Warlock Apprentice

Chapter 1343: Section 1344 Beginner’s Suit

Two days later, Angel went in search of Lyon with the equipment he had crafted.

When Lyon set his eyes upon the set of knight’s armor laid out before him, he simply couldn’t tear his gaze away.

“Is this really for me?” Lyon still couldn’t quite believe it.

“Yes,” replied Angel, “This set of knight’s armor is called the Beginner’s Suit. The design should be familiar to you; it’s the kind you loved when you were a child…”

“Gothic-style Armor,” Lyon chimed in.

Looking at the strangely styled human-shaped armor set up on the display stand, Lyon’s eyes shone with joy, and there was also a touch of nostalgia.

The Gothic-style Armor was something Jon had drawn to cheer him up when he was a child.

According to Jon, it was the ancient armor style of a country from his homeland. Although it was from long ago, it was still highly sought after because of its unique appearance.

Upon seeing it, Lyon had taken a particular liking to it, and had even wanted the blacksmith Dim to custom-make a set for him. However, Dim the blacksmith was overwhelmed by the armor’s complex style upon seeing it—so many parts that needed to fit together, not something within his skill range.

Later, when Lyon grew up, he realized that not only did the Goldfinch Empire lack similar Gothic-style armor, neighboring countries didn’t have it either.

Though the Gothic-style Armor was complex, a skillful armorer could make it on order. But by that time, Lyon was preparing to inherit his title, and though he still wore armor, he wore soft armor more often as it allowed for easier movement. Therefore, he had never really owned a set of Gothic-style Armor.

Yet, the childhood disappointment had always lingered in Lyon’s heart.

Now Angel had mended that disappointment for him.

The armor before him was overall silver-black in color. Although it seemed to have many parts and appeared somewhat complex, when presented, it didn’t feel complicated at all. Instead, it exuded a sense of streamlined beauty and functionality. Combined with its multi-faceted angles, aesthetic lines, and lionheart patterns on the armor, its hues were dignified without being overly somber.

It was, Lyon thought, the most visually striking knight’s armor he had ever seen.

Attractive, and unforgettable at first sight.

Angel had been enthusiastically explaining the various classifications of armor, but at that moment, Lyon wasn’t listening at all—his entire focus was on the armor.

Lyon picked up the helmet, fiddled with it for a bit but couldn’t find any trick to it, then looked towards the other parts. Since the armor had so many components, Lyon didn’t know where to begin—he was afraid that the whole set would collapse if he picked up a piece carelessly.

“How many parts does this have in total?” Lyon counted carefully but still couldn’t figure it out.

“If we’re just talking about this set of knight’s armor, it has only three components,” Angel responded.

Lyon frowned, “Hmm, the drawing of the Gothic-style Armor that Jon made is still in the drawer of my room. I remember, the disassembled view of the armor had more than ten parts, and some parts are hidden within the armor, not disclosed in the drawing…”

Angel sighed. He had already mentioned the components of the armor, but Lyon hadn’t been paying close attention.

Explaining wasn’t easy, so Angel simply gestured for Lyon to try putting it on.

Logically, the first step in donning knight’s armor would be to wear the gambeson to protect the areas the armor doesn’t cover, followed by the Iron Boots and other parts.

However, since it was armor designed by Angel, it certainly wouldn’t follow that tedious and time-consuming dressing process.

“With only three components—helmet, body armor, and Iron Boots—you can start with whichever you like,” Angel explained.

After some hesitation, Lyon first placed the seemingly simplest helmet on his head. As soon as it covered his head, a cool sensation spread from his head to his feet.

Stimulated by the cool feeling, Lyon not only didn’t feel stuffy, but his concentration also improved significantly.

At the same time, Lyon discovered that the helmet, though seemingly simple, automatically extended a neck guard when he put it on, almost fully enclosing his face, leaving only his eyes exposed.

“The helmet is inscribed with the magic pattern of meditation, which can help dispel distracting thoughts and aid in concentrating during combat,” Angel briefly introduced and then added, “You can try on the body armor now.”

Lyon, already sensing the magic of the armor, immediately picked up the so-called “body armor.”

When Lyon’s hands touched it, nearly 90% of the body armor vanished instantly, leaving only a piece inscribed with the Lionheart’s Flame, the Heart Protector in Lyon’s hands.

After hesitating for a moment, Lyon placed the Heart Protector against his chest. In an instant, innumerable pieces of armor flowed like water from the Heart Protector, wrapping around and extending over his body like intertwining branches and vines, automatically covering him.

Beyond the Heart Protector, these extending parts included the backplate, chainmail skirt, spaulders, vambraces, rerebraces, as well as gloves, bracers, and elbow guards for his hands.

Lyon pinched his palms, feeling no hindrance—the armor was a perfect fit against his skin, without any trace of heaviness, and allowed for normal air circulation. It was as if the armor could breathe on its own, and it was even more comfortable than the soft armor, providing a delightful experience.

By now, Lyon understood why the armor consisted of only three parts—it could automatically extend!

Without hesitation, Lyon put on the last piece, the Iron Boots, and sure enough, thigh guards, knee guards, and shin guards automatically extended, along with spurs on the back of the boots resembling small wings.

A sense of lightness instantly enveloped his entire body.

Lyon bounced around several times in the cramped room, confirming that not only did the armor not restrict his movement, but it actually made him feel more agile and light.

Unable to resist, Lyon opened the balcony door and leaped down from the third floor, practicing on the expansive lawn below.

By the end, his armor’s built-in coolness spared him from being drenched in sweat, yet the sense of refreshment didn’t fade.

It was then that Angel came over and explained to Lyon the armor’s functions.

The armor was primarily defensive, capable of withstanding fatal attacks from a Second Level Apprentice, which was the most crucial aspect of the armor. Besides the overall defense, certain parts had specific functionalities.

For instance, a helmet that could help focus thoughts, a neck guard force field that allowed breathing under water, and… iron boots capable of brief flight.

“Flight?” Lyon looked down at the spurs on the back of his iron boots, adorned with small wings.

“Yes, they can grant you the ability for a short hover and a descent akin to the Feather-fall Technique,” Angel replied.

In truth, this set of armor didn’t rank top in Angel’s alchemy. He could have inscribed more advanced magic patterns, even Magical Energy Arrays.

But since he named it “Beginner’s Suit,” influenced not only by Originheart City but also intended for beginners’ use.

Currently, Lyon was merely the lowest rank apprentice, and inscribing overly advanced magic patterns could easily arouse envy in others and potentially lead to Lyon developing a dependency. Therefore, Angel inscribed mostly assistive magic patterns, aimed at enhancing Lyon’s survival abilities while allowing him to utilize his own strength as much as possible.

After hearing Angel’s explanation, Lyon was thrilled. As someone passionate about the knight’s path, this armor was the epitome of a knight in his eyes, not to mention its impressive functionality.

Most importantly… it was incredibly convenient to put on! Even more so than his chainmail!

“Are you sure this is for me?” Lyon asked again, his voice brimming with excitement and satisfaction.

Angel nodded.

Lyon’s gratitude went without saying.

“As for weapons, I’ve given you one before, so I didn’t forge another.” Angel had given Lyon a Tang Blade when he returned to Pat Manor previously, so he did not craft another this time.

“I’ve reserved a clip for the cape; you can add it yourself if you like.”

Lyon was smitten with the armor, not wanting to take it off after putting it on, eager to show it off to anyone. Fortunately, everyone in the manor was his subject, and no one would spoil his moment… well, not quite.

There were indeed spoil-sports.

Like the former Loomer Prince, now a full-time silk spitter, Nami.

“The style is barely passable, but the colors, too monotonous,” Nami critiqued without hesitation upon seeing Lyon while visiting the Kulakuka Tribe. “The armor should have yellow stripes with a red background to look better. Of course, the helmet must be lush green to truly highlight one’s character.”

Lyon ignored Nami’s words outright.

Accompanying Lyon around the manor, Angel watched as Lyon loudly announced the fine weather and his intention to inspect Gru Town.

Seeing this, Angel took the opportunity to make an excuse and leave. ‘Inspecting’ was just another way for Lyon to boast elsewhere… That joy, let Lyon have it to himself.

As for whether Lyon would participate in the upcoming competition, Angel did not ask. Though he could quite likely guess that Lyon would agree, he respected Lyon’s decision, even if it were a refusal.

Because of crafting the armor, Angel hadn’t been to the Wilderness of Dreams. Now that he finished, he planned to visit Originheart City.

“Illusion Demon Lord visited two days ago,” Frode said immediately upon seeing Angel.

Two days ago was exactly when Angel had started forging the armor.

“Did he say anything?”

“Nothing much, just inquired if you had returned. Oh, and Illusion Demon Lord mentioned his matters were nearly settled and he plans to return to Pat Manor soon,” Frode said.

“When?”

Frode: “He said in a couple of days. Considering the time, he might arrive today?”

He’s coming back today? Angel was also surprised.

Upon receiving this news, he didn’t stay in the Wilderness of Dreams but returned to reality.

He was originally planning some meditation and to see if Sanders would return that day.

But before he could settle down, he felt intense spatial fluctuations from outside.

Stepping onto the balcony, Angel looked up to see a black crack suddenly appear in the clear sky, and as the crack widened, a figure stepped through.

Backlit by the sun, the newcomer was encircled by an aura of light.

Even with his eyes struggling against the brilliance, the illusions emanating from the visitor made him instantly recognizable to Angel.

It was, indeed, Sanders!