Chapter 723, Full Set
It seemed the letter he sent to headquarters had worked.
This time, the reward wasn't randomly assigned but designated as part of the [Hundred-Arms] set.
Including the one in front of him, the set was nearly complete.
With any more parts, there'd be nowhere left to wear them.
Sitting back on the couch, he examined the mantle carefully. Its attributes appeared.
[Hundred-Arms Mantle (Curio)]
[Effect: Adapts to bodily changes, Engraved to Repel Evil.]
[Side Effect: Heavy.]
(Description: A mantle woven from special materials, likely part of a set outfit.)
As expected, it was one of the set's accessories.
The effect was [Engraved to Repel Evil], and the side effect was just two words: heavy.
The exact effects still needed testing.
Shiyali came over, opened her notebook, leaned against the sofa, and explained, "The Hundred-Arms Mantle is part of the robe set. The effect is [Engraved to Repel Evil]. According to headquarters' curio archive, it repels insects, protects the wearer, and guards against curses and plagues."
Wu Heng raised an eyebrow and looked at the mantle again.
It sounded more like a protective item, useful in many ways—besides repelling insects, it could block various status effects.
It functioned like a talisman.
One that provided multiple layers of protection.
Shiyali continued after a brief pause, "The side effect is a sense of weight disproportionate to the fabric—about the same weight as heavy armor. For mages, it's burdensome."
Armor was divided into three types:
Light, Medium, and Heavy.
Light included cloth, single-layer leather, and padded coats.
Medium included scale armor, reinforced leather, and chainmail shirts.
After becoming Deputy Steward, Wu Heng received the [Ink-Scale Leather Armor] from the Guild—it was medium armor.
It offered decent defense and was heavier than light armor.
Heavy armor referred to iron or similarly thick materials, requiring a strong physique to wear.
For a mage, wearing gear as heavy as full armor meant most wouldn't be able to handle it.
Or rather, they'd be unable to fight properly—it'd become a burden.
Wu Heng nodded, then asked, "It says this is part of the Hundred-Arms set. How many pieces are there?"
Shiyali looked through her notes and replied, "Robe, boots, belt, and this mantle—four total. One core piece and three accessories. You've nearly got them all, right?"
Wu Heng nodded. That meant he now had the full set.
"Does the full set offer any bonus effects?"
"Yes. It's recorded that when all pieces are worn, the side effects of each item are halved," Shiyali added.
Halved side effects—definitely useful.
"Nice. I'm pretty satisfied with this mantle."
"Want me to help you try it on? See if the weight's manageable?" Shiyali offered.
Wu Heng stood up, and Shiyali helped him slip the mantle over his head.
It was loose-fitting, covering most of his upper body, and had a hood to block wind or conceal his face.
Once it was on, Wu Heng felt a heavy pressure on his shoulders.
But not as bad as expected.
It felt like carrying half a sack of rice. With his high physical stats—better than melee classes—it was fine.
Wearing the mantle posed no issue.
And he wasn't even wearing the full set yet—once he did, the side effects would lessen.
"How is it?" Wu Heng turned around.
"Looks good," Sheila Grey said from behind her desk with a smile.
Shiyali adjusted the front. "It's nice. With the hood up, it has a mysterious feel."
"I think it looks great too," Wu Heng said, checking the mirror.
Satisfied, though he couldn't test its curio effects yet.
He took it off and stored it in his spatial ring.
...…
With the First-Class reward checked—
Wu Heng sat back down and sipped his tea.
Shiyali, seated beside him, asked, "Any new movies?"
"In a few days. I'll let you know when something new's ready."
Wu Heng had a few films suitable for this world, but they were still in the translation phase.
They wouldn't be ready for screening for a while.
"Is it a continuation of that story?" Shiyali asked again.
"There's more of Lord of the Rings, plus some other genres. Don't worry—you'll be the first to watch."
The two women smiled and nodded.
Sheila Grey then asked, "Any news from the headquarters investigation team?"
"No. Since I got back, I haven't received any updates. Elder Tapani might know something."
Ever since his return, there had been no news from the investigation team.
And based on the distance, they probably hadn't reached the royal city of Ekow Kingdom yet.
"The team will likely stop at each city on the way—partly to reassure local guilds—before heading to the capital," Sheila Grey analyzed.
"Makes sense," Wu Heng agreed. "Let's hope they're doing fine."
"Not bringing you along might've been for the best," Sheila Grey said.
"I didn't really want to go either. Nowhere's more comfortable than Gold-Silver Island," Wu Heng chuckled, then checked the time. "If there's nothing else, I'll be heading back. I'll visit again soon."
"Alright, go ahead," Sheila Grey nodded.
Shiyali also stood up to walk him to the door. "In a few days, the elf fleet will deliver some honey wine. Come to my place for dinner."
"Sounds good. Let me know," he said, waving goodbye.
Wu Heng put on a plain hooded cloak and left the study.
Heading outside.
Exiting the Guild building, he hailed a carriage and returned to the Island Lord's residence.
He had wanted to spend some time alone with Sheila Grey.
But with Shiyali there, he couldn't make a move—he'd have to wait for another time.
...…
Back at the Island Lord's residence.
Wu Heng walked straight into the living room.
Minnie came over and helped him take off his coat, hanging it up. "Master, Viel just called asking if you were home. Starflower's local rep wants to discuss the plant growth potion."
"Tell her I'm back. Have the Starflower rep come over."
"Yes, Master," Minnie replied and walked to the phone.
Once connected, she relayed Wu Heng's words.
"Master, the Starflower representative will be over shortly."
"Good," Wu Heng nodded.
With Minnie off to her tasks, Wu Heng took out the newly acquired [Hundred-Arms Mantle].
It was dark gray with intricate embroidery.
Compared to the colorful pieces of the Hundred-Arms set, it was more subdued.
Which was a good thing—plain colors attracted less attention.
Its effect was [Engraved to Repel Evil]. As Shiyali explained, it repelled insects, protected the wearer, and blocked curses and possessions.
Unlike the other pieces, it didn't enhance spellcasting—instead, it boosted defense.
Personal safety and stable casting were essential for mages.
Its curse- and possession-blocking effects were similar to [Sacred Light of Purity], but likely better.
That thing might self-ignite if worn carelessly—terrifying.
As for insect repelling, it could keep mosquitoes away. Maybe wear it while sleeping to avoid buzzing.
"Wait! It probably means Plague Insect Spells or swarm-type magic."
Wu Heng recalled it immediately.
Necromancer plague spells, spider swarms raised by Arachnidfolk, or the swarm-releasing artifacts he saw in Blackstone Town—all counted as bugs.
"It must be for that."
"No way a curio would be made just for normal mosquitoes."
The more he thought about it, the more it made sense.
...…
Voices echoed from the courtyard.
Cat-maid Robe led a wood elf over.
Wu Heng stored the mantle in his spatial ring as the two entered the living room.
"Master, the Starflower rep is here," Robe announced.
"Lord Island Master," the wood elf greeted with a slight bow.
"Have a seat," Wu Heng said with a smile.
The elf sat upright across from him.
Robe brought tea and set it before the guest.
"Lord Island Master, Miss Andviel said you were interested in ordering some plant growth potion," the elf said.
"Yes. How do you sell it?" Wu Heng asked.
The wood elf replied, "What kind of plant are you cultivating? The potions vary depending on the type."
"List them all."