(The character will be introduced immediately after the episode concludes.)

Scene 1: The Soul Badge Examination

The underground chamber shimmers in a soft blue glow as Lolo Norman arranges his assortment of antiquated tools on a scarred wooden table. The air crackles with quiet anticipation, and every breath seems to vibrate with the promise of unlocked power. One by one, the group steps forward to have their Soul Badges examined—a rite of passage that could change their destiny.

Lolo Norman leans in over Mechan, his keen eyes scrutinizing the intricate markings on Mechan’s badge.
Lolo Norman:
"Mechan, Silver Tier. A solid foundation—your combat experience speaks for itself."

Mechan smirks, folding his arms confidently as he meets Lolo’s gaze. The dim light glints off his badge, highlighting the scars of many battles.

Stepping forward next, Claude’s voice carries a mix of eagerness and insecurity.
Claude:
"And what about me?"

Lolo Norman studies Claude’s badge carefully, tapping a gloved finger against its surface before replying in a measured tone.
Lolo Norman:
"Bronze Tier Trainee, one star, with two dots at the center. A respectable start, but it’s only the beginning."

Claude tightens his grip on his badge, his brow furrowing in silent frustration. The room seems to pulse with his internal conflict—he’s trained relentlessly, yet doubts creep in as he wonders if his effort should have earned him more.

Then, with an energetic burst, Xero steps up. He rocks on his heels with palpable excitement and determination.
Lolo Norman: (raising his eyes with approval)
"Xero, you’re a Bronze Tier Initiate—one star with a single dot. You have much to learn, boy."

Xero clenches his fists in a mix of anger and ambition before forcing a determined grin.
Xero:
"Then I’ll climb to the top! I won’t settle for just one star."

Lolo Norman chuckles softly, tapping a worn-out scroll that lies next to the examination tools—a scroll filled with diagrams and cryptic markings detailing the Soul Badge tiers.
Lolo Norman:
"That’s the spirit, but remember, true power isn’t only about climbing. It’s about knowing when to stand firm and when to step back. These 'Stars' measure your overall strength, while the 'Dots' reflect your mastery within your tier. For example, a Silver Tier fighter with more Dots can outmatch a Gold Tier combatant who lacks control."

Mechan arches an eyebrow, nodding slowly as he absorbs the explanation.
Mechan:
"So it’s not just about rank—it’s about refinement and control. Makes sense."

Claude’s mind, however, wanders as he contemplates the implications. If he’s only at Bronze, what does that mean for facing the real threats out there? His voice drops to a pensive murmur as he asks, almost to himself.

Lolo Norman, placing the scroll aside with deliberate care, continues.
Lolo Norman:
"Before you can officially register as a guild, each of you must acquire your Soul Weapons. That’s the next critical step—finding a Forge Master Blacksmith and undergoing rigorous Soul Manifestation training."

At this, Mechan’s eyes widen with surprise and intrigue.
Mechan:
"Wait… Soul Weapons? Like Leonidas’ staff?"

Lolo Norman nods, his tone steady and encouraging.
Lolo Norman:
"Exactly. Soul Weapons are the physical manifestation of your inner power, and they can only be forged by a Forge Master Blacksmith. They aren’t merely tools—they are an extension of your soul. If you wish to possess a Soul Weapon, you must first master Soul Manifestation. Stay until daylight—the training begins tonight."

Mechan crosses his arms, his voice mixed with hesitancy and a spark of pride.
Mechan:
"I know how to forge weapons—I’ve been practicing blacksmithing on my own for years—but I never knew about the Soul Weapon."

A heavy silence fills the chamber, punctuating his words. This isn’t merely about learning a craft; it’s about unlocking the deepest reservoirs of their true potential. The soft hum of the chamber and the steady flicker of the blue light seem to echo with the promise of transformation, setting the stage for the journey ahead.

Scene 2: Soul Manifestation Training

The underground chamber is awash in a mystical interplay of flickering candlelight and the soft, residual blue glow, transforming the ancient stone walls into a canvas of dancing shadows and whispered secrets. At the center, Lolo Norman stands calm and resolute, his experienced gaze sweeping over Mechan, Xero, and Claude as they prepare for the next stage of their transformation. His measured voice cuts through the stillness:

Lolo Norman:
"Manifesting your Soul Weapon isn’t merely a demonstration of force—it’s an art of surrender. You must cast aside your doubts, feel the rhythm of your energy, and allow it to take shape naturally."

For what seems like endless hours, the trio has labored in tense silence. Their efforts have been punctuated by beads of sweat, trembling hands, and the heavy weight of expectation—yet not a single spark has fully ignited from their fingertips. Claude, closing his eyes tightly, inhales deeply as he concentrates on the feeble blue aura that flickers uncertainly around him. His fists clench, his brow furrows, and after a long, excruciating moment, a fragile shimmer begins to coalesce around his hand before faltering under the burden of self-doubt.

Claude: (gritting his teeth)
"Easier said than done… Why won’t it hold?"

Across the chamber, Mechan stands a few feet away, his arms folded as he watches intently. Slowly, a shimmering silver aura emerges in front of him—a wavering glimmer like a broken light that, for a few precious seconds, solidifies into a crude, translucent shield before disintegrating into motes of silver dust.

Mechan: (muttering in frustration)
"Not bad… but not enough. I need more control… more precision."

Meanwhile, Xero sits with his knees drawn close to his chest, his face a mask of worry and despair as he stares at his unresponsive fingertips, which offer nothing but an ephemeral, feeble spark.

Xero: (growling, voice heavy with frustration)
"Why isn’t it working?! Am I broken? What’s wrong with me?"

From a quiet corner, Wicca steps forward, her tone gentle yet brimming with encouragement, her eyes alight with mischief and wisdom.

Wicca:
"Xero, you’re overthinking it. Sometimes, the hardest barrier isn’t in your power—it’s the doubt that binds you. Let go of that fear. Just feel your energy flowing, don’t try to force it. Let it come naturally."

Time drags on as the trio struggles, until finally Claude breaks through. His eyes narrow with fierce focus as a stable blue aura gathers around his hand, growing steadily into a modest yet unmistakable glow—a quiet triumph that etches relief across his features. Not long after, Mechan too manages to harness his power; a shimmering silver shield manifests and holds for a few glorious seconds before fading, leaving him with a proud, albeit weary, smile.

Yet, Xero remains lost in frustration. As dawn creeps in through narrow cracks in the chamber’s ceiling, his efforts yield nothing more than a small, inconsistent spark—a fleeting glow that barely lights his features before vanishing into darkness.

Observing Xero’s persistent struggle, Lolo Norman steps forward with measured authority, his tone both firm and compassionate.

Lolo Norman:
"Xero, I want you to stay here and focus. Wicca, watch him closely—we must understand why your manifestation is faltering."

At his command, Lolo Norman directs Claude and Mechan to move toward the back area of the hut—a rugged, open space designed for physical training—so that he may evaluate their physical attributes and endurance. Reluctantly, Claude and Mechan exchange one last determined glance with Xero before joining the others, leaving Xero and Wicca alone in the quiet, blue-lit chamber.

Hours pass in heavy, agonizing silence. When Lolo Norman returns with Claude and Mechan, he finds Xero still struggling, his fingertips producing only a small, erratic spark that barely illuminates his face before disappearing.

Noticing the toll etched on Xero’s weary expression, Wicca approaches him with quiet resolve, settling beside him on a cold stone bench. Her voice, soft yet insistent, pierces the silence as she speaks.

Wicca:
"Xero, I know you're frustrated. But sometimes, the barrier isn’t in your power—it’s in the doubt that holds you back. Let me show you what I’ve learned."

She begins to explain the fundamentals of Soul Manifestation—the delicate balance between exertion and surrender, the importance of releasing self-doubt, and the art of truly feeling the ebb and flow of your soul’s energy. Her words are gentle and persuasive, like a soothing stream eroding the hardened banks of his anxiety. She shares stories of her own struggles, moments of failure, and the breakthroughs that taught her to trust in herself.

As her explanation sinks in, a transformation stirs within Xero. His eyes widen, and he draws a deep, shuddering breath. At first, a tiny, vibrant, deep crimson glow flickers at his fingertips. With each heartbeat, it intensifies and steadies, spreading up his arms until it ignites into blazing red gauntlets that crackle with untamed, raw heat.

A stunned silence falls over the chamber as the transformation unfolds. Lolo Norman, who has watched silently, breaks into a broad, approving smile, his voice resonant with pride and astonishment.

Lolo Norman:
"Impressive, Xero. That is a true manifestation of your will. You’ve harnessed your inner fire, and now it burns as a testament to your determination."

Murmurs of amazement ripple through the chamber. Even Mechan and Claude, still recovering from their earlier trials, exchange looks of astonishment. Wicca meets Xero’s eyes and offers a playful smirk.

Wicca:
"Not bad, newbie. Looks like you finally set your doubts ablaze."

Lolo Norman then turns his warm, authoritative gaze toward Wicca.

Lolo Norman:
"Wicca, your guidance has been invaluable. It’s time for you to join them. You possess the wisdom and strength to be a true mentor and an essential part of this guild."

For a moment, the chamber falls silent. Wicca’s eyes widen in surprise as she processes the declaration.

Wicca: (taken aback)
"Wait, what?! I’m going too? Grandpa, are you serious?!"

Her stance stiffens, a lifetime of study and mastery suddenly challenged by the call to step into the world beyond these walls.

Lolo Norman: (calmly)
"Your mother and I have decided. You've spent too long confined within these walls. It’s time to see the world for yourself, to let your dreams take flight."

Wicca clenches her jaw, her voice tinged with reluctant resolve.
Wicca: (quietly)
"I have responsibilities here. I help around the house, I—"

A gentle voice interrupts from the doorway, soft yet insistent.

Lina:
"You don’t have to stay for me, Wicca. You have your own dream—to uncover the history of Vesperion, to be a true Runeseer. I see it in your eyes; you’re not meant to merely study time, you’re meant to unravel it."

Wicca turns, startled, as her mother’s knowing smile warms her expression. A flicker of determination replaces her doubt. With a slight exhale, she murmurs:

Wicca:
"Ugh. Fine. But I’m not going because you told me to—I’m going because I want to."

A soft chuckle escapes Lolo Norman.
Lolo Norman:
"Of course. It was always your choice."

Then, with finality, Lolo Norman’s voice rises above the gentle murmur of the chamber as he concludes:

Lolo Norman:
"Today, you’ve all taken a significant step towards unlocking your true potential. With your Soul Weapons and mastery of inner power, your journey as a guild will be forged in the fires of your resolve. Let this be the dawn of our new era."

As the chamber fills with renewed purpose, the echoes of ancient wisdom mingle with the triumphant rhythm of youthful hearts, each one ready to forge a destiny as brilliant and boundless as the very fire that now burns within them.