The workshop glowed with the red hue of summoned flame. Damian sat cross-legged, shirt clinging to his back as sweat rolled down his temple. His AI's calm voice hummed inside his mind.
[Notice: Current combat efficiency limited. Recommendation: expand arsenal. Probability of long-term survival with spear alone: 32%.]
Damian muttered, "Yeah, I get it… Rowan almost crushed me, Elara danced around me, and the spear couldn't cover both. Fine. Time to build more."
[Acknowledged. Uploading combat designs. Energy cost: high. Proceed?]
"Proceed."
Light sparked in Damian's palms as the first weapon took form.
A warhammer, steel head wider than his chest, shimmered into existence. He gave it a swing, the ground shaking when it struck.
"Damn," Damian muttered. "That'll smash through armored beasts easy."
Next, a longsword — sleek, balanced, elegant. He tested a few swings; its weight was perfect.
He smirked. "Versatility. Close combat. Can't go wrong with this."
The third weapon is a twin blades curved slightly, lighter than air, sharp enough to gleam menacingly. Damian spun them; they sang in the air like predators.
Finally, he reforged his spear, runes etched faintly along the shaft, sharper, sturdier, deadlier than ever.
He looked at the set before him: four weapons, each gleaming under the forge light. His chest tightened with satisfaction.
[Confirmed. Arsenal expansion successful. Current survival probability against mid-tier enemies: 62%. Growth potential unlocked.]
Damian wiped the sweat off his chin. "Now we're getting somewhere."
From the doorway, Rowan whistled. "That's a lot of steel, Damian. Planning to carry all that on your back?"
Damian stiffened, quickly masking his expression. "Let's just say… one weapon doesn't fit every fight."
Rowan chuckled. "Fair point."
Elara leaned against the wall, smirking. "Those blades look nasty. Mind if I test them against you?"
Damian grinned, lifting the twin blades. "Thought you'd never ask."
[Acknowledged. Path of Creation expanded.]