The old adventurer was right. Fer could not really explain it but he did feel stronger. Again, his mind turned to the tab just out of his vision and it opened up detailing many numbers and titles. It was not hard figuring out the ones that meant level and health etc. The ones that was still a mystery to him was the ones that seemed to be the ones showing what sort of skills his shield would have. At least he assumed that is what they were. The matrix was blank except for two slots. One was named MORPH SHIELD and the other had appeared after he had followed Cole’s example and fed the balloon remains to his shield. This one was named ORANGE SHIELD and apparently gave some sort of +1 bonus to his shield. Fer figured that because the enemies themselves were not that strong, that the benefits they would give their weapon was proportional. 

The young hero minimized the screen again and turned to Cole and said in an embarrassed voice [color=0054a6]“I don’t think I was much better than you. I was literally only useful in bumping the little buggers out of the way. However, as I said before, even if my role is just to be a barrier for you and Auriel that is what I will be.”[/color] He then looked at both of his companions and stated firmly as if never speak of this again. [color=0054a6]“Where you go I will go. My place is with both of you and until my death or the day that we succeed I will stand beside you.”[/color] He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. [color=0054a6]“I agree with you Cole that we should not take any unnecessary risks but just like Marcino said, eventually we will have to face stronger monsters. I think we have to rely on his advice and fight stronger and stronger monsters.” [/color]

He turned to Auriel with a slight smile. [color=0054a6]“If we mess up too bad, I am sure that Auriel could patch us up.” [/color]Fer returned his gaze towards Cole as the other hero showed off his newly acquired power. Fer nodded his appreciation and chuckled. [color=0054a6]“I doubt my shield could do anything as flashy but if it can acquire powers similar for defense I have nothing to complain about.[/color]

Marcino made a comment that did not seem to sit well with the shield hero. He had a questioning look and his tone was also uncertain. [color=0054a6]“I am sorry Marcino but I did not once say that I wanted to willingly throw myself into a fight. I will say that there may be times that we will be thrown in such a fight and it may be out of our control. There are times when you have to drink from the fire hose so to speak. However, I do believe that the faster we learn the better. But I am not as foolish as to think that I will grasp the basics as quickly as I should or past shield heroes. However, that is on me. All I ask of you Marcino is a hones appraisal of how best to train those skills. I am certain you will hold nothing back and be brutally blunt.”[/color] His face turned into a smirk. [color=0054a6]“and I would not have it any other way.” [/color]