Chapter 36: Revelations

Joshua followed Maydee as she led him to the back of the house, where the kitchen was located. The scent of roasted meat and simmering broth filled the air, making his stomach growl. He hadn't realized just how hungry he was.

As they walked, he decided to break the silence. "So, what happened these past few days, Master?"

Maydee glanced at him before grabbing a ladle and stirring a pot of broth over the fire. "On the first morning, I came to wake you up. However, no matter how much I tried, your eyes remained shut. It seemed as if your body had entered a state of self-meditation. The same thing happened for the next few days."

Joshua furrowed his brows. "Self-meditation?"

Maydee nodded. "At first, I was worried. But after observing your energy lines, I noticed something unusual—your pathways were actively strengthening themselves, constantly refining and reinforcing your energy circulation. Your core has likely grown stronger due to the stress it was subjected to." She gestured to his arms. "That should also explain your sore muscles."

Joshua flexed his fingers. It did make sense—his entire body felt as if it had undergone rigorous training despite having done nothing.

Maydee handed him a bowl of steaming broth. "Pick what you want and eat your fill. We have a lot to discuss."

"Yes, Master," Joshua replied, grabbing some bread and a few strange-looking fruits before taking a seat. He dipped the bread into the broth, savoring the warmth as he took a bite.

As he ate, he mulled over her words. "Master, doesn't your body undergo a similar process when you sleep?"

Maydee shook her head. "No. In fact, this shouldn't even be possible." She leaned back against the counter, her expression thoughtful. "It reminds me of an old rumor that has been circulating in the towns these past few years. Whispers about certain individuals who possess the ability to rapidly enhance their strength—far beyond what should be natural."

Joshua paused mid-bite, his mind racing. Players. She's talking about players.

"It's possible, Master," he admitted carefully.

Maydee studied him for a moment before continuing. "But their numbers are few. And most of what I've heard comes from whispers and unverified accounts. I always considered them tall tales—until you came along."

Joshua swallowed, suddenly aware of the weight of their conversation. This world… it wasn't just a game. It was something far more complex.

Joshua remained silent for a moment, digesting the conversation. Then, deciding to shift gears, he cleared his throat.

"Master, can you introduce me to the blacksmith?"

Maydee raised an eyebrow. "And why would I do that?"

Joshua grinned. "Because I need a sturdy shield."

"Huh? A shield? Why? You're not a warrior."

"I just need to test out an idea."

Maydee studied him for a moment before sighing. "Fine. Seems to me you've had your fill. Let's go."

She led him through a hallway before stopping at a reinforced wooden door. Pushing it open, they stepped into a dimly lit room. The moment Joshua entered, his eyes widened in awe.

The armory was vast, lined with wooden racks and metal stands displaying an array of weapons and armor. Rows of swords gleamed under the flickering torchlight, their edges honed to perfection. Axes, war hammers, and spears of various sizes and craftsmanship were mounted neatly on the walls. Shields of different shapes and materials leaned against one side—round bucklers, kite shields, and massive tower shields designed for heavy infantry.

The smell of oil, leather, and steel filled the air, giving the place an aura of power and history. Some pieces bore intricate engravings, while others showed signs of wear—proof of their past battles. In the corner, crates of armor lay stacked, some still wrapped in protective cloth.

Maydee gestured to the shields. "Take your pick."

Joshua nodded, eyes gleaming like a child on Christmas morning. He eagerly walked to the shields, running his fingers over the different surfaces.

He tried several—some were too bulky, others too restrictive in movement. One was beautifully crafted but too heavy. Another was perfectly sized but felt oddly flimsy.

Then, in a dusty corner, his eyes landed on a forgotten round shield. It was roughly 120cm in diameter, its metal surface dulled with time, yet strangely pristine beneath the layer of dust. Joshua lifted it, surprised at its lightweight feel despite its solid structure. The material was unfamiliar—not steel, not iron, yet undeniably strong.

Maydee folded her arms. "Why did you choose that one?"

Joshua rotated the shield, testing its balance. "Nothing in particular. It's the perfect size and light enough to maneuver easily."

Maydee nodded, though Joshua caught a flicker of something in her expression. Recognition? Hesitation?

There was something about this shield—something she wasn't telling him.

Joshua put the thought at the back of his mind.

He inhaled deeply, closing his eyes as he focused on the energy surrounding him. Just like before, he needed to gather raw energy from the environment before refining it within his core. His mind sharpened as he initiated the process, following the same structured method he had developed for his magic.

Joshua stretched out his senses, pulling in the ambient spirit energy from the air around him. The energy was wild and unrefined, flowing like an untamed river. He could feel it resisting slightly, but with steady control, he channeled it toward his core.

As the energy entered his core, Joshua began the refining process. His core acted as a conversion engine, stripping away impurities and compressing the energy into a more potent, stable form. He visualized the energy taking shape, becoming malleable, ready to be molded according to his calculations.

Joshua extended his left hand, pressing it firmly against the surface of the shield. He performed the calculations in his head, distributing the refined energy according to the layered defense model he had theorized.

Outer Layer – Repulsion Field

Energy Output: 5 Joules/m²/sec

Purpose: Deflect weaker projectiles and minor attacks.

Effect: Theoretically reflects 20% of incoming damage while dispersing kinetic force outward.

Middle Layer – Energy Absorption Grid

Energy Output: 12 Joules/m²/sec

Purpose: Reduce impact force by absorbing incoming energy.

Effect: 50% of the attack's power is absorbed, significantly weakening the blow.

Inner Layer – Structural Stabilization

Energy Output: 8 Joules/m²/sec

Purpose: Reinforce the shield's structure to prevent breaking under pressure.

Effect: 10% of the remaining force is slowed and then blocked, preserving shield integrity.

With this setup, only 20% of the incoming force would bypass the defenses. Joshua had already calculated that his body could withstand up to 6,000 Joules before critical damage. This meant that unless an attack exceeded 30,000 Joules, he could endure it without significant injury.

As Joshua funneled the refined energy into the shield, the surface shimmered subtly before stabilizing. The layers were thin, almost invisible to the naked eye, but he could feel them—three distinct energy fields reinforcing the shield.

He exhaled slowly, flexing his fingers against the shield's grip.

Joshua felt that with proper meditation and energy gathering, he can sustain this process for a long time.

Joshua opened his eyes and looked at his master.

Maydee, wide-eyed, asked, "What did you do?"

Joshua smiled, it's a shield on a shield master.