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?'
She seemed
same logic can be applied to combat. 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 against armor. A mace is easier to maintain. However, swords are the
gaze at the
can be used effectively at a variety of ranges. It is swift and maneuverable. Every part of
Nephis turned to him.
"Do you understand?"
a
"I think I do."
him a
remember one thing. It doesn't matter that much what's in your hands. A sword, a spear, a club… that's
sighed and dismissed the Azure Blade. As always, Changing Star's lesson gave him a lot
'You are the weapon.'
though another piece of the puzzle had fallen into
the crimson labyrinth like a rush of darkness. Far below them, scavengers were scurrying to find a hiding place. A few of
was keeping an eye
soon," he said, disheartened at the thought that their short respite was
Nephis sighed.
With the higher ground advantage, dealing with
nodded and looked at the disappearing sun. Suddenly, his mood turned solemn. Doubt raised its ugly head, plunging
you think we'll be able
him with no particular expression on her
"Yes."
to her and forced a
you so
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