The Guild wasted no time. With Garron at their side, JP and Lyra were dispatched on what was supposed to be a routine monster sweep just outside the city walls. Slimes, small critters, maybe a stray wolf. Easy coin, easy proof of "cooperation."
JP, however, had his own agenda.
"I'm just saying," he whispered to Lyra as they trudged along the dirt path, "this is the perfect chance to test the prototype. Field conditions, live stress, all that."
Lyra arched a brow. "Field conditions meaning monsters trying to eat you?"
"Exactly!"
Behind them, Garron's boots thudded like a metronome. "Keep your voices down. Monsters hear better than you think."
Sure enough, it didn't take long before a cluster of goblins burst from the brush, rusty knives in hand.
"Contact!" Garron barked, already drawing his blade.
JP fumbled, nearly dropping his wristband as a goblin lunged. "Time to shine, baby!" he yelped, activating the Mana Dampener. A faint blue shimmer rippled across his arm just as a goblin's crude fire spell splashed against him. Instead of burning, the flame fizzled into sparks.
JP whooped. "Yes! Ugly bracelet for the win!"
The second goblin didn't give him time to celebrate, charging with its knife raised. JP yelped, swung wildly, and ended up whacking it across the head with the flat of his staff.
Lyra loosed arrows with deadly grace, dropping two more before they could flank. Garron cut through the last like it was training practice, though his eyes lingered on JP's glowing wrist.
"Improvised or not," Garron said grimly, "that device of yours works. Crude, but functional."
JP puffed up. "Crude but functional is basically my motto."
While they harvested drops, JP used his Appraisal — and nearly fell over.
Veins of arcane-infused quartz detected. Material suitable for mana-channeling equipment.
The goblins had been nesting near an outcropping of stone, glittering faintly beneath moss. He chipped away eagerly, stuffing chunks into his belt bag.
"Score," he muttered. "With this, I can reinforce the bracelet, maybe even craft a chest piece. Surge resistance, battery potential, you name it…"
Lyra smirked. "Careful, Garron. If he finds more rocks, he'll start building a fortress."
"Better rocks than more lamps," Garron deadpanned.
By the time they returned to the city, JP felt his entire body hum with energy. His status board flickered alive, numbers dancing:
[Level Up!]Level: 17HP: 300/300MP: 220/220Strength: 34Endurance: 41Dexterity: 23Intelligence: 52Luck: 16
JP grinned like a madman. "I don't care if assassins are waiting in the alleys. With stats like these, I might actually survive them!"
Lyra nudged him. "Assuming you don't trip over your own inventions first."