Clang!0

Ian fastened the plate shoulder guard to the pauldrons of the White Phosphor Armor and rolled his shoulder experimentally.0

Impressive.0

Nodding in approval, Ian began securing the opposite shoulder guard. His condition was excellent. Enhanced stats, sacred relics, and Lu Entre's blessing all contributed to his almost superhuman resilience. 0

However, even those couldn't completely erase mental and physical fatigue indefinitely. Paradoxically, this limitation gave him a strange sense of comfort. Knowing he hadn't transcended into something entirely inhuman, no matter how much stronger he became, was reassuring.0

Not that I planned to jump back in after just half a day's rest…0

Straightening, Ian adjusted the steel greaves to fit against his shins and heels. The armor and leg guards clung to him perfectly, like a second skin. The sensation was akin to donning a new layer of flesh.0

Despite the armor's natural grooves and the inner lining crafted from layered thin plates, his movements were fluid and unrestricted. Ian strapped his Steel Truesilver Longsword to his waist. Then, instead of pulling the Shadow Cloak over his head, he secured it neatly to the inside of the pauldrons and neck guard of the armor.0

This arrangement allowed him to pull up the hood whenever necessary easily.0

Should've grabbed a few more when I had the chance.0

He glanced at the tattered and frayed edges of the cloak, clicking his tongue lightly. Despite its wear, the cloak's surface remained a matte black, smooth enough not to snag on anything.0

Finally, Ian fastened the rapid-fire crossbow securely to his right forearm. Straightening his posture,...0