The midday sun bore down on the sparring grounds, casting long shadows as faction members gathered around the circular arena. Ethan stood at its center, his heart pounding as he faced Darion Vex. The crowd's murmurs carried a mixture of excitement and skepticism. Word of Ethan's Emerald Forge ability had spread quickly, but many doubted whether the newcomer could stand against a senior member like Darion.
Darion's icy blue eyes fixed on Ethan, his expression unreadable. He unsheathed his blade, the runes etched into its surface glowing faintly. "You showed promise yesterday," he said, his voice steady and cold. "Let's see if that promise holds under pressure."
Ethan clenched his fists, summoning the Emerald Forge. The familiar warmth surged through him, and a green shield and longsword materialized in his hands. He took a deep breath, steadying himself. This wasn't just about proving his strength; it was about earning the faction's trust and his place within it.
"Ready when you are," Ethan said, trying to mask the nerves in his voice.
Darion smirked. "Good. Let's begin."
The senior member moved first, his speed astonishing. In the blink of an eye, he closed the distance between them, his blade arcing toward Ethan's side. Ethan barely managed to raise his shield in time, the impact reverberating through his arm. The force of the strike sent him stumbling back.
"You'll need to do better than that," Darion said, pressing the attack.
Ethan gritted his teeth, planting his feet firmly as he parried the next blow with his sword. The clash of metal against energy rang out, and the crowd's murmurs grew louder. Darion's movements were precise and relentless, each strike designed to exploit a weakness in Ethan's defense.
"Focus," Ethan muttered to himself, trying to anticipate Darion's next move. He let the Forge's energy flow more freely, shaping his shield into a larger barrier to absorb the blows.
Darion's smirk widened. "You're adapting. Good. But defense alone won't win this."
The senior member pivoted suddenly, his blade glowing as he channeled energy into a powerful slash. The attack shattered Ethan's shield, and the force knocked him to the ground. Pain shot through his side as he struggled to get back on his feet.
"Get up," Darion commanded, his tone sharp. "You'll never survive on the battlefield if you stay down."
Ethan pushed himself up, his breaths ragged. He focused on the Forge, letting his frustration and determination fuel its power. This time, he visualized a halberd, its long handle and sharp blade giving him both reach and versatility. The weapon took form in his hands, its green glow bright and steady.
Darion raised an eyebrow. "Interesting choice. Let's see how you use it."
Ethan didn't wait for Darion to strike. He surged forward, swinging the halberd in a wide arc. Darion sidestepped the attack, but Ethan was ready, adjusting his grip to bring the weapon's shaft around for a follow-up strike. The blow connected, forcing Darion to retreat a few steps.
The crowd erupted in cheers, and Ethan felt a surge of confidence. He pressed the attack, using the halberd's reach to keep Darion on the defensive. For the first time, it felt like he was in control.
But Darion was far from finished. He feinted left, then darted right, closing the gap between them. His blade clashed against the halberd, and with a twist of his wrist, he disarmed Ethan, sending the weapon flying. Before Ethan could react, Darion's blade was at his throat.
The crowd fell silent as Darion held the position for a moment, then stepped back, lowering his weapon. "Not bad," he said, his tone begrudgingly respectful. "You're raw, but you have potential. Keep refining your control, and you might actually stand a chance one day."
Ethan nodded, his chest heaving as he retrieved his halberd, letting it dissolve into light. "Thanks. I'll keep working on it."
Darion sheathed his blade, turning to address the onlookers. "The Emerald Forge is no ordinary ability. Ethan's progress will reflect on all of us. Make sure he has what he needs to succeed."
The faction members nodded, their skepticism tempered by what they had seen. Alina stepped forward, her expression warm and encouraging.
"You did great," she said, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "Darion doesn't hand out compliments lightly. That's a big deal."
Ethan managed a tired smile. "I still have a lot to learn."
"And you will," Alina said. "We'll make sure of it."
As the crowd dispersed, Ethan stood in the center of the sparring grounds, the weight of the fight settling on his shoulders. He had proven himself today, but he knew this was only the beginning. The challenges ahead would be even greater, and he had to be ready.
This is my second chance, he thought, clenching his fists. I won't waste it.