The disparity between these two characters proves that growth is not a monolithic metric but a divide between earned autonomy and biological destiny. Eris's ascent to YPS-3 is a violent rejection of her own limitations. She abandons the safety of her relationship to endure years of isolation, transforming her insecurity into a blade. This is growth as a form of identity reclamation. Filo, conversely, represents growth as an evolutionary inevitability. Her transition to a Filolial Queen is tied to her association with the Shield Hero, making her progression a byproduct of her environment rather than a result of internal will. Comparing a YPS-3 swordswoman to a YPS-2 avian hybrid reveals a fundamental breakdown in how the genre values power. Eris's power is a psychological shield against helplessness, whereas Filo's power is a functional asset for her party. While Filo's growth score hits the ceiling, it lacks the moral cost and ego-driven friction that define Eris. One is a creature becoming a more efficient version of itself; the other is a human rebuilding herself from the ground up to avoid being a footnote in someone else's story.
Archetype breakdowns and dispute court land in later phases.