The practice grounds lay open beneath a washed, cloudless sky—wide, level, and meticulously maintained. Pale stone tiles formed a vast circle etched with old imperial drill markings, their edges worn smooth by decades of disciplined footwork. Weapon racks lined the perimeter, banners snapping lazily in the wind, gold-threaded sigils catching the light.
Five figures stood in formation at the center.
Imperial knights.
Their armor was uniform—layered plates of polished gold alloy reinforced with mana channels, engraved at the joints for flexibility without sacrificing protection. Each helm bore a narrow visor slit, expressionless and cold. Their builds were exactly what the Empire demanded: tall, broad-shouldered, balanced. Not exaggerated—efficient. Soldiers shaped by doctrine and repetition.
Their weapons were varied by design.
One sword-and-shield vanguard, stance low and anchored.
One dual-sword striker, weight forward, knees loose.
