'It's one day before we are supposed to leave, and I am still stuck here trying to find something that will be good for me to wear. I need decent protection first of all, and I need decent aesthetics. I am a man of art now, literary, musically, and fashionab-'
While Simon may not be considered vain, he still desired to look somewhat appealing when in combat. The last thing he want was to look a like a bloodied barbarian.
'What makes you think that you can give me fashion advice?'
'Oh please don't! I hate trench coats now, so please don't make me wear one. I already saw James wearing his VA outfit, and I guess it looked better in my imagination.'
'Whatever the case, I will make this decision on my own. By any chance can I get a discount on the system shop though?'
'Please~'
'Thank you so much, Xander!'
Simon looked through the clothing section of the system shop to find more than 1 billion catalogued items listed in it. Browsing all of it would take centuries, but Simon did not have that much time. He selected the sub-category of hats, he found something that interested him very much.
'Pristine Circlet of Mental Recovery? This is just what I need.'
Simon immediately bought the circlet, inspecting it as it appeared before him.
'Ruby red, with a wavy patterns. It has some style, but now I have to base the rest of the outfit off of it.'
'Boots of Scorched Print, Gloves of Grip, Pants of Dash, Shirt of Resistance, and Equilibrium Armour.'
'Trust me, I know what I am doing.'
And suddenly Simon felt like his currency had been drain to rock bottom. Even if there was an insane discount, the items he had received cost much more than he would have thought. Something like this would be heartbreaking if he bought them at full price.
'I guess I will end up getting the pills I need later. 1000 currency is only enough for a single tier 6 pill anyways.'
Putting on all of his new items, Simon looked to the mirror. He seemed to look good in his new outfit, but he felt like a certain element was missing.
'I need a jacket.'
And suddenly Simon's outfit came to life. A red armour layered with a light grey coat and a black dress shirt and pants. Along with that, Simon wore dark grey gloves and black leather boots, with his circlet on his forehead.
'I like it.'
'Of course it does.'
'They seem to be making good progress.'
Simon took off his new outfit and stored it in his closet, switching for his comfortable Pyjamas.
'I am going to sleep now.'
The next day:
Simon waited at the front of the main building, packed with a large supply of rations and equipment, he seemed like he was going on a hunt; which he is.
Surrounding him where his team, which he could finally meet. Among them where every single one of the new students he picked up two weeks ago, which includes James of course, as well as Liam, Benny and Jack. Seeing that his team was not a terrible matchup, Simon was quite happy.
"Hey Simon, it's almost like I haven't seen you in forever! Where have you been?" Jack laughed.
"I've been busy lately, master gives me quite a lot of work." Simon cheerfully responded.
"Of course, Professor is always hardworking, so why can we slack? That would be an insult to him." Jack commented zealously.
"Yep, Prof expects us to come home in one piece, and I'm not about to disappoint him." Liam interjected.
"So who wants to be leader?" Liam asked.
"What about Tyrone?" James suggested.
"No, being strong doesn't not necessarily make me a leader. Perhaps You should try." Tyrone responded calmly.
"I don't have many powerful tricks, but if everyone agrees then I'll do it." James agreed.
"Definitely no, I believe someone like my sister can do the job well." Sienna commented coldly.
"Michelle is a club leader, and knows how to get things done."
"Nonono... I'd prefer if someone like Simz took the job. I'd feel more dps are if he did." Michelle rejected.
'Leadership?'
"You know what? I'll get it done." Simon stepped up.
"I am very much okay with this arrangement." Tyrone spoke out.
Jack, who was humiliated by Simon a month ago, had a change of heart towards the latter, viewing Simon as a mature figure now. Holding no grudge, he gave Simon his vote.
"Me too."
"You already know my answer." Michelle spoke.
"I respect the professor's first disciple and will follow his lead." Mark stated.
"Me too."
"Also, me.'
"I second, or was it third, fifth? I support it." Sam announced.
'Ahhh... I can now guide my class in the Trials without having to clash with people. If they do as I say, no one will end up dead. On the other hand, I know who is trying to mess with me already. And they will not be coming back to Haven.'
'He just had to go after my students.'
'You told me the intel in the middle of one of my lectures, seeing my students' faces makes it more personal.'
"ALL ABOARD!"