The following morning, the courtyard of Ardent Keep was cloaked in mist.
A thin layer of dew covered the stones, and the air was sharp with the cold of early dawn.
Kael Ardent moved with an unfamiliar confidence, the system's guidance still echoing faintly in his mind.
His practice sword, though still wooden, now felt like an extension of his will.
As he stepped toward the training grounds, his mind raced with questions.
What was the true nature of this system?
Why had it chosen him?
Was it a blessing… or a curse?
Lost in thought, he barely noticed a figure standing by the entrance of the training area.
She was unlike anyone Kael had seen before.
A young woman, probably a few years older, stood tall and poised.
Her hair was dark as midnight, cascading in waves down her back.
Her eyes, sharp and observant, seemed to pierce through him.
She wore a simple but elegant swordmaster's uniform, adorned with a family crest he did not recognize.
"Kael Ardent," she said, her voice calm but carrying authority.
"I am Selene Valmont, third daughter of the Valmont family."
Kael blinked, caught off guard by the formality.
"I… I have heard of your family," he replied cautiously.
"The Valmonts are renowned for their swordsmanship and noble influence."
Selene inclined her head slightly.
"Correct.
Your family's reputation has dwindled over the years.
But rumors speak of a system awakening in you.
I came to see if the tales were true."
Kael's heart thudded, but he maintained his composure.
"I did not ask for this… system.
It appeared without warning."
She stepped closer, her gaze unwavering.
"Whether you asked or not matters little.
What matters is how you choose to use it."
Her eyes held no judgment, only a challenging invitation.
"I don't know if I am worthy," Kael admitted.
Selene smiled faintly.
"Worthy is not a matter of birthright, but of choice and action.
If you intend to survive in this world, especially with Malgath stirring in the shadows, you must grow stronger."
A breeze shifted, carrying the faint scent of earth and iron.
"I will train," Kael said firmly.
"Not for glory, nor for my family's honor… but to protect what little is left."
Selene nodded.
"Good.
I will help you."
Without another word, she moved toward the training dummies, drawing a slender, finely crafted sword from its scabbard.
Her movements were fluid, precise—every strike calculated, every step deliberate.
Kael watched, mesmerized by her skill.
"Your form is weak," Selene stated plainly after completing a series of flawless strikes.
"Your stance lacks stability, and your footwork is hesitant."
She gestured for him to approach.
"Let me show you the proper way," she said.
Kael stepped forward, his system interface blinking faintly, as if acknowledging the presence of another skilled swordmaster.
Selene positioned him into a proper stance, her hands adjusting his grip and posture.
Her touch was firm, guiding but not harsh.
"Balance comes from within," she explained.
"Your center of gravity must be steady.
Your eyes must always anticipate the target, not react to it."
Kael repeated her movements, the difference now evident.
His blade connected more confidently, striking the dummy with measurable force.
"Better," Selene acknowledged.
"But you must continue to refine your technique.
Strength alone will not save you."
Kael nodded, determination hardening in his eyes.
As the morning progressed, the two continued their training—her guidance clear and unyielding, his effort relentless.
Unseen by both of them, a faint pulse of dark energy trembled far beneath the keep.
Malgath's presence was growing stronger.
His awareness extending beyond the sealed crypt, as if drawn by Kael's awakening power.
The system interface flashed again, signaling a new quest.
"Quest Unlocked: Meet Your Mentor – Selene Valmont
Objective: Learn fundamental sword techniques.
Reward: +20 Experience, +5 System Points."
Kael glanced at the interface, a small sense of satisfaction stirring.
His journey was beginning to take shape.
But deep in his heart, he knew that the path ahead would be far more dangerous than simple training.
For every step forward, the shadows of the past, and the rise of a necromancer, would loom ever closer.