Corey's Smithy and Appraisal shop, The Town of Merca, The Outskirts of Vaillance

The chime of the welcome bell rang through the store as two tall figures entered. Nord and Drake swiped their feet on the mat and started towards the counter

The store owner, Corey Penrith was every bit a stereotypical Blacksmith. His bulging arms and Imposing physique gave off the aura of a professional

"Nord, I have the goods ready to go"

Corey's impossibly deep voice rumbled, Startling Drake

"Please let me see them" Nord leaned over the counter as Corey brought out an ornamental Harness and a glistening White Greatsword. The blade alone was 2 meters long, It was adorned with a leather wrapped ricasso and wide crescent Parrying hooks.

Nord nodded in contentment

"Kid, These are for you"

For the second time in two days, Drake was starstruck

"What do you mean this is for me!? This can easily pass as one of your heirloom blades!"

Drake almost shrieked

"Calm down kid, You're gonna be attending mage academy soon. you're gonna need a weapon that will withstand a beating."

Drake took a deep breath and calmed down, He regained his sound thinking.

"Sure you're right but why such a nice sword?"

Drake insisted

"Higher Quality swords last longer, and besides, I think you're gonna need this especially considering your unique interactions with Mana"

"What's the Harness for?"

Drake left the sword subject aside

"That's a Dimensional Cache Harness"

This time Drake fought the urge to turn heel and walk out of the shop

"What kind of favours have you called in to get this stuff!?"

Drake asked, Dubiously

"let's just say it involved more than a few Wyrm and a fuck-up by a resident landlord"

Nord once again, Gave an ambiguous answer

Drake decided to drop the subject

"does General Carrigan make these on demand?"

Drake asked, Picking up the harness

"Why do you ask if it's him? he's not the only Space magician you know."

Drake's face betrayed his surprise

"So there's a space magician other than General Exhall Carrigan? are they in the corps too?"

Nord replied in the negative

"No, in fact, they run a small business making cache items, such as rings, purses, bags, bracelets, you name it. Although they're very expensive it's also convenient to have on you"

"So there are powerful mages who do not fight?"

Drake asked again

"Do you know the 'Battlefield Archangel'?"

Nord answered with his own question

"Yea, General Serena the spirit Commandant"

Drake's reply was almost instant

"What does she do?"

"She is the head of all medical endeavours in the empire and the leader of the rescue team known as 'Evaser' ..."

"You just answered your own question there Drake my boy. She's a powerful mage who does not engage in combat. Rather she's the Commandant of magic that specialises in saving lives"

"Ah I think I understand now, So after you awaken you don't necessarily have to become a battlemage do you?"

Drake continued

"no, that's completely up to you what you use your Anthem powers for"

Nord readily answered all questions Drake had for him

"now then, you wanna go on a little expedition to test out your new gear? I've got another job from the guild, Hounds from the East wood have been terrorising a lord's livestock lately, We're to hunt them down."

Nord asked, his eyes sparkling with anticipation

"Hell yes I do"

Drake returned his enthusiasm

"see you around Corey, I'll be back soon!"

and with that the duo left the shop to prepare for their 'Expedition'