Bat

Bat

A month passed by before anyone realized it.

Sulu still went to school as usual and searched the secondhand market for suitable materials after class.

Seeing that he knew his place, Ginny's group did not send anyone to threaten him.

Overall, everything remained peaceful.

Until this night.

The lumberyard.

"Finally... it's complete."

Sulu looked at the suit of armor before him.

It was primarily made of metal and brown leather. The exposed bright-silver framework gleamed with a crystalline luster, while the leather armor had been fashioned from the hide of a wilderness insect beast—the burrowing beetle. It was exceptionally tough, and tanning had improved both its comfort and protective qualities. Numerous magic patterns had been inscribed across its surface and interior. It was the most cost-effective material Sulu could find.

To make it, he had spent every last lira of the compensation money.

"Mm, it doesn't have an auxiliary system, it can't fully protect my body, there's no neural link, no energy source, and none of the various mounted weapons... but it can barely count as a completed suit of 'bio-armor.' I'll call it 'Bat'..."

Sulu put the pieces on one by one.

From the helmet and goggles to the breastplate, arm guards, bracers, knee guards, and leg-mounted jumping devices...

By the end, he looked like a fully armed ancient Warrior blended with elements of modern science fiction.

The exposed metal structure possessed a distinct mechanical beauty, while leather protected the crucial areas. As he walked, deep dents were left in the dust-covered ground of the lumberyard.

"Mm... It's a little heavy, but I can still handle it."

Sulu took a few experimental steps before gradually breaking into a jog.

With every stride, immense pressure traveled into the leg-jumping devices, sending him higher and higher with each leap.

At