Sunset finally came as he peered around the usual spot to see if any guards were around. After being certain the coast was clear, he pulled out his wand and shifted it into sword mode as he'd been comfortably able to do since using it the first time. Thoughts of his encounter with the adventurers back in Riverant appeared in his mind. The feeling of warmth that tinged his hand when it first shifted continued to press in his mind as he swung his sword as he'd always done.
Following the training regime he has for years under Rita's tutelage has given him the strength to swing his sword easily. From working out, to consistent strain, he had formed his body into a strong base, able to withstand the rigorous regime Rita established. He looked at his arms, completely bare of scales from before thanks to Terra's gift. He smiled as he continued to go through his routine of swings. He continued as the heat on the sword began to flare up once more, he didn't know much about the sword other than what Rita told him.
He stopped swinging and inspected the sword thoroughly, looking over its design and noticed something odd. He looked at the shape of its form, and compared it to his memory of the same sword in the photo. It seemed the shape was different from before, seemingly a bit more broad, having a simple design compared to his mothers.
"Why would the design be different…?" he pondered as sudden footsteps appeared behind him in his moment of thought. A bigger man walked up with a cigar of sorts in hand, his hair was blonde and cut at the sides. He wore a well kept uniform, seemingly different from what the guards wore. Though his sleeves were cut off so that his arms could fit, bearing multiple tattoos and sigils on each. He seemed to catch the attention of Dante as he turned to see the man.
"I didn't think anyone would be here, the guards usually slack off during these hours…you a new recruit or somethin'?". He quickly activated a small gadget that appeared to light a flame for a moment before fizzing out shortly after.
"Shitty gadgets. Always fizzing out when ya need 'em most."
"Let me…"
Dante then gripped his sword as he did before, allowing his natural mana to run through before a flame blazed throughout his sword. The sudden flash of flames surprised the man, but he took the opportunity to light up his cigar. Leaning the item carefully by the fire as it finally began to smoke.
"What a lifesaver, pretty neat trick ya got there rook."
"I'm not actually a guard…but I am training."
"You're kiddin'? Never seen you round these parts before."
"I just moved here recently to attend the Academy."
"Interesting…"