*Magic Knights Headquarters - One month later*
The castle's main hall had been transformed into something resembling a ceremonial chamber, though Damian had insisted on keeping the atmosphere informal. Banners bearing the Magic Knights' crest hung from the stone walls, and afternoon sunlight streamed through tall windows to illuminate the assembled knights. At the center of the room stood an ornate table covered by a silk cloth, beneath which the outline of several long objects could be clearly seen.
Tycun stood at attention before the table, his granite features betraying nothing of his curiosity, though Teal and Rygon flanked him with obvious excitement. The other Magic Knights formed a respectful semicircle, all eager to witness what their prince had been working on in secret for weeks.
"Knights of Fiore," Damian began formally, his voice carrying easily through the hall, "we gather today to recognize exceptional service and to present a gift befitting one who has served as both mentor and friend."
"Oh, this is gonna be good," Teal whispered to Rygon, who was practically bouncing on his toes with anticipation.
"Captain Tycun," Damian continued, his emerald eyes meeting his first knight's steady gaze, "when you pledged your sword to my service, you brought more than just skill and experience. You brought wisdom, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to protecting those who cannot protect themselves."
Tycun inclined his head slightly, still maintaining his disciplined posture. "I have done only what duty demanded, Your Highness."
"Which is precisely why you deserve more than standard equipment," Damian replied with a slight smile. "Your dedication to the Magic Knights, and to me personally, has earned you weapons worthy of your abilities."
With a gesture from Damian, the silk cloth fell away to reveal six magnificent swords arranged in careful formation. Each blade was unique in design, but all shared an unmistakable aura of power that made the magical energy in the room thrum with resonance. The weapons seemed to pulse with barely contained elemental forces, their hilts and guards crafted with intricate designs that spoke of both artistry and function.
"The Wardens," Damian announced, his voice filled with pride. "Six elemental weapons forged through my World Magic, each one attuned to a primal force of nature and designed to channel powers beyond normal magical limitations."
Teal let out a low whistle of appreciation. "Holy hell, Your Highness. Those aren't just weapons—they're works of art."
Damian approached the first sword, its blade gleaming with an inner fire that cast dancing shadows on the walls. "Phoenix, Warden of Flames. This blade channels the eternal fire of rebirth, capable of both devastating attacks and healing magic. Its flames burn away corruption while restoring vitality to its wielder."
He moved to the second weapon, its surface crackling with barely contained electrical energy. "Ramuh, Warden of Lightning. Swift as thought, precise as judgment. This blade can channel lightning with surgical precision or unleash devastating electrical storms across entire battlefields."
The third sword seemed to emanate cold that made the air shimmer. "Shiva, Warden of Ice. Absolute zero given form, capable of freezing enemies solid or creating barriers of unbreakable ice. Its power lies not in destruction, but in perfect control."
"Titan, Warden of Earth," Damian continued, indicating a massive blade that seemed carved from living stone. "Unbreakable as the mountains, this weapon channels the strength of the earth itself. It can create earthquakes, raise defensive barriers, or grant its wielder the endurance of stone."
The fifth weapon appeared to be forged from crystallized wind, its edges sharp enough to cut the air itself. "Garuda, Warden of Wind. Faster than any earthbound foe, this blade grants its wielder dominion over the skies. Flight, wind barriers, and cutting gales that can slice through any armor."
Finally, Damian gestured to the last sword, its surface dark as the void between stars but pulsing with otherworldly power. "Bahamut, Warden of Judgment. The most powerful of the six, channeling forces beyond elemental magic. Light and shadow, creation and destruction, all balanced on its edge."
The hall had fallen completely silent as Damian finished his explanation. Even the most experienced knights stared at the weapons with awe, recognizing the incredible magical achievement they represented.
"Your Highness," Tycun said quietly, his usual composure finally showing cracks, "these weapons... the amount of magical energy required to create them, the complexity of the enchantments... this represents months of work."
"Three months, to be precise," Damian confirmed. "Ever since Hargeon, I've been working in my private workshops, using my World Magic to forge weapons worthy of the Magic Knights' first captain. Each Warden contains a fragment of elemental essence drawn from specialized dimensional spaces I created for the purpose."
Rygon stepped closer to examine the weapons, his engineer's eye immediately recognizing the sophisticated magical matrices woven into each blade. "The magical resonance alone must be incredible. These aren't just enhanced weapons—they're fundamentally different from anything that exists."
"That was the intention," Damian said. "Standard magical weapons have limitations. They channel the wielder's existing magic, amplifying it but not truly expanding it. The Wardens, however, contain their own elemental essences. They don't just use your magic—they grant you access to powers you wouldn't normally possess."
Teal whistled again, though more softly this time. "So basically, you just made Tycun into a one-man elemental army."
"More than that," Damian replied. "Each Warden responds to both combat necessity and the wielder's intent. Phoenix will heal allies automatically while burning enemies. Ramuh will always strike the most tactically advantageous target. Shiva will create ice barriers to protect civilians without being commanded to do so."
Tycun stepped forward, his granite features showing genuine emotion for the first time since Damian had known him. "Your Highness, I... this is far beyond what any knight should expect from their liege."
"You're not just any knight," Damian said firmly. "You're the first person who believed in my vision enough to follow me. You've been mentor, advisor, and friend. More than that, you've been the foundation upon which the Magic Knights were built."
"Besides," Teal added with a grin, "now you can stop complaining about having to choose between different tactical approaches. Just grab the right sword for the job!"
Despite the solemnity of the moment, several knights chuckled. Tycun's tendency to analyze every possible tactical option before acting had become something of a running joke among the group.
"There is one more thing," Damian said, his expression growing more serious. "The Wardens are not just weapons—they're a responsibility. Each one contains enough power to level a city if misused. They respond to the wielder's character as much as their intent. In the hands of someone corrupt or cruel, they would become instruments of destruction."
"But in the hands of someone like Tycun," Rygon said with unusual seriousness, "they'll be exactly what they were meant to be—protectors of the innocent."
Tycun approached the table slowly, his eyes moving from weapon to weapon. Finally, he reached for Phoenix, the flame-wreathed blade responding to his touch with a warm glow that seemed to recognize him as its rightful wielder.
"They're magnificent," he said simply, his voice thick with emotion. "Your Highness, I swear by these blades that I will use them only in service of justice and the protection of those who cannot protect themselves."
"I know you will," Damian replied. "That's why they were made for you."
As Tycun examined each of the Wardens in turn, the other knights began to disperse, though many lingered to get a closer look at the incredible weapons. Teal and Rygon remained, both clearly fascinated by the magical craftsmanship involved.
"So," Teal said conversationally, "any chance the rest of us get fancy magical weapons too?"
"Actually," Damian said with a slight smile, "I've been working on some specialized equipment for both of you as well. Though nothing as elaborate as the Wardens."
Rygon's eyes lit up with interest. "Equipment designed around our specific magical styles?"
"Exactly. Your Order and Chaos cannons are impressive, but I believe we can enhance their capabilities. And Teal, your Famine magic could benefit from some focus crystals that would extend its range and precision."
"You've really thought of everything, haven't you?" Teal said with genuine admiration. "No wonder Levy thinks so highly of you."
At the mention of Levy's name, Damian felt the familiar warmth in his chest. They'd exchanged several letters over the past month, and while she was still too busy with Fairy Tail's rebuilding efforts to visit, their correspondence had grown increasingly personal.
"Speaking of Miss McGarden," Tycun said, carefully sheathing Phoenix, "perhaps it's time to show her the completed headquarters. I believe she'd be impressed by what we've accomplished."
"Perhaps," Damian agreed, though his tone suggested he'd been thinking the same thing. "Once the guild hall repairs are finished and she has more free time."
"Or," Teal suggested with her characteristic mischief, "we could arrange for some official business that requires her expertise. You know, magical consultation on our defensive systems or something equally legitimate."
Before Damian could respond to that suggestion, Captain Marcus appeared in the doorway with an expression that immediately commanded attention.
"Your Highness," he said formally, "we've received word from the capital. His Majesty requests your presence for a formal briefing on the Magic Knights' activities. He wants a full report on our capabilities and future plans."
The mood in the hall shifted instantly from celebratory to serious. A royal summons was never casual, and the timing—just as the Magic Knights were truly establishing themselves—was likely not coincidental.
"When?" Damian asked, his mind already racing through the implications.
"Within the week, Your Highness. The message indicated that several members of the Magic Council will also be present."
Tycun stepped forward, the Wardens now properly secured in specialized sheaths designed for the weapons. "Your Highness, this could be the opportunity we've been waiting for. A chance to present the Magic Knights' case directly to the highest levels of government."
"Or it could be an attempt to bring us under more direct control," Damian replied grimly. "The Magic Council has never been pleased with our independent operations."
"Either way," Rygon said with his characteristic confidence, "we'll be ready for whatever they throw at us. Especially now that Tycun can throw lightning bolts and ice storms back at them."
Despite the tension, Damian found himself smiling. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he was no longer facing them alone. He had knights he trusted, weapons worthy of legends, and a purpose that burned as bright as Phoenix's eternal flame.
The Magic Knights were ready for whatever came next.
---
*To be continued...*