Before venturing into the unknown as a newly minted member of the Adventurers' Guild, I realized my old training clothes would no longer suffice. If I were to face the dangers of the world outside the castle, I needed better protection—armor that would allow me to move freely while also providing some measure of safety.
I decided to approach the king to request access to the castle's armory. The king had always been kind to me, and I hoped he would grant my request. With determination, I made my way to the throne room, where I found him engaged in conversation with a few advisors.
"Your Majesty," I began, bowing respectfully. "I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Adventurers' Guild, but before I leave, I would like to borrow some armor from the armory, if it pleases you."
The king looked up from his discussion and smiled warmly. "Ah, Torrack. Of course, you may have what you need. You've proven yourself many times over. Cedric!" he called, and a tall knight with a stern face but kind eyes stepped forward. "Take Torrack to the armory. He is to have his pick of what he requires."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Sir Cedric replied, giving me a nod. "Follow me, Torrack."
As we walked through the grand halls of the castle, I felt a mix of excitement and anticipation. The armory was a place I had only heard of, filled with tales of legendary weapons and armor worn by the greatest knights of the realm.
"This is where we keep the armaments for the castle's knights," Sir Cedric explained as we entered a large, vaulted chamber filled with rows of gleaming armor and weapons. "You are free to choose what suits you best."
My Aura Sight was flooded with the light of countless white auras, each representing a piece of armor or a weapon. The room was a sea of bright energy, almost blinding in its intensity. But then, something caught my eye—a single aura that was different from all the rest. Amidst the sea of white, one aura shone golden, standing out like a beacon.
I turned my head toward it, focusing my senses. "What's that?" I asked, pointing toward the golden aura.
Sir Cedric followed my gaze and smiled softly. "Ah, you've found the Black Knight's gloves," he said. "They're an old relic from a time long past. Made from a strange material, thinner and lighter than most armor. They were meant to enhance the dexterity of the wearer while providing some protection, but they're not much use against a direct blow. Most knights prefer something sturdier."
I could sense a hint of skepticism in Sir Cedric's voice. "If they're so useless, why keep them?" I asked, curious. The golden aura suggested there was more to them than met the eye.
Cedric shrugged. "Tradition, perhaps. They were worn by a knight of great renown centuries ago. Some say they were enchanted, but no one has ever been able to confirm that. They've been gathering dust here for ages."
Despite his dismissive tone, I felt a pull toward the gloves. The golden aura seemed to call out to me, and I couldn't ignore it. I reached out, and the moment my fingers brushed against the smooth, worn leather, I felt a strange warmth spread through my hand, almost as if the gloves recognized my touch.
"I'll take these," I said firmly.
Sir Cedric raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? There are better choices here, more reliable pieces of armor. Those gloves won't stop a sword or an arrow."
"I'm sure," I replied. "There's something about them… I can't explain it, but I feel like they're meant for me."
Cedric studied me for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. If that is your choice."
I continued to look through the armory, picking out a set of traveling boots that felt sturdy but light, perfect for long journeys. I also selected a thin, black-and-brown full-body armor made from a lightweight material that allowed for ease of movement. It wasn't as protective as the heavier armor, but it would suit my needs for now. Lastly, I found a black-and-brown mask that covered my entire face, leaving only small openings for breathing. I chuckled to myself, wondering why anyone would need a mask like this—perhaps for someone who did not rely on sight, someone like me.
"Interesting choice," Sir Cedric commented, observing my selection. "Not the usual pick for a knight, but you've always been full of surprises, Torrack."
I nodded, appreciating his understanding. "Thank you for your help, Sir Cedric. I won't keep you any longer."
He nodded back, a small smile on his face. "Good luck, Torrack. I have a feeling you're going to need it out there."
Back in my quarters, I laid out the items I had chosen on the bed. The gloves were what intrigued me most. Their golden aura was unlike anything I had encountered before. I slipped them on, feeling the soft leather mold perfectly to my hands. A strange warmth spread from the gloves up my arms, and I felt a surge of energy, a sharpening of my senses.
I closed my eyes, slipping into Lyra's realm. Even here, the gloves glowed with that same golden light. I could see faint lines of energy running through them, like veins of power. The sensation was intoxicating.
"Lyra," I called out, my voice echoing in the void. "Can you see these gloves? What do you think?"
Lyra appeared beside me, her aura now a vibrant blend of colors, her presence stronger than ever since she had been transferred to the ring. "They're… interesting," she said, her voice thoughtful. "I can sense something within them, a kind of magic, but it's different from mine."
"Different how?" I asked, curious.
"I don't know," she replied. "But I think you're right to choose them. There's more to these gloves than meets the eye."
I nodded, trusting her instincts as much as my own. The gloves felt right, like they belonged to me. And with Lyra by my side, I felt ready for whatever lay ahead.