The sun rose in the morning, stretching long shadows across the capital's training grounds, the air heavy with expectation and the sound of distant clanging of blades. The main group assembled, perusing their new orders from the council and debating one crucial mission: selecting a party name that would mean something, identity, and unity for the future battles. There was a quick, heated debate before Kael stood up with conviction. "We battle side by side, live side by side, and no darkness or beast will destroy us. We are… the Eclipse Vanguard."
Azrak smiled, the red of his eyes flashing with approval. "Proper. We tread in between light and darkness, and we meet whatever comes."
The declaration caused laughter from Elira, who went on, "And we do it without losing our minds—well, mostly." Rina extended her claws, letting out a low growl of assent, while Thargrim slung an arm around Lyrielle's shoulder. "To the Eclipse Vanguard, then. May we make our foes regret the day they met us."
No sooner had the name been settled when five other A-rank adventurer groups appeared, each of them exuding confidence, ability, and flair. The first to make their way over carried a banner with a growling lion, the Lionheart Vanguard, whose leader Rion was a giant of a warrior handling twin greatswords, whose very presence seemed to command respect. Alongside him, Kara, who was a fast swordswoman with the ability to achieve blinding speed; Bran, a shield master whose defense was practically impenetrable; Soren, the archer with unerring accuracy; Talia, a defensive and elemental magic mage specialist; and Garrick, a battle strategist who could read battlefields as open books, all welcomed the Eclipse Vanguard with open arms. The jokes flew quickly, Rion ribbing Kael about picking a name that sounded "half-heroic, half-poetic," and receiving a quick rejoinder that had both sides chuckling.
The Serpent Fang Party followed, the serpent symbol curling ominously across their cloak. Silvar, quick rogue and the party leader, struck a bow with venomous accuracy. Naida, her sibling, wielded water magic and quiet poisons, and Veylen, the dagger expert, and Thessa, who could conjure ghostly snakes, positioned themselves on either side of them. Two others, Corin and Elis, rounded out the group with unparalleled stealth and scouting abilities. Their sarcastic teasing and demeaning nicknames for both teams established a playful, rivalry-motivated atmosphere.
Marching from the east was the Falcon Talons, confidence evident in their air. Alaric, captain and master spearman, nodded in respect, while Lyssa, his twin, could manipulate air currents to drive foes back. Cael, scout, flew as a bird herself, and Mirael, a fire-elemental ranged mage, completed their group. Their combination of speed and tactical brilliance made them instant noble allies.
The Phoenix Flame, torches blazing on their banners, scorched the earth next. Seraphine, shining and fearless, led the group with a burning glaive. Her mage counterpart, Ignis, was capable of summoning ruinous flame or healing fire, a dual S-rank threat. Thorin, a tanky fighter, Velara, a swift swordswoman, and Orin, a spellblade, which fused sword and pyromancy, filled out their numbers. They joked loudly, boisterously, and contagiously, and even the Eclipse Vanguard couldn't help but crack a smile.
Last of all came the Dragon's Might, air of nobility and uncut power about them. Duke Smag's son, Valerian, rode at the lead, his dominance of spheres making him S-rank, a presence inspiring and awe-inspiring. Beside him rode his S-rank wife, Lady Amara, with the ability to perform all manner of magic—curing, elemental, shielding—and her composure and strategic mind immediately drew respect. With them came four other party members: Garran, a lance master; Selene, a two-weapons wielder spellblade; Torvin, a heavy; and Lyric, a mystic who was able to control barriers. Their arrival was greeted with awe even from the veteran adventurers, and Valerian teased easily, kidding Kael about the Eclipse Vanguard "playing in the big leagues.
Introductions went on to conversation, shared laughter, and good-natured teasing. War stories of past adventures, close calls with death, and humorous mistakes were swapped. Alliances were made easily—alliances of respect and camaraderie planted among soldiers who knew the price of war. At day's end, plans were made, friendly competitions staged, and the five groups, including the Eclipse Vanguard, had created a web of friendship robust enough to weather waves pending on the horizon.
Even in friendly smiles, though, the specter of the monster threat hung in the background, a dark reminder that these friendships would shortly be put to the test in steel, blood, and fire.