Persistence and Growth

Putting aside the sense of superiority and subsequent disappointment he hadn't even noticed within himself, the novice recruit threw himself into training with all his might.

The physical potential boosted by the system was like a rare treasure nurtured by Mother Earth, unearthed, polished, and sculpted, ultimately revealing its own brilliant radiance.

After a month of training, the changes in this rookie could only be described as a complete metamorphosis.

This transformation wasn't just evident in Zhang Yuan's now-vanished belly, his lean and strong physique, or his muscular definition; it wasn't just in the fewer mistakes he made during sparring with his teammates; nor was it solely in the changes finally appearing on the system's status panel. The true treasure he gained from this experience was the courage and confidence born from self-discipline and growth.

"It's not strength that supports the sword arm, but courage," Skar had lectured the rookie during their grueling sessions.

If Zhang Yuan's first instinct when encountering monsters or enemies before had been to flee, then now, while he couldn't claim to be fearless or eager for battle, he at least possessed the courage to draw his sword.

All hard work and effort would not be truly in vain, nor would all the sweat be shed for nothing, especially when you had a system that could track your attribute changes.

Owner: Zhang Yuan
Race: Human
Identity: Auto-battler Courier
Class: Bladesinger (Level 3) / Mage
Age: 24
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Strength: 16
Dexterity: 13
Constitution: 18
Intelligence: 18
Wisdom (Perception): 10
Charisma: 11
Weapon Specialization: Longsword (Dual-Wielding)
Combat Specialization: Dodge, Roll

Upon discovering the growth in his attribute panel, Zhang Yuan was surprised and also had a vague suspicion. It seemed his system might not be able to provide direct experience or level increases. Instead, it acted like an observation instrument, accurately recording the host's growth and changes.

For instance, the increased Strength and Dexterity came from targeted exercises and power application techniques, as well as learning combat footwork. Given Zhang Yuan's unique situation as a dual-class warrior and mage, Skar had also focused his skill training on skirmishing and evasion. After all, it wasn't realistic to expect a mage to charge into battle clad in plate armor.

The "Roll" technique, as it was called, was a life-saving skill Skar had specifically taught him. Although the move sounded like a rolling donkey and looked like a rolling donkey, it was, in fact, the otherworldly version of a rolling donkey.

It might have looked unsightly, but its practicality was undeniable. For a mage, finding opportunities to disengage from melee combat and attacks was always a good option.

Unfortunately, despite learning a whole repertoire of skills, the eager Zhang Yuan had yet to find an opportunity to use them.

Although he had accompanied the team on a few missions, they were all mundane security duties like patrols, cargo transport, and maintaining order. At most, they had apprehended a few petty thieves, but that was handled by his teammates.

However, Zhang Yuan didn't mind this. Faerûn lacked many things, but monsters and danger were certainly not among them. Besides, if one could live a peaceful life, why would they go out of their way to seek trouble?

Yet, even fulfilling and stable days eventually came to an end. The calm encampment was thrown into a stir by an order from the Flaming Fist headquarters, and the entire squad was assembled on the training grounds.

Skar, having returned from headquarters, gathered all the team members and then called Zhang Yuan aside. "The mission we're about to undertake is more dangerous than any before. However, you are not a formal member of the Flaming Fist, so you have no obligation to participate. You have two choices: participate or withdraw from our team."

After speaking, Skar fell silent, while Zhang Yuan began weighing the pros and cons in his mind.

If this were a game, with a mission like this falling into his lap, what else would there be to consider? But reality was not a game. A mission that required the entire elite Flaming Fist squad to assemble, and that made the battle-hardened and experienced Skar prepare himself with such solemnity, would undoubtedly be of immense difficulty and danger.

And Zhang Yuan, who had only managed to save up 16 gold coins after several missions, didn't believe he had enough influence to convince a temple to arrange a resurrection ritual for him.

However, outright refusing the captain before him was also not what he desired. For a novice like himself, who was nominally a mage but understood nothing in practice, Skar had shown ample patience and tolerance. He had spent considerable thought and time helping him, guiding his steps of growth, and correcting the flaws caused by his shaky foundation.

It wasn't that Zhang Yuan couldn't improve himself without this help, but having such a teacher when solidifying his fundamentals was like a young football player joining a top-tier youth academy. The growth he would receive couldn't possibly be compared to that of an unrefined streetballer.

Skar, having waited in vain for a response, turned his gaze towards the newcomer before him, his eyes conveying a complex mixture of disappointment and relief.

During the waiting period, he had also come to terms with some things. It was perhaps asking too much to have a novice who had never seen combat participate in a high-risk mission. Moreover, the person before him also had the identity of a mage, and venturing into danger rashly was likely not a rational choice.

But then again, for a warrior who only ever made the most rational choices, did his hand, or the strength to swing his sword, still exist?

"It's alright, it's not your responsibility, and you don't need to feel pressured. I'll go gather the team. Tell the headquarters clerk when you're preparing to move out."

Patting Zhang Yuan's shoulder, Skar turned and walked away.

Skar's understanding felt like the last straw that broke the camel's back of his rationality. Zhang Yuan, who had been trying his best to suppress his impulsiveness, couldn't hold back any longer. Shouting at the captain's retreating back, he yelled, "I'm a warrior too! Let me fight!"

On the way to the Flaming Fist headquarters, Skar, with a smile, teased his rookie, "I thought you weren't going to come. Where did your mage's rationality go?"

Zhang Yuan, still emotionally unsettled, retorted ungraciously, "I didn't want to come either! The cut you gave me is peanuts! It can't even cover the deposit for a house, let alone the cost of learning spells."

Skar chuckled, not exposing the other's words. "Fine. We didn't have many big jobs before, did we? If we survive this mission, you'll get your bonus."

"By the way, are you really not going to join the Flaming Fist? The fixed salary and allowances alone are higher than your mission share," the unscrupulous captain attempted to trick and lure the rookie once more.

"Get lost. What if we have a few more high-risk missions? Am I supposed to use the money to buy my own tombstone?" the other remained unmoved.

Upon arriving at the Flaming Fist headquarters, Zhang Yuan discovered that the headquarters was vastly different from before. The entrance was surrounded by guards, and the usually bustling main hall was eerily quiet, with only fallen leaves dancing in the autumn wind.

After entering, Skar instructed everyone to wait in place and went directly to the second floor.

A moment later, Skar returned, accompanied by another man. The man's face bore a resilience and heroism that even the passage of time couldn't conceal. His hawk-like gaze made everyone he swept his gaze over tense up.

Although his identity hadn't been revealed, the Flaming Fist insignia engraved on his full armor, and the respectful, adoring gazes of everyone looking at him, already led Zhang Yuan to a vague speculation.

The man scanned the surroundings, then turned to Skar beside him and confirmed, "Is everyone here?"

"A total of 31 team members and one unofficial member, all present."

Nodding, the man spoke, "I've gathered you today because there is an important and difficult task to assign to you. For the past three months, all the ore convoys from Nashkel have been subjected to the shameful and brutal attacks of bandits. Order and justice on the Sword Coast have vanished."

His voice, filled with righteous anger, boomed, "The Council of Baldur's Gate has entrusted us with the duty of enacting justice. In my name, Iltan, all participants will assemble here at the break of dawn tomorrow to head to Nashkel! Wherever these bandits are found, we will slaughter them! We are the Flaming Fist's blade!"

After a unified "Yes!" the entire team returned to their quarters to begin packing their gear for the long journey.