The doors creaked open as Sir Ardon pushed them forward, revealing a massive chamber lined with mannequins, wardrobes, and racks of clothing that stretched from wall to wall. It looked less like a changing room and more like an armory mixed with a high-end boutique—thick leather armor, sleek fabrics, enchanted accessories, cloaks, belts, boots, and an overwhelming variety of colors and styles.
The boys froze at the entrance for exactly two seconds.
Then chaos.
"BRO—look at all this!" Tobias bolted forward, practically tripping over himself as he ran to a set of dark red tunics. "We're actually getting drip in another world!"
Jake let out a low whistle. "This place is stacked… Damn."
"Yo, look!" Liam held up a cloak with silver embroidery that sparkled faintly. "It's like some RPG shop came to life."
Jordan shoved past them with stars in his eyes. "Okay okay OKAY—first impressions matter, people! We are not stepping outside this palace looking like NPCs!"
A few laughed. A few panicked. A few looked genuinely overwhelmed.
Darius, however, crossed his arms.
"This is all useless if it isn't practical," he grunted, eyes scanning the armor racks instead of the flashier pieces. "We need protection. Durability. Mobility. Not… whatever fashion show you're planning."
Aiden nodded thoughtfully beside him. "He's not wrong. Style means nothing if we can't move or fight in it."
Roman lifted an eyebrow at the two of them.
Then, calmly removing his Brooklyn hoodie and black shirt, he stepped toward one of the darker armor sets.
"I agree with practicality," he said as he dressed piece by piece, "but there's no harm in having a little style."
Jordan immediately pointed. "Exactly! Roman gets it! Why look like a default character when you can look like—well, THAT?"
Roman finished adjusting the last buckle of his coat, then turned toward the group.
The boys fell into stunned silence.
Roman wore:
a black compression shirt that hugged his torso just enough to hint at his physique
light, sleek black armor plating over his chest and shoulders, matte and fitted
a long black trench coat, just shy of brushing the floor, its inside lined with subtle silver patterns
loose black combat pants
heavy dark boots reinforced with silver armored plating along the shins and tops of the feet
He looked like a soldier designed for both stealth and spectacle—practical, but undeniably striking.
Tobias blinked. "Bro looks like a main character."
Jake nodded vigorously. "Yeah, we're background extras next to him."
Even Aiden cracked a small smile. "That suits you."
Darius gave a quiet grunt of approval. "Functional. And it fits."
Jordan clapped proudly. "See? STYLE. MATTERS."
One by one, the others finished selecting their outfits—each unintentionally expressing their personalities through the gear they gravitated toward.
Aiden
Chose navy layered clothing with light steel plates and a short mantle. Tactical, no wasted movements—clean, sharp, reliable.
Darius
Went full practicality: dark grey hardened leather armor with reinforced bracers and boots. No cape, no decoration. He looked like a knight born to fight.
Evan
Picked calm earthy tones—tan and forest-green layered garments, a traveler's cloak, and a belt full of utility pouches. He looked like a diplomatic ranger.
Liam
Ended up with a robe-tunic hybrid with faint glowing runes. He insisted it "felt magical." Everyone else decided to let him have this moment.
Tobias
Black and red light armor with a hood. He absolutely picked it because it made him look like an assassin. And everyone knew it.
Jake
Short-sleeved padded armor with blue accents and fingerless gloves. He said it "gave freedom to throw hands." Concerning.
Kazuki
Loose dark layers, long sleeves, a relaxed fit, muted colors. The "I will nap between battles" aesthetic.
Darren
Simple brown and steel travel gear with a single shoulder guard. Balanced and chill—just like him.
When the boys finally stepped out, Sir Ardon nodded approvingly.
"You chose well. Follow me. The mages await."
The Mage Sector
The halls shifted from regal marble to corridors of blue stone, runes glowing faintly along the walls. Incense drifted in the air—soft, calming, almost meditative.
By the time the boys reached the examination chamber, the girls were already there—each dressed in their own new outfits, each radiating a different aura.
Jordan froze at the sight.
"Okay—THEY look amazing too."
Roman paid him no mind.
Because his eyes immediately found Rin.
She wore a simple but elegant dark-blue caster's outfit—light, fitted sleeves, a short cloak, and a subtle silver lining along the collar. Her hair, still in its messy bun, complemented the quiet intelligence in her golden eyes.
Roman walked up to her.
"…It suits you," he said quietly.
Rin blinked, surprised for a moment—before a faint hint of warmth lit her expression.
"Thank you," she replied softly. "Yours looks… very impressive, Roman. It matches you."
Their still, calm energy lingered between them in a way neither addressed directly.
Until—
Jordan burst between them like a wrecking ball.
"GUYS. Look at this place! It's like Hogwarts but with better lighting— Wait, was I interrupting something?"
Rin sighed.
Roman stared blankly.
Jordan blinked.
Then grinned knowingly.
Before Roman could glare at him, the mages called out.
"Students! Line up. The examination for mana capacity and awakening compatibility will begin."
The room instantly shifted into tense silence.
Roman looked forward.
A test to determine their power, their future—and maybe even their fate in this world.
The real beginning.
The moment each of them stepped into their new lives.