“Come on, Airen. What’s wrong?! It’s all about SPIRIT!” Orshan shouted at Airen who had slumped in a corner after dropping the training weights. On the other hand, Orshan was casually juggling six large metal balls without stopping. It would be impressive if the air around him wasn’t like a sauna, and that the pile of sweat beneath him was ever growing beneath his naked body.

“You’re a monster, Orshan.” Airen groaned, his arms twitching in overexertion.

“Now, now, Airen. I’m not interested in men.” Orshan shouted back, adding yet another metal ball to his routine. “The only time I’m allowed to be called a monster is in bed with a bountiful woman! Now get back to it!”

Airen sighed and picked up the lighter weights, and carefully put himself in an exercise that he could handle. Orshan on the other hand, stopped what he was doing and went for a drink from the bucket.

“So, Airen my boy.” Orshan sat down the room across from Airen. “I hear you’re living with a beautiful lassie, and in the dorms no less!”

“Eullina? She’s merely a close friend.” Airen fended off.

“Care to introduce her, brother-”

“In your dreams.” Airen refused flatly. In his mind he could already see the chaos that would happen if another, perhaps worse, Loys like character approached Eullina. Orshan might lose a few limbs - no it would be safer to say that he will not be able to have children afterward. “It’s for your own good, Orshan, I hope you don’t run into her.”

“Ooooh? I like a challenge.” Orshan stood up and walked over to another piece of training equipment. “Speaking of which, Airen, I’m surprised your arms recovered so quickly. Most men would be aching for a week after my spartan training regime.”

“...What can I say, I heal fast.” Airen replied, although the truth was he spent a lot of time in the Archive recuperating afterward. One time Fieluri had wrinkled her nose at his smell and conjured up a waterfall over his head!

“You learn fast, you train fast, you heal fast.” Orshan shook his head in admiration. “And you also possess heritage magic that you don’t know how to tap into yet. Boy, you’re going to be a force to reckon with someday if you keep this up for a few decades, if only you weren’t so lazy!”

“Lazy?” Airen had never thought of himself that way.

“Airen, every time you are given a task during training, you will, without fail, find the easiest method to get it done so you can leave. Not the quickest, not the wisest, but always the easiest.” Orshan complained. “For archery, you waited until the moving targets were at the same place before shooting. For straight swords, you just-”

“Alright. Alright. I admit I was being a bit lazy.”

“A bit!?”

“...Maybe a little?”

“You were the laziest student I have ever had so far, Airen! I admit that you have the talent and the experience, but you always avoid the root of the problem. That’s why I’m always working you to the bone on Flidas instead of teaching you techniques like the other advisers!”

“If you don’t pick up the pace, we are going to do this again next week!”

Under Orshan’s threat, Airen sighed and reached for the heavier weights.

“Oh lord. Airen, you look exhausted.” Eullina commented as Airen lumbered through the door like a zombie. “No wonder you said that you wanted to hold off dungeon exploring for another week.”

“Ugh, thankfully this is the last week.” Airen groaned. “Three weeks of weight lifting, I was not made for this sort of abuse.”

“Cheer up, Airen. Look.” Eullina reached down and pulled out a quiver. It was half full with arrows. “I have already carved about forty arrows, we’re halfway there.”

“Good. Good.” Airen replied. He already had nearly four quivers full after he had asked Keri to make some for him, but he decided it would be better to be humble and keep quiet about it. In return, Keri had asked for more crepes and other sweets to go along with tea. Airen had a feeling Fieluri was the one eating them however, and well, whatever puts Fieluri in a good mood, so Airen thought.

“So we’re going to the Valrock Ruins Dungeon next week for sure then?”

“Aren’t you the enthusiastic one. Have you thought on what I asked you?”

“...I don’t feel like sharing loot with other people. Plus, I think we will be fine.”

“It’s not the monsters I worry about, Eullina.” Airen was more worried about things like traps, bandits, and losing their way. According to Keri’s words, the most dangerous dungeons are far, far away from human settlements, so he did not have to worry too much about monsters.

“Eh, you and your heritage magic should prepare us for everything, no?” After consulting with Fieluri, they had hatched another lie about the Archive. Fieluri had mentioned that eastern sorcerer's used to manipulate small pockets of other dimensions to store their apparel, and that Airen could imply that his heritage has the same effect. “You can store about a room’s worth of stuff!”

Airen grinned awkwardly. After he had ‘confessed’ to Eullina about his spatial storage vault, she had made him store stuff for her. He had lied a bit about the vault’s true capabilities, but that had not stopped Eullina from tossing things his way and telling him to ‘store it.’

“It’s not an omnipotent power, Eullina.” Airen sighed. “Do you know how much time I have to spend to organize the things in there?”

“But look at it this way, Airen. If you are ever in trouble, you can disappear into this storage room of yours and nobody can touch you!”

“You almost have a point there if it doesn’t take ages to work out the incantation.” Airen had never thought of it that way. “But if they lay traps in the place where the rift opens? Then I would never be able to leave!”

“Right.” Eullina placed a hand on her forehead. “...That does seem to limit your options. If only you could… you know, store magical attacks and shoot it back at your enemies.”

Fieluri can do that. But she’s on an entirely different level. Airen thought. “...If I could do that then I could probably conquer the world.”

“Pfft. If you were to become a king of the world, then I must be a goddess like Ecclisa.”

“You? A goddess?” Airen feigned shock. “I fear the day that happens will be the day the world comes to an end...”

“It’s alright, Airen. In that case, then I would just create the world anew and start a religion. I believe I shall call it the Word of Goddess Eullina!” She proclaimed.

“Pft.” Airen could not play along any longer and clutched his stomach trying to contain the laughter. “And… and. What sort of commandments will you have?”

“There will only need to be one! Thou shalt cook grand dishes and offer it to my belly!” Eullina rubbed her stomach as it let out a growl.

Airen could no longer contain himself and started laughing, clutching his stomach in pain.

“Feed your goddess or you shall be smited!” Eullina shouted at Airen.

Airen went to the kitchen dorm, with Eullina trailing behind him. Their floor of the Tiger Wing was relatively devoid of students. One reason was that it was ancient, and was in dire need of repairs, and the other reason was, it was the place Benyn sent the more… unusual students. As the smell of sizzling meat and cilantro wafted in the air, one such student stumbled into the kitchen.

“...That smells good.” A girl with dark orange hair complimented as she went to the water barrel. She was their new neighbor, and Airen has had a few close combat classes with her.

“Rureya! Join us for dinner?” Eullina waved at the girl who had been dropped onto their laps by a certain Rowan.

“I wouldn’t want to intru-” Rureya covered a faded slave’s tattoo on her arm with the other hand.

“It’s fine, you’re joining us!” Eullina pulled on Rureya without a second thought, steering her towards the chair. “One more portion, Airen!”

“Will do.” Behind Rureya’s back Airen pulled another monster meat steak out of the vault.

“No, I really-” As Eullina seated Rureya, she fidgeted with her hair and hands, not quite comfortable in this situation. “You do realize I’m a half-breed, right? If others see you with me like this-”

“There’s nobody around, Ruri.” Airen placed the medium well steak garnished with herbs with a side of barley white rice in front of her. “If anyone gives you any looks I’m sure Eullina would become a vengeful specter.”

“Plus, you’re a better person then half of the ‘others’ you speak of.” Eullina added. “You just moved in and you’re always cleaning and patching up the building!”

“Cleaning helps me clear my mind.” Rureya mumbled, looking away. “I’m still not used to all this... freedom.”

Eullina exchanged a look with Airen. A week ago, Rowan had challenge Eullina to a duel, and she had wiped the floor with him. Instead of seething with rage, he had instead sat in the dirt of a while, lost in thoughts. Later that night, he had come knocking on their room’s door with Rureya in tow. Without any form of arrogance from before, he had knelt with his head to the ground and asked them to take care of her.

It was a shock to both Airen and Eullina when he told Rureya she was free, and even more shocking when Rureya had clutched his feet and cried for him not to abandon her.

“Say, Ruri.” Eullina hesitated. “Airen and I are planning to go exploring a dungeon next weekend. Would you like to come with us?”

“I would gladly accompany you but- Ah. But my armor is at Master Rowan’s residence...”

“Then Airen and I shall go fetch it.”

“I don’t want to bother-” Rureya shook her head.

“...Truth is, I’m actually rather curious. Aren’t you, Airen?”

“I am.” Airen admitted. Ever since the incident, Rowan has never appeared again.

“It’s decided then!”

The next day after getting travel instructions from Rureya…

“This is one huge estate.” Eullina commented as a butler lead them towards the mansion in the center, the same one who had been tailing Rowan that night during the tavern and when Ruri had moved into the Tiger Wing. All around them, as far as the eyes could see were farms and gardens, with people tending to them constantly..

“The Lasat Family has owned these lands for nearly two centuries.” The butler guiding them replied. “Our produce often lands on the tables of the council members. We would be honored if some of Young Master Rowan’s friends would take some as a gift.”

“Ah, no. We’re fine.” Airen quickly replied. He did not know what to feel knowing that the crops were grown at the hands of slaves.

“No, but I insist!” The butler nodded to several large men who went into a storeroom and came back with two huge crates. “It wouldn’t do if Master Rowan’s first guests would leave empty handed!”

“But-”

“Do not fear, my esteemed guests. I will have them delivered to your dormitories.” The butler snapped his fingers, and the two men started to walk away.

Airen tried to speak out, but Eullina tapped his shoulder and shook her head. They followed the butler in silence as they approached the grand doors of the mansion. The inside reminded Airen of the homes of the nobles that he had visited as a child, with overly vain decorations and a line of servants standing at attention.

“Oh. Bennis. We have guests?” A lady in a regal red dress walked down from the staircase as they entered. Seeing Eullina and Airen’s apparel, her smile froze momentarily before waving a hand for some of the servants to disperse.

“Yes, Lady Freeja.“ Bennis bowed to the lady of the Lasat family. “These two are acquaintances of Young Master Rowan.”

“Friends, is it? Welcome to the Lasat Gardens, I am Freeja, Rowan’s mother. Please, sample our hospitality.” Freeja clapped her hands, and several maids walked forward, intending to take off Airen’s and Eullina’s gear but they simply smiled and shook her heads in denial.

“Rowan should be in his room, please, follow me.” Freeja gestured for them to come up the stairs. Bennis the butler bowed and left through a door to the right.

“It has been quite sometime since Rowan brought friends home.” Freeja sighed as they walked up the stairs. “Where are the two of you from?”

“Airen here is from the Kingdom of Macha, and I was from the Dew Plains.” Eullina replied, probing for information. “We are adventurers that thought obtaining a Red Slate Republic military card would be beneficial in our travels.”

“I see.” Freeja nodded, turning to Airen. “Were you the one Rowan lost to and gave his personal slave away to?”

“Er. I suppose. But it was actually to Eullina.” Airen nodded towards Eullina’s direction.

“Then I must thank you for it.” Freeja tilted her head towards Eullina’s direction. “Truthfully, he was spending way too much time with that half-breed slave of his. I had bought her as a guard at the same age range, but- Ah, I must be rambling. Apologies. Here we are.” Freeja turned a corner and stopped at the first room.

“Rowan, you have guests!” Freeja pushed open the door and was greeted by the site of a dim and small library, and Rowan was reading a particularly large tome under a candlelight. At their intrusion, he looked up and different types of emotions flashed on his face. What he finally settled on, however, it was a forced smile.

“Airen! Eullina! You should have notified me that you were coming!” Rowan walked up to Airen and gave him an awkward hug. As he quickly let go, he turned to Freeja.

“Mother, can you inform Bennis to prepare the carriage? My friends will only be picking up a few things before they leave.”

As Freeja smiled and left, Rowan quickly walked up to the door and locked it. He pressed his ears against the wall and when the footsteps finally faded away, he turned to his ‘guests’.

“What the hell are you two doing here?!” Rowan gritted his teeth, careful to control his voice.

“Well, why do you think we are here?” Eullina responded.

“...Blackmail. Obviously” Rowan shot back.

“No… we just want some answers.” Airen replied getting between the two of them. “That day of the duel, you weren’t fighting at your best at all were you.”

“Oh, so you actually saw through it.” Rowan crossed his arms. “If I actually fought seriously with all my enchanted gear and skill, then it would have been hard to fake a loss.”

“Fake a loss? You don’t need to fake a battle with me for you to lose!” Eullina spat back.

“Oh? If I wasn’t doing it for Rureya’s sake, I would have easily wiped the floor with you.” Rowan made a shooing motion with his hands.

“Alright, stop it you two. We’re here about Rureya.” Airen interjected before things could get out of hand. At the mention of Rureya’s name, Rowan’s aggressive attitude stopped immediately.

“...What about her?”

“We have come to fetch her armor.” Airen said

“You...” To Airen’s surprise, Rowan quickly crossed the gap and gripped Airen by the collar, pushing up him up against the wall. “I put her there so she could avoid danger, so why does she need her armor?”

“...Put me down.” Airen said in a quiet but threatening voice. “We are not your enemy Rowan, but if you insist on acting like this, then we will have no choice.”

“I… Apologies.” Rowan carefully set Airen down and walked to his chair, sitting down with a sigh. “Your appearance here was not accounted for and I was afraid that my ruse has been compromised.”

“And I assume that has something to do with Rureya. What sort of foul, twisted game are you playing, oh mighty noble?” Eullina spat out, her voice oozing with sarcasm.

Rowan smiled bitterly. “Your words cut me. If I were not of the aristocracy, we would not be in this situation, and I would not would have sent Rureya away from here.”

“I believe you owe us an explanation.” Airen pointed out, to which Rowan nodded in return.

“For as long as our books could record, the Lasat family has always been a proud provider of fresh and quality food for the Red Slate Republic. And upon my birth, that position would eventually pass on to me.” Rowan started. Eullina rolled her eyes, muttering something about sob stories under her breath.

“However, as you can see outside, our main workforce comes from slaves. It is for the same reason why the Red Slate Republic has the largest armies, but is not the strongest. When I was eight, that was when I first met Rureya, a half-breed slave who was given to me to be essentially my guard and gateway to what it means to be a slave owner.”

“I believe you can see the result of what happened. Rureya would end up taking any punishment that was meant for me, or be my poison tester. Rureya grew up beside me, and I cannot help but see her as a bit of a sister, as I have no siblings at all. It was a good thing that she had… other qualities that would speed her healing, but after a certain incident, I started to get disgusted with all of it.. And then, I started reading.” Rowan gestured to the shelves behind him.

“And it turns out that our Red Slate Republic is the only country in this era where slavery is so rampant. After some more digging, I found out the reason why. Over sixty-percent of our economy relies on mines, and as it was a dangerous task, slaves are the ones that will do the job.”

“I had planned to play the arrogant noble until I inherited the Lasat Estate, and from there, I will start changing the economy before it is too late. However a month ago, dark rumors were flying about.” Rowan’s hands clutched the armrest of the chair, and his eyes darted to the exits of the room.

“And these rumors are?” Airen urged Rowan to continue.

“That someone had started to buy up slaves. Nobody knows why, but those that declined his offer would go missing, and then a few days afterwards, their entire family and all of their slaves would go missing as well. It was as if they had vanished through the night.”

“At first, my father had thought it was some vigilante going around and freeing slaves… but that would not explain why there wasn’t even a corpse of the slave owner’s family. Either someone was covering up the deed or…” Rowan gulped.

“I did a little bit of digging. A new mine recently opened, but it was funded by a private individual, a rare scenario as mines as you might know, are a hit or miss business. Usually only the government has the money to keep a mine afloat until it finally scores a vein of ore or gems, however what bothered me the most was that there weren’t any records at all of slave trades. How can you run a mine without workers?”Rowan’s voice had dropped to a whisper, and even Eullina had grown interested. She and Airen crept closer to catch the words that continued.

“The answer, as I found out personally, were corpses. Under the darkness of the night, I had watched as thousands upon thousands of half-rotten… cadavers carry out wheelbarrows of dirt. I dashed away from the scene of nightmares, but their glowing red eyes still haunt me in my dreams.”

“The Necromancer Telsin has, for whatever reason, come to the Red Slate Republic,” Rowan finished his story. “...And that is the reason why I decided to send Rureya away from here.”

“If this is true, why haven’t you contacted the military about it?” Airen asked. “Surely they wouldn’t appreciate-”

“I would like to live, thank you.” Rowan said sarcastically. “The word is that he is paying above the market price for slaves, and certain high ranked council members have been receiving shipments of ore and jewels, likely from the same mine. What I want are friends in high places, not enemies. Plus, who dares to go against the Necromancer? Even Lord Dumeis of the council would have to turn a blind eye lest a war breaks out. But I digress.”

Rowan walked over to a cabinet, and from a sliding cabinet pulled out a medium sized chest. He dragged it out and propped it open in front of Airen and Eullina.

“I had these custom crafted for her as a present.” Rowan murmured as he pulled out several pieces of armor. “The straps were made with Dune Spider’s silk to ensure flexible movement and the inner sides of the armor is layered with White Mink’s fur for comfort. I will entrust this to you to pass it onto her. It will protect her more than I can.”

“I see how it is.” To Airen’s surprise, Eullina walked forward and took the chest piece in her arms. “You disappoint me, Rowan.”

Rowan did not say anything as he went and unlocked the door.

“I’ll wait for you outside, Airen.” Eullina picked up the chest and left.

“So what sort of business can I help you with?” Rowan gestured to the chair across from him.

“Rowan, you seem to be relatively well connected as I had thought.” Airen nodded, relaxing into the chair. “I would like to call in a few favors, if you catch my meaning.”

“You’re more cunning than I had thought, much more so than that friend of yours.” Rowan grumbled. “My hands are essentially tied, what would you have me do?”

“Don’t misunderstand, I am not blackmailing you.” Airen assured Rowan. “What I want is rather simple.”

“And that is?”

“First I want about ten tons of your finest produce.”

“Done.” Rowan replied. “I will have Bennis load it onto your carriage for you… I presume this food is for the three of you?

Airen nodded. “Secondly, I want an introduction to the aristocracy auctions, and to do so I believe it would be beneficial to have someone play the middleman.”

“That… can be arranged I suppose.” Rowan walked to one the shelves and pulled down items: a blank piece of paper, a scroll, a quill, an inkwell, and a small elegant box.

As he started writing a letter of recommendation, he asked, “Is there a reason why you need to go to an auction? Some of the items there go for insane amounts of money.”

“It’s not for me. It’s for someone else. I am just working for them.” Airen replied honestly. Fieluri had constantly bothered him for some new items, and although she had offered to pay him, nearly all of the things that entered the Archive were deemed mundane and commonplace.

“I understand.” Rowan took out a metal seal from the box and stamped the bottom of his letter, rolling it up and tying a golden string over it. “Here. What else do you need?”

“That is all, for now.” Airen replied. “We will look after Rureya for you, and if something happens, we know a safe place where she could take refuge.”

“You may be a commoner, but you have my gratitude.” Rowan extended a hand, and Airen shook on it. “But are you truly not of the aristocracy, your mannerisms are…”

“Don’t dig too deeply.” Airen said quietly. “Look at the mess you are in already.”

“...” Rowan did not respond, but instead walked over to the door and pulled it open for Airen respectfully.

As Airen walked past, the two of them exchanged nods to acknowledge the other. They were certainly not friends or even acquaintances, but they admitted the other was a resourceful person.

“A wild Eullina appears!” Eullina shouted as she stormed into the kitchen after her bath, where Airen was helping Rureya with cooking. Despite that they had left late noon, after a few side trips due to Eullina’s curiosity and hunger, it was late into the night when they finally returned. Rureya had started preparing dinner for them in consideration. Eullina walked over and started poking Airen in imitation ‘attacks’.

“Eullina, do you wish to be slain and made into food?” Airen waved the knife he was using to cut garnishes with at her. “There’s plenty of room in my vault to store additional stuff, and I swear to you, I can hide corpses in there if need be.”

“Seems like you’ve picked up Lilrim’s attitude while she cooks. I’m amazed you could fit one ton of groceries in there.” Eullina shrugged as she sat down at the end of the table. “Have you ever thought of being a smuggler, Airen? With an ability like that, you’ll make a lot of money...”

“If adventuring doesn’t turn out, I’ll think about it. Maybe I’ll break into a bank and throw everything into my vault. You can’t detect it with magic after all...” Airen pretended to be deep in thought.

“...Let’s change the conversation.” Eullina said uneasily. “How’s the food coming along? I’m starving.”

“You should have said that from the start.” Airen said, admonishing her behavior. “Truth is, most of it was already done by Rureya.”

“I leaned cooking when I served Master Rowan.” Rureya replied.

“Ooooh, we have another chef on this floor now.” Eullina clapped her hands. “A change of pace would be nice once in awhile!”

“Are you saying my cooking is bad?” Airen frowned. “The last time you cooked-”

“Don’t say it!” Eullina hid her face with both hands in shame.

“The both of us had to fight for who would get to use the bathroom first. And I ended up having to go downstairs...”

“Hehe.” Rureya could not stifle her laughter and started to giggle. “The two of you get along well, don’t you?”

“We have known each other for almost three years now. Eullina’s quite a handful sometimes...”

“Hmph. You better watch out, Ruri, Airen’s the sort of man that would disappear and come back months later. I pity any woman that falls for him!”

“Pft. Who do you take me for? Loys?”

“You may as well be.” Eullina rolled her eyes. “I have heard some of the conversation between you and that mentor of yours, and even my advisor pitied you!”

“Dinner’s ready...” Rureya placed the dishes and noodles onto the table, putting an end to the bickering.

“Ah, this is good.” Eullina complimented as she dug in without restraint, slurping her stir-fried noodles topped with bits of steak and freshly minced vegetables.

“The seasoning is perfect.” Airen admitted. Despite the strange look of the dish, there was just enough sauce on the noodles to blend with the side dishes as toppings without overpowering it. Airen reached for another plate and forked over a small portion from his plate.. He sent it through a rift to the Archive.

“What sort of magic is that?” Rureya pointed at the dark hole which Airen carefully pushed the plate into. Airen sighed and explained his so called ‘heritage’ magic to Rureya. He figured there was no point in hiding something like this especially if they were to go explore dungeons together.

“I see. So you’re a bit like me, although less apparent.” Rureya nodded quietly.

“Like you?” Eullina asked. “You said you were a half-breed but you look perfectly human to us, right Airen?”

“Of course.” Airen though the color of her hair was a bit uncommon, but among the people he has seen and fought in the Archive’s memories… what difference is orange colored hair?

Rureya stopped her fork and stood up, pulling off the bandana that held back her hair. She placed her right hand over her chest and a rapid change took place. Her dark orange haired quickly turn crimson and fur grew along her forearm and legs, and along her hands and feet, tiger claws extended. Her dark brown eyes turned yellow and the pupils enlarged to like that of a cat’s. Behind her, a striped tail weaved back and forth anxiously. Two triangular shaped markings appeared on the sides of Rureya’s face, making her appearance even more like a feline.

“...Wow.” Eullina stepped up and circled around Rureya causing her to turn to face the ground in embarrassment. However, Rureya started feeling… a bit weird.

“What sort of transformation makes your breasts larger!?” Eullina complained.“Is it me or did you get taller too?”

Rureya blushed. “I don’t think they get bigger...”

“Is there a reason why your face, neck, or thighs isn’t covered in fur?” Eullina caressed Rureya’s fur covered forearms. “And why is it so soft?!”

“Erm… that’s because where the exposed parts are is where I’m supposed to be wearing armor...” Rureya squirmed under Eullina’s touch.

“Ah, Airen. Don’t think that I can’t see you ogling Ruri with those eyes of yours!” Eullina shouted as she ran a hand through Rureya’s hair, and traced a finger down her three-inch claws

“I am not ‘ogling’ anyone.” Airen grumbled. “And Eullina, aren’t you getting a bit too touchy?”

“It’s fine, we’re both girls!” Eullina hugged Rureya from behind. “Oh, you smell good!”

Rureya seemed to have had enough, and her animalistic features started to revert back to human form. “It’s the first time someone threw themselves at me after seeing my… other form.”

“Eullina’s a bit gifted in the head. She’s not quite like other people.” Airen saw a chance, and quickly took it. “You’d better be careful around her, Ruri. She might assault you in your sleep since you ‘smell good’. She has a history of sleepwalking.”

“Don’t listen to him, Ruri. Airen’s the predator around here, didn’t you see him ogling your body?” Eullina countered. “Airen’s at that age, so you’d best watch out if he ‘accidentally’ walks in on you if you’re bathing...”

“That time was your fault.” Airen shook his head in denial. “I knocked and asked if anyone was inside, but you didn’t say a word!”

“How do you expect me to hear your measly voice when I’m immersing myself in a hot bath?!”

“You’re the one that makes a big deal about it...” Airen grumbled. “Was it my fault you forgot to lock the door?”

“Hmph. One of those rickety old locks wouldn’t have stopped you would it?!”

“No, but. Wait. That’s not the point!”

Rureya could not help but smile as the two of them bickered like spoiled kids on the most foolish of topics. However, she still took the extra measure to lock her door at night before going to sleep.

“Hello Fiel.” Airen greeted Fieluri after spending nearly an hour finding her in the Archive, where she had hidden away in one of her collections, this time a collection of quills.

“Why, if it isn’t the fallen prince,” Fieluri replied without turning around. “I’m surprised you were able to even find me. What is it?”

“I managed to secure an introduction to the highest ranked auction house, along with a letter of recommendation.” Airen said hesitantly. “There should be things that would suit your interests there if you’re willing to pay...”

“Oh?” Fieluri dropped what she was doing and floated over to Airen and patted him on the head. “Since when were you so resourceful? When are we going?”

“Tomorrow.” Airen replied.

“And knowing you, you were just going to waltz in, aren’t you? Who would take someone like you seriously? ” Fieluri sighed. “However, since I am somewhat pleased, I will help you out just this once.”

Fieluri pointed to the ground on Airen’s feet and a green magic rune emerged under his feet. The next moment, he was flying behind Fieluri as she glided her way through the Archive. In the next minute, the two of them entered yet another room dedicated to Fieluri’s collections, this time, an assortment of masks.

“This one should do the trick.” Fieluri had reverted to her fairy-like smaller form, flitting between the hanging masks until she picked out a particularly strange one. It was close to that of an eye mask, yet Airen could tell from a glance it was something magical, especially with the strange rune carved into the forehead. “Hold still now, Airen, otherwise this might hurt a bit.”

Airen tensed up as Fieluri moved to place the mask upon his face, a dreadful feeling in his stomach. Nevertheless he shrugged it off. Fieluri hasn’t been happy with him lately, but surely she wouldn’t try to hurt him… probably. A burning sensation, followed by a bitter chill engulfed Airen’s face but it quickly vanished as abruptly as it came.

“Done. Well, aren’t you the dashing man.” Fieluri snapped her fingers and a wall of crystal rose up in front of Airen, reflecting the image of a stranger in Airen’s eyes.

“...Do I really look like that?” Airen gulped, the man in reflected in the images was unnaturally beautiful, and could easily be taken for a woman if his hair was a bit longer. His hair had turned to a raven black, and his skin was fair and smooth. And to his surprise, even his voice was a bit more mature than before.

“Hehe, amazed aren’t you?” Fieluri laughed. “There was once a skilled mage who created such masks to hide her burnt face, letting her take on the image of both man and woman. Hers is a tragic, but beautiful story. This was one of her masterworks.”

“I… should I really be wearing this?” Airen reached for his face, but his hand only touched skin. There was no place where he could slip his fingers under and pull it off.

“Of course you should, I granted that girl’s wish and this is what I received in kind.” Fieluri replied mysteriously. “And if you want to take it off, you have to slap yourself.”

“...Are you serious?” Airen looked at his hand, and lightly slapped himself on the right cheek.

“Harder! Does that sound like a slap to you? I didn’t even hear a thing!”

Airen continued to do so several times but he did not feel any change at all, and his cheeks were starting to glow red. A quick glance at Fieluri confirmed his suspicions. “You are pulling my leg… right?”

“That can be arranged.” Fieluri snapped her fingers, and Airen felt a sharp force tug at his right feet, causing him to trip. “But, games aside, to take it off you will have to speak the diffusing words.”

“...And they are?” Airen grumbled as he stood back up.

“Look ye upon my face, and despair.” Fieluri murmured, and Airen felt a cold sensation on his face as the mask slipped off into his hands. “Of course, anyone can speak it.”

“Why would someone make a spell that someone else can dispel?”

“Ah, you don’t understand a woman’s heart at all, Airen.” Fieluri shook her head in pity, making Airen feel as if he was somehow in the wrong. Before he could reply, Fieluri had snatched the mask and replaced it on his face. “It seems like we’re missing something though...”

Fieluri pointed a finger at Airen’s feet, and the next moment, they were flying through the shelves again. Airen felt woozy as space seemed to shrink, and they ended up in front of another one of Fiel’s collections.

“Hmm, I could alter your body with magic, but there will be lasting effects...” Airen heard Fieluri murmuring to herself. “If I remember correctly I should have a mantle that should remedy this...”

“Fiel?” Airen couldn’t help but interrupt as she vanished into another room, and then reappeared in her full size, carrying a black mantle. A set of expensive looking opals made a ring around the collar, and tiny black crystals were embroidered into the shoulders. A strange sensation overcame Airen’s body, like as if he was floating, as Fieluri placed the mantle over his head and around his neck. Pitch black cloth expanded from the skirts of the mantle and covered his entire body.

“There we go, now you actually look the part of a mysterious prince.” Fieluri sighed in admiration.

“What do you-” Airen reached out with a hand, only to realize that his arms seemed… longer. He quickly looked down and the ground seemed further away than before. “...Did I get taller?”

“The Mantle of Age alters one’s body to that of an adult’s. It was used by a frail and old knight to return to the battlefield one last time to fight for his country. It was said that after he had finally fallen, the enemy retreated in fear as they realized that the destruction that was wrought was done by one old man.” Fieluri revealed.

“From now on, whenever you are wearing these two items to work for me, your name will be Neäir“ Fieluri declared. “With this, your disguise is complete! Answer me, Neäir!”

“Um. Hello.” Airen responded. “My name is-”

“Come on Airen, you’re a mysterious shrouded figure, at least sound the part!”

“My salutations.” Airen used one hand to do a slight bow. “You may address me as Neäir”

“Ugh.” Fieluri shook her head in disappointment. “Airen, I am going to cast a spell on you that lets me speak through you. So just leave the speaking to me, and follow the gestures I tell you to do.”

And that was how Airen got his first acting lesson.

The next day, outside a large and lavishly adorned building, all sorts of well dressed individuals were waiting to enter. Several men were being carried up the stairs to the entrance on a pavilion held by their slaves, and as they passed by, they simply waved a strange golden card and the auction house’s servants ushered them in without a second word.

Such were the proceedings Airen noticed as he waited in line, Fieluri’s tiny figure sitting on his shoulder. At first, Airen was a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of people and slaves, but besides for the few occasional glances in his direction, nobody paid him any heed. The hood provided by the Mantle of Age did well to conceal his face from prying eyes.

“Hey, Fiel.” Airen whispered to the tiny figure seated on his shoulder.

“What?”

“What do you think about this place?”

“The security is definitely pretty tight. There is a huge magic circle on the ground designed to prevent people from leaving, plus there’s wards and runes all over the place. You see those statues near the gates? Those are not statues, but magical automatons.” Fieluri informed him.

“I see.” Airen could not help but feel his palm sweat a little.

“Calm down, Airen. I promise you that while you are out conducting my ‘business’, no harm will befall you.” Fieluri’s words allayed his fears. “I can’t assure you that is the case if someone discovers your identity if you act so fidgety however.”

Airen took a deep breath and calmed down. Let’s just pretend this is but another memory of someone else’s from the Archive. Airen thought. That’s right. Right now I am Neäir.

“So you do have some self-control.” Fieluri complimented as Airen’s anxiety dissipated.

“Can we change the topic?” Airen grumbled.

“Sure, what do you want to talk about?”

Airen thought for a moment before replying. “...What do you know about half-beasts?”

“That’s a rather broad topic, Airen.” Fieluri tapped a finger to her head. “There’s roughly four thousand and sixty-nine volumes on half-beasts alone. Plus, what is with your sudden interest?”

“One of the people going adventuring with me is a half-beast...”

“Oh? Aren’t you the lucky man.” Fieluri shrugged. “Half-beasts came into existence during the Era of the Great Spirits, after a common tongue was forged between man and beast. There were times where magical beasts would lend humans their powers, and after enough exposure, certain traits would be embedded into their genes. That is the origin of half-beasts.”

“However, not all could tap into that dormant power, and sometimes the souls that are half human, half beast would fight for control. This was especially more common after the common tongue between man and beast was lost.” Fieluri added. “At one point they were also a persecuted race, but after a long time of being hunted down, a half-dragon rallied a banner and they started resisting. After a great war, most of the half-beasts left for a different continent, though I suppose your friend is one of the exceptions… that or they have come out of hiding.”

“...You told me more than I wanted to know.” Airen bemoaned. “What I want to know is-”

“Are they strong?” Fieluri finished. “Very much so, Airen. The first dual element mages were half-beasts, and they have natural endurance, speed, and strength that humans strive to reach.”

Airen wanted to ask more, but he had not noticed that the line had shortened and he was now the one in front. A scrawny man by the gate waved for him to come over.

“Young Master, which family do you represent?” The man looked down a list.

Before Airen could open his mouth to respond, Fieluri pulled on his ear painfully and whispered some choice words in. This was their arrangement after all, Fieluri would put the words in his mouth and all he had to do was act the part.

“I represent nobody but myself.” Airen replied indignantly. “However, since I heard this uncouth place required an introduction, I have one right here.” Airen reached into his cloak, and the two guards besides the man tensed up.

“Here is the letter. The Lasat family has been... rather forthcoming when I asked them nicely to provide one.” Airen placed the letter in the man’s hands.

The man quickly scanned the letter, and Airen waited anxiously while he inspected the Lasat seal. Fieluri on the other hand, seemed bored.

“Everything is in order, sir.” The two guards stepped aside to let him through. “Welcome to the Irona Auction House, sire. Proceed straight forward and you will see the auction room.”

Airen nodded after receiving Fieluri’s signal and strolled in with as much fake confidence as he could muster.

“Ladies and Gentlemen! Thank for your patience, the One Hundred and Eighty-sixth Grand Auction will now begin!” A glamorous woman wearing a thin red dress walked up the podium and proclaimed, and Airen received a slight shock as cheers erupted behind him in the commoner’s area.

“Cordelia! You’re as beautiful as ever!”

“Marry me, Cordelia!”

“Ooooh, Cordelia!”

“I’m so glad that I paid the entrance fee!”

The woman atop the podium smiled ever so sweetly, before clapping her hands. A loud resounding drumming deafened their words as the guards stamped in unison.

“I have no interest in ugly or poor men!” Cordelia turned around coyishly and Airen could almost hear hearts dropping behind him.

“She certainly knows how to play on her charms.” Fieluri commented. “That tight dress paired with her succulent-”

“Fiel...”

“Oh, admit it, Airen. Don’t think I did not see you eyeing her as well.” Fieluri poked at his cheek. “Take off your hood Airen, now is a good time.”

Airen did as she bid, and although his gesture was not noticed by most, Cordelia’s eyes briefly met his.

“You’ve got her attention now.” Fieluri whispered into his ear. “Now smile ever so slightly with a bit of mystery.. Good, that’s how you do it. Some of the ladies of the nobles are pawing you over with their minds right now.”

Airen could not retort at all since there were eyes on him. Instead he cursed inwardly as he try to reason out what sort of game she was playing with him this time.

“Ahem. Now, to start the auction! Our first item is ten five-pound ingots of the rare mineral, Orichalium! It is said that ancient blacksmiths used this metal to create legendary weapons and armor!”

Cordelia clapped her hands and a guard pushed forward a trolley upon which rested ten dark grey-green bars.

“They did, but only as a filler.” Fieluri snorted. “They would melt and mix it with the melted ore of a better metal. By itself, it creates shoddy and uneven gear.”

Airen could only sit as Fieluri started lecturing him on the ineffectiveness of Orichalium, as bids started to fly out around. Several large men and women in the premium seats near the front casually tossed out bids, testing the waters and getting a feel for their opponents.

To Airen’s surprise, Fieluri passed on the next three items, a scroll that summons an elemental under one’s bidding for an hour, a large painting of a battle, and a sword that belonged to a retired general. All three of the items were heavily fought over by the nobles in front of Airen, and Fieluri snickered as she told Airen her estimated value of the item, which was far below the price the item sold at.

Nearly two hours passed as more and more items were brought out and sold to the highest bidder, none catching the interest of the History Eater. Truthfully, Airen would not mind getting his hands on some of the items that were on display, powerful enchanted armor that were as light as a feather, a staff that can summon small tornadoes towards the enemy, a gauntlet that could deliver blows to break stone… the list goes on. Most of these items went to the nobles, and the few that they were not interested in were snapped up by the commoners behind Airen.

“Now then, to conclude our auction, we will now display the main attractions of today’s auction!” Cordelia announced. She clapped her hands and several guards walked forward with three black boxes of different sizes. The crowd quiet down as the first of these boxes were placed onto the auctioning pedestal. Cordelia took out a strange circular amulet around her neck and held it against the box. Red lines ran along the outside of the box for a moment before the black layer slid off the box, revealing the display case within. A murmur ran through the crowd as an ornate hilt of a sword laid within, an emerald dyed with the hues of a forest socketed into the center. Silver and black bands ran along the cross guard, and the dark red grip made a sharp contrast with the ivory white pommel.

“Indeed. This is one of the two of the Cyclone Ringblades, sword hilts which forms a blade of wind.” Cordelia said quietly in the silence. “We found this artifact in the home of a deceased soldier. Who knows how he had come to possess it? Now, as most of you know, all of these items are appraised by the Irona family. The bid starts at ten gold coins!

“Twenty!”

“Thirty!”

“...Are you not going to bid, Fiel?” Airen whispered as the bid quickly rose to one hundred gold coins before slowing down. “Isn’t this thing right up your alleyway?”

“I can’t confirm if it’s real or not without touching it.” Fieluri grumbled. “The other sword of the set I already own, and it was found far, far away from here.” The competition had been reduced to three people now, a tall man with gray hair with a beard, a women dressed in dark purple lace, and a young baby-faced man.

“...But they said it was real.” Airen pointed out.

“Hmph. I do not trust the words of any appraiser other than myself.” Fieluri pointed out. “Perhaps the other two items would be of more interest.”

“One hundred twenty!”

“One hundred thirty!”

“One hundred thirty five!”

“One hundred forty!”

“Ah, I suppose I will have to concede here.” The young noble shook his head ruefully. “I thought it would make a nice present for my sister, but this is simply too much!”

“Don’t worry, young man of the Gesvult family. This madam will put it to good use.” The woman raised a gloved hand. “One hundred and fifty!”

“One hundred sixty! Diane, perhaps we can come to a compromise?” The man shook his head. “I don’t think either of us would benefit if we keep raising the price...”

“You say that Levint, but both of us know that you are one with more money to spend.” Diana whipped her hair back as she raised a hand. “One hundred seventy!”

“You overestimated me, young lady.” Levint chucked and raised his hand. “One hundred eighty!”

“One hundred ninety!” Diana crossed her arms. “How far are you willing to go then?”

“Hmm… well there are two other items left, so I would say a little longer” Levint stroked his beard before replying. “Two hundred!”

“Two hundred twenty!”

“Two hundred forty!”

“Ah, you have bested me.” Diana pretended to faint as she sat back down with a smirk, while Levint sighed at the price Diana had forced him to stick with. If he had bid again he would have stood down, but now he had a little more than what he had planned.

“Two hundred forty, to the master of the Gessin family!” Cordelia announced. “Going once!”

“Going twice!”

“So-”

“Three hundred gold coins!” A loud resounding voice stopped Cordelia from slamming the hammer down. Everyone turned to the source of the voice.

“Three- three hundred gold coins to the sir in black!” Cordelia quickly regained her composure and announced. It wasn’t uncommon for some families to send outsiders to do their work for them.

Levint and Diana turned to gauge Airen, however all they saw was a handsome man shrouded in a black cloak embroidered with jewels. He did not look anything like a servant, so which family had hired him?

“Three hundred and ten.” Levint raised a hand cautiously.

“Four hundred!” Airen relayed Fieluri’s words with as much vigor as he can muster, and the sharp spike in price caused Levint to hesitate.

“Four hundred gold coins, to the handsome man in black! Going once!” Cordelia announced

“Four, four hundred and fifty.” Levint stammered out.

“Five hundred!” Airen countered instantly, causing the entire auction room to burst into chatter. This stranger raised the price like it was nothing!

Levint shook his head in disbelief and sat down. Whoever this young man was working for, obviously really wanted this artifact.

“Sold to the handsome man in black!” Cordelia slammed the hammer down. “After the auction, please proceed to the room on your right to pay and collect your item, good sir!”

“Moving onto the next item!” Cordelia again placed the circular pendant against the sides of the next and largest black box, revealing what was hidden inside. All of the ladies gasped in shock as they beheld a beautiful gown, the fabric covering the silver plates was translucent like a fairy’s wings, and adorned with crystal white beads.

“For those of you not familiar with this item, this is the battle-dress of the woman we called the Fairy Dancer who once fought with Lord Dumeis! The beads are made from a special mineral that allows one to store traces of soul power if the user is of water affinity!”

While the women admired the craftsmanship and beauty, the men with water affinity simply sighed. Before long the bidding started again, quickly rising to one hundred and fifty gold coins. The darker nature of spoiled woman started to show themselves.”

“Oh? Lady Jonica? You actually can’t possible thinking your large figure would fit in that, right? Two hundred gold coins!”

“You’re one to talk, Miss Kinnsy. You’re as lean as a stick! There would be more dress than meat if you wore it!”

As the noble ladies bickered back and forth, throwing out more backhanded insults than offers. Airen took this opportunity to communicate quietly with Fieluri.

“What do you think of this one?”

“...Do you have any idea who this Fairy Dancer was?” Fieluri answered with a question of her own. “There are two people stored in the Archive with that title, but they are not of his era.”

“...Never heard of her.” Airen replied, his mouth barely moving.

“Nearly all heroes go unsung, or so history states.” Fieluri murmured. “But the craftsmanship is impressive enough even if it did not belong to a hero. We are bidding Airen, follow my instructions carefully now. Let’s rouse the rabble with some vigor shall we?”

“Four hundred gold coins.” Airen raised his hand in the air and announced, nearly twice the current offer. His sudden and unexpected offer earned him both curious and cold glares. Strange side conversations started to come up as the ladies gossiped about him.

“Eh? That man is bidding on it? Is he buying it as a present?”

“But if you look at him closely… he does sort of resemble a woman, doesn’t he?”

“I admit he is rather fine looking… but on top of the last item, that’s nearly a thousand gold coins...”

“Is there any family that can dish out that much money at a moment’s notice?”

“Probably. The council members make nearly three hundred gold coins a month, like Council Member Levint over there. And if you are an owner of a business or mine...”

“Isn’t Lady Diana a council man’s mistress?”

As rumors start to circulate around, Cordelia lifted the hammer.

“Four hundred gold coins! Going Once!”

Cordelia scanned the crowd. Nobody was interested in the auction any longer, but instead in this stranger, all trying to ponder who he really worked for.

“And sold to the fine gentlemen!”

“And now for the star of our auction, although, I fear the audience has found a different sort of star.” Cordelia smiled at Airen, and Fieluri had use a simple paralyze spell to stop him from smiling back. Then she unlocked the last box and revealed the contents. “We have this arrow extracted from deep within one of the Red Slate Republic’s mines. It’s origins even baffled the Irona family’s appraiser!

“Oh? I did not expect to see one those here...” Fieluri admired the lone arrow inside the case. The black shaft made from an unidentifiable mineral that seemed to trap light, and the arrow tip were shaped like a ram’s horns, with two deadly looking prongs.

“What is it?” Airen kept his voice low.

“One of the arrows created by a hero called Baalhma. It was created using a dark and forbidden art, requiring the sacrifice of another’s soul. In return, when the arrow is fired from a certain bow, it is said to be able pierce even the stars in the sky.” Fieluri nodded.

“Due to the fact that such an item has ever been heard of before in the books, we have judged that it is an artifact of some long gone nation. Who knows what insights it might hold?” Cordelia tried to ramp up interest in the item, and she was mostly successful. “The starting price is-”

“Six hundred gold coins!” Airen shouted before she could even finish, causing the loud auction room to automatically grow quiet.

“...Six hundred gold coins.” Cordelia felt her legs grew weak. She had not expected such a high price from the start, and for a moment she regretted not having the arrow analyzed. But she quickly recovered and started asking if there was any more bids.

Without waiting for an answer, under Fieluri’s instructions Airen stood up and walked off to the right. Nobody would dare to counter his price

“Sir. Sorry to keep you waiting.” Airen turned his chair to see Cordelia enter the room and locked the door behind her. “Pardon me asking but, which family do you work for? If you simply give me their name I can access their account and just draw the funds from there...”

“Family?” Airen said aloud, causing Fieluri to pinch his cheek and whisper words into his ear. “I am alone.”

“Oh.” Cordelia quickly straightened out her posture while emphasizing her endowments. It wasn’t every day someone unaffiliated would walk in and pay a thousand and five hundred gold coins. Much less a princely man like this! Cordelia had to put on the best of her charms. “What is your name?”

“Neäir,” Airen murmured, Fieluri had him practice pronouncing that name for nearly half an hour before she was satisfied. “Where are the items?”

Cordelia clapped her hands and three guards quickly entered with the glass cases, while leaving. “Neäir,” Cordelia rolled the name along her tongue as if tasting it, pronouncing it perfectly. “How would you like to pay, Neäir? If you’d like we can have the Irona Security Force escort you to your residence...”

“That will not be needed. However...” Airen paused. “I fear I am not familiar with this country’s currency.”

“We accept trade items, of course.” Cordelia nodded. “Jewels and magical items we will have appraised and offer to buy them for roughly eighty percent. We have to make a profit, you see!” Cordelia flashed a smile that would melt a man’s heart while dancing a hand down her tight dress like an embarrassed child. Fieluri had to paralyze Airen again so he would not react like an embarrassed child.

“That was not my intention.” Airen relayed Fieluri’s words. “It seems the standard is gold, so I was wondering how much this-” Airen felt a heavy lump fall into his hands beneath the cloak. As he pulled it out, Airen was shocked as a bar of pure gold slipped out. “-is worth.”

“!” Cordelia stared at the bar of gold in shock. Most of the gold in the world had already been minted into a standard coin, who was this person that uses gold ingots as payment? “I will call for the Irona appraiser to give you a precise price… Please wait a moment.”

As she dashed out of the room, Airen let out a sigh as he admired the golden bar. “...Fiel, don’t tell me you have a collection-”

“Of gold? Of course I do. Along with silver and platinum.” Fieluri shrugged. “In one of the other worlds, they are common minerals.”

“Did you really have to pull out an entire bar though?” Airen sighed. “Couldn’t you have just done a bag of coins?”

“It was more interesting that way.” Fieluri had floated over to the glass case and was inspecting the contents. “Oh, that woman is returning, you’d best be quiet now, Airen.”

“Sorry to keep you waiting, this is Dolores, our appraiser.” Cordelia introduced the small, aged man in spectacles shuffling in behind her. “May I?”

Airen nodded and handed the gold bar to Cordelia, who then handed it to Dolores. The old man’s eyes lit up for a moment as he pulled out a scale and a set of tools to determine the purity. After a mere ten minutes, he walked up to Cordelia and whispered a few words in her ear.

“If it is not enough, I can procure several more bars.” Airen relayed the words Fiel whispered to him before she could speak.

“Brother Neäir, this gold bar is more than enough to cover your expenses.” Cordelia replied anxiously. “It is worth at roughly four thousand gold coins after it is minted, subtracting the fees.”

“Good, may I inspect the items?”

“It will be my pleasure,” Cordelia flashed her heart-winning smile and undid the glass cases with the circle around her neck. She motioned for Dolores to leave but Airen’s words stopped her.

“Have him stay. There’s still a bit of business to do.”

“Mister?” Cordelia was a bit confused, but did as Airen asked. Airen walked over and picked up the items one by one as if to inspect them, but in truth Fieluri was the one who was all over the items. After twenty quiet minutes as Airen/Fiel checked the items, Fieluri finally nodded to Airen and he returned to Cordelia and Dolores, who were seated.

“Is it to your liking, Neäir? If you’d like we can have it delivered to your residence-” Cordelia turned away bashfully. “However, there’s a tiny problem I must inform you about...”

“Problem?” Fieluri made Airen’s voice grow cold and chilling as he replied.

“Ah, it’s just that it will be rather hard to transport three thousand and five hundred coins from our banks to here… it may take a few days.”

“Three thousand and five hundred? You mean four thousand coins.” Airen turned and pointed towards the Cyclone Ringblade. “That there is a fake, albeit a very good imitation.”

“It can’t be!” Dolores suddenly shouted, glaring at Airen. “I inspected it myself!”

“Oh? Then you must be going senile. Old man.”

“You… I have been working here for the past fifty years!” Dolores shouted indignantly.

“Then perhaps you should apologize to some of your more ignorant customers which you have conned.”

“Dolores. Stop.” Cordelia quickly intervened, turning to Airen. “Brother Neäir, what you are accusing us of is the first time this is happened. The only way to resolve this is with proof...”

Hmph.Airen could almost feel Fieluri’s glee as she whispered into his mind. Airen felt a strange feeling as something was deposited into his hand under the cloak. A strong wind picked up the fake artifact and landed in Airen’s other hand. Now hold them side by side.

“That is...” Dolores gasped as he saw the item in Airen’s hand.

“Do you know why it is called the Cyclone Ringblade?” Airen murmured as he watched Fieluri channel wind magic into the hilt, forming a miniature tornado from the hilt in the shape of a sword. The twisting and turning speed of the cyclone blade formed small rings along the edge. “This is why. When the blade is wielded, traces of magic are stuck in one place, which makes it appear like a ring of a wind as the cyclone spins. This blade can shear through armor like a scythe through grass.”

Cordelia and Dolores were lost in shock. Fieluri snorted and injected wind magic into the fake Ringblade, and compared to the grandeur of the real weapon, a thin, pale, green blade simply sprouted forth from the hilt. “This is just a modified version of the spell Wind Blade. Not only is it weaker, it also drains the user’s soul magic, the jewel in the center is just a normal emerald. If you send someone into battle with this, you may as well be killing them, since the emerald will crack and shatter if too much wind magic is channeled into it.”

Airen, or more precisely, Fiel’s voice, broke Cordelia out of her daze.

“Dolores, is what Neäir say true?”

“...There is no doubt that what he holds there is one of the Cyclone Ringblades.” Dolores admitted. “The specifics of the weapon were not in the records but the description and enchantment match the time era it should be from.”

Cordelia shook her head in denial. If this was to spread, the Irona family would suffer a huge backlash for selling fake items. This was a scenario she must avoid.

“Neäir…I believe you are correct. There is no need to pay for the weapon, please take it as a gift.” Cordelia forced a smile.

“Hmph. I suppose I can use it as some paperweight.” Airen could not help but sense some of Fiel’s haughtiness entering the words she had him recite. “Now about the matter of the four thousand coins...”

“We will have it ready for you shortly.” Cordelia quickly replied, there was no choice but to dig into some of their own coffers. She reached between her dress and pulled out a small card with the picture of a sparrow engraved into it, presenting to Airen. “The Irona auction house would also like to extend a hand of welcome, if you show this card at any of our branches, they will treat you well. We truly apologi-”

Airen held up a hand to stop her. “Truthfully, even my eyes were deceived by the fake for a moment. It was only after I had touched and inspected it that I had deemed it to be an imitation. It is still a worthy weapon, but certainly not the one of the legends.”

Dolores nodded in agreement.

“However, seeing as I will be around this country for a little while, why don’t you deposit the four thousand into my account? I plan to revisit again, you see.”

“Oh? Brother Neäir hasn’t fallen for me, has he?” Cordelia’s anxiousness and fear melted away at Airen’s words. If he was going to be a repeat customer, then he would want to end things on a high note. “Since Brother Neäir is so kind, we will gladly waive all associated fees, and you will have access to all benefits, such as asking us to sell your items for you.”

Airen nodded and accepted the black card. He had no clue what Fieluri was planning, but he had a bad feeling about this. As he relayed Fieluri’s next words, even he shocked himself.

“I would like for another account as well, linked to this one.” Airen pointed at the card. “However, the accounts are separate.”

“Of course, is there a name of the individual?” Cordelia tilted her head and smiled sweetly.

“Airen.” Airen’s hands halted momentarily in shock, almost dropping the Cyclone Ringblade. Fieluri whispered for him to draw his hand back into the cloak, and as soon as he did, the weight vanished, but was replaced with a different one. “I would like you to auction this sword, and put the money into his account.”

Airen was surprised to see Force, and it was with some reluctance that he handed it over. It was technically Fieluri’s possession.

“This is a fine weapon...Is it enchanted?”

“It is, but only the worthy can use the embedded spell.” Fieluri whispered for Airen to take the sword shoot a force bullet at the ground. “However, it is made from soul silver.”

“Soul silver.” Cordelia smiled as she nodded. “The rare mineral that forms inside the bodies of magical beasts. I will do my best to fetch you a reasonable price. Our fees are 20% of the profits.”

“Done. And before I leave, one more thing. If you ever plan to have another one of these ‘grand auctions’ send a messenger to my errand boy, Airen, at the Stonewall Academy, Tiger Wing. Room 402. And he will contact me.”

“That can be arranged.” Cordelia regarded Neäir favorably. Rich, handsome, and mysterious, and above all, a repeat customer. “Sir, if you would like to participate in some of our other ‘benefits’, I’m sure that-”

“That will be all. I must be going.” Airen cut her off and Fieluri gestured for him to walk towards the exit. “We will meet again at the next auction, if there is anything of interest.”

“Goodbye Neäir, don’t be a stranger now!” Cordelia waved at Airen’s back.

When Airen finally returned to Stonewall, he explained to Ruri and Eullina that he had been out shopping for dungeon gear. He had also bought dinner for them, and they asked no questions as they sated their hunger. As night fell, he returned to the Archive to confront Fieluri about today’s events. He had found her within a magic circle with the Fairy Gown, strange words and hieroglyphic characters leaking from it and an attaching itself to the pages of a book Fieluri was holding while she had a dark smile on her face. Airen thought it was best for him to not interrupt her.

When he went to see Keri, perhaps for some training, he had found a note saying that she had went to his world to find someone. Without a way to collaborate times, it would be very hard to collaborate meetings. With a heavy heart, Airen left the Archive. His nerves were a bit stretched after that day’s ordeals and he thought that he would truly rest for once. After all, Fieluri seemed to be much more content with him. Perhaps he would ask her to teach him some magic.

As his soul returned to his body, Airen felt a calm and tranquil sleep overtook him. It has been some time since he slept so peacefully, he thought as his mind drifted into dreams.

However, the momentary respite did not last. In the middle of night a loud rapping knocking caused Airen to awaken.

“Mmm, who is it?” Eullina grumbled as she gestured for Airen to open the door.

Airen shrugged and sluggishly went to open the door.

“Orshan? You know it’s the middle of the night right…?” Airen grumbled as be beheld a face that he could not appreciate. Two figures stood behind him.

“Leifaur? What are you doing here at this hour?” Eullina addressed her adviser, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.

“I had hoped you can tell me, Miss Eullina.” Leifaur adjusted her glass spectacles by the sides. “Just as we were about to sleep, Quentin called us in to escort a guest to meet you. I’ve done as asked, so I will be returning to sleep now.” She turned around and walked away without another word.

Orshan on the other hand, clapped Airen on the shoulder.

“Airen my boy, when did you convince such a beautiful lady to visit you in the middle of the night?” Orshan winked at Airen, and the gesture made a sinking feel in his heart. “However, I’m not sure about the location…. Were you planning to have a three-”

Airen pushed Orshan’s face away before he could say anymore. He could only pray that Eullina, in her half conscious state, had not heard anything. He turned around and Eullina was rocking back and forth sitting up.

“Orshan, please. It’s too late for your dumb antics.” Airen grumbled.

“Ah, well, that is true. I will be outside as you conduct your ‘business’,” Orshan winked again for good measure and left. His loud footsteps going down the creaky stairs likely woke up some of the Tiger Wing’s inhabitants, however Airen eyes were on the familiar figure ahead of him.

“You are Airen, I presume? You’re cuter than I thought.” Cordelia walked into the room and bowed. In his unaltered form, she was a head taller than Airen.

“Um… Can I help you?” Airen’s half asleep brain could not connect the dots yet.

“Your mentor, Neäir had a little request for us.” Cordelia reached between the gaps of her endowments and pulled out a black card. “This is for you.”

Airen hesitantly accepted the card, pretending to look it over while ignoring from where it came from. “...What is this?”

“A reserved card given by the Irona family personally to their benefactors and most valued customers.” Cordelia circled around Airen and he felt a weight press on his back for a moment before she returned in front of him. “It comes with… certain benefits, and is also related to the League of Adventurers.”

“I see. I hope Neäir did not give you too much trouble. He is a bit forceful.” Airen came to his senses and played along.

“Big sister does not mind. Neäir is rather charming.” Cordelia laughed in a way that would enrapture young men. “I would like for you to pass on a message that Cordelia of the Irona family would like to have dinner with him.”

“I will try, but I don’t think he will be interested.” Airen quickly replied.

“Aw. Perhaps he will change his mind, so please pass on the message for me, young boy.” Cordelia tilted her head and patted him playfully on the shoulder. “Now, big sister must be going. If you have any needs, please come to the Irona family house.” Cordelia turned and gave Airen a coy smile before leaving the room.

As Airen closed the door behind her, he sensed an angry demon behind him. He quickly opened the door and tried to run away, but a dagger embedded in the wall next to his hand.

“Airen. You and I need to have a little chat...”