After discussing things with the group, Akane decided she would join them. After all she had been alone for such a long time that she forgot exactly how long she had truly been sleeping. An existence likes her after all was rare in this world and thus, she stayed away from scheming humans. Akane however, found a strange kind of kinship with this group, besides, there's also that handsome man she caught a glimpse of that she just couldn't be apart from.
With this in mind, she made up her mind and joined in. what they wouldn't know is how crucial her existence on their side truly was. Her power was beyond anything they ever knew, even though they couldn't feel a hint of it. Besides that her shy movements and tiny voice put off an air like a blushing bride on her wedding day. How could they even think such a cute girl like her could cause mass destruction?
With the new equipment and weapons given to them all through the generosity of Ao Ji, they were entirely amazed at the sight and feel of the magic coursing through each piece. Given all of this they now got an upgrade!
"Whoa!! Ji how in the world did you get all of these? And the quality is insane!" Varick marveled at it all.
Rubbing his nose and showing a slight blush Ji replied, "Well you see the old man seemed to take a liking to me and forged them all based on the specifics I gave him of each of you."
"..."
"That old pervert actually did this!? He doesn't make universal items. What the heck did you do, sleep with him?" Shou was in utter shock at this revelation, that old coot never did anything for anyone.
Ji widened his eyes at that shameless statement and didn't know if he should laugh or cry. "... Uh… no apparently I passed some test? He wants me to be his apprentice, that was the requirement for him to do all of this without payment."
"No way!!! He has never taken an apprentice, what the heck did you do!?" Ruishi was still dumbstruck at the first revelation until this bomb dropped.
"I honestly don't know.."
After they all calmed down they started to go through each piece sizing them all up to see what would fit and link to their magic.
Ji with his stark white hair and bright emerald eyes looked enrapturing with a blood red flowing scarf, black under armor, silver boots, gauntlets, shin guards, and a chest piece in the shape of a skull. Holding his Katana, each piece held an aura of Chaos also it had a shield property that could withstand strong blows. It perfectly suited his tall muscular frame, if he was elegant and refined before, he now looked handsome and strong.
Ruishi had a dramatic overhaul himself, he sported a full body armor set in the color of blue with brown accents, he held a broadsword with a dark element, it was made of leather entirely, he had lion head pauldrons and a lion head belt. In contrast it set off a magnifying aura pairing with his dirty blond hair
The glowing aura surround Jun drew everyone's attention quickly, he had red with gold accented arm guards, red cape, black leather pants, gold boots, a gold belt with a unicorn center that connected to a flowing red and gold cloth in the back, he also had a golden bow and arrows with a fire element. It all paired beautifully with his ruby red eyes, unkempt silver hair, and firm muscular build along with his fine chiseled features of his face.
Kirin had changed from her flowing gown into silver leather body armor with purple accents, silver boots, purple knee guards, a flame patterned pauldron on her left shoulder, attached purple half rear flowing skirt, and took a gorgeous halberd with a flame pattern on its blade. It exuded a light element which caused her flawless features to enhance dramatically, her long silver hair coupled with her crystal colored eye and long, slender body was a sight to behold.
Once Varick stepped out from behind a boulder within the cave everyone instantly focused their attention on his stunning figure. Sporting leather armor in black and silver with purple accents, silver boots, silver shin guards, black hand armor with silver arm guards, purple scarf, he also had his short sword which oozed a purple energy all over the blade and held a purple lightning element. The overall effect cast a dramatic shift to his appearance with his azure blue eyes glowing in the radiance of the weapon as his dirty blonde hair was neatly combed back setting an awe inspiring contrast with his handsome features.
Akane had to pick her jaw off the floor at the sight, because she was a new person within the group she donned her normal attire however that isn't to say it isn't powerful, she had a black with gold accented hooded robe, a bird skull pauldron, a double bladed bow staff with a fox head engraving on its shaft, this staff as quick unique aside from the poison effect it held, it also had a soul sucking ability. Her pouty lips coupled with her fine features, golden slanted eyes, long flaming red hair and fur, and her nine tails trailing behind her she really was stunning.
Ze was the unknown on ability, what most would never guess is this little old man in the form of a ten year old with pearl colored eyes and brown hair, was a mage. When he picked up the mage's staff that held a goat head on the top of it, a brilliant light emitted from it, blinding everyone else for a moment. As a mage these staves were conductors of their magic and held only the power the mage emitted. He walked over and picked up the brown leather mage's robes and quickly ran to change.
Everyone except for Ji was stunned, because he had already known about him he knew very well the little guy's abilities. Which is exactly why he let the old man know about them. The only reason he hadn't showcased it before was he lacked his staff. Now that everyone was ready and packed up it was time to head out and save a damsel in distress!