The guild's training grounds buzzed with morning energy. Wooden dummies shattered under swords, arrows split the air, and young adventurers sparred under the eyes of veterans.
But all Damian saw were Rowan, Mira and Elara standing across from him.
Rowan rested his greatsword on his shoulder, a grin tugging at his scarred face. "You've gotten sharper with that spear, kid. But let's see if you can handle this."
Elara twirled her twin daggers, eyes gleaming with mischief. "Don't hold back, alright? This'll be fun."
Damian swallowed, gripping his spear tightly. "Wait… you both? At the same time?"
Rowan cracked his neck. "Two-on-one. Real fights aren't fair. Learn it now."
[Combat scenario initialized. Probability of victory: 28%. Probability of critical growth if pushed to limit: 84%.]
Damian's lips curled. "Figures. Fine… bring it on."
Rowan moved first, his sword swinging down like an avalanche. Damian braced, the shaft of his spear rattling as steel met steel. The shock tore through his arms, forcing him back two steps.
Before he could recover, Elara blurred around his side, daggers flashing like silver lightning. Damian twisted, blocking one strike, but the other nicked his ribs.
"Too slow," Elara teased, darting back with a laugh.
[Warning: Blind spot exploited. Current weapon unsuitable for close-range engagement. Failure probability: 71%.]
"Tch. I noticed!" Damian growled, spinning his spear in a sweeping arc to force them both back.
Rowan grinned. "You've got power, no doubt about it. But you're fighting on our terms."
Another clash. Rowan's sheer strength nearly buckled Damian's knees, while Elara slipped in and out of his defenses like a phantom. Sweat dripped down his chin, his breath ragged.
Damn it… The spear's good for reach, but once they close in, I'm finished.
[Conclusion: Current arsenal inadequate. Expansion recommended. Estimated survival rate against varied enemies without adaptation: 34%.]
This time, Damian didn't argue with the voice.
He slammed the butt of his spear into the dirt, chest heaving. "Alright… I get it. Just a spear isn't enough."
Elara sheathed her blades, tilting her head. "Oh? So you finally admits that you got limits."
Rowan rested his sword against the ground, smirking. "Limits aren't weaknesses. They're signs of where to grow. So, what'll you do about it?"
Damian straightened, his eyes burning with resolve. "I'll do what I was always meant to do… I'll make something better."
[Acknowledged. Path of Creation extended.]
The training grounds fell quiet for a moment, before Rowan chuckled low and approving. "Hah. That's the spirit."
Elara's grin widened. And mir smile faintly"Now I can't wait to see what you'll pull out next."
Damian clenched his fist, determination thrumming through him. The spear was only the beginning.