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"Magic mirror, oh magic mirror, who is the witch clad in battle robe, valiant and extraordinary, recently employed but undoubtedly destined to make a name for herself in the Judgment Court?"

In the armory’s changing room, a figure asked the mirror this question.

"Of course, it’s me, Lord Clown," came the reply.

The figure then lifted her head and puffed out her chest, with her thumb pointing at herself in approval, she answered with such certainty.

The life-sized mirror reflected the fully armed witch’s figure.

She was covered in a battle robe that looked impressive at first glance, with red magic circuits layered over the black outer armor plates. The design of the armor was bold and avant-garde, unlike the traditional knight’s bulky and rounded armor. All the plates had smooth lines and sharp edges that fit the body well; it even had a touch of futuristic armor.

Underneath the plates was a magic-resistant robe, also in red and black, the high-grade fabric shimmering occasionally with flowing light, clearly extraordinary. Its length and size were perfectly-fitted, and while moving, it emphasized the proud figure beneath the robe.

Then, the witch turned around, her black cloak with a red interior fluttered a few times, revealing two blood-red dragon language characters on it—Judgment.

"Wow, worthy of the Grand Inquisitor’s exclusive robe, this is just a step away from legendary, a superior-grade battle robe indeed! Cool, really cool, and this defensive power, this sense of security, this comfort, I just don’t want to take it off."

Dorothy looked at herself in the mirror and tugged at the innermost layer of silk tight-fitting underwear that extended all the way to her neck, the exquisite touch making it irresistible.

This battle robe, which appeared quite heavy and secure, was actually surprisingly light. Especially the innermost layer made of eternal silkworm silk—it was breathable and warm. The feeling of it fitting perfectly against her skin gave her an odd sense of freedom, as if she was wearing nothing at all.

"Tsk, Fafnir, oh Fafnir, when will you grow up?"

Her Home Martial Soul glanced meaningfully at her right shoulder, intending to criticize her little dragon armored beast.

However, there was nothing there at the time, which reminded her that her familiars, including the two little ones, were still at home sleeping with the main body, and her current form was just the Martial Soul Incarnation.

But this was probably for the best since the little armored beast would not have been happy seeing its master wearing another battle robe. And later, she still had to choose a magic wand. If Buster knew about it, there’d be trouble—Kitty Staff’s jealousy was quite substantial.

Thinking about this, Dorothy suddenly felt an odd thrill.

Well, maybe this is what they call "keeping the home fires burning while the banners outside flutter wildly."

Fancy clothes.jpg

But then again, although this battle robe is comfortable to wear, that cold, lifeless feeling isn’t really different from wearing other robes. In the end, it is still an inanimate object, lacking the extraordinary feeling of unity with the Armored Beast Robe.

If I had to provide a comparison, this robe could only offer me physical security, but couldn’t provide that sense of emotional security.

If Dorothy truly had to choose between this robe and Fafnir, she would pick Fafnir one hundred percent.

This Grand Inquisitor’s Robe was just for a bit of fun, something to enjoy temporarily. The one that could accompany her for life would still be Fafnir.

Though the little armored beast was still just a promise of the future.

"Mmm, so Fafnir, you have to trust me, okay? Your master definitely isn’t fickle."

Her Home Martial Soul consoled her conscience in this way, and then contentedly walked out of the changing room in the battle robe.

"Your Excellency, how is it, does the robe fit well? If there’s anything you need altered, please let me know," Miss Black Cat hurriedly asked from outside the changing room.

"No, it’s quite suitable. High-grade robes come with the ability to adapt to the body, there’s nothing that needs changing," Dorothy responded, waving her hand.

This battle robe was essentially just the work uniform of the Judgment Court, there wasn’t much to fuss over and no other styles to choose from.

Furthermore, this Grand Inquisitor’s Robe’s quality was comparable to the blood-red robe passed down to her sister, Alice, by their stepmother—which had cost a great deal of their stepmother’s savings to create, and yet, Dorothy was receiving hers without spending a thing.

Why bother with a bicycle when you can hitch a ride for free.

But speaking of which, since my stepmother was once a Judge, I suppose she must still have a set of Judge Equipment. Just that I have no idea which badge she was awarded, a Bronze Medal? Or was she a Silver Medal too?

The Home Martial Soul mused, thoughts wandering.

"Hmm, very well, please continue to follow me, Your Excellency. Next, we will be moving on to the equipment area."

Upon hearing the satisfaction in the voice of the new Grand Inquisitor, Miss Black Cat breathed a sigh of relief. She quickly turned around to lead the way, arriving at a small warehouse next door.

This was an armory, with its interior walls lined with all sorts of magic wands and alchemy weapons, and it was obvious that the quality here far surpassed that of the weapons in the larger warehouse outside.

"Do you have any special requirements for the magic wand, Your Excellency?"

Miss Black Cat asked again.

"I want an Artillery Staff."

Dorothy answered instantly.

This time, selecting a wand was different from when she had commissioned Buster. After all, there were no custom orders here, only standard issue equipment, at most minor modifications but no major ones. So there was nothing to be indecisive about.

Anyway, she had prepared herself to become a big explosive force this time, and all her Artillery Spell slots had been chosen. Naturally, the wand she required would also specialize in Artillery Magic.

Dorothy didn’t plan to choose by herself, since she wasn’t too familiar with the equipment here. Witches don’t adhere to the notion that "the wand chooses the wielder," so she left the choice to Miss Black Cat.

The power of magic comes from the heart, so a person’s magic often reflects what lies within.

Just now, as she watched Miss Black Cat tune wands, it wasn’t for nothing. From the way Miss Black Cat was completely absorbed in her work and didn’t even notice her, it was clear that the alchemist Miss adored alchemy — such a person wouldn’t be bad, especially given her professional integrity.

As an alchemist, she wouldn’t lie or conceal anything about alchemical tools. Moreover, she was staff of the Armory, so she must know the equipment inside out.

"The more powerful the Artillery Staff, the better. Do you have any recommendations, Miss Black Cat?"

She said, smiling.

"Eh, Your Excellency, are you really letting me choose? It’s better to select your own weapon. I don’t know what kind of arms you’re proficient in, the style of the wand and such..."

Miss Black Cat was taken aback, quickly waving her hands as if to refuse.

However...

"I know a bit about every weapon, so don’t worry. On the topic of equipment, you are the expert, Miss Black Cat, and I trust your choice."

Dorothy said again.

Miss Black Cat was slightly conflicted at this, but then, as if something came to her mind, she spoke up, somewhat embarrassed.

"Then, Your Excellency, would you like to see my work?"

"Uh..."

Dorothy was momentarily taken aback, then nodded her head promptly.

"Of course, it would be my honor."

She became a little curious as well. All the equipment in this small armory was of superior grade; she hadn’t expected that Miss Black Cat’s work would have been included among such pieces, which seemed rather impressive.

Quickly, Miss Black Cat moved a huge and heavy box out from a corner.

...Miss Black Cat is retrieving the item...