You return to find Shaxx in uncharacteristically subdued spirits. He meets your arrival with a nod and a quiet admission:

"Always thought of myself as a Warlord. Even when the City Age came along and the Iron Lords drove the rest of them into extinction. I felt… out of place."

"I mastered every weapon I could get my hands on during the Dark Age. Under Lord Saladin's mentorship, I mastered myself. I came to terms—my own terms."

He brings up his hands and hammers a fist against his palm.

"Time tempers us like steel, Guardian. Seize every chance to learn, and you will emerge a glorious new weapon unto yourself."

"This city has seen a great deal since the Collapse, and its Guardians are better prepared than any Warlords. If the Witness wants war, we'll give it war."

Shaxx turns toward the tower courtyard, inclining his helmet.

"Zavala is organizing operations, readying the tip of the spear. You should check in with him. You have the starring role."

"And Guardian… I admit, this training was mostly about giving you a look from my point of view. Weapons come easy. People, though… the real training is reckoning with potential loss."

"I hope you took the opportunity to look in on those you care about. If not? That's all right. Only some of them can die forever."