In the evening, Sunny continued to practice with the sword under Neph's watchful eye. With his new insight, every movement felt different from before. After the thousand strikes were finished, he sat down to rest and studied the Azure Blade, tempted to continue obsessing over the abundant mysteries of the Forgotten Shore.
After a while, Sunny asked:
"Do you think I'm well-suited to use a sword? Should I consider switching weapons in the future?"
Nephis shrugged.
"That depends on your goals. However, the sword is considered to be the king of weapons for a reason."
Sunny smiled.
"And why is that?"
She tilted her head and deliberated for a few seconds. Then, she asked:
"Do you know how natural selection works?"
He raised an eyebrow.
"Survival of the fittest? The strongest species survives?"
Changing Star glanced at him.
"Somewhat correct. But actually, it's not the strongest species that survive, it's the most adaptable. Otherwise, lions and tigers and bears would have been the ones ruling the world instead of humans."
Sunny knew about lions and bears from archival footage, but he had no idea what a tiger was.
'Probably another extinct predator?'
Neph continued, not at all like her usual taciturn self. She seemed
A sword is not the most effective tool in every situation. A spear is more useful against enemies with long reach. A war hammer is much better
a gaze at
effectively at a variety of ranges. It is swift and maneuverable. Every part of the sword, from tip to pommel, can be used to attack. While wielding a sword, you won't be the best at
Nephis turned to him.
"Do you understand?"
for a bit
"I think I do."
a nod and looked
end, you must remember one thing. It doesn't matter that much what's in your hands. A sword, a spear, a club… that's just tools.
always, Changing Star's lesson gave him a
'You are the weapon.'
repeated it in his mind, feeling as though
night approached, the sea was coming back, flooding the crimson labyrinth like a rush of darkness. Far below them, scavengers were scurrying to find a hiding place. A few of
keeping an eye
he said, disheartened at the thought
Nephis sighed.
advantage, dealing with them won't be too
turned solemn. Doubt raised its ugly head,
we'll be able
him with no particular expression on
"Yes."
to her and
you
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