⊙---Mentor System Part 2

Kael wiped the sweat from his brow as he steadied his stance, his breath coming in slow, measured inhales. His sparring session with Varin had been intense, and despite his growing proficiency, he could tell there was still much to learn.

Varin studied him for a moment, arms crossed over his chest. "You've got potential, Kael, but raw talent alone isn't enough. You need refinement—guidance. That's where having a mentor comes in."

Kael straightened, intrigued. "A mentor, huh? What exactly does that do?"

A small smirk crossed Varin's face. "A proper mentor doesn't just teach. They push their apprentice to their limits, helping them uncover their potential. But in our case, it's more than just words of wisdom and sparring." He gestured toward Kael's arm. "You should check your system. See if anything about mentorship appears."

Frowning, Kael mentally accessed his Ascension System. He expected to find something under his status or abilities, but after a few moments of searching, there was nothing. "There's no function for it," he said, confused. "Did I miss something?"

Before he could voice his confusion, a familiar voice chimed in beside him. "That's because it's not something available to just anyone."

Kael turned his head, but to anyone else, it would seem as though he were talking to empty air. Kian, his system guide, floated beside him with his usual knowing smirk. The translucent figure, only visible to Kael, folded his arms. "The Mentor System is exclusive to Reborns who have officially accepted a mentor, and vice versa. It's a unique system tied to those who possess a Rebirth Core."

Kael blinked. "Wait… so it's a Reborn-exclusive feature?"

"Exactly," Kian confirmed. "Once a higher-ranked Reborn acknowledges another as their apprentice, both of them gain benefits. The mentor earns progression bonuses by successfully training an apprentice, and the apprentice gains enhanced growth, learning their abilities more effectively. It's a win-win."

A notification suddenly appeared before Kael's eyes, interrupting the conversation.

System Notification: You have received a Mentor Request from Varin.

Kael's gaze flickered to Varin, who was watching him with a calm but expectant expression. Without hesitation, Kael accepted.

System Notification:

Special Quest Completed – Find a Mentor

You have unopened rewards!

Kael barely glanced at the rewards. He could look at those later. Right now, he was far more interested in the Mentor System itself.

"Good," Varin said, nodding in approval. "Now that you've accepted, I can officially guide your growth. The Mentor System allows me to review your skill set, observe your combat tendencies, and tailor my training methods accordingly. It also enhances your perception and endurance while we train, ensuring you absorb more from each session."

Kael absorbed the information, his excitement growing. "So, it's like having a personalized training regimen that constantly adapts to my strengths and weaknesses?"

"Precisely." Varin smirked. "Now, let's put it to the test. Get ready, because from now on, I won't go easy on you."

********

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the secluded glade where Kael and Varin trained in secret. Hidden away from the prying eyes of others, this was their private sanctuary—far from the chatter of guildmates and the distractions of the world. For Kael, these clandestine sessions were as crucial as the battles he fought in Erendath.

"Ready for another round?" Varin asked, his voice steady and confident as he adjusted his grip on his sword.

Kael nodded, a determined glint in his eye. "Let's do this."

Before they began, Kael activated the Mentor System—a unique function of the Ascension System that allowed his mentor to directly assess his skills, tailor battle training to his strengths and weaknesses, and push him to master his abilities at an accelerated rate.

System Notification: Mentor System Activated. 

Enhanced perception and training endurance increased. 

Establishing link with mentor. 

Skill assessment in progress…

A rush of energy coursed through Kael as the system established the link. His perception sharpened, allowing him to analyze every detail of Varin's stance, movements, and breathing patterns. At the same time, Varin gained an overview of Kael's abilities, his weaknesses, and the most effective training regimen to unlock his potential.

"Your skillset's evolving, but you're not integrating them effectively in combat yet," Varin remarked, eyes scanning the system's assessment. "Let's start by refining your Shadow Arts. Use Shadowstep to reposition mid-fight. Surprise me."

Kael inhaled sharply, centering himself. With a thought, he activated Shadowstep.

System Notification: Skill Activated: Shadowstep (Level 3).

In an instant, he flickered from his position, reappearing behind Varin while leaving behind a decoy. Kael wasted no time and launched a strike with Shadowfang.

System Notification: Skill Activated: Shadowfang (Level 3).

His twin blades slashed forward, aiming for the opening—

But Varin was faster.

The moment Kael appeared, Varin had already anticipated the angle. With a swift turn, he parried the attack, redirecting the force and countering with a strike of his own.

Kael barely managed to twist away, evading the blow. His decoy shattered behind him, dissipating into wisps of darkness.

"Good attempt, but you telegraphed your move," Varin said, lowering his sword slightly. "Shadowstep isn't just for offense—it's a tool to control positioning. Mix it up. Fake an approach, bait me, then strike when I commit. Again."

Kael wiped sweat from his brow and nodded. This time, he activated Veil of Shadows.

System Notification: Skill Activated: Veil of Shadows (Level 2).

Darkness enveloped him as his body faded from sight, his movements becoming faster and lighter. He circled Varin, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Varin chuckled. "Better. But stealth isn't just about disappearing—it's about deception. Attack when you have the biggest advantage."

Kael took his words to heart. He lunged, emerging from stealth with a precise strike, enhanced by the critical damage bonus.

Varin blocked, but Kael anticipated it this time. He used the recoil to disengage and immediately released Virus Cloud.

System Notification: Skill Activated: Virus Cloud (Level 2).

A thick, greenish mist spread across the battlefield, seeping into the air like venom. Varin stepped back, his stance shifting slightly.

"Poison effects now? Smart choice," Varin admitted. "But remember, control is key. Enemies won't just stand in your poison. Keep them there."

Kael smirked. He activated Shadowstep again—this time, reappearing at the edge of the cloud, baiting Varin to follow. As soon as Varin moved in, Kael struck with Shadowfang, landing a precise hit before retreating into the fog.

"Now that's what I want to see!" Varin grinned. But he wasn't done testing Kael yet. With a powerful burst of movement, he closed the distance and forced Kael into close combat once more. "Your evasion is improving, but let's see how you handle pressure. Counter this!"

Kael braced himself as Varin unleashed a series of rapid attacks. He dodged and blocked where he could, but Varin's relentless strikes pushed him back. His stamina waned, but he refused to fall.

His moment came when Varin overextended just slightly—an opportunity. Without hesitation, Kael triggered Venomous Reprieve.

System Notification: Skill Combo Activated: Venomous Reprieve.

A pulse of toxic energy erupted from the lingering poison in the air and on Varin's skin, transferring the stored damage back to Kael as healing energy. The exhaustion in his limbs eased, his breathing steadied.

"That's it! Sustain yourself mid-fight," Varin praised, but his expression quickly shifted as he pressed the attack again. "Now finish strong!"

Kael forced his body to move. He triggered Shadowstep once more, repositioning behind Varin, then slashed forward with a final Shadowfang.

System Notification: Skill Activated: Shadowfang (Level 3).

Varin barely managed to parry in time, but the force of Kael's attack sent a sharp vibration through his sword.

Varin grinned. "Much better. You're learning."

Kael panted, sweat dripping down his face, but a sense of triumph swelled in his chest.

System Notification: Training Complete. 

Skill Levels Increased: 

Shadowstep: Level 4

Veil of Shadows: Level 3

Shadowfang: Level 4

Virus Cloud: Level 3

Venomous Reprieve: Level 2

"Your hard work is paying off," Varin said, clapping him on the shoulder. "You're improving at a solid pace, but there's still a long way to go. Keep refining your combos, adapt on the fly, and remember—your abilities are only as strong as your creativity in using them."

Kael grinned despite his exhaustion. "I can't wait for the next session."

At this moment, Kael knew he was one step closer to mastering his skills and confronting the challenges that awaited him in Erendath.