Goblin Dependency

Xia Nan had no knowledge of these special materials, so he just nodded in acknowledgment, thinking that after he finished dealing with today's matters, he would visit the second floor again to see if there were any suitable materials available.

Earlier, he had only roughly toured the place with Moli, listened to her general introduction of the functions of each room on the second floor, glanced at the task board, but didn't thoroughly check the exchange list, so...

Wait a minute!

Suddenly, Xia Nan's expression paused, as a brilliant idea that had not yet sunk into the depths of his memory flashed before his eyes.

"This is the task wall on the Association Second Floor... Besides gold coins, task rewards usually also include points, and the ratio can be adjusted freely... Some tasks may have additional benefits, if you want..."

Overlaying Moli's crisp voice of explanation was his gaze cast toward the task board—

[Task Number]:E-20279

[Type]:Investigation

[Reward]:

30-300 gold coins/1-10 points/200g Corpse Erosion Pattern Steel

[Task Briefing]:

According to reports from adventurers, there are suspected signs of beastman activity near the eastern inner area of the Mist Forest.

Interested adventurers are asked to investigate. Upon verification, the Association will reward according to the completeness and accuracy of the information gathered.

(Only for teams of four and above)

[Time Limit]:180 days

...

"Corpse Erosion Pattern Steel..."

Murmuring in his heart, Xia Nan suddenly came to his senses.

He stopped Barn, who was about to head to the back room to fetch a complimentary gift for him, and asked aloud:

"Corpse Erosion Pattern Steel, can it match with this scale on my arm?"

Upon hearing, Barn was first stunned, then reacted and nodded several times.

"Of course!"

"This metal is usually found in ancient battlefield ruins or iron ore layers eroded by undead power."

"Its density is much higher than ordinary steel, but its ductility and malleability far exceed others, and its defense strength is also excellent."

"As long as you can remove the ominous aura brought about by years of erosion from the underground acid—this is not a problem for me, it's a very good material."

"This material is used to make some high-grade equipment, and I've had several forging experiences with it before."

Barn spoke with the confidence that only an experienced blacksmith could possess.

"If you can really get Corpse Erosion Pattern Steel, 150 grams, no, just gather 120 grams, and I can completely upgrade this arm shield you have."

"The quality strength, maybe... no, definitely higher than [Bone Binding Iron Leg]."

Hearing this, Xia Nan couldn't help but feel moved.

The leg armor already has three attributes as a Green Equipment, and if the grade is even higher, it would be...

Blue Equipment, or even Purple Equipment!?

And the [Snake Scale Arm Shield], in its current "temporary" use as a plain state, simply by relying on the defense performance and properties of the snake scales, already has the "Strong Tenacity" and "+300% Corrosion Damage Resistance" two overpowered attributes.

If it were used as the main material to create a legitimate piece of magic equipment.

Undoubtedly, Xia Nan's actual combat power would usher in an explosive and significant enhancement.

This task, it seems, is a must-do.

A decision in his heart had already been made.

Of course, some necessary preparations are indispensable before officially taking the commission and heading out for an adventure.

Like right now.

He couldn't possibly just wear a shirt and go out to work, right?

He needs to buy a suitable piece of armor.

And regarding this, long before Xia Nan came to the Rock Hammer Blacksmith Shop, Barn had already made a recommendation.

...

[Plate Chain Composite Armor (Maran Pattern Steel)]

Type: Armor

Level: Ordinary (White)

Effect:

+5% Flame Resistance

+3% Chopping Damage Resistance

+3% Piercing Damage Resistance

Description:

A plate chain composite armor made of Maran Pattern Steel, with excellent material and superb forging technique, grants it good defensive performance.

Note:

"A good armor is like an old horse: unruffled, unflustered, it pawns the ground twice when hit by arrows, and carries you onto the battlefield the next day as usual."

——Cracker·Shield Wall·"Veteran" Ademar

...

This is a cold and hard armor composed of metal plates and iron chains.

With sharp lines, the thick iron plate exudes a reliable, cold sheen, stretching from the collarbone to the upper abdomen, with edges fixed by double rivets and buckles, the honeycomb-like iron rings filling any spare space, producing a crisp sound upon the clash and rub.

Unlike traditional heavy plate armor, this protective gear, like the chain armor shirt Xia Nan previously wore, doesn't cover the entire body, only encasing the upper body.

And the main part is also made up of relatively lightweight metal rings and buckles.

Yet on the front chest, back, and both sides of the shoulders, it is covered with a layer of thick iron plate.

While ensuring overall flexibility, it significantly enhances protection of the vital parts.

Perhaps it is because Barn's aesthetic is similar to Xia Nan's.

This plate chain composite armor, personally forged by him, has an overall style that coincides well with Xia Nan's taste.

On one hand, the whole set does not have any superfluous decorations, not flashy at all, appearing like something off the battlefield, giving a simple and solemn practical vibe;

On the other hand, the combination and clash between the metal and metal, the ingenious pairing of board and ring, along with the overall smooth lines, endow it with the unique aesthetic of steel.

The material of Maran Pattern Steel gives the armor a dark, matte, and matte gray-black hue.

Even under the intense sunlight outside, it only reflects a vague and faint light on its surface.

"This is truly handsome."

Xia Nan praised silently in his heart.

With Barn's help, he put on the iron armor.

Upon careful examination, the overall weight is a bit heavier compared to the previous "chain armor + light leather armor" layered wear.

However, it is far from as heavy as heavy plate armor.

Completely within his capacity to bear, and with his current physical attributes, neither combat nor daily activities would be hindered.

Indeed, because of the excellent design in weight distribution of the armor, even with a bit more weight compared to before, the overall flexibility has evidently improved.

The only downside is purely due to the composite structure of the iron armor itself, making it impossible to layer multiple pieces of equipment like before.

"How are the defensive capabilities?" asked Xia Nan, feeling the solid sensation against his skin, "Compared to wearing a chain armor over leather armor, which is better?"

"Of course, the one you are wearing now."

Barn replied with absolute confidence.

"Both the boards and latches are made of Maran Pattern Steel, with no shortcuts, which makes its defense strength much higher than ordinary armor."

"I got this batch of steel through some connections, securing it from Neum, and it was sold out within a few days of shelving. Had I contacted them late, I might not have even gotten material for this one piece."

This makes it quite simple.

Stronger defense performance, greater flexibility, a more aesthetic look, and an attribute panel with several additional attributes.

It's a comprehensive lead.

For Xia Nan, the question now is whether he should buy this protective gear, considering only one thing—

"How much is it?"

"Original price 365 gold coins, but I mentioned all purchases today would enjoy a 30% discount, so deducting a little extra,"

"255 gold coins, and this piece of armor is yours."

Hearing the price, Xia Nan felt a bit dizzy.

After all, currently, including his bank deposits, he barely has over 500 gold coins.

Spending half of it on just one piece of equipment...

No, no, no!

Money can always be earned again, just over two hundred gold coins, and being a Lone Wolf, he doesn't need to split earnings with anyone, so a few runs will earn it back.

Life, however, is irreplaceable.

If spending a bit of money can increase his survival probability by 20 or 30 percent, it's entirely worth it!

When it comes to investing in himself, Xia Nan never stints.

"I'll take it."

With barely noticeable trembling fingers, Xia Nan replied calmly, with a normal expression.

"Rest assured, you should be familiar with the quality of 'Rock Hammer'."

"Absolutely value for money."

Seeing the business transaction completed, Barn's face lit up with a fervent smile.

"I'll also offer half a year of free maintenance. When your task ends, come directly to me..."

Halfway through his words, as if he thought of something, he suddenly paused.

He looked at Xia Nan with a somewhat subtle gaze.

"This time, free maintenance... should be usable, right?"

In this regard, Xia Nan wasn't sure.

He merely patted the iron plate on his chest with force, feeling the hard sensation against his palm and the ensuing muffled sound.

"It should... right?"