"There's another thing we need to discuss," Alliah said as I got up off the floor to head to my room.
"What is it?"
"If you're going to be involved in anything hero-related, there's something you'll need: a combat uniform. You can't participate in the entrance exam without one. So basically, you have two choices: either buy one that's readily available or pay for a custom-made suit."
"I don't have any money to buy one. Can I just make it myself?"
"Personally, I don't recommend that. All combat suits have to be approved by the Hero Service Association, and they are very strict. Most likely, whatever you make won't pass their test."
If that's the case, the best thing I could do was get a job to pay for it.
"Here's a thought: why don't you work for me?"
That was convenient; she was definitely planning this. This whole conversation felt rehearsed like she mapped it all out in her head before asking. But still, I decided to hear her out.
"What kind of work will I be doing?"
Her lips curved into a smile. "You'll be my assistant. You'll mostly deal with paperwork, but you'll also have the added bonus of learning about the field you're looking to get into. In exchange, I'll pay for whatever combat suit you decide to have made."
To be honest, it was a fair deal. I had a feeling I would benefit more from this arrangement than she would.
"Okay, it's a deal."
"Good! So, what kind of suit do you want?"
What kind of suit would I want? I guess the best option would be something that worked well with my system. The only thing I was lacking right now was defense. In that case, the best choice would be…
"Armor." She looked at me and tilted her head. "Like the kind knights used to wear?"
"Armor? Are you sure? Steel armor is very heavy; it can be quite constricting when you're fighting."
Weight wouldn't be a problem for me with my enhancement skill.
"Yeah, I'm sure."
"Okay then, it's your choice. I'll put you in contact with a designer I know, and you can go over the details with them."
"Ok, thank you."
After that, I went to my room to retire for the day. Lying on my bed, I pulled out the Blade of Calamity. The blue-tinted blade shone brightly. I was at a loss for what it was made of; it certainly didn't look like regular steel.
[Would you like to analyze the Blade of Calamity?]
I can do that?
"Yes."
[The blade is made from 73.56% steel and 26.44% Metherium. The Metherium gives it a 10% resistance to mana-based attacks.]
Huh, Metherium, I've never heard of it before.
[Metherium ores can be found in blue mana crystals. They have a strong resistance to mana]
If I could get this 'Metherium' into my combat suit, it would increase my defense by a lot.
It wasn't long before I passed out completely, the stress of swing a wooden sword all day had taken its toll. I imagine that's how the rest of my time here will be.
...
Over the last two months, I worked tirelessly to master my weapons and now it was the day of the entrance exam. Simultaneously, it was the day I'd finally receive my combat suit.
Alliah had gone out to pick it up, and I was waiting patiently for her return. I must say, I was a little excited to see it in person. I had been working closely with the artist to ensure he got the design just right.
It wasn't long before she returned, holding a plastic bag and a huge box. I took the box from her as it seemed heavy, and carried it inside. The moment I lifted it, I almost fell flat on my face from the sheer weight of it but somehow, I managed to carry it inside without dropping it.
When I rested it on the floor I could hear the clattering of steel coming from the box.
Alliah gave me a cheeky smile and then handed me the bag she was holding.
"Open it," she instructed.
I opened the bag, and there it was: a black full-body suit. My first impression was that it looked almost military. It had numerous pins and straps on the chest area and arms. It also came with a pair of black boots that solidified the military look.
The boots were heavy, and upon closer inspection, I realized the toe area was made almost entirely out of steel but coated in black. The suit also had a black hood at the back.
"Try it on," Aliah said, practically hopping up and down.
Following her instructions, I tried it on. Luckily, it fit perfectly. It didn't constrict my movement at all, and the material felt soft on the inside and harder on the outside. The hood didn't cover my face, It was just long enough to cover my hair.
After that, I opened the heavy box I had helped carry in. Inside were the silver-plated armor pieces that would be strapped onto the suit, hence the straps and pins.
In total, there were five pieces of armor. Alliah helped me strap on the chest and back plates. Then I put on the silver arm guards that covered my wrists to my elbows. After that, I strapped on the leg guards that covered my knees to my shins.
*Picture*
Wearing it, I felt like a living statue; I could barely move because of its weight. I had 10 skill points remaining, so I used them all to decrease the weight of the entire suit.
"Open weapon stats,"
+-----+
[OPENING WEAPON'S STATS]
WEAPON TYPE: Combat Suit
LEVEL: BASIC GRADE
DEFENSE: 20
DURABILTIY: 35
ENERGY RESISTANCE: 0
WEIGHT: 150
+-----+
[THE WEAPON IS ELIGIBLE FOR REGISTRATION. WOULD YOU LIKE TO REGISTER IT] [Y/N]
[NOTE! REGISTERED ITEMS CAN BE STORED IN INVENTORY]
"Yes"
[GIVE YOUR WEAPON A NAME]
It was asking me to name the weapon again. Luckily this time I came prepared with a name in advance. I spent to months thinking a proper name for my combat suit, and after a while finally thought of something...
"Mockingbird"
[CONGRATULATIONS! THE MOCKINGBIRD HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY REGISTERED.]
Now, it was time to adjust the weight of the suit.
[ENHANCEMENT]
+-----+
WEIGHT 150->140
+-----+
Without a doubt, my movement would be slower than normal until I obtained enough skill points to lower the weight again. Alliah observed the suit meticulously before offering her opinion.
"Not bad at all; it looks like it mainly prioritizes defense. Anyway, I think it's time to head to the academy for the entrance exam."
I quickly removed the combat uniform and left out the door with Alliah.
We arrived at the gate of Limitless Hero Academy on time, with a couple of minutes to spare. The guards at the gate were instructed to let in only students taking the exam; parents and other guardians weren't allowed inside.
"Good luck," Alliah said, but before I could even reply, she jumped in for a hug, wrapping her arms tightly around me as if she was afraid I would disappear in an instant. "Be careful, okay? Exams like these can be pretty brutal."
I nodded and then walked through the academy gate as she waved goodbye from a distance. There was a whole crowd of students, also planning to take the exam. We were led into a spacious auditorium where we waited until the teachers were ready to proceed with the examination.
On stage were various businessmen and women in suits, seated and facing us. Not long after, a tall man seemingly in his late 30s, wearing a suit and tie entered the stage and began addressing the crowd of applicants.
"Good day, everyone. My name is Charles Vanderbilt, and I am the principal of the Limitless Hero Academy."