System Made Me a Tank [LitRPG-Evolution]

"Ah, of course!" Thorin exclaimed enthusiastically. "My armor collection is perfect for you! Come, come..."

Thorin led them to the back room. Dozens of armors were displayed along the walls on racks and mannequins. Each one was meticulously polished, their ornaments gleaming brightly.

"Here are our starter sets," said Thorin, walking toward the rack on the left. "Novice Leather Set — light but durable. 300 Gold. Ideal for thieves and archers."

"Next to it is the Basic Chain Mail — medium weight, balanced protection. 500 Gold. Perfect for beginning warriors."

"Ah, look at this one!" he said excitedly, pulling an armor from the middle rack. "Apprentice Plate Armor — a true classic! 800 Gold. Heavy but sturdy. Especially for those fighting on the front lines."

"For those looking for something more advanced..." he said, moving to another rack. "Guardian Steel Set — 1200 Gold. Made from special alloy steel. Bonus protection against physical damage!"

Boran studied the Guardian Steel Set for a long time. The craftsmanship was flawless. The pieces were carefully shaped, the joints precisely adjusted. The protective layers on the chest piece were perfectly aligned. The shoulder pieces were both functional and sturdy.

"1200 Gold..." he muttered to himself. This was a serious investment. He would need to spend all the gold from his recent quests, plus dip into his savings. Then again, he remembered how inadequate his current armor had been in the battle with the Valley Reaper.

His fingers traced the edge of the armor. The metal was cold but clearly high quality. "Bonus protection..." he repeated. Considering the strength of creatures they'd been encountering lately, extra protection wouldn't hurt.

"Thorin," he said finally. "May I try this armor on?"

"OF COURSE!" Mad Smith roared cheerfully. "A warrior should never buy armor without trying it first! Come, come, step this way. The fitting room is over there!"

"Press the equip button and it automatically equips..."

Boran carefully examined each piece as he put on the armor. The weight was better than expected — yes, it was heavier than his current armor but didn't restrict his mobility too much. As he adjusted the straps, he noticed the armor fit his body perfectly.

"How is it?" Noemi asked when Boran emerged from the fitting room.

"Good... actually very good," said Boran, moving his arms.

Calculations began running through his mind. If he bought this armor, he wouldn't be able to buy anything else for a while. Maybe he should do a few more quests and come back later?

"While you're thinking," said Thorin, "let me also mention — this armor can be upgraded. We can add more powerful enchantments later."

Boran took a deep breath. The armor was exactly what he needed. Both its quality craftsmanship and extra protection couldn't be ignored. It could be vital in the difficult quests ahead.

"I'll take it," he said with a determined voice. "1200 Gold."

Thorin's face lit up. "EXCELLENT choice! You definitely won't regret it!"

Boran selected young Thorin from his inventory to send the gold, but there was no send option. Without thinking too much, he materialized the gold and three pieces appeared, in two different colors. One represented 1000 gold, the other two 100 gold each.

Boran handed the gold to Thorin. The young blacksmith took the gold and put it in his pocket.

"Thank you!" Thorin shouted cheerfully. "This armor suits you very well. I hope you use it in good times!"

"I'll definitely be returning for those upgrades you mentioned," said Boran, already imagining how much more powerful the armor could become with the right enchantments."

"I'll always be here!" said Thorin, tossing his hammer in the air and catching it again. "And remember — Mad Smith's door is always open!"

When Boran and Noemi left the shop, the sun was at its peak. Noemi stepped back a few paces to examine her friend.

"How does it look?" asked Boran, testing himself in his new armor.

"You look quite charismatic," said Noemi, nodding.

Boran raised and lowered his arms, bent his knees. "Yes, it barely restricts my mobility at all. It's a bit heavier than my old armor, but this weight... how should I say it, it's a reassuring weight."

"I can't wait to test the bonus protection Thorin mentioned," said Boran, adjusting his gauntlets. "If we encounter a creature like the Valley Reaper again, we'll be much better prepared this time."

"Speaking of preparedness," Noemi said thoughtfully, "we should stock up on healing potions before heading out. The market should still be open."

"Good thinking," Boran replied, adjusting his new armor one final time. "Let's go before they close."

As they walked through the bustling marketplace, the sound of merchants hawking their wares filled the air. The familiar scent of herbs and potions wafted from the alchemists' stalls ahead. Boran's new armor clinked softly with each step, drawing admiring glances from passing adventurers.