Chapter 16: Breakfast, New Powers and Assigning Roles for Battle

The next morning, sunlight streamed gently through the inn's windows as all six members of the group awoke feeling refreshed. After washing up and preparing themselves, they gathered downstairs in the inn's modest but welcoming restaurant.

Su Yan took his usual seat at the center of the table, Bulat settled to his left, and Zeref to his right. Mavis sat nearby Zeref, while Sheele perched close to Bulat. Lione faced Su Yan directly, a determined spark in her eyes.

After a short wait, steaming cups of tea and plates of simple but hearty food were set before them. The comforting aroma of fresh bread and stew filled the room as they began to eat, the sounds of quiet conversation mixing with the gentle clattering of utensils.

Breaking the peaceful moment, Su Yan raised his head, his gaze steady and commanding. "Today, we're going to eradicate the Wolf Head Mercenary Group. After that, we will travel to the capital to sign a trade treaty with the Metear family."

The group absorbed Su Yan's words in silence, the weight of the plan settling over them. Each knew the importance of the tasks ahead—one demanding strength and strategy, the other diplomacy and influence.

Bulat's confident smile hinted at his readiness. "Sounds like we've got a busy day."

Zeref nodded solemnly. "A swift strike and then negotiations. A balance of force and diplomacy."

Mavis sipped her tea lightly, eyes thoughtful. "The Metear family is influential. Securing their alliance could open many doors."

Sheele tightened her grip on her cup, voice calm. "We must be cautious but decisive."

Lione's eager gaze shifted between Su Yan and the others. "I'm ready for whatever comes."

Su Yan's expression softened slightly but remained firm. "Then let's finish our meal and prepare. There's no time to waste."

Su Yan set down his cup and spoke with measured authority. "Sheele, you will strike from the shadows. Your speed and precision are perfect for stealth attacks."

He then turned his gaze toward Bulat and Lione. "You two will handle the frontlines. Bulat, your strength and resilience make you a natural shield. Lione, your aggressive style will keep the enemy off balance."

Mavis nodded thoughtfully as Su Yan continued. "Mavis, you will strategize and coordinate the battle plan. Your insight will be key to adapting on the fly."

His eyes shifted to Zeref. "Zeref, your task is to defend the people within the city. Make sure no civilians are caught in the crossfire and that the battle doesn't cause chaos among them."

Finally, Su Yan's gaze fixed on the group as a whole. "I will serve as surveillance throughout the battlefield, watching for changes and warning you of any incoming threats. Communication is crucial."

Bulat grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Sounds like a solid plan. Let's put an end to the Wolf Head Mercenary Group."

Lione clenched her fists, eyes burning with determination. "I can't wait to get started."

Sheele's expression was calm but focused. "I'll make sure the strike comes swiftly and without warning."

Mavis smiled, already mapping out strategies in her mind. "With everyone clear on their roles, victory is within reach."

Zeref nodded solemnly. "Protect the innocent. That's priority."

Su Yan glanced around the table, his voice firm. "Then let's finish our preparations. The battle won't wait."

Certainly! Here's a natural continuation incorporating Su Yan's reminder about August:

Su Yan suddenly glanced toward the window, a slight smirk tugging at his lips. "Oh yeah, August slept on the rooftop last night, watching the stars. Zeref, bring him back down—he should eat before we move out."

Zeref nodded, already standing. "Understood. I'll find him and make sure he's ready."

Bulat chuckled softly. "That old man and his stargazing. He'll probably refuse food, but we'll force it down his throat."

Lione laughed quietly. "Good. We can't afford to lose him before the fight."

As Zeref headed toward the stairs, Mavis smiled warmly. "Stars have a way of calming restless souls. Maybe he needed it."

Su Yan's tone softened for a moment. "Maybe. But even calm warriors need to stay sharp."

With that, the group finished their preparations, the plans clear and their resolve steady, ready for the tasks ahead. Just as the group finalized their battle plans, Zeref quietly stood and headed upstairs. Moments later, he returned with August, who looked slightly disheveled but calm. His eyes still carried the serenity of someone who had spent the night watching the stars.

"I was up on the rooftop again," August said with a small smile as he lowered himself into a chair. "The night sky really does have a way of settling the mind."

Su Yan smirked, shaking his head gently. "You're lucky you didn't freeze out there. We need you sharp for today."

August laughed softly, accepting the food Zeref handed him. "Fair enough. But sometimes, looking up reminds me why we fight and what we're protecting."

Bulat grinned from the table. "Well, star-gazer, now that you're back, finish your meal. We've got work to do". Su Yan reached into a small pouch and pulled out three intricately crafted bracelets, each shimmering with faint energy. He held them out, one for Bulat, one for Lione, and one for Sheele.

"These are for you," Su Yan said, his voice steady. "Bulat, your green bracelet carries the power and qualities of a rhino. It represents your immense strength, defense, and calm nature. When you say the words Eternal Transform, you will summon a green battle suit. The helmet of the suit represents a rhino, symbolizing unyielding endurance."

He held Bulat's gaze with quiet authority. "Then, when you say Eternal Awakens, you will receive your personal weapon—a hammer named the Chaos Hammer. It possesses earth elemental abilities. One of its most powerful moves is the Earthquake Smash. When you strike a target with it, only that target will tremble violently as if an earthquake is localized on them. No one else nearby will be affected."

Bulat's eyes gleamed with anticipation as he slipped the bracelet onto his wrist. "This feels… right. I can almost feel the earth's strength coursing through it."

Su Yan nodded approvingly. "Use it well, Bulat. Your role at the frontlines will demand every ounce of that power." Su Yan turned his attention to Lione, holding the yellow bracelet carefully in his hand. "Lione, your yellow bracelet contains the power and qualities of a lion. It represents your strength, instinct, and wildness—the ferocity that drives you."

He met her determined gaze. "By saying the words Eternal Transform, you will summon a yellow battle suit, with a lion's fierce face emblazoned on the helmet."

Su Yan continued, voice steady. "Then, when you say Eternal Awakens, you will receive your personal weapon: the Jungle Claws. These give you the powers of a berserker. The claws possess a deadly ability called Obliteration Claws. Once you attack, the claws will split the target into pieces, leaving no chance for escape."

Lione's eyes flashed with excitement as she accepted the bracelet, sliding it onto her wrist. "This... fits me perfectly. I can feel the wild energy already."

Su Yan nodded firmly. "Your role on the frontlines requires that fierce instinct. Use it well." Su Yan held out the icy-colored bracelet to Sheele, his tone calm and respectful. "Sheele, your bracelet embodies the powers and qualities of a snow leopard. It represents your silent, calm, and deadly nature as an assassin."

He met her steady gaze. "This bracelet also grants you the power of the ice element. By saying the words Eternal Transform, you will summon an icy battle armor that enhances your agility and defense."

"Then, when you say Eternal Awakens, you will receive your personal weapon—the Blizzard Dagger. Its unique ability, Frozen Stasis, will freeze your enemies solid upon striking them, immobilizing them completely and leading them to death by ice."

Sheele's expression remained composed, but a faint trace of approval glimmered in her eyes as she accepted the bracelet, slipping it over her wrist. "A weapon that matches my nature, then. I will wield it with precision."

Su Yan nodded once again. "Each of you has a role and a power that complements it. Use these gifts wisely."

The room fell into a brief silence as the weight of the gifts sank in, the promise of their power ready to be unleashed in the battles to come.

As Su Yan finished explaining the bracelets and their powers, Zeref observed quietly, his expression thoughtful but calm. A faint nod showed his approval. "These gifts," he said softly, "are a symbol of trust and strength. They are tools, but also a responsibility. Each of you will carry the essence of these animals not just in battle, but in spirit. Use them wisely."

Mavis smiled warmly, her eyes bright with encouragement. "I love seeing you all grow stronger. These bracelets will help you unlock new pieces of yourselves—the wild courage of the lion, the steadfast power of the rhino, and the quiet precision of the snow leopard. They are fitting reflections of who you already are."

She reached out to gently touch Sheele's hand. "Remember, these powers are a part of you, but you remain the ones who shape their meaning."

Zeref's tone carried a quiet weight. "Power without wisdom can be a curse. But with the right heart and purpose, it becomes a force of protection and change."

Mavis nodded in agreement, her voice soft but sure. "You are not alone. We all walk this path together."

Su Yan glanced toward August, who was finishing the last bite of his meal. "August? Finished eating? If so, then let's go."

August nodded, setting down his spoon, a determined look crossing his face. "I'm ready. Let's move out."