Luis flopped down beneath a tree, wiping grime from his face with the back of his gauntlet. "I'm exhausted from all the fighting. We need to rest."
He glanced at the twin Knight Mechs still standing sentinel-like at the tree line.
"Mech-Knight, scan the perimeter. Alert me of any movement," he ordered.
The mech emitted a low chime and began a silent patrol.
Zyx floated above him like an over-eager balloon. "It's only been a few hours and a dozen Iron-class monsters, but look at you—already sitting on 30,000 Soul Essence. That's enough to pop out two more tin cans."
Luis groaned. "Yeah, but… my gear is pretty worn. I need to repair it before it turns to dust."
Zyx tilted his head. "Why not just make something better? Come on, Engineer. New world, new toys."
"I don't want to waste essence. Just… patch it all up."
[All Gear Repaired – Cost: 10,000 Soul Essence]
Zyx made a sputtering noise. "What a total waste. Might as well have flushed it into a lava pit."
"Shut up, Zyx."
"Fine, fine," the god said, mock-sulking. "You still have 20,000. Make something cool. A magical mech. Like a walking shrine that buffs you. Maybe a little marching bard bot with trumpets."
Luis sat up, laughing. "I don't think it works like that. But... wait. Let me try."
He squeezed his eyes shut, face turning red with effort.
"You look like a tomato choking on a math test," Zyx said.
A chime echoed.
[Invalid Construct: Cannot fabricate magical mechs]
Luis exhaled. "Told you."
"Pity. It could've played a sad war tune at your funeral."
Luis ignored him. "Alright, new plan. Ever heard of Iron Man?"
Zyx raised a divine eyebrow. "Superheroes? I don't watch kid shows."
Luis scoffed. "They're not kid shows. You're just bitter."
He stood up and focused hard, shaping his imagination.
"What if... I build an exo-suit? Like Iron Man, but mine."
The idea clicked.
[Initial Concept – Infinite Construct: EXO-MASKED PRIME]
—Activation: Worn as a faceplate, expands into full-body suit on command.
—Stamina Reduction: -50% usage
—Damage Absorb: 20% of incoming damage
—Hyper Boosters: +200% movement speed for 2 seconds
Cost: 100,000 Soul Essence
Luis groaned. "Yeah… can't afford that."
Zyx snorted. "Guess exo-suits are for non-peasants only."
Luis rolled his eyes. "Alright, let's tweak it. Tone it down."
He adjusted the stats.
[Final Blueprint – Infinite Construct: EXO-MASKED]
—Activation: Worn as a faceplate, expands into full-body suit on command.
—Stamina Reduction: -25% usage
—Damage Absorb: 10% of incoming damage
—Hyper Boosters: +100% movement speed for 2 seconds (1-minute cooldown)
Cost: 20,000 Soul Essence
Zyx blinked. "Well, hello Mr. Fancy. We building Gundams now?"
Luis smiled. "Not quite. But it'll do."
He activated the blueprint. The mask appeared in his hand, sleek and black with glowing etch-lines. He slid it on.
A whir of metal encased him in seconds, plating snapping into place from head to toe.
"Oh… kinda comfy," Luis muttered, flexing his fingers. "A little tight in the—"
Zyx interrupted with a cackle. "You just got exo-snuggled."
Luis rolled his shoulders, the suit moving with fluid synchronicity. He nodded.
"Alright. I think we're ready for the orc chieftain."
He whistled, and his twin Knight Mechs returned, shields raised.
"Soldiers, with me."
Zyx trailed behind, arms behind his back like a general. "Imagine if you survive long enough to build an army of these. The Royale wouldn't even need a final boss."
Luis marched into the shadows of the forest. "Let's test the exo."
Current Soul Essence: 0
Buff: Song of Divine Strength – 43hrs remaining