The city gates of the Qin Empire loomed ahead, stone walls etched with symbols of authority and banners fluttering in the morning breeze. The squad moved through the streets, heads held high, carrying the precious spoils of Xilithar: the advanced beast core, poison sacs, teeth, and the two illusion eyes. Townspeople gave way, whispers of awe spreading as they glimpsed the two brothers leading a disciplined, formidable group.
Alex and I led the squad to a reputable alchemy and magical item trade house. The proprietors' eyes widened when they saw the serpent's components.
"An advanced-tier beast core? Poison sacs of Xilithar?" the alchemist exclaimed. "And illusion eyes? You've outdone yourselves!"
I handed over the materials, watching as skilled hands carefully extracted and cataloged each item. Gold coins flowed quickly — enough to outfit the squad with enhanced weapons, reinforced armor, and personal supplies for weeks of training and missions. Alex's eyes scanned the ledger. "With this, every recruit can upgrade their gear, strengthen their weapons, and prepare for future missions. Nothing wasted."
The squad buzzed with excitement, the tangible rewards confirming their growth. For many, this was the first time they realized that survival in the wilds could translate directly to power and resources in the civilized world.
Next, we moved to a forgery shop. Skilled blacksmiths measured the recruits for tailor-made armor and weapons, reinforced with mana-imbued alloys. Sparks flew as hammers struck metal, enchanted steel shimmering under careful inspection. Each piece was designed not only to maximize protection but also to enhance the soldiers' mana and physical abilities.
"Focus on balance," I instructed, watching the smiths work. "Your armor must protect without restricting movement, and your weapons must channel mana without losing weight or control." The recruits nodded, marveling at the craftsmanship.
Once the equipment was ready, we went to a talisman shop. The shop was filled with glowing inscriptions, talismans for defense, offense, mana amplification, and even elemental resistance. Alex carefully selected talismans suited for each recruit's abilities, binding them to armor and weapons, while I oversaw the placement of protective charms to ward off poison and injury.
Finally, we stocked up on foodstuffs and supplies for the journey back home. Dried meats, fortified bread, medicinal herbs, and concentrated mana crystals filled the squad's packs. Each item was chosen to sustain them through long missions and ensure the squad could survive extended forest and battlefield expeditions.
By the time we left the shops, the sun was high. The squad moved with renewed confidence, armored, armed, and equipped with talismans that would give them a tangible advantage in combat. The streets of the city seemed smaller somehow, insignificant compared to the forest battles they had endured.
Alex glanced at me, a faint smile playing on his lips. "We've done well today. Our men are prepared, and every piece of gear, every talisman, every supply will be vital in the challenges ahead."
I nodded, pride swelling. "This is just the beginning. The forest taught them courage, skill, and teamwork. The city has given them tools to survive and thrive. Now, it's time to train them to be unstoppable."
The squad followed us back to our courtyard, each recruit carrying their new weapons and armor, supplies neatly packed, talismans glowing faintly in the sunlight. Workers moved quickly to organize the courtyard, polishing equipment, and preparing training areas.
That evening, as the recruits tended to their new gear and familiarized themselves with talismans, I and Alex stood on the balcony of the courtyard, overlooking our squad. "The city has given them everything they need," I said quietly. "Now it's our job to make sure they can wield it properly."
Alex nodded, his gaze sharp. "And with that, they'll be ready for whatever the Qin Empire — or the wilds beyond — throws at them. But first, we ensure they understand the true value of these tools. Strength isn't just in fighting; it's in preparation, in knowledge, and in discipline."
The squad trained late into the night, familiarizing themselves with the new weapons and talismans, learning to channel their mana through them effectively. It was a quiet but essential step — a bridge between raw survival in the forest and disciplined, strategic combat in the empire.
Above, the stars twinkled over the Qin Empire, reflecting the potential of the recruits and the unwavering resolve of the two brothers guiding them. The path ahead was dangerous, but for the first time, both soldiers and brothers felt fully equipped, prepared, and ready for the trials to come.