A week had passed, and the newly enlisted knights had all completed their required training. A small ceremony was held, but it consisted of a simple speech given by Commander Zaman before they were once again reorganized into new squads based on the judgment of the captains that trained them.
At least that was the case for most of them. In a small meeting room within the Royal Knights Headquarters, Nataly, Aron, and Lapis sat, all wearing brand new knight uniforms. These uniforms had little function for battle but were suitable for formal occasions like the graduation ceremony they had just attended. In addition to the formal uniform, they also received two sets each of rare knight armor, tailored to their preferences and battle styles.
They all sat in silence until Nataly couldn't handle it anymore and asked the other two, "Do any of you know why we are here? My captain didn't say anything when I asked."
Aron tilted his seat back as he pondered, "We might be getting recruited to some top secret squad where we uproot the corruption that has infected the palace."
"I highly doubt that," she immediately dismissed his idea.
"Well, that's how Gary was pulled into his secret squad."
"Who's Gary?" Nataly could already feel where this was going but asked anyway.
"A knight who joined seven years ago. On the day he graduated training, he was immediately put into a secret squad that focuses on internal corruption. Though they only added him because one of their members died and they needed a replacement."
"... So Gary just told you about his secret squad?"
"Yeah, pretty much. Should he have not told me?"
"You said the word 'secret' like three times!"
As if realizing it now, Aron made a surprised expression, "Oh, yeah. That makes sense. Don't tell anyone I mentioned that then."
Nataly slumped back in her chair from Aron's antics. She couldn't wrap her head around how Aron became so well connected, but in a way, she could understand, as she was also one of the people in his giant web of connections.
"So you don't know anything then. What about you? Lapis, right? Do you know anything?"
Lapis, who had been keeping to herself so far, just shook her head, not knowing the reason either.
The door opened as Sol entered, followed by two other knights. One appeared slightly older than them with a lean body, while the other was a much older middle-aged man with a short beard. The two knights took a seat as Sol spoke.
"Sorry for making you all wait so long. I went to personally inform these two they would be joining us as well."
Nataly stood up with an elated look on her face, "Does that mean?!"
Sol nodded, "Yep, welcome to my squad."
Aron hit his fist together, "Haha! I'm glad I was wrong about the corruption squad!"
"Did I miss something?" Sol tilted his head.
Nataly shook her head, "Ignore him. You know how he can be."
"Right. Well, anyways, I selected the five of you to join my squad. And while I already know all of you, none of you know each other, so I believe introductions are in order. Who wants to go first?"
Nataly's hand shot up, "Oh, me!" Sol gave her a nod, so she continued, "I'm Nataly. I specialize in nature magic for summoning and healing. I actually met Sol way befo—"
"Sorry, Nataly, but let's keep it short. We have to leave soon. Who's next?"
Sol was worried it would become another one of her long winded stories, and it was true they didn't have a lot of time, so it wasn't like he was lying.
"I'll go then. Name's Aron. I punch really hard, and on occasion, I kick as well. I'm more specifically a wild pugilist that focuses on strength as my main attribute, so expect me to hit really hard but not as fast as other pugilists."
The slightly older man spoke next, "I'm Rexford, but most people call me Rex. I'm extremely perceptive, with skills that heighten my vision and hearing. I filled the role of scout in my team, but I also know my way around a sword."
With Rex's introduction done, Sol turned to the last two that had yet to speak, the aloof Lapis and the grumpy looking middle-aged man. Neither seemed to want to speak up first, so he made the choice for them.
"Duncan, you're next."
"I'm Duncan, served in the Royal Knights for 20 years. I am a heavy shieldbearer, and I can use mana to create barriers too."
Though he didn't appear too happy to be here, he still introduced himself properly. Sol nodded and turned to the last person who had yet to introduce themselves.
"Lapis. I wield a spear and poison."
Though she kept her introduction incredibly short, her mind was racing at incredible speeds.
'Why did he pick me?! Last time we spoke, I vented about my feelings and right after, I challenged him for a rematch! I'm an idiot!'
Her mind was in panic mode, but it was hidden under her aloof demeanor. She had hoped she would see Sol again on her own terms once she was ready, but now she was in his squad. There was no way to avoid him anymore.
Hearing her short introduction, Sol didn't push her to say more. "I'm sure you all saw her performance in the tournament, so you all know what she is capable of. Before I get into the next topic, does anyone have any questions?"
Some of them shook their heads, while others kept quiet, meaning he could continue.
"Alright then, we already have our first mission. We are setting off to the Orna Mountains with two other squads in one hour."
Nataly jumped from her seat. "One hour?!"
"Isn't that a bit last minute?" Rex asked.
"Do we even have the supplies needed for such a long trip?" Duncan was less affected by the last minute nature of the mission but more concerned with the logistical aspect.
Sol felt their rising worries and quickly spoke to reassure them. "Don't worry, it's a bit last minute, but I have already gone and prepared everything. All you guys need to do is pack your personal belongings and meet me at the stables."
"May I see the requisition list, Captain?"
Duncan knew that the captain was in charge of preparing supplies, and with his new captain being a recent recruit, he was worried about setting out without critical supplies.
Sol nodded, "I knew you would ask that, Duncan, so I brought it with me. If you think I missed anything, let me know and I'll fix it."
Reading over the list, Duncan's eyes widened in surprise. "Nothing's missing. Food, toiletries, tools, tents, even medical supplies. Can I ask why you included health potions when we already have a healer?"
Duncan knew the answer himself; he just wanted to ask Sol to make sure it wasn't a fluke.
"Though Nataly and I can both heal, it would be foolish to rely on us for all injuries. If we run out of mana or are separated for some reason, the rest of you still need a way to recover in case of emergencies."
He handed the list back to Sol and then said, "I'll get ready to set off then. Is this meeting over?"
"Yes, you're all dismissed."
Everyone stood up from their seats and left for their rooms to take whatever they would need. They wouldn't be back for a while, so they would need clothes and other personal items to last the entire trip.
Sol waited until his newly formed squad was far away enough to let out a loud and long sigh.
"Thank gods it went well. That was incredibly stressful."