The Black Bio-Armor Awakens
Demonic Body lv.2 level has increased by 1!
Name: Han Seongjin
Species: Human (Half-Demon Possible?) Warning
Age: 25
Abilities: [Super Senses], [Demonic Body lv.3]
Traits: [Advanced Martial Arts lv.2], [Advanced Dagger Skills lv.1], [Intermediate Marksmanship lv.3], [Stealthy Steps lv.3], [Swarm Tentacles lv.6], [Berserk lv.1], [Weak Point Perception lv.1]
“Puhah! Kugh, haaah!”
Finally, the hour-long Demonic Body level-up was over. It had been the longest and most agonizing hour of my life. Since it took twice as long, the strain felt even worse than when it had risen to level 2. I lay sprawled on the bed like a starfish, gasping for breath.
“Hoo...”
It felt like every bone in my body had been ground to dust and rewired anew. The bedsheets were soaked with cold sweat. Leveling up Demonic Body was like a complete overhaul of my physical structure—excruciating every time.
How much time passed like that? As the pain that had ravaged my body finally ebbed away, an overwhelming sense of liberation washed over me.
“...This is insane.”
My senses had expanded dramatically. I could hear people talking outside, the faint whistle of wind through the window cracks, even birds chirping in the distance. My body felt light enough to float away, and a more potent energy than at level 2 surged within me. Right now, I could probably match that warrior's speed without even using Berserk.
“Status window.”
Name: Han Seongjin
Species: Human (Half-Demon Possible?) Warning
Age: 25
Abilities: [Super Senses], [Demonic Body lv.3]
Traits: [Advanced Martial Arts lv.2], [Advanced Dagger Skills lv.1], [Intermediate Marksmanship lv.3], [Stealthy Steps lv.3], [Swarm Tentacles lv.6], [Berserk lv.1], [Weak Point Perception lv.1], [Variable Bio-Armor lv.1] — NEW!
As I thought that and opened my status window, a new trait caught my eye. It must've been acquired upon hitting Demonic Body level 3.
‘Variable Bio-Armor?’
‘Variable’ probably meant it could change forms—like some insect exoskeleton? I immediately lifted my shirt and checked my skin. Nothing unusual at first glance.
I rushed to the bathroom mirror, inspecting every inch of my body, but no armor-like plating anywhere. Still just my original body.
‘Maybe like the tentacles or Berserk, it's not passive but active?’
All my other traits were passive, always active on me. The only actives were tentacles and Berserk, both tied to Demonic Body. Since this new one came from leveling it to 3, probably the same deal—an active trait that only manifests when used.
‘But how do I activate it?’
Like summoning tentacles? As I pondered, instinctually, I pictured ‘enveloping my body.’ Something rising from beneath my skin to cover me entirely.
That instant.
—Shruk!
“!”
My vision went pitch black in a flash. It felt like viscous black liquid coated my eyelids, then my whole body was engulfed in a sticky, hot sensation. Silence.
A few seconds later, my vision cleared as if by magic.
‘...My eye level's a bit higher. Feels like I'm wearing something.’
Through my restored sight, I saw my arm. I jolted in surprise. It wasn't human skin—something black encased my hand and forearm.
I immediately looked up at the mirror.
I was speechless for a moment.
“......”
Black bio-armor covered my entire body seamlessly. Darker black tissues filled the gaps densely. The helmet—or whatever it was—on my head sprouted multiple horns, with narrow V-slit eye openings. Massive pauldrons on my shoulders, limbs wrapped without a single gap in black tissue and plating.
“...Is this me?”
I looked like a knight fresh from hell. I slowly clenched and unclenched my fist.
—Grk, grrrk.
The plating ground together with friction, but my movements were utterly unhindered. I extended my arm, twisted my torso, spread my legs. The flexible black tissues at every joint made it feel natural, despite the heavy plating.
I tapped the armor with my hand. Rock-hard, but not quite metal—too organic.
‘Well, it's bio-armor, after all.’
But what about tentacles? They burst through my skin from inside. With full-body armor, how could they—
Thankfully, it was just worry.
—Pshuk.
The tentacles emerged smoothly from between the plates. More like the armor parted automatically where they protruded. No issues using them together—like they'd always been one.
‘The look's the problem, though.’
Staring at it screamed to everyone: “I'm a Villain!” Black surface, sharp horns, elongated slits—all menacing as hell. A civilian would scream and run; a Hero would go combat-ready on sight. It was begging to be hunted.
Wandering the streets like this? Instant report, straight to jail.
‘At least no humanoid demon beasts, so won't be mistaken for one.’
That was a relief. Mistaken for a demon beast? Incoming missiles, not bullets.
‘How to remove it? Like this?’
—Shlrk.
The thought of release dissolved the black armor into sticky liquid, sinking back into my skin. Quick on/off. Perfect for ambushes. Durability unknown, but way better than bare skin.
As I thought that—
—Grrrowl.
“......”
My stomach's pitiful rumble filled the quiet bathroom.
Demonic Body level-up must've burned massive energy. Hours after stuffing myself, hungry again. I threw on clothes and headed out.
The chef paled at my return just hours later but relaxed when I ordered far less than before. And now...
“...Almost empty.”
My wallet, stuffed with bills and coins from those criminals, had thinned from back-to-back spending. After busting my ass in the dungeon and dodging death, this was all I had left.
‘...Ask Lien for a loan?’
She's rich. No, an adult begging a student? My pride wouldn't allow it.
Who knew Demonic Body level-ups brought not just physical agony, but financial pain too.
What's the point of getting stronger when I'm stressing over tonight's bed and tomorrow's?
Wandering Pavel Village's square, hoping for something profitable, a boisterous voice hooked my ear.
“Come on, anyone? Just one round! Beat this herculean Hero and win a whopping 10 million credits!”
10 million. That word magnetized my feet to a halt. From past experience, 1 credit = 1 won, etched in my brain. No way I could ignore it.
Pushing through the crowd, a massive iron table sat on the makeshift stage. Behind it, a bag stuffed with papers bearing a stern old man's face. Beside it, a hulking black man over 2 meters tall sat with arms crossed.
Muscles ready to burst, clad in a tight Hero costume.
‘Orc?’
He looked like a fire-roasted orc, in my mind.
“Come on! A chance like this doesn't come every day! Beat a active B-Rank Hero! Entry fee just 30,000 credits!”
The emcee in a light shirt spat enthusiasm, but no takers. Groaning men with bent arms littered the stage side.
I opened my wallet. Three crumpled, grimy bills—my entire fortune.
“Hey.”
I approached the stage, handing over the bills. The emcee narrowed his eyes.
“Oh! A challenger? Hop up here!”
—Woooah!
The crowd cheered. The emcee pocketed the bills casually, gesturing me up. I strode onto the stage.
The B-Rank Hero, Breaker, eyed my bony arms (by his standards) and scoffed.
“Hey, kid. Don't get cocky and shatter your elbow. Why not back out now? I'm worried about you.”
His face said zero worry as he flexed his massive forearms provocatively.
I sat silently, planted my elbow, extended my right hand.
“Let's just grip.”
Soon, our hands locked. Mine vanished into his bear-paw grip.
“Get ready... Go!”
With the emcee's shout, Breaker roared and pushed.
“Hraaap!”
The steel table creaked and wobbled. His face flushed beet-red, veins bulging like worms on his forearm.
But my arm didn't budge an inch.
‘What the—?!’
Breaker panicked. He was a B-Rank physical enhancement Hero. Few A-Ranks outpowered him in raw strength. Boulders were glass to him. How was this small guy (by his scale) holding firm?
Never once overpowered, this was bewildering.
‘A mountain?’
That was the thought flashing in his head. Doubting if the guy opposite was even human.
“B-Rank's just this much, huh. Got the feel now.”
“Wh-what?”
I said coolly, and my arm pulsed. In a blink—
—BAM!
Thunderous impact slammed his massive arm into the table. The steel top dented deeply.
“......Huh?”
Breaker stared blankly at the floor, not even registering his loss.
Silence blanketed the square like poured ice water.
“The prize, please.”
I dusted my hand calmly. The trembling emcee handed over the 10-million-credit bag.
I grabbed it and descended without lingering. Food and lodging worries solved for now. I headed back to my motel.
“...What an unusual young man.”
Unaware of the old man trailing him.