Blue energy suffused the molten mithril, and for the first time since he had started his Dao Smithing journey, Sam wove in a tiny amount of his Righteous Anger Dao Fragment. The droplet of scarlet impacted the metal like a bomb, sending shockwaves across its surface as a tiny fraction of the power of a Dao Seed slammed into the metal. Only its natural durability and Sam’s improved mastery prevented the metal from shattering into a thousand pieces, or in this case, splattering everywhere. The heat of the molten mithril was such that it would actually deal damage to Sam, even with his E Rank potency.
As the metal bubbled, Sam started to drop pieces of Dark Iron into the mixture, watching as they melted in a matter of moments. He continued to use his Dao to gather pieces of metal from the dispenser until he had enough molten metal for his purposes. The mithril was far too potent for him to make his entire suit out of, and he had to supplement it to an immense degree with Dark Iron. Had he not possessed his Dao Smithing ability, it would have been entirely impossible to even work the metal. As it was, he could only control it because he had worked his Dao into the metal as it melted, gaining great power over it.
He withdrew the bubbling crucible from the flames, burning hotter than the surface of a star. The metal started to cool almost immediately as the mithril rebelled against the change in its temperature. Sam worked quickly, creating molds in the air out of his Dao energy. He then poured the molten metal into them and closed them over. Finally, he began to work more of his Dao energy into the metal, making it shine like a sun.
A chestplate, arm coverings, gloves, leggings, sabatons and a helmet all formed before him, as well as all of the various connectors that would hold them together. It cooled at a surprising rate, and he only had about ten minutes to work his Dao into the metal. Soon he was left with a loose coalition of nondescript dark metal armor pieces, and he banished the molds, letting them fall to the floor. As he looked them over, he saw tiny sparks of red and blue dance across their surfaces. Sam’s face slowly split in a grin and he picked up the suit of armor, analyzing it almost as soon as it was in his hands. Just before he touched it, a name came unbidden to his mind.
Terra’s Shield
E-Rank Armor
Forged from superior materials by a Dao Smith, this armor is imbued with the latent might of a Dao Seed. Made from Dark Iron and mithril, it transcends anything that a mortal could create, or even wear. Its surface bears the marks of the will of an E Ranker who was intimately involved in every step of the forging process. Beware this armor’s immense weight, and savor its corresponding strength. You may repair any damage dealt to it, save for complete destruction, through the application of Dao energy.
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Armor Skill: Bulwark of Humankind
Upon use, the wearer will be granted an gargantuan durability bonus inversely proportional to their level. This may be used for a total of five seconds per minute of objective time. This armor is intended for optimal use from early to mid E Rank.
Armor Quality: Superlative
If Sam remembered it right, his skills had improved somewhat since last time, although the armor’s quality was still nowhere near the peak, which was perfection itself. Still, a Superlative rank work would last him for a while, especially considering that it was compared to other suits at the same level of strength. His Smithing skills shot up, and both paused at the peak of Apprentice Rank, just shy of whatever came next.
He started to don the armor, feeling its weight as it tugged down on his form. It was extremely heavy, and if not for his myriad of boons, he would have been unable to wear it. As it was, it simply had presence on his body. He took a few steps, and found the armor to be perfect. Not too light, but not too heavy either. Although it gave no bonuses to his power, he could feel its raw durability girding his form, drawing upon the store of Dao energy that he had imbued it with. Now that his primary goal had been achieved, all there was to do was wait.
The challenge came to an end abruptly, and he was deposited back on the competition floor, along with those who were still in the game. About ten thousand fighters were left, the rest either having died or left the tower. It was an incredible winnowing of their numbers, and one that spoke to the Tower’s difficulty. Even then, many of those who had left would be happy enough with their placing. After all, a 24 percent stat boost was nothing to scoff at, no matter your strength. It was certainly better than death.
Sam found his father and Glakassa a few moments later, both of whom were laden with the fruits of their labors. Jacob had a few dozen potions strapped to a bandolier. Sam winced. It was still odd calling the man by his real name, even if only in his head.
The man had clearly grown in his chosen profession of alchemy, and Sam could feel the power radiating from the potions that he carried. They were still only F Rank wares, but considering that the man hadn’t possessed any sort of Profession before this, it was highly impressive work.
Glakassa meanwhile carried a few frosty plates of metal, each of which crackled with potency. They were small and unassuming, but Sam could feel depths to their power that told him of their true strength.