Noah drew in a slow breath, then he whispered.
"Aegis of Hades."
Black smoke erupted around him like coiling mist, the darkness writhing up his limbs and hardening into armor.
The helm formed last, encasing his head in dark plates. The air grew heavier, the temperature in the cavern plummeting immediately.
The armor consumed a chunk of his remaining mana. He could feel it, a sharp dip in the reserves in his core, but the trade was worth it.
Raw power flooded his veins in return, his muscles tightening with new strength, his movements lighter and faster.
His heartbeat slowed to a steady rhythm, calm in the storm. The armor had boosted his physical stats.
"Alright," he muttered, stepping forward until the cold water lapped at his boots. "Let's finish this."
He walked into the lake.
The water was colder than expected, but it parted easily around him, sliding off the armor like oil.
