The monastery courtyard was silent except for the crunch of frost underfoot. After two weeks of grueling training, the heroes gathered to assess their readiness. Prince stood among them, eyes scanning the group. "We've come far," he said, voice calm. "But skills alone won't be enough. Gear could make the difference. What does everyone feel they need?"
Jed rubbed his neck, eyes downcast. "Something that helps me control my transformations. I can't risk losing control in the middle of a fight."
Lammy chimed in, twirling a spark of fire in his palm. "I need something that protects me while still letting me move freely—against magic or bullets."
Praise hesitated, glancing at her sword. "I… I'm not sure. Maybe something that complements my runes and combat skills."
Prince nodded thoughtfully. "Good. Let's figure this out together." He gestured to the map of nearby villages and hidden smiths. "There's a crafter in the northern settlement who works with enchanted metals. We'll find what we need there. Ideas for how to enhance your equipment?"
They spent the next few hours debating and planning, each voice heard and considered. Prince suggested possibilities, Lammy tested theoretical combinations, Jed asked about adaptive designs, and Praise thought through runic enhancements. By afternoon, the team set out, walking cautiously through frostbitten paths.
The journey wasn't without challenges. An icy cliff blocked the easiest route, forcing them to coordinate. Lammy's wand sparked to life, melting key sections while shielding the team from drifting snow. Jed transformed partially, his armor adjusting just enough to protect him without hampering movement. Praise used her agility and precision to scout ahead, testing her balance over treacherous stones. Prince adjusted his shapeblade mid-flight, forming a temporary staff to brace a crumbling ledge. Each obstacle demanded teamwork and creativity, proving that training was paying off.
At last, they reached the hidden settlement. Smoke rose from chimneys, and the streets were quiet, suggesting wary villagers. The blacksmith, an old man with a keen eye for enchanted metal, welcomed them cautiously. "You seek tools to match your power?" he asked. Prince nodded. "Yes. Each of us needs gear that enhances what we already have."
One by one, they chose their items.
Prince received the Shapeblade a sleek weapon that shimmered, ready to change shape at his will. Holding it, he focused on a sword form first, then a shield, then a spear—each transformation smooth, intuitive.
Jed's armor adapted instantly to his measurements. The blacksmith's enchantments allowed the armor to shift size and coverage depending on his transformation. Jed flexed, testing its strength, then partially shifted into beast form, marveling as it adjusted seamlessly.
Lammy selected a wand paired with a reinforced wizard jacket, designed to be bullet- and spell-proof while allowing complete mobility. Sparks of elemental energy danced along its runes as he practiced small spells.
Praise chose rune-infused gauntlets and agile boots, enhancing her sword skills, rune magic, and reflexes. She tested a small protective rune, then performed a series of quick strikes—each movement amplified by the gauntlets, her boots keeping her balanced on icy stones.
With their new gear in hand, the team headed back, eager to test their enhancements. Back at the monastery, Prince suggested a series of coordinated drills. Jed controlled his transformations flawlessly, Lammy's spells combined fire and frost in perfect harmony, Praise executed complex rune strikes with fluid motion, and Prince adapted the Shapeblade on the fly, coordinating their attacks and defenses.
Laughter and shouts echoed across the courtyard as minor mistakes were corrected and victories celebrated. Prince stepped back, observing. "This looks solid," he said with a smile. "We thought it through together, and it shows. Each of you has something unique now—gear that complements your skill, not replaces it."
Outside, a faint swirl of snow hinted at Veyra's distant presence. The countdown remained. The team was now physically ready, but the emotional and strategic battles still awaited.
Prince clenched his fists, feeling the weight of leadership and responsibility, but also pride. "We've got what we need," he said. "Now we sharpen minds, skills, and hearts. The storm is coming."
The wind howled outside, carrying the icy reminder: the Ice Queen was still watching, and the real battle was only days away.