The heavy doors of Junna's training chamber slowly swung open, releasing a wave of cool air into the hall beyond. After a month of intense training, Junna emerged, her presence radiating strength and purity. Every movement she made was controlled and precise, her power now fully integrated with her being. The training had pushed her body, mind, and spirit to new heights, and now, she was ready.
Standing at the entrance to the chamber was Sira, her trusted aide and confidante. Sira's face lit up as she saw Junna step into the light, clearly impressed by the transformation. Though Sira had expected no less from the paladin of the Core Seven, seeing the results of Junna's evolution firsthand was awe-inspiring.
"Junna," Sira greeted her with a warm smile, bowing her head slightly out of respect. "It's good to see you back. Your training must have gone well."
Junna returned the smile, her eyes glowing faintly with the same divine energy that had been pulsing through her for weeks. "It went well, Sira. I've learned more than I thought possible. But now, I need to know what's happening outside these walls. How is the first ring?"
Sira nodded, falling into step beside Junna as they began walking down the long corridor that led back to Junna's Lodge. "A lot has happened since you entered your training," Sira began, her tone shifting to one of seriousness. "The first ring has been stable, but there have been increased movements around the outer perimeter. We've had more merchant caravans passing through, and with them, more risk of infiltration by hostile forces. I've had the scouts on high alert, and we've had to issue fines to some traders for breaking the laws."
Junna listened intently as they walked, her expression thoughtful but resolute. She had trained for this—to defend the first ring, the strongest line of defense for Corintopia. As the walls of her Lodge came into view, she knew that the time had come to put her new strength and knowledge into practice.
"We've also received reports of unrest in some of the outlying settlements," Sira continued. "It's nothing major yet, but with the rising tensions, it's only a matter of time before something happens. The people are nervous, Junna. They've heard whispers about Tel-Nu."
Junna's eyes hardened at the mention of Tel-Nu, the dark figure who loomed over everything like a shadow. "We'll need to prepare the Defender's Ring for what's coming," she said firmly. "Tel-Nu is a threat like no other, and if the people are starting to hear rumors, we need to act quickly. I want to review the current defenses and see what adjustments need to be made."
Sira nodded as they entered the Lodge, her steps quickening as she guided Junna toward the meeting room. "I've already begun compiling the latest reports from our scouts and guards. Everything will be ready for your review."
Junna's mind was sharp, her body ready for the challenges ahead. The training had strengthened her, but now the real test would begin. As she walked into the meeting room, she knew that the first ring would be the first line of defense in the coming war. And it was her duty to ensure that it held strong.
Junna took a seat at the large oak desk in her Lodge's meeting room, her fingers brushing the edges of the numerous reports neatly stacked before her. Sira stood by her side, waiting patiently as Junna began to sift through the documents. Her eyes moved quickly, scanning each report with the precision and focus she had gained from her intense training. The state of the first ring was stable, as Sira had said. Defenses were holding, the scouts were reporting minimal disturbances, and merchant caravans were flowing smoothly through the checkpoints. All operations were within the parameters she had set before her training began.
After finishing the last report, Junna set it down and leaned back in her chair, her mind momentarily shifting away from the logistical details. She turned her gaze toward Sira, who watched her with quiet expectation.
"Everything seems to be in order here," Junna said, her voice calm but carrying an undertone of authority. "It's good to see that the ring is holding strong, but what about the others? The rest of the Core Seven—are they ready for our group training yet, or am I the first to finish?"
Sira smiled slightly, clearly anticipating Junna's question. "You are the first to emerge from your individual training, as I expected," she replied. "The others are still deep in their preparations, though I've heard that Dmitri and Kira are both nearing completion. Cormac, of course, has taken a different approach, focusing more on mastering his mind and spirit, but from what I've gathered, he, too, will be ready soon. Cusi is spending extra time refining his healing abilities, and Delson Sr. has been pushing his limits both physically and strategically. Eshe is... well, Eshe is always a step ahead, though she remains immersed in her training to fully unlock the potential she now carries."
Junna nodded thoughtfully, absorbing the information. "I figured as much," she said, her tone pragmatic. "Each of us has our own strengths and methods. It makes sense that we'd finish at different times."
Sira stepped forward slightly, her expression softening. "You've always been focused, Junna. The others are on their way, but you've always had a singular drive when it comes to your duties. It's no surprise that you've finished first."
Junna allowed herself a small smile at the compliment, though her mind remained fixed on the larger task at hand. "I'll give the others time to finish, but we can't wait too long. Our individual powers are one thing, but we need to train as a group. The real strength of the Core Seven lies in our unity. When Tel-Nu comes, we'll need to work as one if we're going to stand any chance against him."
Sira nodded in agreement. "I'll keep you updated on the others. Once everyone is ready, we can begin the group training sessions."
Junna rose from her seat, her resolve firm. "Good. Keep the defenses of the first ring tight, and make sure everyone is prepared for what's to come. I'll be reviewing the defense plans more closely in the coming days, but for now, let's focus on getting the Core Seven ready for the next stage."
Junna stood from her desk, her thoughts still circling around the preparations that needed to be made. But one thing had become clear to her during her training—her old armor, while functional, no longer felt fitting for the power she now possessed. It was time for a change, and with the looming battle against Tel-Nu, she would need something more reflective of her newly ascended abilities.
"Sira," Junna said as she turned toward the door, "I'll be heading to the blacksmith. I need a new set of armor and weapons suited to the upcoming fight."
Sira nodded, clearly understanding the importance of such a decision. "I'll ensure the usual protocols are followed for your visit, Lady Junna."
With a quick acknowledgment, Junna left the room and made her way through the corridors of her Lodge, heading toward the blacksmith's quarters on the outer edge of the first ring. The air was crisp, and the sounds of the bustling city greeted her as she stepped outside. People moved about their tasks, unaware of the weight of the battle to come, but Junna's presence commanded quiet respect as she passed by, her figure a symbol of strength and purity to the citizens of Corintopia.
After a short walk, she arrived at her personal blacksmith's forge. The heat from the fires hit her before she even entered, and the rhythmic clang of hammer against metal filled the air. Nalia, her trusted blacksmith, looked up from her work as Junna entered. The stout woman wiped her brow with the back of her hand and offered a respectful nod.
"Lady Junna," Nalia greeted, her voice deep and steady. "It's been a while. I take it you're here for something special?"
Junna gave a curt nod. "Indeed. I need a new set of armor, a shield, and a sword. Something reflective of what I've become."
Nalia raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "White armor, then?"
"Yes," Junna confirmed, her tone resolute. "The silver armor I've worn in the past won't do for what's coming. The white will be a symbol—a reflection of my new powers, of the purity and strength we're fighting for."
Nalia nodded, already envisioning the project in her mind. "A shield to match, I assume?"
"Of course. And a sword," Junna added, her gaze steely. "It needs to be something that will carry the weight of this battle. Stronger, lighter, and perfectly balanced."
The blacksmith ran her fingers over the tools laid out in front of her, already considering the materials and design. "I'll craft it all with the finest materials we have. It'll be ready before the month's end. Anything else you'll need?"
Junna shook her head. "That will suffice. Make sure it's flawless."
With that, Junna placed the order, trusting Nalia's expertise without question. She knew the blacksmith would craft something worthy of the battle to come. Satisfied, Junna left the forge and began the walk back to her quarters, the weight of the day finally catching up to her.
By the time she reached her Lodge, the sky had begun to darken, the evening settling in over the first ring. The exhaustion of training, planning, and preparation weighed heavily on her. It was time to turn in for the night, but not before enjoying some well-deserved respite.
As she entered her chambers, she instructed the servants to prepare her dinner and a bath. A bath, she thought, allowing herself the small indulgence. It was exactly what she needed after the long weeks of intense training. The heat of the water, the quiet solitude—it would give her a moment to collect her thoughts, to focus on what was to come.
Junna undressed and lowered herself into the steaming bath, the warmth enveloping her as she leaned back, her eyes closing for a moment. Tomorrow would bring more planning, more training, but for now, she allowed herself a rare moment of peace.