While they rested and waited for whatever Chief Arama had planned for the evening, Nerva and Kai stepped outside and sat on a nearby wall, quietly absorbing the sights and sounds of the settlement.

  “Feels pretty peaceful, huh?” Kai said aloud, his gaze drifting over the village.

  “Don’t get used to it,” Nerva replied with a sigh. “This place is special. Bigger cities aren’t like this, more racism, more crime. Not even our kingdom escapes it.”

  “Yeah… sounds like my old home,” Kai murmured, thinking of his life back in the States. “People always find a way to hate each other.”

  “I wonder if you’ll ever tell us where you’re from,” Nerva said with a smile.

  “When the time is right,” Kai smirked. “It could be dangerous for you to know.”

  “Oho, dangerous, you say? Even for me?” Nerva chuckled. As someone nearing Grand Master level, he feared few, only ancient Grand Masters or Seraph-level beings.

  Kai’s expression turned serious. “I mean it. I know we didn’t start on the best of terms, but I see now that you’re good people. Still, some things are too dangerous to share. Just trust me for now.”

  “I understand,” Nerva nodded. “This world is complicated. The mortal realm is mysterious, and that’s not even counting gods, dragons, and other immortal beings.”

  “So… there are other gods?” Kai asked. He remembered what Arthraxius had told him, but the picture was still unclear.

  “There are many,” Nerva said. “But they rarely interact with our realm. Only Seraphs and Archons have contact with them. The only other exception are Apostles.”

  Kai tilted his head. “Apostles?”

  “They’re direct servants of specific gods,” Nerva explained, his face darkening. “They carry out divine orders in exchange for blessings and power. They do whatever their god commands, no questions asked. Countless lives have been lost because of them.”

  Kai could tell Nerva had a painful history with such beings.

  “Not all are evil, of course,” Nerva added. “But never trust an Apostle. I learned that the hard way.”

  “Thanks for the warning,” Kai nodded. “Actually… I’ve been meaning to ask. Could you teach me more about Aura? I’m struggling to master it.”

  “No problem,” Nerva said, his instructor’s instinct kicking in. “Aura is what we call mana when it’s influenced by a fighter who’s trained their body to the peak of Knight level. Once someone compresses their mana and controls it precisely, using it to enhance their body and infuse their weapons with their unique attributes, that’s Aura.”

  Kai listened intently.

  “To reach Master level,” Nerva continued, “you must develop Aura and then use it to remake your body, fully merging with your mana. That’s the first step toward Grand Master. From there, you must infuse your Aura with elemental affinities, personal insights, and your very essence, your personality, your goals, your will.”

  He smiled. “Take our King Theodor, for example. His Aura is like molten lava; fire infused with his unyielding will to win at all costs. At that level, Aura becomes a separate energy from mana. You can use it to activate skills… even destroy mountains with a single swing.”

  “Hm… I can’t say I fully understand it yet, but it’s getting clearer,” Kai said.

  “Let me help. Show me your Aura,” Nerva said, intrigued.

  Kai nodded and summoned his Noxblade from his storage. A royal purple flame-like energy flickered around it.

  “Impressive,” Nerva said, examining it closely. “You’ve merged different types of mana to create something that resembles Aura, but it’s not quite there yet. When a Knight awakens true Aura, they fuse their mana with soul energy to express their will. That’s the beginning of true Aura.”

  He gestured to Kai’s blade. “You’ve awakened its destructive force, but you lack control. You haven’t merged your will or soul into it yet. Once you do, your mana will automatically converge your elements, and your power will flow naturally, fluid, refined, and far more potent.”

  “Watch,” Nerva said, activating his own Aura.

  A silver, liquid-like energy enveloped his body, glowing softly in the night.

  “See how controlled it is? It’s not wild like yours. I can shape it however I want. But the most important part is this.” He summoned one of his shields, and the silver Aura flowed over it like water, reinforcing it with his will.

  “Strike it. Try it.” He smiled.

  Kai struck without hesitation. His purple aura clashed against Nerva’s shield, but a thin layer of silver metal formed between the shield and the royal flame, deflecting the blow.

  “What was that?” Kai asked, intrigued.

  “That’s my will,” Nerva replied calmly. “It’s stronger because I’m at Peak Master level, but that’s your goal. My will is to protect, to defend against all attacks. So, my aura instinctively reacts to threats. You need to discover your own will. What do you want your aura to accomplish? Once you know that, you’ll be close to awakening true Aura.”

  Kai extinguished his aura and stored the Noxblade, reflecting on Nerva’s words and what he’d seen during his fight with the Shadow Knight.

  “So… you’re close to Grand Master? Does that mean you can use elemental properties with your aura?” Kai asked.

  “A bit. You’ve seen it already,” Nerva said, summoning a stream of liquid mercury that coated his shield-bearing arm. It shimmered like pure metal.

  “Oh yeah, I remember. I almost died from that attack,” Kai said with a chuckle. “So, your mana is a metal element?”

  “Metal, yes. More specifically, silver and mercury. Each metal user channels different properties. Mine gives me flexibility and lets me deflect magic easily. Someone using Adamantite would be far more durable against physical attacks, but less agile. You get the idea.”

  “Yeah, I get it. But how will I manage that with four elements?” Kai asked, puzzled.

  “That… I don’t know,” Nerva admitted. “I’ve never heard of a fighter like you on Eastsun. But that’s a long road ahead. Small steps, Kai.

  First, master your Aura. But don’t reach Master level just yet, you’ll have a better chance in the tournament.”

  “What tournament?” Kai asked, surprised.

  “The Hundred-Year Tournament,” Nerva said. “It has two groups, one for Knights and Magi and the other for Early Master Knights and Six Circle Grand Magi.

  The best of all of Sacra compete, and the rewards are given by Archons, Seraphs, and Beast Emperors. Theodor and I competed last time; we barely made it into the top 100. It’s set to begin in about half a year. So, keep your bodily level at Knight, but work on your Aura and magic circles. That should give you the best chance at reaching high ranks.”

  “We’ll think about that once this mission is done,” Kai said, not wanting to get distracted.

  Who knew if he’d even survive the coming battle?

  Nerva nodded, understanding the weight of Kai’s thoughts. He’d only mentioned the tournament because he saw great potential in him.

  They spoke a bit more about Aura, then, as they were about to return to the hall, Lucius strode out looking for them.

  ***

  “Master, I’ve been looking for you,” Lucius said, walking past Kai without a glance and heading straight to Nerva.

  “What is it, Lucius?” Nerva asked, still in a good mood.

  “I wanted to talk about my training. I feel like I haven’t improved at all on this trip,” Lucius admitted.

  “And why do you think that is?” Nerva asked, his tone already sharpening.

  “There haven’t been any proper opportunities to fight,” Lucius said without thinking. “And… you haven’t shown me anything new lately.”

  Nerva’s expression darkened, his patience thinning, until Kai stepped in.

  “It’s not my place,” Kai said calmly, “but maybe instead of waiting for someone to guide you, try asking yourself what you lack. What you need to work on. There will come a time when the only person you can rely on is yourself.”

  Lucius frowned. Nobody asked you, monster from the wilderness, he wanted to say, but stopped. He remembered how Kai had fought. He’s almost my age… and he held his own against Master and that insane mage.

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  Lucius hesitated, then nodded.

  “He’s absolutely right,” Nerva said with a chuckle. “Isn’t that what I always tell you, Lucius?”

  “Yes, Master. Mister Kai is right,” Lucius replied, half-disappointed. He’d hoped for some new technique or insight, not a lecture.

  Nerva smiled and clapped him on the shoulder. “I’m heading inside. You two should talk. It’ll help with tomorrow’s mission.”

  Lucius sighed. “Yes, Master.”

  Kai gave him a small, awkward smile. “So… how’d you end up training under Nerva? He seems strict.”

  “Strict?” Lucius scoffed. “He can be a demon if you mess up often enough.” He paused. “I was sent to Fallhaven when I was twelve. My family deemed me too weak to inherit our house’s techniques.”

  Kai’s expression softened. “I’m sorry to hear that. But you reached Knight level, and you’re younger than me. That’s impressive.”

  Lucius shrugged. “Maybe. But what does that matter if I can’t compare to someone who lived in the wilderness?” He glanced at Kai, then quickly added, “Forgive me, Lord Kai. I didn’t mean that.”

  Kai laughed. “Yes, you did. And it’s fine. Before the jungle, I lived a safe life too. But fighting to survive every day… it forces you to grow up fast.”

  Lucius looked at him differently now. “I think I understand. Strength has a price. Risking your life… that’s one of them.”

  “It can be,” Kai said. “But you don’t have to follow my path. You can grow strong without throwing everything away. I think Nerva would hate to see you hurt.”

  Lucius nodded slowly. “I don’t want to disappoint Master. But I also want to prove the world wrong. I’m from a noble house. One day, I’ll be stronger than all of them. Watch me.”

  Kai smiled. “I think you’ve got what it takes. Just don’t die tomorrow. Stay sharp and never drop your guard.”

  Lucius nodded. “I know I messed up against Bjorn. That won’t happen again.

  Can I ask you something?”

  “Sure,” Kai said.

  “How did you learn to use Aura so fast? I don’t understand it at all.”

  Kai scratched his head. “Eh, it’s not really true, Aura. It’s more like me forcefully merging all my elemental mana into one stream. It’s unstable, but it works. What Nerva said earlier helped: perfect control and merging your will into your mana. That’s the key to real Aura.”

  Lucius nodded thoughtfully. “Control and will. Got it. Thanks. I’ll think about it.” He turned toward the massive cabin. “I’ll head inside.”

  Kai followed. The tension between them eased, if only slightly.

  ***

  Inside, Lisa sat beside Eira, Liliya, and Umbra while Scry floated in front of them, animatedly telling a story.

  Kai joined them, settling down nearby. Lisa immediately leaped into his lap.

  “Hello, brother Kai. I missed you,” she said warmly.

  “Missed you too, Lisa. You’re very cute,” Kai replied with a smile.

  “What’s he talking about?” Kai asked, nodding toward Scry.

  “Another story about his old master. Girl mage is loving it,” Umbra chuckled.

  Kai smiled. Scry did love talking about his master.

  As night fell and the sounds from nearby homes quieted, Arama returned with a group of men and women carrying plates of food and kegs of their spirit mead.

  “Everyone! Tonight, we celebrate with our new friends who saved us from the coming winter,” Arama announced. “And we also celebrate the lucky return of our brothers from the Northern Tribe!”

  Cheers erupted as more and more villagers joined the gathering.

  The night was filled with laughter, dancing, and delicious food and drink.

  Kai truly enjoyed himself. Back on Earth, he rarely had time for parties, even when invited. His parents used to say, “Parties are for future failures. You need to spend your time wisely while in school.”

  He chuckled to himself, thinking how ridiculous that sounded now.

  Here, among these new friends, he could finally relax. He didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, but he was certain it wouldn’t be easy.

  He stood and raised his glass. “Everyone, I’m glad to have met you all. Let’s hope we return here and celebrate again once our mission is complete.”

  The hall erupted in cheers as mugs were raised high.

  Umbra smiled at the sight. That lost boy who had once saved her life was finally building something, a new life. No longer just running from death and monsters.

  Scry floated beside her. “Not a bad sight, huh? He’s starting to look more like a leader every day. I remember when he first burst into Arcanum, completely lost, didn’t even know where he was.”

  Umbra nodded. “Yeah. Let’s hope better things come his way. He’s a good kid.”

  Scry smiled and nodded in agreement.

  As the night wore on, more people grew drunk and fell asleep around the hall.

  Kai stood, still steady. His draconic blood, laced with venom, made him far more resistant to alcohol. He barely felt its effects.

  He stepped outside for some fresh air before heading to bed. Umbra and Lisa had already retired for the night.

  Outside, he gazed up at the large moon. The other two moons weren’t visible tonight, which made the stars shine even brighter, a sight far different from the skies he once knew on Earth.

  As Kai gazed into the stars, he noticed someone approaching and smiled.

  ? “What brings you here, Miss Liliya?” he asked, turning, only to burst into laughter.

  She had transformed into a small puppy, attempting to scare him.

  Nerva did warn me that drunk Liliya is a menace, Kai chuckled to himself.

  The illusion dissolved into mist as Liliya returned to her true form.

  “What? You’re no fun! You used your draconic eyes to see through my illusion, didn’t you? Buuuu,” she pouted.

  “Haha, not really. I saw you cast the spell when you left the hall. My spirit sense covers everything within a hundred meters,” he explained, still laughing.

  “Oh, you really are a monster. You keep your spirit sense active all the time?” she slurred.

  “Most of the time. Why were you looking for me?” he asked, genuinely curious.

  “You hate me, don’t you?” she blurted. “Look, I never planned to kill Umbra back then. The spell was just supposed to beat her up a little so I could steal her. See? No reason to hate me.”

  She fell onto the ground with a soft thud.

  “Haha, steal her, huh? That’s much better,” Kai teased.

  “I love spirit beasts, you know. They have such fascinating abilities. They don’t even need magic formulas; their bodies cast spells instinctively. Imagine if we could do that. I truly love them. I wouldn’t kill one for nothing,” she said, sitting cross-legged on the floor.

  “I understand,” Kai said gently. “Come on, get up. I’ll show you something interesting.” He tried to pick her up off the floor.

  “Let me go, I can stand on my own,” she protested, wobbling and nearly falling again.

  “Sure, you can,” he chuckled.

  Kai raised his hand. “Water Jet!”

  A stream of water shot across the sky, and droplets began to fall, cooling the air around them.

  Liliya’s eyes widened. She jumped back, then promptly fell again.

  “Did you just cast a spell without activating a magic formula? Or... am I just that drunk?”

  Kai smiled. “I’ll explain it once you’re sober. But yes, I did, and yes, you are that drunk.”

  He helped her up again.

  She leaned closer, trying to reach his face, but she was too short. Her eyes narrowed suspiciously.

  “Are you a Divine Beast? Or a dragon in human form? Arthraxius, is that you? Or... or…”

  Kai looked down at her, barely reaching his chest, but she was cute, he had to admit that.

  “Your breath stinks. I’m human, not a beast. Now come on, let me take you to your room.”

  Liliya blushed. “Nooo, I’ve never been with a man before.”

  Kai’s face turned red. “What are you talking about? Are you crazy? Keep your voice down! I’m just taking you to bed, you’re drunk.”

  “Hmph. I don’t trust you,” she muttered, wobbling slightly. “But you can take me to my room. I’m watching you, though.”

  Kai sighed and guided her to the room she’d already claimed as her own.

  The moment she flopped face-first into the pillow, she began snoring.

  Kai chuckled and quietly left the room. It was time to rest.

  As he closed her door, Zara peeked out from the room next door, a mischievous grin on her face.

  Interesting... new gossip for tomorrow. Juicy. Scry will love this.

  She smiled to herself and gently shut her door.

  The night ended uneventfully.

  Maybe that was for the best.?

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