"If only I had just a little bit more vital energy left…"
Looking at the sorry state his companions were in, Alan couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt in his heart.
But Fort quickly noticed his expression and hastily said, "This has nothing to do with you. I chose to block those attackers on my own. You don't need to blame yourself."
"And besides… the Headmaster once told me: tempered steel is made through endless forging. While activating my metal element bloodline, I must take as many hits as I can. The more punishment I endure, the more solid and dense both my body and mana will become. It's actually beneficial for my bloodline."
Just then, Francis strolled over, grinning mischievously with a handful of pebble-sized stones.
"Taking more punishment, huh? That's my specialty. Fort, just stand right there—I promise I'll keep you under attack from morning till night. Ever heard of a stone rain technique?"
"Oh come on, knock it off already!"
