Velin raised an eyebrow.
"A request?"
He gently tapped his knuckles on the desk.
"That depends on the nature of the request."
Kael took a step forward, his posture almost pleading.
"I want to be Xiaolan's mentor." His voice was incredibly firm. "You've only taught her how to swing a blade, but not how to walk in the darkness. The loneliness and distortion of this path will consume her. She'll become… someone like me."
"No, I can't let her become like me."
"Let me teach her. This is my only condition for staying."
Velin leaned back in his chair, lacing his fingers over his stomach.
He watched the scene before him. This was a pleasant surprise.
Not only had he acquired the sharpest of blades, but more importantly, he had found a sheath for it.
And for that uncut jade, he had found a guide.
Velin was well aware of his own limitations.
He could enlighten, analyze, and provide the most optimized path for growth, but he could not impart experiences forged in blood and fire.
