Mona felt a slight sense of strength as he walked on the sandy yard. He couldn't pinpoint where it came from, but he had an urge. An urge to look at the distant moon, its rays of light gracing his thin figure. As he looked upon the astral object, a familiar sensation came to his hand. It was the same sensation he had during Heigler's ultimate strike, the feeling of being protected and cared for, silky and warm.

"Young noble Aurum, why have you stopped?" Jaspen looked back beside him. He had heard Mona take steps along side him until all he could hear was his own. When he turned around, he notice Mona looking at the moon, focusing on what seemed to be craters that covered the lunar surface. Believing something was wrong, he quickly asked Mona.

"No, Jaspen. It's nothing. I was just admiring the moon." Mona looked at the moon, renewing his gaze. So far away, so distant, yet so close. Jaspen saw the actions of Mona, but didn't request him to move further.

"Young noble Aurum, please listen. The biggest tent is where young master Faulkner stays. He is waiting for your appearance there." Jaspen pointed to the elaborately created tent in the distance, a pair of torches adorning its entrance. Mona paused his gazing to look in the direction Jaspen was pointing, nodding before returning to the moon. Jaspen glanced at Mona, who continued to look at the moon, before turning back towards the tent.

Just what is this feeling. Mona's body felt far more different. The sense of weakness was no longer present, only an abnormal tranquility filled him to his core. I should meet the Faulkner noble. Mona made his way to Eric's tents after gazing at the moon for another hour, the strange sensation slowly growing. Jaspen had left him behind long ago after showing the direction.

Various soldiers and servants walked at brisk paces to and from various tents, clearly busy with tasks at hand. Mona had watched that Mithal and the others were taken to a slightly smaller tents to the right of the center area. The tents were arranged in a set of rings, the centered circle serving as a place to enjoy dinner and mingle after finishing work.

Mona watched as a whole beast was carefully skinned, rid of its entrails, and its meat carefully cooked with Aura flames by what seemed like cooks of the camp. The guards and servants already done with their duties stared at the roasting lumps, a few salivating at the hearty fragrance that reached even Mona's nose.

On his way to the tent of Eric Faulkner, few bothered to look at Mona, at the young noble clothed in what seemed like rags. They had long learned of their master's guests, but wouldn't treat them well without Faulkner's request of such. And so, Mona's walk to the tent of the Faulkner noble was nothing enjoyable, to say the least.

Mona reached the tent, lifting the flap of the entrance to go in. He could see Eric Faulkner sitting behind a low table and Athon beside him, overlooking some papers. Both of them carried expressions of being at work before noticing Mona had entered.

The entrance to the tent was a short space before one entered the main region of the tent. There were two areas on the left and right sides designated as separate areas. Mona understood the left side was where Eric slept, given that the space had a cot and pillows. The right side had several chests and a single window from which the moon's milky rays entered into the tent.

The floor was covered in a red cloth to prevent sand from entering the tent. Mona walked towards the low laying table before sitting down. Eric smiled briefly whereas Athon resumed with his work as Eric's accountant. The small cushion he sat on felt strange given his time in the cells for so long. Comfort after so many days felt alien to him.

"Welcome, Mona Aurum. I think I'll begin. My name is Eric Faulkner, first son of Rigor Faulkner, heir of the Faulkner clan. I come from the capital of Alberdos. Athon Pensway is beside you, a graduate of the Alberdan Imperial Academy, and a renowned character among Aura practitioners in the motherland." Eric introduced Athon and himself to Mona, clearing any gaps in Mona's knowledge. At the same time, he was watching for Mona's reply to better understand the last member of the Aurum family.

"My name is Mona Aurum, only son of Signorus Aurum. I came, I came from the city of Eshwin in the former Leafwind Kingdom. As for if I am the heir of the Aurum clan, I cannot say. Valence Aurum, I don't know if he is alive or not." Mona introduced himself to the two present, giving them a general description he felt acceptable.

Eric noticed the trace of aloofness in Mona's voice, and prepared to change his manner of speech. To converse with a noble, be they still one or a former, one had to adjust slight nuances in his speech, at least until they became good friends. Such was nobility, at least in Eric's eyes.

"I'd like you to explain me of your days. Everything in detail if possible. I assure you that I won't speak of this matter, nor will Athon. Please." Eric gestured for Mona to speak before giving all his attention to Mona. He wanted to know if several of his ideas were true.

Mona thought about what to say to cover the truth of being an Aura Mortal level 6, but gave up when he remembered Athon nearby. Could he really escape the careful examination of an Aura Saint? That was a ridiculous notion in itself.

Mona began to tell the two of his arrival, of the cuff Creations, of the various events in his three weeks. Eric frowned when he learned of Mona's prior imprisonment, and featured a complex expression when he learned Jaspen passed along the Primal Fold Technique to Mona before.

Finally, Mona had explained everything up to the point Gryfor lifted his weakened body above the Arena, grinning in his face with a devilish smile. Athon and Eric looked at this piece of information, perplexed. Why would Gryfor focus on the young noble of Eshwin?

"So tell me, how are you able to train Aura?" Eric had long heard of Mona Aurum being afflicted with the Mortal Curse. Such a disease should have left Mona nothing more of a cripple, but based on the waves of Aura that came from Mona's body he was able to become an Aura manipulator.

Mona's face became complicated. Should I explain why I am able to train in Aura? Doesn't it mean I'll have to tell them of the Bubble? Mona had quite a few treasures on him, treasures he felt this young master of the Faulkner clan would be quite happy to take away. But included in these treasures were the Aurum Ancestral Cloak, and chances were the other treasures were similar his. Wouldn't telling this Eric Faulkner be asking for his family heirlooms to be stolen?

"This..." Mona didn't know what to say. He couldn't tell the truth, nor tell a lie. In Eric's tent, could Mona tell if there were any Creations able to warn of lies? It seemed a bit far fetched, but for a noble of Eric's standing in Alberdos such things wouldn't be unusual.

A calming wind entered through the small opening of the tent, disturbing the several flames of lamps distributed throughout the room. The shadows of all the men shifted slightly when the flames moved back and forth with the gust of air.

"No worries. You don't have to tell me. Given that Jaspen has requested for you to accompany me, I believe there is no need to know." Eric spoke nonchalantly, as if what was occurring was only natural.

Jaspen vouched for me? Mona didn't know that Jaspen had cared for him to this extent. He thought that at one point he would have to speak with Eric himself to ensure he and his party were able to avoid becoming slaves. Never did he imagine Jaspen would be so supportive of his needs. I need to thank that blacksmith later. Mona made note of this in his heart.

Eric continued on, noticing the slight trace of surprise that tinged Mona's eyes. "Yes, the blacksmith Jaspen spoke for you to come with us earlier. If it's a friend of Jaspen, I don't really mind. Besides, everyone has their secrets. Just be sure to help me if possible with those rare treasure of yours, Mona Aurum, if I ever get into a fix." Eric began to laugh, Athon smiling along. Mona only looked on with indifference.

"I understand that Jaspen gave you the Primal Fold Technique through the sheet I gave him. Can you give me that back? I'd really appreciate it." Eric really would like to get back the technique. It was still of a Lord ranked, and even if he didn't personally use it he could easily allow his soldiers to learn from it. At worst, he could sell the incomplete portion at an auction and make some profit to get some worth from the technique.

"Well..." Mona remembered that Aeron ate the sheet with the Primal Fold Technique. How do I explain this to Faulkner? He ruminated on this, trying to find an answer.

"Don't tell me? You don't want to return my technique?" Eric gave a dark expression back to Mona's reply.

"It's not that I don't want to, it's just that..." Mona continued on, a trace of unease in his voice. Aeron, just what did you get me into?

"Then where is it?"

"The problem is that a friend of mine...ate it."

"Ate what?"

"The technique, Eric Faulkner. The technique."

A silence permeated throughout the tent as a breeze entered the tent once again. Eric couldn't believe what he was just told. A person ate my Lord ranked Primal Fold Technique? Ate? Just what kind of bad joke was this? How could someone eat the technique like it was an hor d'oeuvre on a platter?

"I shared the technique with my friends, hoping it would help them. Thank you again for giving Jaspen that technique. Otherwise, I would have likely died alongside them."

"At the time I gave them the technique to memorize, a guard was on his way to the cell, and Aeron was the last to study the technique. The guards tend to confiscate rare items, and so we had no way to hide it on us. He, he ate the technique just before the guard came to unlock the cell door." Mona recounted what occurred inside of the cell, his voice uncomfortable as he explained why Eric wasn't going to get the Primal Fold technique back.

Athon wanted to speak but hesitated. He wasn't sure exactly what to say. Even he never heard of a person willing to eat a Lord ranked Technique. Most human beings would carefully store them with great dedication and affection to prevent them from being torn even at the margins. And here was the first story he heard of a person eating a technique like it was their favorite dish.

"Alright. You said his name is Aeron, right? I'll just ensure the young man pays back his dues later." Eric tried to speak casually, but Mona could tell that Eric was still a bit saddened by the knowledge of a Lord ranked Technique being lost in the stomach of a stranger. Aeron likely would have to pay back the loss through effort. A lot of effort.

After Eric beckoned for Athon to come closer and whispered in his ear, Athon left out of the tent. Eric and Mona both watched as the Aura Saint left outside, seemingly busy with something.

"I'm quite willing for you and your friends to accompany me, Mona Aurum. Do you mind me calling you Mona?" Eric continued the conversation.

Mona shook his head. At this point, he wasn't worried about things like the etiquette of nobility, especially when his noble status was no longer legitimate. After all, the Leafwind Kingdom was no more. Just where would he go to earn respect for being nobility of a fallen nation?

"Ok then, Mona. In return, feel free to call me Eric. I think that would be better off considering what I'd like you to be." Eric kept a respectful tone, his sorrow from losing the Primal Fold Technique largely gone.

"Be? What do you mean, Eric?" Mona didn't know just what this young noble of the Faulkner bloodline wanted him to do. At the least, he didn't want to occupy the position of a slave, at the least he would be willing to become an ostler. And that was Mona's final line.

"It's quite simple really. I'd like you, Mona, to become my left hand man. In other words, I'd like you to help me manage my finances and so forth as I rise to the helm as the head of the Faulkner clan. I think you can fit that position quite well."

"Tell you what. You at least need to work five years for me. The first year I will have Athon help you acclimatize to the procedures and whatnot of the Alberdan capital. Are you willing?" Eric laid out his requirements for Mona, giving him some face due to Jaspen. A spatial Creator had that kind of effect.

Mona quickly agreed to becoming Eric's subordinate, second to Athon. The terms were far more than reasonable, they were quite generous. In fact, Mona had already planned on asking this fellow Eric Faulkner to take them. Of course, the chances of being accepted without Jaspen's aid were quite low.

Instead of that occurring, Eric Faulkner had invited him and his friend out front. How many nobles would take it upon themselves to ask for war captives to become their servants? Mona understood this was all thanks to Jaspen. Especially the time requirement was so short. By then, Mona could be able to become a citizen of Alberdos while still in his youth. I only have to be Faulkner's assistant for a mere 5 years? I truly need to repay Jaspen, as soon as I can.

He understood that without Jaspen, chances were Mona and his friends would remain in the prison or go with a separate caravan. From there, either they could become the servant of a less gregarious noble or eventually a slave. With a few words from Jaspen, their fates had changed greatly.

What is Jaspen to them? Mona couldn't tell why the old blacksmith had been able to change the mind of Eric Faulkner so easily. Was it that the old blacksmith was really someone else in disguise? Was he actually a master, a sage in secret? Mona would have to ask Jaspen later.

"Good. Then I hope Athon will help you with learning Aura as well. Given that you are now an Aura Mortal level 6, your ability right now is simply too low. I think he should be able to help you." Eric sighed as he recalled scanning Mona's body earlier. This kind of strength is simply too weak. A servant can outdo him.

"I'd like to ask of something, Eric." Mona thought back to the Creation, the Bubble inside of his body. To study it, I'll need to build a foundation in Creations, and perhaps also in Designs.

"Go ahead. Ask as you wish." Eric already accepted Mona as his ally in his heart. He didn't mind Mona's aloof presence any more.

"I'd like to ask for any books, any manuals that relate to Creations and Designs. I'd also like any information on making Medicinal Pills, Runes, and anything from other fields as well. Perhaps also techniques and arts also." Mona understood that to survive in the future, having a sound foundation in various fields would turn out to be beneficial.

How many Aura practitioners lost the ability to advance from not having a pill to rid them of a breakthrough? How many manipulators died from not having a needed Creation to use to traverse gaps, or to fight enemies? How many died from not having a lifesaving Teleportation Scroll? Mona knew that a longer life could depend on having an understanding in all of these areas, and many more.

If he wanted to cross the world, he would need to know much. Besides, the path of an Aura cultivator could get expensive. Without any money of his own, he would have to find some means to pay for Techniques, Arts, Scrolls and more to come. Not including a way to have a decent meal.

"Hmm. Alright. I'll have someone guide you to the Faulkner Grand Library to get those books. I'll be sure to get you a pass for the libary at some point. Do remind me if I forget." Eric didn't hesitate to give Mona access to his family's library.

Of course, he found it a bit strange that a former noble would want to have knowledge of so many fields, but Eric didn't fret over it. If Mona became his left-hand man and became knowledgeable, Eric could profit over having a person skilled in so many fields, even for five years. If not, he would lose nothing at all.

Comparing the benefits, he understood letting this former noble explore his family library wouldn't cause much trouble. Besides, only those of the Faulkner bloodline could access the truly rare items or signature techniques. If Mona wanted those, chances were he would be hard pressed to get them without Faulkner's assistance.

At the moment that Faulkner finished speaking, Athon returned his face complicated. The Aura Saint sat down beside Eric, preparing to speak.

"So did you go and speak with the medical doctors on Gryfor? Did you find anything?" Eric had Athon leave prior to understand just what was the motive for Gryfor's actions during the battle royale. For him, the Warden, to give false imprisonment to a captive simply for partaking in the testing stage didn't make sense.

"I, I think it's best if you see Gryfor himself." Athon spoke quietly to Eric, his voice carrying a trace of heaviness. Based on Athon's expression and actions, Eric understood that of the few things that caused Athon to be so serious, and Gryfor must have done something requiring careful attention.

Mona felt a bit of curiosity as well. Just what was Gryfor doing with the blood of the prisoners? Eric gestured for Mona to rise and follow him as they walked to where Gryfor was. Past the central region of the camp, almost near the very back of the camp, a behemoth stood chained to the ground and to wooden rods behind him.

Here stood Gryfor, his body chained to several wooden posts. The largest of which bounded his entire body, his arms and legs chained to two other posts on either side. His joints had grown red from the tightness of the cuffs adorning his wrists, ankles, and neck.

In front of him, several soldiers and doctors stood by, keeping the beast in place. His armor was removed, only his clothing remained, albeit torn and ripped from Athon's torturous methods. Fresh wounds covered his body, a few still fresh. The facade of a smile on Gryfor's face was now one replaced with bitter anger.

The medical team were questioning him, but Gryfor gave no replies. In response, the soldiers dealt more damage to Gryfor's body. Even an Aura Saint would have trouble if he was locked down and assaulted enough times. Why was Gryfor being attacked in this fashion? Apparently the doctors and Athon made a discovery.

"General Gryfor, tell us what was your motive in assaulting Mona Aurum?" The head doctor of the group questioned Gryfor, gazing at the monster.

"Motive? What motive do I need? Just wait until I escape and come back for each of you. Then you can ask for a 'motive' as I shred your life down to an inch, before ending it completely!" The anger and frustration at not gaining Mona's Lifeblood had brought out Gryfor's resentment for life, for nobility, for his strength. Just as he was about to succeed, his greatest threat appeared. The malevolence in his voice did not frighten Eric at all, nor did Eric hide his eyes as the soldiers caused Gryfor more pain.

Gryfor continued to bleed, wounds appearing on his arms and legs. The few Alberdan guards in the distance that could see this spectacle watched in horror as their idol was treated no differently than a rebellious slave.

Eric asked for the doctors to come with him a short distance away from Gryfor, before beginning to speak.

"Tell me. Why did you bound him?" Eric questioned the head doctor, Mona and Athon beside him. The head doctor noticed Mona, before turning back to Eric to speak.

"Prior to our questioning, sir Athon had come and attempted to get information from the general Gryfor as to why he was imprisoning Mona Aurum on false charges." The doctor spoke, passing a sheet of paper to Eric, who began to read the contents.

"Why did you give me this transfusion document of Alberdos?" Eric didn't understand why this document used for the Alberdos medical teams within the army to mark blood extractions was given to him. What does this have to do with--

Before he could finish his thought, the head doctor resumed.

"You see, noble Faulkner, one of the guards looked through the orders given by Gryfor during his time as the Warden at least one month ago. What we found was disturbing."

"Several nights ago, general Gryfor ordered for doctor Aysen to give him pints of blood from the war captives. I found this strange, because the medical records of the facility show no need for blood at all. The truth, however was much stranger." The head doctor continued on, verifying his story with the several documents in his hands. The next one he gave Eric was the order for blood transfusions given to Aysen found in Aysen's office..

"We found this is the office for Aysen in the medical ward. Apparently, Gryfor ordered for the 200 pints of blood obtained from the prisoners to be given to him in crates. A few prison guards could verify that alongside head of the prison guards Ardor and doctor Aysen, they had to carry vials of blood marked with the prisoners' identification numbers to be taken to his office in crates."

"We went to his office expecting vials of blood and crates, but instead found crates. After a bit of searching with one of the Faulkner servants, we found a textbook inside one of his drawers. This book was written in a different language, but it had pictures that described a process."

"The process was difficult to understand without sir Athon's aid. It's a method to extract Lifeblood, noble Faulkner. As we all know, these methods for extracting Lifeblood using specialized Arts are forbidden in Madrag, and also in Placid Archipelago."

"I thought that perhaps Gryfor used the Lifeblood he created from the prisoners for himself. I hesitated at first because I expected a general in the Alberdos Army to understand the risk, but I decided to extract an ounce of the Warden's blood to be sure I wasn't wrong."

"Although Gryfor refused to openly give blood, sir Athon gave me the permission to do so. After studying Gryfor's trace amount of Lifeblood in the two pints I received, I discovered he had indeed taken the prisoners' Lifeblood for himself."

If someone absorbs Lifeblood, there is a way to tell whether that Lifeblood is theirs or of another person's. Lifeblood in created based on the person, and so two different Lifeblood fluids will not perfectly merge together. Such was the case for Gryfor's amount.

As for who gave me the ability to act in this fashion, sir Athon had given me the responsibility and the right to investigate all of this. I hope this is satisfactory for noble Faulkner." The head doctor finished speaking, noticing what he expected of his young master.

Eric's face was grim as he learned of Gryfor's affairs, looking towards the general being attacked with various Arts. Suits a monster to be treated like a monster.

He turned back to the head doctor, ready to ask another question. "Why did you demand Gryfor give his motive then?" Eric wasn't sure what a doctor needed such knowledge for. It didn't make sense in his mind for any doctor to step into legalities.

"Well, noble Faulkner, the reason is related to me. As you know practicing Lifeblood Arts is a terrible crime, but if I was unable to get at least a confession from Gryfor, I'm at risk of being imprisoned for framing a crime. I'd like to apologize in advance, but even with your name noble Faulkner, it would be difficult for me to succeed in proving a rising star of the Alberdan Army had committed a grievous offense as Lifeblood extraction." The doctor still had a family of his own depending on his efforts. He could afford to go to jail with another child on the way. Not now.

"Sigh. I understand. Go get some rest." Eric clasped the doctor on the shoulder, following with the doctors bidding them farewell. Eric looked back to Mona and Athon, understanding why Gryfor was acting this way.

Mona, after hearing all this, felt that the remaining questions he had of Gryfor's actions melt away. He wasn't after me, but what was inside me. My Lifeblood must be quite rare. Mona understood that his Lifeblood was likely valuable to men like Gryfor, willing to risk imprisonment to gain it. After all, Mona's Lifeblood was Lord ranked at the least, and such benefits from absorbing the liquid could lead to great gains.

"Mona, no worries. He wasn't able to take your Lifeblood, and clearly desired it. Luckily, we appeared in time." Eric spoke to Mona, seeing the strange expression of Mona's face.

"Athon, given that you allowed the head doctor to partake in this endeavor, I want you two to jointly file a complaint to the War Council of Gryfor's actions as the Warden of Darkthorn Prison. We'll send this complaint on arrival back to the capital. There are sure to be waves, but we'll manage. Alright?" Eric looked towards Athon, producing a sheet for Athon to explain the situation.

Athon agreed with Eric as he said these words. Athon understood that their actions could be considered disrespect for the Alberdan Army, and those old fogies in administration would never believe one of their generals committed a grave offense. Instead, those administrators would see this more likely as a noble framing one of their best men for an artificial crime. Athon was about to leave to write the complaint, but Eric Faulkner spoke again.

"Athon, I want you to arrange Mona's friends to stay with my personal guard. As for Mona, I want you to take him under your watch once we return to my manor. As for moving items and supplies involving any of it, have some servants help with that." Eric smiled at Mona before gesturing him to follow Athon.

"As you wish, Eric. I'll teach him all I know." Athon smiled as Mona began to follow him. I wonder just how skilled this child of the Aurum bloodline really is. They both left Eric to enter the community of tents, the sun beginning to rise into the sky. The desert region basked in the bright rays, shining the sunlight at a steady pace.

As the majority of those in the tents practiced Aura, many didn't have the need to sleep or eat. Those that were sleeping earlier began to stumble out of bed, looking for a wash basin. Those still awake either continued with their training or their jobs, treating the rise of the sun with little significance, unlike their young master.

With night being replaced by day, Eric watched the moon dip below the horizon in the distance. Its cratered surface slowly left from his view. Watching this, Eric sighed deep within his heart.

Mother, I've made another friend. Perhaps he can help me, help me avenge you with his talents. I promise, one day, I will.

A single tear came from Eric's eye before he wiped it away. No one but he understood the depth of their bonds. Bonds he never had with his own father, Rigor Faulkner.