Unveiling the Iron

As night descended, Balder, their most knowledgeable Party member, had embarked on a mission to gather crucial information from his contacts. Left behind with an opportunity to hone her burgeoning abilities, Nerys felt a surge of determination. Her commitment to safeguarding her fellow Aos Sí and aiding the group's quest fueled her resolve. She decided to put her abilities to the test by engaging in a mock battle with Midori.

Midori, known for her agility and grace, stood as Nerys's opponent. Nerys was still finding her footing with her powers. The concept of a duel was scary, but it offered a chance to explore her abilities. The courtyard behind an inn was chosen as their arena, a quiet and secluded spot to avoid disrupting the patrons with the sound of clashing blades.

In readiness for the duel, Nerys clutched her iron sword, her fingers wrapped firmly around its hilt. Midori, a formidable adversary, awaited her challenge with agile determination. Nerys knew she faced a daunting task, as her proficiency with the sword was still a work in progress.

Midori, her expression marked by a grin, offered Nerys a reassuring smile. "Nerys, remember, this is a practice match. Don't hold back. I'll be pushing you to your limits."

With a determined nod, Nerys gripped her iron sword tightly, acknowledging the daunting challenge before her. The duel commenced with Midori's first strike—a swift and precise motion that Nerys barely managed to defend against. Midori's agility and skill became evident as she nearly disarmed Nerys.

For the initial moments, Midori dominated the duel with a flurry of rapid strikes. Nerys struggled to keep pace with the blinding speed of her opponent's blade. Her own counterattacks, though marked by precision and intent, fell short of making contact.

Yet, as the duel raged on and Nerys's resolve deepened, something extraordinary transpired. Her iron sword began to respond to her inner strength, resonating with her magic, and recognizing her growing power.

The transformation began subtly, with a tingling sensation in her fingers. Then, the iron sword's structure began to evolve. It was as though the blade responded to her will, reshaping itself to align with her intent. forming a unique design.

Nerys couldn't help but marvel as her iron sword metamorphosed into a zweihander-like weapon, composed of interwoven smaller sword blades. Midori's relentless strikes met this new form, resulting in a clash of intricacies.

Midori, her attacks faltering, looked on in awe at Nerys's transformed sword. "What just happened?"

Nerys herself was taken aback by the unexpected change. Her widened eyes mirrored the astonishment in Midori's voice. "I... I don't know. It just... changed."

She swung the zweihander-like sword, feeling its newfound weight and power. As she continued to spar with Midori, it became evident that her control over the iron was more than just a fleeting anomaly. Her command over the material allowed her to shape her weapon with purpose and precision.

With a focused thought, Nerys reverted her sword to its original form, the iron blade returning to its previous state. It was as if the iron yielded to her intent without resistance.

Midori, always quick to grasp the implications, beamed with excitement. "That's incredible, Nerys. Your magic is unique. It's like you have control over iron."

Nerys, still processing this newfound revelation, felt a mix of astonishment and curiosity. "Iron magic? I didn't even know that was a thing."

Midori explained, her voice resonating with enthusiasm. "It's rare, but some elemental magic wielders can manipulate materials like iron. You're like a blacksmith of magic."

Nerys found herself captivated by the possibilities that lay before her. "What does this mean? Can I control other materials?"

Midori nodded, her eyes reflecting a sense of boundless potential. "It might be possible. We'll need to experiment and discover the full extent of your abilities. This opens up a world of possibilities, Nerys."

The newfound sense of empowerment and her uncharted capabilities filled Nerys with determination. Her desire to protect her kind and contribute to their quest had been fueled by her discovery. There was an underlying promise of growth and untapped potential that held a sense of hope.

Returning to their sparring, this time with Nerys wielding her transformed iron sword, it was clear that her ability to adapt the shape and properties of her weapon gave her a distinct advantage over Midori. Midori had to constantly adapt to the evolving challenges presented by Nerys's newfound abilities.

As the sun dipped below the horizon and the sky was painted with warm hues of orange, they continued to practice. Hours passed, and Nerys, a quick learner, demonstrated the potential for growth through her iron magic. Midori adjusted her fighting style and strategy to counter Nerys's ever-changing blade.

In the secluded courtyard, the sound of clashing swords echoed, a testament to the dedication of both Nerys and Midori. Their practice illuminated the path of their personal growth and the boundless possibilities that lay ahead.

With the mock battle concluded Midori smiled with a sense of pride. "Nerys, you're going to be an incredible addition to our team. I can't wait to see how your abilities develop."

Nerys, her breaths still quick from their duel, returned the smile. "And I can't wait to learn more and grow stronger. This is just the beginning."