Chapter 251: Master and Disciple as One (1)
Kain felt like he was going to lose his mind from the pressure. To stand before everyone and teach someone of Ketal’s caliber, a true Hero, a being whose power far surpassed even the greatest of warriors, was almost too much to bear. Kain himself was no weakling. He was counted among the ranks of the Transcendents, someone who had never had to bow his head in shame, no matter where he traveled. However, as he knew all too well, strength was always relative.
He wanted to refuse, desperately. He looked for an escape, searching for any sign that someone would come to his aid or intervene on his behalf. However, his hopes were dashed at every turn. Everyone else simply offered cheerful encouragement or well wishes.
“Well, since Ketal himself chose you, there’s no helping it...”
“You two have a history. It’s only fitting, really.”
“Then I’ll leave him in your care.”
One by one, the others slipped away, melting into the background as quickly as they could. In the end, only Ketal and Kain remained, standing awkwardly together in the clearing, with nothing and no one to shield Kain from his new responsibility.
Kain sighed as he stared into empty air, then drew a long, steadying breath. He had no choice now.
“Alright. I’ll teach you,” he finally conceded. There was no use in protesting further. Refusing at this point would just seem petty, maybe even selfish. Besides, teaching Ketal how to use Myst could prove vital for the entire campaign. The cause was too important to be derailed by his personal discomfort.
“Thank you, Master,” he said, bowing politely. His face brightened with a respectful, earnest smile.
A chill ran up Kain’s spine at those words. “Stop, please. You don’t have to be so formal with me. Why are you doing this?”
“You’re my master now,” Ketal replied simply.
“There’s no need for formal speech, though.”