A New Mentor

The gentle rays of early dawn spilled softly through the windows of Kaelan's dormitory, casting faint golden hues over his neatly organized desk. Kaelan stood quietly near the window, calmly adjusting his uniform. His mind remained sharply focused, reflecting upon the significant conversation awaiting him today.

After the academy-wide tournament, the royal family's interest in Kaelan had intensified considerably. Today, Lord Avran had requested a formal meeting to discuss the details of the offered patronage. Kaelan understood clearly the weight such an arrangement carried and had carefully prepared explicit conditions to safeguard his autonomy.

A gentle knock interrupted his thoughts.

"Kaelan?" Liam's voice sounded from behind the door. "Lord Avran has arrived early. He's waiting downstairs."

Kaelan opened the door, nodding gratefully. "Thank you, Liam. I'll head down immediately."

Marcus and Selene were waiting with Liam in the hallway, curiosity evident on their faces. Marcus clapped Kaelan's shoulder lightly, a gesture of encouragement.

"Good luck, Kael," Marcus said warmly. "Remember—we're here if you need us."

Selene smiled gently. "Exactly. Whatever happens, you'll handle it brilliantly."

Kaelan offered them a reassuring smile. "I appreciate it. I'll update you afterward."

Walking through the corridor and descending the marble staircase, Kaelan felt steady confidence rising within him. Lord Avran awaited him patiently in the elegant guest chamber, standing near an ornate window overlooking the quiet academy gardens.

"Good morning, Lord Avran," Kaelan greeted respectfully, bowing politely.

Lord Avran turned, offering Kaelan a gentle, genuine smile. "Good morning, Kaelan. Thank you for meeting me again on short notice."

"It's my honor," Kaelan replied calmly, taking a seat across from Avran. "I've carefully considered the royal family's generous offer of patronage. Before I formally accept, I'd like to outline some explicit conditions."

Lord Avran raised an intrigued eyebrow, nodding thoughtfully. "Certainly. Please speak openly."

Kaelan took a calm breath, clearly articulating each point. "Firstly, I request explicit autonomy regarding my rune-tech innovations. While I'm willing to share certain advancements selectively with the royal family, intellectual rights must remain fully mine."

Lord Avran considered briefly before responding clearly, "Understandable. The royal family values your ingenuity highly. We can explicitly accept that."

Kaelan continued deliberately. "Secondly, I request personal autonomy in my academic and daily decisions. While guidance from the royal family is welcome, final choices explicitly remain mine."

Lord Avran smiled appreciatively. "Reasonable and wise. We explicitly support your freedom in managing your affairs."

Kaelan felt relieved, proceeding confidently. "Lastly, discretion regarding the explicit details of this patronage is necessary. Public acknowledgment of support is acceptable, but exact terms must remain confidential."

Lord Avran inclined his head, understanding evident. "Explicit discretion benefits us both. Your conditions are fair, balanced, and explicitly acceptable."

Kaelan relaxed visibly. "Thank you for your understanding, Lord Avran. I formally accept the patronage under these explicit terms."

Avran's expression brightened slightly. "Excellent. With this agreement, there is another matter. To support your rapid advancement in rune-tech mastery, the royal family wishes to introduce you explicitly to a renowned mentor—Rune Master Elric."

Kaelan looked intrigued, the mention clearly piquing his interest. "Rune Master Elric?"

"Yes," Avran explained carefully, "Master Elric is among Aurelia's finest rune specialists, known explicitly for innovative research and profound rune-tech advancements. He has directly served the royal family for many years and expressed genuine interest in mentoring you personally."

Kaelan immediately understood the significant value of such a mentorship. "That's an immense honor. I'd gladly accept his guidance."

Avran nodded approvingly. "Excellent. I shall arrange direct contact between you soon. He will explicitly aid your rune development, ensuring your remarkable potential continues to flourish."

After briefly discussing further minor details, Lord Avran politely excused himself, leaving Kaelan sitting thoughtfully in the quiet room. The explicit introduction of Rune Master Elric clearly opened an exciting new path, precisely aligning with Kaelan's ambitions of mastering rune-tech innovation.

As Kaelan stood to leave, Instructor Althea appeared quietly in the doorway, her expression calmly approving.

"Instructor," Kaelan greeted respectfully.

She entered calmly, closing the door behind her. "I overheard Lord Avran mention Master Elric. You should know explicitly—his guidance is truly exceptional. Few receive the opportunity to study under him directly."

Kaelan listened closely, sensing her genuine admiration. "You know Master Elric personally?"

She smiled faintly. "Indirectly. His rune-tech advancements explicitly influence much of Aurelia's infrastructure and combat technology. Learning from him will be profoundly beneficial for you."

Kaelan nodded seriously. "I'll take full advantage of this explicit opportunity."

Althea's expression softened. "Good. Keep focused explicitly on your goals. With great opportunity comes significant expectations. Master Elric will help you navigate both rune mastery and growing political complexities."

"Thank you, Instructor," Kaelan responded appreciatively. "I'll remain vigilant."

Returning to the dormitory, Kaelan found Marcus, Liam, and Selene waiting expectantly. Marcus stood immediately, curiosity evident.

"How'd it go?" he prompted eagerly.

Kaelan smiled, clearly relaxed. "Better than expected. The royal family agreed explicitly to my conditions. More importantly, they introduced a special mentor—Rune Master Elric."

Liam's eyes widened in recognition. "Master Elric himself? That's incredible!"

Selene nodded thoughtfully. "He's famous for rune-tech breakthroughs. You're truly fortunate, Kaelan."

Marcus clapped Kaelan's shoulder again, grinning broadly. "You keep attracting attention from extraordinary people. At this rate, you'll surpass everyone before we graduate."

Kaelan laughed gently, clearly humbled by their support. "I'll simply do my best."

That evening, sitting quietly in his room, Kaelan carefully examined a newly delivered rune-engraved communication stone provided explicitly by Lord Avran. Activating it gently, mana flowed smoothly into the stone, illuminating carved runes clearly. Moments later, a calm, authoritative voice resonated from it.

"Kaelan Elysian, it's a pleasure. I am Rune Master Elric."

Kaelan straightened instinctively, responding politely, "The honor is mine, Master Elric."

Elric's voice carried clear sincerity. "Lord Avran speaks explicitly highly of your potential. Your skill demonstration during the academy tournament deeply impressed me. I explicitly requested this mentorship myself—I look forward to nurturing your exceptional talent."

"Thank you," Kaelan replied, genuinely appreciative.

Elric's tone became more instructional. "We'll speak regularly. I will explicitly guide your rune-tech advancement, enhancing your already impressive mana control. Furthermore, we'll explicitly address how best to manage your increasing influence."

Kaelan listened intently, recognizing explicitly the value Elric offered. "I understand clearly, Master Elric."

"Good," Elric responded warmly. "Rest well tonight. Tomorrow, our mentorship begins explicitly."

When the communication ended, Kaelan stood thoughtfully by the open window. The introduction of Rune Master Elric clearly signified a turning point. With explicit mentorship and defined autonomy, Kaelan now possessed every resource needed to explicitly accelerate toward true mastery.

Tonight, standing quietly under starlit skies, Kaelan felt profound clarity—a path explicitly illuminated, guiding him forward with clear confidence.