Knock. Knock. Knock.

Armad opened his eyes slowly and looked at the door. "Come in."

Aish opened the door and walked inside. "May I?" She pointed at the opposite side of the bed.

Armad nodded.

"How is the city? I heard you went to a brothel." She said, smiling.

"It was Cokali's idea. Both Iliyasis and I were against it."

"But you had fun. What was her name again?"

"The city was fun but there was no her. We went to several spell stores. It's a shame I couldn't find any suitable spell."

"Yeah, most spells in this side of the world are water and ice based. The sword store sells silly swords. I once saw a sword that was specifically designed to kill flies. Haha... Can you imagine? Flies."

Armad smiled. He'd actually seen worse. Good swords were even rarer than spells.

"How do someone get that statue outside the city?" Armad went straight to the point.

"Oh, the Daikirin Protector. I don't really know. The king told me it was because of my blood but I feel like there is more to it. I mean, I'm not the only Barren who has ever passed through that gate. And I am certain you are not the first of your kind who has passed through it either. The thing is... the Daikirin is a nuisance: it doesn't give any special powers. It's just like an approval from Mikrom. So it gives you a lot of respect. I am both a foreigner, a Southerner and a woman. If it weren't for it, I wouldn't have become the Duchess. The king supports me because of it. I am sure he will support you as well. If you want I can set up a meeting."

"No, no, don't." Armad shook his head. "There is something I want to tell you. I am not sure if you will like it but I have to tell you."

"What is it? You look worried."

Armad drew a sharp breath and calmed down. "When I left home, I passed through the interworld dungeon, and I met with some sword worshippers. They were chasing after something... a secret."

Armad went ahead to tell her what happened between them. He told her about the secret.

Aish was temporarily paralyzed. She sweated profusely despite the enchanted air conditioner in the room. Heart pounding, she strode to the window and closed them after peeking through to make sure there was no one within earshot. She ran back to the door and closed it. She removed enchanted papers from her robe and pasted them on the door, the windows and the walls. She rechecked all the locks before she came back to her seat, gasping.

He knew the secret was a big deal but her reaction was too dramatic.

"You should have asked me to do that before spitting something like that. The Urúrú commands the Air, what will happen to the city and its people if someone hears what you have just said. Uznu Urúrú won't mind killing everyone in the city just to prevent this from going out. You should never ever tell this to anyone."

"Listen, Aish, my point is if those sword worshippers see my statue they will know I am here. Even if they can't attack me here because of the border patrols, they can surely pull something off."

"That's indeed a problem. But we will figure something out. Our real problem is this... secret. How could you stay calm after knowing about it?"

"I just want to find the Triple-factor, anything else is secondary." Armad said simply.

Aish sighed. She had never seen anyone so determined.

"I will find a way to use the secret to my advantage. But first, let's get this man." Armad added.

"Hmm.. I have found some information about him. He was spotted nine months ago but the reports didn't mention where. I have sent people to dig it up."

"How long will that take?" Armad asked.

"A week, maybe two. Don't worry, the king has approved of my appointment, things will be a lot easier. We are working out the day for the official appointment and ceremony."

"Congratulations. That's a big position. I am happy for you."

"Hold your gifts for the birthday celebration."

"Your birthday celebration? Oh... sorry I forgot. Is the King coming?"

"No, no, this is for the family only. Well, it's getting late. I will get going..."

"I want to find the Triple-factor to save my mom." Armad said. He told her the deal between him and Babara.

"Now that I know why you are doing it, I think I want to help you even more. Disease of Longevity is a difficult illness, many believe it has no cure. How about I send a group of healers to the Fourth World to look out for your mom? I already have colleagues researching on it."

Sending some healers to look out for his mom may be a good idea but...

"We shouldn't send any healers. That bastard will think I am double-crossing him. But I need everything you have on that research. Thank you."

"That's okay. I'll ask the servants to bring the documents."

Armad nodded.

"There is one final favor I would like you to do for me." He said.

"What is it? Don't tell me you want my position as the Archduchess. I can't give that to you."

"Seriously, that's the last thing on my mind. I want you to look for the name 'Saif Iqra' in your archives."

Aish smiled. "That will be the last of your wishes. How about you offer something?"

"How about medicinal formulas that will help you level up?" Armad said.