Mission start

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange hue over the assembly as they prepared for their imminent departure. The air crackled with anticipation, and the students' faces were etched with determination.

Leo and Elly stood side by side, taking in the scene. The group assembled before them was an impressive display of the academy's top talent.

"I never thought I'd see so many knights in one place," Elly whispered, her eyes sparkling with awe. "And mage apprentices too! This mission just got a whole lot more interesting."

Leo nodded, his gaze sweeping over the gathered students. "Indeed. It seems Officer Chen wasn't exaggerating about the unique skills and abilities we'd need to have to finish this mission."

Among the group, a tall, broad-shouldered figure stood out. His imposing stature exuded an air of quiet power, and his eyes, a deep shade of emerald, seemed to see right through those around him. He was dressed in sleek black armor, adorned with intricate emerald patterns, and a longsword hung at his side.

"That must be Soren Vilder," Elly murmured, recognizing the distinctive armor. "He's a third-level knight and the top student in the third year. I've heard tales of his combat prowess."

Leo's eyes narrowed in assessment as he took in the formidable figure. "He'll be an asset, no doubt. Especially with those bandit mages we're up against."

A young woman with fiery red hair stepped forward, her eyes shimmering with determination. "Leo Shmidt and Elly Shmidt, I presume?" she said, her voice warm and confident. "I'm Elena Fireheart, a third-year first level mage apprentice of the fire element. Pleased to meet you both."

Elly offered a bright smile in return. "The pleasure is ours, Elena. We're glad to have another mage apprentice on the team."

A young man with windswept blonde hair and an easy smile approached his gaze flicking between Leo and Elly. "And I'm Ethan Weepeaker," he introduced himself. "Third-year second level mage apprentice, this one of the wind element. Looking forward to working with you all."

As the introductions continued, the weight of their mission settled upon them. They were an elite team, hand-picked for their exceptional abilities, and the empire's faith in them was evident. With dawn approaching, they prepared to embark, their eyes fixed on the horizon and their resolve unwavering.

The late autumn chill nipped at their noses as the team gathered in the pre-dawn light, their breath forming little clouds in the crisp air. The academy was bustling with students departing for the winter break, providing the perfect cover for their stealthy exit.

"We should stick together," argued Elena, her eyes flicking between Leo and Elly. "Safety in numbers, and all that. We don't know what dangers lie ahead."

Soren, his armor gleaming in the morning light, nodded in agreement. "A wise strategy. We are a team, after all. United we stand, divided we fall."

"But a big group draws attention," Elly countered, her brow furrowed in thought. "And we're supposed to be discreet. A smaller, more agile team could move faster and avoid detection."

Ethan ran a hand through his windswept hair, his easy smile fading slightly. "She has a point. If we're trying to fly under the radar, a large group might not be the best idea."

Leo's gaze darkened, a shadow passing over his features. "Actually, I think stealth is our best bet. We can't afford to be too confident, especially with the threat of those bandit mages out there."

Elly nodded, her eyes serious. "Rufus Town is still fresh in my memory. We can't underestimate our foes. A small, agile team can move quickly and adapt. It's a matter of strategy, not just power."

The debate lingered, each member of the team weighing in with their own strategy and concerns. Eventually, a decision emerged that balanced their diverse perspectives.

"Why don't we split up?" suggested Elena, her voice steady. "We can meet at an inn in Greenwood City in a week's time. That way, we can move at our own pace and avoid any clashes over strategy. It's a large enough city that we shouldn't have any issues remaining discreet."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the group, each recognizing the merits of this approach.

Leo nodded, his eyes sweeping over the determined faces of his comrades. "Sounds like a plan. We can use this week to prepare and gather any additional supplies we might need. It's a long journey, and we should be well-equipped."

Soren's broad shoulders rose and fell in a slight shrug. "Makes sense to me. I can cover more ground on my own, and we can share any pertinent information when we reconvene."

Elly's eyes sparkled with a hint of excitement as she added, "I know just the inn in Greenwood named "Sleepy Cat". It's run by a family friend—cozy and discreet. We can use the code phrase 'elm tree' to identify ourselves to the innkeeper."

Ethan's easy smile returned as he ran a hand through his hair. "Perfect. I'll make sure to get some extra provisions for the road. It's always good to be prepared."

As the sun inched higher in the sky, marking the passage of time they split up, each embarking on their journey to Greenwood City, their paths unique but their purpose shared.

The week ahead promised to be challenging, but their individual journeys would strengthen their skills and life experience. United by a common goal, they set off with purpose, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead on the road to Greenwood City.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, staining the clouds with brilliant hues of purple and orange, Elly and Leo found themselves walking side by side, their footsteps carrying them away from the bustling academy and toward their own path of adventure.

"It's a shame we had to turn them down," Elly said, her eyes flicking back toward the small group they had left behind. "But I'm glad we get this time together. It's been a while since it's just been the two of us."

Leo smiled, his gaze warm as it rested on his "cousin". "I know. It feels like we've been caught up in a whirlwind lately, with all the planning and preparations. It's nice to have a moment of calm before the storm."

"Besides," she added with a playful grin, "I'm sure they understood. We all have our own strategies and plans to put into motion before we converge in Greenwood."

Their steps carried them through the winding paths of the academy grounds, the familiar sights and sounds a comfort as they prepared to embark on their unknown journey. The winter air was crisp, causing them to draw their cloaks tighter around themselves, but the sunset painted the sky in vibrant colors that warmed their spirits.

"So," Elly began, her tone light, "what's the first thing on your agenda, Mr. Strategic? Any secret plans you want to share with your favourite family member?"