Chapter 50: A New Era Begins

Elias took a step forward, the exosuit humming softly as it adjusted to his movement. Every fiber of his being told him this was different. This was power, but not the reckless, uncontrollable kind wielded by magic users. This was precision, science, and innovation, molded into something tangible and reliable.

Reinhardt let out a low whistle. "Alright, I take back every complaint I've had about you spending too much time in a workshop. That thing is beautiful."

Cecilia grinned, flipping a dagger between her fingers. "You look like something straight out of an old war legend."

Lira frowned, arms crossed. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. It's one thing to wear the damn thing, another to see if it actually works."

Elias flexed his fingers, feeling the metal frame adjust seamlessly to his movements. The kinetic amplifiers built into the suit's structure absorbed the force of his steps, redistributing energy to enhance his agility and strength.

"I think there's only one way to find out." He turned to Reinhardt, smirking. "Hit me."

Reinhardt blinked. "Excuse me?"

Elias tapped the impact regulator on his chest. "I need to see how much this suit can take. Don't hold back."

Reinhardt's grin widened. "Oh, you have no idea how long I've wanted to do this."

Marco, standing off to the side, adjusted his glasses. "This is either going to be an incredible success or a catastrophic failure."

Ivy sighed, already nocking an arrow just in case things got out of hand. "I swear, if he breaks himself, I'm not carrying him back."

Reinhardt cracked his knuckles, stepping forward. His massive frame towered over Elias, his hammer resting against his shoulder. "Alright, genius. Let's see if that suit's as tough as you think."

Without warning, Reinhardt swung.

Elias barely had time to react before a wall of force slammed into him, sending him skidding backward across the workshop floor. The impact would've shattered bones—but instead, the suit absorbed the force, converting the kinetic energy into a charged burst that dispersed through the plating.

The moment he regained his footing, Elias lunged forward—and realized he was moving twice as fast as before.

His mind raced. The suit isn't just absorbing force—it's redirecting it.

Reinhardt grinned. "Hah! You're still standing?"

Elias smirked. "Yeah. But now it's my turn."

He planted his foot, letting the stored energy release all at once, and rocketed forward, delivering a shock-enhanced punch to Reinhardt's gut.

BOOM.

The impact sent Reinhardt flying, his massive frame crashing into a nearby storage crate.

Silence filled the workshop.

Marco adjusted his glasses. "Okay. That was definitely not normal."

Lira gaped. "You just punched Reinhardt across the room."

Cecilia burst out laughing. "I like this suit."

Reinhardt groaned, pushing himself up. He blinked, then let out a booming laugh. "Hah! Finally, a fight that actually hurts!"

Elias flexed his fingers again, feeling the energy still humming in his armor. "That… worked better than expected."

Kierian, who had been watching silently, finally spoke. "This is only the beginning."

Elias turned to him, his expression serious. "How so?"

Kierian stepped forward, eyes glowing faintly as he gestured toward the massive war constructs still dormant in the factory. "What you've built is impressive—but it is a prototype. A fraction of what the Vanguard was preparing before the war ended."

He moved toward one of the larger schematics, brushing dust off its surface. "If we are truly to stand against the Primordial Lords, we need more than just one suit."

Elias followed his gaze. The blueprint depicted something far beyond what he had just built—a fully functional combat exosuit, equipped with modular weapon systems, enhanced mobility, and layered energy shielding.

His hands clenched into fists.

They had the knowledge. They had the tools.

Now, they just needed time.

Lira sighed. "Let me guess. We're staying here longer than planned."

Elias smirked. "We're not leaving until we finish what the Vanguard started."

Cecilia grinned. "Oh, this is going to be fun."

Ivy, who had been quiet, glanced toward the entrance of the factory. "Then let's hope no one else finds us before we're ready."

Elias followed her gaze.

Because deep down, he knew—

They weren't the only ones searching for Solmara.