Chapter 5: Realization and Armor Upgrade
As Zara and I stepped into her lab through the rift I'd made, I was immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of innovation and brilliance.
Her lab is much different and more sophisticated than any place in the entire empire. And bigger than he'd thought.
The space was bathed in a soft light, casting a warm glow over the sleek, metallic surfaces that adorned the room.
I noticed that the walls were embellished with minimalistic holographic displays, each one pulsating with varying arrays of data and information. That was probably her doing. She's quite sporadic when working.
The centerpiece of the lab was a massive workstation, its white surface covered in a mosaic of holographic interfaces and touch-sensitive panels.
Zara moved with purpose, effortlessly navigating the sea of technology that surrounded her. Her movements were graceful, her mind already several steps ahead, envisioning the possibilities that lay before us.
Shelves lined the walls, filled with an assortment of futuristic gadgets and prototypes, each one a demonstration to Zara's unparalleled intellect and ingenuity.
The air hummed with the faint thrum of energy, a constant reminder of the power that coursed through the lab's myriad devices.
Zara herself stood at the heart of the room, a vision of brilliance and determination. Clad in a form-fitting bodysuit that shimmered with iridescent hues, she exuded an air of sophistication and knowledge.
Zara possesses a charmingly nerdy aesthetic, with oversized glasses perched atop her nose, giving her a studious and intellectual air. Her almond-shaped eyes, behind the lenses, are filled with curiosity and intelligence.
The light illuminating her rich cocoa skin which bear a few scattered freckles, showing her love for spending long hours indoors, absorbed in her research and experiments.
Like any other day, based on Terra's memories, Zara's hair is pulled back into a loose bun with stray tendrils escaping to frame her face in a halo of soft curls, adding a touch of whimsy to her appearance.
As I took in the sight before me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of Deja vu while looking at Zara.
'Do I know her from somewhere? She looks so familiar,' I mentally ask myself, trying to figure out the answer. A few minutes later, I find my answer.
'She's looks like the actress from that comic book movie series back in the 21st Century. Zedala? No, that's not it. Zendaya! Yeah, that's it. Everyone in class loved her after I did my presentation on 21st Century media.'
I was kind of shocked to see a real-life version of Zendaya here. Plus, she's Terra's sister. This is crazy.
Back in the royal medical room, I hadn't paid too much attention to how she looked due to our precarious situation. But, now, with us being alone and relaxed, I found it hard to ignore.
In the empire of the 31st century, Zara was not just the smartest person – she was a visionary, a pioneer, and a true master of her craft.
I walk up to Zara, curiosity gnawing at me. "Are my suit upgrades combat-ready?" I asked, my voice betraying the hint of impatience I'm feeling.
What guy didn't want to try out a new armored suit specifically tailored to themselves? That's plain idiocy.
Zara met my gaze with a knowing smile.
"Absolutely, brother," she replied, her voice ringing with affirmation. "I've implemented enhancements to increase durability and functionality. Your suit is more formidable than ever."
A surge of relief washed over me, mingled with a fierce expectation. "I'll need every advantage I can get."
Zara nodded in agreement, her expression serious. "Agreed. But remember, brother, your greatest strength lies not just in my technology, but in your strategic prowess. Trust in your instincts, and you will prevail. No matter what."
Her words struck a chord within me, reminding me of the importance of my training and experience. "Thanks, Zara," I said, gratitude evident in my voice. "I'll make sure to put these upgrades to good use. Now, show me what they look like."
With a nod of acknowledgment, Zara turned her attention back to her workstation, her focus on unlocking her vault I presume.
As I watched her tap and gesture at the holo displays ahead, a sense of reassurance washed over me. With Zara's expertise and my determination, there was no challenge we couldn't overcome.
Within 30 seconds, Zara finished her security measures and successfully opened the vault containing my suit.
As a secret wall slid open, the floors behind it smoothly shifted away, revealing a space beneath. Emerging from this concealed chamber were four distinctively colored suits, ascending gradually with the aid of advanced anti-gravity technology.
I approached the display showcasing the four suits, one specially caught my eye: Lionheart Armor Prototype, its imposing form dominating the room with an aura of celestial power.
"I like this one, Zara," I say, my voice tinged with intrigue as I admired its formidable appearance.
I then use Celestial Appraisal on that specific suit as it was the only one calling for me.
—
[Name: Stygian Celestial Lionheart Armor Mk. I
Description: The Stygian Celestial Lionheart Armor Mk. I is a peerless fusion of ancient mysticism and advanced nanotechnology, crafted to defend against the most formidable of adversaries. Drawing upon energies from unknown dimensions, it nullifies both magical and physical attacks with unrivaled efficiency while empowering the wearer with celestial might.
Appearance:
• Form: Its imposing silhouette is adorned with celestial glyphs and nano-circuitry, pulsating with ethereal energy.
• Color Scheme: Obsidian black and shimmering silver hues dominate its surface, accented by the amethyst celestial glow of mystical enchantments.
• Embellishments: The breastplate's Supremea motif, its eyes ablaze with amethyst arcane energy, symbolizes the armor's indomitable spirit.
Features:
1. Celestial Resilience: Infused with arcane enchantments and nano-shields, the armor offers unparalleled protection against both magical and physical attacks, nullifying kinetic forces with ease.
2. Lionhearted Vigor: Enhanced by an unknown dimensional energies and the lastest nanotech enhancements, the wearer's physical capabilities are elevated to continental levels, granting the strength and agility of a celestial lion.
3. Dimensional Energy Core: Tapping into an unknown dimension, the armor's energy core provides inexhaustible power for extended engagements. Whether on land, in seas, or in space, this armor transcends conventional limits.
4. Lion's Roar: A harmonious blend of mystical resonance and nanosonic amplification unleashes a devastating sonic blast, disrupting adversaries while bolstering allies.
5. Astral Mane: The nano-weave mane channels celestial energies, forming protective barriers and unleashing potent energy blasts with precision.
6. Guiding Stars: An advanced AI system infused with celestial wisdom provides tactical guidance derived from ancient lore and nanotech algorithms.
7. Ethereal Warding: Dynamic mystical wards and nano-fields shield against continental-scale threats, ensuring the safety of all within its protective embrace.
—
Zara joined me, her eyes alight with excitement as she gestured toward the suits. "These are the Astral Lionheart Armor Prototypes. I got them from the Ancestral Archives," she explained, her South African accent-filled voice was tinged with a bit of reverence.
"They're a daring experiment in planetary warfare, they offer both defense and offense on a scale unheard of for Mana-staged warriors. The armors are capable of unleashing the strength of Mythril Knights. Albeit, with strain."
I examined the suits closely, noting their imposing yet majestic form. "They're impressive," I admitted, my voice filled with admiration for their potential. "But what sets them apart from other suits you've created for others?"
Zara grinned, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "For starters, they possess the ability to nullify kinetic force from both magical and physical attacks. Complimentary to the kinetium metal," she revealed, her tone animated with excitement. "But that's just the beginning of their capabilities."
I nodded in understanding, impressed by the suits' resilience against both mundane and mystical threats. "And what about their offensive capabilities?" I inquired, eager to learn more about their potential for destruction.
Zara's grin widened. "Ah, that's where things get interesting," she replied, her voice tinged with anticipation.
"The suits are equipped with a Dimensional Energy Core, tapping into an unknown dimension to provide immense power for devastating attacks capable of damaging hundreds of kilometers of land. Also, the suit will be perfectly fine until you breakthrough to become a Mythril Knight."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the prospect of such raw power and long lasting armor.
Though, that wasn't what made me raise my eyebrow. At this moment, I can feel my Z-gene passively reacting to the black lion armor.
I know that my Z-gene was actually augmented by that unknown dimension. What or where that dimension is, I don't know. Was that particular suit's energy core of the same dimension? It has to be.
'What a big f*cking coincidence. My sister just so happens to make a suit that taps into the same dimension my Z-gene gets its power from. Who's playing games with me? Come out, asshole!'
I was a half expecting something to answer me, but who was I kidding? Whatever ROB that brought me here has probably already ROB'd other random people. Back to the topic at hand, the suits.
"Impressive," I remarked, a note of satisfaction in my voice. "With suits like these, we'll be more than prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead."
Zara nodded in agreement, her expression resolute. "Indeed. They're much better than your old suit. I still get nightmares from its horrible design," she said, her voice filled with mock fear.
I feign a look as though I'd been shot. "Zara, my suit was perfectly fine. It worked just well for me."
"Yeah, sure. The Elders probably loved it," she says with an eye roll. "Wait, wait. People are shooting energy cannons at me. Let me put on my helmet."
"Alright, alright, enough. How do you put it on? It doesn't seem like I can take the arms off," I ask Zara, slightly confused at the workings of such an advanced suit.
"Oh, that's simple. Just walk up to it and place your thumb on the kingdom's crest," Zara replies, quite satisfied at how her "brother" was so easy-going about upgrading his suit.
When I stuck my thumb on the kingdom's crest, a quick sharp pain soon followed. I pull my thumb back, blood seeping through a tiny prick.
"You didn't say I would be stuck."
Feigning to be apologetic, Zara replies, "Brother, relax. It's just getting your identity registered. When you equip the suit, allow it to sync with your brain waves. This way, it will know what you want and respond even faster than your nerves can receive signals."
I nod my head and turn back to it. However, the suit is gone and replaced by just a necklace of lion teeth.
"Hey, what is this?" I ask in confused once again. Zara loves to play games on Terra, and I was not falling for it.
"Put it on. Then, tell it to turn on," Zara instructs me.
I take the chain of teeth from the mannequin and put it on myself. Then, as instructed, I told it to "turn on".
Immediately, the teeth of the necklace glow a light purple and began to release millions of tiny specks of black sand. All of which I know are nanobots.
It took about three seconds for the suit to cover my entire body.
Wearing the Astral Lionheart Armor Prototype is a totally difference experience compared to Terra's old combat armor. This new suit feels as if I am being embraced by the very dimensions themselves.
I could really feel the dimensional energy core connecting and syncing with my Z-gene. Whoever had secretly guided Zara into making this suit for me, really did a great job. I feel more alive now than ever.
There are no clunky plates or troublesome pieces to hinder my movements; instead, the armor molded itself seamlessly to my form, a veil of obsidian black that pulses with amethyst dimensional energy.
It's power coursing through me, a potent blend of magic and nano-technology that enhances my every movement. My movements, I noticed, are much smoother significantly quieter. Very much imperceptible.
The sporadic silver accents that adorn its surface shimmer with arcane energy, hinting at the armor's dimensional potential and filling me with more empowerment than the feminist groups of the 21st Century.
However, it is the amethyst-colored lights within the suit that truly captivate me.
They emanate from both of my shoulder blades, tracing a path down my spine, meeting at the center in a mesmerizing display of dimensional energy.
As they pulse and shimmer, I feel a deep connection to the very dimension that I'm powered by, almost as if Im the conduit of dimensional energy.
With each step I take, I can feel the armor's dimensional resilience at work, as if a protective barrier surrounds me, warding off both magical and physical attacks with ease.
The rudimentary arcane enchantments and nano-shields woven into its fabric offers me more sense of security than Jack Doherty when he has guards with him.
I'm now enhanced by dimensional energies and experimental nanotech, my physical capabilities are heightened to a level previously unattainable without breakthroughs.
The strain on both the armor and myself is immense, but with it comes a surge of empowerment unlike anything I have ever felt before.
As I tap into the armor's dimensional energy core, I feel the immense power coursing through me, ready to be unleashed in devastating attacks capable of reshaping continents.
I begin to test the suit by throwing a series of kicks and punches. With each strike, I feel the surge of power building within me, driving me forward with an unstoppable momentum that knows no bounds.
In the heat of battle, wearing the Astral Lionheart Armor Prototype is not just a feeling of empowerment; it is a realization of my true potential as a dimensional warrior, ready to face any challenge that comes my way with courage, determination, and unwavering resolve.
"Together, we'll be unstoppable," I said as I stood side by side with Zara. I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride knowing that Zara, the smartest person in the universe, had built me this suit.
'One more thing before I go. I need to open my…
Welcome Gift Bag.'
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone