Emi tapped her chin as she watched the squad prepare for their mission.
"I'm going to buy a sword and shield first. Oh, and some battle gear too. Aren't you guys getting new outfits as well?"
Without hesitation, Arou nodded.
"I am."
Rei raised his hand.
"Me too."
Shion and Nova followed.
"We're in," they said at the same time.
Nora smiled softly.
"That's fine with me."
Feeth grinned.
"Of course I'm coming along."
Arou turned to Airi.
"Do you want to buy some clothes, Airi?"
Airi shook her head, her eyes scanning the clothing racks.
"Ah… it feels like none of these really suit me."
Emi walked over and gently patted her shoulder.
"Come on, don't be shy. I'll help you pick something."
In the end, they all headed to the guild's clothing shop. Rows of outfits filled the space—cute styles, combat gear, casual wear, even fantasy costumes.
Emi carefully pointed at one outfit.
"You have to try this," she said, handing Airi a bunny-themed outfit.
Airi hesitated, but accepted it and went to try it on.
Arou looked at her with a faint smile.
"Wow… that's really cute."
Nora held back a laugh.
"It actually suits you, Airi."
Even Feeth broke into a wide grin.
"That's unbelievably cute. I didn't expect you to look like that."
Airi turned slightly, a bit embarrassed.
"It's… okay, right? I'm just trying it…"
Emi smiled in satisfaction.
"See? Sometimes we need to have a little fun, even when we're preparing for battle."
Soon, the entire squad stood in the middle of the guild hall, each wearing their new outfits. A strong sense of readiness and excitement filled the air.
Arou glanced at Airi.
"So, Airi… are you wearing your new outfit?"
Airi nodded softly.
"Yes."
Arou looked closer, slightly confused.
"…Wait, you picked the same outfit as before?"
Airi lowered her gaze, a little tense.
"Yeah…"
Arou let out a small sigh and looked away.
"By the way… I haven't seen Nova. Where is he?"
Just then, Nova casually walked toward them, as if he had all the time in the world.
Arou raised an eyebrow.
"Nova, where have you been? And what did you buy?"
Nova smiled faintly, tapping his shoulder.
"I just went into the clothing shop to use the restroom. Didn't buy anything."
Arou nodded with a small smile.
"I see… so you're still the same as always."
Airi glanced at Nova and smiled faintly. The atmosphere of the squad felt warm. They were all ready to face their first mission, equipped with new gear and burning determination.
---
The guild's training field was bathed in soft sunlight. The squad stood in formation, each wearing their new equipment. The air was filled with anticipation.
Arou raised his sword and looked at everyone.
"Alright. Today we'll be doing a combined training session. The goal is to improve coordination and reaction speed."
Emi stepped forward, shield in hand and sword at her side, her expression serious.
"I'll oversee the session—and fight as well. Don't hold back."
Shion adjusted his holographic glasses and took position far behind.
"I'll provide ranged support. Focus on coordination, not just strength."
Rei raised his shield, his golden armor gleaming.
"Defense is key. I'll protect everyone."
Nora looked at Airi with a small smile.
"I've got your back, Airi."
Feeth stood casually, but his eyes were sharp.
"Don't treat this like a game. I'll be testing all of you."
Nova, still in his usual outfit, glanced at Airi.
"Alright… I'll support with magic attacks."
Airi, still wearing her black coat, took a deep breath.
"I'm ready. I won't let you down."
Arou lifted his sword.
"Training begins!"
---
The battlefield came alive.
Shion fired ether bullets from a distance while repositioning constantly. Rei blocked incoming attacks with his shield. Arou and Emi worked together in close combat simulations.
Airi moved like a shadow—swift and precise—dodging attacks and striking back with accuracy. Nova cast spells from behind, enhancing the team's movements.
Feeth tested everyone one by one, ensuring their coordination stayed sharp.
"You're all improving. But don't let your guard down."
Time passed. Their movements became more synchronized. Attacks and defenses aligned more naturally. Each member began to realize their growing potential.
As the sun began to set, Arou lowered his sword.
"That's enough for today. Well done. Your coordination—especially between Airi and Nova—is impressive."
Airi lowered her head slightly, a faint smile forming.
"Thank you, Nova…"
Nova returned the smile, calm as ever.
"You did well, Airi."
---
The next phase began—sparring matches.
"First match: Shion vs Emi," Arou announced.
Shion took position at long range, rifle ready.
"Ready."
Emi raised her shield and sword.
"Same here. Don't hold back."
The fight began instantly. Shots rang out. Emi blocked and advanced. Shion dodged, repositioned, and fired with precision.
Their battle felt like a fast-paced dance—distance, timing, and reflexes constantly tested.
In the end, both stepped back.
"Good," Arou said. "Shion, your speed and accuracy have improved. Emi, your defense is solid as ever."
---
Next: Feeth vs Nova.
Nova summoned ether swords, floating around him.
The clash was intense. Steel met magic. Speed met precision. Sparks flew as attacks collided again and again.
"You're fast," Feeth admitted.
"And you make me focus," Nova replied calmly.
They eventually stepped back, both smiling faintly.
---
Then: Nora vs Rei.
Nora rushed in with overwhelming physical strength. Punches and kicks struck like gunfire.
Rei held firm, reinforcing his shield with magic.
Their clash showed the balance between raw strength and defense.
---
Finally…
Arou vs Airi.
Both stood at the center of the field.
Arou raised his newly forged Obsidian Blade.
Airi gripped her reforged Crimson Resolve, its red aura pulsing.
"Ready?" Airi asked.
"Always," Arou replied.
They clashed.
Blades collided at incredible speed, sending vibrations through the air. Neither side gained the upper hand. Every strike was met with equal force.
The spectators held their breath.
"You've gotten stronger," Airi said during a brief pause.
"Maybe," Arou replied with a small smile.
The duel ended with their blades locked, eyes meeting.
Silence filled the field.
"…They're evenly matched," Feeth muttered.
"Yeah… this is master-level," Nora added.
Arou and Airi exchanged faint smiles—mutual respect growing stronger between them.
This wasn't just training.
It was proof of how far they had come.