As I walk to school today, I think of yesterday. Being invited to their clan proper is an honor... I think.

  After the invite, we sent the pistol for a quick enchantment, and celebrated. They showed me documents about interest from the republic army. This was a good thing, we've an inroads, even if they ultimately reject the gun.

  But, I find that doubtful. They would accept, simply for the advantage guns bring. Now, we needed to keep this lead. We need a brand, a reputation. I can make that happen, and today, that brand would begin.

  As I entered the school, I went to the Headmistress's office like requested, and knocked. "Enter." She called, so did.

  Cherkok and Leria were sat across from the Headmistress, and I joined them.

  "So, I'll make this quick. You leave an hour after first bell. You will wait in the spare classroom, the students that will be going will be called to said classroom. Would will then make your way to the guard outpost closest to us, then you will be teleported to the outskirts of the forest. Any questions?" We shake our heads.

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  "Good. Now, off with you lot." She shows us out, and we convene in the spare classroom.

  "So, final check. Cherkok, do you have everything?" Leria asks.

  "Yes, yes. Like every year, I have everything I need. Do you?" He asks.

  "Yes. Sword, my armor, some spare rations and water. I also have rope, medical supplies, spare bits-" the list goes on. Cherkok's eyes glaze over, clearly not being his first time. She was pulling things out of her spacial bag and... she was prepared, to say the least.

  "Keri, what about you?"

  "I've a sword, a knife, and two ranged weapons." I say.

  "Oh? Anything else?" She asks.

  "No. I do not eat, and it's only a day trip. Cherkok, can you heal?" I ask. He nods. "See? I'm just along for the ride to keep our students from offing themselves. It will be simple enough, I think." I say, drawing my pistol.

  I begin loading it, keeping the powder out of the pan. The two look at the gun, confused. "Uh, what's that? Not a bow of sorts..." Cherkok asks.

  "It's a flintlock pistol made and manufactured by the Steelhead company. It's recently made with patients already. I got this early. I quite like it." I say.

  "Oh? It takes a while to load... you said you had two?" Leria says.

  "Ya, it's in my bag. I will wait til we're in the forest before loading it. That one takes quite a bit." I say. And thus, we settle in to wait. It was almost time.