25 Iron Devil Corp

A few hours later the system prompt rang out. It was a few hours before dawn. Still dark out, the temperature was chilly and he could see his breath. Zanir shook off the groggy feeling from being suddenly woken up and took out some spatial water. It was cool and refreshing. The water would clear up any drowsiness and help him feel alert and awake.

Having finalized their attack plans last night, the group chose to rest until the equipment was ready. He waved his hand and set out a large stone that was shaped into a bowl. Filling it with spatial water, he then begun to wake everyone up. The bandits were in a state similar to how Zanir was earlier. Seeing the water set out for them and being thirsty they each took a drink.

The water broke up any morning drowsiness or fatigue they had. They were astonished. It felt like a warm ray of sunshine cutting through clouds. It didn't stop there. A warm sensation followed the cool refreshment. It radiated through the bones, muscles, and skin. Without any direction the energy settled throughout the body. A single application didn't do much but the results would accumulate over time.

As the men washed up in the nearby stream, Zanir began to retrieve the retrofitted weapons and armor. They no longer resembled the bandit's former equipment. There were many changes and additions that had been made. When they saw what came out, the initial shock wave of surprise was eclipsed by a tsunami.

The weapons he took in weren't in the best condition. There were chips, cracks, and dents on them. Some of them had even been falling apart or rusting. A few of the less fortunate bandits were even using improvised farm tools. All of them had seen more than their fair share of use.

Retrofitting these weapons began from the ground up. The system was able to break down the materials to the molecular level. From there it re-designed each weapon for optimal performance. After running countless simulations and calculations it chose the most efficient and effective design. Modern design features were included like precision air holes and barbs. It would improve balance and stability in ways traditional blacksmiths hadn't thought of yet.

Having separated the components, the system removed all the impurities from the metal. It was able to refine the previously forged metals into a much stronger alloy. Due to the design improvements, less metal was used for the weapons, leaving more for the armor. Having free reign over the color of the weapons, he choose to have them cast into a jet black steel. The edges of the weapons were all tinged dark red. It made them look they were constantly covered with blood.

The handles and guards were carved out of animal bones. The pale ivory seemed to glimmer and shine in contrast to the dark black steel. Custom data from the Spirit contract allowed the system to personalize each handle for it's respective owner's grip and style. Each of the weapon's pommels had been sculpted into a fierce looking skull. The overall look of these weapons was savage and cruel. Beautiful works of art that could steal hearts as easily as lives.

The armor he took in was rough and crudely constructed. Many pieces had been patched so many times that they no longer had any of the original material left. Some were basically just loosely tied together sections of metal and beast hide. It left some serious gaps, attested to by their many scars.

Just like the weapons these were re-designed and broken down. The system was able to simulate and construct a very efficient chain mail design. What had once been a solid piece of metal could be alloyed into many steel rings. It was kind of like how cut resistant mesh gloves work. Except these rings were much smaller and more numerous. A blade would find it difficult to pierce through. The black mesh coats were light and tailored as well.

Accompanying the chain mail coats were beautiful black leather jackets. They had been reinforced and retrofitted into badass battle gear. Protection was offered by the integration and composite layering of the various beast's leather, fur, and skin. There were deep red bones strategically placed and attached to tendons. Mainly around the shoulders and the elbows. The spiky points added a bit more savagery to the look.

There were similarly designed pants and boots to protect below the torso. Just like the weapons and upper armor they were tailored to fit. If you have the data and capability it was well worth it. He knew these men were somewhat poor. They'd never had a custom fitted item in their entire lives. They were going to be blown away when they felt the built-in insole technology. Heck he'd even had the system re-design his own clothes and a set of armor as well.

The most striking differences were the helmets and shields. The helmets had been redesigned to hollowed out beast skulls. Fitted with padding and material, they provided comfort and protection while looking ominous. The shields had been reinforced and redesigned. It brought several features of modern tactical shields. Reinforced ballistic window at the top, ergonomic handle and grip with arm support, and clips where a backup dagger or baton could be attached.

Seeing the gear that came out stunned the mountain bandits. Even Reed was taken aback by the equipment. They'd all expected a few minor modifications. The bandits could only look upon it wide eyed and with bated breath. They waited patiently for Zanir to finish distributing all of the equipment.

"I've taken the liberty to update your equipment men. From now on, you're no longer the Iron Shield bandits. You will be known as my Iron Devil Corp! Today we will be taking back the iron mine. Not only will we have your revenge, we will also be securing the supplies we need for expansion."

The mountain bandits were touched. They had no idea their master was this capable. Such a person would go far and wide in the world. Each of these items could be considered master crafted and worth a fortune. They were precisely made, elegant, and deadly.

He had just given them away to the bandits. No one had ever shown them such kindness before. Knowing that they had found a rare opportunity, they swore fealty to Zanir and pledged their loyalty.