The following morning, the forge was alive with activity. Calder had set out early to gather materials for repairs, leaving Eryndor with the shards and a quiet determination. He couldn't stop thinking about the visions or the challenge that seemed to linger in every pulse of the shard's energy.

Sitting at the workbench, Eryndor sorted through the smaller shards, arranging them in neat rows. Each one hummed softly, their energies faint but present. His carving knife rested beside them, its blade nicked and dull from the fight with Varik.

He reached for a shard, holding it in his palm. The ember in his chest flared as he focused, letting the shard's energy flow into him. This time, the connection felt smoother, more controlled, as if the shard recognized his intent.

Eryndor frowned as an idea began to form. During the fight with Varik, the shard's energy had done more than amplify his strength—it had given him insight. He remembered the way the ember had flared, showing him where to strike and how to move.

What if the shard could do more than just enhance his instincts? What if it could provide information—clear, actionable data?

He placed the shard back on the table, then grabbed another from the pile. Holding one in each hand, he closed his eyes and focused. The hums of the two shards resonated, their energies aligning in a steady rhythm.

"Come on," Eryndor muttered under his breath. "Show me something."

The ember flared, and his mind filled with fragmented numbers. Lengths, weights, densities—all flickering like broken images in his mind's eye. He gasped, nearly dropping the shards as the connection wavered.

Taking a deep breath, Eryndor steadied himself. The shards had given him something—an answer, but incomplete. If he could refine the connection, maybe he could unlock more.

He turned to the largest shard, its glow steady and faintly pulsing. Carefully, he placed the two smaller shards beside it, forming a triangle. The hums of the shards synchronized, creating a subtle vibration that resonated through the forge.

Eryndor touched the largest shard with one hand, letting the energy flow into him. The ember in his chest blazed, and this time, the numbers returned—clearer, sharper.

The length of his blade appeared first, etched into his mind: 22.3 centimeters. Then the weight: 1.2 kilograms. More data followed—density, balance, edge alignment.

Eryndor's eyes widened. The shards weren't just amplifying his instincts—they were revealing precise details about the objects around him.

He stood, grabbing his carving knife and holding it up to the shard. Closing his eyes, he focused on the blade, willing the shard to reveal more.

The ember flared again, and the numbers came faster this time: Edge durability: 46%. Handle integrity: 72%. Grip resistance: 18%.

"It's like... reading the knife," Eryndor whispered, awe filling his voice.

He turned toward the forge's tools, holding the shard toward a worn hammer. The numbers shifted again, revealing its weight, balance, and weaknesses.

A grin spread across Eryndor's face as he realized the potential of what he'd unlocked. With this knowledge, he could repair tools more efficiently, improve weapons, and even prepare for future battles with precision.

By the time Calder returned, Eryndor was buzzing with excitement. He stood in the center of the forge, surrounded by tools and shards, his hands smudged with soot but his eyes alight with determination.

"You look like you've discovered something big," Calder said, setting down a bundle of iron bars.

"I have," Eryndor said, holding up the largest shard. "The shards—they're more than just power. They can show me things. Numbers. Details about the world around me."

Calder raised an eyebrow. "Numbers?"

Eryndor nodded, pointing to a nearby hammer. "That one's weight is off by half a kilogram. Its balance is leaning to the left, and the handle's wearing thin. I saw all of that when I focused on it with the shard."

Calder's expression shifted, a flicker of pride crossing his face. "That's impressive. You're starting to understand the shard's potential."

"It's more than just potential," Eryndor said, his voice filled with excitement. "It's a way to plan, to prepare. If I can use this during a fight, I'll know where to strike, how to defend—everything."

Calder nodded slowly. "Then you'd better practice. Knowing the numbers is one thing, but using them in the heat of battle is another."

Eryndor spent the rest of the day experimenting with the shards, honing his ability to extract data from them. Each attempt brought him closer to understanding their power, and each success fueled his determination.

As the forge's fire crackled into the evening, Eryndor sat by the hearth, his mind alight with possibilities. He knew the path ahead wouldn't be easy, but for the first time, he felt ready to face whatever came next.