After donning the armor along with my new cloak, I looked at myself in the mirror, "...Wow, not gonna lie, it looks kind of cool, the color of the cloak also goes well with it." I murmured as I observed my appearance in detail.
The armor was designed with survival and efficiency in mind rather than ornamentation. The core consisted of a dark, close-fitting reinforced leather cuirass that allowed full freedom of movement while dispersing impact across its layered structure. Over vital points, segmented steel plates were integrated along the forearms, shoulders, knees, and shins, each angled to deflect blows rather than absorb them head-on.
The matte black surface dulled reflections, making it ideal for combat within the Dungeon's shadowed corridors. A heavy charcoal cloak lined with muted crimson fabric flowed from my shoulders, resistant to tearing and heat, offering both protection and concealment without hindering mobility.
Every strap, buckle, and joint was positioned to complement my swordplay, allowing rapid draws, stable footing, and sustained combat over long expeditions. Overall, the impression I got was that it was an armor meant to endure. Which is obvious since it's made for adventuring.
I flexed my fingers, testing the fit. "Fit like a glove," I said, and decided to leave the changing room.
Outside the changing room, I could hear a quiet conversation between Ais and the others talking among themselves. But the moment I opened the door and stepped out, the voices died.
Tsubaki let out a low whistle. "Well, well. Would you look at that?"
The four of them just... stared, making me tilt my head. "...does it look weird?" I asked, even if I find the armor quite nice, I don't trust my fashion sense as much. Maybe it looks strange. I thought, but the blush on their faces told me everything I needed to know.
Riveria was the first to speak up. Her eyes traced the lines of the armor before meeting mine. "No. Quite the opposite. You look impressive."
Ryuu stepped closer. She inspected the armor with practiced eyes, her hands patting the cuirass. She gave a nod, "Good balance," she said quietly, "It will protect you well."
Asfi wore a small, satisfied smile as she looked me over. "Honestly? It fits you better than I expected."
Ais didn't speak right away. She walked up to me, fingers brushing the edge of my cloak as if testing it for herself. Then she looked up. "...I like it," she said simply. "You look cool."
"Thank you," I replied, and turned to address Tsubaki, who was smirking, observing our exchange. "So how much does it cost?"
"Hmm…let me think," She tapped her chin with one finger, her single eye gleaming with mischief. After a few dramatic taps, she stopped, "Well, it should be about half the cost of your sword."
"What?" My eyes widened hearing that, "That's at least a few hundred million valis!" I cried out.
"What did you expect?" Tsubaki shrugged, looking entirely too pleased with herself. "It's a piece of equipment made by ME. The Cyclops. This is master craftsmanship you're wearing, kid."
"Oh hell no! I'm not taking this shit!" I protested, already reaching for the buckles. "Where's Welf?! I'll have him make me decent armor at a decent price!"
That seemed to have done it. Fire ignited in Tsubaki's eye as she lunged forward and grabbed me by the collar, nearly lifting me off the ground
"How dare you call my babies, Shit! Huh?!" she roared, shaking me back and forth like a rag doll. "And that brat might have potential, sure, but he's not ANYWHERE near my level yet! He's still got decades before he can craft something like this!"
"D-Damn you!" I managed between shakes. "You always make these ridiculously expensive things that nobody can afford! That's why they never sell!"
"They don't sell because philistines like YOU don't appreciate TRUE quality!" She shook me harder. "This armor could save your life ten times over in the Deep Floors, and you're complaining about the PRICE?!"
"I'm complaining because hundreds of millions is INSANE!" I shot back, grabbing her wrists. "There's expensive, and then there's 'I could buy a small manor' expensive!"
Asfi sighed, amusement clear in her eyes. "We've already discussed this, Arin. We are buying it; you have no right to object."
Tsubaki finally stopped shaking me. I tried to speak up, but the silent stare from the girls made me go silent. I debated whether to accept it, but looking at them, I knew they wouldn't change their minds. After a slight hesitation, I gave a defeated nod, "Okay…" smiles blossomed on their faces, "But," I continued, and their smiles faltered slightly, "I'll only accept this gift if you all agree to something."
"What?" Asfi asked warily.
"Accept a gift from me. In the future. No matter what it is." I met each of their eyes in turn. "No objections, no trying to pay me back for it, no arguments. If I can't refuse this—" I gestured at the armor, "—then you can't refuse that. Deal?"
I could see them debating just like I was a few moments ago. They exchanged glances, a silent conversation passing between them. I could practically see them weighing it—the promise against my safety, the armor against whatever unknown future gift I might give. But at last, my safety seems to have won the war, as they agreed to accept the gifts.
Riveria was the first to nod. "Very well. I accept those terms."
"Me too," Asfi agreed.
"I accept," Ryuu said quietly.
Ais simply nodded, as if it had never been in question.
"Lucky you…" Tsubaki muttered under her breath, finally releasing my collar. She stepped back, crossing her arms with a huff, though I could see the satisfaction in her eyes at having won the argument. "Getting four gorgeous, powerful women to spoil you. Some of us are still single, you know.
"My condolences," I managed, straightening my collar.
"Oh, shut up," she said, while grinning. "Take care of that armor, Arin. And take care of them as well."
"I will do both. Anyways now, um…when can I pick it up?"
Tsubaki raised an eyebrow. "Pick it up? You're wearing it, aren't you?"
"Wait, right now?" I blinked, "Don't I need to change back into my normal clothes first?"
"Why would you do that?" She gestured dismissively. "The armor is already fitted and ready. Just wear it out. Unless you want me to box it up all nice and pretty for you?"
"No, no, that's fine," I said quickly, not wanting to give her another reason to grab me.
She faced the girls. "Payment's the same as usual. I'll send the invoice to Riveria."
Riveria nodded. "That will be acceptable."
I felt another pang of guilt at how casually they were discussing spending hundreds of millions of valis on me, but I kept my mouth shut. I'd already made my objections clear, and I'd gotten them to agree to accept gifts in return. That would have to be enough.
After that, we bid our farewell to Tsubaki and started making our way towards the home.
The weight of the armor was noticeable but not burdensome. With each step, I could feel how well-balanced it was, how the plates moved with my body rather than against it. Tsubaki really did know her craft.
"You're walking differently," Ais observed, falling into step beside me.
"Am I?" I glanced down at myself. "I guess I'm still getting used to it."
"It's not bad," she said. "Just... different, more confident."
Ryuu walked on my other side, her eyes scanning the crowds with practiced ease. "You should spend some time training in it before your next dungeon dive. Get familiar with how it moves, how it restricts or enables certain movements."
"That's a good idea," I agreed. "The last thing I need is to discover a limitation in the middle of a fight."
"We can spar tomorrow if you'd like," she offered. "Alise will also be happy to join us."
"I'd appreciate that, thank you."