When I returned to my workshop, I reviewed the design of the Dual-Layered Armor spread across the sketches on my desk. This armor would be one of the most important elements for my survival in the tower. It needed to provide both durability and mobility without weighing me down. Made from Blackcharash and Glintsteel, this armor had to protect me from enemy blows while allowing for fluid movement.
The inner layer needed to be flexible enough to maintain mobility while durable enough to absorb impacts. For this, I began cutting the Glintsteel into thin plates. These thin plates would be connected in a mesh-like pattern that would tightly wrap around the body.
I hammered the plates to give them a slight curve, allowing them to conform to my body’s contours. Between each plate, I added small hinges to connect them. This design would ensure that the armor supported movement without restricting it during bending and twisting motions.
To hold the plates together, I needed a flexible and durable binder. Here, I used fibers obtained from Silentvine. These fibers would keep the inner layer intact while providing protection without limiting my movements.
For the outer layer, it was time for Blackcharash. This metal would serve as the primary material to protect the armor from physical strikes. I heated the Blackcharash plates and cut them into sizes that fit the chest, back, shoulders, and thighs.
I hammered each piece to harden it, but I rounded the edges slightly. This would allow the armor to deflect enemy blows without the sharp corners catching. Additionally, I left small gaps between the plates to allow the inner layer’s flexibility to work in tandem.
Combining the inner and outer layers was a challenging process. Both layers needed to move independently. To attach the Blackcharash plates to the inner layer, I added a special hinge system to the Glintsteel joints. This system ensured that the outer layer plates fit perfectly onto the inner layer while maintaining freedom of movement.
To balance the weight of Blackcharash, I added a thin layer of Glintsteel to the backside of each plate. This not only lightened the overall weight of the armor but also increased its durability.
In the chest section, I created a small mana bed and placed a piece of Gloresium in it. This added an extra layer of protection against low-level mana strikes.
When I donned the armor, its weight was distributed far better than I had expected. As I moved, I could feel the inner and outer layers working in harmony. There was no stiffness or hindrance when I rotated my shoulders or bent and straightened my body.
When I struck the target a few times with light blows, I saw that the Blackcharash plates absorbed the impacts while the inner layer maintained its flexibility.
[Dual-Layered Armor]
[Lightweight yet durable protection. Flexisteel enhances mobility, while Blackash provides superior resistance to physical impacts.]
The Dual-Layered Armor was the perfect tool for my survival, both in battle and against the unknown dangers in the tower. I looked at myself in the mirror without removing it. The matte black surface of the armor blended perfectly with the dark surroundings of the tower, reflecting almost no light.
This armor felt like a companion that would fight alongside me, protecting me. Now, it was time for the Silence Boots.
After completing the Dual-Layered Armor, I moved on to the Silence Boots. These boots were just as essential for my survival in the tower as the armor. Silence was a fundamental requirement for approaching enemies and staying alive in the tower. Even a single wrong step, audible to the enemy, could result in disaster.
I reviewed the boot design in my sketches. They had to be light, durable, and flexible. The soles needed to be soft yet resistant to sharp stones and harsh surfaces. Materials made from Silentvine and Glintsteel were ideal for achieving this.
At the core of silent steps was the structure of the sole. Silentvine, with its naturally silent and flexible fibers, was the key. I carefully wove the Silentvine into a fine pattern, achieving a structure that was both durable and soft.
During the weaving process, I added small air channels to the underside of the sole. These channels reduced pressure points and made the sole completely silent. This system, which allowed for airflow with each step and distributed the pressure, would ensure that even the sharpest ears couldn’t detect me.
On top of the Silentvine sole, I placed a thin layer of Glintsteel. This would prevent damage from sharp rocks or traps set by enemies. Glintsteel made the soles both durable and lightweight.
The upper part of the boot was designed to grip the ankles tightly without restricting movement. I wove Silentvine fibers into an elastic mesh. This mesh provided a firm hold on the ankle while allowing for comfortable movement.
The thin Glintsteel frame added to the upper part provided structural integrity to the boot. These frames prevented the boots from losing shape while also protecting my ankles from enemy attacks.
To enhance the natural properties of Silentvine, I directed a light mana flow through the material. This made my steps even quieter and would provide an advantage in the dark corners of the tower.
I applied a matte coating to the outer surface of the boots, ensuring they wouldn’t reflect light off the shiny floors in the tower. This was a crucial detail.
I put the boots on and took a few steps on the stone floor of my workshop. With each step, I noticed almost no sound. Though I could feel my feet touching the ground, hearing the sound waves being absorbed completely was satisfying. Then, I did a few movement tests with the armor. I bent, ran, turned... The boots fit my feet like a second skin, creating no obstacles at all.
[Silence Boots]
[Masterfully crafted for silent movement. Flexisteel’s flexible soles and Whisperwood’s lightweight nature ensure stealthy steps.]
The Silence Boots were not just equipment; they were my life insurance in the tower. The silence of my steps would allow me to move unnoticed. Leaning against the corner of my workshop, I examined the boots for a while. As I prepared for my mission, I felt the growing importance of each piece of equipment. Next up was the Mana-Charged Amulet.
After finishing the Silence Boots, I moved on to the Mana-Charged Amulet. This small but critical accessory was designed to optimize my mana usage in the tower and prevent energy depletion during battle. It seemed simple, but it required quite a complex process.
I began by preparing the Gloresium piece that would sit at the center of the amulet. Gloresium naturally had the ability to absorb and store mana energy. I carefully selected a small, glowing stone. Then, I used fine sandpaper to shape it into a smooth, rounded form. I had to be cautious during this process to avoid breaking it, as Gloresium was both valuable and fragile.
To stabilize the Gloresium stone and make it wearable, I prepared a thread made from Silentvine fibers. These fibers were light but durable and could direct the mana flow smoothly. I tightly wrapped the fibers around the stone and wove them lightly to form a natural frame.
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The main body of the amulet was ready. Now, I reached the most critical step: charging the Gloresium stone with mana. However, this time, there was a different dimension to the task. I had never used mana before, or at least I thought I hadn’t. I remembered the training my father had given me in the past, teaching me how to direct the energy within my body. However, back then, no matter what I did, I couldn’t feel the mana flow. As a result, I had focused on mechanical and chemical solutions instead, unlike the other hunters who directly worked with mana.
But for my mother, I had to push the boundaries. This amulet wasn’t just a tool; it was a test for me. It was time to unlock the hidden potential within my body for the first time.
I held the stone in my palm. As I gazed at its smooth surface, I saw a faint light flicker inside. It was as if the Gloresium was also waiting for this moment. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and began to focus.
I tried to empty my mind to sense the energy within my body. At first, nothing happened. I felt tense, and my breathing quickened. "What if I fail?" The thought lingered in my mind. But then... deep within me, I felt a slight warmth. This feeling, which began like a spark near my chest, spread through my entire body. At first, it was like a tingling sensation, then it grew into a wave of power.
This feeling was both exciting and terrifying. It was like standing in the middle of a powerful wind—both in control and yet not. "This is my mana," I thought. There was an energy inside me, a source of life, and I had never used it before. I felt a bit foolish, but at the same time, a strange sense of pride filled me.
I had to move not with the impatience of a novice whose hands were trembling, but with the determination of a focused master. I controlled my breath and slowly directed the wave of energy inside me toward my hands. My hands warmed, and I felt a subtle pressure in my palms. Then, I focused on the Gloresium stone. I realized that it wasn’t just about filling the stone with energy—it also had to be aligned with the energy.
As I directed the mana toward the stone, I watched as the light on its surface slowly intensified. First, there was a small tremor, then a brilliant glow began to form. I watched the Gloresium stone as it seemed to "come to life." There was a strange sense of peace within me, but also a deep feeling of responsibility.
At one point, the stone began to vibrate gently. It was as if it was sending me a message: "Alright. We’re ready now." This was the moment of true success. The stone’s light stabilized, and the mana flow within it became steady. I felt the mesmerizing power of controlling my inner energy and transferring it into an object.
I completed the amulet by coating its surface with a matte layer. This would prevent it from catching the attention of the bright lights in the tower and protect the delicate structure of the Gloresium. The amulet was now ready.
I felt both exhausted and incredibly powerful. In this first attempt, I had successfully completed the entire process. Yes, no hunter had ever used mana before, but this success had taken me to a new level. Every item I crafted was no longer just a product of my intelligence but also a part of my soul. I placed the amulet around my neck and felt a slight flow of energy within me. My first pure mana-created tool, now ready to support me in my battle against the tower.
[Mana-Charged Amulet]
[Regulates mana flow, enabling extended use of abilities. Infused with Shadowsilver for energy and Whisperwood for portability.]
"Not bad," I said to myself. Then, I smiled slightly. "But this is just the beginning."
After the Mana-Charged Amulet, I began working on the Poisonous Flask Bomb I had designed to neutralize enemy groups in the tower. These bombs were perfect for creating a great impact in silence.
For the bomb's outer shell, I used Blackcharash fragments. This mineral was impact-resistant but easily shattered during an explosion. From small pieces, I crafted a thin spherical form that would form a durable shell. I slightly weakened the junction points of the sphere to direct the explosion.
The deadly effect of the bomb would come from the poison extracted from Venomtail. This poison was effective not only through contact but also via inhalation. I carefully placed the Venomtail extract into a small vial and placed it at the center of the bomb.
To stabilize the poison, I had to set up a special mechanism. As I fixed the vial inside the bomb, I left fine holes that would release the poison during the explosion. This was a critical detail to increase the bomb's effectiveness.
I added a fine Silentvine texture to the flask's outer surface, making it easier to carry. This ensured the safe transportation and preparation of the bomb. Finally, I placed a simple but effective mana igniter at the bottom of the bomb. This igniter would trigger the bomb when used, releasing the poison.
I created a much smaller and weaker prototype of the bomb and tested it in a trial area. When I pressed a small button, the mechanism inside the bomb was activated. The Blackcharash shell cracked, and the Venomtail poison spread into the air as a dense mist. I could tell the deadly effect of the poison from the immediate wilting of the small plants in the mist. The test was a success.
[Poisonous Flask Bomb]
[Neutralize enemy groups with a toxic mist. A deadly combination of Tailvenom’s lethal effect and Blackash shards for a sharp impact.]
The Mana-Charged Amulet and Poisonous Flask Bomb were significant steps in my preparation for the dangers in the tower. These items would not only give me an advantage over enemies but also increase my chances of survival. Next, I had to prepare my final pieces of equipment.
I returned to my workshop once again. The dim light of the workshop illuminated the materials lying on the table in front of me. On the table were pieces of Blackcharash, with a dark and glossy appearance, and Glintsteel wires, which had a fine, slightly metallic shimmer. These materials would transform into a reliable tool for the high walls, cliffs, and tough passages I would face in the tower: the Multi-Functional Hook System.
A rope and hook system to climb the tower or create an escape route was one of the most fundamental tools for my survival. Therefore, I needed to make this tool not only functional but also durable and easy to use. I couldn't afford to make a mistake; I knew that a single error in the tower would mean death.
The hook was the core of the system and had to be both sturdy and sharp. Blackcharash was the perfect material for this. First, I placed the Blackcharash pieces into the melting furnace in the corner of my workshop. As the material slowly melted, my thoughts briefly paused. I had always been impressed by the hardness and durability of Blackcharash, but this hardness also made the processing difficult.
I poured the melted material into a special hook mold and waited for it to cool. During that time, the smoke swirling around the mold filled the workshop. The sharp smell of the smoke reminded me of how powerful this material was.
Once cooled, I removed the hook from the mold. It had a smooth, black, and intimidating appearance. I smoothed out its sharp edges with fine sandpaper. This hook was not only strong but also powerful enough to pierce even the toughest surfaces.
After finishing the hook, I prepared the Glintsteel wires to create the rope. Though Glintsteel was incredibly light and flexible, it had a high weight-bearing capacity. First, I gathered the wires together and braided them into a single rope. I had to carefully combine the wires to increase the rope’s durability while also maintaining its flexibility.
My hands were tired during the braiding process, but seeing the rope take shape motivated me. In the end, the rope turned out to be both durable and easy to carry. "This rope will be strong enough to overcome any obstacle in the tower," I thought.
Finally, I needed to create the mechanical system to connect the rope and hook. This system would allow me to launch the hook at a target and easily pull it back. I developed a small reel system made of steel and added a trigger mechanism. The reel system would ensure that the rope wound and unwound smoothly, while the trigger mechanism would allow me to quickly launch the hook.
After attaching the hook to the system, I performed a few tests. I was relieved to see that the system worked smoothly. The rope was winding quickly, and the hook could be easily launched when needed.
When I held the tool in my hand, I realized that it was lighter than I had expected. The lightness of Glintsteel and the strength of Blackcharash had created a perfect balance. To test the mechanical system, I launched the hook at one of the beams in my workshop. The hook lodged securely into the beam. When I pulled the rope, I felt that it could easily carry me with a firm grip.
[Multi-Purpose Grappling Hook]
[Ideal for scaling heights and overcoming obstacles. Built with the strength of Blackash and the flexibility of Flexisteel for reliability.]
With all the preparations complete, the only thing left was to enter the tower. I looked up and checked the time, only to realize that only one hour had passed. But that couldn't be right. "Could the clock be broken?" I thought. But when I checked again, I saw that the clock was still running.
Suddenly, my vision blurred, and an immense fatigue washed over my body. In that moment, I realized that it hadn't been one hour at all. Time had flowed like water, and I had been working non-stop for what felt like days. I couldn't even stand anymore, and as I lost my balance and collapsed from exhaustion, I said the following words:
"I can do this."