Mentors and Allies
The sun was high over Grayshield, casting long shadows across the guild courtyard. Trainees were scattered across the training floors, practicing strikes, dodges, and beast handling. Kael Ashborne, now officially recognized as the rising Null, walked beside Lysar toward the guild master's training hall.
> [System Notification: Mentor Interaction Available. Probability of Skill Gain: High]
Lysar led him to a side entrance where a tall, broad-shouldered woman awaited. Her armor was dark, accented with silver patterns etched like flowing water. A long sword rested across her back, and her eyes held both kindness and steel.
"This is Captain Selira Vaylen," Lysar said softly. "She trains promising newcomers… and keeps the guild from tearing each other apart."
Kael bowed slightly, mindful of etiquette. "I am Kael Ashborne. I seek guidance."
Selira's gaze swept over him, sharp and calculating. "I've heard of you," she said. "Null Ashborne. Survived the Outer Ring with Lysar. Defeated Kaelen. Interesting… You're not like the other beginners. But surviving is different from thriving. Do you understand that?"
Kael nodded. "I do. I will learn."
Selira's lips curled into the faintest smile. "Good. We start today."
---
The Training Begins
Inside the hall, Selira moved with fluid grace, demonstrating strikes and parries that seemed almost unreal in speed. Kael watched closely. Every movement, every angle, every shift in weight and momentum carried purpose.
> [System Observation: Mentor skill acquisition efficiency: +30%]
"Copy my movements, but do not mimic blindly," Selira instructed. "A weapon is an extension of your body. A fight is an extension of your mind."
Kael followed, feeling the System nudge him. Subtle corrections, enhanced reflex tracking, and suggested timing adjustments appeared in his vision. Within minutes, he began syncing with the movements in a way that surprised even him.
> [Skill Gain: Weapon Mastery (Level 1)]
[Reflex Enhancement Level 3]
Sweat poured, muscles screamed, but Kael smiled faintly. This was the kind of challenge the System loved—real, immediate, and demanding.
---
A New Ally Appears
During a short break, Selira introduced him to another trainee. A girl about Kael's age, quick-footed and energetic, with hair tied in a messy braid. Her eyes sparkled with determination, and her hands were already wrapped in leather for sparring.
"This is Mira Lenna," Selira said. "She's been at the guild for a year. Fast, smart, and cunning. Work with her. She may teach you things I can't."
Mira grinned. "Don't worry, Null. I don't bite… much."
Kael tilted his head. "I'm not looking for friends. I'm looking for survival."
Mira laughed, brushing dirt off her hands. "Then consider me your survival partner. You'll learn faster if you don't think you're alone."
> [System Notification: Ally Detected. Coordination Bonus: Active]
Kael studied her. The System pulsed in agreement—having an ally would improve his efficiency in skill acquisition, combat, and strategy.
---
Lessons in Strategy
The rest of the day was a mixture of physical and mental trials. Selira pushed Kael to his limits:
Timing his strikes
Reading opponents' movements
Using the arena terrain
Planning attacks under pressure
Mira sparred with him in intervals, challenging his adaptability and forcing him to think creatively. Every misstep, every success, was analyzed by the System, and every new skill was stored, ready for rapid growth.
> [Experience Gain: +1200]
[Skill Unlock: Tactical Awareness (Passive)]
[Partner Coordination Upgrade]
By sunset, Kael's body was exhausted, but his mind was sharper than ever.
Selira observed silently, then nodded. "You've learned much today, Null. But this is only the beginning. The Outer Ring won't wait forever, and the challenges beyond the guild will test you like never before."
Kael clenched his fists, eyes glowing faintly with determination. "I understand. I will not fail."
> [System Alert: Next Quest Available – Advanced Outer Ring Hunt + Guild Integration]
As night fell, Kael Ashborne lay under the open sky, muscles sore but heart racing. Allies, mentors, rivals… every step forward expanded the world around him. He wasn't just surviving anymore. He was growing.
And the world had no idea what this Null was about to become.