178: Chapter 0178 Night Counterattack

“But perhaps I can start with the basics—

Long-range attacks are still my core; I just need a mechanical gauntlet to handle sudden close-quarters situations.

This gauntlet blade’s ‘Armor Piercing’ rune can be perfectly embedded in the gauntlet. Combined with the winds kiss pistol, I can cover both long and close range.”

He picked up the gauntlet blade and brought it close to the rune lamp, his fingertip tracing the groove of the ‘Armor Piercing’ rune again, sparking a new idea:

“I can first design a mechanical gauntlet that complements the basic module of the exoskeleton—

Use mithril silver for the main frame, embed the ‘Strength Amplification’ and ‘Armor Piercing’ runes, add the ‘Lightweight’ rune to reduce the burden, and then install a power module with extremely strong burst capability.

This way, I can ensure close-combat defense and attack power without affecting my flexibility for long-range shooting.”

His eyes suddenly brightened, and the fatigue caused by Mental Energy overdraft seemed to vanish instantly.

He said excitedly:

“Once the gauntlet is finished, we can gradually perfect the other components of the exoskeleton!

Violet! Come over quickly and help me draw the design schematics!”

Hearing her brother-in-law’s call, Violet rushed over from a corner of the Laboratory.

Her silver long hair swayed constantly with her running motion, and her light purple eyes were full of curiosity. She asked while running:

“Brother-in-law, what kind of design schematic is it?”

Li Size quickly handed the gauntlet blade to her and said with great anticipation:

“It’s the design schematic for the armed exoskeleton. We’re going to design it together!”

His voice was filled with longing for the future, and he was already meticulously planning the various details of the future battle armor in his mind.

Felina, who had been observing quietly from the side, saw Li Size instantly slip back into that state of working frantically, like a tireless ox.

She smiled helplessly and then left the Laboratory alone.

Li Size began patiently explaining the general concept and specific framework structure of the exoskeleton armor to Violet.

Violet listened with rapt attention, her eyes growing brighter the more she heard. She found this concept and invention incredibly exciting and cool!

Violet’s fingertips lightly traced the mysterious runes carved on the gauntlet blade, and her eyes immediately flashed with excitement. She said excitedly:

“That’s wonderful! I want to be in charge of designing the leg section of the battle armor; I want it to be able to run even faster!”

Her voice was filled with irrepressible excitement. As she spoke, she pulled Li Size over to the design table and began sketching enthusiastically with a rune pen.

The rune lamp in the Laboratory continued to emit a bright, soft glow, illuminating the focused figures of Li Size and Violet.

In this space, the air was permeated with the unique scent of metal and the distinct aroma emitted by potions.

Yet, everything was filled with an aura of hope, as if foretelling the great success their invention would achieve.

When Felina returned to the apartment, the cold touch from Li Size’s black magic iron armor still lingered on her fingertips, the chill seeming to seep into her heart through her blood.

The shadow of the recent ambush still lingered in her mind. Almost subconsciously, she activated the Communication Spell crystal.

A light purple glow lit up the dim room, reflecting her tense profile and slightly trembling lips:

“Gelia! Size was ambushed at the factory entrance just now! It was people from the De Kela Si Merchant Guild!”

Gelia’s flying message terminal lit up almost instantly. Her voice came through the crystal, carrying undisguised panic:

“What?! I’ll contact my dad right away!”

Her fingers tapped rapidly on the flying message terminal, not even taking the time to tidy her golden short hair, which was slightly messy from rushing, nor noticing that the strap of her black leather coat had slipped onto her arm.

Payne’s image soon appeared on the screen. He listened to the whole story with a tightly furrowed brow, unconsciously rubbing his chin as he pondered:

“Simply sanctioning the De Kela Si Merchant Guild probably won't do much good; they definitely have some big shot backing them... But this time, the kid really scared me!”

Payne’s image suddenly turned serious, but hidden in his eyes was a trace of helplessness and doting affection for his son-in-law:

“I always thought that with that suit of iron shell armor protecting him, and since he usually doesn’t go looking for trouble, who would have thought so many people were watching him!

I’ll immediately send over the two ‘Pillar of Stone Runes’ I’ve been treasuring. This thing can block three full-power attacks from a Second-Level Wizard!

You two must keep them on you!”

Meanwhile, back in the Laboratory on the other side, Li Size had spread out the concept sketch for the mechanical gauntlet. His fingertip gently traced the smooth lines of the mithril silver frame, and he said in a steady tone:

“Violet, look here—

The ‘Strength Amplification’ rune is best embedded near the gauntlet’s joints, and the ‘Sharpness’ rune should be placed at the knuckle position.

Adding the ‘Lightweight’ rune to control the overall weight, this design should also suit your usage needs.”

Violet’s silver hair cascaded down like a waterfall, lightly brushing over the design blueprint. Her pointed ears were slightly flushed with excitement, and she eagerly suggested:

“Brother-in-law! I want to add a ‘Swiftness’ rune to the gauntlet!

That will definitely greatly increase the punching speed!”

Her light purple eyes shimmered with eagerness, and her fingertips quickly sketched a delicate lightning symbol onto the design schematic.

Li Size couldn't help but smile, gently ruffling her hair, his tone gentle:

“Good, we’ll do as you say! It’s getting late today, you should go rest now.”

Left alone in the Laboratory, Li Size suddenly recalled that Felina had previously used the Corpse Questioning Art to force out the locations of two secret strongholds belonging to the De Kela Si Merchant Guild in Gele City and Wojin City from the enemy.

His brow twitched slightly. He had been so engrossed in designing the mechanical gauntlet with Violet that he had almost forgotten such important intelligence—

He, Li Size, was certainly not an honest person who would swallow an insult!

He immediately contacted Lina using the Communication Spell mark he had left with her beforehand:

“Lina, remember our old adversary, the De Kela Si Merchant Guild?

It seems these people are itching for a fight again; it’s time to teach them a lesson.

I have the coordinates for their two secret strongholds in Gele City and Wojin City. Arrange for that batch of girls from last time to conduct high-altitude reconnaissance using unmanned reconnaissance drones first thing tomorrow morning.”

Lina received the order without delay and began arranging the mission overnight...

The next morning, three unmanned reconnaissance drones crafted from mithril silver quietly took off from the roof of a hidden factory belonging to the Miners Brotherhood outside the city and from a secluded valley in the suburbs of Gele City.

Their mounted Crystal Eyes continuously captured Sorcery Recordings and transmitted real-time footage back to the terminals held by the girls.