NOVEL NEXT Chapter 53: The Chitinous Armors
"Mhh."
A pensive frown creased his brows, and he crossed his arms over his chest as he pondered the suggestion.
'We both were imps, meaning our system was similar. Still, Luna explained that similarities weren't enough because our bodies were different. It's even more true now that I'm a drake imp.'
As he opened his mouth to refuse, he saw Morwen's expectant gaze, radiant smile and hands clasped over her abundant chest. Then, the others' envious grimaces painted their faces a shade of green.
He rolled his eyes at them, swallowing the rejection.
"Alright. You'll each show me how you do later. It'll help me as a reference."
"Yay! Big bro is the best!"
They yelled, jumping on their feet in joy and patting each other.
Chuckling at their shenanigans, he asked them one last question.
"Why are you calling me big bro, by the way?"
Surprised by the obvious question, Silas stepped forward and grinned.
"We were of the same species, and you were calling the shots, so you're our big brother!"
Zephyr followed in his steps, providing an additional reason.
"I remember our summoning. You decided to keep us against the general opposition. What can you be but a kind big bro who cares for us?"
The others nodded and lunged at him like eager kittens.
Locked in their affectionate hugs, a warm sensation spread around his racing heart.
He patted their backs, enjoying the warmth of the contact, the sound of their laughter and the genuine care they showed him, not because of his lord's status but because of his decisions.
Amidst the tender moment, two realisations struck him.
'That's the type of ruler I want to become. One respected because of his actions, not his words.'
He cemented yesterday's resolve and burned Luna's words into his heart.
A determined glint flashed into his eyes as he vowed to make his subjects loyal through his actions before continuing to the second realisation.
'W-We've all been longing for affection in this foreign place. That's why everyone accepted the cute imps despite the added work. They also deserve to rest and have fun.'
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The corner of his lips raising into a gentle smile, he pulled back and turned to Ifrit.
"I want to add buildings where everyone can relax after work and have fun. What would you recommend?"
However, the fiery demon gazed at him in confusion for a second before shrugging.
"More raids. I want to burn our enemies to the ground and claim a volcano as mine!"
"..."
'How is that fun?!'
He rolled his eyes, failing to find an answer as Ondine emerged from her hut, attracted by the discussion.
"I want an oasis city in the desert. I'll protect it in your name, my lord."
As disbelief colored his face at their bizarre notion of fun, Bart came next.
"I already discussed this with the satyr. We want to share a vast forest and tame all the beasts there. It'll make for a good side army if they're demonic."
His head dropped to the side in defeat.
'When did I ask for your dreams?! I want recommendations for a building to have fun!'
The six incubi and succubi raised their hands next.
"We want to stay with big bro forever! We'll help you make the best city and have fun playing together."
As he sighed in frustration, Garduck left his house and sat by him, his gaze fixed on the demonic altar.
"We're demons. Our culture defines fun as violence and tricking humans and other races into despair. But we changed. Like Muramasa, who enjoys forging blades, we appreciate the sensation of progress and the peace you built in the territory. That's what they're trying to say."
He pinched the bridge of his nose, realising his poor subjects didn't know the meaning of fun. Still, he had heard their dreams.
'I won't promise them anything. Instead, I'll grant them what they want in the future!'
He swore in his heart as his subjects' heads jerked to the six teenagers surrounding him in wariness.
After he spent some time explaining they were the evolved imps and cooking meat, Muramasa and Dimitris showed up as if attracted by the enticing scent.
As they shared breakfast, Muramasa's lips curled into a satisfied smile.
"I crafted fifteen armor sets tonight. Of course, I reserved the best pieces for you, my lord, and I bet they'll surprise you."
"Excellent! Let's pick them up before separating for the day."
A rush of excitement jolted his shoulders as he could finally equip everyone with a chitinous set! Even better, Muramasa made enough for everyone since he had thirteen fighters.
Eagerness fueling his steps, he entered the chaotic forge by the river.
Eyes landing on the table, he gawked at the neatly arranged pieces glinting a dull dark. Muramasa took some liberty with the design, giving them an incredible aesthetic reminiscent of Japanese armors that sent his heart into a drumming frenzy.
"The helmet even looks like a Japanese demon's head!"
Muramasa nodded on the side, pointing at a particular set looking fiercer than the others despite its shorter size.
"They've all reached uncommon rarity, plus one that surpassed the blueprint limitations using the chaotic energy. I can adjust the design to match everyone's taste if required. So, please inspect and use my chitinous yoroi!"
Unable to wait, he gripped the pieces and scrutinised them until the stats appeared before his enlarging eyes.
Exquisite chitinous helmet
Rarity: Rare
Level requirement: 15
Vitality +15
Strength +4
Exquisite chitinous greaves
Rarity: rare
Level requirement: 15
Vitality +4
Agility +15
Exquisite chitinous gauntlets
Rarity: rare
Level requirement: 15
Vitality +4
Strength +15
Exquisite chitinous boots
Rarity: rare
Level requirement: 15
Vitality +4
Agility +15
Exquisite chitinous chest plate
Rarity: rare
Level requirement: 15
Vitality +15
Strength +4
Murama's abyssal touch: any species but demons will sink into mad violence upon wearing the smith's creation.
"That's insane! They didn't get additional effects, but the stats alone will increase my vitality by forty-two, strength by twenty-three and agility by nineteen! And that's without counting the set effect!"
His arms trembled in joy, unbothered by the abyssal touch since they were all demons, and Muramasa had warned him after his summon.
A grin split his face as he noticed the other pieces rolled the blueprint's maximum stats, with a few gaining random effects like mild acidic resistance.
"Hahaha! Well done, Muramasa! Take some time to rest and enjoy the place."
He turned to his subjects, pointing at the armors.
"The time we looked like beggars is over! We're now a proper army with incredible equipment."
He gazed at their worn clothes after the battle abuses they sustained before picking his set and rushing to a side room to change.
With more time to observe them, he noticed the minor details added by Muramasa. For many, they would look insignificant, but it was a show of mastery and care for him.
He felt the dark fabric connecting the pieces, noticing the shining yet delicate plum blossoms added by working metal in intricate forms.
'He even thought about our comfort and style!'
He chuckled, undressing and donning the fierce armor before rushing to the river.
"Hehehe. We look even more threatening than before. Our enemies will tremble in fear, and despair will consume their hearts once they see us on a battlefield!"