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[img]https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/the-rising-of-the-shield-hero/images/d/da/Balloon_1.png/revision/latest?cb=20190312022212[/img]
[color=lightgoldenrodyellow][h1][b][u]First Blood[/u][/b][/h1][/color]
[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcNyPdipjeU](Mood Music)[/url]
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In the tavern, Auriel was appreciative of Fer's calmness and support. It helped to settle her a little bit when it came to Marcino. When he showed off his signature ability, Blackshot, as he called it, Auriel wasn't all that impressed. Sure, it seemed like a potent spell. Her lack of wonder was more so caused by more of his showboating and boasting of his skill. It was like he completely disregarded the past exploits of her order, and the sheer amount of training they go through from a young age. Auriel knew her fair share of devastating abilities as well, but she wasn't about to recklessly show them off in a populated tavern. Beyond that, she was raised to be humble, and she didn't really see the need to show off in general. She remembered her mentor's words, the Holy Warrior that came before her who was just one generation short of fulfilling his destiny. [color=gold][i]"It is not our place to inspire awe. We do what we must, when we must."[/i][/color] Those words had been stuck in her head since she first learned the offensive side of holy magic.

When Cole got up form his seat to fight some balloons, Auriel followed. Despite her opinions of Marcino, the decision to train with balloons was sound. They posed very little threat to their lives, and allowed for the heroes to learn more about the equipment they carried. Auriel would try to take a backseat on this fight, opting to instill lessons and wisdom upon them as they fought the mostly harmless creatures. As they walked, Auriel felt less tipsy. Realistically, she hadn't drank all that much, so it wasn't hard for her body to sober up after the drinking had stopped. She smiled when Fer decided to walk along with her while Cole and Marcino led the way. He asked about the previous cardinal heroes before him. She could tell many stories, they were practically what she went to bed to every night when she was young. She could tell the story of the Bow Hero Leon, who ended a wave single-handedly by firing an explosive arrow into the eye's of the wave's arch demon. Or perhaps she could tell him something he could relate a bit more to, and talk about Aluxes the Shield Hero. The man had lost his other arm during the first wave, but didn't stop fighting until the world was safe.

Auriel thought for a while, but decided that these stories were more appropriate around a campfire instead of being half told on their way to a fight. [color=lightgoldenrodyellow][b]"Your weapons grow in experience much like you do. As you defeat monsters, you can feed their remains to the gem resting in your weapon."[/b][/color] she points at the green gem in Fer's shield, then ahead to the blue gem in Cole's sword.

[color=lightgoldenrodyellow][b]"Certain creatures will provide different forms for your weapons, while others will just increase your weapon's capacity to improve. I've never seen it done, of course, you're the first heroes to appear in hundreds of years. But the texts I studied while I trained were rich in detail and illustrations. They were written by a cardinal heroes many centuries ago. The texts aren't allowed outside the archive, but I'm sure there would be little fuss about letting you in to study them for yourself."[/b][/color]

Auriel neglected to mention the church's stance on the shield hero. She had never agreed with their prejudice, and she was confident that with her help the monks in the archive would begrudgingly allow him access to their ancient texts. Then Auriel heard Fer's self-harming comment about he may not be as smart as he looks. Auriel blinked and shrugged, [color=lightgoldenrodyellow][b]"You seem to have a fair bit of sense and maturity, Fernando. Don't be so quick to paint yourself with a bad brush."[/b][/color]

She smiled again. Her attention quickly shifted when she heard Cole charge. [color=lightgoldenrodyellow][b]"Seems the time has come. Don't worry, Balloons are hardly a threat. Focus more on your form than fighting to survive. I can provide healing so you're in no real danger."[/b][/color]

Auriel's gaze flicked between both Fer and Cole. They both certainly needed refinement, but it was to be expected. Auriel heard Marcino give pointers to Cole, so she figured it'd be easier to leave him under his tutelage while she focused on Fer. The shield was never made for offense, so it would for Fer to dispatch his enemies on his own. Auriel jabbed her spear tip into the ground and circled around him to watch his progress from all angles. [color=lightgoldenrodyellow][b]"Try using the sharper and more angular edges of your shield to deliver a blow. It's no blade, but the impact will be focused more on one point and inflict more damage."[/b][/color]

Auriel glanced over her shoulder to see a Balloon leaping right at her for a bite. She simple swatted it away with a backhand and proceeded to instruct Fer, [color=lightgoldenrodyellow][b]"Be sure to pay attention to your flanks when you aren't covered by your companions. If you focus too much on one opponent, you expose yourself to easy outmaneuvering."[/b][/color]
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