"What are you doing here?" Samuel asked the man who came to him. He was sitting on a bench in the park, enjoying the fresh air and the sunshine. He was teaching newbie players of the Phoenix guild after the destruction of Griffin.

"Can you teach me how to get stronger?" Dagger said politely. He was standing in front of Samuel, looking at him with respect and admiration.

"I heard that you lost to Aisel. Is it because of that?" Samuel concluded. He had heard about the duel between Dagger and Aisel.

Dagger nodded without saying anything. He felt ashamed and angry, as he remembered the fight. He had tried his best, but he was no match for Roark.

"I'm sorry but I can't help you." Samuel said. He felt sorry and sympathetic, as he saw Dagger's expression.

"Why?" Dagger asked, as he was surprised and disappointed. He had heard that Samuel was one of the top 5 assassins in the world. He had hoped that Samuel would agree to teach him, and that he would learn from his wisdom and experience.

"Because Aisel is a better assassin than me." Samuel said, as he was honest and humble. He knew his own limits, and he admitted that Aisel was superior to him in every aspect.

Dagger fell silent at his response and didn't know what to do. He felt hopeless and desperate, as he realized that he had no one to help him.

"Don't get upset. There is someone who can help you in becoming stronger." Samuel said, as he tried to cheer him up.

"Who?" Dagger asked, as he was curious and hopeful. He felt a spark of hope, as he heard Samuel's words. He wondered who this person was, and why he could help him.

"Lance." Samuel said, as he revealed his name. He had a serious and cautious tone, as he spoke about him.

"You mean the leader of team Beta." Dagger said, as he recognized his name. He had a surprised expression, as he thought about him. He still hadn't forget the way he faced dozens of sentinels that day.

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"Yes." Samuel said, as he confirmed his identity. He had a mysterious and intriguing expression, as he looked at Dagger. He noticed that Dagger had respect for Lance.

"But isn't he a magic swordsman?" Dagger said recalling his class.

"Yes but he also has some degree of proficiency in wielding other weapons. And I think he would be able to teach you a lot about improving your techniques and way of fighting." Samuel said.

"Okay. Thank you." Dagger thanked him for his advise and went to find Lance.

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[Phoenix Headquarters–Training ground]

Dagger's footsteps faltered as he approached the training ground, his palms sweaty and his heart pounding. He had agreed to meet Lance there, after receiving a message from him that he was willing to train him. He felt a mix of gratitude, curiosity, fear, and anxiety.

On the training ground, Lance stood waiting for him, a tall and handsome man in a black coat and pants, with a silver sword in his hand. His long silver hair and blue eyes contrasted with his pale skin, giving him a striking appearance. He had a calm and confident demeanor, as if he was in control of everything. He looked at Dagger with a piercing gaze, as if he could see through him.

Dagger approached Lance and bowed respectfully.

"Why do you want to become stronger?" Lance broke the silence with a cold and blunt question. He wanted to test Dagger's resolve, and to see if he was worthy of his attention.

"Because I want to defeat Aisel." Dagger said, without hesitation.

"Then I don't think you can get stronger." Lance concluded, shaking his head.

"Why?" Dagger asked, feeling shocked and angry.

"Because unlike Aisel, you don't have any clear purpose for getting stronger." Lance said, looking at him with a serious expression.

"What do you mean?" Dagger asked, feeling confused and curious. He wondered what Lance meant by a purpose, and how it could help him get stronger.

"Let me change the question. Why did you join young master’s team?" Lance asked, changing the topic.

"Because my sister agreed." Dagger said. He had a simple and honest tone, as if he was stating a fact.

"Is it the only reason?" Lance asked, sensing that Dagger had another reason.

"Because... I.. find myself comfortable and feel like home with them." Dagger said, admitting his feelings. He had a hesitant and sincere tone, as if he was revealing a secret.

"Now answer me again. Why do you want to become stronger?" Lance asked, repeating his question. He wanted to see if Dagger had changed his answer, and if he had found his purpose.

"Because I want to protect them and not to lose them again." Dagger said, realizing his purpose.

"Good. I will help you in becoming stronger." Lance said, nodding his approval. He had a calm and confident tone, as if he was making a promise. He was impressed by Dagger's answer, and he decided to train him.

"Thank you." Dagger said, feeling grateful and hopeful. He was happy that Lance agreed to train him, and he looked forward to learning from him. He hoped to get stronger, not only for himself, but for his team.

"Let's start." Lance said, leading him to the training area.

As they walked to the training area, Dagger remembered something and asked Lance.

"By the way, you said Aisel has a purpose for getting stronger. Can you tell me?"

"I can't tell you completely, but it is related to revenge." Lance said, looking at him with a mysterious expression.

"Revenge? Against whom?" Dagger asked, feeling shocked and curious. He had a loud and surprised tone, as if he was hearing something unexpected.

"I can't tell you any further and we should focus on your training." Lance said.

Dagger nodded and started following Lance's instructions.