It was his last day of training. Tigris rushed to Fini's house, like he always did. They were rather close. He knocked, expecting Ms. Allise to welcome him in like always. Unexpectedly, it was Fini herself. Excitedly, he told her 'Today, we finally become Warriors!' Fini n didn't seem impressed, but replied in a sarcastic tone, 'of course'. She fell off the steps as Tigris grabbed her arm and pulled her out of the house.
Tigris was the son of the renowned general, Tilure Tanssen, and carried his fighting spirit. Tigris never met his father. General Tanssen died at war weeks before Tigris was born. His mother, Teresa Tanssen, made sure Tigris was a capable fighter before joining the Army of Magnar. He trained with Fini and his mother every day.
On the way to the King's castle in the middle of the capital city of Meridus, they were met by a crowd of people cheering for the local legend, Clyde Robustus, as he entered in a spar with a local bully. They all admired him for his Jolly attitude, and more importantly, his ability to fight. Tigris and Fini waited a moment to catch a glimpse of him. Just as they reached the front of the crowd, Clyde was already victorious. Afterall, he was the youngest person ever to obtain a crystal.
Crystals were an incredible power source, which enhanced their users' strength and speed. Some crystals also gave special abilities to those who were fully synchronized with them. Clyde received the Rhino's Horn crystal at the age of 13. His teacher, war veteran Memphis Vetusan, had complete trust in him, and gave him the valuable power source.
'Where are you two headed?' Clyde said, as he untied his bladed fists. 'It's finally time we become Warriors', Tigris mentioned. 'Oh, we might be in the same platoon then', replied Clyde. Clyde was only a year older than Tigris and Fini. He had pleaded his Warriorhood a day before Tigris and Fini.
'I would be glad if that happens. We'll be on our way then' Fini said, amused. Tigris and Fini walked briskly the whole way. The castle doors were frighteningly massive. They opened, slowly, to let Tigris and Fini in. They were greeted by a huge corridor made of gold and marble. At the end of the corridor was the room with the throne of King Maiestas III.
The king was a cheerful old man, who loved the empire and its citizens dearly. He wielded the Royal Blade in times of combat. The King of Magnar was not allowed to use a crystal due.
Tigris and Fini were welcomed by an ageing man with a warm smile, and another old man, with a rather serious face. That man was Defendant Reaper. Defendant was the highest military position in Magnar. Ever since Tigris read stories about Defendant Reaper, he made it his ambition to become the Defendant someday. Defendant left the throne room as soon as a messenger with a vague sketch in his hand arrived saying 'Lestus has escaped prison!'
'If it isn't Tigris and his sweetheart', King Maiestas said in his usual, wise tone. Fini was quick to deny any such claim. Fini and Tigris often came to the castlegrounds to play with the King's son, Prince Regius II. Prince Regius was only a few years younger to Tigris.
'It is finally the day I become a Warrior like my father was'. The King seemed pleased with this decision. 'Very well, I will assign you a platoon right away. Your platoon will include both of you…' Fini and Tigris looked at each other with a subtle smile, '…and another local from your area, Clyde Robustus.' Tigris was overjoyed to be with someone so skilled. The King commanded them to report to General Hearty the next morning.
From the castlegrounds all they to their houses, Tigris kept telling Fini how excited he was and how much he wanted to see in the world. Fini didn't seem annoyed at this constant speaking. She was just happy to get out of the house and be in different cities and towns. 'Training in the afternoon?' Tigris finally asked. 'You bet.' Fini replied, finally reaching the enthusiasm.