When The Cute Godkiller Opens A Tavern [OP Mentor, SoL, LitRPG]

"One is sure and steady. The other is diligent. The third is dedicated. The fourth, well… He has his own problems." ~Shallies Mythernal

An array of Skills ignited as soon as Shallies gave the signal. They all used the same ones as before. Ren used Shield Charge, Tayin cast Fire Lance, and Grace cast Haste.

The difference this time, however, was the efficiency of their execution. A Skill's effectiveness could be improved through Attributes or Skill Proficiencies, sure, but those mainly lifted the floor and raised the ceiling. The true mastery of each of those limits and baselines still fell under the Class holder themselves.

Grace arrived first, her Mana-Edge +3 moving in a deadly arc towards Shallies' face. The semi-retired Godkiller took the time to turn towards Ren, who had cancelled his Shield Charge as soon as he got close. He planted his feet on the ground, preparing for a follow up. A lance of flame whizzed past his head.

Shallies couldn't help but smile internally. Her mind was moving incredibly fast, enough for her to appreciate how much these three had improved over such little time. Even Tayin's spellcasting was now a step further than it was before. The speed and accuracy alone were enough to show that she had been studying her incantations diligently.

Of course, the entire point of this training was to give everyone their own chances to improve and gain confidence. For Ren and Tayin, they just lost a great vanguard while believing themselves to be sorely unlucky. They had to prove not only to Gar, but also to themselves, that they could still continue their adventuring careers without the giantkin's help.

Grace's was more raw and primal, all things considered. She had seen a glimpse of real strength, and was inspired to attain even a sliver of it. Regardless of her desire to be solely independent, a notion Shallies would love to adjust, the internal drive to be stronger alone needed a tempering yet effective form of gratification. It was a sensitive potential to nurture. Douse the passion too much, and she might lose all motivation and discipline to become stronger. Fan it too strong, and she might become corrupted by the power or lack thereof.

A balance must be found.

All this, Shallies considered while the half-orc's Mana-Edge +3 came even closer to the wooden target on her neck. Of course, she wouldn't be too lenient and simply provide them with the victory on their first strike, but she held herself back from making any offensive moves that a Level 20 beast or plant-type monster couldn't perform.

She waited until the most extreme final fraction of the moment, then slightly jerked out of the way. Shallies performed the dodge so fluidly that the Mana-Edge +3 looked like it simply passed through. This fraction of a movement opened no chance for Ren to follow up while she deflected the Flame Lance without any issues. The Shield Knight, however, still committed to his attack. It missed her completely.

Just like always, their initial strike was good enough to take a Level 20 monster by surprise. It might not be effective enough to instantly finish one, especially if they were in a pack, but the initial damage that they could potentially dish out would always be a boon. Not to mention, Ren would most likely take their enemies' attention this way.

So, to act like their strategy was effective, Shallies turned to face Ren, completely exposing her back to Grace. She didn't give the half-orc a moment to realize her chance, however, rushing at the Shield Knight right away.

Ren lifted his shield, reading Shallies' feints. He blocked a punch successfully, but the force made him recoil. The semi-retired Godkiller moved for a follow up, but another Flame Lance was rapidly flying towards her. Tayin's aim was far more dangerous now, predicting where the target would be if she had committed to the follow-up strike. Instead, she backed away like a normal monster would.

That was when Grace caught up.

Again, the half-orc aimed for the target on her neck. She was being a little too persistent. To send a message, this time, Shallies dodged the attack normally, unlike the first time. Though it was her intention to retaliate, Ren had already recovered. His concentration was top-notch. If she had moved to respond to Grace's attack, he would've immediately taken a swing.

They have each other's backs now. Good.

Shallies understood what the Shield Knight was trying to do. He was forcing a stalemate to give Tayin enough time to cast her time-altering Spell. She liked the strategy, but he was missing a key point in the encounter. Not just him, but the other two as well.

The skirmish lasted for half an hour, and already the lot of them were tired. While they couldn't properly execute their plan, they had still improved a lot.

"Mmm. I would say, this much effort should be enough to get you through Level 20 monsters," Shallies said with a nod.

"It's not about the monsters," Tayin started, forcing herself through the difficulty in breathing. She could barely hold her arm-length wand. "Level 20s haven't been a problem for us since way before we even started this training."

"It's about…" Ren took a deep breath. "It's about getting stronger."

"It's about those damn targets," Grace complained.

"Have you gained a Level, by the way?" Shallies asked, ignoring the half-orc's frustration. "With the amount of training we've been going through, you should've had at least one."

"I did. Yesterday. 14 now. I added my point on Focus. Experience gain isn't as fast as when killing monsters or doing quests."

"That's because you're not formally inducted into the Mentor System yet," Shallies explained. "I'll explain it some other time. The important thing is, you're a Class-tier lower than both Ren and Tayin. For you, dealing with Level 20 monsters will be a challenge. Not to mention they'll have their own cradle eggs to take care of now."

A subtle but dark thought came to her mind. She crossed her arms. "I shouldn't have to say this, but just to be clear. If any of you three dies during this quest, which would be totally absurd, barring some weird twist of events, all of you will be disqualified, even if you have your cradle eggs intact."

The three looked at each other, understanding what she was implying.

"Understand?" Shallies asked loudly when none of them replied.

"Yes, ma'am!"

"Good. Now, I think Arun'dul has some pointers for you three." Shallies pointed a thumb towards the seraph who was meditating atop a small hill, overlooking the field.

Arun'dul's cycling method wasn't basic, neither was it The Perpetual Method. He was utilizing something in between, something she would have Grace learn to properly transition away from her habits. Regardless, the seraph broke concentration and turned towards them.

"You're all too focused on hitting the wooden targets," he began. "This is supposed to be a simulated hunt, right? The monsters are usually aware of their own weak spots and will usually protect them. Ironically, it becomes the most defended spot.

"If you're hunting monsters, and you can't finish it within a surprise attack, concentrate on weakening its defenses first. Cut off the arm, incapacitate, distract. You were all just trying to hit the target without actually hunting it."

Shallies gave a satisfactory smile. "Good, good. Now, you three can discuss if you want to alter your strategy and re-engage whenever you're ready."

"But you can hear us," Grace mouthed without letting either Ren or Tayin see.

"Don't worry," Shallies said with a smile, sending the half-orc her own cryptic message. She approached Arun'dul and tapped his shoulder, reaching up a bit to make up for the height difference. "I'll stay right here."

Without much choice, Grace went with her party members, leaving Shallies and Arun'dul.

"Will they even be able to hit the targets?" Arun'dul asked.

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"Wanna bet on it?"

The seraph gave a look before thoughtfully considering the offer.

"I think they'll get one," he said. "At most."

"I'm betting two," Shallies replied. "If they properly aim to hunt, let's say, 'slice off my arm', then I'll act as if I have no arm. You still sure it'll be just one?"

"Yeah." Arun'dul crossed his arms. "I think they'll sort of earn at least one target. And that you're only wishfully thinking they'll catch you by surprise and take one more."

"Good read."

"You're not exactly trying to hide it."

"Yeah. What about you? How are your channels?" Shallies asked, changing the subject. When she sat on the grass, the other followed.

"Broken," he admitted. "Or maybe they're closed. I'm not sure. I feel like I turned blind in my own core."

"That's within expectations," Shallies said, trying to reassure the seraph. "It's standard procedure for Curses to prevent you from accessing your mana-core. This significantly lessens any chance that you'll break free of it on your own. The damages on your channels and core are from a different incantation of the Curse, but it is part of it all the same."

"And the dragon part?"

"Also part of it." Shallies sighed solemnly. "You have a different perspective than most of your kin. You were born with it. The effect might not have manifested until you ascended into Hero Class, but I'm sure you've seen glimpses of it, no?"

"Hard to tell," Arun'dul said, turning towards Shallies. "I might have had nightmares once or twice, but I was too busy trying to help our community. You think Fello'resh has something to do with my Curse, not our previous god?"

"The Curse definitely came from your previous god," Shallies replied, looking directly at her three potential students from far away. She leaned back, using her arms to keep her upright. "But it's possible that Fello'resh might help you find the cure.

"He was once a seraph like you," she explained. "One of the firsts. The discrimination he had to endure from humans, angels, and devils, you can say it would be understandable if it had destroyed him. But he persevered. He found his own way, fought his own battles, endured sickness unique to his anatomy and had no reliable cure. I watched him the entire way.

"When he ascended into godhood, he knew things wouldn't get any better for him. Mortals despise Famine and Destruction, you see. Even if it's for the sake of balance, mortality makes it so that they can only see what's in front of them. Fello'resh knew that, and yet he took up the mantle."

"But he turned mad," Arun'dul said. He picked up a rock and started cleaning the dirt off it with his fingers. "In the end, he couldn't take it."

Shallies gave no excuse. She simply nodded. "We all have our limits, Arun'dul. Not even godhood can push away hate and loneliness. So try not to dwell too much in it yourself. What I only wanted to point out is that you two share a kinship. It might be why he can reach out to you through a vision. Why you? I have no idea."

Her words caught the seraph off guard. He stopped cleaning the rock.

"Are you sure becoming an adventurer is the only way?" he asked.

"In terms of lifting the curse, I'm sure it'll help you tremendously," Shallies started, standing up. Her trainees were done discussing. "But it's not the only way. And until you've made up your mind, you're free to stay here and get used to your current limits."

"I have Attributes worth two Hero Classes, but I can only use my Advanced Class Skillset." Arun'dul sighed, resuming his clean up task with the rock. "It feels a bit nostalgic and jarring."

"Hmm?" Shallies turned to him and pointed to herself. "I'm strong enough to kill gods, but you don't see me complaining in my Guiding Star form. You'll get used to it. In fact, limiting yourself this way will help you focus on your fundamentals more. By the time you can use your Hero Skillset again, you'll be much stronger than before."

Shallies gave an impressed smile as Arun'dul threw the rock past her. It intercepted Tayin's surprise Flame Lance, causing the Spell to miss the target by a few inches. The seraph had infused the rock with mana, making it magically stronger than the halfling's Skill.

"Don't give them away for free," Arun'dul said. "We had a bet."

"With no stakes," Shallies pointed out.

"A bet is a bet."

The halfling was livid at the interruption. She was so sure she could snatch a score. Nonetheless, Shallies appreciated their attempt.

"Now, now," she began, facing the three. "There can be some cases where you fight a pack with a hidden defender. It's up to you to adapt when your plans don't go accordingly."

With a step, Shallies dashed towards the party, resuming their training.

The time it took for evening to arrive felt way shorter this time around. Grace went out of the shower, wiped herself dry, and slipped into some casual clothes. She looked at herself in the mirror and applied some facial moisturizer.

Grace smiled. Like she always did. It was fun training with Shallies and the others. She wanted to be stronger quicker, but rest was also part of training. After making sure her moisturizer was properly applied, she went down to help out in the kitchen.

As soon as she got down, she realized the place was a bit livelier than usual. Phey'lan and Valor'el were back. They were talking to Ren and Tayin, who both decided to stay for dinner. They were discussing Gar's condition and how the Light Archdevout could heal his internal organs.

Apple and Shallies were busy in the kitchen, preparing dinner.

"Oh, can you call Arun'dul for me?" Shallies asked as she brought out a whole piece of roasted chicken from the oven. "I think he fell asleep on the field. We can handle the rest here."

Grace nodded and went outside. The breeze was cool and fresh. The trees and grass had filtered out any undesirable odor from ruining her experience. Such was the subtle beauty of Catelyn Road.

The half-orc appreciated the naming. It meant a lot more now, after she realized how much Catelyn had mattered to Shallies. Placebo or not, she felt like every time she walked on this road, she could feel the Biomekeeper's spirit guiding her.

It didn't take long for Grace to find Arun'dul. He was sitting in a meditative position. She realized it wasn't The Perpetual Method, but it wasn't the standard one she had learned way back in the Academy. His breathing was long, and drawn out, as if he deliberately slowed down each inhale and exhale.

Is this a step in between? Maybe I can try it.

Before she could get the chance, however, the seraph opened his eyes and looked around. He quickly spotted her.

"Shallies said it's time for dinner," she started.

"She doesn't ask you to call her 'Lady'?" the seraph asked as he got on his feet. His dark red hair was almost black in the darkness, and his silver eyes looked like they glowed a bit due to the mana he was cycling.

They walked back together.

"She said I can call her with whatever I'm comfortable with."

The conversation quickly died down after that, turning the air a little awkward. Grace raised her arms and stretched out her back while she walked, relieving the stress from the day's training.

"In the end we couldn't destroy two targets," she said, hoping it would catch the seraph's attention. When she turned, however, Arun'dul was looking away.

Is he blushing?

"I don't think Shallies ever expected you three to get two targets. With the first one, she was still treating the spar like a hunting simulation. But after that, she raised her defenses a little more."

"Yeah, but you stopped our surprise attack."

"And Lady Shallies knew that as well."

"I suppose, I can't argue with that one." Grace tilted her head. She wasn't exactly sure if asking a question would be alright. "By the way, did you really meditate the entire day?"

"It was difficult," Arun'dul replied, looking at his right hand. "I don't see my mana-flow. Not in the usual way. I'm learning to have a feel for it instead. Lady Shallies gave me some pointers."

"You don't see? How come?"

"Part of the Curse, it seems. Rather than looking into myself and finding my mana-core, I just see darkness. But I can still feel it."

"Oh. That Curse sounds really bad. I guess you don't really remember much before you woke up, huh?"

Arun'dul stopped, causing Grace to turn.

"I don't remember, but I asked Sir Valor'el for the details." He placed his feet together, stiffened his arms at his side, and bent his entire upper body forwards into a deep bow. After that, he moved his arms and clasped them in front of his head.

"I apologize for all the harm I've done to you. To Marisa and to Ben, as well. Lady Shallies has forbidden me to apologize to them, on the account of secrecy, but she told me I can ask you for forgiveness. I will make amends for what I did, but I'm not sure if it'll make up for what I've done."

Grace quickly approached Arun'dul, straightening him back up. There were no tears, but the seraph looked sincere. She smiled and gave him a light tap on the shoulders.

"You make it sound like we're scarred for life," she said, urging him to continue walking. "Yes. I forgive you, Arun'dul. You don't have to make it up to me, or to Ben, or Marisa either."

"But—"

"Besides, if it weren't for you, I wouldn't have known Shallies is the Godkiller. I wouldn't have asked her to be my teacher. And I wouldn't be here."

"Still, I turned what was supposed to be an important part of your growth into a traumatic one."

Grace scoffed. "It's not a big deal. Big, scary dragon, sure. If I keep getting stronger, I'll have to face them someday anyway. It's not ideal, sure, but at least I got some early first-hand experience now and got away with it. I'm sure it'll give me an advantage someday."

This time, Arun'dul smiled.

"What's so funny?"

"It's just like Lady Shallies said," he began. "Adventurers are some of the bravest people out there. Can't believe they're already this strong this young."

"Oh, yeah, that reminds me," Grace started, opening the gate to the backyard. "How old are you? Just curious, because, you know… You guys apparently live for centuries."

"Three-hundred eighteen," the seraph replied.

"Oh," Grace said. She couldn't help but stare in disbelief. "I'm, like, eighteen in two months. Just eighteen. It's a little hard to imagine what it feels like to live for centuries."

"That's a weird notion," Arun'dul commented as they made their way to the front door. "Besides, aren't there supposed to be humans or other mortals that are centuries old because of the things they get from their adventures? Or just from becoming Favored Class holders?"

"I think so. That's what they say in the stories, at least. But I imagine they're all wrinkly grandpas or grandmas."

Shallies opened the door, catching Grace off-guard. Her eyes were accusatory.

"I'm a twenty-thousand-year-old grandma, you know," she said.

"Sure," Grace said, not skipping a beat. "But you're the Godkiller!"

"I'm saying it's possible to be old, but not wrinkly." Shallies sighed. "In any case, dinner's ready. You will clean up after, Arun'dul, since you arrived last."

"Isn't this supposed to be a tavern?" the seraph asked.

"Yeah, but you're not paying, and I will treat you like my student while you're here. So clean up."

"Eh?" Grace paused. "I thought only Base and Advanced Class holders could be part of the Mentor System?"

"That's right, but I don't mind teaching Arun'dul a few lessons."

"I didn't know about this," the seraph said. "I don't mind helping out with the clean up, though."

"I'll help you out," Grace added.

"Good," Shallies said. "Now, time to eat and rest. Tomorrow, we go shopping."

"For what?" the two asked.

"To prepare for your quest," she said to Grace before turning towards Arun'dul. "And your stuff."