, often absent for days on hunts or camps. Even while at home, my increased outings have limited my time with them, fueling her jealousy.
Still, even at seven, Eliza hasn’t grown out of her clingy behavior—a trait that, as a devoted older brother, I find delightful.
While enduring cute little slaps, I survey the booths, but nothing stands out. The same shops, offering foreign candies and assorted goods, line up year after year. Though I can’t afford pearl-like items seen daily, finding some small accessory might cheer her up.
“Look, Eliza, there’s an accessories shop. Aren’t these pretty? Is there anything you like?”
Crouching before a modest shop displaying trinkets, I try to catch her eye, but the annoyed princess stubbornly turns away.
“Ah, this is lovely!”
Conversely, the spider-legged princess is in high spirits, holding a simple pink shell earring to the sunlight, admiring it.
Though her demeanor appears that of a maiden captivated by jewelry, she isn’t so easily impressed. Being an astute hunter, she’ll scrutinize for imperfections…
“Excuse me, shopkeeper, don’t you see this? Charging one Libra seems excessive, don’t you think?”
“Uh… well, usually this is about right?”
“A woman’s earrings sit close to her hair, yes? Feel this. Such a rough spot could be dangerous, possibly even fatal. Two and half Asses would be fair, wouldn’t it?”
Ah, here we go again. Hunters deal with fur, where any damage significantly reduces value, thus skills like “[Appraisal]” and “[Bargaining]” fall neatly into the “[Social]” category. Learning these skills, not only to avoid being shortchanged but also to utilize them in reverse, makes them fearsome negotiators.
I have always preferred straightforward transactions according to the price tag, but such skills in the “[Social]” category might be worth pursuing. In this world, merchants generally price goods above the norm as standard practice, though it is time to consider these skills.
Ultimately, the pink shell earrings, marked at one Libra, were secured at merely forty Asses, thanks to Margit’s sharp negotiation. The merchant, inexperienced in such dealings, appeared a tad too benevolent.
She happily played with her newly won treasure but noticed something:
Margit does not have ear piercings.
Piercing culture varies across races within the Empire. For humans, it’s uncommon, but spider women frequently have them. Some even use tattoos for adornment.
Margit’s mother, who helps me greatly, is stunningly adorned with numerous ear piercings and a spider-themed tattoo near her belly, an appearance that momentarily befuddles me each encounter.
Would Margit one day emulate her mother’s sense of style? Admittedly, it was a niche fashion in my previous life, but imagining my childhood friend adopting such a bold fashion and staying close is unsettling….
No, I must focus. Surely, I didn’t have such Lolita attributes before.
“Hey, Erich.”
“Hmm? Oh, what is it?”
As I banish such whimsical thoughts, I notice Margit watching me with a mischievous smile. Then, she deftly climbs up my body, whispering into my ear.
“I’m scared to pierce my ears myself… Can you help?”
Her words feel like they penetrate my earlobe, caressing my brain and soul simultaneously. That familiar sensation shoots through me again.
Ah, this childhood friend of mine is truly…
Forgetting that Eliza was still tapping my head, I ponder how to handle my childhood sweetheart…
【Tip】 Spider people enjoy styles that leave permanent marks on the body.
Margit’s mother, contrary to Margit’s youthful looks, sports twintails turned into a ponytail, a gentle gaze with a touch of flirtatious tear-shaped pupils. Meanwhile, the human husbands appear prematurely aged, with unknown reasons behind their thin physique.
Tomorrow, February 3rd, 2019, updates will be posted at 12:00 and 19:00.