The next morning, Tigris got ready early, and sprinted to Fini's house. Half asleep, Fini had no choice but to comply and came out of her house, equipped with her trusty wooden Bow. They stopped by Clyde's Dojo, but soon learnt Clyde had already left for the Castle in the heart of Meridus.
Meridus was a massive city, the capital of Magnar. It was the residence of the castle of the King. Tigris lived in the outskirts of Meridus with his mother.
They reached the castlegrounds on time. There they saw a familiar face waiting by the Guard tower. 'I am so lucky to be in the same platoon as you', Tigris said excitedly. 'Even I was hoping to be with someone I knew already. Makes things easier.' They exchanged a handshake, and soon, General Hearty arrived with a massive box. The box looked old, with all sorts of engravings. 'The King has specially made a request for Tigris Tanssen and Fini Allise to be given crystals.' Tigris was a bit confused, but remembered that Clyde uses a crystal too.
General Hearty opened the box to reveal a plethora of shiny gemstones, all of different colours. 'One by one, both of you will hold your hand above the crystals. The crystal which deems you worthy will rise into your grip.' Tigris immediately held his hand out, only to be stopped by Clyde, who made a slight gesture advising Tigris to allow Fini to go first. Tigris was rather bummed out, but accepted Clyde's advice anyways. Fini simply grinned at Tigris, which agitated him further.
Fini held her hand out, and soon enough, she felt a rocky presence in her palm. She turned her hand around to see a beautiful pink crystal present. 'Ah, the Flamingo's Stride crystal. This is used by Warriors who use projectile weapons. It seems perfect for you.', commented the General.
Tigris was wide eyed looking at Fini's crystal, and got even more eager to receive his own. 'Hold out your hand now, Tigris's. Tigris followed. For the next few seconds, there was no sensation in his hand. 'Is this working?', Tigris said, now clearly annoyed. 'Patience', said the old General. 'Maybe no crystal deems you worthy, ha', Fini said in a sarcastic voice. Just as Tigris was about to reply, he felt a powerful object in his hand. He turned his hand around to see a glowing, black and orange crystal. 'How is this possible?' said General Hearty, surprised, 'If the crystal believes you are worthy, then so be it.' 'What do you mean, General?'. 'That crystal, it has been stated in the myths and legends of Magnar…' 'Just tell me what it is!' 'Only ever wielded by the warrior who unified this continent and founded this great empire…' 'Say it already!!' 'This is…' 'WHAT IS IT??' 'The Eye of the Tiger.'
'No way' gasped Clyde. 'The Tiger's Roar crystal, also known as the Eye of the Tiger, was the crystal used by the legendary warrior Thomas Magnus. For the past 200 years, no one has ever seen it. Be careful, its power is immense.' Tigris was pleased at the sound of that. He looked over to Fini, whose jaw had dropped. Once she returned to her senses, she grabbed her waist pouch and safely stored her crystal within. Tigris opened the compartment in his father's golden locket which he was wearing, and placed it inside to secure it.
'Your first mission as a platoon will begin tomorrow. The details are written in this letter. His majesty saw your potential and blessed you with these crystals, thus you three are expected to be prime Warriors for Magnar. Glory to Magnar.' General Hearty gave as a last piece of advice before he left, and handed letter to Clyde as the he was the most reasonable as platoon leader, being trained by Memphis Vetusan. He seemed honored to be given the responsibility.
'Looks like we have a big task on hand tomorrow.' The mission was to deliver a sealed envelope to General Ferrahn in the coastal city of Port Aqmare. The city was two days away by foot, and the route involved a Pine Forest, full of bandits, who were always greedy for cash.
'See you two at the 10th hour tomorrow. Our trip will be two days long, and we will be camping out, so pack up accordingly. Glory to Magnar.' Clyde spoke as he headed towards the Meridus Market. Tigris was very excited for his first mission as a Warrior.
They were all given Kits containing a Badge, a Military scarf, and a weapon of choice token. Fini and Tigris decided to go home and later meet in the evening to get the weapon of choice.