She put away the superiority she had not even realized she felt, along with the disappointment that followed, and the fresh-faced rookie began devoting herself wholeheartedly to training.
The physical potential enhanced by the system was like a rare treasure nurtured by Mother Earth. It was unearthed, honed, and carved until its dazzling brilliance finally emerged.
After a month of training, the changes in the rookie could only be described as a complete rebirth.
These changes were reflected not only in Zhang Yuan's vanished paunch, lean and sturdy build, and clearly defined muscles, nor merely in the decreasing number of mistakes he made when sparring with his teammates, and not just in the changes that had finally appeared on the system's attribute panel. The courage and confidence brought by self-discipline and growth were the true treasures this experience had given him.
"The hand that supports a sword swing is not strength, but courage." That was what Skar had taught him while brutalizing the rookie.
If Zhang Yuan's first reaction to encountering monsters or enemies before had been to run away, then although he could hardly be called fearless or eager for battle now, at least he had found the courage to draw his sword.
None of one's hard work would truly go to waste, and none of one's sweat would be shed in vain—especially when one had a system that could check changes in one's attributes.
Owner: Zhang Yuan Race: Human Identity: Auto Chess 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 Proficiency: Longsword **Dual Wielding** Combat Feats: Dodge, Tumbling
After discovering the growth in his attribute panel, Zhang Yuan was pleasantly surprised, but he also formed a vague conjecture: his system probably could not directly provide him with experience or level increases. Instead, it was more like an observation device, faithfully recording the growth and changes of its host.
For instance, the increases in Strength and Dexterity came from targeted training and techniques for exerting force, as well as learning combat footwork. Given Zhang Yuan's special situation as a battle mage, Skar had also focused his skills training on hit-and-run tactics and dodging. After all, it was unrealistic to have a mage charge into battle wearing plate armor.
As for tumbling, that was a survival technique Skar had specifically taught him. Although it sounded like a lazy donkey rolling around, and looked like a lazy donkey rolling around, it was, in fact, an otherworldly version of a lazy donkey rolling around.
It looked undignified, but it was quite practical. For a mage, finding an opportunity to break free from an enemy's close-range attacks and entanglement was always a good choice.
Unfortunately, after learning all these skills and itching to put them to use, someone still had not found an opportunity to do so.
Although he had followed the team on several missions, they had all been security work such as patrolling, transporting goods, and maintaining order. At most, they had caught a few petty thieves, and even then, it had been his teammates who took action.
Zhang Yuan did not mind, though. Faerûn lacked many things, but it certainly did not lack monsters and dangers. Besides, if one could live peacefully, would one really go looking for trouble out of sheer boredom?
Yet even a fulfilling and stable life eventually had to end. The peaceful garrison began to stir after an order arrived from the Flaming Fist headquarters, and the entire squad assembled on the training grounds.
After returning from headquarters and gathering all the members, Skar called Zhang Yuan aside. "The mission we're about to undertake is far more dangerous than usual. But you're not an official member of the Flaming Fist, so you aren't obligated to participate. You have two choices: take part, or leave our squad."
After saying that, Skar fell silent, and Zhang Yuan began weighing the pros and cons in his mind.
If this were a game, what would there be to consider when a mission came right to his doorstep? But reality was not a game. For the entire elite Flaming Fist squad to assemble, and for the battle-hardened, experienced Skar to be on full alert, the difficulty and danger of the mission were self-evident.
And after several missions, Zhang Yuan had managed to save only sixteen gold coins. He did not believe he carried enough weight to persuade a temple to arrange a resurrection ritual for him.
Yet he certainly did not want to refuse the captain standing before him. For a newcomer who was nominally a mage but actually understood nothing, Skar had shown extraordinary patience and tolerance. He had spent considerable time and effort helping him, guided his growth step by step, and corrected the flaws caused by his weak foundation.
It could not be said that Zhang Yuan would have been unable to improve without that help. But having a teacher like this while solidifying his foundations was like a young soccer player joining a prestigious club's youth academy. The growth he gained there could never be compared to playing street soccer with no proper training.
After waiting a long while without receiving a reply, Skar turned toward the newcomer before him. His eyes held a complex mixture of disappointment and relief.
While waiting, he had also figured a few things out. Asking a rookie who had never seen blood to participate in a high-risk mission was already unreasonable. On top of that, the person before him was also a mage. Throwing himself recklessly into danger was clearly not a rational choice.
But did a warrior who always made the most rational choice still have hands—and the strength to swing a sword?
"It's fine. This isn't your responsibility, and you don't need to force yourself. I'll go gather the team. When you're ready to move out, just tell the clerk at headquarters."
Skar patted Zhang Yuan on the shoulder, then turned and left.
Skar's understanding was the final straw that snapped the thread called reason. Zhang Yuan had fought desperately to restrain his impulse, but in the end, he could not hold back. He shouted at the captain's departing back, "I'm a warrior too. Let me fight!"
On the way to the Flaming Fist headquarters, Skar teased his rookie with a smile. "I thought you weren't planning to come. Where did that mage's rationality go?"
Zhang Yuan, whose emotions had yet to settle, replied irritably, "I didn't want to come either. The cut you gave me isn't worth a damn. It can't even cover a house deposit, let alone the cost of learning spells."
Skar chuckled without exposing him. "All right, we haven't had any big jobs before, have we? If we survive this mission, you'll get your share of the bonus."
"Seriously, you still don't plan to join the Flaming Fist? The fixed pay and allowances alone are higher than your mission shares." The unscrupulous captain once again tried to deceive and lure in the rookie.
"Forget it. What if a few more high-risk missions come along? Am I supposed to use the money to buy myself a gravestone?" The man remained unmoved.
Only after reaching the Flaming Fist headquarters did Zhang Yuan realize that it was completely different from usual. Guards surrounded the entire area outside the entrance. The usually bustling administrative hall was deserted, with only leaves drifting in on the autumn wind and swirling through the air.
After entering, Skar told all the members to wait where they were and went straight up to the second floor.
A short while later, Skar returned with another man beside him. The years had left their mark on the man's face, but could not conceal his determination and heroic bearing. His hawk-like gaze made everyone he looked at tense up.
Although he had not stated his identity, the Flaming Fist insignia engraved on his full armor, along with the respectful, admiring, fervent looks everyone directed at him, gave Zhang Yuan a vague guess.
The man swept his gaze around once before confirming with Skar, "Is everyone here?"
"Thirty-one squad members and one auxiliary member. Everyone is present."
The man nodded and began to speak. "I summoned you today because there is an important and difficult mission to assign. For the past three months, every ore caravan from Nashkel has suffered shameful and brutal attacks at the hands of bandits. The order and justice of the Sword Coast have now vanished completely."
His voice rose with anger. "The Baldur's Gate council has entrusted us with the duty of upholding justice. In my name, Iltan, everyone involved is to assemble here at dawn tomorrow and head for Nashkel! Wherever we find those bandits, there we will slaughter them! We are the sword of the Flaming Fist!"
After the entire team answered in unison, they returned to the garrison and began organizing the luggage and packs they would need for the long journey.
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