Buzzkill

Atticus suddenly raised two fingers.

"For you to be useful as you claim, there are only two ways." One finger dropped, leaving just one.

"One, you either have to be stronger than me or close to my strength. And Aurora, I'm really not trying to brag here or belittle you in any way, but I'm incredibly strong for my age group. Unless you find some kind of divine treasure or suddenly awaken a dormant strength, forget about this path. No amount of time and training can help you narrow this gap as much as you want."

Atticus's words were brutal, so brutal that he saw how hard Aurora's fists were clenched and as her gaze started getting watery, but regardless, he didn't stop. She needed to hear this.

The second finger came up, returning to two. Atticus spoke, "Two, you find something essential that you're better at than me. It could be anything; what matters is that you're good at it."