The morning buzzed with energy. Today was different.
Their first real mission.
Not a training drill. Not a simulation. A real task outside the academy walls, where failure could mean real consequences.
So, naturally, they needed to look the part.
The group made their way to the tailor — an older woman with tiny glasses, quick hands, and a sharp tongue who took one look at them and clapped her hands.
"Ah! First mission? I'll make you look worth protecting."
They each got to design their own gear, picking from the racks, mixing pieces, and getting adjustments done on the spot.
Kajala, of course, went full ridiculous.
He stood in front of the mirror with a smug grin, hands on his hips. His armor was cropped — just enough to protect his chest and upper back, but nothing below that. His stomach was bare, showing off surprisingly toned abs, with light metal bracers on his arms and a long red scarf flowing behind him.
"Fashion and function," he said proudly. "Light, mobile, and absolutely iconic."
Rei just gave him a look. "You're gonna catch a cold."
Kajala winked. "Only if you don't cuddle me."
"Not happening."
Rei's outfit was more grounded — but no less striking. He wore a long red jacket, slightly worn-looking but reinforced at the shoulders and sleeves. Underneath, layered armor plates protected his chest and waist, paired with black gloves and heavy boots that clicked when he walked. He'd chosen a look that was flexible and durable — something that felt like him.
Rika went full sneaky-mode. Her outfit was tight and dark, with quiet leather boots, hidden pockets, and small metal plates around vital spots. Her twin daggers were now stored in small magnetic sheaths at her sides.
Regulus picked the bulkiest gear he could find. His armor clanked loudly every time he moved, but he looked like a walking fortress — though his helmet kept sliding down over his eyes.
"Still too loose?" the tailor asked.
"No! I got it!" clank trip thud "...Ow."
They all laughed — even Rei cracked a small smile.
After a few hours of fittings, repairs, and last-minute tweaks, the group stepped out of the shop, newly armored and ready for what was ahead.
They didn't know what their first mission would bring.
But they were dressed for war. And they looked like a real team.
"You guys ready?" Kajala asked, tossing his scarf over his shoulder with a grin.
Rei adjusted his gloves. "Let's find out."
Elyra stepped out of the fitting room last, her quiet presence drawing the group's attention without a word.
She wore a dark navy cloak that shimmered faintly under the sunlight, the fabric flowing smoothly behind her as she walked. The cloak was clasped at her collar with a silver emblem shaped like a crescent moon. Underneath, light armor hugged her form — sleek and elegant, made for mobility rather than brute defense. Her long blond hair was tied into a loose braid that rested over her shoulder, swaying slightly with each step.
She held her staff loosely in one hand, its polished wood matching the calm but sharp look in her eyes.
Kajala gave a low whistle. "Okay, I see you."
Elyra raised an eyebrow. "Function first. But… style matters."
"You look like someone who's about to cast a weather spell just for dramatic lighting," Rei muttered.
She smiled faintly. "Maybe I will."
With the team now fully geared up, Elyra's quiet elegance completed the picture a sharp contrast to Kajala's flair, Rika's rogue-like agility, Regulus's armored bulk, and Rei's balanced strength.
The mission ahead was real. But so were they.
They were ready.
The group headed out from the tailor and made their way to the forge district — a busy street lined with clanging metal, rising smoke, and the sharp scent of hot iron. Blacksmiths were shouting over each other, hawking enchanted gear, and showing off their latest weapon designs.
Rei led the way, his wooden practice sword slung over his shoulder. Kajala bounced beside him, eyes scanning everything.
"Time to juice up our stuff!" Kajala grinned. "Ooooh, maybe I can get my whip to shoot lightning. That'd be fun."
Rei gave him a look. "You still haven't explained how a whip even works in knight combat."
"It works because I make it work," Kajala said proudly, twirling the handle of his whip. "Besides, you'd miss me if I switched to something boring like a sword."
Rika wandered off to a stall with shiny daggers. "I want poison blades," she said to no one in particular. "Or maybe ones that turn invisible."
Regulus was trying to get his massive axe onto a table, but kept knocking over everything nearby.
"Maybe a sharper edge," he said, struggling to keep it steady. "Or something that stops it from slipping outta my hands…"
"You dropped your lunch three times," Rei muttered.
"IT WAS SLIPPERY!"
Elyra stood calmly at a stand displaying staff upgrades. She picked up a polished steel core attachment, examining it closely. "This one channels spells better. I'll take it."
Kajala raised his hand. "I want flame tips on my whip!"
The smith blinked. "You want your whip to be on fire?"
"Only the ends," Kajala said with a grin. "I wanna make sparks when I pose."
Rei just shook his head and handed over his wooden sword. "Can you reinforce this with steel along the edge? I'm not ready to give it up yet."
The blacksmith nodded. "A sentimental blade. I can work with that. Might even make it stronger than a standard short sword."
Soon, they each left with their upgraded weapons in hand or in Kajala's case, trailing behind him dramatically.
They were armed. Ready.
And their first real mission was just ahead.
The upgrades weren't anything flashy—no glowing runes, no elemental sparks, no special enchantments. Just solid, refined craftsmanship. The group walked out of the forge with weapons that looked sharper, sturdier, and more reliable. That was enough for now.
Kajala stared at his whip, pouting a little. "No flames. No lightning. Just... better leather and a stronger core."
Rei glanced at him. "Still better than nothing."
"I guess," Kajala said, flicking it once. It cracked through the air with a loud snap. "Okay, that is kinda cool."
Rika spun her new daggers between her fingers. "They're balanced better," she said with a strange smile. "I could throw these right between someone's eyes now."
"Why would you say that?" Regulus asked, adjusting the straps on his axe. "Mine's heavier, but in a good way. Won't fly outta my hands again. Probably."
Elyra tucked her polished staff under her arm. "It feels more... focused now. Like it won't wobble when I cast."
Rei didn't say much, but looked down at his sword quietly. The wooden blade had been reinforced with steel along the edges still light, still his, but more capable in a real fight.
Kajala nudged him. "Not upset you didn't get anything magic?"
Rei shook his head. "I don't need it. I've fought long enough to make a blade count, magic or not."
Kajala grinned. "You're the weirdest normal person I've ever met."
Rei didn't answer. He just kept walking, his newly sharpened sword resting on his back.
No enchantments. Just a group of rookies with upgraded weapons and a mission ahead. And for Rei that was enough.