David turned to face the mages, anticipation evident in his eyes. He had just displayed a mere glimpse of his power with the Inferno Blast, a controlled and restrained attack to prevent any unnecessary destruction. He wanted to know their evaluation of his abilities.
The mages stood in stunned silence, their jaws slightly agape. The spectacle they had witnessed was beyond anything they had ever imagined. No one had ever seen an adventurer excel in magic, combat, and healing magic simultaneously.
"We... we are sorry," one of the mages stammered, mustering up the courage to approach David.
"We misjudged you and acted rudely before. Please accept our apologies."
David smiled warmly, understanding their initial skepticism. He had come across as an outsider, an unexpected challenger seeking validation. But now, their perception had shifted.
"It's alright," David replied graciously.
