The path to the dwarven workshop was familiar now, worn by two days of constant traffic. Weapons lined the route—finished pieces waiting to be claimed, glowing faintly with the power of the cores forged into them.
"So what weapons are you two getting?" Seth asked as they walked.
Nyla didn't hesitate. "I'm sticking with my dual blades. They've served me well, and I know how to use them. Just want them upgraded with the advanced core—make them worthy of tomorrow's fights."
"Dual blades with ice enhancement would be devastating," Aria observed. "Freeze on contact, shatter defenses..."
"Exactly what I'm thinking," Nyla confirmed.
"And I'm keeping my longsword," Aria added. "Same reasoning. I've trained with it for years. My fighting style is built around it. Getting a completely different weapon now would be stupid."
"Makes sense," Akhil agreed. "Stick with what you know works."
They all turned to look at him expectantly.
