### Chapter 146 – Rest and Reinforcement (2)
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User: Han Kain (Wisdom)
—
“Hold on! Attention!”
Ahri shouted loudly in front of the protective suit, turning all eyes toward her.
“Just avoiding the issue with the protective suit won’t solve anything. We need to make a decision right now.”
Eunsol, looking a bit vague, chimed in.
“How about we have dinner while discussing—”
“No way. If we eat while discussing, we’ll just end up saying we need to think more and come to a conclusion later. Let’s make a decision right now!”
With a resolution fiercer than ever seen before, Ahri continued, “The heart of the issue regarding the protective suit is who’s in charge of it, right? Since no one wants to touch it out of fear that the one managing it will secretly escape while wearing it, it’s been left here untouched.”
Honestly, she was spot on. Everyone nodded silently in agreement.
“But we absolutely need to use that suit. It’s not just a tool for escape, you know? It’s impregnable to blades. Water and fire? No biggie! Just those two capabilities alone show that it’s an absurdly powerful piece of armor. Why do you think the hotel even gave it to us?”
I responded, “Because there’s somewhere we’ll need it.”
“Correct! Somewhere on the second floor, that suit is definitely going to be useful. We might have to wade through lava or brave a frostbite snowstorm. We may have to navigate through sharp objects that we can’t get close to without it.”
Jinchul, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up. “So, when you say that, Ahri, are you volunteering to be in charge?”
“That’s right! The biggest concern with the protective suit is that the person managing it might wear it at night and escape quietly, right? Just trusting a person based on gut feelings isn’t enough. It should be someone who has a solid reason not to escape alone.”
“I’ve escaped from this hotel once already. Even so, there was someone who brought me back. I’ve already proven through my actions that I won’t leave until I rescue my mother,” I said.
That made sense. Ahri was back after already escaping with a purpose. It’s clear she won’t be leaving until she achieves that purpose.
Songee pointed out, “But what about after rescuing your mom? Ah! I’m not saying I doubt you’ll run away with her! Just—”
“It’s fine. We need to clarify that. When it comes to escaping with the suit, it’s a one-person deal, right? So when I rescue my mom, that won’t change anything. Of course, if we’re going to keep worrying, there’s no end to it. If it gets to an extreme where you’re afraid I’d only take my mom and escape, then we can discuss it again after the maze revival.”
Jinchul, looking a bit worried, asked, “So, do you plan on being the one to use it when necessary?”
“Not exactly. It should be used by whoever is most suitable for the situation. Just look at the design of the suit. There’s no way someone can walk around in this thing. It’s meant to be worn only when absolutely necessary, and the right person should wear it at that time. Though, they’ll definitely have to return it to me afterward.”
A moment of silence filled the room.
It seemed we had set some clear criteria for using the protective suit.
1. The person who needs it uses it according to the situation.
2. When not in use, Ahri manages it.
3. Once Ahri’s mom and the maze are revived, we’ll reevaluate.
That made sense. No one seemed to oppose it either.
Once the “trust issue” concerning the suit was cleared up, the discussion gained momentum.
Everyone had so many questions about the suit from the past few days.
We put aside even our meals and gathered together to start experimenting with the suit’s functions one by one.
*
After an intense session, Jinchul finally took off the protective suit.
“This is harder than I thought.”
Old Man Mooksung chuckled. “For some reason, you seem even more sluggish than usual.”
“It feels like this thing is blocking my movements.”
As Ahri fiddled with the suit’s mechanics, she added, “It’s strangely similar to the Management Bureau’s armor. Initially, this thing weighs over 100 kg. It doesn’t move based on human strength; the sensors read the user’s movements and move accordingly. In other words, the strength exerted while wearing it isn’t the user’s but rather a power of the suit’s mechanics.”
I began to understand what she was saying.
“So, if a strong person wears the suit, they might actually become weaker?”
“Generally, that’s not very common. Even Seungyub has gained quite a bit of strength wearing it. Anyone should expect to grow stronger while wearing it. But there’s only one person among us who is ‘too strong’ for the suit to keep up.”
Songee quickly jumped in, “I find the size-changing aspect the most fascinating! When Seungyub wears it, it adjusts perfectly to fit him, and it gets adjusted for me too. When Jinchul tries to fit his arms in, it grows automatically! Is it magic or something?”
Ahri offered a different perspective. “Not quite magic, but like the Management Bureau’s items, these also adjust somewhat to the user’s body shape. The weight stays consistent regardless of size, indicating that it might be incredible science and not occult power…”
It seemed like a meaningless conversation. Since entering the hotel, incredible science and occult powers appeared indistinguishable.
I found myself more curious about the term “Management Bureau armor” that had come up repeatedly. Was there such a thing?
— Bang! Bang!
Gunfire erupted. Old Man Mooksung was impressed. “Wow! A handgun doesn’t even leave a scratch on its surface? It’s a shame we couldn’t test larger firepower!”
“How does it feel with your own strength, Jinchul?”
“I’ve punched walls while wearing it and pressed against the suit itself. It doesn’t budge. But…”
“But what?”
“It’s nearly indestructible, but the shock is still transmitted to the person inside. It diminishes a lot, but it’s still there.”
Now it was time for the final experiment.
Jinchul, Songee, and I exchanged nods.
Ahri was the one inside the protective suit.
Songee went first.
As a glow emitted from her bracelet, Ahri inside the suit waved her hands frantically. It was a signal to stop.
Defense failed.
Next, I took out my grimoire.
I felt my consciousness lift as if floating, but in an instant, I could feel my mind entering the suit.
Once inside, I pinched a cheek and exited.
Defense failed.
At this point, I had guessed. But confirmation was necessary.
We moved to the front and created some distance while Jinchul briefly pulled out his shooting star.
He didn’t keep it out long, but in just that moment, we saw the paint on the protective suit peel off, and Jinchul promptly tucked it away.
To our amazement, when the star vanished, the suit’s paint gradually returned to normal.
Defense failed.
Now, we could summarize the performance tests of the protective suit and draw some general conclusions.
1. Apart from Jinchul, the rest of us gain a slight boost in strength while wearing the suit.
2. No matter who wears it, the size adjusts to fit their body shape.
3. The suit is nearly invincible, but if it takes a huge shock, the user inside could still be at risk.
4. The inherited powers cannot defend against it.
Finally, Ahri suited up and prepared to leave the room.
As everyone thought about the suit’s functions and uses, Eunsol broke the silence with a worried expression.
“So, do we have to carry this thing around during the curse room?”
“Seems like it, doesn’t it?”
“The weight is heavier than a person. I can’t say for sure since I don’t have a scale, but it’s definitely heavier than Jinchul. It easily exceeds 100 kg. How can we carry it around?”
“We’ll need to assess the situation, but as much as possible, someone should wear it while moving.”
“Such an eye-catching item? Out in the open? Who would wear it?”
It appeared that we’d need to decide who, aside from Ahri (who usually manages it), would wear the suit while in the curse room.
Fortunately, I thought of someone who has a useful blessing but isn’t capable of using it properly due to their physical limitations.
*
User: Lee Eunsol (Songee)
As our analysis of the protective suit wrapped up and dinner was coming to an end, Kain proposed that we use the ‘Hand of Greed’ once again.
Looking around, I saw Elena and Songee nodding too.
It seemed they had already agreed among themselves. Eventually, I decided to use the ‘Hand of Greed’ as well.
Our team gathered in the front to prepare for battle.
Taking a look around, I focused on my ‘wish’ to activate the Hand of Greed.
…
[Hand of Greed: 1]
I often feel like my companions are increasingly different from me.
The judgment to create events that could endanger our lives for the sake of ‘becoming stronger’ is quite a thought.
Is that really a normal mindset for a regular person?
It’s a judgment only superhumans, who have obtained strength beyond ordinary humans, can make.
My companions can already twist anything with the power of stars, summon scales to crush armies, tease people’s senses with a flick of their hands, borrow the strength of angels, or even steal people’s bodies.
Sometimes my companions toss remarks at me, unsure if they’re joking or serious.
Like jokes about how they can’t understand us commoners because they come from wealthy families!
If we met outside the hotel, I would have accepted that.
But since entering this hotel, what does that even mean?
Any one of those people could crush a wealthy family on a whim once they step outside!
I often find it hard to understand.
Why do these people continue to listen respectfully to what I say?
Isn’t it a well-known truth that once the gap in power exceeds a certain level, normal communication becomes nearly impossible?
To speak plainly, when I see someone at a shareholders meeting speaking up with a mere peanut-sized share, I ignore them completely.
Yet, despite that, I feel thankful seeing my companions listen intently when I speak. I also wonder what they’re thinking.
In moments like this, Ahri’s words about picking party members “because they’re nice” seemed more like a cold analysis than a joke.
…
It’s weakness.
It’s my weakness.
In this hotel where everyone is transforming into superhumans, I’m the only one who still can’t escape the realm of humanity, which makes me feel trapped by such frail thoughts.
With a desire to rid myself of this powerlessness, I gazed at the Hand of Greed.
The butterfly brooch from before—I haven’t even really used it yet, but that alone wouldn’t be enough.
Help me to reach further.
Help me to overcome such fragile thoughts.
At the very least, lend me strength so I wouldn’t feel inferior when surrounded by my comrades.
[Hand of Greed: 1 -> 0]
[It has been granted.]
“Choose for yourself. A considerable price must be paid.”
/ Due to the participant’s request, a surprise event occurs even during rest time. /
Surprise Event: A Strange Store Opens!
An all-too-familiar presence appeared, and an annoying voice rang out.
“Aha! Look, look! You are indeed fantastic customers! Were you so desperate for my help?”
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