After that last job, I put my head to the grindstone. Spent some time researching magic: Barriers, wards, that kind of thing. Found some interesting applications that I've taken the time to integrate in the exoskeleton prototype - I took it to Edith and she gave it a try. It didn't blow up! It even stopped the shuriken I threw at her. So that's been a success, and I will immediately begin the replication process to help protect me on my next job. Eventually maybe sell it. But I need to work on myself as well - I'm starting a new exercise regimen and working on my aim - I'm sure I'll be needing it soon. Next steps for the Energized Exo-Skeleton is likely to add some sort of true fighting aid to it, to be honest. The current set-up will aid in defense, yes, but I'll need a form of offense as well. Once I've spent some time in the range, I'll add some sort of projectile launcher to it. Energy based, maybe?

We'll see.

To defend myself, I've taken inspiration from Edith's shotgun. I've crafted a kind of glove which I can attach to my energizer exo-skeleton and will allow me to create small discs of plasma, allowing me to toss these at my foes using the same technique I'd been practicing with my Shuriken. I had to make some concessions in their raw power, as they fall apart quickly, but they're so hot they destroy any protections that my target has. I've got some ideas on how to make them sharper and hotter, but that will have to wait - for now, I've got a field test set up hunting a mammoth with Edith and a strange demon summoner named Liv - We've struck a trade agreement. I will give Liv an Energizer Exo-Skeleton, and in return a demon will be summoned and bound to mine, to work as a last line of defense in case I get in over my head somewhere along the line.