The sun glistened over the rivers giving the water and area surrounding a warm and homely feeling. The animals ran around the open plains and clear skies that Gemdesu had become so famous for. Many smaller creatures inhabited the now abandoned underground settlements lying in the dense forests. These ruins previously housed elves before their extinction during The Great Magic War. The dark elves previously hid in Gemdesu to escape persecution. This was how Gemdesu got its name, as its the Elvish word for: "safe place". Past one of the many lakes and underground ruins, lied the small village of Shinkawa. Once a proud city, now a peaceful town, home to the best bread in all of Hjvoc. Many of the inhabitants were merchants who brought products from the larger cities to sell to the other villagers. One of the last remaining buildings during Shinkawa's time as an elf settlement was a large temple right in the middle of town. It was made of big stone bricks older than the whole village, that were covered with ancient markings and thick green moss. The temple was no longer a temple; it was a dojo. Nine-Tails Dojo to be precise. Each tail representing the elf leaders who built it. The dojo was run by Mitchel, a former student of Ahiru and respected leader in Shinkawa. Mitchel was very specific about who he let train in his dojo, making sure they were best fit to learn the magic and fighting. Mitchel and his students had arrived back in Shinkawa after the havoc that took place in Bladen. Herones hadn't visited the dojo since he got back, as much had been on his mind after what happened in Bladen. He practiced his magic alone in his house by the lake, struggling to focus. He decided to go to the town centre and visit the dojo only to find soldiers everywhere. Each were covered head to toe in heavy grey armour and equiped with a sharp sword and tough shield. Cannons were placed on the town's entry and wizards surrounded weapon stashes, enchanting them 1 by 1. Herones rushed towards the dojo only to find it surrounded completely by soldiers
"What is the meaning of this?" He asked, demanding answers.
"By order of The Hjvoc Clan Alliance, all dojos and training areas are to be turned into camps, in order to train our young men and women to combat the rising threat of Dark Clans."
"But this isn't just the dojo" Herones replied. "Why are cannons being set up and fucking soldiers everywhere? it feels like we're getting ready to go to war!"
"Please calm down!" the soldier pressured. "The Evushima Clan and The Pattendo Clan are becoming threats to us, it's best we be prepared."
"Well what does master Mitchel think of this?" Herones asked. "Surely you would have consulted the master of the dojo before using it as a recruitment ground."
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Seemingly being summoned, Mitchel stepped out down the steps of the dojo approaching his students.
"I was the one who encouraged the soldiers, my student." He said.
"But master, how can you be sure this is the right thing to do?" Herones asked, doubtful of his master's stance.
"I have lived through two major wars and know exactly how this will play out." he said, laughing, as if to say 'I know whats right'.
Herones stared down in silence for a moment, wanting to question his master more but knowing that his response would be quickly shut down.
"I suggest you enlist, in light of what happened in Bladen" Mitchel said, patting Herones on the head. "It is up to you, but the other students of the dojo have decided to take part."
Herones carefully considered his decision as he thought about the consequences this role may entail.
"Master" he said with a quiet voice. "I've decided that i'm going to help!"
He walked into the dojo, past the soldiers and through the doors. He came to a stop once inside the main room. The walls were decorated with artworks and historic items and the floors soft with used white carpets. Soldiers and students were talking and some were training in rooms off to the side. He approached the head soldier who was waiting behind a table with a scroll and a quill. He was dressed differently than the other soldiers. He wore a beige hood covering most of his face with just enough visible to see under his eyes. His armour was different too. While most of the soldiers had standard grey armour, he had a sort of mixture between blue and silver coloured armour.
"I would like to thank you for choosing to enlist" the head soldier said "By requirement of King Silver-Stone, I need some details."
Herones nodded, grabbed a pencil and began to fill in a scroll sitting on the table.
Name: Herones Maki Role: Student of Nine-Tails Dojo
Clan Affiliation: Thorulk Clan
Spell caster: Yes Born: Bold Point, Eagle Neck Clan Territory
"Thank you, your service will be of help in securing our future."
The captain finished looking at the details. He turned and stared at Herones for a moment before beginning to speak.
"I recognise you" he said "You're the person who saved the king!"
"You were there in Bladen!" Herones replied, surprised by his recognition.
"I saw how you helped the king back there. I am from Silver-Stone Clan Territory myself and I want to thank you for saving our leader. I've never seen anything like that."
"Thank you captain, you can be sure that i'll use the same type of skill in training."
"Please call me Tim," he said "Your master informed me and the other soldiers stationed here of what you and your peers are learning, I look forward to working together