3 Chapter 3 - The Unification of The Masters

"And where are the other four?"

The Queen looked perplexed following the realisation that I was the only Master in the halls. Right as she asked this question, however, an entourage of robed men entered the throne room with the other four Masters. They lined up next to me.

"Please, state who you are and your mastery one at a time. The blonde one may speak first."

"I am Otto Claud. 22-year-old university student and the Master of Physical Attack. It is a pleasure to meet both of you."

Otto Claud. Definitely a foreigner. Looks like he wielded a massive dark black gauntlet for his weapon. Seems like the typical ladies guy, one of my greatest mortal enemies. He wore a buttoned-up red shirt and blue jeans along with a pair of white shoes. He screamed wealth and elegance, and it grated at the very fabric of my soul.

"My name is Natsuki Ikada. A 21-year-old, not in any sort of formal education. I am the Master of Ranged Attack."

Natsuki Ikada. He looked pretty normal. He had dark black hair and wore a black tracksuit. His weapon was a golden bow, pretty self-explanatory considering his mastery. He was definitely on the edgier side of things, however, I'm sure we can get along just fine.

"The name is Motada Ike. 20 years old and, I guarantee, the most destructive bastard in here. I am the Master of Destructive Magic. You must now stand in awe, right? It's understandable."

Damn, this guy was a cocky bastard. His hair was blond, he wore an off-brand T-shirt and ripped Jeans along with a pair of sandals. His weapon was a red staff with a red jewel at the very tip of it, probably infused with magic or something of that nature. Motada basically looked, and sounded, like the stereotypical dickhead. His level of arrogance was truly mesmerising.

"My name is Shirou Kagane. I am the Master of Anarchic Magic."

I see. A man of few words, and one who prioritizes efficiency above all else. He wore an all-black suit. What is surprising, however, is that he doesn't have a legendary weapon. Maybe he can use abilities without a weapon? Well, at the very least, he definitely wasn't dressed for the job, I can say that much.

"Well, my name is Nayasuki Izaki. I'm a 19-year-old university student and the-"

"Silence. I can tell just by looking at you that you are the Master of Defence."

The King quickly interrupted me with a look of disdain in his eyes. What warranted that response? So high and mighty but I bet he's never had to face a struggle. However, Motada quickly stepped in to help me out.

"Oi, watch your mouth King. Nayasuki is a Master here, like the rest of us. I demand you treat him with proper respect."

"Fine. I apologise, Master of Defence." The King spoke with a sigh of impatience.

"...no worries, King."

Maybe Motada wasn't such a bad guy after all. It'd be good to have a man like him with me. I'm starting to get a feeling that this group has the potential to become something truly great. The Queen then positioned herself to speak.

"Masters, we have summoned you here for one great mission. Our country and our world are under threat from vast demonic armies. Every 3 weeks those armies pour out from the Unseeing Eye, a hole beyond the sky. Those armies are lead by beings filled with darkness who hold immeasurable power. Our forces have managed to hold for the past 9 weeks however they are teetering on destruction, and the enemy only grows stronger. This is why we had to summon all of you here. The Masters. Legendary figures that wield immensely powerful weapons and have the potential to master devastating spells and abilities. We need you to save our world from total annihilation. Do you have any questions?"

Otto Claud quickly spoke up.

"What is this? You forcefully summon us to fight an enemy of this strength, to fight a war we never wanted to fight, and yet there is no mention of a reward?"

"Do not worry, brave Master. There are grand rewards in store if you stop the Dark Crusades of the demonic legions."

The King's reassurance seemed to ease the other four. I don't understand this. These people need your help or their very world will be destroyed, and yet they favour the reward and ignore the obligation? How could they fully call themselves heroes?

"Now you must plan out your next course of action. My researchers tell me that your legendary weapons need to be levelled up in order to grow more powerful, which can be done by slaying the creatures and monsters of this world. Please check your Weapon Status."

"Weapon status? How do I find that?" I replied meekly.

"It's on the top left of your screen. If you focus on that icon and think of the words 'Weapon Status' the screen will appear for you." Motada quickly replied.

It seemed like he was an expert at this and I don't really know how. I guess he had a natural knack for observation? Anyway, I focused on the icon on the top left of the screen and my Weapon Status menu appeared on a holographic UI that seemed like something straight out of a game.

SMALL SHIELD

DEFENCE STAT +1

It displayed my currently equipped shield and the current status effects it grants me. And it seems like there are thousands of trees and branches that change and enhance not only my shield but my gauntlet too. As the Queen stood up we all closed our weapon status menus.

"For now, Masters, we will allow you to go to a luxury inn for the night. You may discuss among yourselves, ponder what you learned today, attempt to learn more and secure some sleep. The days ahead will be busy for all of you. We will meet again tomorrow. Servants!"

The Queen commanded the servants to lead us to our rooms. The time we spent walking to our quarters gave me quite a good amount of time to think about everything that's happened today.

A lot happened, and today was an extremely eventful day. Now that we realize the situation we must learn more about this world and each other and get to preparing ourselves for the upcoming onslaught. There was so much to think about, and so much to be excited for. I wondered how I could possibly rest.

I was shaking with excitement, with the thought that my grand adventure was truly about to begin. My foolish optimism had no bounds.