One year later

The next day, Baines had finally resolved his complex emotions. If he had to summarize them in a single thought, it was this: he had to vow again.

The old man, Martos Ashen, became his instructor.

Before anything else, Baines spent the next six months training his combat skills, basic sword techniques, and footwork.

It was here that 'Eye' truly shone. Just by seeing a technique once, 'Eye' could perfectly copy it and transfer it to his brain. All that remained was for his body and muscles to experience it. In under three minutes, he mastered the basics.

Martos was surprised, though not overly so. After all, it was just the basics, right?

 As Baines refined his combat skills in battle, Martos sent him down to face the Ruinborns.

They were the twisted creatures formed from those who had come too close to 'Ashenfall' without proper knowledge and lost their sense of self. Their bodies were pitch-black, their forms irregular and grotesque, and their combat prowess all reset.

Beyond sharpening his combat prowess, Baines' body was also adapting to 'Ashenfall.'

Today marked the end of those six months, and he now stood facing Martos.

Over that time, Baines had fully grasped the abilities of 'Eye.' He could confidently say he was smarter than most adults, except for his sister.

"Come." Martos stood casually, gesturing for Baines to approach.

With a light run-up, Baines reached him and threw a punch, keeping his other hand up in defense. Martos lightly tapped the strike away, prompting Baines to use the momentum to swing a kick.

'Hmm… what kind of fighting style is this?' Martos had only taught him correct postures, yet Baines was already forming his style.

He had taken elements from modern martial arts and combined them with the fundamental movements Martos had drilled into him. This blend of combat principles formed the foundation of what Baines now considered his basic combat style.

With a small shift, Martos lifted his wooden sword and pressed forward.

To counter unfamiliar techniques, one needed broader knowledge. Baines had adjusted his swordplay, accordingly, incorporating elements of fencing, thrusting, and horizontal cuts alongside dirty boxing and other methods.

Martos found himself blocking in unexpected places, but in the end, Baines fell. Their levels were simply too far apart.

Baines was still a Sword Apprentice.

For the next month, Baines learned to sense and awaken his aura. He then incorporated it into his fighting style in the form of Ki. Not only that, but he also studied the Ashen technique for simultaneously cultivating mana and aura, gaining basic mana control.

By the end of that period, he had reached the level of Sword Adept and was a One-Star Energy Practitioner.

To wield the combined power of mana and aura, one had to master them separately first, and he had done that.

Now, it was time to learn 'Ashenfall.'

"Absorbing Ashenfall into the body is dangerous. The cultivation technique we developed follows this flow," Martos explained.

Baines sat atop the mountain where he had first seen the colossal mana storm, listening intently. The method was inscribed onto his body as it wasn't something that could be explained with mere words.

'Eye, how does this technique compare to the Origin Arts in absorbing energy?' Baines inquired.

[THE ASHENFALL CULTIVATION TECHNIQUE ABSORBS 40% PURE ENERGY. ORIGIN ARTS CULTIVATION ABSORBS 100%.]

'Huh? Why the difference?'

[ORIGIN ARTS TARGETS THE ROOT OF ENERGY. ASHENFALL CULTIVATION TARGETS WHAT IS SEEN.]

Baines pondered this. He could feel similarities between the two techniques, yet even within those similarities, there were key differences.

'For now, I'll use it.' He knew Martos wouldn't wait forever, and the time of parting was drawing near.

"Did you grasp it?" Martos asked.

"Yes." Baines nodded and began moving the energy slowly. In truth, he had already mastered it.

'Good. He has talent, patience, and intelligence,' Martos thought, nodding in approval, oblivious to the actual situation.

Baines had learned more than just combat from Martos. One of the crucial lessons was never to reveal all his cards unless necessary.

If he showcased too much talent, he might end up teaching Martos instead of learning from him, or his plans might end up lying waste.

For 'Ashenfall,' Baines decided he would cultivate it in his heart. While he could dual cultivate, he chose to dedicate his middle region to his core energy and his heart to 'Ashenfall.'

One month later,

Martos had taught Baines even more techniques, which he absorbed like a sponge. With continued improvement, he became a Two-Star Aura Practitioner.

Now, he could maintain Aura Flow to reinforce physical attacks, sense other aura users within a small radius, and had developed slight resistance to weak magic and physical strikes.

After another month, he reached the level of externalizing aura in short bursts. His durability increased to the point where he could block weak projectiles with aura alone. His reaction speed approached inhuman levels. He was now a Three-Star Aura Adept.

Three months later, following an intense fight with Martos, a thick concentration of aura manifested over Baines' sword.

The aura represented—

Sword Aura.

After a full year of training, at the age of 13, he had finally become a Sword Knight and a Four-Star Aura Knight.

With this rank, he could perform Aura Blades, unleash shockwaves, create defensive barriers, and withstand conventional attacks. His reaction speed and battle instincts had improved far beyond that of a mere Sword Adept.

"Congratulations," Martos said. "You have reached a stage where further training alone will yield little progress. Now, I advise you, go out and experience the world. True enlightenment comes through roaming and learning from the unknown."

He smiled warmly. If all students were like Baines, he might have retired from battle to become a full-time instructor. But Baines was simply different.

"Yes, teacher." Baines bowed respectfully.

"You know the way out, or you can choose to stay and cultivate further. Originally, your training was meant to last two years, but you shortened that time significantly. Now, the conditions for becoming the successor are simple. Gather achievements. Your deeds will speak of your strength and capability. Prove yourself, and Ashenfall will rise again."

Martos gave a final smile before vanishing.

"Thank you for everything, teacher," Baines said solemnly, though he knew Martos was already gone.

Now, he was alone in this vast space.

'Time to start again.'