I Have a Task Log

Chapter 311: Chapter 310: The Plan for the Armor Technique

Old Black Heart glanced at him, then shouted to a serving girl, "A pork knuckle with buckwheat rice, a bowl of that slimy organ stew, and a beer. He’s earned it."

"Throw in two carrots. I should eat some vegetables," Colin added, pushing his luck a bit. He then walked over and asked, "Did you need something, Old Black Heart?"

"I might have something I need your help with later. Figured I’d treat you to a good meal now," Old Black Heart said with a shrug.

"Alright. Just let me know when the time comes."

Colin didn’t press the matter and took a seat across from Kase.

"I thought Ale went north on some business? I’m planning on heading to the tribal lands for a look, Colin." Kase was picking at his intimidating fangs with a bone shard.

Just then, Colin’s food arrived.

He used a wooden spoon to scrape the meat off the pork knuckle and mixed it into the buckwheat. Amidst a SIZZLING sound, the thick, sticky gelatin and fat completely coated the simply boiled grains.

Colin swallowed hard. "Perfect, let’s go together. I want to head back to Dragon’s Fang Castle and check on that old soldier anyway."

"It’s because of that new sword of yours, isn’t it? Hmph. I can’t believe I slept through the whole thing. If I hadn’t, I could’ve gotten a look at what that sword of yours is really made of," Kase grumbled.

"I guess that just means you were unlucky enough to get knocked out."

"I fell asleep! I wasn’t knocked out."

"What’s the diff—? Never mind. When are you planning on leaving?"

Kase thought for a moment. "Tomorrow."

"That works. Orelia’s been scheduled for Divine Art training anyway."

With that said, Colin eagerly shoveled a mouthful of buckwheat into his mouth. The aroma of the fat instantly filled his sinuses. He then raised a carrot and took a bite, the crisp, sweet sensation cutting right through the slight greasiness.

After devouring the pork knuckle, Colin CRUNCHED his way through the rest of the carrots, then picked up the stew and shoveled it all into his mouth with his spoon.

"I’m heading over to Donkexes’s for training now. What about you?"

Kase said, "I’ll go with you."

The two of them got up and headed toward the sewers.

Dorn was still on guard duty. When the Dwarf saw Colin, he asked, "When are we leaving?"

"We’ve still got to wait a couple of days."

Colin gave a dismissive wave, brushing him off. He led Kase further inside and, following Donkexes’s directions, arrived at the Dwarves’ forge.

Inside, Langgrin was busy working on some old equipment.

Seeing Colin arrive, he scooped some water from a bucket to wipe his hands and said, "You’ve finally arrived, the ever-busy Mr. Colin."

Colin set down the [Dimension Bag] and dragged out the Armor bundled inside. "If I’m going to wear this set, will it need alterations?" he asked.

"Are you sure you want to wear this? I guarantee that once you put it on, you’ll either fizzle every spell or turn into a walking magic bomb. If you’re really that determined to die, I suggest you do it far away from us."

After a glance at Colin’s expression, the Dwarf cleared his throat and said, "Of course, that’s just a... ’suggestion’."

"I just want to see what it’s like Casting in Heavy Armor. Then I can learn more about Armor Technique from you," Colin said impatiently. "So, can you alter it or not?"

"Fine. I’ll even do it for free," Langgrin said.

"I’m heading to the training grounds, then. You two have fun tinkering with that sheet metal," Kase announced, shouldering his Big Axe and leaving without another word.

Colin waved him off, signaling for him to go on ahead.

Langgrin immediately cut the ropes binding the Armor. The various pieces fell apart, and he picked them up one by one, holding them up against Colin to size him up.

After taking a few measurements, Langgrin said with a puzzled look, "You seem to have grown taller again... Is that right?"

"’I have. I think it’s thanks to [Silent],’ Colin said offhandedly, biting his tongue to keep from adding, ’You’re not jealous, are you?’"

Langgrin grunted and turned back to modifying the Armor.

While Langgrin worked, Colin stood to the side, lost in thought.

’Getting taller must be because of the recent increase to my Constitution. I can also feel that my overall physical condition has improved a lot; even long treks feel much easier than before.’

’But this change had its downsides, too.’

’For one, my pants are all a little short now, and they feel restrictive.’

Just as Colin was wondering whether he should buy some new pants, Langgrin clapped him on the forearm. "Done."

"That was fast."

"This style of Armor is obsolete. The ones you see on the market are antiques that have been modified over and over, so they’re pretty forgiving when it comes to sizing. A few good whacks is all it needed," Langgrin explained. "Want to put it on now?"

"Then give me a hand." As he spoke, Colin willed the Armor he was wearing to remove itself and float to his feet.

This kind of Armor was a pain to put on. Without using Magic, it was nearly impossible for one person to don it correctly.

Colin and Langgrin struggled in the forge, breaking into a sweat before they finally managed to get him into the full suit of Armor.

Once the Armor was on, Colin took a moment to get a feel for it.

The Armor was heavy, but once it was on, the straps distributed the weight across his body. It felt snug and constricting, like wearing a heavy, full-body leotard.

Colin took a couple of steps, his entire body CLINGING and CLANGING with the movement.

He glanced down at his metal-encased toes and fingers.

The sabatons and the various Armor Plates articulated well, moving like a steel caterpillar. The iron Gloves, however, were less than ideal. He could clearly feel that they restricted his finger movement.

Langgrin, standing nearby, caught his breath and complained, "You’re really working me like a dog!"

"Alright, I’m going to go try Cas—"

"Hold on. Let me tell you what we’re training next. You need some time to get used to the Armor anyway, right?" Langgrin said.

Colin hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

He asked, "Alright, let’s go. We can head to the training grounds."

"We don’t need to. We’ll do it right here."

"Here?" Colin glanced around the cramped forge.

Compared to his last visit, the place was much more cluttered, with more materials and hammers of all sizes lying around. It was hardly a place that could be used as a training ground.

Colin asked, "What exactly are you planning to teach me?"

He already had an inkling of the answer.

"First, you now have a good understanding of your Armor and how to wear it. You’ve also completed very thorough Armored Casting training."

Langgrin continued, "It’s like you’ve already figured out how to use basic Cantrips and Tier One Magic. The next step is to gain a deeper understanding of the Armor you’re wearing. Now, answer me: what is the Armor on your body equivalent to?"